Advance Robbinsville
FEBRUARY 2021 FREE
COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
Where’s the vaccine?
The invisible man
Short supplies lead to frustration for those hoping to get vaccinated
Smith removes social media after Jan. 6 attack on Capitol
By BiLL SanserVino
By Sam SCiarrotta
While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to rage throughout the United States during the month of January, the government struggled to provide enough doses to those looking to be protected from the deadly virus. Across the country, states have struggled to meet demand, and the doses shipped have been significantly outweighed by the number of people looking to be vaccinated. When appointments do open up at vaccination sites, available slots are often booked up within hours or less. People have been left confused and frustrated—wondering how, when and where they will get inoculated. In New Jersey, the vaccine was first made available to healthcare workers, first responders and staff and residents of long-term care facilities starting in mid-December. Then at the beginning of January, the Trump Administration announced that it was releasing the stockpile of vaccines it was holding to ensure people would be able to get the required second dose. See VACCINE, Page 6
Congressman Chris Smith has a larger-than-life presence in his district, especially in the Mercer County region. His blue and white campaign signs and banners have cropped up in front yards and intersections throughout his district every other year for decades. He’s made appearances at local schools and Hamilton’s former Septemberfest. He’s one of just two Republicans serving New Jersey in the federal government. He hasn’t lost an election in 40 years. But during a period of turmoil starting with President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept that he lost the November election to Joe Biden, and culminating in a violent attack on the United States Capitol building, Smith was largely silent—he responded with blanket statements and by deleting social media accounts. Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building Jan. 6 in an attempt to overturn the results of the Nov. 3 election, which named Joe Biden the next president. During a “Stop the Steal” rally held the day Congress was set See SMITH, Page 8
Their courage and compassion Blakely appointed council inspire usto all.
Deborah Blakely (center, with hand raised) was sworn in as a member of Robbinsville Township Jan. 7, 2021. She is pictured with Mayor Dave Fried and daughters Brielle and Maggie. (Photo courtesy of Robbinsville Township.)
from appeared them. We talked, and said. a“Dan andwritten Nataliein chalk Oneshe morning, message (Schuberth), I consider them reasons just kept coming in front of an RWJBarnabas Health facility. The words Deborah Blakely has good friends. When the word up—the importance of giving couldn’t beenhesimpler, or more soulthe stirring, back, importance of servout that was leaving always been active in Robbins- camehave townaccurate. and resigning, I thought, ing. I try to teach my girls that ville Township. Serving as or a more By Sam SCiarrotta
member of the municipal gov- like everyone else, ‘What a we have these incredible gifts ernment felt like the next logi- loss to all of us.’ One thing that God gives you. Do somethrough my thing with it.” cal step. She just had to clear that kept going “Heroes Her daughters, Brielle and mind was, ‘Who’s it with her daughters. workgoing here.” to Maggie, were immediately Blakely was sworn in as a replace him?’” Her next thought was “Why on board. They encouraged township councilwoman Jan. Blakely to go for the open not me?” 7, filling the unexpired seat Three words of gratitude and encouragement that “All the great things he had seat, so she did. vacated by Dan Schuberth, capture the courage and compassion of health “When I sent in my paperto offer, I thought, I can do who resigned in December workers To share your thought they I never that, here too,” and she across said. “IAmerica. talked work, prior to a move to Washingthanks support ourare Emergency Fund, me,” she said. would appoint to or mytogirls, who a huge Response ton, D.C. She was selected by of my life. Obviously, I “I’m so excited to see what her peers on council. visit part rwjbh.org/heroes “It just kind of came about,” didn’t want to take time away See BLAKELY, Page 12 And please, for them, stay home and safe.
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