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MARCH 2022 FREE
A store of their own
A bright star in N.J. Mayor Peter Cantu writes about the state of Plainsboro Township in 2022
Mercer High students gain realworld skills at Chuck’s Place
By PeTer A. CANTU
By ReBeKAh SchrOeDer
Serving up hot coffee and vocational skills, Chuck’s Place, a Wawa-like store in Mercer High School, is an opportunity for students who work there to gain valuable occupational experience. “It’s our very own Wawa,” Elijah Cruhigger, a student from Trenton, said. With a storefront that mirrors the East Coast convenience chain known across New Jersey, students like Cruhigger are able to acquire real-world expertise outside of the classroom. “I learned to be a bit more flexible, a bit more independent, and definitely learn the skills I need to advance on my own when that time comes,” he said. “I like to work with others, and just help people out and make them happy.” Chuck’s Place is one of several work environments offered through Mercer County Special Services School District. The MCSSSD serves children with special needs living in Mercer County and the surrounding area. It provides instructional, vocational and therapeutic programs See CHUCK’S PLACE, Page 8
Ludovic Andre, left, is taking over from Chris Cirkus as manager of the Trenton Farmers Market. Cirlus, a West Windsor resident, continues to manage the West Windsor Farmers Market.
Their courage compassion Managersand & seasons change us all. at Trentoninspire Farmers Market
One morning, a message written in chalk appeared history dating back to 1939 parallel buildings became in front of an RWJBarnabas Health facility. The words according to the market web- the current cross shape by have been simpler, or more soul the stirring, cutting center building site, when a group of farmIf you’ve never been to thecouldn’t accurate. ers who had been coming by in half and affixing it to the Trenton Farmers Market, youor more
By GeOrGe POiNT
don’t know what a farmers horse and carriage to Tren- eastern building. Outdoor ton to sell their produce near market stalls evolved into an market can be. bridge indoor facility with overhead We welcome the prolifera- the Trenton Makes “Heroes doors that give the market its tion of the markets dotting since the early 1900s work needed here.” our area that appear in park- to make way for the construc- distinctive bringing-the-outing lots, plazas, and vacant tion of Route 29. The farmers doors-indoors feel. It’s the co-op structure of formed the Trenton Market lots during the growing sea-Three words of gratitude and encouragement that son and bring the bounty of Growers Cooperative Associa- the market that makes it, the courage and compassion of health tion and purchased property and the role of its manager, a the Garden State close to ourcapture here Street. and across America.bit Todifferent share your from other popon Spruce doorsteps. The Trenton Farm-workers or tothe support Emergency Response Fund, in the area, type markets Over next our nine years, up ers Market is that, and sothanks market buildings were explains Chris Cirkus, a resimuch more. visitthree rwjbh.org/heroes A brief look back illustrates moved into place, and even- dent of West Windsor who began withstay three one significant difference, a tually Seesafe. TFM, Page 6 Andwhat please, for them, home and
See our ad on pg 5
Although the state and nation are facing enormous challenges going forward in this surreal pandemic-induced environment, I am looking at Plainsboro Township’s future through an optimistic lens. Having just celebrated Plainsboro’s centennial on May 6, 2019, when the community looked back on our heritage, we now are focusing on our town today and its path forward for tomorrow. The most recent bright spot on the horizon occurred a few months ago with the approval of a plan on Princeton University-owned lands to create a walkable, integrated mixed-use neighborhood development with a strong sense of place— defined by a “Main Street”-style commercial component, varied housing opportunities (950 units, including up to 200 units being age-restricted), modern office environments and vibrant civic and open spaces. With an invaluable vantage point that comes from serving as mayor for more than four decades and from being married to one of the town’s few remaining natives, I have watched Plainsboro TownSee CANTU, Page 4
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