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Proof Positive: Teens can make a difference
From Chile to Hopewell
HVCHS Class of 2023 bids farewell
Catalina Empanadas brings a taste of South America to area farmers markets
By Rich Fisher Landon Hallett’s contributions to the Pennington School baseball team’s 16-2 record and NJISAA Prep B championship were impressive, but his contributions to the Proof Positive organization are probably more important in the overall scheme of life. And that’s saying something, considering the sophomore shortstop led the Red Hawks in hits (30) and batting average (.469) while finishing second in RBI (26) and runs (26). He also had a 2.80 ERA in five mound appearances. “He’s a big reason why we were as successful as we were,” said Pennington coach Steve Kowalski. He is also a key reason why area residents with autism have smiles on their faces at Proof Positive; a locally founded organization that is dedicated to improving the well being of autistic people and their families, providers and communities. See PROOF, Page 12
By JOe EMANsKi
Hopewell Valley Central High School Class of 2023 graduates toss their caps in the air at commencement held at the high school on June 15, 2023. (Photo by Mike Schwartz/mssphoto.com.)
Fairgrown Farm sows new seeds at site of groundbreaking CSA By SUe FerrArA The history of Community Supported Agriculture took root in New Jersey in the 1980s, when farmers faced a serious economic crisis. A perfect fiscal storm saw interest rates soar. The Soviet Union had invaded Afghanistan, leading President Jimmy Carter to embargo grain
sales from the U.S. to Russia. Farmers also weathered two droughts: one in 1983, the other in 1988. These events led to the idea that communities could support their local farmers through farm memberships. Customers purchased a share to a farm and collected the resulting bounty across a growing season.
The model worked until about 2016; after that, members started to fall away due to the availability of lower-cost organic produce options. The Covid19 pandemic saw consumers returning to CSA programs; but that bounce didn’t last. F ast-forward to 2023, and now CSA operations are facing an See FAIRGROWN, Page 6
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Empanadas have been enjoyed for years throughout much of the Americas, though they have only recently become popular in New Jersey. Most people probably think of an empanada as a meat, veggie and/or cheese stuffed pastry deep fried until golden brown, and enjoyed as an appetizer or a handheld snack from a street vendor or at the market. But Jimena and Mikl Hajek of Hopewell-based Catalina Empanadas want you to know that there is another way to enjoy empanadas. They can baked instead of fried, as they are in Chile, Jimena Hajek’s home country. And the couple says that they are every bit as delicious as the deep fried version — and perhaps ever so slightly better for you. Catalina Empanadas is not the first foray into the food and See CATALINA, Page 8
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