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Long-awaited Hopewell Bandshell set to open
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BY JOE EMANSKI
area nonprofit organization based in Hopewell Valley. They say that all good things The cultural festival is are worth waiting for. expected to feature food, It’s been a long wait before community resources and planning and then construction performances with cultural of the Hopewell Township Band- significance. shell was complete. But the day “We are thrilled at the openhas finally come, and that, cer- ing of this new community tainly, is a good thing. resource, and I am proud that On Saturday, May 11, Hopewell Township is honorHopewell Township, the ing all first responders in the Hopewell Township Commit- Valley with the dedication of the tee, the Woolsey Park Advisory Woolsey Park Bandshell and the Committee and many Hopewell 2024 Mayor’s Awards,” PetersValley first responders will be on Manning told the Express. “I hand in Woolsey Park to com- am hoping that the awards will memorate the bandshell’s grand become an annual tradition to opening. honor an outstanding member Hopewell Valley junior lacrosse player Gianna Azara takes a shot at home against Phillipsburg on Festivities are set to begin at of each of our first responder April 10, 2024. HoVal lost, 16-6. (Photo by Nate Berman.) 11 a.m. with a grand opening divisions: police, fire, EMS, and ceremony. Township Commit- public works.” tee members including Mayor Peters-Manning added that Courtney Peters-Manning, Dep- Hopewell Borough Mayor uty Mayor Uma Purandare and Ryan Kennedy and PenningWoolsey Park Advisory Com- ton Mayor James Davy will also mittee liaison Michael Ruger be on hand to present awards will be among the local officials to first responders from the BY RICH FISHER Injury halted Ariana’s career (36) and draw controls (21). She who will be on hand to help cut boroughs. and she did not play at LaSalle, will give the New Jersey Athletic the ribbon. Hopewell Township received By the time Gianna Azara but Louie is playing for Mont- Conference yet another Azara, Following that, Peters-Man- a $500,000 grant from the State ning will recognize Hopewell of New Jersey back in 2021 for came along in this world, her clair, Anthony is competing for as she has already committed Valley first responders with the the purpose of constructing a future was already decided as Kean and Alphonse played two to The College of New Jersey, a 2024 Mayor’s Awards, before bandshell in Woolsey Park. The lacrosse was woven throughout years for the Bulldogs boys Division III powerhouse. team. Much of her talent comes dedicating the bandshell in their grant was obtained with the sup- her DNA. The youngest of five, Gianna The “baby” of the group is from those family backyard honor. port of Assemblyman Anthony The first ever Hopewell Cul- Verrelli, Sen. Shirley Turner watched her sister Ariana and holding up the family tradition brawls, which were, let’s say, tural Festival is set to follow, and Assemblywoman Verlina brothers Louie, Anthony and quite nicely. Now in her junior cutthroat. Welcome Capital Health. Alphonse play the game for year, Azara leads Hopewell in “Very, very,” Azara said with hosted by Hopewellto Township Reynolds-Jackson. See BANDSHELL, Page 9 See AZARA, Page 10 Hopewell Valley Central High. goals (28), assists (8), points and Culture Connections, an When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.
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Lacrosse flows in the veins of Hopewell Valley’s Azara
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