2-26 HP

Hamilton

Hamilton Area YMCA marks 75 years

Set to embark on a yearlong celebration of community involvement

For 75 years, the Hamilton Area YMCA has sought to be a place where community comes to life.

From first swim lessons and before- and after-school care to wellness programs and inclusive recreation, the Y has supported generations of families and continually evolved to meet today’s needs.

Founded in 1951, the Hamilton Area YMCA has grown alongside the community it serves. What began as a small, grassroots effort is now a nonprofit organization that reaches thousands of people each year across Mercer County through its two branches — the JKR Branch in Hamilton Township and the Sawmill Branch in Yardville — and through programs delivered throughout the region.

This local milestone coincides See YMCA, Page 10

Hamilton Post

Winning culture lifts Steinert wrestling to new heights

By RiCh FiSheR

When Joe Panfili took over the Steinert wrestling program in 2021-22, the Spartans went 6-10 and were without a winning season since 2017-18.

Since then, it has been nothing but winning campaigns, with the Spartans winning 11 matches each of the next three seasons and going 33-23 during that time.

And then there is now.

Entering its Feb. 2 match with West Windsor-Plainsboro South, the Spartans were 14-3 and needed a victory over the one-win Pirates to claim their first CVC Colonial Division title in 13 years.

“That just shows how far we’ve come as a team,” four-year starter Alex Castano said. “Not

only this year, but once I graduate I expect success from the rest of the Steinert wrestlers, there’s still a lot of good guys for next year moving forward.”

Even in defeat the Spartans were impressive, as their 36-32 setback to Mercer County dynasty Hopewell Valley was the Bulldogs closest setback in their 51-match winning streak.

See WRESTLING, Page 18

Bill would give Water Works towns new options

By BiLL SANSeRViNO

Proposed legislation moving through the New Jersey Legislature could give towns served by Trenton Water Works a new financial framework that supporters say could help facilitate regionalization or other public water options.

The measure would create a state-created, pension-backed structure that could be used, with additional approvals, to support efforts by communities served by Trenton Water Works to pursue alternatives to the existing system.

The bill, known as the Citizens Fund Act, has drawn sharp debate as lawmakers weigh how — or whether — it could help address years of infrastructure failures, governance disputes, and financial strain at the troubled municipal water system.

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee had advanced the bill on Jan. 5 to the Appropriations Committee. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, See WATER, Page 4

RWJUH Hamilton February Healthy Living / Community Education Programs

THE POWER OF FOOD: NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES

Monday, Feb. 9; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 24; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

WII GAMES

Monday, Feb. 9; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join this fun hour of Wii games and learn about safe mechanics. Mastering body movement is the key to safe living.

DINNER WITH A DOCTOR: MEN’S WELLNESS EDITION

Tuesday, Feb. 10; 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Join Salman Ahmed, MD, Family Medicine, and a member RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, for an informative session on the key health screenings men should not miss. Find out what tests can save lives, how often to get them and what steps to take next for a healthier future. Dinner provided.

DISCOVER THE LINK BETWEEN HEARING LOSS AND DEMENTIA

Thursday, Feb. 12; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Think hearing loss is just having to turn the tv louder? Come and learn about the links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Presented by Teresa Cole, Au.D., audiologist at RWJ Balance & Hearing Center.

SNACK

AND CHAT – MATTERS OF THE HEART

Friday, Feb. 13; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join our Healthy Lives Hamilton Program team, Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Administrative Director Patient Care-Cardiovascular Services & Healthy Lives Hamilton Program, and Ann Mancuso, MSN, RN, CHFN, Heart Failure Program Coordinator, for a lecture on heart failure, the challenges, treatment plans and the Healthy Lives Hamilton program. Refreshments will be provided.

COOKING LOCAL WITH A SEASONAL FARM BOX

Monday, Feb. 16; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cook through the seasons with Chef Alfred from Fairgrown Farm! This class welcomes all to the joys of cooking and eating in-season produce, all-year long.

PREDIABETES CONNECT GROUP

Tuesday, Feb. 17; 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.

COLOR ME HOOPY: HOOLAHOOPING FOR FUN & FITNESS!

Tuesday, Feb. 17; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

If you think you can’t hoola-hoop, you are mistaken! This class is so much fun that you don’t even realize it’s a form of exercise! Adult sized hool-hoop will be provided during the program. No experience necessary. $15 fee to attend.

L.E.T.S. SAVE LIVES

Wednesday, Feb. 18; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

L.E.T.S. (Listening. Empathy. Trust. Support.) Save Lives is an Introduction to Suicide Prevention for all communities, with a particular emphasis on grounded research delivered by trained presenters who identify as having lived experience within Black and African American communities. This presentation created in concert with an Advisory Committee of experts in mental health and suicide prevention, is designed to reduce cultural stigma, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness of suicide prevention for all individuals. The program is open to anyone (18+) who wishes to attend.

HEART AND

SOUL - SLIDE INTO BETTER HEALTH!

Thursday, Feb. 19; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join us and pump up your heart and soul for group line dancing, Zumba, refreshments, health screenings, AskA-Cardiologist, heart health resources, and more. Don’t miss this fun, hearthealthy evening of dance. $10 per person collected at the door.

GLOBAL GROOVES: LINE DANCING

Saturday, Feb. 21; 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have two left feet, our line dancing event is the perfect place to find your rhythm and unleash your inner dancer. We’ll teach you the basics and some fun trendy styles, so everyone can join in the fun from the very first step.

MONTHLY HEARING/BALANCE SCREENINGS

Monday, Feb. 23; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

15-minute appointments are designed to help assess one’s hearing health and/or balance health/fall risk. The program is held at the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, 2 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ. To book an individual personal screening time, call 609-245-7390.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, Feb. 24; 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join the Stroke Support Group at RWJUH Hamilton, a place for survivors and caregivers to build a community. The group will share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and first hand information on managing life after stroke. Meetings will be facilitated by two outpatient rehabilitation therapists: Ashley Sarrol Speech- Language Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry Occupational Therapist. Survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are encouraged to attend.

CREATIVE ARTS: JUNK JOURNALING

transforming them into beautiful and personal works of art. Grab some “junk” and get crafty while working on your mental health and wellness.

EXPERIENCE THE ENERGY OF YOUR CHAKRAS

Thursday, Feb. 26; 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Learn how the Chakra system works, how its energy can benefit your physical and emotional well-being, and gain practical tools to build better relationships. You will be lead through a discussion and meditation to gain a fuller understanding of your Chakras and yourself. Suitable for those who are brand new to Chakra meditation and those that are well practiced. $15

HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITION

Friday, Feb. 27; 1:00 p..m.- 2:00 p.m.

Join Lori Hager, MS, RD for our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and prepariation. Explore heart-healthy recipes.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

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

YOGA CLASSES

Better Health is a free program for VIP’s

Tuesday, Feb. 3 and 17, 2026; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

OR 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

MEDITATION CLASSES

Tuesday, Feb. 3 and 17, 2026; 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

OR 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

CHAIR YOGA

Tuesday, Feb. 3 and 17, 2026; 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

A SOCIAL HOUR ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

GENTLE JAZZ CLASS

Wednesday, Feb. 4 & 18; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

LUNCH & LEARN: MIND & BODY: MEDICAL AND EMOTIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON INTIMACY AFTER 65

Thursday, Feb. 5; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

As we age, physical, hormonal, and anatomical changes can significantly affect sexual health.

Gary Brickner, MD, Gynecologist, will highlight the most common conditions influencing women’s intimacy after age 65 and offer practical guidance for maintaining sexual well being. A psychotherapist will then lead an open conversation about the emotional impact of medical barriers to intimacy and the challenges that arise when connection becomes limited in later life.

LUNCH AND LEARN: MANAGING DIABETES – MEDICATIONS, MONITORING AND MEANINGFUL GOALS

Tuesday, Feb. 10; 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sara Ali, MD, Geriatrics, and Gabriela Alvarez PharmD, BCPS, BCGP will begin the program with a clear explanation of what diabetes is, how it affects the body, and why consistent management matters. From there, our experts will provide an understanding of the role of routine monitoring in preventing complications, effectively managing diabetes through medication, lifestyle strategies and personalized goal setting to help you achieve your goals.

CRAFTING WITH MUSIC AND SNACKS

Wednesday, Feb. 11; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a fun time creating and spending time together. SOCRATES CAFÉ

Thursday, Feb. 12; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

This class encourages open discussion and the “sharing of thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and personal experiences.” An unofficial mantra is that we learn best when we ask questions and explore them together. This is a safe and welcoming space where all viewpoints are respected.

TAI CHI CLASSES

Thursday, Feb. 12 & 19; 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

TAP, SWIPE, SMILE: SMARTPHONE SKILLS FOR SENIORS

Monday, Feb. 16; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Presented by one of our valued high school volunteers, this hands-on, confidence-boosting workshop helps older adults get the most out of their smartphones. Joining us again, will be the

Wednesday, Feb. 25; 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Junk journaling is a stress reducing activity that allows individuals to express themselves through creativity. This unique way of journaling involves repurposing old items and 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

TO BECOME A BETTER HEALTH MEMBER FOR FREE SCAN THIS QR CODE

“Teens on Fire” from Embright Education creating a friendly and supportive environment providing personalized support.

AGELESS GRACE: SEATED EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN & BODY

Thursday, Feb. 19; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

LUNCH & LEARN; DR. RONALD G. RYDER DO, FACC, CARING FOR YOUR AGING HEART

Thursday, Feb. 26; 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Ronald Ryder, DO, FACC will describe age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels, common conditions, like heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension, medication and treatments, and recognizing key warning signs that require urgent medical attention. Dr. Ryder is widely recognized for his expertise in this field, and we are fortunate to have him join us for the program.

NO WORK AND ALL PLAY.

Mak for a perfect everyday.

At Azalea at Hamilton, life gets better with age. And so do you. From our signature program, PrimeFit Wellness, to a community calendar filled with activities, it’s the perfect time

D-Mercer.

On Jan. 8, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee had advanced a companion bill, with amendments, and placed it on second reading in the Senate. The Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Linda Greenstein, D-Mercer. A floor vote had not yet been scheduled.

Unfortunately, with the start of the new legislative session on Jan. 13, the prior versions of the Citizens Fund Act expired.

Any newly filed version of the legislation is required to begin the legislative process again, including committee referrals and hearings, before advancing to a floor vote.

The bill has been reintroduced in both houses and is once again set for committee reviews.

Supporters of the bill say it could serve two public paths forward: creating a publicly owned regional utility that replaces Trenton-only governance, or allowing suburban municipalities to finance their own water systems or connect to other public water providers.

They emphasize that the legislation does not mandate either outcome, but instead establishes a financial and legal framework that could be used as part of a broader restructuring plan if local parties agree.

give communities an option other than selling or leasing water assets to a private company.

The legislation was shaped against the backdrop of long-running problems at Trenton Water Works, which serves about 225,000 customers across Trenton and surrounding Mercer County communities including Ewing, Hamilton, parts of Hopewell Township, and Lawrence Township.

More than half of the utility’s customers live outside the city, yet Trenton retains full ownership and governance of the system, a dynamic that has fueled years of tension between city officials and suburban municipalities over accountability, investment priorities, and long-term planning.

Trenton Water Works has been under state supervision since 2022 following failures that included water main breaks, boilwater advisories, electrical system problems, staffing shortages, and repeated disruptions tied to frazil ice buildup at the Delaware River intake.

State-commissioned studies and oversight letters from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have cited decades of deferred maintenance and a lack of qualified operators, warning the system faces heightened risk of largeWATER continued from Page 1

Either approach, they argue, would

See WATER, Page 6

Hamilton Post

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

eDiTOR

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Peter Dabbene, Thomas Kelly

ad LayOuT & PrOduCTiOn

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scale failure without sustained investment and structural reform.

Supporters argue the Citizens Fund Act could provide a voluntary framework for communities seeking a publicly owned regional solution that compensates Trenton for its assets, while avoiding outright privatization.

Opponents, including elected officials from Trenton, have warned the proposal raises unresolved questions about local control, pension financing, and whether a complex financial structure can realistically solve operational problems.

Division of Investment.

Public pension plans would not be required to pay expenses associated with a conveyance.

The bill establishes a five-member Citizens Fund board appointed by the governor, along with advisory boards representing municipalities or counties whose residents are customers of any conveyed asset.

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The Assembly committee statement describes the Citizens Fund Act as establishing a trust fund for the conveyance of certain assets for the benefit of public benefit plans, with the fund established as an instrumentality of the state.

During hearings, lawmakers repeatedly referenced Trenton Water Works

According to the statement, the fund is intended to lessen the burdens of government by allowing public entities to transfer or sell revenue-producing assets while sharing risks and benefits to maximize long-term value. Assets would be maintained in accounts segregated from other state funds and could only be used for asset performance, service requirements, public benefit plans, and reasonable administrative costs.

The fund board would include representatives from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, the Division of Investment, and the Department of Community Affairs, along with the advisory board chair and a representative of certificate holders not affiliated with a state-administered retirement system.

Advisory boards would provide information and recommendations but would have no voting or veto authority.

as the immediate focus of the proposal.

Under the legislation, assets conveyed to the fund would be managed through a Common Pension Fund structure with separate asset holding and investment accounts administered within the state

Membership would be based on a municipality’s or county’s proportional share of water sales from the conveyed asset, calculated using average annual volume over the previous five years.

A public entity could convey an asset to the fund through a transfer agreement proposed by the fund board and approved by the entity’s governing body.

Any conveyance would require an independent valuation and acceptance by both parties.

The bill also requires an all-inclusive review of any asset proposed for conveyance, including financial condition, operational risks, and long-term obligations.

It amends the Water Infrastructure Protection Act to allow municipalities facing emergent conditions at a water or wastewater system to consider conveyance to the Citizens Fund as one possible option.

During legislative hearings, lawmakers repeatedly referenced Trenton Water Works as the immediate focus of the proposal, despite the bill being written broadly enough to apply to other distressed systems. Video of the hearings was reviewed by Community News Service as a partial source for this article.

Assembly and Senate members cited frazil ice shutdowns, boil-water notices, aging electrical infrastructure, and staffing shortages as evidence that the existing governance model has failed.

Experts involved in state-backed assessments of Trenton Water Works testified about the depth of the system’s infrastructure problems.

Landon Kendricks of Black & Veatch testified that he served as project director for electrical “360-degree” reviews conducted at the direction of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, including a completed assessment of the filtration plant and an ongoing review of the central pumping station.

Those reviews documented deterioration of critical electrical systems, obsolete equipment, limited redundancy,

and long-standing underinvestment in maintenance.

Kevin Drennan, a public affairs specialist representing American Public Infrastructure, testified in support of the bill, describing it as a voluntary framework that does not itself transfer Trenton Water Works or require municipal participation.

“You’re looking at much more financial stability for towns who choose to take part,” Drennan said.

Local officials from municipalities served by Trenton Water Works voiced strong support during the Assembly committee hearing.

Hopewell Township Committee member Courtney Peters-Manning said repeated failures have eroded public confidence and highlighted the need for structural change, noting that suburban customers make up a significant portion of the user base but have no formal role in governance.

Ewing Township Mayor Bert Steinmann testified that Ewing is entirely reliant on Trenton Water Works and has no alternative drinking water source.

“We had 16 water main breaks over a three-year period in an area they were supposed to be replacing,” Steinmann said. “We’re just at a standstill.”

Lawrence and Hamilton officials were

Capital Health Virtual Care

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also cited as supporting the legislation, with Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin noted for the record as favoring the bill.

Opposition at the Senate hearing came primarily from Trenton’s elected leadership.

Mayor Reed Gusciora testified against the bill, warning that transferring a core municipal asset into a new, statecreated structure tied to pension funding could weaken local accountability and introduce financial risks.

He urged lawmakers to focus on direct investment and staffing rather than restructuring governance.

Gusciora said the proposal echoed former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman’s 1997 pension bond plan.

“We’re still paying for it,” he said.

He also argued that surrounding communities already receive safe, reliable water from Trenton Water Works.

During Senate questioning, Sen. Declan O’Scanlon pressed supporters on whether the pension-related mechanisms amount

to an accounting exercise that revalues assets without generating new cash.

Supporters countered that the bill does not promise a guaranteed outcome, but instead creates an optional tool that could be used if Trenton and surrounding municipalities agree on a path forward.

Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo described the proposal as a “creative solution” deserving further consideration given the severity of Trenton Water Works’ documented problems.

Despite its prominence in the debate, the Citizens Fund Act does not itself regionalize the utility, privatize the system, set water rates, or dictate governance details.

Any transfer of assets would require additional approvals and agreements among Trenton, participating municipalities, and state regulators.

With the bill required to restart the legislative process in the new session, debate is expected to continue over whether the Citizens Fund framework becomes a viable option for Trenton Water Works or remains an unused alternative.

SOUP FOR YOU

When: Monday, February 23, 2026

Jack Rafferty, center, and members of the Hamilton Area YMCA break ground on new center on Whitehorse Mercerville Road.

YMCA continued from Page 1

with a national one. In 2026, YMCA of the USA celebrates 175 years of service nationwide, reinforcing the Y’s role as one of the country’s most trusted and impactful nonprofit organizations. Together, those anniversaries look to underscore both deep local roots and the strength of a movement that has stood the test of time.

Driven by its mission to strengthen community, the Y has also been a community resource where children build confidence, families access reliable care and support, older adults remain connected, and neighbors come together. By offering programs such as child care, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth development initiatives, and community wellness

ilies and

responding to the community’s evolving needs.

The Hamilton Area YMCA is positioned as an inclusive organization where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can interact, grow, learn and engage in a welcoming, harmonious environment. Through programs such as Community Camp and Sports and Diverse Abilities programming, the Y looks to create spaces where everyone feels valued and supported.

“Seventy-five years later, our purpose remains clear: to bring people together and help them live healthier, more connected lives,” said Diana Zita, CEO of the Hamilton Area YMCA. “This anniversary honors our past while investing boldly in what our community needs next. Our future is shaped by the families, members, partners, and supporters who believe in building a stronger community for all.”

To mark the milestone, the Hamilton Area YMCA will host a yearlong 75thanniversary celebration focused on storytelling, community engagement, and impact. The Y invites members, alumni, volunteers, and partners to share how the Y has shaped their lives, whether through learning to swim, finding a sense

of belonging, or adopting a healthier routine.

As part of the celebration, the Y is launching a “Give $75 for 75 Years” campaign, inviting supporters to make a $75 gift to honor the Y’s legacy and expand access to programs that strengthen youth, support families, and improve community well-being.

As a nonprofit organization, the Hamilton Area YMCA relies on community support to ensure its programs remain accessible to all. The YMCA also says that anniversary celebrations will also highlight opportunities to give back, helping ensure that financial assistance and mission-driven programs continue to remove barriers and open doors for generations.

More information about anniversary events and supporting the Y’s mission is available at hamiltonymca.org.

YMCA to switch some programs to ongoing registration

Beginning Feb. 11, select Youth Development programs at the Hamilton Area YMCA will shift to an ongoing registration model, allowing families to enroll on a rolling basis throughout the year.

More information is available at hamiltonymca.org.

•

Camp Olden Civil War Round Table unveils winter–spring

The Camp Olden Civil War Round Table has set the schedule for a wide-ranging series of programs exploring military history, women’s experiences, fashion, preservation and New Jersey’s role in the Civil War during its 2025–26 speaker season.

The programs, titled “Valiant Spirits Still Linger,” are free and open to the public and are held at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Township Library, 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way, unless otherwise noted.

The series opened Jan. 8 with a Zoom presentation by David Walter titled “Twenty Civil War Women,” highlighting stories of compassion, service, courage and sacrifice by women who supported families and soldiers during the war.

On Feb. 5, Debbie Walker will present “Be My Valentine — 1860’s Style,” examining how romance and relationships endured during the

Civil War and Victorian eras.

The March 5 program, “Dressing to the Nines,” is set to feature Dana Mount and Debra Thime, who will offer a hands-on demonstration of 1860s clothing and the layered construction of the mid-Victorian crinoline silhouette. Together, the presenters bring nearly 60 years of Civil War reenacting experience.

Gail Trautz is scheduled to speak on April 2 on “Textiles in the 1860s,” exploring the role of fabric and trade in military history, including unexpected connections between opposing sides.

On May 7, Neil Hate will discuss “Battlefield Preservation,” tracing efforts that began during the war itself and examining modern challenges to protecting historic sites.

Hate will also look to highlight how individuals and organizations can help preserve hallowed ground.

The series concludes June 4 with

Jim Lamason presenting “Give ’Em Hell: The 12th New Jersey at Gettysburg,” based on his research into the regiment’s role in key fighting at Bliss Farm and during Pickett’s Charge. Lamason has spent more than 25 years researching New Jersey Civil War units.

The Camp Olden Civil War Round Table is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 and is affiliated with the Civil War and Native American Museum in Hamilton.

Those interested in sharing their Civil War expertise or scheduling museum visits may contact kdaly14@aol.com.

More information is available at campoldencwrt.org or on Facebook. Search for Camp Olden Civil War Round Table and Civil War and Native American Museum. Have you got community news to share? Send news and photos to news@communitynews.org.

appening?

Westcott Ave, Hamilton. West Windsor Farmers Market. 10 a.m. 877 Alexander Rd, West Windsor. bluebird box building Workshop, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 2 p.m. WorkshopMust register at abbottmarshlands.org. $20 per box. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Gaslight presented by Theater To Go, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Play based on the 1944 movie starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. Tickets $24/$22 at kelseytheatre. org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Princeton Symphony Orchestra: beethoven & Grieg, Alexander Hall. 7:30 p.m. With pianist Michelle Cann. For tickets: princetonsymphony.org. 68 Nassau St, Princeton. Steve hytner (Seinfeld’s Kenny bania), Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton. 8 p.m. Tickets at catcharisingstar.com 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton.

Sunday, February 8

Family Sundays: Feed the animals, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Gaslight presented by Theater To Go, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. Play based on the 1944 movie starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. Tickets $24/$22 at kelseytheatre. org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. Princeton Symphony Orchestra: beethoven & Grieg, Alexander Hall. 4 p.m. With pianist Michelle Cann. For tickets: princetonsymphony.org. 68 Nassau St, Princeton. Maple Sugaring, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Help farmers collect sap, make syrup in the sap house, and taste whole wheat pancakes. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Ln, Hopewell.

TueSday, February 10

Stand Tall yoga, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Free for Friends for the Abbott Marshlands members; $5 for all others. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. abbott amblers Community Walk - island Trails, Roebling Park, Spring Lake Parking Lot. 2 p.m. Free, relaxed walk on Abbott Marshlands trails abbottmarshlands.org. 500 Sewell Ave, Hamilton.

WedneSday, February 11

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Enjoy an easy walk each Wednesday to explore the beautiful trails of Roebling Park. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

young adult Craft night, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 6 p.m. Naturalist-chosen nature-themed craft Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

ThurSday, February 12

February business after business, Mrs.G Appliances. 5 p.m. princetonmercerchamber. org. 2720 Brunswick Ave, Lawrence.

Friday, February 13

Paint and date: Valentine’s Pot Painting, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 6 p.m. Bring a sweetheart or a friend and decorate terracotta pots with romantic, nature-inspired designs. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-nFire, CURE Insurance Arena. Tickets at cu-

reinsurancearena.com. 7:30 p.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

The Prom presented by Thank you 4 Productions, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. $26/$24

PG13. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

SaTurday, February 14

Standing yoga and nature Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Outdoor yoga miniclass and nature walk. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-nFire, CURE Insurance Arena. Tickets at cureinsurancearena.com. Shows at noon and 7 p.m. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

Valentine’s day Luminaries, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 2 p.m. Make a glowing luminary. Must register at abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

The Prom presented by Thank you 4 Productions, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. $26/$24

PG13. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

Sunday, February 15

Old-Fashioned Valentine’s day, Howell Living History Farm. 10 a.m. howellfarm.org. 70 Woodens Ln, Hopewell.

Washington’s birthday Celebration, Washington Crossing Historic Park. 11 a.m. Hands-on activities for kids, colonial cooking, spinning, blacksmithing, musket firing, artillery demonstrations. 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.

Family Sundays STeM Games, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

The Prom presented by Thank you 4 Productions, Kelsey Theatre. 2 p.m. $26/$24

PG13. kelseytheatre.org. 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-nFire, CURE Insurance Arena. Tickets at cureinsurancearena.com. 2:30 p.m. cureinsurancearena.com. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

TueSday, February 17

Stand Tall yoga, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Free for Friends for the Abbott Marshlands members; $5 for all others. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

WedneSday, February 18

February business before business, The Nassau Club. 8 a.m. Networking over a morning coffee and breakfast sandwich sounds like a great way to start your day, doesn’t it? Join the Chamber on February 18th for an in-person Business Before Business Networking event. Thank you to our Sustaining Sponsors 6 Mercer St, Princeton. Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Enjoy an easy walk each Wednesday to explore the beautiful trails of Roebling Park. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton.

Friday, February 20

Tully’s Tales, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. Nature-themed story and play time. abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton. Mercer eLC Luncheon Featuring rep. bonnie Watson Coleman, Marsilio’s Kitchen. 11:30 a.m. Keynote speaker Bonnie Watson Coleman, the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, Register at See EVENTS, Page 17

princetonmercerchamber.org. 71 W Upper Ferry Road, Ewing.

SaTurday, February 21

art in the Marsh, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 10 a.m. Sketch birds with Margaret Simpson. Supplies included. Must register at abbottmarshlands.org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

West Windsor Farmers Market: Outdoor Market, West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market. 10 a.m. 877 Alexander Rd, West Windsor.

The Price of Silence - The Forgotten Story of new Jersey’s enslaved People, New Jersey State Museum. Noon. Screening of PBS documentary “The Price of Silence.” Plus panel discussion with producer Ridgeley Hutchinson and documentary contributors Linda J. Caldwell Epps, Beverly Mills, Toni Hendrix, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter and Damali Campbell-Oparaji. Free. njstatelib.org/the-price-of-silencethe-forgotten-story-of-new-jerseys-enslaved-people. 205 W State St, Trenton.

Sunday, February 22

Postcards from italy - String Sextet, Trenton Masonic Lodge. 3 p.m. All-string chamber program opens with 17th-century composer Isabella Leonarda—one of the few women writing music in her time. Performed by members of the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey. 100 Barrack St, Trenton.

MOnday, February 23

Creative arts Workshops for adults with idd, Grounds For Sculpture. 10 a.m. Interactive

art workshops designed for adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. groundsforsculpture.org. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton.

ThurSday, February 26

abbott amblers Community Walk, Bordentown Bluffs. 11 a.m. Register at abbottmarshlands.org. Stanton Avenue, Bordentown.

Women Mean business evening networking, Hill Wallack LLP. 5:30 p.m. princetonmercerchamber.org. 21 Roszel Rd, Princeton.

hamilton Conversations: domestic Violence Community Discussion, Hamilton Township Public Library. 7 p.m. Grace Flagler from Younity continues the discussion about domestic violence and healthy relationships. 1 Justice Samuel A Alito Jr Way, Hamilton.

Friday, February 27

4th Friday Game night, Tulpehaking Nature Center. 6 p.m. Board games, bingo, turtle time. Must register at abbottmarshlands. org. 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton.

Comedian Kevin Lee, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency Princeton. 8 p.m. Tickets at catcharisingstar.com. 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton.

Tribute Concert: Jethro Tull’s aqualung presented by reock & roll revue, Kelsey Theatre. 8 p.m. kelseytheatre.org. $30 for all 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor.

SaTurday, February 28

The harlem Globetrotters 100 year Tour, CURE Insurance Arena. 2 p.m. Tickets at cureinsurancearena.com. 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton.

MERCER COUNTY CONNECTION’S FEBRUARY 2026 EVENTS

FREE Adult/Child CPR Training

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Family & Friends CPR program teaches how to perform CPR on adults and children, as well as how to help an adult or child who is choking This course is designed for family members, friends, and members of the general community who want to learn CPR but do not need a course completion card.

To register call (609) 897-8980 or use the link below: www.princetonhcs.org/calendar

Notary Oath Night

Thursday, February 5, 2026 3:00PM - 7:00PM

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

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

Lawyers C.A.R.E.

FREE 15-Minutes with an Attorney (VIRTUAL)

Thursday, February 12, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

In collaboration with Mercer County Connection, the Public Education Committee of the Mercer County Bar Association offers FREE 15-minute consultations with an attorney

*All Lawyers C A R E meetings will take place virtually via Zoom *

To register please call: (609) 890-9800

For additional information please call (609) 585-6200 or visit www mercerbar com

AARP Foundation Free In-Person Tax Preparation Services

Every Friday, February 6 through April 10, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Registration Required

Please call to schedule an appointment: (609) 890-9800

Mercer County Connection

Passport Processing

Notary Services

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But according to Castano, this wasn’t a sudden explosion as much as a gradual build-up.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said the senior, who won 21 of his first 28 matches this year, including his 100th career victory. “We’ve been working hard in the practice room ever since I’ve been here. We have a lot of seniors on the team and they’ve all been here for a while.

“(Graduated seniors) Elliot Morris, Alex Hart and Anthony Giglio kind of built the foundation when I got here; we used to always go to Elite (wrestling club in Jackson) together and we always worked hard. We’re just continuing it forward. We’re working hard, we don’t start and stop during wrestling season. It’s always hard work all year round.”

Castano noted that the team camaraderie has reached a new level. When one guy wins in a dual meet, it motivates the next guy to do the same. If a guy loses, everyone rallies to his cause.

“Alex really hit the nail on the head, it’s just about a culture,” Panfili said. “When I came in here five years ago that was job number one -- build a culture where the kids feel safe, they’re having fun and enjoying the sport of wrestling.

“If you create that I think winning kind of follows and I think that’s why we’ve been fortunate enough to have this happen this year. I’ve had a lot of really good kids come through the program the last five years that built that foundation, a lot of great coaches, a lot of great mentors I’ve worked with and for over the years that helped us get to this point.”

This year’s assistants are Doug “Paparazzi” Cooper, Rashone Johnson (also the girls head coach) and former Hamilton West standout Alan Constance. Panfili also acknowledged Jason Jones, “who was with me as soon as I got this program five years ago and really worked hard to help us build this culture we have now. “

of that.”

Castano has wrestled his entire life but did not take it seriously until ninth grade. He qualified for regionals the past two years but could not wrestle in them last season due to injury.

“I’ve just been working hard,” he said. “I went to some camps every off-season. I’ve been looking at some wrestling colleges. I’ve been really focusing on my strength too. Coming in I was a really skinny 106-pounder. I just built a foundation, conditioned myself to deal with six minutes on the mat and perform my best.”

Entering the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament Jan. 30, Steinert’s hottest wrestler was Pandolfini with a 19-3 record and 15 pins. He had won 10 straight (nine of them pins) prior to the CVCT.

“Pandolfini has wrestled well, he’s won some big matches and really been on a tear,” Panfili said.

Also steamrolling foes were Yazid Ahmed (19-5, 14 pins), Odige (20-2), sophomore Bijaczyk (19-2), Clarke Goss (18-6, seven straight pins entering CVCT) and Constance (17-6).

“Those guys have been wrestling really well and gotten some great wins for us,” Panfili said. “But I don’t want to slight anyone. On any given day any of our guys can come up with a big win. We’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of guys step up and pick up the slack. They’re all doing a great job.”

When it comes to wrestling, the selfsacrifice is legendary as players have to condition themselves for six minutes of war while also limiting their diet to try and make weight. Castano just takes the advice of his club coach, Steve Rivera.

“He says ‘Find peace in your suffering,’” Castano said. “That’s what we’re doing this year. We’re all close as a team so we’re all suffering together and it just makes it more fun and motivates us.”

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The main lineup throughout the season – which may alter slightly in weight classes during the tournament season – has featured Dino Zulla (106 pounds), Jayden Carpenter (113), Matthew Mottola (120), Julian Bijaczyk (126), Anthony Ricigliano (132), Castano (138), Yasin Ahmed (144), Jackson Clarke Goss (150), Yazid Ahmed (157), Marcello Pandolfini (165), Rudy Ortiz (175), Jose SamayoaRodas (190), Mikey Odige (215) and Aidan Constance (Alan’s son, 285).

Panfili refers to Castano as “the foundational piece” of the program.

“I met Alex as a freshman football player when I was coaching freshman ball,” Panfili said. “I had heard about him from PAL programs and youth programs. He had a pretty good first year, he was a .500 wrestler as a freshman and built off

Panfili laughed when he overheard the “suffering” comment and chimed in with a laugh, saying, “all we’re doing is working hard, that’s all.”

While the Spartans were confident they could do some big things this year – they won the eight-team Payne Memorial Tournament over the holidays – Castano felt a 65-9 win over Notre Dame Jan. 7 was proof that they were truly on to something.

“We lost to them by a point last year and this year it really wasn’t a close match,” he said. “It just felt really good and gave us momentum to continue growing throughout the season.”

And while they hoped to defeat Hopewell and end their monumental winning streak, Panfili still took positives from the close loss.

“I was very pleased with the effort they

displayed,” the coach said. “They showed a lot of determination and grit to make it a very competitive match. Hopewell has been the gold standard in our county for a very long time and it felt very encouraging to compete with them on the level that we did.”

It all comes back to the culture. Castano calls it “the tightest group of kids I’ve been with. The Ahmed brothers have a mat in their basement and we go there all the time. My coaches say iron sharpens iron and I think our room really shows that.”

He also praised the job done by the coaching staff, saying “they’re really engaged with us.”

The Spartans have a veteran team with nine seniors in the starting lineup. The senior captains are Odige, Castano and Pandolfini, and junior captains are Mot-

tola, Constance and Elijah Kerlin.

The close-knit group has begun doing personal training with local trainer Joe DeMarco, which has helped in conditioning and strength. They are hoping it pays off in the postseason.

As of Jan. 16 Steinert was second in Central Jersey Group IV power points, slightly ahead of Hightstown. Should they remain there they would get a home match for the team sectional tournament. After that comes districts, regionals, and hopefully states.

“I’m really excited for it. We’ve been blessed and fortunate to have kids working hard and coaches working hard for this program. We get a lot of support from the administration, and that all helps.”

And now, winning seasons are the norm for the Spartans.

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All heart, all hustle: Harlan anchors West basketball

By RiCh FiSheR

Graduations are supposed to be joyous occasions, but that wasn’t the case for Kimani Harlan at her first such occasion.

“After my kindergarten graduation, we went out to dinner and my stomach hurt really bad,” Harlan said. “I didn’t want to eat anything, and it kind of progressed from there.”

“It” turned out to be Wilms’ tumor kidney cancer, a terrifying diagnosis for anyone, let alone a 5-year-old.

The good news is Harlan not only survived, but in this, her senior season, she is a driving force for the Hamilton West girls basketball team.

Through the Hornets’ first 12 games, the 5-10 leaper was among the Colonial Valley Conference leaders in rebounds (11.3 per game) and blocked shots (39).

Upon going home, she began chemotherapy treatment, which lasted roughly 18 months.

“I was cancer-free in February of 2014,” Harlan said, “but I still had to frequently go back to the facility to make sure my creatinine levels were good and I was holding up well.”

She held up so well that Harlan got the best news possible last year.

“They told me,” she said, “that I didn’t have to go back to check on my creatinine levels anymore.”

Those are the kind of issues that might sideline many young athletes, but Tye was not about to let her daughter be treated differently.

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“She gets her hands on everything,” coach Rob Farina said. “She elected to come back this year and be a captain, a leader. She’s been fantastic all year. Her basketball IQ has improved. I’m really proud of her.”

And she’s doing it all while playing with just one kidney.

Obviously, it has been quite a journey.

When Harlan was unable to eat at her kindergarten celebration dinner, she was taken to the emergency room.

“They couldn’t find anything wrong with me, so I had to wait it out,” she said. “The doctors tested me for strep throat. That wasn’t what was wrong with me. A couple of days after that, we went to the hospital, where they found out something was wrong, and they transferred me to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania).”

That summer, a month before she turned 6, Harlan was diagnosed with cancer. And while she wasn’t old enough to understand the gravity of it all, her dad, Renwick Harlan, and her mom, Pamela Tye, sure did.

“Having cancer as a child is very scary for your family,” Kimani said. “You’re not really aware of what is happening. But you can read everybody around you and know that something’s not right.”

Indeed, something was very wrong.

Harlan endured a two-month stay at CHOP after they removed her right kidney and kept her there to recuperate.

“I had been playing soccer since I was four,” Harlan said. “When the time came to get back into sports, my mom was very adamant about me playing so I could feel like a regular kid. Essentially, nothing had changed except the kidney.”

That’s a pretty big “except,” but Kimani followed her mother’s advice.

“For me to go out there and play and feel it out was great,” she said. “I did have a couple of times where a ball got kicked into my stomach. I’d cry and get scared a little bit, but she helped me get back in the game and just pushed me.”

Her dad also felt she should play, “and he wanted me to be as safe as possible.”

She has remained safe and become a force for the Hornet hoopsters despite not starting the sport until ninth grade.

Her soccer career continued into high school, and Harlan played four years for Staci Priestley’s team. She also did track and field and is the scorekeeper for the boys’ lacrosse team.

“Basketball was just something I’ve been told, ‘Oh, you’re tall, you should play,’” she said. “I didn’t really get into it until freshman year. I guess it kind of stuck.”

Harlan learned some of the game’s nuances as a reserve on the JV team and enjoyed it. That summer, she played with West in a summer league. A strong summer gave her confidence that she could make varsity, although her coach wasn’t so sure.

“I did not expect her to make the jump from JV bench to varsity starter as a sophomore,” Farina said. “But we were down numbers. She made that jump because she rebounds and plays so hard

Robbinsville in overtime in a game where we started three freshmen, a junior who was JV last year, and her. Kimani has been somebody who sort of wills our team in that direction of just competing.”

Harlan is not the biggest post player in the league, so she knows she must work hard. Farina makes sure her teammates take notice.

“There are times I will literally stop practice and say, ‘Why is it that our only senior is working her butt off and you guys aren’t stepping up?’” the coach said.

“She’s not a verbal person; she’s a leaderby-example person, which is really cool. You will see her hustling her butt off in practice. In a game, she’s throwing her body around.

“She’s teaching the young girls hard work, and that’s the piece I appreciate most about her. I’m able to use her as an example. I point her out and say, ‘Don’t tell me you can’t run up and down the court when Kimani is busting her butt.’”

Hornets veteran trainer Jen Bauer has done more than just treat Harlan. She has helped provide her with the goal of being an athletic trainer.

on defense. She throws her body all over the court. She’s truly an old-school rebounder, where she just goes after that ball.”

Her first season, Harlan was third on the team in rebounds, averaging 4.7 per game, and second in blocked shots (19). Last year, she was second to Zairra Galloway in boards (7.1) and blocked shots (47) and was third on the Hornets in steals (41). This year, she has dominated underneath and is second to freshman Adisin Smith in steals.

Asked if her rebounding is more a case of positioning or aggressiveness, Harlan said, “I’ve been told I have a knack for finding the ball. Whenever I see the ball come off, I just try to be there. I box out really hard.”

She feels her blocked shots are more of a timing thing, and she still takes pride in her block against Princeton this year when a Little Tiger player had a breakaway and she caught up and rejected her shot at the rim.

“I’ve always loved defense more than offense,” said Harlan, who averages 4 points per game. “I think I really make a difference more on defense. On offense, I like to facilitate my teammates (with a team-high 12 assists). But on defense, that’s really where I hone in.”

Farina can’t say enough about Harlan’s intensity and how it rubs off on the rest of the team.

“She just cleans up the glass,” the coach said. “We were able to beat Robbinsville and West Windsor North in close games, and that’s due to her leadership. We beat

Harlan goes to Mercer County Community College vocational school two periods a day, two times a week, to study exercise science. Her 4.67 weighted GPA puts her in the top 15 of West’s senior class, and she is looking to major in athletic training or kinesiology at a four-year school.

“Miss Jen was very influential in who I became as a student-athlete,” Harlan said. “Sophomore year, I suffered a shoulder subluxation. I had to rehab that a lot, and we took a lot of preventative measures to make sure it didn’t happen again. It flares up sometimes, so she gives me more stretches to do.”

Bauer’s influence and advice have set Harlan on a career path. For now, she serves as an inspiration to any athlete who knows her story.

“Knowing what she’s gone through, having one kidney, I think mom and dad and her could have made the decision that, ‘We’re going to be so protective of her, we’re not going to play contact sports,’” Farina said. “The fact she’s got the courage to come out there and be a three-sport player and say, ‘This isn’t going to hold me back in anything,’ that’s the impressive piece.”

And Harlan takes none of it for granted.

“I feel very blessed I was able to come as far as I can and give glory to God, because without Him, where would we be?” she stated. “So for me to be able to come this far, a three-sport athlete, I’m doing very well in the classroom, I think that just proves how my parents raised me and how resilient I am.”

Not to mention how courageous she is.

emerges as sprint standout in the pool

By RiCh FiSheR

The life of Nottingham High swimmer Isa Klobucista is so hectic, it can wear out a person just listening to it.

“My days are pretty busy with school, my girlfriend, swim, family, friends and work (at Crumbl Cookies),” the senior said. “Our swim practices flip-flop with West and Steinert. Some days we might have the 2:30 to 4:30 or the 4:30-6:30 practice and oh boy do I love that 6:30 to 8:30 (a.m.) practice (said sarcastically). When I have a 2:30 to 4:30 practice, I’m able to work from 6:30 to 11.

“On meet days, I have to call out of work. Thankfully my boss is super lenient and allows me to work two to three days a week. And then that two hour window (between practice and work) I try to make time for the people I’m close with. I work late nights so I go home and the earliest I can get to bed is 11:30. Then I wake up and start my routine again.”

Yikes!

ning,” Emerson said with a laugh. “As happy as I am that he was on the team, I think he would admit that he thought he’d never have much success in the sport. And here it is his senior year and out of all of the sports he’s done at Nottingham, here’s the one where he’s found the most success.”

Klobucista played football his first two years and is a lacrosse attackman in the spring. He agreed with Emerson that swimming success was not on his mind in 10th grade.

“I never thought I’d be as good as I am now,” he said. “I sort of took swim as a way to just stay in shape.”

Even that was a challenge considering Klobucista’s eating habits at the time. The Northstars would often go to Wendy’s for team bonding, and the standard meal was a burger, fries and a drink.

With that kind of routine, one would think focus on swimming might not be all there. But it is. Klobucista is emerging as one of the Colonial Valley Conference’s top sprinters.

Through the Northstars 3-5 start, he won six of his eight 50 freestyle races, taking second in one and third in another. The well-rounded athlete was asked to do the butterfly this year for the first time, and earned two victories and seven topthree finishes.

He also helped Nottingham win five of the six 200 free relay races he entered, two medley relays and two 400 free relays.

He has come a long way in a short time.

As a freshman, Klobucista did winter track. He eventually realized that he was a pretty good swimmer and pondered giving it a try. It all depended on Steven Smolka, one of his best friends.

“I asked him a simple question: ‘If I swim, would you?’ He simply replied yes. That same day, we both filled out the form and got our physical,” he said.

That made coach Brian Emerson happy, as he had tried to recruit Klobucista to the team in ninth grade. But it initially became a “Be careful what you wish for” situation.

“It was looking like a slog at the begin-

“But I would order the party pack of chicken nuggets and eat all 50,” Klobucista said. “I soon realized if I never ate healthy, I would never get into proper shape to swim fast.”

Between a change in diet and mindset, Klobucista began to turn things around. After clocking 33 seconds in the 50 free he knew the potential was there to shave a lot of time. He began pushing himself in practice, going from last in a slower lane to moving into a faster lane.

“The main thing that made me turn around were the seniors last year. They always had good motives and really wanted us to be better,” he said. “Also, the coaches saw the potential that I didn’t, and wanted to make sure I unlocked it.”

Klobucista has become what Emerson always thought he could be.

“He’s turned into a pretty elite sprinter, not just against the Hamilton schools but he’s gone up against guys from Lawrence, Hightstown and Hopewell — some powerhouse teams — and he’s given them their fair share as well,” the coach said.

Emerson felt his swimmer’s improvement began last season and exploded this year.

“I think he started to see that the work he was putting in was producing real results,” he said. “In some sports it’s not as easy to see immediate progress but in swimming everything is time. The times are posted right after the meet. The kids

know what their PR is, they know what they’re shooting for, the record board is always looming over the wall at every practice.

“I think it was just him finally getting that satisfaction from ‘All right, it’s tough every day and I’m working my butt off but I’m under 30 seconds for the first time.’”

By mid-January Klobucista broke 28 seconds and prior to the Colonial Valley Conference Championships, which concluded on Jan. 24. The coach felt he could reach the low 27s that might make him a place-winner.

Emerson pointed out that last year, Klobucista would usually finish second behind senior Jack Ford, who was the team’s top sprinter. The coach joked that Isa had to get to his senior year before finishing first.

“When Jack graduated, he was named captain,” Emerson said. “He’s the guy now to fill those shoes. Once he felt that it was his responsibility and he was the go-to guy, he just ran with it.”

Klobucista chuckled when he heard about his coach’s Ford comments.

“I didn’t think Emerson was going to throw shade at me,” he said. “But Jack Ford is still one of my closest friends We still hang out, and he was a huge inspiration for me to get faster in the 50 free.

“I’ve gotten first place in relays before, but I got my first place in an individual event for the first time this year. Everybody used to call me a second-place merchant but that only drove me to become better so I can fill the shoes of Jack Ford.”

Ford is not Klobucista’s only inspiration. He is on relay teams with Smolka, Nick Chiorello and Antonio Davila.

“Steven and Nick have been a big presence in my swim career, they have been with me for all my three years I’ve done swimming,” Klobucista said. “Antonio Davila is a standout freshman swimmer and is always right behind me when we swim the 50 free. I have no doubt he will be an amazing swimmer next year. These are the guys I usually work with at prac-

tice and the guys I have a pre-meet talk with.”

They are also the guys he loves going to battle with when its time for the relays. While it’s always nice winning an individual event, Klobucista enjoys the camaraderie of four guys striving for one goal.

“It’s a serial feeling to win a relay,” he said. “I love cheering for the guys and being able to have a strong connection with them. If one of us does good it puts pressure on all of us to do even better to make sure we keep that lead.”

Klobucista is an interesting guy with an interesting first name. A Muslim who proudly hails from Albania, Isa’s name is the Arabic translation for Jesus.

It stands to reason he is named after history’s most famous carpenter, since he may also be a tradesman.

“Trying to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life in one year is a very hard thing to do, but I’m still very young and always open to trying new things,” Klobucista said. “I mainly want to enter a trade school and try to become an electrician. My uncles, my dad and most of my cousins all do trades so that’s the only thing I grew up around would be interested in.”

For now, Klobucista is still enjoying the sport that has become his best. He has been “super happy” with his performance this year. And despite “the shade” thrown by his coach, Klobucista has nothing but praise for him and his friends.

“If I had any other coach besides Emerson I wouldn’t be as successful in my career,” he said. “He pushes me in practice; makes sure I’m feeling alright and makes some very difficult workouts.

“I’ve been super lucky to have the support of my teammates like Steven Smolka and Nick Chiorello. Every time I take a stroke and see them at the wall cheering me on it makes me push past my limits. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them and my family.”

Instead, he is everywhere thanks to a schedule that never slows down.

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I recently discovered that the artificial intelligence initialism “A.I.”, especially when written in its more common form, “AI,” is often pronounced by text-tospeech computers like the word “eye,” or more ominously, “I.” It’s too bad it’s not a sight error, interpreting the upper case “I” to be a lower case “L.” Hearing about how “AL” might one day take over the world is a little easier to disbelieve, and at least a bit funnier.

Is this text-to-speech mispronunciation a simple and understandable error by AI, caused by the trickiness of absent periods? Or the first hint of artificial

a large data set to analyze, but it’s not good at coming up with new ideas. And if its ideas aren’t recycled, it’s probably because they’re completely fabricated.

AI’s tendency to “hallucinate”—that is, to satisfy a request by inventing information, rather than admit it can’t complete a task—is a welldocumented by-product of its algorithmic programming. The frequency of hallucinations has been reduced as AI improves, but the threat is always lurking, demanding detailed fact-checking, just as any human-written work would require. Many observers have also noticed that AI tends to use lots of em dashes—but that’s a quirk I’m willing to forgive.

AI is limited by its data set—it’s a garbage in, garbage out situation. The various AIs are trained using material

AI might recombine words in impressive ways, but good writing is based on the sharing of original human experience.

intelligence getting too big for its britches? Schoolkids haven’t caught onto this alternative pronunciation trick yet, but when they do, they’ll have a nice “honest lie” to mislead their teachers: “What do you mean? I told you AI (I) did that homework!”

A mere three years ago, I wrote a column about my introduction to ChatGPT, and the problems presented when I asked it to write a Hamilton Post column for me using a similar writing style. I tried it again recently—strictly as an experiment, of course—and while the output was more impressive this time, it bore an unrelenting and unappealing sense of mimicry. AI is good at synthesizing writing, especially given

that’s available on the internet (no garbage there, surely), and there are millions of books that have never been digitally recorded, roughly 90% to 95% of the world’s written book history. Pending various legal challenges, AI might one day be able to use any book or information source ever published, but that day hasn’t come yet, so AI’s information is far from authoritative. Sometimes it’s more like listening to that weird friend who does “research” by watching YouTube videos and then shares a bunch of crazy ideas without vetting them first.

More disturbing than AI’s current (and possibly quite temporary) difficulties with scope and truth-telling are the effects that AI has on humans. More

than 50% of new online articles are now generated by AI, contributing to a phenomenon scientists have dubbed “brain rot”—the 2024 Word of the Year, defined by Oxford University Press as “the perceived deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, particularly resulting from the overconsumption of low-quality, unchallenging, and trivial online content.” The per-person average for social media use is over two hours per day, and those articles and posts we read tend to eliminate difficult words and complex concepts, often appealing to society’s lowest, or at least simplest, common denominator. While AI can generate complex writing, news fodder is usually intended to reach the widest possible audience, and that means dumbing things down. As a result, hours of social media “reading” don’t actually make you a better reader.

That’s important because there’s a very strong positive correlation between reading and critical thinking. In other words, people who read regularly have better B.S. detectors than those who don’t. Given that one recent study shows rates of reading for pleasure in children and adults have fallen 40% since 2003, this explains an awful lot about the state of our country today.

Extrapolating these trends, the dystopian AI doomsday scenario starts to look less like The Terminator, and more like George Orwell’s 1984, or Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. AI can be a useful tool, making new discoveries possible in science and medicine. But I wonder if reading and writing will one day be like going to the gym after using a car to get around all day—a paradoxical and unnecessary option, low-priority and easy to forgo.

According to polls, people prefer

authenticity, meaning they enjoy reading material written by humans rather than AI. But in blind tests, readers often can’t tell the difference between AI and human-written work. As a society, we may not yet know how to protect human writing, but we do seem to know, implicitly, that we should. Even if AI could draw from everything ever written, there’s little chance it would write something innovative. It might recombine words in impressive ways, but good writing is based on the sharing of original human experience. There are lots of things computers can do, but they can’t go for a walk, or fall in love—yet. Is there a solution? During World War II, soldiers were given pocket-sized editions of more than 1300 titles, with authors ranging from Abe Lincoln to Bob Feller. A 2002 legacy initiative, for soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, published only 4 titles. It’s an unlikely scenario, but imagine if every time you saw someone pull out a smartphone to kill a few minutes, they were actually reading a book instead? Or writing in a journal, recording the thoughts and events of the day?

This column wasn’t written by AI, but it almost could have been. You and I— not “AI”—need to remind ourselves that delegating brain work comes with a cost, and make our own decisions about when that cost becomes too high.

Peter dabbene will be a featured reader in the High Mountain Meadow Poetry Series at the Wayne Public Library on Sunday March 8 at 2 p.m. His website is peterdabbene. com, and his previous Hamilton Post columns can be read at communitynews.org. His poetry/photo book “The Lotus Eater (and Other Poems)” is available through Amazon.com for $20 (print) or $10 (ebook).

Juniper

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

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

Building a Stronger, Safer Water System

Trenton Water Works (TWW) is actively building a stronger, safer, and more resilient water system through our $763 million Capital Improvement Plan a long-term investment in critical infrastructure serving TWW’s five municipalities. Major priorities include replacing all lead service lines at no cost to homeowners; decentralizing finished water storage by constructing new storage tanks; decommissioning and replacing the Pennington Avenue Reservoir; building a new central pumping station; upgrading the water filtration plant; and improving elevated tanks, valves, and water mains. The plan also includes installing smart meters to eliminate nearly all estimated bills and enhance customer service. To ensure projects are properly designed and completed, the plan provides for engineering services and other technical support to guide and oversee capital projects.

Together, these investments strengthen system reliability, enhance resilience, and protect public health reflecting TWW’s ongoing commitment to the communities we serve. We are at your service.

$400 million

Pennington Avenue Reservoir Replacement Project

 Replace aging reservoir infrastructure, including the central pumping station (CPS)

 Construct decentralized storage tanks in Trenton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, and Hopewell Township to safeguard the water supply.

 Improve pressure and system hydraulics.

What This Means

The project safeguards the water supply, improves system hydraulics, and strengthens long-term system resiliency.

$175 million

Lead Service Line

Replacement

 Replace approximately 20,000 lead service lines across the TWW service area, including Trenton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, and Lawrence Township, in multiple phases. There are no lead service lines in Hopewell Township because its housing stock is newer.

 TWW’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) is a multi-year program extending through 2031.

What This Means

Removing lead infrastructure from the water system protects childrens’ health and reduces long-term public health risks.

Required for compliance with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and long-term public health risk reduction.

$88 million Distribution System and Water Meter Improvements

 Replace aging water mains and valves.

 Undertake targeted cleaning and lining of existing water mains.

 Detect and repair leaks systemwide.

 Replace water meters with two-way communicating smart water meters to eliminate estimated bills, improve billing efficiency, and strengthen customer service.

What This Means

Reduces leaks, improves billing accuracy, and reduces unaccounted-for water (UFW) loss.

$75 million

Water Filtration Plant Improvements (WFP)

 HVAC, roofing, and electrical upgrades

 Modernize the plant’s chemical feed system and mechanical dewatering facility (MDF).

 Modernize security and fire alarm systems, SCADA, and implement other safety upgrades.

 Upgrade the raw water intake system to improve its cold-weather performance.

What This Means

Keeps the water filtration plant operational, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards.

$15 million

Fleet Vehicles and Heavy Equipment

 Replace aging vehicle fleet and heavy equipment.

What This Means

Ensure field personnel have the equipment needed to maintain and repair the system and deploy during emergencies.

$10 million Engineering Services

 Secure engineering and design services for system upgrades and expansion.

 Execute project implementation support and performance analysis.

What This Means

Ensures that system upgrades are properly designed, sequenced, and delivered.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP

ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NEWS TO KNOW

12 questions with ‘That Sketch Guy,’ Shane Courtney

Thomas Kelly FiGhT in The MuSeuM

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP

Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Hamilton.

ANNOUCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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

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

Jeannine Cimino Board Chairman Rachel Holland Executive Director

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

Shane Courtney has an eye for composition. He is a digital painter. He spends countless hours getting his compositions just right.

The Hamilton West graduate’s work will make you look twice or three times and challenge you to figure out what he wants you to see and understand. Personal yet universal themes may be observed.

What are you communicating with your art?

Other times I will see an image in my head while daydreaming and if I find it whimsical or absurd or downright weird, I will refine it until it blossoms into something wonderful. Color and texture are what give it a pulse and a personality but creating an engaging and imaginative composition is always my top priority.  Your work appears to have classical influences. Is that intentional?

Absolutely. I’m drawn to the drama and storytelling you find in classical art. There’s an intricacy and hyperdetailism in classical art that I find is often lacking in modern art. I do, however, enjoy disrupting classical concepts with modern, mundane, or even irreverent subject matter.

Who are some of your artistic influences?

Jeannine Cimino Rachel Holland Executive Director

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

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

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

I’m interested in pulling complex, sometimes uncomfortable emotions out of very ordinary things. I like it when something feels familiar at first glance and then slowly unravels into something more odd or uncomfortable or unconventional. I thrive in the “uncanny valley”.

What is your primary medium and how did you arrive there?

I primarily work digitally now. I started with simple black Bic pens and a piece of printer paper. I would often make art at my work desk on slow days. Then when I became busier, I moved to digital because it was simple to pick up an iPad and doodle. Putting together an easel and setting up/breaking down paints was just never feasible with my lifestyle. Moving to a digital medium has allowed me to push detail, color, and texture to appeal to a wider audience and explore different imagery.

Do you consider yourself to be “self-taught”?

Salvador Dalí is my hero. His ability to create true visceral reactions and his flare for drama are exceptional. Hieronymus Bosch, Michael Chevall, Francis Bacon, H.R. Giger — their intricacies and attention to detail are also inspiring. I also love artists like Banksy who can make a powerful statement with only a simple image.  What is your biggest struggle as an artist?

Firstly, time. Creating the way I want to, requires mental fortitude and hours upon hours of focus. Most of my pieces take 60-80 hours. Balancing life, work, and the need to create thoughtfully is the ongoing challenge. Secondly, there is a lack of appreciation overall for digital media. Many have commented that they feel it is a ‘lesser’ art form or is somehow easier because of tools like copy/paste, programs like Photoshop, and the incorporation of technology.

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Source: Unkown

Rachel Holland, Executive Director

Gregory Blair (Emeritus), Nottingham Insurance Co.

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

Hon. Jeff Martin, Mayor, Hamilton Township

Lee Boss, The Mercadien Group

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

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

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

Patrick M. Ryan, First Bank

Tom Troy, Sharbell Development Corp.

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

Yes. I didn’t come up through a traditional fine art pipeline. My grandfather was an artist on the side, and my main career is as a medical provider specializing in dermatology. I think I have an innate appreciation for aesthetics, color patterns, and tiny details. I tend to let what feels visceral and organic guide me.

Do you still sketch the original ideas on paper?

THE HAMILTON PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jeannine Cimino, Chair, William Penn Bank

Gerard Fennelly, NAI Fennelly

Richard Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton

Frank Lucchesi, PSE&G

Rarely. Most ideas go straight from my head into the digital space. I do start with a rough outline and then I refine it gradually. Most of my earliest sketches look like the skeleton of a tattoo. Then I let the details happen organically as I work

What is more important in your work: composition, color, or texture?

Composition comes first. Often, the title of my pieces come to me first and then an image is conjured in my head shortly after. That then becomes the art.

There is a deep aversion in the art community to AI and when I share a piece, I inevitably get comments relating my pieces to AI and it’s awfully frustrating. I now share videos of my art process from start to finish and this has helped. But I suppose a goal of mine is to show people that digital art is unique art form that can be just as challenging and rewarding as conventional art. My hands just don’t get as dirty!

Your work makes the viewer look twice. Is that the intent?

Yes! That is absolutely my goal. I want people to have a gut reaction before the brain even knows it has reacted. It could be shock, disgust, longing, hilarity, or just plain confusion. Either way, the purity of a ‘first impression’ is what I live for. Most comments on my artwork will range from “this is brilliant” to “this is uncom-

“Shampoo-La-La,” digital illustration by

fortable” to “WTF?” and I love seeing my art’s ability to evoke such a breadth of emotions. All reactions are valid and appreciated.

How do you know when a piece is finished?

Most malignant perfectionists like me will tell you that when you work on a piece long enough you begin to despise it. When I feel my resentment starting to build, I start wrapping it up. There’s a moment when it feels complete rather than perfect… and that’s when I let it go.

Do you feel your work is evolving?

Definitely. I’m less interested in decoration and more interested in the piece resonating with the viewer. The subject matter I work on now is chosen carefully. I have a line-up of 20-30 ideas written down that I hope to start working on. My style as well is evolving. I can make my ideas come to fruition faster and more precisely. And working with the Procre-

ate art app as well as my iPad and Apple Pencil have a learning curve that I keep improving upon with each new iteration. You never stop learning.

What’s on the horizon?

More provocative ideas, more stepping outside of my own comfort zones, more exploring techniques that feel foreign, and simply — more playing. I make art because it’s therapeutic for me. It keeps me mentally sound. And yet I feel myself yearning to break more rules and play increasingly more.

My artwork is the only autobiography I have that places the images in my brain into a palpable form that can be enjoyed by others. Long after I am dust, that will be the legacy I choose to leave to others. That’s the greatest gift I can give.  Instagram: @thatsketchyguy.

Thomas Kelly

MEGAN S. SEIBER,

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

Do you or someone you know suffer from heart failure?

Ask The Doctor

Managing heart failure is challenging and can affect almost every part of life. Beyond the physical symptoms of fatigue, swelling and breathlessness, heart failure also impacts emotional health, relationships, and daily routines. A unique approach to heart failure care at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is the Healthy Lives Hamilton program, an impactful addition to the spectrum of heart and vascular services we provide. What is heart failure? Heart failure is a medical condition that can occur due to the heart being weak or stiff and can develop after the heart has been damaged by a heart attack, a virus, high blood pressure or other conditions. Often it can’t be cured, but with the right medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and support, many patients can successfully manage

the condition. The overall goal is to avoid hospitalizations and achieve good quality of life.

See our ads in SIX09 section pgs 5 and 7

“At any given time, we care for ten to twenty patients admitted to our hospital with heart failure. Nationwide statistics show that up to ¼ of those patients will be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, largely because heart failure is a challenging condition to treat and manage.” says Justin Fox, MD, a boardcertified cardiologist and interventional cardiologist, Chair of the Department of Cardiology at RWJUH Hamilton, and member of Hamilton Cardiology Associates. “Our task is to successfully guide the care of heart failure patients both during and after their hospitalization. During the hospital stay, my cardiologist colleagues and I work to provide optimal medical therapy and any needed procedures to stabilize and treat the patient. After discharge, our best practice is to

have a team approach to the follow-up care including timely visits with their outpatient cardiologist and primary care physician and, perhaps most importantly, enrollment in the Healthy Lives Program.”

How does Healthy Lives Hamilton Support Patients with Heart Failure?

Healthy Lives Hamilton is an outpatient clinic on-site at RWJUH Hamilton designed to help heart failure patients and their families. From symptom monitoring and management to education, a team of experts guides patients towards living a healthy life.

“The Healthy Lives Hamilton team works with patients to create an individual plan that can help them reach their health goals,” says Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Administrative Director of Cardiovascular Services. She oversees the program along with Ann Mancuso, MSN, RN, CHFN, Heart Failure Coordinator. “For many heart failure patients, their goal is to minimize symptoms of their illness and maintain good quality of life without having to come back into the hospital. These goals are achieved with thorough education to patients/families, medication adjustments, blood work and providing IV treatments if necessary. Our team works to understand and help patients manage the psychosocial aspects of their condition, which is key to achieving better quality of life.”

Who is eligible to participate?

Referral to the Healthy Lives Hamilton program may occur during an inpatient stay at a hospital, or a physician may refer patients to the program on an outpatient basis. Patients with heart failure and other chronic conditions are eligible to be enrolled. Note that the Healthy Lives team will collaborate with a patient’s medical providers for the most comprehensive care. Patients will still continue to be cared for by their regular cardiologist and other providers. Ultimately, improving quality of life for those living with heart failure requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychosocial aspects of the disease, fostering a better life for patients. In 2024, RWJUH Hamilton was named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

If you or someone you know is living with heart failure and would like to learn more about the program, please call 609203-4326.Visit rwjbh.org/heart

RWJUH Hamilton support groups this month

All support groups take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619 -unless otherwise noted. View the entire calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/ hamiltonprograms, or for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900. Registration is required to attend.

TueSday, February 10

dinner with a doctor: Men’s Wellness edition. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join Salman Ahmed, MD, Family Medicine, and a member RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, for an informative session on the key health screenings men should not miss. Find out what tests can save lives, how often to get them and what steps to take next for a healthier future. Dinner provided and registration required.

ThurSday, February 12

discover the Link between hearing Loss and dementia. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Think hearing loss is just having to turn the tv louder? But there is more! Come and learn about the links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Presented by Teresa Cole, AuD, audiologist at RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, at RWJUH Hamilton.

Friday, February 13

Snack & Chat: Matters of the heart. 1-2 p.m. In support of Heart Month, join our Healthy Lives Hamilton Program team, Connie Moceri, MSN, RN, AGNP-C, Administrative Director Patient Care-Cardiovascular Services & Healthy Lives Hamilton Program, and Ann Mancuso, MSN, RN, CHFN, Heart Failure Program Coordinator, for an engaging lecture on heart failure, the challenges, treatment plans and the Healthy Lives Hamilton program. Healthy snacks and refreshments will be provided.

ThurSday, February 19

heart and Soul - Slide into better health! 6-8 p.m. In support of Heart Month, join us and pump up your heart and soul for group line dancing, Zumba, refreshments, health screenings, Ask-A-Cardiologist, heart health resources, and more. Don’t miss this fun, heart-healthy evening of dance. $10 per person collected at the door.

Friday, February 27

heart healthy nutrition. 1-2 p.m. Also Monday, Apr. 20. In support of Heart Month, Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, RWJUH Hamilton, for our bimonthly nutrition education class. Learn about making dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Discuss the principles of heart-healthy nutrition. Gain tips for meal planning and preparation. Explore heart-healthy recipes.

CLassiFieD

VACATION RENTAL

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Fort Myers Beach, Fl. Dates are still available 1 br condo on beach. Call for details @ 609-577-8244.

HELP WANTED

Manual Machinist PT - Fab shop near Rt 195/exit 16 seeks manual machinist w/ 10+ yrs exp. Day Shift, 20-24 Hrs/week, $27 to $37/hr, must have exp w/manual lathe, Bridgeport, drill-press. Apply to: HR@SBOMH.com or POB 728, Clarksburg, NJ 08510

Work From Home - Would You like to SAVE MONEY on Your Electric bill AND MAKE MONEY at the same time? Call: Elaine at 640-202-0791 For More Information!

SERVICES

F,D, Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-385-5701 Lic#13VH05475900.

Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info.

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.

I Buy Guitars All Musical Instruments in Any Condition: Call Rob at 609-577-3337.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards, autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4theloveofcards, 908-596-0976. allstar115@verizon.net.

Cash paid for World War II Military Items. Helmets, swords, medals, etc. Call: 609-6582996, E-mail: lenny1944x@gmail.com

Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models.609-658-2996 or e-mail lenny1944x@gmail.com

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 - PULP magazines , old role playing stuff, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S magazine. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com .

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