Hamilton Township and the City of Trenton are offering free rabies clinics for dogs and cats, starting this weekend.
The clinics will start in Hamilton Saturday at 9 a.m. to noon, and in Trenton Mondays, Jan. 22nd and 29th at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pet owners are required to be residents of either city, and will have to prove residency with proper ID, and follow other rules, said township officials.
“In New Jersey, it’s mandatory for dogs to have these vaccines in order to receive a New Jersey dog license,” said Jeff Plunkett, Hamilton Township director of health.
Additionally, “if an animal has rabies and it’s not treated, it could be fatal,” he said. He also reminded that if a rabid animal bites a human being, there could also be human fatality as well.
New Jersey sponsors these free rabies clinics statewide, with Hamilton Twp. offering about five each year for about 40 years now.
In Trenton and Hamilton, pet owners should make sure their animals are muzzled, if they bark, on a leash, and cats need to be in carriers when they arrive at the clinics, said Officer Jose Munoz, chief of the Trenton Humane Law Enforcement Division and manager of the Trenton Animal Shelter.
Dogs and cat owners are to arrive at 72 Escher St., in Trenton, Monday morning, with proper ID and paperwork of previous vaccinations, if they wish to participate in the rabies clinics. If eligible, their pets will receive a three-year shot.
In Hamilton, pet owners who want their dogs and cats vaccinated should go to 320 Scully Ave. Saturday morning, with proper ID, and adhere to the safety precautions for their animals.
The animals should be 6 months, or older.
Hamilton Twp. expects around 300-350 pet owners to participate this weekend.
Plunkett said it has always been a free clinic and it is economically helpful to residents.
Kathryn Gist of Trenton, who is owner of an 8-year-old Boston Terrier said, “I might check it out. That’s a good thing because sometimes I might not have the money, but my dog already has a doctor.”
Plunkett advises that these rabies vaccines protect the dogs and other animals and the humans they interact with in our communities.
HAMILTON, N.J. — For many, the frigid temperatures at this time of the year are unbearable and one just cannot be warm enough, and so a boy name Max Frost has decided to help keep area residents very warm.10-year-old Max Frost sits with his collection of warm winter coats in the living room of his Hamilton home. – Provided photo
Max, who is 10-years-old, has been collecting coats for Mercer County residents since November 2015.
He says, “I feel like a good person because I’m giving back to the community. Not everyone is fortunate to have a coat and I like to help keep them warm.”
His interest began when his mother, Tammy Frost, taped a television show for him that they watched together on ABC television, where he saw the kickoff for Warm Coats & Warm Hearts drive.
The other young kids that were putting coats in the box influenced Max, and he wanted to help too, said his mother.
When Max first started on his journey to collect winter coats, he ended up with 170 coats his first year. But by November 2016, before the coat drive began again, people were enthusiastic about donating coats to Max, said his mother. He collected 530 coats that year.
This year, he has collected more than 600 coats already, said Frost.
So, Max’s efforts have been successful. Max Frost collects more than 600 coats this winter. These include drop-offs from the community. -Provided photo
He has several locations with donation boxes in Mercer County. Also, his mother posts photos and updates on social media each week, where the community, and even a producer from Good Morning America (GMA) program on ABC television have noticed.
And, this has bought Max even more attention. His mother received a private message via Facebook from the GMA producer who saw social media photos and videos of Max making donation boxes and collecting coats.
As a result, Max has had several cameo appearances on GMA, with the latest one Dec. 21, last month.
Max’s mother says the effort gets bigger each year. She says strangers send her private messages on social media and are bringing coats to their house.
She says friends of friends in the Hamilton and surrounding areas know about it, and that they help Max with his donations.
Actually, the coat collections initiative is a nationwide event that is in its 11th year. Burlington stores and the non-profit organization, Delivering Good sponsor Warm Coats & Warm Hearts.
The coat drive officially begins Jan. 22, 2018.
At the moment, people can drop off coats at The Beauty Room, 650 Rt. 206 in Bordentown, and at the Law Office of Brian Hofmeister, 3131 Princeton Pike, Suite 5, Building 110, Lawrenceville, said Tammy.
People who need coats that range from infant to adult sizes can pick them up at Catholic Charities, which is one of several organizations in Mercer County that distributes them, said Tammy Frost.
From left, NCNW President, Angela Battle presents toys to Liabron Martin, 12, in the middle, who is standing next to his mother at the right. – Photo by Michelle Dryden
TRENTON, N.J. — Just in time for Christmas, The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) — Mercer Section, and Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church of Trenton, held a food and toy drive at the church Friday, with hopes to make the holidays happy for many families.
“We asked the pastor to identify 25 families that we can be a blessing to,” said Lossie Whitaker-Thornton, vice president of NCNW, Mercer Section.
Families with children were present to choose from many toys like dolls and trucks, and games that were on separate tabletops and labeled by age and gender.
They were also giving away 24 whole turkeys that weighed about 10-15 pounds each, a ham, and six chickens to three families. Christmas bags packed with turkeys and the trimmings for families. – Photo by Michelle Dryden
Thornton said the turkeys they were giving to families included all the trimmings such as cranberry sauce, apple cider, dinner rolls, cornbread, string beans, yams, and macaroni and cheese.
The NCNW, Mercer Section is a newly formed organization that’s a branch of the national organization. It was formed in January 2017, but became and official section in March. It held its installation service Sept. 30 at the Pines Manor in Edison. There are about 63 members.
“This is our first year at Mt. Zion A.M.E. We partnered with them,” said Thornton.
The pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E., Rev. Frank Smart was happy to have the NCNW at his church.
“Because it’s a national council, it’s an honor to have them choose Mt. Zion from the many other churches in Trenton,” said Smart. “We see it as an honor. As far as the members, we always want to lend a helping hand, a supportive hand, and this is a time of the year that we’d like to do it.”
The NCNW, Mercer Section does many other community-based activities that have positive impact on families, children, and especially women of color. Some member of NCNW, Mercer Section, at their food and toy drive at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Trenton. – Photo by Michelle Dryden
Since becoming a Mercer County organization, they have held a health fair in the summer, had financial literacy and entrepreneurship events, voter registration, and Pennington Day in May where businesses came out to support each other.
They have plans for upcoming events such as a Legacy Jazz Brunch in February at Mountain View Golf Club in Ewing, and they are looking into a scholarship luncheon for college students, said Rev. Dr. Angela Battle, President of NCNW, Mercer Section.
Educator and political leader, Mary McLeod Bethune founded the NCNW in 1935. It is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of 36 national African-American women’s organizations and more than 230 community and campus-based sections.
NCNW’s mission is to lead, empower and advocate for nearly three million women, their families and communities.
“We seek to harness the collective power of women of African descent, so that they may realize their full potential and create a just society that enhances the quality of life for all people,” their mission states.
For more information about NCNW, or the Jazz brunch, call (973) 634-1176, or e-mail lossielwt@aol.com.
HAMILTON, N.J. — Physicians and staff at Robert Wood-Johnson University Hospital Barnabas Health (RWJBH) in Hamilton hosted their annual Bariatric Fashion Show last week at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, to showcase their patients’ weight loss success stories. A bariatric surgery patient models her before and after looks following her surgery at RWJBH. -Provided photo
There were about 20 patients who have undergone bariatric surgery as their ultimate weight loss resort, and now they have life-transforming results that are inspirational to anyone who has struggled with weight and health issues.
“I was completely paralyzed. I was in a wheelchair, and I am a previous stroke victim,” said Tanza Baker, one of the surgery-patients-turned-model.
Baker who was a size 34 has lost 195 pounds. Two other patients have lost 140 and 197 pounds each. In total, the fashion show participants have lost more than 2,000 pounds, said Joe Hannan, communication specialist at RWJBH.
“Bariatric surgery is a weight loss option for people who have tried more traditional methods of losing weight and haven’t had success,” says Hannan.
There are several common types of bariatric surgeries that change the anatomy of the stomach and/or intestine. The effects of this include curbing the appetite and sometimes altering the metabolic processes. This results in gradual weight loss.
“It took about a year and a half for me to lose 195 pounds,” said Baker. “Now that I have lost the weight my medical issues have improved 1000 times.”
She said among her weight-related health issues, her cholesterol levels, her asthma, and the cortisone shots in her knees have all gotten better now.
Baker’s life has changed dramatically.
She said she that for about a year now she has been an Ashley Stewart plus-size model at a size 14. She is also a gospel radio show host on WBJL 103.9 FM for about seven months now. And, she is looking forward to having her story published by Bloomberg Business Week. She now also has a better relationship with food, eating healthier by including more vegetables in her diet and drinking more water. She plans on doing more activities and also on maintaining her new weight.
Previously, she suffered from depression. She said her weight was dragging her down. Even though she still struggles with balance and partial paralysis of the face, she said she is much happier and wants to be an encouragement to others with similar issues.
So she tell others to, “realize your situation if you’re struggling with your weight. Go for the surgery. Don’t be afraid. Go for being healthier. Without your health you don’t have anything at all,” she said.
Baker said she wants to see people happy, and has already encouraged five persons to have the surgery.
Hannan said there are risks associated with surgeries in general and also with this one, but by electing to undergo bariatric surgery, physicians and patients determine that the greater risk is to allow obesity to continue unchecked.
To maintain their weight losses, physicians and dieticians prescribe each patient a unique diet that they have created. The most critical part of the nutrition plan is portion control and staying well hydrated, said Hannan.
For those considering bariatric surgery, it is covered by many health insurance plans, and the out-of-pocket cost varies by insurance company.
Members of YWCA Princeton’s all-girls robotics team. -Provided photo
PRINCETON, N.J. — Young girls at YWCA Princeton are embracing the challenge to pursue science careers by making it fun as they competed in robotics events and qualified for the championships at the “Steinert Slam” recently.
Two all-girls robotics teams, Orange Power and Orange Alert, from YWCA Princeton entered the qualifying events.
The teams competed in the FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), grades 4-8, where they researched a real-world problem, and also in the LEGO® Mindstorms, where they built and programmed a robot for competition.
Board President, Dr. Cheryl Rowe-Rendleman, who spearheaded the initiative three years ago says, “My expectation for the program was to create a positive exposure to young, potential scientists by showing them a path to an interesting range of careers. I want these girls to know that a career path in sciences should not be arduous, but should be fun!”
At the event, judges scored Orange Power and Orange Alert robotics teams on core values, project, and robot design. Orange Alert won first place for core values presentation, while Orange Power took second place for STEM Project Award, and earned a spot in this year’s North NJ FLL Championship at Mt. Olive High School in Flanders, NJ.
YWCA Princeton sponsors a total of four all-girls teams for robotics competition. There are two teams in the FLL and another two teams in the FIRST® Tech Challenge, which are grades 7-12.
A scientist herself, Dr. Rowe-Rendleman further explains that, “programs such as FIRST® LEGO® League Robotics provide an understanding of how things work, develop problem-solving skills and promote hands-on learning, and more importantly makes it possible for kids to love science.”
Also, CEO of YWCA Princeton Judy Hutton explains that, “women make up 47 percent of the overall workforce and constitute only about 27 percent of the science and engineering workforce. Fewer than one in 10 employed scientists and engineers are minority women,” she says.
She adds, “As part of our mission to empower women, we strongly believe the time has come to encourage young women and girls to pursue interests and careers in STEM.”
LAWRENCE, N.J. — A group of high school students from the Light for the Night students’ club
Students from The Lawrenceville School who are members of Lights for the Night students’ club participate in fundraisers to help to purchase 200 flashlights that they will donate to storm-ruined Puerto Rico. – Provided photo
at The Lawrenceville School conducted fundraisers and bought 200 solar flashlights that they recently donated to storm-devastated Puerto Rico.
Hurricane Maria hit the Caribbean island in September, ripping apart its fragile infrastructure, and leaving many without electricity.
Therefore, when Darin Khan, a resident of Plainsboro and president of Light for the Night club started his fundraisers, he explained that he understands the importance of kids having electricity and lights in order to do homework at nights, and that he hopes to “prevent children from dropping out of school when they can’t finish their homework in the dark.”
Khan founded the club in 2015 following his trip to India where he witnessed the poor situations that kids without access to electricity endure. His aim is to provide sustainable energy to children living in such areas, he said.
Khan can also relate to this lack of electric energy in Puerto Rico, India, and other regions, as he recalls Hurricane Sandy’s havoc on New Jersey five years ago.
So, he made Light for the Night students-run club official
Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott, right, with Club President Darin Khan, second from left, and other Light for the Night club members from The Lawrenceville School. – Provided photo
at the high school this year, and the local community has applauded its president and other club members for their efforts. On Nov. 2, Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott honored them with Junior Sheriff Badges.
Khan responded, “I am truly honored that our efforts have been recognized by the community, but there is still a lot of work to be done.”
The Middlesex County Sheriff Department helped the kids to send the lights to Puerto Rico.
Khan is dedicated to his mission to alleviate the issues that especially children face at nights due to lack of lights.
WEST WINDSOR, N.J. — Local officials and the Tennis Center in Mercer County Park welcomed the unique sport of pickleball to four new ‘’pickleball only’’ courts during a ceremonial ribbon cutting Nov. 17. Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes welcomes the sport of pickleball to the Mercer County Tennis Center after cutting a ceremonial ribbon Nov. 17. Looking on, from left, are East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov, Park Commissioner Jim Schulz, Freeholder Pat Colavita (behind Mr. Hughes), Freeholder John Cimino, Park Commission Executive Director Aaron Watson, Park Commission Event Coordinator Kristin Little and Director of Tennis Operations Marc Vecchiolla. – Provided photo
The Mercer County Park Commission, County Executive Brian M. Hughes, joined by other local officials such as Freeholders John Cimino and Pat Colavita, and East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov cut the ribbon to open the new courts in the park.
“Pickleball has become increasingly popular throughout the country, and we’re pleased that people can now enjoy the game on regulation courts right here at the Mercer County Tennis Center,” said Hughes.
Pickleball is a lively racket sport that combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Two, three or four individuals play the game using paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net.
“The great thing about pickleball is that it’s easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages,” said Hughes.
A pickleball court is similar to the overall size of a badminton court, which is 20 feet by 44 feet for both singles and doubles play. However, the net is lowered 36 inches on the ends and 34 inches in the middle. There is also a 7-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net to prevent “spiking.” Pickleball players in action on the new courts at the Mercer County Tennis Center. – Provided photo
By comparison, a regulation tennis court is 27 feet by 78 feet for singles, and 36 feet wide for doubles.
In any event, pickleball players serve the ball diagonally, starting at the right-hand service square. Only the side that serves can score points. The player continues to serve the ball alternating service courts until he or she faults. The first side scoring 11 points and leading by at least two points wins the game.
The fee to play pickleball at Mercer County Park is the same as playing tennis. Mercer County adult residents may purchase a 2018 tennis/pickleball ID card for $70. The rate for Mercer County juniors/seniors is $35 for the year. And, the non-resident ID card costs $105.
However, if players need light on the courts to play after daylight hours, there is an additional $2 cost. Also, if players decide not to purchase the yearly ID card, the cost is $7 per person each time they play.
Pickleball court times runs for 90 minutes per game. Players may reserve a court three days in advance with their ID cards.
TRENTON, N.J. — Citing a great need for another detox facility in Trenton, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, decided to start a program by the end of this year. Interior of detox building at Catholic Charities, 10 Southard St., Trenton. – Provided photo
Lisa Thibault, communications manager at the Trenton nonprofit, recently quoted a news source that in 2015 there were nearly 128, 000 heroin addicts in New Jersey, and so the urgency for the program is necessary.
“The actual need is greater than the available programs,” she said.
In response to the epidemic of opioids abusers and other drugs users, Catholic Charities is opening the new ambulatory detox program that complements other resources for addiction and mental health recovery treatments at 10 Southard St. and North Clinton Avenue, Building 4, in Trenton.
“The addition of this new program, offering safe and cost-effective treatment for individuals seeking recovery from opioid and other substance dependence is much needed,” said Marlene Lao-Collins, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.
“In this area, there is a great unmet need for treatment, particularly opioids addiction,” Thibault emphasized.
She said Catholic Charities anticipates scaling up to meet the needs of the community.
The ambulatory detox program is the final component of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
Launched July 1, this is a federally sponsored initiative that integrates behavioral health services, substance abuse treatment, and primary care at Catholic Charities’ Trenton campus.
According to Susan Loughery, director of operations at Catholic Charities, the initiative has already produced measurable improvements in treatment outcomes.
“In just four months, consumers receiving care through CCBHC have seen an overall reduction in the need for hospitalization and improved access to integrated services,” she said. Catholic Charities at 10 Southard St. will be home to new detox facility in Trenton. – Provided photo
The new detox program intends to fill the gap in the current array of addiction recovery services, said Thibault.
She said they believe there is much interest in this community-based and outpatient program, and patients will come in for treatment and then go home.
Thibault said Catholic Charities of Trenton is one of only seven community providers selected to participate in CCBHC.
They offer other programs that include:
• Comprehensive mental health services
• Addiction services
• Care coordination and navigation for primary medical services
• Services for children, and
• Comprehensive services for veterans
Catholic Charities plans to have a semi-private open house Nov. 28 from noon to 3 p.m. at the detox facility.
For more information about services or the detox program, call Catholic Charities access center number at (800) – 360- 7711.
PRINCETON, N.J. – For homeless kids in New Jersey who receive bags filled with goodies when at The Bag Project volunteers pack a bag with contents for homeless kids. – Provided photolocal homeless shelters, it lessens the effects of their traumatic experiences and offers a degree of comfort.
Anupa Wijaya, executive director and founder of The Bag Project, (TBP) started this organization about two years ago in an effort to support and comfort these kids in crises.
“I learned that the discretionary funding of most local organizations went towards transportation costs which didn’t allow them much flexibility in being able to systematically provide a duffel bag filled with basic necessities and comfort items to the children they serve,’’ states Wijaya.
After hearing stories about how kids are sent on their way from homeless shelters with their belongings in trash bags, and that they also lacked many of the personal care items they needed to survive, Wijaya decided to change these stories that were consistent for nearly all the children.
Therefore, she decided to start The Bag Project service organization, where she solicits donations to purchase bags and stuff them with “familiar items’’ to serve the needs of kids who are in transition.
Wijaya thinks this project is perfect for families with young children like hers who can go to a local Walmart or dollar store and purchase products to fill their own bags to give to other children. Volunteers pick up items to pack in the bags. – Provided photo
“I was looking for service projects for my young children and I was not able to find anything age-appropriate and not scary,” says Wijaya.
“[But] this is a great service project to do as a family: go to your local store and pick up a duffel bag and fill it with age-appropriate toiletries, a book, comfort items and a blanket and know that it’s going to another child in need,” she says.
The Bag Project has grown quickly.
“As a result of new partnerships, we have already distributed over 1,000 emergency bags and almost 400 activity bags to our partner organizations,’’ states Wijaya.
She has managed to piece the missing part of the puzzle together across organizations by offering the very necessary bag service to the children in these homeless shelters.
Wijaya says the service is in great demand within the Greater Mercer County, New Jersey area.
“The need is so great and we barely scratched the surface in New Jersey. There are so many more organizations that we haven’t reached out to as yet, even here in Greater Mercer County,’’ said Wijaya.
The Bag Project has evolved since its inception.
At first, the service offered only emergency and infant bags. Now, it is offering activity bags to some of the children.
Those who receive emergency bags are usually in crisis, removed from an unsafe home, enters foster care, or a domestic violence or homeless shelter. The ones who receive the infant bags are usually infants facing the same crises. The activity bags are for children waiting for services or waiting for a parent or guardian to receive services.
The basic, self-care items and comfort goodies in their bags such as shampoos, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, teddy bears, blankets, books, crayons, and so on, are age-appropriate and in many cases gender-appropriate as well. The Bag Project 1000th bags packed for HomeFront. – Provided photo
While Wijaya does not directly work with the children and families, she does get feedback via questionnaires about the children’s reactions to their bags.
“Responses we see often are: they were grateful, thankful, excited and/or happy that it filled an unmet need,” states Wijaya.
She also said that case managers at one of their partner agencies have told her that the bags have impacted their teens. They said carrying their belongings in duffel bags allowed them to feel like everyone else.
They were no longer carrying their items in garbage bags or shopping bags.
Wijaya also said that they are now in a position where they need to make sure that funding matches the need.
So far, individuals, families, companies and funders such as Allstate Insurance Company, have been supportive.
Other supporters include Age 1912 vintage jewelry store of Hamilton Jewelers and Project Linus of Mercer County.
Others also include are the Junior League of Greater Princeton, Johnson & Johnson, Church & Dwight, and private foundations that gave in-kind items and grants.
According to Wijaya, the bags are affordable. A donation of $100 can buy about five bags. She encourages folks to visit the website to learn how to donate.
Wijaya said her goal is to reach as many infants, children and teens as possible. She continues to work with organizations such as HomeFront; Anchor House; and Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the counties.
Wijaya said that the Division of Child Protection and Permanency now take a TBP bag with them when they have to remove a child from an unsafe environment.
Ultimately, “my goal is to be able to provide bags for every child that needs them in New Jersey, and that would be amazing,” she said.
LAWRENCE, N.J. — Rider Women’s Leadership Council (RWLC), organized a networking session, a women’s giving challenge, and a panel discussion for an audience of mostly women on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus, yesterday.
The council is celebrating 150 years of women at Rider University. These women include current students, staff and faculty, family and friends, as well as alumnae.
Among many noteworthy women at yesterday’s function were: Joan Mazzotti, class of ’72, and chair of the women’s giving challenge and also former executive director of Philadelphia Futures; Dr. Erica Ryan, chair of gender and sexuality studies; Sharrie Williams, news anchor at 6 ABC, Action News and mentor and moderator at event; Meghan Holohan, class of ’99, ’01, and sales manager at Bloomberg LP; and Krishna Powell, class of ’05, and president of HR 4 Your Small Biz, LLC.
Following the networking segment, Mazzotti asked the audience for 100 per cent participation in making donations or pledges to the “Giving Challenge” to raise $15,000 for the council.
She notes, “This is our chance to pay it forward by ensuring that current and future generations of Rider women have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in the 21st century. Our time is now. Never has women supporting women at Rider been more important.”
The challenge was surpassed within 10 minutes of asking.
Women supported each other from the start, with Williams mentoring current students and others who are interested in her career as a television news anchor.
Williams was also the moderator of the panel discussion, which was entitled: My style is my strength: Leadership from a place of authenticity.
The effort was a part of 2017 Homecoming celebration at the university. The event organizers recognized that “Rider women take the reins,” as they continue to support each other.
