Hamilton PPost ost Hamilton S E P T E M B E R 2026
C E N T R A L J E R S E Y. M E D I A
FREE
Why Hamilton’s Kisthardt School has two names BY SUE FERRARA
La’Keisha Sutton attended the Nike Academy, where she coached alongside elite basketball coaches, player development coaches and NBA and WNBA scouts.
La’Keisha Sutton goes from Globetrotter to community mentor BY THOMAS KELLY
La’Keisha Sutton is a hooper, a serious basketball player who shares her skills, training methods, mindset and approach. A Mercer County native, Sutton was Gatorade Player of the Year while playing for Trenton Catholic Academy. She was the first recruit chosen by now-legendary coach Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina.
After playing basketball overseas for teams in Finland, Ecuador, Germany and Bulgaria, Sutton played in the U.S. for the Harlem Globetrotters. The eternal point guard now directs area youth in basketball and more at the Fan Favorite Club on Whitehead Road in Hamilton. Using her college nickname, “Fan Favorite,” Sutton opened the training facility in 2019. De-
veloping great people, not just great players, has always been her goal. What is the Fan Favorite Club’s main focus? Fan Favorite Club is a safe space for youth in Mercer County that is designed and committed to providing affordable access to an indoor basketball court for development and
See BASKETBALL, Page 4
People who happen by the Hamilton Township School District elementary school on Harcourt Drive would rightly conclude they are in front of Kisthardt School. But walk through the front door, look to the left, and on the wall hangs a brass plaque designating the name of the school as DeCou. How did the Hamilton school district’s smallest elementary school come to have two names? First, land wealth, and second, dedication to the community. The land around Kisthardt School was once owned by two prominent Hamilton families: the Abbotts and the DeCous. The two families apparently sold land back and forth to one another. For example, the house that sits at 58 Soloff Drive is known as the Abbott-DeCou House because the Abbott family owned it, then sold it to the DeCou family. Eventually, the DeCou family sold it back to the Abbotts. The DeCou family also sold farmland in the area for new
houses. New homes meant children would need a school. In 1912, for a sum of $1,000, Peter Ellis DeCou sold property on South Broad Street to the Board of Education, where the district built a four-room schoolhouse. When DeCou School opened in the fall of 1912, it was already overcrowded. That’s because the eight-room Rowan School, now the Rusling Hose Company, had become overcrowded, so students were shifted to DeCou. Parents were not happy because the Rowan students were being shuttled to DeCou via trolley at a cost to the township of $2,500 for the school year. The district promised to address the issue, but it took nearly 40 years. By 1918, the world was weathering an influenza pandemic. Back then, like today, preventing disease became an urgent concern. So, in 1919, the Board of Education hired the district’s first school nurse. Enter 32-year-old Leona Kisthardt.
See SCHOOL, Page 9
Academy Dental CHILDREN & ADULTS
Complete Dentistry for the Whole Family
AcademyDentalNJ.com Currently Open for Emergency Dental Care See our ad on page 11
See our ad on pg 3
RWJUH Hamilton September Healthy Living / Community Education Programs GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Thursday, Sep. 10 & 24; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Monday, Sep. 14 & 28; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
ADULT CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS Monday, Sep. 14 & 28; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP Tuesday, Sep. 15; 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sep. 16; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
LETTING GO OF CLUTTER
Tuesday, Sep. 22; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Wednesday, Sep. 23; 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Tuesday, Sep. 1; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Presented by our 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.
BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Tuesday, Sep. 8; 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.
trauma, or identity shifts—making them easier to process and heal. Join us and use the stroke of your paintbrush to express yourself freely!
UNDERSTANDING NEW JERSEY’S CHILDREN’S SYSTEM OF CARE (CSOC) AND CARE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (CMO) SERVICES
ASK THE DIETITIAN
Monday, Sep. 9; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
This workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers understand New Jersey’s CSOC, a statewide system that coordinates services for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, mental health, and developmental needs. Participants will learn how CSOC works, who is eligible, and how families can access supports through a single, coordinated system. The session will also explain the role of CMOs, which partner with families to assess needs, develop individualized service plans, and connect children to appropriate community-based services.
CREATIVE ARTS: COMMUNITY CRAFTER’S CIRCLE Thursday, Sep. 10; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Community Crafter’s Circle
Art is more than just a hobby; it is a vital daily practice that lowers stress, sharpens the mind, and fosters emotional well-being. Bring any project you are working on to craft in a welcoming community.
Wednesday, Sep. 30; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Overcoming the Inner Critic
Abstract self-portraiture art is a powerful, non-verbal tool for selfdiscovery that allows you to externalize complex inner states—like anxiety,
Friday, Sep. 11; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday, Sep. 21; 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Meet with our Registered Dietitian for a 30-minute appointment to discuss your unique nutritional needs.
WII GAMES
Monday, Sep. 14; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, Sep. 25; 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.
PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP Tuesday, Sep. 15; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Diagnosed with prediabetes? This group is for you to connect with others affected. Share and explore ways to improve lifestyle changes.
GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Sep. 15; 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.
FALL MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL Tuesdays, Sep. 15 - Oct. 20; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this 6-week informative session on different medical topics. Enhance your knowledge with the variety of specialties and areas of study. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and have fun. Sept. 15 - Kennedy Ganti, MD, Family Medicine Sept. 22 - Honesto Poblete, MD, Vascular Surgery Sept. 29 - Jinbo Jung, DPT, Senior Physical Therapist Oct. 6 - Etka Makani, Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine Oct. 13 - Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Oct. 20 - Francisco Villota, MD, Physician in Occupational Therapy
THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES Tuesday, Sep. 22; 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. These classes will be available on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
FEED YOUR HEART: COOKING FOR HEART HEALTH Monday, Sep. 28; 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.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS FITNESS FEST Wednesday, Sep. 16; 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Learn how to help heal your body and relax your busy mind.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, Sep. 22; 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.
Saturday, Sep. 26; 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Explore our state-of-the-art facility, participate in classes and demos, and access health screenings and wellness information, while kids can enjoy crafts and activities—all in one place. Open to members and the public, this one-day celebration makes it easy to discover everything our Center has to offer.
*All programs require registration and are held at the RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ, unless otherwise noted.
Better Health is a free program for VIP’s 65+ that combines medical education, interesting topics, and fun activities. Join today! A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
TAI CHI CLASSES
Thursday, September 3 and 24; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
YOGA
Tuesday, September 8 and 22; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, September 8 and 22; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
CHAIR YOGA
Tuesday, September 8 and 22; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
GAME TIME!
Friday, September 11 and 25; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY
Monday, September 14 and 28; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE WELLNESS WALK general surgeon, Vice Chairman of the Department of
Surgery; along with Jason Jolliffe, DPM, board-certified podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and expert in wound care and limb salvage of the foot and ankle.
Wednesday, September 9; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 11; 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
LUNCH & LEARN: WOUNDS AND THE EXPERTS WHO TREAT THEM
Thursday, September 10; 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
GENEALOGY WORKGROUP
Our medical experts will help attendees learn about chronic and non-healing wounds and various wound conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous and arterial ulcers, swollen legs, radiation wounds and wounds related to cancer treatments, as well as specialized care and advanced treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Attendees will also hear directly from a patient who will share their diagnosis, treatment journey and how this team helped save their life and limb. This program will feature RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers and Co-Medical Directors of the RWJUH Hamilton Center for Wound Healing, Honesto (Sto) Poblete, MD, vascular surgeon, medical staff leader and Section Chief, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery; and Reza A. Shah, DO, vascular and
Tuesday, September 15; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
FALL HEALTH FAIR AND BREAKFAST
Thursday, September 17; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join our RWJUH Hamilton team members for this informative fair designed to empower you with the tools you need to live healthier lives. A variety of screenings and assessments will be available. Breakfast included.
CHAIR YOGA DANCE
Wednesday, September 23; 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
SOCRATES CAFÉ
Friday, September 25; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
LUNCH & LEARN: YOUR JOURNEY MATTERS TO US
Tuesday, September 29; 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The later chapters of life can bring important decisions for you and your loved ones. We’re here to help you navigate them with confidence. Join Sara Ali, MD, Geriatric and Internal Medicine, a part of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and The James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute at Hamilton; Tedford Taylor, Director, Spiritual Care & Volunteerism at RWJUH Hamilton; and a certified elder care attorney for a thoughtful discussion on planning for the future, understanding your care options, making sure your voice is heard and honored, and preserving your dignity every step of the way.
WHAT’S NEW WITH MEDICARE? MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT IS HERE!
Thursday, October 1; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join us as the Medicare Team shares valuable information regarding upcoming changes to your benefits in 2027, explore and compare health and drug plans to find the best coverage and saving opportunities.
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
2 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
TO BECOME A BETTER HEALTH MEMBER FOR FREE SCAN THIS QR CODE
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 3
BIG FALL SAVINGS ON
Find us on
4 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
La’Keisha Sutton, center, works with members of China’s under-17 national team at the Nike Academy. BASKETBALL continued from Page 1
• Family Owned and Operated for 50 Years
NM-00050275
a supportive place for young people to make new friends and learn leadership skills. Playing basketball helps youth of all ages think creatively, set goals and work hard to achieve them. My biggest dream was to build confidence and communication skills in the youth who come to our club while improving their self-esteem and physical and emotional health. Fan Favorite Club allows more young people to experience the benefits of playing basketball while learning life skills such as communication, time management, decision-making and teamwork. I love seeing kids from different backgrounds connect with and support one another through the Fan Favorite Club. What programs are offered other than basketball training? Most recently, we created our nonprofit organization, Operation Safe, to provide programs besides basketball. In partnership with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Outreach Team, we were able to provide six free weeks of enrichment classes. The classes included hip-hop dancing, creative arts and graphic design, fitness, public speaking, home economics and cooking. Our mission through the nonprofit is to provide young people with opportunities to participate in programs involving sports, arts, financial literacy and educational initiatives to supplement their learning outside of school. Who were your sports inspirations growing up, and what did you admire about them?
Growing up, I did not have a lot of sports inspirations. I played basketball because it was fun for me, and I loved to compete. My basketball coaches, Khaliq Lewis, Melvin Weldon and Thomas Brown, helped me love the game because we had the opportunity to play and practice every single day. As a player, I’m a big fan of A’ja Wilson, Rajon Rondo and Kyrie Irving. I believe it’s important for young players to be exposed to college games and the WNBA and NBA so they can know and believe what’s possible. How does coaching at George School allow you to prepare athletes for college and beyond? Coaching at George School allows me to prepare athletes for college and beyond because I can work with them yearround. I run my high school program similarly to a college program, including practices five to six times a week, film study, individual workouts, yoga, performance training and competition on a national schedule. What challenges do you face while coaching, mentoring and educating young people today? One struggle I have with coaching and mentoring young people today is the pressure they feel from social media and parental expectations. We strive to meet kids where they are and prepare them for where they want to go. Another issue is that many parents struggle with transportation to the Fan Favorite Club. Who inspires you today outside sports?
See BASKETBALL, Page 6
SOMETHING NEW FALL INTO SOMETHING NEW AT THE Y! SOMETHING NEW AT THE Y! SOMETHING NEW AT THE Y! AT THE THE Y! Y! AT From first splashes to first serves, this fall is full of opportunities From firstgrow, splashes to first fall is Area full of opportunities to learn, and have funserves, at the this Hamilton From first splashes to first serves, this fall is full ofYMCA. opportunities From firstgrow, splashes to first fall is Area full ofYMCA. opportunities to learn, and have funserves, at the this Hamilton to learn, grow, and have fun at the Hamilton Area YMCA. From firstgrow, splashes to first this fall is Area full ofYMCA. opportunities to learn, have funserves, at the Hamilton Whether yoursplashes childand is discovering a new passion or building confidence in a favorite From first to first serves, this fall is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun at the Hamilton Area YMCA. Whether your child isa discovering a newwhere passion or building confidence in a favorite activity, the Y offers welcoming place every young person can thrive. to learn, grow, have fun at the Hamilton Area YMCA. Whether your childand is discovering a new passion or building confidence in a favorite
activity, Y offers welcoming place every young person can thrive. Whetherthe your child isa discovering a newwhere passion or building confidence in a favorite activity, the Y offers a welcoming place where every young person can thrive. Whether your child is discovering a new passion or building confidence in a favorite activity, the Y offers a welcoming place where every young person can thrive. •Whether Swim Lessons lifelong safety and confidence in the water your child isa discovering a newwhere passion or building confidence in a favorite the Y offers welcoming place every young person can thrive. ••activity, Swim Lessons - lifelong safety and confidence in the water Gymnastics strength, balance, and confidence • Swim Lessons - lifelong safety and confidence in the water activity, the Y offers a welcoming place where every young person can thrive. •• Gymnastics strength, balance, and confidence Swim Lessons lifelong safety and confidence in the water - -teamwork and fun and confidence •• Volleyball Gymnastics strength, balance, Swim Lessons lifelong safety and confidence - -teamwork and funand • Volleyball Gymnastics balance, and confidencein the water Kwon Do -strength, fitness, focus, self-discipline Volleyball teamwork and fun •• Tae Swim Lessons lifelong safety and confidence in the water Gymnastics strength, balance, and confidence Tae Kwon Do fitness, focus, and self-discipline •...and Volleyball teamwork and fun so much more! •• Gymnastics Tae Kwon Do -strength, fitness, and focus, andand self-discipline -teamwork balance, confidence Volleyball fun ...and so much more! Members •...and Tae Kwon Do fitness, focus, and self-discipline so much more! •• Volleyball teamwork and fun Taethe Kwon Dofall - fitness, focus, and self-discipline receive up to ...and soYmuch more! Join this and discover programs your family will love. •...and Tae Kwon Do fitness, focus, and self-discipline 50% off all soYmuch more! Join the this fall and discover programs your family will love. Join the this fall and discover programs your family will love. ...and soYmuch more! youth class Join the Y this fall and discover programs your family will love. fees! Join the Y this fall and discover programs your family will love. Join the Y this fall and discover programs your family will love.
0
$
JOINER FEE
Join and pay $0 JOINER FEE through September 30 with no contract and nationwide YMCA membership! Join online and use code FALL. September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 5
Advertising Feature
Back to School, Back to You By Abby Payson @sculptxglow
There’s a specific kind of chaos that hits every August: color-coded folders, mismatched shoes, one last frantic Target run for glue sticks. As moms, we spend weeks getting everyone else ready for a fresh start, new backpacks, new routines, new schedules taped to the fridge. And somewhere in the shuffle, it’s easy to forget that we get a fresh start too. That’s the thing about back to school season. It’s not just for the kids. The moment the bus pulls away and the house goes quiet (even for twenty minutes), it’s an opening. A chance to reclaim a piece of the day that’s just yours. This September marks year 2 at Pulse, and every year it’s the same story: the studio fills up with moms who’ve decided this is the year the routine sticks. Not a New Year’s resolution that fizzles by February. A real, sustainable rhythm built around drop off and pickup, built to actually last. Lagree is the perfect fit for that fresh start. It’s efficient, 45 intense minutes on the Mini Pro and you’re done, shower and all, before carpool. It’s low impact, so your joints thank you after a summer of chasing kids around the pool. And it’s deceptively powerful. Slow, controlled movements build strength, stability, and endurance in a way that compounds week over week, just like any good routine.
La’Keisha Sutton joins fellow head coaches at the Mamba Invitational, held in memory of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
BASKETBALL continued from Page 4
dinner, pencil in a slot for yourself too. Not because you have to. Because a fresh start is exactly what it sounds like: a new beginning, and you deserve one as much as anyone walking through those school doors. Your routine starts here. See you at Pulse.
abby@pulsestudiofit.com (609) 613 - 4694 So this September, as you’re building the 2450 Kuser Road Suite G schedule, soccer practice, homework time, Hamilton, NJ 08690 Abby Payson is the owner of Pulse, a Lagree studio in town, and a mom of two kids under 8.
NM-00049012
6 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
I’m inspired by my nieces and nephews. I want to continue to put myself in a position where I can provide a better childhood for them and give them opportunities that will change their perspective on life and offer them a real chance to do what they love. I’m also inspired by my coach, Khaliq Lewis, who died in 2022. He was so happy when I opened the Fan Favorite Club because he knew kids and families in Mercer County needed an affordable and accessible place like it. He challenged me to keep it open despite how hard it may be financially. He believed someone with a passion for youth and basketball would potentially invest and become a partner with me so
we could continue saving lives by teaching young people life skills. How did traveling to play basketball in Europe and with the Harlem Globetrotters affect your outlook and expectations locally? Traveling the world as a professional athlete in Europe and with the Harlem Globetrotters confirmed what I already believed: There is a need for the Fan Favorite Club because we consistently provide learning, leadership and impact. We are just missing some key partnerships to help sustain our efforts and mission. The most successful people in life have early access and opportunities to do things they love. Fan Favorite was modeled after a youth space I visited in New Zealand. The difference is that the Palmerston North club is funded by the local government.
The club features live instruments, a stage, board games, a basketball court, a commercial kitchen where young people can learn how to cook, video games, STEM activities and a recording studio. Essentially, it’s a youth activity hub for people ages 13 to 19, and it provides free health and social services for those ages 10 to 24. With the right support locally, I expect Fan Favorite Club can expand its services and help more families. How does Nike involve you in its programs? Because of my efforts at the Fan Favorite Club, Nike has involved me in many of its grassroots programs. Currently, I coach the 17U girls team for Philly Rise, an Elite Youth Basketball League program that features some of the most talented players from the tri-state area. Most recently, I was invited to coach at the Nike Academy in Los Angeles alongside other elite coaches, player development coaches and NBA and WNBA scouts. The Nike Academy brings together the top male and female high school and college athletes for a week of competition and instruction about what it takes to become a professional. I am also proud to say that I was selected as a Mamba Invitational head coach in memory of Kobe Bryant’s legacy. My hope is to bring my relationship with Nike and other brands to Mercer County and partner with local organizations to create a greater impact through youth-related events. What do you think about the current state and popularity of the WNBA? I love the popularity of the WNBA, along with its increased visibility, viewership and media coverage. The increased pay is long overdue. I credit the players for using social media to tell their stories and engage with their fans year-round. Because of the WNBA’s current popularity, my hope is that more people in leadership positions, including athletic directors and recreation directors, will invest in quality programming for girls who play basketball. Girls need their own 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 leagues and basketball camps so they can build their confidence and develop their skills and basketball IQ year-round. If Fan Favorite Club were larger, I would definitely host more girls-only basketball programming. In basketball and life, what do you preach is more important: talent or
work ethic? I believe work ethic is more important than talent. Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. Everyone is born with some type of talent, but they must nurture that talent and practice. Individuals who are intrinsically motivated or raised in an environment of hard workers usually go further in life. What do you want your students to take away besides basketball skills and knowledge of the game? Besides basketball skills and an understanding of the game, I want students at the Fan Favorite Club to leave with more confidence and kindness. Kindness is free, and students deal with a lot of bullying and peer pressure at school and in other environments. I hope the leadership and communication skills students learn here carry over into other parts of their lives. I also hope they adopt some of the Fan Favorite mindset, which focuses on faith, avoiding distractions, maintaining awareness, having a vision for their lives and taking some risks. Is basketball still fun for you and your Fan Favorite Club team? Playing basketball and teaching the game are still fun for my team at the Fan Favorite Club. We’ve helped several student-athletes earn full scholarships to attend college. The impact is real, and our process delivers results time and time again. As we approach the deadline to either close the club or renew our lease, we are desperately hoping to find a new partner in Mercer County who can help us keep our doors open for many more years. Every time we mention possibly closing or relocating, parents rally and tell us that we can’t because the club means so much to their children. It is their happy place. Small businesses need support, whether that means providing funding or simply allowing us to hang flyers in businesses, churches or schools. What’s next for you? I am looking forward to holding basketball tryouts for my AAU team, Fan Favorite, for girls in grades 5 through 8. My goal is to keep the team together year-round to develop the chemistry, connectedness and skills needed to place the players on a path to success in high school and beyond. For more information, see fanfavoriteclub.com
R
ockwell
D E N T I S T R Y Dr. Alexander Rockwell Dr. Dawn Rockwell
LOGO: A Dr. Natasha Rockwell Dr. Eric Rockwell
4 Dentists, 3 Practices, 1 Family Generations of Smiles ABOUT US At Rockwell Dentistry, your comfort and confidence come first. For over 30 years, our Hamilton practice has proudly provided comprehensive dental care _ from family checkups to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments - all under one roof.
OUR SERVICES • Implants • Crowns • Partials • Whitening • Same Day Repair • Root Canals • Dentures • Oral Surgery • Cosmetics • Veneers • Periodontal Care • Nitrous Oxide • Invisalign
2139 NJ-33, Hamilton NJ (609) 890-9000 RockwellDetistryHamilton.com 8 Tindall Rd. Middletown NJ (732) 706-1100 Modern Marlton Dentistry 875 NJ-73 H Marlton NJ (856) 702-0777
28 Years of Quality, Efficiency & Integrity September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 7
OUR DISCOVERIES BECOME YOUR CARE At RWJBarnabas Health & Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, we’re dedicated to conquering cancer with advanced treatment options and groundbreaking discoveries. Visit rwjbh.org/silencecancer
8 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
SCHOOL continued from Page 1 Leona came to the district after working as a head nurse at Bethlehem Steel in Sparrows Point, Maryland. She had received her nursing degree in 1914 from the Lankenau School of Nursing in Philadelphia. It’s unclear why Leona came north. Her mother was in the area, as was her sister, Marguerite, who taught in the Trenton school district, and a brother, Harry. Leona ended up living with her sister and mother at 322 Ardmore Ave. in Trenton. Leona went right to work as the district’s nurse, organizing vaccine clinics for incoming students. She spoke often at parent meetings and community gatherings. In 1944, she was in charge of monitoring students for signs of polio. In 1946, Kisthardt helped establish a dental clinic in the basement of Greenwood School. Eventually, the district needed more nurses for its growing enrollment, and in 1939, Kisthardt became the head nurse for the district, supervising other school nurses. As the district grew, the parents whose children were still attending school at DeCou were growing more restless.
They had been promised a new school in 1932 that never came to fruition. In 1949, the Board of Education opted to erect a junior high school and not a new elementary school. Finally, in 1951, the district broke ground on a new DeCou School on what is now Harcourt Drive. Leona Kisthardt was still busy working in the district when the new DeCou School was under construction. But by March 1954, Kisthardt informed the Board of Education that she would retire at the end of the school year, ending a 35-year career in the district. The board accepted her resignation, noting it would present her at the June 1954 graduation with “a scroll citing her long and faithful service to the township.” Unfortunately, a little over a month later, on Monday, April 26, 1954, The Trenton Times ran Kisthardt’s obituary under the headlines: “Long Illness Fatal: School Nurse to be Buried on Wednesday.” When Wednesday came, the funeral services were held at Saul’s Funeral Home, which was then located at 1740 Greenwood Ave. And on that Wednesday, the Hamilton Township School District showed the community just how
BACKBACK-TO-SCHOOL K TO-SCHOOL KHEALT L H CHECKLIST LT HEALTH
The original DeCou School opened on South Broad Street in 1912. Photo from Tom Glover’s Hamilton Scrapbook. much it loved and admired nurse Leona Kisthardt. At its December 1954 school board meeting, the Hamilton Township Board of Education announced that it would
rename DeCou School after Leona Kisthardt. The resolution for the renaming read,
See SCHOOL, Page 10
Hamilton Township T wnship To i Division of Health ip HamiltonNJ.com/Health HamiltonNJ N .com/ NJ /Health - 609-890-3884 /H 6099 890-3884 9-
Get G et tthe he y yearly early fflu lu v accine vaccine Don’t get caught with the flu!
Stay S tay u up-to-date p-to-date o n iimmunizations mmunizations on Routine immunizations help keep children healthy and prevent the spread of serious diseases. NJ requires routine vaccinations for school and daycare enrollment. Keep your child’s vaccines up to date—and help protect our whole community.
Stop by one of the Division of Health’s free walk-in flu vaccine clinics and get the whole family vaccinated! Have a child in daycare or preschool? Children 6 months and older in daycare or preschool are required to receive the annual flu vaccine by November 30. Scan the QR Code or visit www.HamiltonNJ.com/FluShots www.HamiltonNJ.com/ /FluShots for the 2026 schedule!
Practice P ractice h healthy ealthy h abits habits Practice proper handwashing! Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water, scrubbing for 20 seconds to help wash away germs! Prioritize a good night’s sleep! Refuel with healthy foods, don’t forget breakfast!
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 9
County receives grant for rural health screenings and vaccinations
The DeCou family sold farmland in the area for new housing. Photo from Tom Glover’s Hamilton Scrapbook.
SCHOOL continued from Page 9 in part: “Miss Kisthardt was loved by everyone, including every pupil who attended Hamilton Township Schools during the time she served as school nurse. She was a credit to her nursing profession. She was well known for her kindness and
generosity to hundreds of needy families, often-times using funds of her own to aid those in distress. “Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Ms. Kisthardt will agree that some gesture should be made to honor her memory and her faithful service.” Leona Kisthardt is buried with her mother in Greenwood Cemetery.
NM-00049086
10 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
The Mercer County Division of Public Health has received a $400,000 Rural Health Transformation grant to modernize rural health care and expand access to preventive services. Through the initiative, Mercer County will collaborate with the Lawrence Township and Hopewell Township health departments to serve residents in rural communities. More than 200 organizations applied for funding, and the Mercer County partnership was one of only nine governmental health department applicants selected to receive a grant. The partnership will use the funding to purchase a mobile health unit that will provide blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, as well as COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. “Many times, people do not think of rural farming communities when they think of Mercer County, but Mercer County is home to over 19,000 acres of farms and these residents face different barriers to care than
their urban and suburban neighbors,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “With our new mobile unit, we will meaningfully expand healthcare access to residents in these rural communities.” “Hopewell Township encompasses nearly 40,000 acres, including approximately 13,000 acres of open space and 3,200 acres of preserved farmland. Our residents have diverse needs, and health care is no exception,” said Mayor David Chait. “We are grateful for this partnership with Mercer County and Lawrence Township, which will help us better serve residents throughout our community.” “Lawrence Township’s diversity is reflected not only in our residents, but also in our geography. Our neighborhoods border Trenton, Princeton, Hopewell and Ewing,” said Mayor Chris Bobbitt. “Although we operate as one Lawrence Township, our residents have a wide range of needs. We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to expand access to health care in the more rural areas of our community.”
Art Cart delivers a new kind of soul food to town
FAMILY DENTISTRY • IMPLANTS • ORTHODONTICS
AMERICA’S TOP DENTISTS
By Dan Aubrey
It’s a hot summer day and brightly dressed Brook Beatty stands on South Broad Street in downtown Trenton. After staring for a few moments at the growing line of clients waiting in the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen’s mobile food line in front of the First Methodist Church, she starts yelling. “Hey! You want to take a tour?” She then points to the bus behind her. The clients give bewildered looks and start to think. Perhaps, like others, they’ll follow up on the artist’s invitation and wander over to see what’s happening — and try their hand at a bit of art-making. But perhaps, just like others, they won’t. But it doesn’t matter because it’s the opportunity that counts. And so it goes with the Trenton Community A-Team’s new Art Cart. The newly converted bookmobile is making the rounds in designated neighborhoods, bringing art directly to people where they are and advancing a project that has been connecting marginalized regional communities through art-making for more than 25 years. The Trenton Community A-Team — or just TCAT — is a nonprofit organization that supports, develops and promotes selftaught — or untrained — artists in underserved areas of Trenton and surrounding communities. Founded in 2014, TCAT continues the goals of the original yet unincorporated
A-Team efforts launched in 2000 by five artists at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) by offering art-making sessions in its Studio 51. That’s a converted carriage house located in Trenton’s Creek to Canal Arts District in what is known as Trenton’s old city area. TCAT also partners with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and interacts with other formal or informal groups, including the ANEW group at HomeFront in Lawrence. Meanwhile, the new self-contained mobile art studio and gallery accompanies TASK’s mobile meal truck services throughout the city. The former bookmobile, with a wheelchair lift, originally had been used by the City of New Bedford Library in Massachusetts until 2025. Built by Thomas Built Bus in North Carolina in 2007, it was purchased by TCAT for $34,030. An additional $26,204 was allocated to JM Custom Coach Builders in Hamilton to convert the interior to art studio spaces, install a retractable awning and address exterior livery and wrapping. TCAT artists painted the interior and staff the bus as it accompanies the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen’s mobile division during its weekly Trenton neighborhood stops. The Art Cart’s regular Trenton schedule includes stops from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at First Baptist Church, 128 Centre St.; from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. on the second Tuesday at Bible Way Cathedral of Deliverance, 333 Home Ave.; See ART CART, Page 12
We are here in a safe and clean environment for your Emergency Dental Needs! Call 609-454-6500 Accepting Most Insurances No Insurance? In-House Discount | Options / Membership
Check Out Our Online Reviews
731 Route 33 • Hamilton 609-454-6500 BOOK ONLINE 24/7 September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 11
ART CART continued from Page11 from 2 to 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Turning Point United Methodist Church, 15 S. Broad St.; and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday in the Nexus parking lot, 431 Greenwood Ave. The Art Cart will also be featured at Artworks Trenton’s Art All Day event on Saturday, Sept. 19. On Sunday, Sept. 20, it will visit Bordentown as part of the Old City Hall Restoration Committee’s Sunday Soiree series. The program will spotlight the Trenton Community A-Team’s artistic outreach and include readings by A-Team poets from their publication, “Fresh Type & Novel Visions.” Plans are also being discussed to take the Art Cart to additional locations throughout the region, including Princeton, Hopewell and Hamilton. The mobile art project was made possible through a recent $408,717 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s $15 million Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization and Transformation, or A.R.T., program. Coordinated in cooperation with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the program was designed to stimulate community placemaking efforts by leveraging New Jer-
sey’s arts and cultural sector as a creative force for change and by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on public art installations and arts-based initiatives. The first phase of the initiative was piloted in 2023 in Newark and Atlantic City. The program was expanded to include 31 New Jersey municipalities, including Trenton. In addition to supporting the operation of the Art Cart, A.R.T. provided TCAT with funds to strengthen and promote Trenton culture through the creation of a suite of mural paintings near the Trenton Transit Center and a guide to Trenton cultural attractions. Yet it is the Art Cart that provides the main community connection. Using the original A-Team approach that offered only availability, the Art Cart offers no classes or programs, just an invitation to enter, create and interact with one of the A-Team artists. The results are beyond art therapy. Just ask the Princeton-based social psychologist who — despite her insistence on not being named — is known for volunteering at the soup kitchen since the 1980s. She is a witness to the creation of the A-Team. During a recent discussion, she corrects a misconception that many people have
about people from lower economic and challenged backgrounds making art: “Therapy is a different need. Creating art in any form is self-expression. How frustrating if it is blocked and one can’t express it. “When people create art, they go into a state that provides them with the opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings. The art comes from the artists. Human beings are being themselves. (And) the art connects one person to other people. It provides identity and social connection. And artists do not get into trouble when they do their art.” She is not alone in her thinking. As TCAT organizers note, “Art has long been recognized as a catalyst for community cohesion and resilience.” And “a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts found that adults who attended arts events and/or created art within the previous month were more likely to participate in social opportunities, building relationships at a grass roots level.” That this is a universal need — rather than one connected only to a population that lacks available resources or encouragement — is reflected in a TCAT statement: “Our programs are open to all and we continue to nurture creativity and work skills for bud-
ding artists.” “Because of our location and partnership with TASK, our primary audience is nearly 100 percent African Americans below the poverty level.” In fact, as TCAT materials note, the founding A-Team artists “were beneficiaries of the services of TASK, were neighborhood residents of color with limited financial means. Some lived with disabilities, and one was a formerly incarcerated individual.” But don’t take their word for it. “I founded the A-Team with my sister Rose, who died, and (fellow artist) Frankie Mack,” says Herman “Shorty” Rose, 72. “When I got out of prison, my sister invited me to the soup kitchen,” he says when interviewed about the founding of the group. “When I hit the street and saw all the colors, it started — my mind was creating something every day. When I got myself down to the soup kitchen I made my things out of everything I could find.” With a sense of art and a need for community, Rose, his sister and a few others found themselves organizing with people who were taking an art class offered at the kitchen and turning it into a community with an identity. “We came up different names (for the
WhW
Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Monday, September 28, 2026 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM BOTH DAYS
Remember Us For All Your Party Needs • Meat, vegetable & Fresh Fruit Trays • Fresh Baked Bread & Rolls • 3, 4 & 6 Ft. Hoagies • Fresh Baked Pastries • Cookie & Pastry Trays • Special Occasion Cakes • Color Portrait Cakes • Custom Specialty Cakes done to your specifications
$1.00 OFF $2.00 OFF
ANY PURCHASE OF $5.00 OR MORE
With this coupon. Cannot be combined. Not valid on Holidays or Holiday items. Limit 1 per visit. Expires 9-30-26 Hamilton location only.
ANY PURCHASE OF $10.00 OR MORE
With this coupon. Cannot be combined. Not valid on Holidays or Holiday items. Limit 1 per visit. Expires 9-30-26 Hamilton location only.
BUY 2 CANNOLIS GET 1
FREE
With this coupon. Expires 9-30-26 Not valid on Holidays. (Equal or Lesser Value) Hamilton location only.
Check store for Daily Buy One Get 1 Free Specials
7am - 7pm Open 365 Days www.italianpeoplesbakery.com
Mercerville Shopping Center – Route 33 Hamilton 609-586-1868
12 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
Lower Level – Hamilton Township Public Library 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton, NJ 08619
Buy 1, Get 1 FREE
(Equal or Lesser Value, Priced As Marked)
• • • • • • •
Coffee Table Books (marked with a “C”) Cooking Books Foreign Language Books Gardening Books Travel Books $1.00 Trade Books 10¢ Trade Books
Holiday Preview Sale
• • • •
Christmas Craft Books ….4 For $1.00 Christmas Hardcover Books ….4 For $1.00 Christmas Softcover Books … 10 For $1.00 Holiday Specialty Items …Priced As Marked
Media Specials • Single CDs and DVDs…10 For $1.00 • Books on CD …. 2 For $1.00 • TV Shows on DVD…Buy 1, Get 1 FREE
CASH ONLY * NO SCANNERS SATURDAY * NO CARTS OR STROLLERS ALLOWED IN LARGE SALES ROOM *WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES * ALL OTHER ITEMS PRICED AS MARKED
group). We wrote the names down and put them in a bag. Whatever name came out would be the name. And it was the A-Team. We weren’t trying to take the name from the TV show.” The result was that artists met once a week for about five hours in the multipurpose room at TASK and worked on projects of their choice. To join, an artist must be active with the group, produce a piece of artwork, share artwork and, when possible, attend a monthly A-Team business meeting. Reflecting on what he saw, Rose says, “If it wasn’t for the A-Team a lot of people would have nothing to do, just come in and eat. When we put the pictures on the walls, it makes the people feel good. It makes them feel like they’re at an art gallery. People love it. People can’t afford pictures, but they see them. They may see them in their dreams. “It also makes people who pass through the door look in (at the A-Team artists). They see we’re open to the public and don’t turn anyone away. I say, ‘Don’t just look, but come on in and show what you can do. Bring your talents here. Let people see your work.’” That’s the same approach that Art Cart
artists like Beatty are using on the streets. Rose’s reasons for helping to create the project are both personal and social. “Art is keeping me out of the jail. It’s keeping me off the street and out of trouble. I had to change my ways. You’ve got to have something to fall back on. Trenton is not the way it’s supposed to be. I was born and raised Trenton — South Trenton on Lamberton Street. I’ve seen Trenton flip a million times. We’ve got nothing here anymore. There’s nothing for the kids to go to anymore. They’re talking about the kids getting in trouble — so make something.” And that is just what TCAT artists are doing. As TCAT board president John Kelly writes, “Our efforts have gained recognition in promoting Trenton as the region’s most noted group of ‘outsider artists,’ or individuals with no formal artistic training who create artworks expressing an entirely unique style and vision. “Many of our participants have developed the quality of their art to a level in which they are nearing self-supporting careers by promoting and selling their art. We help them market and sell their art by establishing connections to local galleries and press. We also help the artists build specific
social skills for the art world, such as how to represent oneself professionally in formal and informal interactions with people of all social classes.” Kelly says that since its inception, hundreds of A-Team artists have shown artworks in hundreds of exhibitions at locations well beyond Trenton. Venues include the Trenton City Museum, New Jersey State Museum, Artworks, Grounds For Sculpture, Princeton Historical Society’s Updike Farm and private galleries, such as the former Outsider Art Gallery in Milford, New Jersey. And while the new Art Cart bus is up and running, it isn’t the end of the road for the organization. In addition to the other A.R.T.-funded projects — the mural project and paint sessions near the Trenton Transit Center, a downtown Trenton art map and cooperative ventures with other downtown organizations — TCAT is looking to secure its future, one beyond the single-year A.R.T. project funding and, thanks to government cutbacks, a shrinking pool of arts funding. As Kelly says, “Nonprofits, no matter how large or small they may be, struggle to be funded and to be visible. Arts organizations are especially challenged to get
support amidst the clamor of the nonprofit community.” The CPA and past TASK board member says TCAT is specifically looking for funds to help address rent, insurance, art supplies and costs related to art and artist promotion. There is also the reality of supporting the two-member staff, who, in addition to having TASK employment history, are also artists: full-time director and filmmaker Anthony Catanese and part-time program manager and independent rock musician and songwriter Jaime Parker. Kelly says the goal is to “make Trenton a more vibrant home of the arts. We need Board members, and we are actively seeking out those who can and are interested in helping us. (And) we are open to new artists joining our collaborative group.” Yet Rose hits the real reason to keep the program and bus on the road: “When I come down here, I don’t think about the street. I think about one place. Being here and doing things for the A-Team.” But for now, to get on board, visit the Trenton Community A-Team at tcateam. org.
AGE BOLDLY.
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 LICENSE #11A017
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 13
TOWN MATTERS Town Matters is a monthly guide to local opportunities, programs and community needs, from school and recreation sign-ups to volunteer roles, workshops, applications, services and ways to get involved. Unlike a calendar of events, Town Matters focuses on things readers can actively join, apply for, register for, volunteer with, use or support. Concerts, performances, lectures and other events that readers simply attend are listed separately in the community calendar.
Community Action Help clean the Delaware River. Volunteers can register for the annual Delaware River Cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, at participating sites along the river and its tributaries. Nearby Mercer County-area locations include the Trenton Battle Monument area, Duck Island in the Abbott Marshlands and Scudder Falls in Ewing. Volunteers receive cleanup supplies, and individuals, families, school groups and civic organizations can participate.
Starting times, parking instructions, age requirements and weather information vary by site. Participants should review the current registration information before selecting a location. For more information go to ewingnj.org. Become a literacy tutor. Literacy New Jersey’s Mercer County program is recruiting volunteer tutors to help adults improve their English speaking, reading and writing skills. Prospective volunteers complete 10 hours of online training through two-hour Zoom sessions offered once or twice a week, with daytime and evening options. September training sessions are available. After completing training, volunteers are matched with a small group of adult learners and work with a program lead to plan lessons. No teaching experience is necessary. Volunteers can register by contacting the Mercer County program at mercer@literacynj.org or 609-587-6027. For more information go to literacynj.org. Volunteer with HomeFront. Home-
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
14 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
Front, headquartered at 1880 Princeton Ave. in Lawrence Township, invites individuals, families, schools, businesses, congregations and civic groups to support families experiencing homelessness, poverty and housing instability. Volunteer opportunities may include helping at donation centers, preparing supplies, supporting children’s activities, organizing collection drives and assisting with special projects. Available assignments, age requirements and schedules change throughout the year. Volunteers should check the organization’s website for current openings, orientation requirements, donation needs and the location of each assignment. For more information go to homefrontnj.org. Share your skills with teens. Princeton Learning Cooperative, 16 All Saints Road in Princeton, is seeking community volunteers to tutor teens, lead small classes or workshops and offer internships, volunteer placements or work experiences. The cooperative is particularly inter-
ested in volunteers who can share expertise in subjects including math, writing, test preparation, film, poetry, songwriting, physiology, animal behavior, robotics, languages, economics, local history, photography, gardening, sewing and other academic, artistic and practical fields. Community members also can inquire about serving on the organization’s board of trustees or board committees. For more information go to princetonlearningcooperative.org. Deliver meals to neighbors. Meals on Wheels of Mercer County needs volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound residents throughout the county. Volunteer delivery routes generally operate Monday through Friday during the late morning and early afternoon. Drivers use their own transportation, and younger volunteers may participate when accompanied by an adult. The organization also has opportunities for groups and community partners. Residents should review current route openings, volunteer requirements and ori-
entation information before applying. For more information go to mealsonwheelsmercer.org. Support the Plainsboro Food Pantry. The Plainsboro Food Pantry provides food and essential household items to local families and individuals in need and accepts community support throughout the year. Residents can check the township’s current pantry information for the mostneeded food, personal-care and household products as well as opportunities to make financial contributions. Community groups, neighborhoods and organizations also can organize collection drives. Donation needs change as pantry inventory changes, so donors should consult the township before purchasing large quantities of items. For more information go to plainsboronj.com.
Schools & Families Finish school registration. Families enrolling new students in Mercer County public schools should complete district registration as soon as possible after moving into a community or changing schools. Districts generally require proof of residency, birth and health records and prior school information before students can be assigned to a building, transportation route and class schedule. Requirements differ by district and grade. Families should use their local school district website for current forms, registrar contact information, appointments and document-submission instructions. Explore an alternative for teens. Princeton Learning Cooperative has openings for fall 2026 and accepts applications throughout the year for teenagers seeking a full-time alternative to traditional school. The nonprofit program at 16 All Saints Road in Princeton combines homeschooling with a community setting, mentoring, classes, tutorials, trips, internships and other self-directed learning opportunities. Students are legally considered homeschoolers while participating. Families can arrange a conversation and visit before applying. Needbased fee reductions and payment plans are available. For more information go to princetonlearningcooperative.org. Join fall recreation in Plainsboro. Plainsboro Recreation and Community Services opens fall registration Tuesday, Sept. 2, for residents and Monday, Sept. 8, for nonresidents. The fall schedule includes programs
for preschoolers, school-age children, teens, adults and older residents. Among the offerings is All-Star Abilities, an adaptive multisport program for ages 7 to 12 that is seeking interested participants for sessions planned Thursdays, Sept. 17 through Dec. 3. Programs are based at the Plainsboro Recreation and Cultural Center, 641 Plainsboro Road, the Plainsboro Preserve and other township facilities. Fees and residency rules vary. For more information go to plainsboronj.com. Register for Princeton fall sports. Princeton Recreation is accepting registrations for fall youth programs at municipal parks and recreation facilities. Little Rookies Baseball is scheduled Sundays, Sept. 13 through Oct. 18, for children ages 2 to 5 at Grover Park Field No. 1, 301 N. Harrison St. A youth cheer and dance program for ages 3 to 8 also begins Sunday, Sept. 13, at Community Park South. Resident and nonresident fees differ, and financial assistance is available to eligible Princeton residents for qualifying programs. Families should check space availability and equipment requirements before registering. For more information go to princetonnj.gov. Try adaptive recreation in Princeton. Princeton Recreation is registering participants age 15 and older for Adaptive Yoga, scheduled Tuesdays from Sept. 29 through Nov. 10 at the Princeton Municipal Building, 400 Witherspoon St. The half-hour program is designed to make yoga accessible to participants with disabilities and is open to residents and nonresidents. Space is limited, and Princeton residents may apply for financial assistance. The department also offers other adaptive recreation programs during the year. For more information go to princetonnj. gov.
Arts & Creativity Enter the Mercer County photo contest. The Mercer County Library System is accepting entries for its 2026 Amateur Photo Contest, “A Moment in Our Story,” through Monday, Sept. 14, at participating branches. The contest asks photographers to capture a family tradition, community celebration, personal milestone or meaningful everyday experience in a single image. It is open to amateur photographers of all Town Matters continued from Page 13
N TOWNSH O T L I HAM BLIC LIBRAR IP Y PU
FLEA
MARKET
Shop. Se
ll. Support Our Community!
Sunday September 27 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Hamilton Township Public Library 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way Hamilton NJ, 08619
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 15
Order online or delivery thru the SLICE App View our menus online at villamannino.com
Ristorante & Pizzeria
10% OFF Check Any Eat In Dining Room
Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. With coupon only. Expires: 9/30/26
Follow us on
73 ROUTE 130 • BORDENTOWN, NJ 08620
609-298-9000
Wet Basement?
A. PennAcchi & SonS. co. Mercer County’s Oldest Waterproofing Contractor Deal Directly with Owner/Operator
Email: paul@apennacchi.com • Web: www.APennacchi.com Contractor Lic. #13VH01138400
Call Today! (609) 394-7354 • All Phases of Waterproofing Above & Below Grade • French Drain Systems • Structure Repairs
• Foundation Restoration • Wall & Floor Coatings • Masonry Services • Sump Pumps Installed & Serviced
MEGAN S. SEIBER, ESQ. ATTORNEY AT LAW
Estate Planning ■ Wills, Living Wills, POA, Codicil ■ Mental Health Power of Attorney ■ Deed Transfers
All Municipal Matters ■ Criminal and Traffic ■ License Restoration ■ Expungements
Hamilton, New Jersey meganseiber@optonline.net www. meganseiberlaw.com (609) 631-9012 Telephone (609) 631-9109 Facsimile 16 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
Town MAtter continued from Page 15 ages who live, work or attend school in Mercer County. Entries should be submitted according to the rules of the participant’s local Mercer County Library System branch. Photographers should review image requirements and submission procedures before entering. For more information go to mcl. org. Apply for a Princeton artist fellowship. Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts is accepting applications for Princeton Arts Fellowships and Hodder Fellowships through Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 11:59 p.m. The Princeton Arts Fellowship is intended for early-career artists whose work demonstrates exceptional promise. The Hodder Fellowship supports artists and humanists pursuing independent projects during an academic year at Princeton. Eligible disciplines vary by fellowship and application cycle, and applicants must submit materials through the university’s online application system. For eligibility, work-sample requirements and application instructions, go to arts.princeton.edu. Join a writers group. Princeton Public Library will offer several September opportunities for writers to share work and receive constructive feedback. The in-person Writers Room meets Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. in the Tower Room at the Sands Library Building, 65 Witherspoon St. Writers Room Online meets Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. through Zoom. A separate Writers Room Poets session is scheduled Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. online. Registration is required for the Writers Room sessions. Participants should consult the library calendar for availability and online access information. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org. Try art at the library. Princeton Public Library will hold a Little Artists session Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 3:30 p.m. in the Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab, 65 Witherspoon St. The monthly program is for children ages 3 to 6 with a caregiver. The September session celebrates National Play-Doh Day through hands-on art activities. Registration is required. Families should check the library calendar for current space availability. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org. Create Japanese fabric art. Teens in
grades 6 through 12 can register for Princeton Public Library’s Craft, Chat and Chill program Thursday, Sept. 24, at 4:30 p.m. in the Myra and Van Williams Spark Lab, 65 Witherspoon St. The monthly program combines a hands-on project with informal conversation about books, movies, podcasts, music and other interests. The September project introduces kinusaiga, a Japanese fabric-art technique. Registration is required. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org. Make music with Bengali instruments. Young musicians can try traditional instruments of Bengal and create music together during a participatory program Saturday, Sept. 26, at 3 p.m. in the Story Room at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St. Musician Joy Sankar will introduce instruments including the ektara, dupki and khamak. Families should consult the library calendar for age recommendations and any registration requirements. For more information go to princetonlibrary. org. Continue music study at Rider. Westminster Conservatory of Music offers community music programs at Rider University’s Lawrenceville campus, 2083 Lawrenceville Road in Lawrence Township. Programs include selected private instruction in piano, recorder and voice, the Honors Music Program, Westminster Community Orchestra and Opera Outings. Offerings serve children, teens and adults with different levels of musical experience. Lesson times, registration procedures, auditions and placement requirements vary by program. For more information go to rider.edu.
Learning & Lifestyle Prepare your digital legacy. Princeton Public Library will offer “Preparing Your Digital Legacy” Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Technology Center at the Sands Library Building, 65 Witherspoon St. The class covers creating an inventory of online accounts, subscriptions, passwords and other digital information so a designated person can gain appropriate access in an emergency. Participants should check the library calendar for registration requirements and current availability. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
Guest Speaker: Adam Lipps, Esquire, Staff Attorney at Central Jersey Legal Services,
Basement venues give young musicians a place to be heard
To register please call (609) 890-9800
MERCER COUNTY CONNECTION’S
MERCER COUNTY CONNECTION’S OCTOBER 2025 EVENTS Lawyers C.A.R.E. SEPTEMBER 2026 EVENTS
FREE 15-Minutes withOath anNight Attorney (VIRTUAL) Notary Notary Oath •Night Thursday, October 2, 2025 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, October 9, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM The Mercer County Clerk’s office will administer the oath to newly commissioned and renewing Notaries. 3, 2026 • 3:00 PM - 7:00 PMand renewing The Mercer Thursday, County Clerk’s September office will administer the oath to newly commissioned notaries.
ToToschedule ananappointment please (609) schedule appointment pleasecall: call: (609)989-6466 989-6466or Committee of In collaboration with Merceremail: County Connection, the Public Education espagano@mercercounty.org or email: epagano@mercercounty.org Mercer County Bar Association offers FREE 15-minute consultations with an attorne *All Lawyers C.A.R.E. meetings will take place virtually via Zoom. * Wills15-Minutes & Power of with Attorney Lawyers C.A.R.E. FREE an Attorney (VIRTUAL) To register please call• 10:30 (609) AM 890-9800 Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Thursday, September 10, 2026 • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Is your estate in order? Find out how to protect your interests if you become unable to care for
yourself. This seminar simpleConnection, steps ensure your property personal careoffers decisions For additional information call to(609) or www.mercerbar.com In collaboration with explains Mercerplease County the 585-6200 Mercer Countyand Barvisit Association FREEare handled without disruption. 15-minute consultations with an attorney. *All Lawyers C.A.R.E. meetings will take place virtually via Zoom. * Guest Speaker: Adam Lipps, Esquire, Staff Attorney at Central Jersey Legal Services, Inc. To register please call: (609) 890-9800
AHA Homebuyer Counseling & Education and To register please call (609) 890-9800 Mortgage Default Counseling
Affordable Housing Alliance Homebuyer Counseling Lawyers(AHA) C.A.R.E. Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Thursday, September 15, 2026 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM FREE 15-Minutes with an Attorney (VIRTUAL) 10:00 AM 1:00 PM Mercer County Connection, in partnership with the Affordable Housing provides in-person, Thursday, October 9, 2025 • 5:00 PM - Alliance, 6:00 PM comprehensive, HUD-certified homebuyer counseling to New Jersey residents.
Mercer County Connection,In in partnership withCounty the Connection, Affordable Housing Alliance, provides anCounty opportunit Register online: https://forms.gle/wWQJcGDSETUUu7CQ7 collaboration with Mercer the Public Education Committee of theMercer Bar Association offers FREE 15-minute with an attorney. *All residents who are experiencing difficulties withconsultations mortgage payments toLawyers speakC.A.R.E. with meetings a HUD-Certif Register by phone: (973) 494-8735 will take place virtually via Zoom. *
Register by email: kgardner-marshall@housingall.org
Polyester Hall performing at ‘The Boathouse’ in February. (Photo by Jenna Rittman.) BY JENNA RITTMAN On a show night, an ordinary basement in Mercer County can become a concert venue, packed with young music fans standing just a few feet from the bands while guitars, drums and vocals fill the room. For the musicians and fans who make up the local basement-show scene, that intimacy is part of the appeal. The shows offer inexpensive live music, give local bands a place to perform and create a community away from traditional concert venues. With roots in the punk rock and hardcore punk scenes, basement shows, also known as house shows, are typically held in someone’s basement or home. These venues tend to pop up in college towns, including those around TCNJ, Rutgers and Rowan, and attract a younger audience. The basement-show tradition has deep roots in New Jersey, particularly in New Brunswick, where an underground music scene has developed around Rutgers University over several decades. House venues have provided stages for punk, indie, emo and other local bands, often giving young musicians a place to perform outside traditional clubs. Rutgers University maintains an archive documenting New Brunswick’s rock music scene dating to 1981. Kie Antone, vocalist and guitarist for Polyester Hall and operator of the Mer-
Please call (609) to register. To register please890-9800 call (609) 890-9800
For additional information call (609) 585-6200 visit www.mercerbar.com Mercerplease County Council onor Aging
AARP Smart Driver Course Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM cer County basement venue The Yacht AHA Homebuyer Counseling & Education and Monthly meeting for the Mercer County Council on Aging. The Mercer County Council on Aging was established Club, says a lot of planning goes into rununder the Older Americans Act to Mortgage serve in an advisory role to theMercer County Office on Aging/Aging and Disability Default Counseling Thursday, October 2025 Resource Connection (ADRC) and its Executive Director, on matters16, affecting older adults, adults with disabilities, ning a basement venue. Wednesday, October 15, 2025 • 10:00 AM - and 1:00 PMimpacting these and theircaregivers. The Council reviews and provides input on policies, programs, actions 10:30 AM 4:30 PM Mercer County Connection, partnership with the Affordable Housing provides an and populations while offering members ainmeaningful volunteer opportunity andactive roleAlliance, in program development “I have to have bands picked out and opportunity for Mercer County residents are experiencing culties with mortgage payments to oversight. who (Meetings are open to thediffi public.) speak with a HUD-Certifi ed Counselor. This course defensive safe driving techniques, potentially leading to reduced in posters madeteaches two weeks prior to a driving, show, new traffic laws, and Zoom link for those who prefer to participate remotely: up to two points from within a Newthat Jersey Topics include aggressive drivers, problem situations, Please call handling (609) 890-9800 to register. and anything can happen time driving record.https://mercercounty-org.zoom.us/j/7719368888?omn=88395563381
ID: 771 936is 8888 It is open to anyone 18 or older with a valid driver’s license; AARP Meeting membership not required. Participants will rece
period,” Antone says. “I’ve had bands Please reach out to the Mercer County Office on Aging/ADRC 609-989-6661 or adrc@mercercounty.org AARP Smart DriveratCourse with questions or for more information. drop the day before, and I got lucky with To register please call 1-888-897-8979 use the•link below Thursday, Octoberor16, 2025 10:30 AM -www.princetonhcs.org/ca 4:30 PM a fill-in.” This course teaches defensive driving, new traffi c laws, and safe driving Alzheimer’s Support Group techniques, potentially leading to reduced insurance premiums and removal of up to two points from a New Jersey driving Fans typically hear about shows record.New Topics include handling aggressive drivers, problem situations, properPM use of safety Jersey Property Tax Relief Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • 2:00 PMand -Seminar 3:00 features.It is open to anyone 18 or older with a valid driver’s license; AARP membership is not through Instagram or word of mouth. required. Participants receive County a certifiwho catehas upon completion. Are you caring for an adult age 60 or olderwill in Mercer been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Four to six bands are typically on the disease or is experiencing memory problems? Thenthe please join us2025 for our Alzheimer’s Support Group! To register please call 1-888-897-8979 orOctober use link below www.princetonhcs.org/calendar Tuesday, 21, lineup for a basement show, and the $10 Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or 11:00 memory issues be challenging. support group provides a safe and AMcan-Tax 2:00 PMThis New Jersey Property Relief Seminar welcoming environment for caregivers to share their experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support from cover fee is cheaper than the price of a others who understand their journey. Participants will also learn about helpful resources for caregivers in the area. Tuesday, October 21, 2025 11:00 AMCare. -Filing 2:00 PM The New ofis Taxation offering Property Tax Relief Event for through homeowne The group facilitated by theisSenior Well-BeingaSpecialist from •Oaks Integrated This program is funded typical concert. The money goes Jersey back to Division the Older Americans Act and Mercer County Office on Aging. The New Jersey Division of Taxation is offering a Property Tax Relief Filing Eventthe for homeowners This event will provide assistance with filing the PAS-1 or the ANC-1 application for 2024 Property T the local bands. and renters.This event will provide assistance with filing the PAS-1 or ANC-1 application for the 2024 Please callTax(609) Property Relief890-9800. program. “Almost all of the money goes to the Mercer T.R.A.D.E. Transportation Citizen Advisory Mercer County Board of SocialT.R.A.D.E. Services Mobile Office Council bands,” Antone says. “I personally takeCounty a Mercer County Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM small cut of it just to help with rent, but Transportation CitizenMobile Advisory Council Meeting Thursday, 2025 The Mercer County Board of Social Services’October Office23, will visit Mercer County Connection to other than that it gets split evenly among provide information about available and resources. Thursday, October 23, 2025 •services 2:00 - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMPM the bands. In a way I say that helps supregistration required.For information, please call (609)and 989-4320 ThisNo committee keepsisthe public and itsadditional members informed about T.R.A.D.E.’s funding budget use, client issues with input fromthe board and gathers feedback from clients and caregivers to portThis future shows.” keeps the public and addresses committee its members informed about T.R.A.D.E.’s funding and budget use,fiveaddress improve services for seniors and people with disabilities in Mercer County.The committee meets The Seven Stages of Dementia times clients per year atand Mercercaregivers County Connection, with transportation provided needed. *Toand join, applicants the board and shows gathers feedback to improve services forif seniors people with d Although basement have roots from must submit a resume or a paragraph explaining their interest and potential contributions. * The committee per year at Mercer County Connection, prov Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • 2:00 PM -with 3:00transportation PM in punk rock and hardcore punk, thosemeets five times Dementiasubmit progresses through a series of stagesor ranging from mild to severe. While every individual’stheir experienceinterest with dementia and is unique,potential their *To join, applicants must a resume a paragraph explaining c are not the only genres found at the Forstages more information, Lismarie Rentas at Specialist at Oaks journey through the seven ofdementia typically follow aplease specific path.contact In this workshop, Steven Guarino, Senior Well-Being Integrated Care, will explain these stages so attendees will know whatto expect if a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. This program is funded lrentas@mercercounty.org or 609-530-1971 ext.111 shows. Other genres include surf rock, For more information, please contact Lismarie Rentas at lrentas@mercercounty.or by the Older Americans Act and the Mercer County Office on Aging/ADRC. atToleast five please days before thedays meeting. register, call five (609) 890-9800 or 609-530-1971 ext.111 at least before the meeting. Midwest emo, shoegaze and more. Some Mercer County basement venMercer County Connection ues, including The Construction Zone and The Boathouse, which Antone used Passport Processing Passport Photos to run, have themes for their shows and Notary Services Meeting Room encourage people to dress up in costumes. Their first themed show was Family Guy, and it ended up being their most successful show ever. “After the first one, making themed See MUSIC, Page 18
Recycling Buckets
Voter Registration 957 Route 33 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Dan Benson, County Executive
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 17
SPRINGSIDE LOFTS & SPRINGSIDE LOFTS 55+
The community offers 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
MUSIC continued from Page 17 shows made it more of an event, something to look forward to,” Antone says. “I’ve seen so many amazing costumes it makes it all worth it, and as someone who likes to dress up it’s just a great time.” Regulars also help create the atmosphere that distinguishes basement shows from traditional concerts. “There are a lot of people who come out to the shows regularly, and those people tend to always have fun no matter what,” Antone says. “That being said, sometimes you can tell when it’s a person’s first basement show, and all you can do is really hope that everyone is being respectful and that they’re enjoying themselves.” Because the shows take place in residential areas, noise can sometimes draw attention from neighbors or police. Ewing police have not had many issues with basement shows, according to Ewing Police Chief Albert Rhodes. “I personally have gotten pretty lucky, I’ve had some cool neighbors and I’ve been able to have some shows run a bit later than ten,” Antone says. “Sometimes they even show up to listen to the bands, and that’s also really cool!” Beyond giving audiences a chance to discover local bands, basement shows provide musicians with a place to perform and be heard. Some bands even de-
but music for the first time at a basement show. That sense of community is a hallmark of DIY music scenes elsewhere as well. House-show networks often rely on musicians and fans supporting one another by attending shows, sharing new music and helping performers find places to play. “In addition to that, it also gives them a third space to be and really be heard,” Antone says. “Expression is important, especially for performers and a lot of times venues turn them down.” Antone’s surf rock band, Polyester Hall, have performed at a handful of basement shows, and have experienced the benefits of these shows firsthand. “Being able to play at those shows gives us an opportunity to reach new audiences,” Antone says. “We definitely get more streams on nights that we do shows, but more than anything we just love playing with our friends! If we get more fans or anything with that, that’s just a plus.” Antone hopes that basement shows become more popular in the future, especially in Mercer County. “There are two that have popped up since the end of The Boathouse, and I hope even more show up,” Antone says. “I also hope they all flourish. It’s so great to have a place to play and listen to music and not have to spend an arm and a leg to do it.”
LOOKING FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS? Visit our website centraljersey.media to get updates about your community all month long
CENTRALJERSEY.MEDIA MAIN STREET ALLENTOWN, NJ Located in Historic Allentown, NJ 35 YEARS+
The purpose of this advertisement is to solicit non-binding reservations. The non-binding reservation is not a contract and may be cancelled by the prospective purchaser at any time. Any money paid to the developer shall be refunded to the prospective purchaser upon request and cancellation of the non-binding reservation. The actual sales price for each specific Home will be based upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, the location and dimensions of the Home, and the specific choices made by each purchaser for interior finishes. Illustration is an artist rendering. ©2026 Sharbell Gordon LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
18 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
OCTOBER 10TH & 11TH 10AM - 5PM VENDORS WANTED!
Register at www.allentownnj.com/register-now-fall-festival or email: events.abca@allentownnj.com
Nottingham LL makes history, Sunnybrae claims district crown
THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP
NEWS TO
ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
KNOW
ShopHAMILTON Small, Shop Local, Shop Hamilton. THE PARTNERSHIP
ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE As you shop this summer please remember BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 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 The Nottingham 12-year-old All-Star team proudly shows off the league’s first Section 3 championship banner in the 12s age group since 2012. (Photo by RIch Fisher.) BY RICH FISHER It was one heck of a summer for Hamilton Township Little League teams. As usual. Nottingham was the big winner, as three teams made it to the New Jersey LL State Tournament, marking the first time in District 12 history that has ever happened. And while the Sunnybrae 10-year-olds lost the first games of their existence, they still won a district title and battled hard in the Section 3 tournament. Here’s a look at how it all shook out.
Nottingham 12s A glorious chapter came to an end in heartbreaking fashion as this group’s final game together ended in a 1-0 walkoff loss to Cresskill in a state elimination game. The Sayen Gang lost by the mercy rule one night earlier when one of their top players, Nolan Muits, was hit in the face and suffered a fractured jaw. In the end, the nucleus of this crew claimed four District 12 titles, two Section 3 championships and a state crown as 10-year-olds. “That’s what makes this so difficult to say goodbye,” said manager Mike Bongrazio, who was assisted by Brad Bishop
and Stu Whitman. “I’ve had them since seven. Even at 8s we were the first district champions (for that age group), we won everything we played at nine, we’re state champs at 10, battled through the sections, took it to the if game of the sections last year at 11 and made states this year.” Nottingham blew through the districts and sectionals, outscoring six foes, 75-6. It marked the first 12-year-old Section 3 title since 2012 for both Nottingham and District 12. But Bayonne, which went on to win the states and was within one win of Williamsport on Aug. 11, proved too much in defeating Nottingham 11-1 in the first round of states. Dylan Schaefer, just 10 years old, threw an outstanding second game, but Cresskill pushed across a late run to win. One bright spot for NLL was that Enzo DiMartino, who smashed three homers in the tournament season, won the state home run championship the next day with six dingers. DiMartino was part of a powerful lineup that included Muits, Christian Bianchi, TJ Chew, Austin Marshall, Gavin Jones, Jackson Bishop, Dom Bongrazio, Schaefer, Liam Bright, Logan Whitman See BASEBALL, Page 22
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.
Jeannine Cimino Rachel Holland Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked Board Chairman Executive Director with community business leaders, government
officials, and private decision-makers to deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to The Hamilton Partnership is proud to announce Hamilton success. JeannineTownship’s Cimino, as continued newly elected Chaiman of the Board and Rachel Holland as the newly appointed Congratulations Executive Director. to Jeannine and Rachel, the first females to serve in each of their roles!
Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked THE HAMILTONbusiness PARTNERSHIP with community leaders,EXECUTIVE governmentBOARD Jeannine decision-makers Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank services officials, and private to deliver Source: Unkown Rachel Holland, Executive Director and employment opportunities that are essential to Gregory Blair (Emeritus), Nottingham Insurance Co. @thehamiltonpartnership @Hamiltonnjstrong Hamilton Township’s continued success. Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township Lee#HamiltonNJStrong Boss, The Mercadien Group Gerard Fennelly, NAIand Fennelly Congratulations to Jeannine Rachel, the first Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton Since 1993, The Hamilton Partnership has worked females to serve inFrank eachLucchesi, of their roles! with community PSE&G
business leaders, government officials, and private decision-makers to Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank deliver services and employment opportunities that are essential to Tom Troy, Sharbell Development Corp. THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP Hamilton Township’s continued success. EXECUTIVE BOARD Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank Rachel Holland, Executive Director FOR MORE INFORMATION ONCo. TO: Gregory Blair (Emeritus), NottinghamLOG Insurance Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly Richard Freeman, Robert WoodSeptember Johnson University Hamilton 2026 Hospital, | Hamilton Post ■ 19
WWW.THEHAMILTONPARTNERSHIP.COM
NOTICE OF RATE AND FEE INCREASE FOR ALL TRENTON WATER WORKS CUSTOMERS IN TRENTON, HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, EWING TOWNSHIP, LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, AND HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, ADOPTED BY TRENTON CITY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 3, 2026, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 2, 2026 Trenton Water Works (TWW) will begin implementing new water rates on October 2, 2026, with customers seeing the new rates on their bills during their regularly scheduled billing cycles. Although the new rates became effective upon their adoption earlier this year, implementation was delayed until October to allow time for customer outreach, billing system updates, the introduction of a new customercentric bill design, and a coordinated rollout across all billing cycles. Revenue from the rate adjustment will be used to fund operations, capital work, debt service, and workforce development. Charges for the use of City water shall be calculated according to the following rate schedules: Water Consumption Rates for All Users 1. Bills are issued and due quarterly for general metered service and fire protection charges. When meters are one-and-one-half inches or larger, the City reserves the right to issue monthly bills. 2. The City shall assess water service charges based on an inclining block rate structure. For purposes of this section, one (1) CCF shall mean one hundred (100) cubic feet of water. For all metered water consumption from zero (0) up to and including fifteen (15) hundred cubic feet (CCF) per quarter, the rate shall be $2.22 per 100 cubic feet of flow volume usage. For all water consumption in excess of fifteen (15) CCF per quarter, the rate shall be $3.33 per 100 cubic feet (high volume usage). 3. The State of New Jersey enacted Chapter 443 of the Laws of New Jersey, 1983, concerning the periodic testing of public water supplies, which established a water tax of $0.01 per 1,000 gallons of water. This tax is reflected and included in the above rates. 4. Veterans or spouses of veterans who are qualified for property tax relief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.10 et seq. and senior citizens, disabled persons or surviving spouses of the same who are qualified for property tax relief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.40 et seq. are granted a discount of 10% on consumption charges and fixed service charges for bills paid on or before the due date. All arrears must be paid in full before the current bills will be accepted and the discount allowed. The customer's failure to receive the bill does not entitle the customer to the discount allowance if the bill becomes delinquent. 5. Ratepayers who are disabled or who are disabled veterans as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:31-10.1 shall be granted a 10% discount on fixed service rates (see Schedule B, below) for bills paid on or before the due date. All arrears must be paid in full before the current bills will be accepted and the discount allowed. The customer's failure to receive the bill does not entitle the customer to the discount if the bill becomes delinquent. This discount is in addition to any discount granted pursuant to Subsection A(4) above. 6. All new connection or tapping fees charged to public housing authorities, or to nonprofit organizations building affordable housing projects, or to any other affordable housing, including affordable housing units in inclusionary units, shall receive a 50% reduction in any connection fees or tapping fees assessed, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:14B-22.3a. For units that were previously connected to the utility's system but were demolished or refurbished to allow for affordable housing units, a credit against the connection fee or tapping fee shall be assessed as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:14B-22.3b and c. 7. Fire hydrant water use rate will be $2.22 per 100 cubic feet. Fixed Service Rates for All Users (i.e., “Ready to Serve” or Fixed Charge on Bill). In addition to water consumption/usage charges, all users will be assessed the following fixed service charges:
20 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
Quarterly Fixed Service Charges (“Water Ready” Charge on Your Quarterly Bill) Meter Size
Fisc al
Fiscal Year 2027
Fiscal Year 2028
Fiscal Year 2029
Fiscal Year 2030
Fiscal Year 2031
5/8” and 5/8”x3/4”
$83. 20 $10 3 74 $14 4 71 $24 7 29 $37 0 28 $65 7 20 $2,0 10 9 $4,5 53 2 $8,2 40 4 $12, 341 $17, 888
$87.36
$91.73
$96.32
$101.13
$106.19
$108.93
$114.37
$120.09
$126.10
$132.40
$151.95
$159.54
$167.52
$175.90
$184.69
$259.65
$272.63
$286.26
$300.58
$315.61
$388.80
$408.24
$428.65
$450.08
$472.58
$690.05
$724.56
$760.79
$798.82
$838.77
$2,111.53
$2,217.11
$2,327.96
$2,444.36
$2,566.58
$4,780.95
$5,019.99
$5,270.99
$5,534.54
$5,811.27
$8,652.43
$9,085.05
$9,539.31
$10,016.27
$10,517.08
$12,958.15
$13,606.05
$14,286.36
$15,000.67
$15,750.71
$18,782.85
$19,721.99
$20,708.09
$21,743.50
$22,830.67
3/4" 1” 1½" 2” 3” 4” 6” 8” 10” 12” Fire Service Line Size
Quarterly Charge
Fire Service Line Size
Quarterly Charge
3”
$125.19
8”
$854.90
4”
$210.13
10”
$1,280.68
6”
$473.49
12”
$1,958.24
Multiunit Dwelling Rates for All Users Fixed service charges for metered multiunit dwellings will be the greater of (1) the fixed service charge for the installed meter or (2) the number of units in the building times 0.70 times the five-eighths-inch meter fixed service charge. In a building housing both commercial and residential units, both will be considered "units" for the purposes of establishing the fixed service charge. Summary of Miscellaneous Charges for All Users Restoration of service (due to nonpayment) during working hours: $125. Restoration of service (after hours due to nonpayment): $175. Final reading request for residential accounts: $25. Final reading request for property owners requesting a final reading for their tenant-occupied rental property: $25 Final reading request for all accounts in the name of a business entity, corporation, or limited liability company: $50. Deferred payment agreements (DPA) administration charge for accounts in the name of a business entity, corporation, or LLC: $150. Service application fee for accounts in the name of a business entity, corporation, or limited liability company: $100. Administrative fee per account for LLC address change: $25. Unauthorized turn-on fee: $1,000 Illegal connection/bypass/straight pipe of a water meter: $3,500 for a ¾” service line, plus $500 for each incremental increase in
service-line size. Disconnection from the water main: $3,500 per service line, plus a $250 disconnect fee.
For a complete list of rates, charges, and fees, visit trentonwaterworks.org/rates. OCPO-MW-82
New Jersey Public Water System Identification Number NJ1111001
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 21
“These kids are the most special group I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching,” Bongrazio said. “I’ll never forget any single one of them. The teams changed throughout the years but the core always stayed the same. It’s the best group of kids I ever had in my life. It’s hard to say goodbye.”
Nottingham 11s
After the Nottingham 11-year-old All-Stars edged Freehold Township by a run in the title game, they proudly unfurled their Section 3 championship banner. BASEBALL continued from Page 19 and Michael Gargione. Muits, DiMartino and Schaefer handled the brunt of the pitching. It was an exciting team that gave the
district a title it had not had in 14 years. And it gave the Bongrazio family another champion this summer, as the manager’s aunt Nancy was part of the winning cornhole championship team at a Steinert class reunion in June.
While the 12s were touted as the first team in their age group to win a Section 3 title in 14 years, this group was the first 11-year-old squad to do so for NLL/District 12 since 2011. It should serve as a strong springboard to the always-anticipated Road to Williamsport season next summer, but Chris Talar knows nothing is a lock. “We have high expectations for next year but are fully aware that nothing will be given to us and Nottingham will always have a bullseye on our backs,” the manager said. “No one cares how successful we were from seven to 11 years old. When the 12-year-old season starts everyone is 0-0.” That being said, this team has been on a steady climb from the start.
“Since the boys were seven years old the core group of kids has helped our team be very successful,” Talar said. “We coaches are very happy with the progression this team has made over the years and the positive direction we are heading in, especially after an earlier than expected end to our 10-year-old summer in sections.” There was no such premature end this season. After rolling to its second straight District 12 title by outscoring four foes 4411, the Square Boys showed they could win by more than blowouts. They started Section 3 play with a 10-0 victory over Toms River but then defeated Freehold Township by scores of 3-2 and 5-4 in nine innings. “Our goal was to win districts and then we knew that Section 3 is one of the toughest in the state,” Talar said. “To win Section 3 was a huge accomplishment. In the championship game against Freehold Nate Kleinz pitched seven innings, which is unheard of for little league with the strict pitch count rules, and Joey Costello came in to pitch two great innings of relief and also had the walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth.”
VOTE DEMOCRAT
BUILDING A BETTER MERCER COUNTY
EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP
22 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
REAL RESULTS
STRONGER COMMUNIITIES
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MERCER COUNTY VOTERS Vote-by-Mail Information Is Going Online! A New Law Means Easier, More Convenient Access to Election Information - New Jersey is modernizing the way government information is made available to the public, which also reduces government costs. On June 30, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed L. 2025, c. 72, legislation that updates New Jersey’s legal-notice publication requirements and moves required public notices from traditional print newspapers to official government websites. This includes legal notices concerning ELECTIONS.
The Sunnybrae 10-year-old All-Star team show off their championship banner after winning the District 12 Tournament. The starting lineup included catchers Austin Talar (also shortstop) and Mason Schiaretti, first baseman Adrian Cicale, second baseman Ryan Brettell, shortstop Lucas Espinal, third baseman Gio Rodriguez, left fielder Costello, center fielder Kleinz and right fielder Dom Otter. Christian Fuhrman, Kleinz, Talar and Costello were the main pitchers, while power-hitting Robbie Delaversano and Luke Leonardi both contributed as extra hitters. Talar’s assistants were Tom “The Principal” Brettell, Joe Fuhrman and Alfie Espinal. The offense was paced by Talar at leadoff and Kleinz in the three-hole. Cicale was the top power hitter, who was outstanding in districts but missed sections and states due to a health issue. Nottingham geared up for districts by playing in a competitive tournament in Bucks County. Despite going 0-3, Nottingham mounted huge comebacks in each game. “The goal was not to win, it was to test our team and build camaraderie amongst the boys,” Talar said. “Losing those games and fighting until the end is what made this team so tough.” While two district wins were blowouts and another was an 11-7 victory, Nottingham did have to eke out a 2-1 win over Bordentown in which it scored the goahead run in the sixth inning. Against Robbinsville, the Square Boys rallied from a 4-0 deficit with 10 runs in the final two innings. “Even when playing from behind, the
team never lost confidence and found ways to win,” Talar said. “The state tournament was very competitive (with a 4-3 loss to Stafford and 5-3 setback to Hoboken). We had to deal with some adversity with Aidrian being out and just prior to the final game Ryan Brettell sustained a hand injury so we only batted with 10 kids. “With little time to prepare we went into that game without our first and second basemen. But like a good teams do, other teammates stepped up and filled those roles with minimal preparation.”
Sunnybrae 10s The Brae not only lost its first game ever, but also lost the first tournament in its existence. But it still had one heck of a tournament season. Sunnybrae won its third District 12 title and, after falling into the elimination bracket after the first round of Section 3, it battled back to the championship round with two wins before falling to a talented Freehold Township squad. In districts, the Yardville Gang shut out Robbinsville in the opener and Nottingham in the championship game. In between, Lawrence provided a challenge in an 11-7 victory. “The boys have brought true meaning to the word ‘team,’” manager Matt Sweeney said. “From day one of practice, the focus was on the overall success of the team and not its individuals. Supporting See BASEBALL, Page 24
What Does This Mean for Mercer County Voters? In accordance with New Jersey's new legal-notice publication law, the Mercer County Clerk's Office will publish the required Vote-by-Mail notice on our website rather than in print newspapers. The Vote-by-Mail applications and information are available online through the official Mercer County website and the Mercer County Clerk’s website – as below. And yes, you can now apply ONLINE to vote by mail - https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/mib-request YOUR VOTE. YOUR INFORMATION. RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
The Mercer County Clerk’s website will provide access to Vote-by-Mail materials, including Vote-by-Mail applications in English and Spanish, along with important instructions and information for voters. The NJ Division of Elections also provides Vote-by-Mail applications, instructions, voter information, and election materials in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Visit the official websites below for the most current information: Mercer County: www.mercercounty.org/departments/public-information/ public-legal-notices Mercer County Clerk: www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk/elections
New Jersey Division of Elections: www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote-by-mail STAY INFORMED. VOTE INFORMED.
Mercer County Clerk’s Office Paula Sollami Covello, Mercer County Clerk 209 S. Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 Contact: 609-989-6494 / 609-989-6495 mercervotes@mercercounty.org *We encourage mail-in voters to return their ballots through County drop boxes to avoid postal delays. Also, if you do not receive a ballot by October 9, 2026, please contact our office (above) to inquire about receiving a duplicate. Paid for by Mercer County, New Jersey
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 23
Nottingham Little League’s 8-year-old All-Star team display their Section 3 championship banner after defeating Clark in the championship game. BASEBALL continued from Page 23 one another and challenging each other to be better every day. Their commitment to this team and the league has allowed them to continue playing great baseball.” In the sectionals, this group suffered its first-ever loss when Jackson-Holbrook took a 3-2 first-round win. Rather than stagger at the shock of losing, the Brae topped Howell Central, 9-3, and Jack-
son-Holbrook, 8-3, to reach the championship round. “Adversity is crucial to the development of our players,” Sweeney said. “As a coaching staff, we have done our best to prepare our players for both success and failure. Losing is a part of the game and our team never panicked. Their goal was to win, and when failure came their way, they knew quitting was not an option.
“We play in a region full of many talented players and teams. The goal is never to go undefeated. The goal is incremental progress to be prepared for what comes down the road. Playing the long game is not always easy but there is so much to be learned along the way in both winning and losing.” Sweeney and his coaching staff of Tom “Fuji” Fink and Sean Kelleher had to ask their team to apply those lessons when it fell to Freehold Township in the final. It marked the first tournament loss for the squad, but the manager wants to make it a positive. “Our team goal is to gain experiences that serve as the foundation for future success,” Sweeney said. “Losing is a part of the game that could be used as an advantage. Being comfortable creates an environment where players overlook areas of their game that need improvement. These boys are hungry to win, hungry to learn, and hungry for what challenges are coming down the road.” The team’s main pitcher was Grayson “Harper” Fink, while the starting lineup defensively was catcher Bryce Bell, first baseman Luke Kinsella, second baseman Colin Kelleher, shortstop Colton Falconio, third baseman Kalan Sweeney, left fielder Hudson DeSimone, center fielder Ethan Scheps and right fielder Mason Stillewell. Extra hitters included catcher Joey “Little MB Master” Papero and outfielders Joe Brown and Grayson Recchia. Other starting pitchers were Kinsella and Falconio, while relievers were Scheps and Kelleher. “Our starting pitchers were fantastic by throwing strikes and keeping games close,” Sweeney said. “Bryce Bell and Joey Papero worked incredibly hard behind the plate. We had solid defense by Ethan Scheps in centerfield and Kalan Sweeney at third base. All in, our team never relied on a single player to win. Team effort is how this team wins.”
Nottingham 8s Manager Jason Fleming and his coaching staff saw the potential for a successful run before the tournament season even started. “All of our players held their own in the Minors Division at NLL this spring playing against 9, 10 and even 11 year olds,” Fleming said. “A majority of our team also plays travel baseball and have had success there, so we were looking for-
24 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
ward to seeing what they could accomplish all together.” They accomplished quite a bit. Nottingham went 3-0 in the districts, outscoring teams 28-10. It wasn’t quite so easy in Section 3 play. After winning their first two games by a combined three runs, the Square Boys suffered their first loss when Clark took a 9-7 victory to force the always nerve-wracking “if” game. But Nottingham would not wilt as it bounced back with a 6-5 victory to give NLL its third sectional title of the summer. And while the title game was exciting, the winner’s bracket final against Middletown was the one Nottingham will never forget. “We were down nine runs in the fourth inning and ended up winning 10-9 in the pouring rain,” Fleming said. “That is one we will remember for a long time. “Our boys responded amazing to pressure and never gave up. They picked each other up time and time again. We had come-from-behind wins in the district championship and two sectional games.” Fleming was assisted by Ken Ridge, Jeff Hurley, Kyle Kaminskas and Mike Bongrazio. The starting lineup featured catcher Ryan Kaminskas, first baseman Gavin Muits, second baseman Kenny Ridge, shortstop Gabi Rodriguez, third baseman Marco Bograzio, left fielders JJ Fleming and Carson Hurley, center fielders Cash Napoliello and Dante Serenelli, right fielders Vincent DeFrancis and Massimo Toto and No. 1 pitcher Tino Toto. “This was a team effort,” Fleming said. “From the top to the bottom of the lineup all players contributed in the three tournaments we played in.” The 8s lost two straight state games but put up a fight in their second contest before dropping a 5-4 decision to Hasbrouck Heights. Nonetheless, it was Nottingham’s first trip to the states since the 2023 team won the first-ever 8-year-old state title. “This summer the eights followed the same format as the older teams and it was the first time in NLL history that three different teams were playing in the state tournament for their respective age groups,” Fleming said. “We really felt the support from the entire NLL family and it was a special year to be a part of.”
NM-00044833
Maggie Cutty drives girls’ soccer for Nottingham
Senior midfielder Maggie Cutty will be a major cog for Nottingham this year¬†as either a defender, distributor or goal scorer. (Photo by Mia Parker.) BY RICH FISHER Maggie Cutty wanted to be strictly a soccer player and nothing else. Whether she knew it or not. “It was the first sport I was ever put into and I never really played another sport,” the Nottingham High senior said. “I was talking to my mom about it, I said ‘Why didn’t you let me play any other sports?’ She said ‘I offered it to you and you only wanted to play soccer!’ “So it’s the only sport I ever play except for track. I’ve been doing that since my freshman year.” But track is mostly a way to keep her in shape for soccer, which has been her go-to since age 5. She has risen ever since and, as a center midfielder, will be key to any success the Northstars have this year. Playing one of the most important positions on the field, the senior will be asked to defend, distribute and score, depending on who the opponent is. She has mainly been a creator on offense in high school, but she led the ’Stars in goals last season. “In the middle of the field with what we’re trying to do offensively, we really need her,” said interim coach Eric Struble, who’s taking the reins while Jess Ricci is on maternity leave. “She’s not afraid to take on different roles depending on who we’re playing and how we’re
doing. At times we’ve looked at her at center back, we’ve put her up top when we think we need something offensively. “She’s just one of the best midfielder’s in the county. I really believe that. She sees the field very well.” While Cutty may not be a scorer at heart, she can score. “She can shoot it anywhere outside of the 18,” Struble continued. “That was our big thing last year. We struggled to get in the box. She took it upon herself at times to score from far out. “In an ideal setting she’s a playmaker and someone that sets her teammates up. But we didn’t have the talent at striker last year so she did what she could.” During Cutty’s first two seasons, she had ideal scorers to feed. Brooklyn Samonski scored 23 goals during Cutty’s freshman year, and her sister Bridget collected 19 when Maggie was a sophomore. During those seasons, Maggie had a goal and five assists, and six goals and 14 assists, with most of those setups going to her sister. Last year, with Bridget having graduated and playing at The College of New Jersey, Maggie had to turn into a scorer on a team that lacked offensive punch and led the Northstars in both goals (7) and assists (5). She admitted to missing her big sis. “It was really tough because I never See CUTTY, Page 28
Peace of Mind.
Peace of Mind.
Your insurance shouldn’t be what keeps you up at night. Whether your needs are personal or business related, Nottingham Insurance offers an extensive selection of insurance products. With over 100 years of experience, we work
Youryouinsurance shouldn’t what keeps with to get the right coverage at be an affordable price. Soyou that
up at night. Whether your needsWe’re are personal or business you can focus on what is important. there when life happens. related, Nottingham Insurance offers an extensive selection of
insurance products. With over 100 years of experience, we work with you to get the right an affordable price. So that Serving NJ &coverage PA • at877.999.1886 • nottinghaminsurance.com
NM-00044830
you can focus on what is important. We’re there when life happens.
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 25
YOUR HEALTH. YOUR WAY. CLOSE TO HOME.
The Right Healthcare Is Here. Specialized, compassionate care for people with neurodivergence and unique healthcare needs. SERVICES
VISIT
•
Primary Care
•
Same-Day Sick Visits
(888) 628-9661
•
Wellness and Prevention
woodshealthcare.org/hamilton
•
Chronic Disease Management
Located at:
•
Acute Illness & Minor Injury Care
•
Psychotropic Medication Management
•
Immunizations & Screenings
hamilton@woods.org
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton 1 Hamilton Place, Suite 501 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Designated parking in Lot D
The Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton will draw on Woods’ and RWJBarnabas Health’s combined expertise and reach to be the first in the area to offer integrated primary care and behavioral health serving the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), autism, and complex needs.
26 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance accepted. Call for specifics.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Build water skills and confidence for a lifetime!
CHANGING LIVES
Youth Swim Lessons at the Hamilton Area YMCA Learning to swim is one of the most important life skills and can lead to a lifetime of confidence, safety, and enjoyment. Youth swim lessons at the Y help children develop essential water safety and swimming skills while building confidence in and around the water. Registration is going on now.
LEARN MORE
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 27
CUTTY continued from Page 25 played high school without her,” Cutty said. “I had a lot of my best friends still on the team but it was quite a big change for me.” Struble felt that it wasn’t just the loss of Bridget that stymied his prized midfielder. “She had a little down year last year and I attribute that to us not being as deep,” he said. “We not only lost Bridget, but a couple other three-year varsity starters. So last year was a little tough. I expect her to bounce back this year and really lead us. She’s as talented as anyone in the CVC.” It didn’t help that Kyra Bethea, who scored seven goals as a freshman in 2024, missed last season with an injury. Bethea is back this year, which should help immensely. “She’s looking really good this summer,” Cutty said. “She’s been working really hard and I’m excited to see how I can play her some balls through and she can get some goals at that forward position.” Struble is looking forward to seeing the tandem reconnect. “Kyra and Bridget had such good
chemistry when Krya was a freshman,” the coach said. “Those two worked so well together. I’m really hoping Maggie and Kyra will find that same connection. That won us a few games that year.” Cutty began soccer in the Hamilton Recreation League before moving to the Hibernians for travel ball. That team eventually switched to Match Fit, and when Match Fit left Mercer County, Cutty moved to NLSA. “Wen I was little, of course I always wanted to score the goals,” she said. “But midfield has always been my position.” For Match Fit, Cutty was a center defensive midfielder, and she moved to attacking center mid with NLSA. She works hard on defending with Nottingham “because most of the teams we’re playing, we’re getting pushed back a lot.” But Struble is still counting on her to be an integral part of the offense. One of Cutty’s key attributes is seeing the entire field, which is a must for any midfield maestro. “I don’t know if I always had that, but it’s definitely developed as I’ve gotten older,” she said. “That’s one of the main things people tell me. One of the complements I get is ‘You see the field so well.’
28 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
I haven’t worked on it too much per say, it’s just always been developing.” That’s not to say she doesn’t work on other things. This summer, Cutty did individual training, working on her shot. She would bring a rebounder tool out to the soccer field, fire shots into it and then shoot the rebounds into the goal. “There are some teams we can hurt with me scoring, but there’s some teams we need to hang back and I need to play more of that defensive role; and if I have to play balls through to other people I can do that,” Cutty said. “But I’ve been working really hard on shooting a lot. There are time I’ll need to get up there and make more of an impact and score those goals.” Cutty does more than just fire shots. She is a multidimensional scorer who possesses great footwork. “She can get by defenders one-on-one all day,” Struble said. “She’s just one of those kids who’s working on her game every single day.” That hard work translates to the classroom as well. Cutty has a 4.0 grade point average, is a member of the National Honor Society and Yearbook Club, and serves as senior class secretary. She’s
also in the HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) Club, which will help prepare her for a career in physical therapy. “Students do different presentations on different health occupations and it’s for people to kind of see what occupation to go into if they want to be in the health care area,” Cutty said. “We do different experiments too. I love that club!” It sounds like good prep work for when she goes to Arcadia University next year for soccer and physical therapy. Cutty first discovered the school when her brother went there for a visit and immediately fell in love with the campus. In looking for a major, she took a career exploration course as a sophomore so she could have something in mind when soccer recruiting started. Health sciences looked appealing, and during her search for a good program, Arcadia came up on the radar. “They’re one of the best schools in the country for that,” she said. “The beautiful campus was just a bonus. When Bridget played there with TCNJ I went to the game and I loved the players. The coaches were super nice. I was going back and forth with them and I was of-
fered a spot. It was the best thing; they were my number one for a while.” And while she is excited for her future, Cutty wants her final season with Nottingham to be successful. The Northstars were 4-14-1 last year, and Struble said the goal is to double that victory output. “Jocelyn Castaldo has been playing wing and this is her fourth year as a starter,” the coach said. “She has a ton of talent. Victoria Smolka is a center back; she ended up coming up a lot of times for corner kicks. With Kyra back, those are our big three and if Maggie is able to set those girls up that’s a good start. We have a few freshmen coming in that look like they’ll be pretty good. “We struggled to score goals last year.
We just didn’t put it together. But we have some girls that have grown, and we have Maggie, who’s a great leader. She was out all summer working the girls out at captain’s practices. She’s not someone who shies away from hard work. I think Arcadia saw that in her.” From what Cutty saw in the summer practices, she has an optimistic outlook. “Last year, I think we just didn’t really mesh well together,” she said. “But we have done that in the summer. Everybody was working so well together, it’s just nice to see. We have a couple new freshmen coming in that know how to play and I think they’re gonna make an impact and help us this season.” But don’t be surprised if the biggest impact of all is made by Cutty.
50512.pdf The file is missing! 760068.1 ROP 2 x 5.125 ALLENTOWN BUSINESS COMMUNITY ASSCIATION
LOOKING FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS? Visit our website centraljersey.media to get updates about your community all month long
CENTRALJERSEY.MEDIA
NM-00050267
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 29
Ivens gives Steinert a veteran presence in goal BY RICH FISHER In the old “Wide World of Sports” TV show, they talked about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Then there is Andrew Ivens, who experienced the thrill of varsity and the agony of the seat. The thrill came from making the Steinert High varsity soccer team as just a sophomore. But as the third-string goalie, he was constantly taking a seat on the bench behind the other two keepers. As coach Anthony Tessein phrased it, “He was the back-up to the back-up.” Ivens was forced to do something he had never done in his life on a soccer field, and that was sit and watch. “It was a little frustrating to not be able to play,” Ivens said. “I understand why I wasn’t able to. I just love playing the sport. Having to sit the games was a little tricky for me.” The way he dealt with it was by assuring himself his time was coming. “Pretty much,” the senior said. “At practices I tried my hardest to put out
what I had and I put my best effort on that field every single day.” That effort paid off big-time. Ivens enters his senior year as the incumbent starter, although he will be pushed in practice by fellow senior Jayden Moon, whom Tessein feels is “also a strong keeper.” Last year, Ivens fashioned a 1.28 goalsagainst average with six shutouts and 4.94 saves per game. He did not face challenging shots on an overwhelming basis, but when one came his way, the goalie was ready. “A trademark of our defense over the past two years is we seem to limit teams on the chances they get, so he was not tested a ton,” Tessein said. “But when he’s called to duty, he does a good job.” Ivens started playing soccer a bit later than some of his teammates, as he did not gain interest until middle school. “Interestingly enough all my elementary school career (at Yardville) I was a big baseball guy,” he said. “Late elementary school I played a little soccer outside at recess and I kind of fell in love with it.
After biding his time as a third-stringer1 on varsity as a sophomore, Andrew Ivens blossomed in goal for Steinert boys soccer last autumn. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.) Ever since then the rest is history. “I liked the constant action and how the goal moved; everything like that. I quit baseball and played soccer fulltime in sixth grade.”
Andrew started travel soccer with Mercer United and now plays for NLSA Surf in Pennington. Early in his career, a coach threw him in goal one game and Ivens found his paradise.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month As men increase in age, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases.
About 1 in 8 men
will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
About 6 in 10 cases
65+ of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
1 in 6 Black men
will develop prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
x2
Men with relatives — father, brother, son — with a history of prostate cancer may be twice as likely to develop the disease.
With early detection, prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates.
Men should speak to their doctor about prostate cancer screening if they are age 45 or older or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer or are Black.
45+
Learn more at rwjbh.org/MensScreening NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Rutgers Cancer Institute is the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute offer the most advanced cancer treatment options close to home.
ONCOLOGY Prostate Cancer Infographics_9.38x5.12_m1.indd 1 3025804741 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
8/11/26 8:39 AM
MT. BRUSHMORE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Grand Opening
Ready for Adventure? Call
609-507-1007
Not
ting
ham
Way Marcello's Pizza-Grill
MT. BRUSHMORE r
thing. As the season went along my confidence grew.” In watching Ivens’ progression, Tessein saw a goalie who was fundamentally sound. He was not spectacular, but he was there when he was needed. “He makes the saves you’re supposed to make,” the coach said. “He’s solid with his feet. We want our goalkeepers to be able to use their feet like a field player. He can distribute the ball solidly. He does a lot of things well. He pretty much checks off every box we’re looking for in a goalkeeper. “I think if there’s any criticism, I think he can do some of these things better, but he’s constantly improving. What’s really good about Andrew is he seems to understand he’s got room to improvement and continues to improve. There’s never been a time where I thought he was stagnating or he plateaued. There’s something to be said for a guy who knows he needs to improve and goes out and does it. “He continues to seek opportunities with his club team. He has outside goalkeeper training and he works on becoming a little better at everything every year.” Like any effective goalie, Ivens had to learn how to direct traffic in the back and control his box. As an underclassman playing with veterans, that took some work. “The big thing with that is I had to earn the respect of my center backs and my defensive players,” Ivens said. “When I did, they started listening to me more and I was able to control my back line.” Tessein felt that Ivens eased into that leadership role, saying, “He continued to grow physically. That has helped him. He’s gotten more vocal and gotten stronger in the box. I know I’m overusing the word solid but he does it solidly well.” The Spartans will need a solid defensive effort this season, particularly in the early going as they try to get their offense to gel. Steinert’s graduates scored 33 of the team’s 49 goals last season. Two veteran defenders returning are Luca Witzel and Ryan Kelleher, who both played significant minutes last year. Another returnee who saw time is Matt Chiarkis, and Tessein is counting on them again. “What we hoped is that the experience they got last year puts them in the position to really be successful this year,” Tessein said. “The hope is always See IVENS, Page 32
Limew ood D
“I was a shortstop, catcher and centerfielder in baseball and I had a lot of skills from catching the ball and diving, and whatnot,” Ivens said. “So it was just trying to transfer it over. My parents got me a trainer and I learned a lot about my distributions and my footwork. Another big thing he told me was about the mental side of things and how your focus and attitude comes into play in goal.” Ivens brought his burgeoning skills to Steinert and, after a freshman season on sub-varsity, he got the call to varsity. But his playing time consisted of one game and one save, plus a few starts on JV when there was an injury. He watched as his teammates made it to the Central Jersey Group III final. “I know that was really tough on him,” Tessein said. “When you’re buried on the depth chart without a realistic chance of playing, that can become very mental.” So, why was he there? “Because we always projected that one day Andrew would be the starter,” Tessein said. “The coaches made a decision that it made a lot more sense for Andrew to sit the bench and be around the varsity team and understand our expectations rather than just play JV.” The reasoning worked out well, as Ivens battled his way into that starting role. “He bounced back his junior year,” Tessein continued. “There was some adversity through tryouts and it wasn’t necessarily clear he would be the starter. But he did win the job and played really well at the position and never gave it up.” The keeper said there was no way he was going to sit and watch again. “Last summer I worked my butt off and I think a lot of my success came from my dedication and how hard I tried for it,” Ivens said. “As a junior I was very happy to be starting and I think the season went pretty well overall. Some of the distribution I had to polish up as the season went along.” He suffered more disappointment, however, as illness kept Ivens out of Steinert’s first-round state tournament game, which Lawrence won 1-0. “Oh it was devastating,” he said. “I would have given anything to be on that field.” But the season as a whole was a success, as Ivens continually proved to himself that he belonged on varsity. “There were a lot of saves I made that I didn’t think I was capable of making,” he said. “That really was a big confidence
Rt 33
NM-00044823
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 31
The World’s First Hearing Aids With Touchscreen Controls. No tiny buttons. No apps. No prescriptions.
Call 855-617-2195
to get your 45-day risk free trial.
Atom X
Revolutionary technology with touchscreen control. Hearing modes for any environment. Multiple models to choose from.
IVENS continued from Page 31 that they’re making the improvements when they’re seniors and that they’re not stagnating.” Ivens is counting on his backline buddies to come through, and also expects the offense to be better than people think. “I think we’ll be strong,” he said. “I have a lot of faith in my defense, I hope they have a lot of faith in me. “We have a lot of good (offensive) players coming up from JV and a lot of players on varsity who didn’t get a lot of minutes and I think they’re ready. I think we can do pretty good.” For the Spartans, it’s just nice to know that they are starting with a solid
keeper, which is always key to any team’s success. “Last year when Andrew jumps in as the guy, there’s some question marks,” Tessein said. “Can he do it? He’s the new guy. He’s got those growing pains that can happen from a first-year starter. “Now maybe we can focus on some other areas that need training because he’s s proven he can do it. Most people will expect him to be the guy. It’s nice to be able to look at a guy who’s done it, who knows how to do it, and has been successful. He’s gone through the trials and tribulations; he’s gone through the negatives and come out on top. It’s good to see a guy like that thriving and the guys can trust him.”
Portable charging case. 48-hour battery life. UV cleaning.
LOOKING FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS?
Background noise cancellation.
Visit our website centraljersey.media to get updates about your community all month long
45-day risk free trial. Proudly located in the U.S.A. Free shipping direct to your door.
CENTRALJERSEY.MEDIA
1.5 million+ happy customers. Lifetime support.
HUNGER HUNGER ACTION MONTH SEPTEMBER IS
SEPTEMBER IS
ACTION MONTH
ADVOCATE DONATE| VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER | ADVOCATE DONATE
Nearly50,000 50,000 people people in Mercer Mercer County Nearly Countyare arestruggling strugglingwith withfood foodinsecurity. insecurity.You Youcan canhelp! help! Visit tolearn learnmore. more. Visit www.TrentonSoupKitchen.org www.TrentonSoupKitchen.org to
DONATE
VOLUNTEER
ADVOCATE
Nearly 50,000 people in Mercer County are struggling with food insecurity. You can help! Visit www.TrentonSoupKitchen.org to learn more.
32 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
SEPTEMBER 2026
B I - M O N T H LY N E WS F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H
New Capital Health Program Delivers Advanced, Hospital-Based Care to Patient Homes obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, cellulitis, and other acute but stable diagnoses that can be safely managed at home. After getting a diagnosis and a first round of treatment when admitted to Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, patients who are interested in Hospital at Home are assessed by a clinical review team to make sure they meet program requirements. Appropriate candidates then go home to receive personalized care that is safely coordinated by a multidisciplinary team. Capital Health has launched a new program that brings hospital-level care to patients in the comfort of their homes. Aimed at managing capacity at Capital Health hospitals by allowing appropriate patients to receive care at their homes, Capital Health’s new Hospital at Home Program delivers personalized care through daily virtual visits with a doctor, in-person nurse check-ins and services like physical therapy, lab work or nutrition support, all arranged by a multidisciplinary team. Participants must be New Jersey residents ages 18 years or older, reside within a 30-minute drive to Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, and meet other clinical and safety standards for program eligibility.
Patients are kept safe and connected to their care team with aroundthe-clock monitoring of their vitals and all the tools they need to manage their conditions in the familiar and more restful surroundings of their homes. Advanced at-home equipment includes a tablet for video visits, direct-dial phone, blood pressure cuff, scale, oxygen monitor, and blood glucose monitoring equipment. Additional equipment is also provided as appropriate for each participant’s specific condition. Capital Health’s Hospital at Home team sets everything up and provides detailed instructions for use so patients feel confident from day one.
“The innovative care model for this program allows eligible patients to receive hospital-level diagnostics, treatments, and daily clinician visits in the comfort of their own homes,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “Supported by our clinical teams and enhanced remote monitoring technology, Hospital at Home isn’t just transforming how we provide care. More importantly, it means better outcomes for patients with fewer complications, faster recovery, and lower overall costs of care.”
Hospital at Home is supported by a 24-hour Command Center staffed by registered nurses to address patient concerns or emergencies. In addition to social work and case management support, services may also include wound care and dressing changes; oxygen therapy and respiratory treatments; lab draws, intravenous infusions, and medication delivery; transportation for diagnostic testing and rapid hospital transfer (when necessary); and daily meals (if desired). Upon discharge, patients receive instructions for post-program care and any follow-up medication that is needed.
Eligible patients for the Capital Health Hospital at Home Program are typically those who have conditions such as pneumonia, chronic
To learn more about Capital Health Hospital at Home, visit capitalhealth.org/hospitalathome. September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 33
CAPITAL HEALTH HOSPITALS Nationally Recognized for Stroke Care Excellence Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey and Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell recently received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get with The Guidelines® – Stroke Quality Achievement Award. This award recognizes Capital Health’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. As one of 12 state-designated comprehensive stroke centers in New Jersey and home to Capital Institute for Neurosciences (for patients who require the most advanced treatments for neurovascular and stroke care), Capital Health Regional Medical Center received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite Plus award and the Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award. To qualify for these recognitions, Capital Health Regional Medical Center must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between a patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with clot-busting medication. Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award. Additionally, Capital Health Regional Medical Center and Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell each received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Hospitals that qualify for this recognition ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke. “These awards from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association show our community that we never stop working to improve the high quality of care we offer our stroke patients at our hospitals,” said Dr. Dustin Rochestie, chief of Neurology and Critical Care at Capital Institute for Neurosciences. “As part of the Get With The Guidelines stroke initiative, we see measurable improvements to stroke care with better outcomes and fewer recurring events for patients and their loved ones.” Hospitals like Capital Health Regional Medical Center and Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell earn these awards by demonstrating a commitment to providing quality care and meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. 34 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
Stroke is a time-sensitive emergency. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, B-E F-A-S-T to know the signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately.
Balance B — Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance?
Eyes E — Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes? Face Drooping F — Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Arm Weakness A — Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty S — Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time to call 911 T — If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and check the time so you’ll know when the first symptom appeared.
Capital Health Awards Local Students Full Scholarships to Rider University as Part of Employee Benefits Program Capital Health has announced four winners of full-tuition scholarships to Rider University beginning in Fall 2026 as part of an employee education benefits partnership with the university. The scholarship winners are immediate family members of Capital Health employees and include Alayna Barnhard (biochemistry), Jordan Ferrer (exercise science), Emily Hartshaw (elementary education), and Madison Stahl (criminal justice). Capital Health’s partnership with Rider launched in October 2020. “On behalf of Capital Health, I’m thrilled to recognize the 2026 winners of our full-tuition scholarships to Rider University,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “This scholarship program is just one of the many education related benefits and opportunities we offer employees and their families. It’s exciting to be able to help more and more members of our Capital Health family pursue higher education. Congratulations to this year’s winners and our continued best wishes for success in this important step in their education journey.” Alayna Barnhard of Fallsington, Pennsylvania, is a graduate of Pennsbury High School. The daughter of Jill Barnhard and Michael Barnhard, director of Project Management at Capital Health, Alayna will study biochemistry at Rider’s School of Science, Technology and Mathematics. Jordan Ferrer of Jackson, New Jersey, is a graduate of Jackson Township High School and is the son of Jayvee Ferrer and Karl Ferrer, assistant nurse manager in the Emergency Department at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. Jordan will study exercise science at Rider’s School of Science, Technology and Mathematics.
Emily Hartshaw of Maple Shade, New Jersey, is a graduate of Maple Shade High School and is the daughter of Tom Hartshaw and Kathleen Hartshaw, supervisor of the Vascular Lab at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. Emily will study elementary education at Rider’s School of Education and Human Services. Madison (Maddy) Stahl of Burlington, New Jersey, is a rising junior at Rider University and daughter of Barbara Stahl, patient access coordinator at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. A graduate of Burlington City High School, Maddy is studying biology at Rider’s School of Science, Technology and Mathematics. Recipients of Capital Health’s full-tuition scholarship to Rider University must be new full-time undergraduate, first-time freshman, current undergraduate students, or undergraduate transfer students. Scholarships are awarded for four consecutive years or until the completion of the academic program. Students must be full-time students, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and must be considered a student in good standing by Rider University at all times during their enrollment. To be eligible for the scholarships, candidates or their immediate family members must be full-time, non-union employees of Capital Health for at least one year and meet additional eligibility requirements. Capital Health’s employee education benefits program also features a 50% tuition discount agreement with Rider University for non-union employees and their immediate family members (cannot be combined with full-tuition scholarships). Other Rider education benefits for Capital Health employees include an application fee waiver; free, unofficial evaluation of transfer credits prior to applying; and a Rider academic advisor to help plan their schedule. To learn more about job opportunities at Capital Health, visit capitalhealth.org/careers. September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 35
FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS Register online at capitalhealth.org/events and be sure to include your email address. Zoom meeting details will be provided via email 2 – 3 days before the program date. Registration ends 24 hours before the program date.
Peripheral Vascular Disease Update Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a progressive disorder that can affect any blood vessel outside the heart and lead to complications in your legs, feet, and other areas of the body. Join Dr. Kogulan Nadesakumaran, a board certified vascular surgeon from Capital Health Surgical Group, for the latest information about PVD, including risk factors, prevention, detection, and treatment. Staff from the Capital Health Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Department will also discuss current rehab options for PVD.
Listen to Your Heart Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting When it comes to a heart attack, every minute matters, but recognizing the warning signs and responding quickly can save lives. Join Dr. Lara Samson, medical director of Capital Health’s Chest Pain Center, to learn about heart attack symptoms, risk factors, and the critical steps to take if you or someone around you may be experiencing a heart attack.
ADDITIONAL FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS: CREATE A STRESS TOOLBOX! Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
36 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
UPDATE ON COMMON SLEEP DISORDERS AND LATEST TREATMENTS Monday, October 26, 2026 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
LIVING SUCCESSFULLY WITH HEART FAILURE Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting
HAPPENING Tuesday, September 1 Stand Tall Yoga, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. Guided yoga program. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 10 a.m. 10 a.m. Toddler Storytime, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Stories, songs and early-literacy activities for toddlers and caregivers. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Puppet Craft and Play, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Young children make a simple puppet and play with a caregiver. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Quiet Storytime, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Stories, songs, movement and early-literacy activities for children and caregivers in a quieter setting. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Back-to-School Supplies Decorating, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Children and teens can decorate school supplies. Also Wednesday and Thursday, September 2-3, at 5 p.m. 5 p.m. Twilight Garden Tour, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven. org. A Morven horticulturalist leads a twilight tour of the museum’s gardens, followed by light refreshments on the Pool House porch. Attendance is limited to 25 and advance registration is required. Rain date is September 15. Tickets are $20, or $15 for Morven members. 5:30 p.m. DIY Minecraft Notebooks, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Hands-on creative program; supplies are provided while available. 6:30 p.m. Auditions: Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical”, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Open auditions for the upcoming stage production. 7 p.m. Basics: Keyboard and Mouse, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Learn the basics of using a mouse and keyboard through web-based games and typing practice. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Historic Local Resources, Hickory Corner Branch, Mercer County Library System, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, events. mcl.org. Learn to use Ancestry, Fold3, HeritageQuest, HeritageHub, the Hightstown Digital Newspaper Archive and Trenton newspaper archives to research family and local history dating to 1846. Bring a tablet or laptop. Regis-
tration requested. 7 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2 Adult Take-home Craft: Mini Canvases, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton. Take-home craft kit for adults, while supplies last. 10 a.m. Family Yoga Demonstration Class, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Miss Brittany of Motherhood & Movement leads a family dance party, nursery rhymes, breathing exercises and simplified yoga. Bring a towel or yoga mat for each participant. All ages with a caregiver. Registration required. 10 a.m. Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Exhibition examining the five New Jersey delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence, including the contradiction between their advocacy of liberty and the enslavement practiced by all five. More than 100 manuscripts, paintings, furnishings and personal objects are featured. On view through January 2027 during regular museum hours. 10 a.m. Kids’ Concert with Miss Kim, Hightstown Memorial Branch, Mercer County Library System, 114 Franklin St., Hightstown, events.mcl. org. Local musician Miss Kim performs original and classic children’s songs for children from birth through age 7. Registration required. 10 a.m.
BOOK OUR PATIO FOR ALL YOUR PRIVATE EVENTS
Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. Guided outdoor nature walk. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. 10 a.m. Storytime with Ms. Teri, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Children’s storytime program. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Creation Station, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Hands-on creative program for children. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Adult Outdoor Drawing Party, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Drop-in outdoor drawing program for adults. noon Film Screening: “Michael”, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Film screening. 2 p.m. Wednesday Film Festival: “The Devil’s Advocate”, West Windsor Branch, 333 North See HAPPENING, Page 38
Order online at BrothersPizza33.com Brother’s Pizza is a family owned & operated pizzeria since 1973.
609-586-2707 871 HIGHWAY 33, HAMILTON NJ September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 37
HAPPENING continued from Page 37 Post Road, Princeton Junction. Film screening. 2 p.m. Crafty Crew, Hollowbrook Branch, Mercer County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Hands-on craft program. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Back-to-School Supplies Decorating, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Children and teens can decorate school supplies. Also Wednesday and Thursday, September 2-3, at 5 p.m. 5 p.m. Evening Yoga in the Gardens, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. All-levels outdoor Vinyasa yoga class in Morven’s gardens. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Maze in a Baggie, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Hands-on children’s craft and activity. 6:30 p.m. Paper Airplanes, West Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. Hands-on paper-airplane activity. 6:30 p.m. CASA Information Session, West Windsor Branch, Mercer County Library System, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, events. mcl.org. Learn how Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers work with foster families,
schools and caseworkers to advocate for children in the foster-care system and how to become a volunteer. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 3
Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Exhibition examining the five New Jersey delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence, including the contradiction between their advocacy of liberty and the enslavement practiced by all five. More than 100 manuscripts, paintings, furnishings and personal objects are featured. On view through January 2027 during regular museum hours. 10 a.m. Get Started: Gmail, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Introductory program on setting up and using Gmail. 11 a.m. Drop-in Upcycle Challenge: Dolls, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Hands-on upcycling challenge using dolls and repurposed materials. Also Thursday, September 10, at 1 p.m. 1 p.m. Back-to-School Supplies Decorating, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Children and teens can decorate school supplies. Also Wednesday and Thursday, September 2-3, at 5 p.m. 5 p.m. Get Lit Book Club: “Bochica”, Lawrence
FRIDAY - SUNDAY
OCTOBER 9-11
Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Discussion of Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro’s novel. 5 p.m. Dorothy Maynor in Princeton and Beyond, Princeton Public Library. Musicologist Monica Hershberger discusses her research on soprano Dorothy Maynor. 6:30 p.m. Sun Ra Arkestra, McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton. 7:30 p.m. Hooked-on-Yarn, Hollowbrook Branch, Mercer County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Beginners and experienced yarn crafters can work on projects and share techniques. Ages 16 and older. Also Thursday, September 10, September 17 and September 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. 10 to 11 a.m. Wormholes, Warp Drives, UFOs and Congress, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Pulitzer-nominated author and retired cosmologist Tony Rothman examines congressional hearings on unidentified anomalous phenomena and separates claims about UFOs, wormholes and warp drives from established physics. For high school-age participants and adults. Registration requested. 6 to 8 p.m.
Friday, September 4
Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, Morven Museum & Garden,
55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Exhibition examining the five New Jersey delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence, including the contradiction between their advocacy of liberty and the enslavement practiced by all five. More than 100 manuscripts, paintings, furnishings and personal objects are featured. On view through January 2027 during regular museum hours. 10 a.m. Movers and Shakers, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Music, movement and early-literacy activities for children and caregivers. 10 a.m. Sing Along with Ms. Pat, West Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. Songs, movement and learning activities for children and caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Meet with the Library Social Worker, Robbinsville Branch, Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville, mcl.org/social-services. Library social worker Anthony offers appointments to help residents navigate local, county and state social-service resources. Sessions are informational and are not a substitute for therapy or medical or mental health treatment. Also Friday, September 18, from noon to 4 p.m. noon to 3 p.m. Voices in Print, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Opening day of “Voices in Print: New Jersey Black Women Printmakers Shaping the American Narrative,” featuring prints by Black women
LIVE MUSIC Friday - Open 5pm: Runaway Train 6-9pm Saturday - Open 12pm: The Quixote Project 12:30-3:30pm Sideways Willy 5-8pm
Sunday - Open 12pm: Spider Daniels Band 12-3pm Georgia Owen 4-7pm allentownlionfoundation PERMIT NUMBER 158606 NM-00049801
38 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
allentownlionfoundation
artists with New Jersey connections. The exhibition continues through Feb. 28, 2027. noon Soul Cruisers Dinner Dance Party, Cooper’s Riverview, 50 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. Live music and dancing with the Soul Cruisers and DJ John Rossi. 7 p.m. Dave Butler and Friends Present Cinema Improv: A Living Soundtrack, Hopewell Valley Stage, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell. Musicians improvise a live soundtrack while the audience watches a film. 7:30 p.m. The Williamsboy, Tir Na nOg, 1324 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton. Live music performance. 9 p.m. $5 After 5PM Fridays, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. Final $5 Friday evening of the season. 5 to 9 p.m. Sunset Sips and Sounds, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township. Final Friday evening of the seasonal winery music series, with Terhune wine and live music. 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 5
West Windsor Community Farmers Market, Princeton Junction Train Station, West Windsor. Weekly outdoor market featuring local farms, food producers and artisans. Music by Bob Mecklenburger; community groups include the West Windsor Bike & Pedestrian Alliance and West Windsor Historical Society. Rain or shine. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mercer County Photography 2026 Entry Day, Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, Cadwalader Park, Trenton. Entry day for the annual Mercer County photography exhibition. 9:30 a.m. Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Exhibition examining the five New Jersey delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence, including the contradiction between their advocacy of liberty and the enslavement practiced by all five. More than 100 manuscripts, paintings, furnishings and personal objects are featured. On view through January 2027 during regular museum hours. 10 a.m. River Fest Youth Art Contest Workshop, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. Youth art workshop connected to River Fest. 10 a.m. Community Writing Group, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton. Community writing session for adults. 11 a.m. Lights! Camera! Action!, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton. Filmthemed library program. noon Fall Music Series, Palmer Square Green, Princeton. Free outdoor live music. 1 p.m. Cirque de Paris, MarketFair, West Windsor. Touring circus performance. 7 p.m. Salsa at the Stage: Alientos/Rhythms of the Hearts Band, Hopewell Valley Stage, 5
South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell. Live salsa County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, performance blending jazz, Latin salsa and Af- Ewing, events.mcl.org. Children ages 5 and older ro-Caribbean influences. 7 p.m. create a new art project using paint, glue, markWinery Weekend Music Series, Terhune ers and other materials. Registration required. Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Town- 1:30 p.m. ship. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple Adult Crafternoon: Faux Lavender Pipe trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local Cleaner Flowers, Lawrence Headquarters music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. 5 p.m. Hands-on adult craft program. 3 p.m. The Grouser Girls, Bent Iron Brewing, 70 Children’s Bingo, Trenton Free Public LiExtonville Road, Hamilton. Live music perfor- brary, 120 Academy Street, Trenton. Bingo promance at the farm brewery. 5 to 8 p.m. gram for children. 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 6
Carolyn Forche in Conversation with Patricia Smith, Princeton Public Library. Forche Five Independent Souls: The Signers from launches Otherwhere: New and Selected PoNew Jersey, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 ems. 6 p.m. Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Exhibition Basics: PC and Internet, Lawrence Headexamining the five New Jersey delegates who quarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawsigned the Declaration of Independence, including the contradiction between their advocacy renceville. Introduction to Windows 11 and of liberty and the enslavement practiced by all navigating the internet with Microsoft Edge. 1 five. More than 100 manuscripts, paintings, fur- to 3 p.m. Hiltonia Association General Meeting, nishings and personal objects are featured. On view through January 2027 during regular mu- Hiltonia, Trenton. Location to be announced. 7 to 8:30 p.m. seum hours. 10 a.m. Read and Pick: Potatoes, Terhune OrFamily Sundays: Feed the Animals, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. Family nature chards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township, program featuring the center’s animals. 1:30 terhuneorchards.com. Children ages preschool through 8 hear stories about potatoes and vegp.m. Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune etables, then pick a container of potatoes and Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Town- learn how they grow. $12 per child, including the ship. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple potatoes. Advance online registration required. trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, September 8
Stand Tall Yoga, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. Guided yoga program. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 10 a.m. 10 a.m. Toddler Storytime, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Stories, songs and early-literacy activities for toddlers and caregivers. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
9:30 and 11 a.m.
Wednesday, September 9
Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Exhibition examining the five New Jersey delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence, including the contradiction between their advocacy of liberty and the enslavement practiced by all five. More than 100 manuscripts, paintings, furnishings and personal objects are featured. On view through January 2027 during regular museum hours. 10 a.m. Library Card Sign-up Month Program, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Library Card Sign-up Month program in Community Room A. Also Wednesday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. 10 a.m. to noon Music and Movement with Miss Kim, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton. Music, instruments and movement activities for children. 10 a.m. Storytime, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Stories and early-literacy activities for children and caregivers. 10 a.m. Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. Guided outdoor na-
See HAPPENING, Page 40
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PRESENTS
GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE: ART AND ARTIST
Puppet Craft and Play, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Young children make a simple puppet and play with a caregiver. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Quiet Storytime, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Stories, songs, movement and early-literacy activities for children and caregivers in a quieter setting. Also Tuesday, September 8, at 11 a.m. 11 a.m.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY
New York Blood Center Blood Drive, Robbinsville Branch, Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville, events.mcl.org. New York Blood Center community blood drive. A single donation can help save up to three lives. Registration required. noon to 6 p.m.
1 JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO WAY, 08610 FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 7:00 PM LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOMS 3&4
Little Makers, Hollowbrook Branch, Mercer
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 39
HAPPENING continued from Page 39 ture walk. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. 10 a.m. Storytime with Ms. Teri, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Children’s storytime program. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Creation Station, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Hands-on creative program for children. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. How to Promote Healthy Digital Engagement, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Danielle Young, director of clinical services at the Child Mind Institute, discusses how social media and technology affect children’s development and well-being and offers strategies for setting boundaries, encouraging balance and building healthy digital habits. Registration required. 2 p.m. Wednesday Film Festival: “Point Break”, West Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. Film screening. 2 p.m. Sci-Fi Shorts Book Club: “Day Ten Thousand”, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Science-fiction short-story discussion. 2:15 p.m.
Crafty Crew, Hollowbrook Branch, Mercer County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Hands-on craft program. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Road, Ewing. Hands-on science activity for children. 4:15 p.m.
McCarter Live at the Library, Princeton Public Library. Sarah Rasmussen and Paula Abreu offer a behind-the-scenes look at McCarter Theatre Center’s upcoming season. 6 p.m.
Shatema Threadcraft, Princeton Public Library. The author presents The Labors of Resurrection in conversation with Reena Goldthree. 6 p.m.
Young Adult Craft Night, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. Hands-on creative program for young adults. 6 p.m. Evening Yoga in the Gardens, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. All-levels outdoor Vinyasa yoga class in Morven’s gardens. Also Wednesday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Patriotic Jar Lantern, Ewing Branch, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing. Hands-on craft program. 3 and 5 p.m. Fall Cornhole League, Bent Iron Brewing, 70 Extonville Road, Hamilton. Weekly fall cornhole league with rotating game times; teams play at least two games each night. bentironbrewing. com. 5:30 p.m.
Trivia in the Winery, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township. Public trivia program at the winery. 5 p.m.
Julio Torres, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton. 8 p.m. Hooked-on-Yarn, Hollowbrook Branch, Mercer County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Beginners and experienced yarn crafters can work on projects and share techniques. Ages 16 and older. Also Thursday, September 10, September 17 and September 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. 10 to 11 a.m.
Friday, September 11
West Windsor 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Twin Ponds 9/11 Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, West Windsor. Rededication of the memorial, a new addition funded by American Legion Princeton Post 76 and 2,983 tribute flags. 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 10 Saturday, September 12 Five Independent Souls: The Signers from
New Jersey, Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, morven.org. Exhibition examining the five New Jersey delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence, including the contradiction between their advocacy of liberty and the enslavement practiced by all five. More than 100 manuscripts, paintings, furnishings and personal objects are featured. On view through January 2027 during regular museum hours. 10 a.m.
YOUR HOMETOWN YOUR AGENT YOUR HOMETOWN HOMETOWN AGENTAGENT YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT YOUR HOMETOWN AGENT Your Hometown Agent YOUR HOMETOWN YOUR YOUR HOMETOWN HOMETOWN AGENT AGENTAGENT
FOPOS Volunteer Stewardship Sessions, Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Princeton. Volunteers work on invasive-species removal and restoration-area preparation. 9 a.m. and noon West Windsor Community Farmers Market, Princeton Junction Train Station, West Windsor. Weekly outdoor market featuring local farms, food producers and artisans. Community group: Abbott Marshlands & GMS. Rain or shine. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What’s New in the Arboretum, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculpture.org. Horticulture staff lead a walk highlighting recent plantings and changes in the arboretum. Also Wednesday, September 16, from 11 a.m. to noon. 11 a.m. to noon The Porches of Allentown: History & Music, Allentown. Stroll Main Street and the surrounding countryside for music, food and stories about the community’s history. Part of TAVI’s America 250 programming. noon to 4 p.m. John Abbott II House Tours, John Abbott II House, 2200 Kuser Road, Hamilton. Free tours of the historic house are offered Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, September 19-20 and September 26-27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Music & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at the winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 5 to 8 p.m. Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 13
Listen Local: The Successful Failures, Hinds Plaza, Princeton, or Princeton Public Library in case of rain. The Trenton band closes the 2026 Listen Local series. 3 p.m. John Abbott II House Tours, John Abbott II House, 2200 Kuser Road, Hamilton. Free tours of the historic house are offered Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, September 19-20 and September 26-27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Little STEAM-ers Activity Time, West Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Vehicle Day at the Library, West Windsor Jennifer Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, PrincJennifer Woloszyn Jennifer Woloszyn Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton JuncWoloszyn eton Junction. Hands-on science, technology, Poet’s Perspective Poetry Reading & Woloszyn Woloszyn tion. Families can see and learn about postal Open Mic, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Woloszyn engineering, art and math activities for young Woloszyn Woloszyn Insurance Counselor Insurance Counselor Woloszyn trucks, police vehicles, fire engines and other Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Insurance Counselor children. 11 a.m. Insurance Counselor Insurance Counselor vehicles. Free. 10 a.m. to noon Insurance Counselor 9/11 25th Counselor Anniversary Remembrance Insurance Insurance Counselor Insurance Counselor Blood Drive, Hopewell Branch, 245 Penning-
METOWN TOWN AGENT ETOWN AGENTAGENT METOWN AGENT TOWN AGENT ETOWN AGENT METOWN AGENT TOWN AGENT ETOWN AGENT 1260 Route 33 South 1260 Route 33 South 1260 RouteWoloszyn 33 South Jennifer 1260 Route 33 South 1260 Route 33 South Hamilton, NJ 08690 Hamilton, NJ 08690 1260 Route 33 South
ton-Titusville Road, Pennington. New York Blood Center blood drive; appointments requested. noon to 6 p.m. Drop-in Upcycle Challenge: Dolls, Law-
Hamilton, NJ 08690 rence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County 1260 Route 33 South 1260 Route 33 South Executive Insurance Agent 1260 Route 33 South Hamilton, NJ 08690 Hamilton, NJ 08690 (609) 631-4286 Ph:Ph: (609) 631-4286 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, LawPh: (609) NJ 631-4286 Hamilton, 08690 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Hamilton, NJ 08690 Route 33 South Ph: (609) 631-4286 Cell: (609) 337-2366 renceville, events.mcl.org. Hands-on upcycling Ph:1260 (609) 631-4286 Cell: (609) 337-2366 Ph:(609) (609) 631-4286 Cell: (609) 337-2366 Ph: 631-4286 Ph: (609) 631-4286 challenge using dolls and repurposed materials. Hamilton, NJ 08690 Ph: (609) 631-4286 Cell: (609) 337-2366 Cell: (609) 337-2366 Cell: (609)337-2366 337-2366 Also Thursday, September 10, at 1 p.m. 1 p.m. Cell: (609) Ph: (609) 631-4286 jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com Cell: (609) 337-2366 Cell: (609) 337-2366 jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com Zen Coloring for Adults, Robbinsville Cell: (609) 337-2366 jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com Insurance Counselor Insurance Counselor jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com Insurance Counselor Branch, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ jwoloszyn@aca.aaa.com jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com Insurance Counselor http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ Insurance Counselor jwoloszyn@aaamidatlantic.com http://midatlantic.aaa.com/
Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer Woloszyn Jennifer Woloszyn Woloszyn Woloszyn Woloszyn Woloszyn Woloszyn Woloszyn Woloszyn
Insurance Counselor Counselor Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Insurance Insurance Counselor http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ Insurance Counselor http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ Agent/jenniferwoloszyn http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ http://midatlantic.aaa.com/ Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn Agent/jenniferwoloszyn
Robbinsville. Meditative coloring program for adults. 1:30 p.m. Teen Art Studio Drop-in Program, New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton. Drop-in art-making program for teens. 3 p.m.
th th 0 STEM Activities for Kids: Secret Messagth 0 es With Invisible Ink, Ewing Branch, 61 Scotch 0 66 40 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026 66 NM-00045138
Aging with Dignity: Five Wishes for Advance Care Planning, Robbinsville Branch, Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville, events. mcl.org. Paul Knight discusses advance care planning and documenting end-of-life health care preferences. Participants receive a complimentary copy of Five Wishes, a planning tool from the nonprofit Aging with Dignity. Registration required. 10:30 a.m. 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Woolsey Park, 203 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Hopewell Township. 11 a.m. to noon Family Open Studios: Field Day, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculpture.org. Drop-in indoor and outdoor activities include yoga freeze dance, hopscotch, chalk drawing, bubbles, kite making, sun prints and wellness activities. All ages. Free for members and included with admission. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Featured poets Lillian LaSalle and Hilary S. Kayle read from their work, followed by an open mic for members of the community. Registration requested. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Music & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at the winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to 5 p.m.
Monday, September 14
Stroller Tour, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculpture. org. Families with children ages 0 to 3 take a 30-minute docent-led stroll through the gardens, followed by an artmaking activity. $5 per
child; adults $25; seniors $18; members free. Also Monday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. 11 a.m. to noon Adult Craft: Fall Macrame Rainbow, Hollowbrook Branch, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing. Registration required. 7 to 8 p.m. Coffee and Conversation, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Meet neighbors and make new connections over complimentary coffee. Also Monday, September 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 10 to 11:30 a.m. ELL Conversation Group, West Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. Adult English-language learners practice conversational English in a friendly, informal setting. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Medicare 101, West Windsor Branch, Mercer County Library System, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, events.mcl.org. Jeff Previte explains Medicare eligibility, enrollment deadlines, coverage options and common choices facing people approaching Medicare age. Registration requested. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15
Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street, Princeton. Glaude presents America, U.S.A. in conversation with Naomi Murakawa. 6 p.m. Art After Dark & A Movie: Matilda, West Windsor Branch, Mercer County Library Sys-
ACTIVE
tem, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, events.mcl.org. Create art while watching the 1996 film “Matilda,” based on Roald Dahl’s novel. Registration requested. 5:30 to 7:15 p.m.
Five Wishes for Advance Care Planning, Ewing Branch, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing. Paul Knight discusses documenting personal and medical wishes. Registration required. 7 p.m.
Midday Masterpieces, Hollowbrook Branch, Mercer County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Adults create a fall macrame rainbow during a guided craft session. Registration required. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Zen Hour, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Relax with classical music and jazz in Community Room A. Also Wednesday, September 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, September 16
What’s New in the Arboretum, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculpture.org. Horticulture staff lead a walk highlighting recent plantings and changes in the arboretum. Also Wednesday, September 16, from 11 a.m. to noon. 11 a.m. to noon Owen Zidar in Conversation with Alan Blinder, Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street, Princeton. Discussion of The Everywhere Millionaire. 6 p.m. Understanding the College Financial Aid Process, Robbinsville Branch, Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville, events.mcl.org. Program covers the FAFSA, CSS Profile and strategies families can use to understand college financial-aid offers and costs. Registration required. 6:30 p.m.
VOORHEES
PENDING HAMILTON
Fall Cornhole League, Bent Iron Brewing, 70 Extonville Road, Hamilton. Weekly fall cornhole league with rotating game times; teams play at least two games each night. bentironbrewing.com. 5:30 p.m. Books & Beer, Tindall Road Brewing Co., 102 Farnsworth Avenue, Suite 110, Bordentown. Books-and-beer gathering at the downtown brewery. 6 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, September 17
New Jersey Native Plants Seminar and Plant Sale, Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. Garden Club of Princeton and D&R Greenway Land Trust present a free interactive seminar followed by the opening day of D&R Greenway’s native plant sale at noon. No RSVP required. 10:30 a.m. Friends of the Lawrence Library September Book Sale, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Thousands of used books are available. Early
ACTIVE
CLOSED ALLENTOWN - $1,300,000
admission is Thursday, September 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.; the sale continues Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Monday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Monday are $5 bag days. 1 to 4 p.m. Hooked-on-Yarn, Hollowbrook Branch, Mercer County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Beginners and experienced yarn crafters can work on projects and share techniques. Ages 16 and older. Also Thursday, September 10, September 17 and September 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. 10 to 11 a.m. Outdoor Library Garden Walk, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Kelly Rypkema of the Mercer County Park Commission leads a tour of the library’s new meadow garden and discusses native plants, pollinators and sustainable landscaping. Registration requested. 6 to 7 p.m. Thirsty Thursday Live Music, Working Dog Winery, 610 Windsor-Perrineville Road, Hightstown. Live music with $2 off wines by the glass. workingdogwinerynj.com. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 18
Friends of the Lawrence Library September Book Sale, Lawrence Headquarters
See HAPPENING, Page 42
ROBBINSVILLE RANCH
CLOSED ALLENTOWN - $950,000
Well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Ranch This beautiful 4 bed 4 and a half bath 3655 situated on a beautiful half-acre lot. Home square foot Tudor style colonial on a serene hardwood flooring, aus! formal living next year? Contact private lot just hit the market featuring a custom Considering selling now or features room and dining room, and a comfortable kitchen with quartz countertops, custom We’ve alived in this community for over 20 years and been inbybusiness for more than 30. familyhave room highlighted a brick fireplace, built ins throughout, beautifully finished 3 generously sized bedrooms, first-floor basement, sauna,Our screened in back sunroom, experience and local knowledge consistently helpfullsellers topwith dollar — and we laundry, basement,achieve large rear deck balcony off the master bed, and an in ground retractable awning overlooking a tree-lined pool all surrounded by mature landscaping to can do the same for you. backyard with an above-ground pool and Natalie Smires, SA Edward Smires, BROKER feel like your own little oasis! Joseph Perilli, SA William “Bill” Perilli, SA storage shed, and a two-car garage. Cell: 609-477-3168 Cell: 609-635-7370 Cell: 609-947-2435 Cell: 609-638-2904
RT 33, 33 SUITE 101101, 23302330 Route Suite
AT SMIRES AND ASSOCIATES, 375 Farnsworth Ave., ITS ALL IN ONE PLACEBordentown NJ 08505 GIVE IT YOUR ALL!
ROBBINSVILLENJ NJ 08691 08691 Robbinsville, 609-259-1414
Office: 609-259-1414
Office: 609-298-9888
smiresandassociates.com September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 41
HAPPENING continued from Page 41 Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Thousands of used books are available. Early admission is Thursday, September 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.; the sale continues Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Monday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Monday are $5 bag days. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meet with the Library Social Worker, Robbinsville Branch, Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville, mcl.org/social-services. Library social worker Anthony offers appointments to help residents navigate local, county and state social-service resources. Sessions are informational and are not a substitute for therapy or medical or mental health treatment. Also Friday, September 18,
from noon to 4 p.m. noon to 4 p.m.
caregivers in an interactive singalong concert. Community Cultural Exchange, Hinds Pla- No registration required. 10:30 to 11 a.m. za, Princeton. Cultural displays, arts and crafts Microsoft Word for Students and Proand children’s activities as part of National Wel- fessionals, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, coming Week. 4 p.m. Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Gary Gulman: Grandiloquent, Berlind The- Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Learn to atre at McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton. edit, proofread, format and organize longer academic and professional documents in Microsoft 7:30 p.m. Word. 1 to 3 p.m. “Wonderland”, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer Tavern Night, Old Barracks Museum, 101 County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Playful Theatre Pro- Barrack St., Trenton, barracks.org. The museum ductions presents Frank Wildhorn’s pop-rock becomes an 18th-century tavern for an evening musical inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Won- of games, music and dancing, with hors d’oeuderland,” following a grown-up Alice through a vres and an open beer and wine bar. Ages 21 and topsy-turvy journey of self-discovery. $30; rec- older. Tickets are $90, or $75 for Old Barracks Association members, and will not be sold at ommended for ages 8 and older. 8 p.m. the door. 7 to 10 p.m. Kids’ Concert with Tim Hoh, West WindMusic & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, sor Branch, Mercer County Library System, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, events. 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at mcl.org. Musician Tim Hoh leads children and the winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 19
West Windsor Community Farmers Market, Princeton Junction Train Station, West Windsor. Weekly outdoor market featuring local farms, food producers and artisans. Music by Jane Erickson Voice Studio; community groups include the West Windsor Bike & Pedestrian Alliance and Friends of West Windsor Open Space. Rain or shine. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hopewell Harvest Fair, Hopewell Elementary School, Hopewell Borough. Entertainment, contests, children’s activities, games, local businesses and nonprofits. Rain date Oct. 3. 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, October 16 • 10 am - 2 pm
Center Court | 3320 US-1 | Lawrenceville | NJ 08648
Scan for more information and to pre-register for this FREE event or go directly to 2026senior.eventbrite.com
If you are interested in joining us as a sponsor or vendor at the event, scan here or email us at events@donnelly.media
42 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
Friends of the Lawrence Library September Book Sale, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Thousands of used books are available. Early admission is Thursday, September 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.; the sale continues Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Monday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Monday are $5 bag days. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Unearthing History, One Page at a Time: Freedmen’s Bureau, Hopewell Branch, Mercer County Library System, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, events.mcl.org. Participants transcribe Smithsonian handwritten records from the Freedmen’s Bureau, helping make documents about formerly enslaved people during Reconstruction searchable for researchers and genealogists. Bring a laptop if possible; a limited number will be available. Registration requested. 10:30 a.m. to noon Science Saturday with Princeton University, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Princeton University Science Outreach presents hands-on science activities for students in grades K-5. A
caregiver must remain with each child. Registration required. 11 a.m. Art All Day, Throughout Trenton, artallday. artworkstrenton.org. Artworks Trenton’s free citywide open-studio tour and creative showcase features artists, studios, galleries and creative businesses, along with hop-on buses, tours and live art and music. Artworks, 19 Everett Alley, is among the participating sites. noon to 6 p.m. Kuser Mansion Tours, Kuser Farm Mansion, Hamilton. Public tours of the historic mansion are offered Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, from noon to 4 p.m. noon to 4 p.m. Alec Baldwin in Conversation on Music, Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, Princeton University. Baldwin joins WQXR host Terrance McKnight with live music by pianist Tony Siqi Yun. 3 p.m. “Wonderland”, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Playful Theatre Productions presents Frank Wildhorn’s pop-rock musical inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” following a grown-up Alice through a topsy-turvy journey of self-discovery. $30; recommended for ages 8 and older. 8 p.m. Arts Council of Princeton Beer + Wine Garden, Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton. Annual fundraiser featuring local beer and wine in support of the arts council’s community programming. 2 to 5 p.m. Central Jersey Dance Society No Name Dance, Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton Street, Princeton. East Coast Swing lesson from 7:10 to 8:10 p.m., followed by open dancing. Admission $15; $10 for full-time students with ID. 7 to 11 p.m. FOPOS Fall Fest, Mountain Lakes House, Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Princeton. Annual fundraiser with live music, fall food, craft beer and nature activities for all ages. 4 to 6 p.m. John Abbott II House Tours, John Abbott II House, 2200 Kuser Road, Hamilton. Free tours of the historic house are offered Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, September 19-20 and September 26-27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sourland Spectacular, The Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, sourlandspectacular.com. Sourland Conservancy’s 15th annual cycling fundraiser offers four routes through Sourland forests and farmland, with flexible starting times. Registration includes breakfast, route snacks, lunch, dessert and a beverage; proceeds support the conservancy. starts from 7 to 10 a.m. Music & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at the winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 5 to 8 p.m. Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Town-
ship. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to 5 p.m. Michael Cappetto, Bent Iron Brewing, 70 Extonville Road, Hamilton. Singer-songwriter and guitarist performs an acoustic set blending pop, rock and folk. 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 20
Kuser Mansion Tours, Kuser Farm Mansion, Hamilton. Public tours of the historic mansion are offered Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, from noon to 4 p.m. noon to 4 p.m. “Wonderland”, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Playful Theatre Productions presents Frank Wildhorn’s pop-rock musical inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” following a grown-up Alice through a topsy-turvy journey of self-discovery. $30; recommended for ages 8 and older. 2 p.m. Friends of the Lawrence Library September Book Sale, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Thousands of used books are available. Early admission is Thursday, September 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.; the sale continues Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Monday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Monday are $5 bag days. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. John Abbott II House Tours, John Abbott II House, 2200 Kuser Road, Hamilton. Free tours of the historic house are offered Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, September 19-20 and September 26-27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Music & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at the winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to 5 p.m.
Monday, September 21
Friends of the Lawrence Library September Book Sale, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Thousands of used books are available. Early admission is Thursday, September 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.; the sale continues Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Monday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Monday are $5 bag days. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jumpin’ Jamie!, Ewing Branch, Mercer
County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Kindie-rock performer Jumpin’ Jamie presents live music, puppet songs and skits, movement activities, toy instruments and other interactive fun for children from birth through age 5. Registration required. 11 a.m. Mayor’s Wellness Campaign Wellness Walk, Kuser Farm Park, 390 Newkirk Ave., Hamilton. Community wellness walk includes a historical tour of the Kuser Mansion grounds. Meet in the parking lot; rain date is Monday, September 28. noon
Andrea Bajani, Princeton Public Library. Bajani presents his Strega Prize-winning novel The Anniversary. 6 p.m. How to Hunt the Jersey Devil, Ewing Branch, Mercer County Library System, 61 Scotch Road, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Author, screenwriter and comedian Tony DiGerolamo explores the Jersey Devil and other Pine Barrens folklore, including witches, ghosts and monsters. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ewing Library. Registration required. 6:30 p.m.
Cook Talks: Addressing Food Insecurity and Food Waste, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Meg Lembo of Share My Meals discusses food waste and food insecurity in New Jersey and Microsoft Excel for Students and Profes- how the nonprofit recovers surplus meals from sionals, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mer- commercial cafeterias for neighbors in need. cer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Registration requested. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Hooked-on-Yarn, Hollowbrook Branch, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Learn data visualization, charts, graphs and essential formulas for working with larger data sets in Microsoft Excel. 1 to 3 p.m. ELL Conversation Group, West Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. Adult English-language learners practice conversational English in a friendly, informal setting. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Mercer County Library System, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, events.mcl.org. Beginners and experienced yarn crafters can work on projects and share techniques. Ages 16 and older. Also Thursday, September 10, September 17 and September 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. 10 to 11 a.m. World Language Circles: Farsi, West Windsor Branch, Mercer County Library System, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, events. mcl.org. Librarian Darya Tahvildar-Zadeh leads intermediate-level Farsi and Dari conversation with vocabulary practice and discussion of Persian culture. Limited to 10 participants. Registration required. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thirsty Thursday Live Music, Working Dog Winery, 610 Windsor-Perrineville Road, Hightstown. Live music with $2 off wines by the glass. workingdogwinerynj.com. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 25
See HAPPENING, Page 44
Tuesday, September 22
Su Friedrich in Conversation with Jill Dolan, Princeton Public Library. Friedrich discusses her memoir I Still Am. 6 p.m. Finding Calm: Mindfulness & Stress Reduction, Robbinsville Branch, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville. Penn Medicine Princeton Health community wellness program. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23
Library Card Sign-up Month Program, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Library Card Sign-up Month program in Community Room A. Also Wednesday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. 10 a.m. to noon Sustainable Homes Panel, Princeton Public Library. Green building and landscaping experts answer questions about sustainable homes. 6 p.m.
PRESENTED BY AHEPA CHAPTER 72
Fall Cornhole League, Bent Iron Brewing, 70 Extonville Road, Hamilton. Weekly fall cornhole league with rotating game times; teams play at least two games each night. bentironbrewing. com. 5:30 p.m.
HTTPS://TRENTON-72-ORDER-OF-AHEPA.SQUARE.SITE/
Thursday, September 24
PRESENTED BY AHEPA CHAPTER 72
Community Health Screening Event, Hopewell Branch, Mercer County Library System, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, events.mcl.org. Hopewell Township Health Department offers free blood sugar, blood pressure and other health screenings. No appointment is listed. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Re-visioning America Gallery Crawl, Art and historical venues throughout Princeton showcase work about the nation’s past, present and future. 5:30 p.m.
HTTPS://TRENTON-72-ORDER-OF-AHEPA.SQUARE.SITE/
NM-00049741
St George Greek Orthodox Church 1200 Klockner Rd, Trenton, NJ 08619
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 43
HAPPENING continued from Page 43 “Wonderland”, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Playful Theatre Productions presents Frank Wildhorn’s pop-rock musical inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” following a grown-up Alice through a topsy-turvy journey of self-discovery. $30; recommended for ages 8 and older. 8 p.m. Kuser Farm Mansion Movie Night: Mary Poppins, Kuser Farm Mansion, Hamilton. 6 to 9 p.m. Swirl: An Evening of Art and Wine, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculpture.org. Annual fundraiser pairs five sculptures on a docent-led garden tour with food and wine selected by the chef and sommelier at Rat’s Restaurant. Tours last about 90 minutes. Tickets are $160 for members and $175 for nonmembers. start times from 5 to 6:40 p.m. Music & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at the winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 5 to 8 p.m.
farms, food producers and artisans. Music by Tigertown Classic Jazz; community group: EASEL. Rain or shine. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fall Planters, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. Hands-on seasonal container gardening workshop. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hopewell Tour Des Arts, Hopewell Valley Arts Council presents its 19th annual self-guided art and music tour with more than 60 local artists and 12 bands at studios and group locations throughout the Hopewell area. Hopewell Valley Stage, 5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell, serves as the welcome center with maps, information, live music and the One Piece Show. Free; donations encouraged. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Wonderland”, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Playful Theatre Productions presents Frank Wildhorn’s pop-rock musical inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” following a grown-up Alice through a topsy-turvy journey of self-discovery. $30; recommended for ages 8 and older. 2 p.m.
Folk Instruments and Music of Bengal, Princeton Public Library. Young musicians can try traditional Bengali instruments with folk Mercer County Household Hazardous musician Joy Sankar. 3 p.m. Build-A-Bee Abode, Grounds For Sculpture, Waste and Electronics Collection, Dempster Fire School, 350 Lawrence Station Road, Law- 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculprenceville. Open to Mercer County residents; ture.org. Mercer County Parks staff discuss native pollinators and habitat for stem-nesting proof of residency required. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Electronics Recycling and Paper Shred- bees before participants build an upcycled bee ding, Hopewell Township Public Works Building, house from household materials. $10 for mem203 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Ti- bers and children ages 5 to 18; $35 general adtusville. Open to Hopewell Township, Hopewell mission. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, September 26
John Abbott II House Tours, John Abbott II Borough and Pennington residents. 9 a.m. to House, 2200 Kuser Road, Hamilton. Free tours of noon West Windsor Community Farmers Mar- the historic house are offered Saturday and Sunket, Princeton Junction Train Station, West day, September 12-13, September 19-20 and SepWindsor. Weekly outdoor market featuring local tember 26-27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 1 to 4:30 p.m. See HAPPENING, Page 48
DON’T LET THE STATE TAKE YOUR ESTATE
Kathleen Scott Chasar, Esq.
Elder and Family Law Asset Protection
- Wills - Living Wills - Trusts - Power of Attorney - Probate - Real Estate Closing - Divorce (609) 882-2200 • 903 Parkway Avenue • Ewing, NJ 08618 Kschasar.law@gmail.com
44 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
COMPLEX SIMPLICITY
BY PETER DABBENE
Tennis whites and Newport nights malfunction?) Whether comedy, action or a combination of both, the result would undoubtedly prove more popular than the original with the male demographic. My less exciting but entirely true story does give some male representation to the proceedings. It begins with the recent summer rental of a house near Newport, Rhode Island. Twelve family members, some with very different interests, would occupy it for several days. In the month or two before, we all looked at the town’s offerings, and it seemed like a perfect vacation spot, with something everyone would like, even if they spent the rest of the time suffering through everyone else’s choices. My wife’s main interest was touring the Newport Mansions, those architectural testaments to the wealth and excess of the Gilded Age; my son was interested in the Newport area’s two auto museums, which were impressive even to a non-car enthusiast like me. We took a boat ride around the harbor and admired the multimillion-dollar yachts, those nautical testaments to the wealth and excess of the modern age. We also visited a public beach at East Matunuck. It was free, a welcome novelty compared with most New Jersey beaches, but you did have to pay for parking and suffer the smell of decomposing red and brown seaweed, which releases a potent
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a 2005 film most men would choose to watch only if their sole alternative entertainment option was The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008). Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002) might also come up short in a head-to-head matchup, but it’s iffy. I know people, all women, who’ve seen The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and I’ve heard bits about the story, but let’s face it: No plot could measure up to that admittedly intriguing title. If I were to create a story inspired by the title alone, it would involve a pair of selfaware pants and the secret, centuries-old women’s order tasked with keeping it secure. One day, someone would be a little lax on guard duty, and the pants would slip out from their confines and emerge to explore the world (escapes would be easier if you’re mostly flat). From that point, the narrative might go the fish-out-of-water comedy route, as the curious, naïve pants learn about the world, delightfully entertaining the humans who watch them do so; or it could follow a monster movie template, as the sacred pantaloons rebel against efforts to return them to their former sanctuary-prison, resulting in the rage-fueled destruction of entire cities until a weakness is found. (A stuck zipper? A lost button? Some other embarrassing wardrobe
P
AVÉ
GOLDSMITH SINCE 1995
Precious Metals Repair On Site Workshop Laser Welding/Soldering Diamond and Gemstone setting Replacement Watch Batteries Over 800 Bands & Straps Pearl and Bead Restringing HigHest Prices | Bonded and licensed CASH FOR GOLD Jewelry Mechanic On Duty
Buying gold, silver and diamonds 4481 S. Broad St, Yardville, NJ
609-588-5224
www.PaveDiamonds.com
NM-00044834
“rotten egg” odor due to hydrogen sulfide. I’ll take a long walk to the ocean at Wildwood Crest any day. The National Museum of American Illustration in Newport would have been a top attraction for me, but it’s been closed to the public since 2020. “Online exhibitions” are offered on the museum website, but at this point the entire endeavor seems like a convenient tax dodge, a way to classify your mansion as a tax-exempt museum and house your collection inside it while never actually allowing the common folk inside to see the art. Also on my Newport to-do list was a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The museum was a bit underwhelming. I would have loved to see videos of the top 10 points won by various players or a short film summarizing the sport’s greatest matches and rivalries. But I was excited to actually play tennis on a grass court, which I’d never done. It’s not cheap to rent a grass tennis court at the Tennis Hall of Fame, even for an hour, but I decided this might be my one and only opportunity. After checking, it seems there are more public grass courts in the U.S. than I thought, but the closest ones are in Newport and East Hampton, New York. Interestingly, the largest grasscourt facility in the U.S. is at a golf resort in Wisconsin, while a court modeled on Wimbledon’s Centre Court is available to the public with a visit to the Kuhn Family Farm in Iowa. Nonmembers of the Hall of Fame Tennis Club, aka the riffraff, are only allowed to reserve slots starting at 11:30 a.m., so I booked that time and hoped the weather
would cooperate. When I called a week before our reservation to confirm a few things, I was told that players were required to wear “tennis whites,” which consisted of a white shirt and white shorts, at minimum. The representative I spoke to was careful to clarify that this was not a “whites-only” tennis club, which at first sounded like an equal-opportunity statement presented to avoid trouble with the NAACP. Apparently, she meant it mainly as a statement of the club’s clothing policy: While most members chose to also wear a white tennis visor or hat, sneakers, socks and hats were exempted from the whiteonly rule. I owned a white Dri-FIT shirt, but no white pants, so I ordered a cheap pair from Amazon; my daughter did the same for a tennis skirt. It irritated me that I was being forced to spend even more money on this tennis experience, but at this point, $10 here or there was an afterthought. I’ve always thought it strange that tennis is, in many circles, considered a rich person’s sport. In my experience, a free public hard court, a $25 racket and a few old tennis balls are all you really need. If there are cracks in the court or the ball doesn’t bounce perfectly, deal with it! I’d love to see pros matched up on crumbling courts, with windy weather, cheap rackets and a mix of new and dead balls. It would test their ability to adapt under less-than-ideal conditions and serve as a more entertaining alternative than watching them compete in the sheltered environment of most tennis tournaments. Just a day before we left for Newport, my son commented that he’d like to play
tennis there. He hadn’t expressed any interest until then, and though it was a last-minute inconvenience, I didn’t want to discourage him. He had a white shirt, but no white shorts. I figured we’d buy a pair at a Walmart in Newport or at the Hall of Fame Pro Shop. The morning of our reservation, we piled into the minivan and headed out. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is located in downtown Newport, which is not ideal for auto travel. Traffic was heavy, and the nearest Walmart was more than 20 minutes away and in the wrong direction, so we would take our chances with the Pro Shop. Everything in Newport is expensive, including the parking. Some lots charge $20 per hour, with daily maximums around $60. Luckily, there’s a CVS across from the Hall of Fame that validates parking, providing two hours free with any purchase from the store. Walking into the Hall of Fame’s Pro Shop, we checked in for our court time, and I asked a salesperson where one might find the cheapest white shorts in the store. She led us to a nice pair that cost $85, a large percentage more than I was willing to spend. I went back to the front desk and decided to be frank with the manager, because being Pete wasn’t getting me anywhere. I explained the situation and asked if my son and I could use the changing rooms to exchange pants halfway through the hour. That way, we could each have half an hour playing against my daughter. I’m guessing it’s not a common request because he seemed a bit taken aback. But
ever the professional, he agreed this was something that did not violate any rules. I hadn’t, after all, suggested playing in tighty-whities. I started the hour, armed with several slightly worn tennis balls. The ball tends to skid on a grass court, which keeps it low and makes its movements less predictable than on a hard court. Halfway through, my son and I met in the locker room. I put on another pair of shorts I’d brought with me and gave him the white ones to wear. Having sweated in them for 30 minutes on a hot, humid day, I think I got the better of that deal. He played for the rest of the time, pretty well for someone who doesn’t do it regularly, and the legend of the Brotherhood of the Traveling Pants was born. In The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the pants travel around the world, and the characters learn about true friendship. Our pants traveled about 250 miles by car, and no life lessons were learned, other than “cheap will find a way.” It may not be the most compelling tale, but maybe there’s some modest entertainment value to be found. After all, it kept you reading this long, didn’t it? And when Hollywood comes knocking and the movie rights to The Brotherhood of the Traveling Pants are sold for millions, maybe I’ll go back and splurge on that $85 pair of shorts. Peter Dabbene’s website is www.peterdabbene.com, and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at centraljersey.media. His poetry/photo book, “The Lotus Eater (and Other Poems),” is available through Amazon.com for $20 in print or $10 as an ebook.
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
New Talent Alert! Please join us in welcoming Sarah and Flor to the shop!
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
We are expanding our team to better serve you with the quality and style you’ve come to expect! Book your visit with Sarah or Flor and help us give them a warm welcome!
EWING, NJCATERING FOR ALL YOUR SUMMER EVENTS
Holidayg cHaotliedrin y yasn!g tr a eri cat trays!
238 Scotch Road EWING, NJ $8.99 FOR ALL YOUR SUMMER EVENTS CATERING
609-406-9000 238 Scotch Road Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-8pm (includes 1 small hoagie 609-406-9000
Combo
PRIMOHOAGIES.COMCannot be combined
To: 484-270-4000 to ® To: 484-270-4000 to become a PrimoHoagies ® become membera PrimoHoagies
1959 Route 33, Hamilton 609-586-6029
www.tbsbarbershops.com member
withon other offers Download our App Download App on the iTunes®® our or Google the iTunes or Google Play Store
$4 OffHoliedrinayg
Expiration date: 9/30/26 Cannot be combined with other offers
Expiration date: 9/30/26 Cannot be combined with other offers
cat 15% OFF Catering Trays trays! 15% OFF Catering Trays A Whole Hoagie
Holiday caterin!g With this coupon. Expires 7/31/26.trays
and 1 small bag of chips) Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-8pm
PRIMOHOAGIES.COM Expiration date: 9/30/26
Any Catering Order
15% Off
With this coupon. Expires 7/31/26. To: 484-
2222 Route Route33 33 Hamilton Hamilton Township, Township,NJ NJ08690 08690 (609) (609) 586-0062 586-0062 2222 2222 Route 33 Hamilton Township, NJ 08690 (609) 586-0062
Play Store
To: 484become become member member
September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 45
FIGHT IN THE MUSEUM
BY THOMAS KELLY
Finding the right way to paint wrong Theresa Pfarr is a painter of closely cropped female figures that create colorful, emotional and introspective portraits. She is a professor of drawing and painting at The College of New Jersey and has exhibited all over the United States. Her work in acrylic, oil and watercolor, with its striking intensity, has won many awards and accolades, most recently the Best in Show Award at the prestigious Ellarslie Open annual juried show at the Trenton City Museum. When did your painting evolve from traditional figure representation to your current more abstract style? My work evolves so slowly over time and moves forward and backward. I’ll stop painting with a certain color or stop dealing with space or composition in a certain way but then pick it up again. So, I cannot really point to a moment in
time where there was a noticeable shift, but I’ve always loved generous work that offers more than realism with a more charged surface of color and texture. All of the best abstraction is informed by realism at base. The rules of light, space, line and color, etc. are at play in abstraction as they are in realism. I think when playing the line between abstraction and realism the meaning in a painting often happens where a painter chooses to let go. Who were some of your early influences and inspirations? Like many students, my very first influences were impressionist painters, including Van Gogh, Mary Cassatt, Degas, and Monet. Currently, Pierre Bonnard and Edouard Vuillard are my favorite impressionists. The dazzling textures and shifting color layers in their paintings fascinate me. So many layers go into Mon-
DELHAGEN
Financing Available ALL HVAC EQUIPMENT COMES WITH A 10 YEAR PARTS & LABOR WARRANTY
Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. 609-586-4969 Hamilton Square, NJ www.delhagen-nj.com
Plumbing Lic # BI0104900 I Lic # 13VHO1158200 | HVAC Lic # 19HC00456500 Service & Maintenance I Agreements Available
delhagenplumbin@optonline.net
Call Now to Schedule your Service/Maintenance Appointment. Serving: Hamilton, Robbinsville, Bordentown, Ewing, Lawrenceville, Princeton, Yardville, Allentown, West Windsor & East Windsor
Special Limited Time Offer!
Pre Season Special
$200 OFF
$89
Installation of Complete “Amana” Air Condition & Heating System
+ tax
HVAC Inspection
Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 9/30/2026
$75 OFF
$25 OFF
Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers. For a limited time only.
Mention coupon when calling. Cannot be combined with other offers. For a limited time only.
Any Water Heater or Boiler Installation
Any Service or Repair Call Over $175
46 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
et’s paintings, for example, the surface is suffocated with pieces of paint piled one over the other. It’s a kind of chaos that doesn’t make sense on close inspection but is so well-orchestrated that when you stand back it just sings. When I construct my paintings, I look for the same kind of wrong ways to build imagery with a push and pull of materials. I am looking for the right wrong way to paint. I make a lot of bad paintings in this process and will often turn a work upside down mid-development and continue the painting in a new direction. I wouldn’t call it “painting over” because much of the first layer of paint is preserved in the final state. It’s a way of pulling the image out of chaos. What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art? (Studio space, money for supplies, physical limitations, time to create, recognition, sales, etc.?) Struggle is the right word, felt right now by many people in the current political and environmental climate, artist or not. That classic space, time and money struggle for artists! It’s a guilty privilege! I think I am just used to it as a permanent, luxurious condition of the artist’s life. A new struggle of late, personally, is the mental struggle of balancing showing work with the deep, quieter work of being in the studio. Painting alone and then putting the work out there is always strange. The paintings look drastically different to me after the public sees them and that doesn’t always stem from public feedback. I’m not sure why there is a shift. Maybe it’s just a feeling that the ideas in the paintings are no longer only mine or that I can now see the work through that lens of public perception. You have undertaken a few artists’ residencies. Does your work change during these times away or does it become more focused? I think whether a residency changes your work or deepens it is individual to the artist and the work they need to do, but artist residencies are really the answer to the space and time problem many artists face. The residencies I’ve been fortunate to attend were incredibly formative in how they opened up space and
Painter Theresa Pfarr stands among her large-scale figurative works in her studio. Pfarr is a professor of drawing and painting at The College of New Jersey. time, giving me room to ask hard questions in my work, explore technique and develop more meaningful work. A real shift occurred for me at the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program, a yearlong residency grant in New Mexico. The community, the immense, colorful landscape and the facilities there are so nurturing. That experience was truly life-changing. The figures in your paintings are often female. Why do you focus on painting women? What are you communicating with your art? I suppose my work is partially autobiographical. I basically paint women because I am a woman and want to work from that personal vantage point. Ultimately, the message in my work is one of struggle between the figure, space and a sense of place. The figures in my paintings often appear to be female, while some figures have looked more androgynous. The focus for me is not so much on gender, but instead more on how the figures negotiate a congested, psychological and somewhat threatening space. How is the dichotomy of teaching in some styles and painting in another? Do they balance each other? I really enjoy students finding their own voice and working in a style unique to them. I really work to avoid championing particular styles in the classroom.
Trent Jewelers family owned and operated since 1981 A FULL SERVICE JEWELRY STORE OFFERING EXPERT JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIRS
CASH FOR GOLD Bring in your broken or unwanted jewelry for our BEST OFFER
16 EDINBURG ROAD & 5 POINTS MERCERVILLE 609-584-8800 WWW.TRENTJEWELERS.COM
YEARS
Closed Sunday Monday and Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday 10:30-5:45 Friday & Saturday 10:30-4:45
ANNIVERSARY
1666 Hamilton Ave. | Hamilton, NJ 08629 | www.priornami.com |info@priornami.com
ONSITE
Ask Us About
Secure Networks & Wifi “Onslaught,” by Theresa Pfarr, places the female figure within a dense, fragmented environment, a recurring theme in the artist’s work. However, the work I love to see in museums and in the classroom is work that shows a conversation between the artist and their materials. I do encourage my students to find that dialogue between their ideas and their materials. I don’t think that approach to making art is limited to one painting style. Do you use preparator y drawings for your paintings? Sometimes I do, yes, but I use the sketches as a way of warming up, as a way to get into a zone of negotiating color and form. I begin a painting by planning for color and composition to an extent, but I allow the work to lead me very far away from my initial plan. I do have an initial broad point of inquiry in my practice conceptually regarding the figure vs. the environment. “Are we the products of our space or do we produce our space?” Our
environment is everything to our perception of self. It is also nothing at the same time. Furthermore, what is figure painting vs. landscape painting? What is landscape if not a projection coming from the artist, the figurative subject within the painting or even the viewer’s projection? I believe making a landscape is a way to claim space, but making art altogether, for that matter, might be a way to claim space. In my work the space is a space of the protagonist’s own making. It’s an enclosed, flawed and personal space. Which is why space is often distorted, abstract and fragmented. Although the narrative in my work isn’t a clear one. I work to build a nonlinear story through layers of paint and levels of abstraction. I often will paint the figure into the landscape or vice versa, the landscape into See PAINT, Page 48
Cybersecurity & Threat Protection Date Backup & Recovery Business Equipment & Managed Print Document Disposal (Shredders)
GB 2000 Power Station w/ Solar Panels
CALL FOR PRICING ON RESIDENTIAL GENERATORS
Sales | Service | Supplies | Leasing | Rentals | Free Estimates |Authorized Technicians Copiers | Computers & Networks | Printers | Shredders |Mailing Solutions |Facsimile September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 47
Theresa Pfarr’s painting “All’s Fair” reflects her approach to blurring the line between realism and abstraction through layered color and texture.
RYANS COMMERCIAL We take the stress out of your everyday maintenance MAINTENANCE
We take the stress out of your everyday maintenance
We take the stress out of your everyday maintenance • Lamp Replacement
• Masonry Repair
• Painting & Wall Repair • Fire Inspection • Tile: Ceramic, Ceiling, Remediation LVP, VCT, Grout, Showers, Backsplash • Leaks, Drips & Clogs • Exterior Sealing • Fencing Repairs
• Windows, Doors,
Hinges & Locks Family Owned • Insured • Pressure Washing & ONE CALL IT ALL Registered • BondedREPAIRS Deck Sanding
ONE CALL REPAIRS IT ALL
• Drafts & Noise NJ# 13VH08647400 Free Estimates • Floor Refurbishing, PA# 125477 Bill Ryan, Owner & Jill Ryan, Manager • And Much More... RepairGeneral & Installations
Free Estimates
Bill Ryan, Owner & Jill Ryan, General Manager
ONE CALL REPAIRS IT ALL Work Weekends & FREE ESTIMATES After Business Hours Work Weekends & After Business Hours Residential - Commercial Family Owned Insured Registered Maintenance and Repairs
Family Owned
Insured Registered
Bill Ryan, Owner &PA# Jill125477 Ryan, General Manager NJ# 13VH08647400
NJ# 13VH08647400
PA# 125477
48 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
609-570-5319
PAINT cont. from Page 47 the figure. Elements of landscape painting exist within the figure when a green expanse cuts into the figure’s hips like in this example, while the tree behind the figure looks fleshy. I see you use almost pure black in your paintings. Is this planned or do you feel it makes the final contrast work better? Black is a color to me and, for that matter, so is white. There is no neutral color in my opinion. Nearly neutral black and white in paintings take on color in the gallery, from lighting, from other colors in the room, etc. In some of my earlier work I worked with canvases primed with black gesso and built the figures on top, essentially building back light and intense color with the hope of achieving a more dramatic effect with light and color. Instead, I learned that the process required so many layers of paint and was exhausting. I’ve since moved back to painting on top of an imprimatura ground layer that’s more mid-value and muted color. What is most fun about being an artist now compared to early on? I think I am at a point where I know what I need to make and feel more cer-
tain about what matters to me in my work. I still do a healthy amount of searching and questioning that’s motivating, but early on at times too much uncertainty was paralyzing in making work. I think I would tell my younger self this: “Just do the work and realize it’s only a painting, it’s only art and you don’t need to be certain to make the work. Painting doesn’t define you, but it will change you. Through the work you find the most honest idea.” What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to? Honestly, I am just looking forward to the possibility of carving out some time that feels endless and being focused in the studio. Instagram: theresapfarr.art Website: www.theresafpfarr.com
HAPPENING continued from Page 44 Tots For Sculpture: Happy Hats, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculpture.org. Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers create colorful paper hats using curling and folding techniques, followed by a reading of “The Magic Hat” by Mem Fox. $5
See HAPPENING, Page 49
HAPPENING continued from Page 48 materials fee per child; free for members. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Princeton Porchfest, Arts Council of Princeton presents a family-friendly, townwide music festival featuring live performances on porches and at other neighborhood locations throughout Princeton. artcouncilofprinceton.org. noon to 6 p.m. Music & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at the winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 5 to 8 p.m. Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 27
Annual Chamber Jam: Piano Edition, Princeton University Concerts, Princeton University, concerts.princeton.edu. Free community music-making event for pianists of all ages and experience levels. Participants play in an informal setting alongside guest artists including Gregg Kallor and Clayton Stephenson. Registration details are available online. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Lawrence Township. Relax in the wine orchard among old apple trees with Terhune wines, light fare and live local music. No cover. terhuneorchards.com. noon to 5 p.m.
Monday, September 28
Creative Art Workshop for Adults with IDD: Air Dry Clay Dragons, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. Guided tour, art project and wellness activity. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Stroller Tour, Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, groundsforsculpture. org. Families with children ages 0 to 3 take a 30-minute docent-led stroll through the gardens, followed by an artmaking activity. $5 per child; adults $25; seniors $18; members free. Also Monday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. 11 a.m. to noon Coffee and Conversation, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St., Trenton. Meet neighbors and make new connections over complimentary coffee. Also Monday, September 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 10 to 11:30 a.m.
ELL Conversation Group, West Windsor Branch, 333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction. Adult English-language learners practice conversational English in a friendly, informal Hopewell Tour Des Arts, Hopewell Valley setting. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Arts Council presents its 19th annual self-guided art and music tour with more than 60 local artSarah Fritz, Princeton Public Library. Illusists and 12 bands at studios and group locations throughout the Hopewell area. Hopewell Valley trated talk on Clara Schumann and the book Stage, 5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell, serves as Madame Composer. 6 p.m.
GENOLY CARING CENTER DR. CHIOMA G. OBIUKWU, DNP/APN PMHNP-BC Family Psychiatric & Behavioral Services
• Depression • Anxiety • Mood Disorders • Substance Abuse • Dual Diagnosis
941 Whitehouse Ave, Suite 12, Hamilton, NJ 08619 P: (609)585-0022 genolycaringcenter@gmail.com F: (609)585-0221
I BUY HOUSES and
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES • Any Condition • 10 Day Cash Closings
Tuesday, September 29
Avoiding AI, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, the welcome center with maps, information, live music and the One Piece Show. Free; donations Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Learn how encouraged. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Wonderland”, Kelsey Theatre, Mercer generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton and Copilot work, where they appear on devices, Road, West Windsor. Playful Theatre Produc- where they can be useful or harmful and how to tions presents Frank Wildhorn’s pop-rock mu- disable them when possible. 1 to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30
sical inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” following a grown-up Alice through a Shelley Frisch in Conversation with Mitopsy-turvy journey of self-discovery. $30; recchael Wood, Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau ommended for ages 8 and older. 2 p.m. Street, Princeton. Discussion of Frisch’s transReverse Coloring, Lawrence Headquarters lation of Thomas Meyer’s biography of Hannah Branch, Mercer County Library System, 2751 Arendt. 6 p.m. Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, events.mcl.org. Zen Hour, Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Instead of filling in printed lines, children add Academy St., Trenton. Relax with classical music their own lines and details to paper covered with and jazz in Community Room A. Also Wednesabstract swirls of color. All ages with adult suday, September 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 10 to pervision. Registration required. 2 p.m. 11:30 a.m. John Abbott II House Tours, John Abbott II Fall Cornhole League, Bent Iron Brewing, 70 House, 2200 Kuser Road, Hamilton. Free tours Extonville Road, Hamilton. Weekly fall cornhole of the historic house are offered Saturday and league with rotating game times; teams play at Sunday, September 12-13, September 19-20 and least two games each night. bentironbrewing. September 26-27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 1 to 4:30 com. 5:30 p.m. p.m. Li-Brewery Trivia, Tindall Road Brewing Co., Music & Vino, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 102 Farnsworth Avenue, Suite 110, Bordentown. Yard Road, Pennington. Free live music at the Brewery trivia night. 7 to 9 p.m. winery. hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Bipolar • Schizophrenia- psychosis • Chronic Impulsivity • Medication Management • Obsessive Compulsion
$$$
Your Local Investor
FAIR PRICES
®
“Over 700 satisfied sellers since 1993”
CALL: 609-581-2207 WANT AN EASY SALE? CALL TODAY Buying Houses In “As-Is” Condition Estate Sales • Vacant Houses Tenant Occupied Properties • Land Change of Life Moves September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 49
thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund,
What is aquablation therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia? visit rwjbh.org/heroes
And please, for them, stay home and safe.
it is time to make an appointment with a the urethra, meaning no incisions are made, urologist? with minimal side effects and long-lasting • Difficulty starting urination relief.” • Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully The procedure uses waterjets guided by the empty AquaBeam Robotic System to remove prostate See our ads in • Sudden urgency to urinate tissue. Special software creates a personalized SIX09 section • Dribbling after urination treatment plan tailored to your anatomy. The pgs 5 and 7 The prostate is a small gland with a “Men may avoid seeing a urologist because heat-free waterjets are robotically controlled significant impact on men’s health, especially conversations about intimate body parts to enhance precision while avoiding critical as they age. While prostate conditions are can feel uncomfortable or structures. This treatment offers common, many men delay seeking care RWJ-104 Heroes Work Here_4.313x11.25_HAM.indd 1 4/17/20 1:21 PM embarrassing, they struggle to patients long-lasting symptom because they assume urinary or pelvic find the right words to describe relief while reducing the risk of symptoms are simply a normal part of aging. their symptoms, or they live by incontinence and loss of sexual The most common prostate-related condition the mindset, ‘If it isn’t broke, function. is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or don’t fix it’,” says Dr. Zholudev. Aquablation Therapy is an enlargement of the prostate. As the prostate “Men, at any age, experiencing excellent option in a broader grows, it may constrict the urethra, making any of these symptoms should range of treatments available to urination difficult, and it may also place make an appointment with a patients. However, the first step pressure on the bladder, causing it to weaken urologist.” is recognizing symptoms and and making it difficult to empty completely. Unlike women, who often being seen by a board-certified “Aquablation therapy is an advanced, urologist. “The earlier we evaluate Dr. Seth Rosenbaum receive routine gynecological minimally invasive treatment for BPH,” says care, standard medical a patient and their symptoms, Seth D. Rosenbaum, MD, MMM, Senior Vice guidelines do not prompt men to see a urologist President and Chief Medical Officer of Robert the easier it is to treat,” said Vitaly Zholudev, preventatively without symptoms. However, Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton MD, board-certified urologist and member early evaluation by a urologist can make a of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. The (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas biggest mistake many men make is waiting too significant difference in treatment options, Health facility. This safe and effective surgical long-term outcomes, and overall quality of life. long to see a urologist. technology available at RWJUH Hamilton For men who notice even slight changes in What are early warning signs that indicate allows surgeons to reach the prostate through urinary or pelvic function at any age, the safest step is to consult a urologist. Prompt action not only protects prostate health but also supports overall well-being as men age. Board-certified urologists, John Watson, MD, Section Chief of Urology and Medical Staff Leadership at RWJUH Hamilton, and Vitaly Zholudev, MD, both RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers, see patients in their practice located at 1 Sheffield Drive, Suite 202A, Columbus, NJ 08022. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call (609) 740-0030. Learn more at rwjbh.org/ hamilton
Ask The Doctor
RWJUH Hamilton support groups this month
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Grief & Loss Support Group. Also Thursday, Sept. 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Center for Health & Wellness at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center. Those who have lost a loved one or been separated from their support system can find comfort and begin coping by interacting with others. A senior well-being specialist will moderate.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Caring for Loved Ones with Chronic Conditions Support Group. Also Monday, Sept. 28. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Center for Health & Wellness at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center. Caring for someone with a chronic illness can take a physical and emotional toll on family members. A caregiver specialist will lead discussions on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience. Registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 609-584-5900 or visit rwjbh.org/ hamiltonprograms.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Alzheimer’s Support Group. 2 to 3 p.m. Also Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6 to 7 p.m. Center for Health & Wellness at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center. The group provides support and information for family members and friends of people with Alzheimer’s disease. A caregiver specialist will lead discussions on crucial topics and facilitate a supportive group experience. Registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 609-584-5900 or visit rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms. Gynecological Cancer Support Group. 2 to 3:30 p.m. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. Facilitated by a certified oncology social worker, the group provides people with gynecologic cancer with support, education and empowerment as they move along the path to recovery. Topics 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 609-584-5900 or visit rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Stroke Support Group. 11 a.m. to noon. Center for Health & Wellness at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center. Participants will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies and firsthand information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle after a stroke. Meetings are facilitated by two outpatient therapists from RWJ Rehabilitation Hamilton: speech-language pathologist Ashley Sarrol and occupational therapist Allyson Panikowski-Berry. People at any stage of recovery are welcome and encouraged to attend with their loved ones. Registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call 609-584-5900 or visit rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms.
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 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Caregiver Support Group. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. CenCenter, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ ter for Health & Wellness at RWJ Fitness & Well08619--unless otherwise noted. View the calenness Center. A caregiver specialist will lead a discussion on crucial topics and facilitate a dar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/ supportive group experience. The group is for hamiltonprograms, or For more information or those caring for a loved one who is aging or to register, call 609-584-5900 or visit rwjbh.org/ has a chronic illness. Shared experiences can be healing. Registration is recommended. For hamiltonprograms or email CommunityEdmore information or to register, call 609-584HAM@rwjbh.org. Registration is required to 5900 or visit rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms. programs.
50 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026
CLASSIFIED
Booking a classified ad has never been easier! Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.
Professional services
Guitar and Drum lessons. Call Jane 609 510-1400. LEGAL SERVICES Wills, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Federal and NJ Taxes, Education Law. House calls available. Bruce Cooke, Esq. 609-799-4674, 609-721-4358.
Home ServiceS F.D.Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Concrete. No job too large or small, Fully insured and licensed. Estimates 908-385-5701 Free Lic#13VH05475900
personals PERSONAL SERVICES Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. A new year is here. Sweet Beginnings, 215-5392894
Booking a classified ad has never been easier! Call us at 609-396-1511 ext. 132.
CRANBURY BROOK COMMUNITY YARD SALE Saturday, September 26, 8am-2pm. Rain Date: Sunday, September 27, 8am-2pm. Over 25 homes participating. CRANBURY BROOK DEVELOPMENT 100 Middlesex Blvd. Plainsboro, NJ 08536
AT YOUR SERVICE
Advertise for $69 a month. For more information call 609-396-1511
RUBBISH GOT RUBBISH GOT RUBBISH WE DO ALL THE LIFTING, LOADING & HAULING AWAY!
GOT DAY RUBBISH SAME DAY SAME DAY SAME SAME DAY SAME DAY SAME DAY SERVICE! SERVICE! SERVICE! SERVICE! SERVICE! We save you time and money. We save you time and money. SERVICE! We save you time and money. 973-604-6340 609-849-5999 609-849-5999 We save you time and money. 973-604-6340 Licensed &
We removeSAME things DAY you don’t need like old furniture, household items, appliances, yard SERVICE! waste,Weconstruction debris & more. save you time and money. www.Got-Rubbish.co We Take Down
Items Wanted HAPPY HEROES used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, kids series books ( old Hardy boys - Nancy Drew -etc WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - PULPS magazines D&D items non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com.
Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4thelovofcards, 908-596-0976 allstar115@verizon.net.
Business OppOrtunity WORK FROM HOME Supplement your income helping others and yourself look and feel better naturally. Work part-time from home with daily pay and free training. No experience needed. Text WELLNESS to 640-202-0791 for more information.
Check us out online!
Licensed & Insured
FREE Metal Pickup www.Got-Rubbish.co www.Got-Rubbish.co www.Got-Rubbish.co Minimum Load Required
Sheds, pools, decks, garages, etc. Insured
2 MEN PLUS 973-604-6340 A PICK UP TRUCK
www.Got-Rubbish.co S P Minimum E&CHAULING I A L :Load $AWAY! 12 9* Required
*Exclusions apply
Mackay’s
Complete Tree Service Fire Wood
Tree Service
HANDYMAN Licensed and Insured
Stump Grinding
FullY INSuRED | FREE ESTIMATES
(609) 577-3949
6 0 9 -3 0 9 -15 0 1 Anthonyshandyman.com
• Basements • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Electrical • Plumbing • Carpentry • Excavation • Demolition • Concrete • Painting • Flooring • Tile • Patio • Junk Removal • Tree Service and More...
“One Call Does It All!” NJ & PA
SCOTT MACKAY - OWNER
Lic#13vh05722200 Check us out on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Two BroThers
resToraTion 609-672-4145
www.twobrothersmasons.com • Mason Restoration • Brick Pointing • Chimney Repair • Foundations & Steps • Waterproofing • Powerwashing •Painting
VICTOR’S VICTOR’S LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING FALL CLEAN »» CLEAN UPS UP LAWNCARE CARE »» LAWN TREEREMOVAL REMOVAL »» TREE FENCING »» FENCING » PATIOS & PATIOS » PAVERS » LAMINATE&& » LAMINATE WOODFLOOR FLOOR WOOD
CALL CALL TODAY TODAY FOR A FREE FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ESTIMATE
609-977-3284 609-977-3284
FullyInsured Insured Fully NJ NJ LIC LIC#13VH08094300 #13VH08094300
MARIO’s Pest cOntROl
Family Owned Business - Hamilton Residents
609-972-BUGS(2847)
10% off any service of $500 or Less
• General Pest • Termites • Bed Bugs • Mosquitos • Wasps
www.mariospest.com
• All the stories from the newspaper • Stories from around the Capital Region • Calendar of Local Events • E-editions And much more!
groveplumbingllc@gmail.com
From minor plumbing repairs to complete remodels, Sewer replacement, Water Service replacement.
centraljersey.media September 2026 | Hamilton Post ■ 51
Availability Growth Claim the advantage on both sides with a CU of NJ Freedom Money Market Account.
Lock in an exclusive rate for your new CU of NJ Freedom Money Market Account! With this account, you’ll earn interest while maintaining the ability to access your funds without worrying about fees or penalties. That means you can save safely and flexibly. To learn more, visit
2.75
%
APY*
gocunj.com/saving
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum balance to earn dividends is $500. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is 2.75% with a dividend rate of 2.72% on balances of $500 to $500,000. Balances over $500,000 will earn an APY of 2.75% to 1.39% with a dividend rate of 0.00% (assuming a $1 million balance). Dividend rate and APY are subject to change at any time without notice before and after a Freedom Money Market is opened. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Rates effective July 1, 2026 and are subject to change without notice. Penalty for early withdrawal.
Federally insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender
52 ■ Hamilton Post | September 2026