Hamilton PPost ost Hamilton FEBRUARY 2026
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COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
Hamilton Area YMCA marks 75 years
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Bill would give Water Works towns new options
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
By BiLL SANSeRViNO
Steinert wrestler Alex Castano grapples with Hamilton High’s Gabriel Pierre, Dec. 16, 2025. Castano won by technical fall, 16-1. (Photo by Amanda Ruch.)
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
get your heart checked
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
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
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