LAWRENCE TWP., N.J. — A raging, windy tornado storm hit Lawrence Square Village condominium homes Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind very dangerous and hazardous lingering effects.
The storm that damaged the West Windsor, and Quaker Bridge area in Lawrence Township uprooted trees, ripped off rooftops, tore up shingles, zinc and tin sidings, ceilings in breezeways, and left many sharp-sided and metallic building materials hanging from ceilings, and blowing all over the neighborhoods.
One neighbor said, “I was alone at home…” when all this was happening right outside my home.
In the Lawrence Square Village housing complex in Lawrence Township, branches from a tree uprooted during a confirmed tornado on Tuesday, Feb. 21, caused extensive damages to this parked car, photographed on Wednesday, Feb. 22. — Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
NJ.com reports below that tornadoes are unusual for this time of the year:
Rare February tornadoes
Tornadoes are rare in the New Jersey region during the month of February, when temperatures are normally cold and strong thunderstorms typically don’t develop.
However, weather service records show four twisters touching down in the Garden State in February since 1950, with the most recent occurrence — prior to Tuesday’s tornado — in 1999.
In that occurrence, a small tornado touched down in Cherry Hill in Camden County on Feb. 12, 1999.
Three small tornadoes were reported in Hunterdon County on Feb. 2, 1973, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Events Database. One touched down on a farm in Tewksbury, one 2 miles east of Lebanon and one 2 miles northwest of Califon.
Leading NJ nursing school prepares students for successful healthcare careers
TCNJ’s nursing program boasts simulation labs to safely give students hands-on professional experience.
The program’s students consistently exceed testing standards.
“TCNJ’s reputation speaks for itself. We have consistently had a 94-100% pass rate…”
EWING, N.J. – Healthcare faces a staffing crisis like it has never seen before.
One study finds nurse turnover surged 8.4% between 2020 and 2021, propelling the national average to ~27%. In the face of this unprecedented industry-wide challenge, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is preparing young healthcare professionals to exceed standards and deliver best-in-class care.
To get a better idea of just how SNHS accomplishes this, look no further than TCNJ alumnus and Penn Medicine Princeton Health Labor & Delivery nurse, Sydney Doyle, BSN, RN. “My experience studying nursing at TCNJ helped me after graduation by equipping me with the tools to succeed in both clinical and professional environments. Through rigorous coursework and studying under highly-esteemed nurse leaders and experts, I was able to refine my time management, clinical, and critical thinking skills and develop professional etiquette,” says Doyle.
Beyond academic and hands-on experience, Doyle suggests TCNJ’s alumni network adds equal value. She explains, “TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences has afforded me a network of colleagues both near and far that fostered my growth while I earned my BSN and continually support me in my professional endeavors.”
Dr. Tracy Perron, Professor and Chair of TCNJ’s Nursing Department, argues SNHS stands out as a leader in accelerating students directly into professional healthcare careers or advanced studies. “TCNJ’s reputation speaks for itself. We have consistently had a 94-100% pass rate and our students are gainfully employed within six months of graduation in some of the most notable healthcare facilities, such as Duke, Hopkins, CHOP, NYU, Sloan Kettering just to name a few. Also, our alumni get into some of the top graduate programs, like Duke, PENN, NYU, Rutgers, Hopkins, and Jefferson,” Perron says.
The success of TCNJ’s nursing program at state and national levels has increasingly attracted students seeking a high-quality education in healthcare. For transfer student Adriana Pagnillo, the unique benefit of pursuing TCNJ’s nursing track is access to hands-on experience before graduation. “One experience at TCNJ that has helped to shape my understanding of the nursing field has been the lab experiences the program provides. The hands-on simulation labs, including mannequins that mimic real-life scenarios, give students the closest thing possible to a human experience. This allows the students to make errors and learn from their mistakes without the risk of harming real patients.”
TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Dean Carole Kenner explains, “The national healthcare staffing shortage should worry just about everyone in the industry. Our School is honored to do its part to prepare medical professionals to perform at the top of their license.” The School rebranded in 2022 to reflect its robust and diverse, cross-disciplinary health science curricula.
TCNJ’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences educates aspiring health professionals to become future leaders across the healthcare industry. Faculty work closely with local healthcare partners to provide students with applicative skills and foundational knowledge. The nationally acclaimed school is dedicated to preparing individuals—through programs in nursing, public health, exercise science and physical education teaching—for the many rewards of guiding people, communities, and populations toward improved health outcomes. The School is nationally recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.
TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello and her staff, in partnership with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, will be offering passport services at the Pennington Borough Municipal Building in March.
Mercer residents interested in renewing or applying for a passport are encouraged to come out and take advantage of this outreach service at 30 North Main St. in Pennington Boro. on Wednesday, March 15 from2 p.m. to 5 p.m.Passport photos are also available on site.
To apply for a United States passport, applicants will need 1) Proof of U.S. Citizenship in the form of a state-certified birth certificate, a U.S. naturalization certificate, or a previous U.S. Passport; and 2) Proof of Identity in the form of a current driver’s license or State-issued identification card. No cash or credit cards will be accepted at this event. A check or money order is required. Appointments are recommended and you may call 609-989-6473 to reserve your spot.
If you are unable to take advantage of the passport event, the County Clerk’s Office processes United States passport applications on a regular basis, Monday through Friday, at the County Clerk’s Office, 209 South Broad St., Trenton.
Passport applications are also processed at the Mercer County Connection at the Hamilton Square Shopping Center on Highway 33 and Paxson Avenue. To make an appointment at the Mercer County Connection in Hamilton, call 609-890-9800.
For more information regarding our passport services and what to bring when you visit, please visit the Mercer County Clerk’s Passport Services Page. For more information, please call 609-989-6473or 609-989-6131
TRENTON, N.J. — Most Mercer County government offices, including all branches of the Mercer County Library System, will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in observance of Presidents Day.
The following County offices and facilities will remain open: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except for administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Services Communication Center.
Mercer County Park Commission facilities will have the following hours on Presidents Day: Ice Skating Center, 8:30 to 10 a.m. for senior skating (62+), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for public skating;
Tennis Center, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Mercer Oaks East, Mercer Oaks West, Mountain View and Hopewell Valley golf courses, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting;
Mercer County Stables, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Wildlife Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.
Howell Living History Farm, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Princeton Country Club golf course and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed.
Making good on his promise to share $3 Million of Mercer County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is pleased to announce the municipal grant amounts and the projects to be supported under the County’s Community Investment Initiative.
First announced in October by the County Executive and Commissioner Board, the $3 million set-aside was to assist Mercer municipalities with programs and services aimed at older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Specifically, the set-aside parameters were that the funds must be used to support, create or augment municipal programs and services in the areas of health, social services and transportation. The program is being administered by GrantWorks, the firm managing the county ARPA allocation, which provides ARPA program compliance, documentation management and reporting.
Mr. Hughes said each of the 12 mayors pitched thoughtful projects that met the criteria. “Our mayors know what they need, and I was pleased and impressed by the depth and breadth of their requests,” Mr. Hughes said.
“In a perfect world, I wish we could fund each and every project that seeks to touch and improve the lives of our residents, and I appreciate this collaboration with the mayors.”
Mercer County applied the federal government’s ARPA funding formula to allocate portions of the $3 million to each municipality.
East Windsor: $74,000; Funds must be applied to the bus driver’s salary, programs, tables, chairs, and/or A.V. equipment for the senior center.
Ewing: $164,000; Funds must be applied to the Hollowbrook computer learning center, A.V. equipment, and/or senior programs.
Hamilton: $445,000; Funds must be applied to a generator for the senior center, the installation of a new field for Miracle League at the YMCA, a freezer for the Mercer County CYO, and/or COVID-19 senior services.
Hightstown: $14,000; Funds must be applied to HVAC repairs at the firehouse and/or at the municipal library.
Hopewell Borough: $5,000; This allocation will be pooled with the other two municipalities within the Hopewell Valley for a total of $60,000.00 and must be applied to the design and planning of a senior/community center.
Hopewell Township: $48,000; This allocation will be pooled with the other two municipalities within the Hopewell Valley for a total of $60,000.00 and must be applied to the design and planning of a senior/community center.
Lawrence: $88,000; Funds must be applied to accessibility improvements to the Nature Center and/or lead remediation.
Pennington: $7,000; This allocation will be pooled with the other two municipalities within the Hopewell Valley for a total of $60,000.00 and must be applied to the design and planning of a senior/community center.
Princeton: $151,000; Funds must be applied to WeDriveU transportation services, dental services for seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities through the Princeton Health Department, and/or mental health support through the Princeton Senior Resource Center.
Robbinsville: $39,000; Funds must be applied to inclusive playground equipment.
Trenton: $1,889,000; for ongoing renovations at Reading and Sam Naples senior centers, and enrichment programs.
West Windsor: $76,000; To be determined.
At the October announcement about the program, the concept of which was brought to the County Executive by the Commissioner Board, then-Chair Nina Melker said, “The collaboration between the County Administration, the Commissioner Board and our local elected leaders is a perfect example how together we can work diligently in the best interests of our residents.”
The County Executive agrees.
Under the federal ARPA, Mercer County received $71.25 million in fiscal recovery funds intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the Mercer County ARPA allocation, municipalities received the following in ARPA funds:
TRENTON, N.J. — Unthinkable. Senseless. Terrifying. Devastating. Once again, these words invade our worlds as we mourn for the loss of life that has occurred at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan on Monday.
As we again try to make sense out of a senseless act, our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones.
We are learning more about the assailant, his ties to Mercer County and Ewing Township and his longtime struggle with
mental illness, remarked Hughes.
In response to what was deemed an unconfirmed threat to Ewing schools, Ewing Township temporarily closed its schools Monday out of an abundance of caution, while police investigated.
Fortunately, no incident occurred, and the investigation determined there was no threat to Ewing schools. I commend the Ewing Police Department and Ewing school officials for their swift action that put the safety of the community first, and the police department’s Mercer County law enforcement partners for their assistance. This illustrates how important it is to have a plan in place – as was the case here — so appropriate action can be taken in the event of an emergency, Hughes said.
Our County mental health team reached out to the Ewing School District to offer their services, and I have reached out to Mayor Bert Steinmann and offered any other assistance that the County might be able to provide, he stated.
I ask that we also use this as an opportunity to refocus our efforts on the safety and security of our schools, our children, and our neighbors.
EWING, N.J. – A team of Hightstown High School students captured the annual Mercer County Consumer Bowl for the seventh consecutive year, defeating three other schools Feb. 10 at The College of New Jersey’s Gitenstein Library.
Photo: Members of the winning Hightstown High team with their trophies.
Also taking part in this year’s quiz-show style competition on good consumer practices were Ewing, Hamilton West and Nottingham high schools.
The Mercer County Consumer Bowl, part of the statewide New Jersey Consumer Bowl, is hosted by the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, and tests students’ knowledge of the state’s consumer protection laws and regulations.
“I congratulate the Hightstown team on another impressive performance and commend all of the participants for making the effort to be an informed consumer,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.
“Education is the best defense against consumer fraud.”
This year’s Hightstown High School team was composed of Aprameya Kannan, captain; Aparajit Kannan, Marko Alimpijevic, Rohan Vittal and Alexander Wong. The team’s adviser is teacher David Teleposky.
The Ewing High School team, under teacher/adviser Angelina Gummel, was composed of Uhart Bradnock, captain; Davon Letran, Christian Ciron, Ashley Tyson and Haile Pereira.
The Hamilton High School West team, under teacher/advisers Phil Panfili and Matt Dempsey, was composed of Zachary Kunkle, captain; Skylar Kunkle, Dominik Panfili, Jocelyn Calle Suquitana and Santino Panfili.
The Nottingham High School team, under teacher/adviser Michael Bendorf, was composed of Jack Burke, captain; Zobia Chaudhry, Daniel Leon, Mark Tezak, Zachary Shah and Sunny Carpinello.
Photo: The 2023 Mercer County Consumer Bowl at The College of New Jersey’s Gitenstein Library.
Melanie Hazim, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) outreach director; and Jared O’Cone, DCA investigator, served as moderators for the Mercer County competition and Mercer County Consumer Affairs Chief John Worth served as referee. Judges were Anthony Carabelli Jr., Mercer County director of economic development; Leslie Floyd, Mercer County planning director; John Maloney, assistant county counsel; and Andrew Tucker, special assistant to the director, DCA. Dana Thompson, office manager, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County; and Dulcelina Pena, DCA Consumer Bowl coordinator, served as scorekeepers, and Madeline Guzman, DCA outreach coordinator, served as timekeeper.
The Consumer Bowl was created by the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs in 1994 as a way to encourage students to become smarter consumers, to be wary of scams and unfair business practices, and to be knowledgeable when obtaining services like home improvements or buying products such as vehicles or appliances. The Division of Consumer Affairs can be reached at 609-989-6671.
The Pole Farm, Reed Bryan Farm and Hunt House regions of Mercer Meadows will be closed to the public until further notice, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14 for prescribed burning.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has determined that the weather conditions will be safe and suitable for prescribed burning. Rosedale Park will remain open. For your safety, please observe all closure signage posted at parking lots and on the trails.
The fire will be lit, monitored and managed by the Forest Fire Service officials who have undergone rigorous training and are experienced in conducting safe and effective prescribed burns. Specific conditions must be met in order to burn, including temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction. All appropriate safety measures and precautions will be taken by those performing the burn, including having a contingency plan. While the burn is in progress and until the Section Warden has deemed the fire out, there will be law enforcement and fire personnel, equipment and vehicles present at Mercer Meadows and surrounding areas.
Forest Fire Service officials and Mercer County Park Commission staff will be onsite and actively monitoring the burn site until it is determined the park is safe to reopen to the public. Local police and fire departments have been made aware of the activities.
In the days following the prescribed burn, it is normal to see smoldering and smoking logs and debris. If you believe fire is a threat, call 1-877-WARNDEP. Once reopened, park users are encouraged to please stay on the trails.
For thousands of years, fire has been an active part of the New Jersey landscape. Fires caused by natural conditions, lightning strikes, or fires intentionally set by Native Americans shaped the ecological communities present in our state today. With the current lack of intermittent fire, many of the species that evolved with this disturbance have suffered. Properly conducted prescribed burns can replace the natural fire disturbance that was historically a piece of the New Jersey natural lands. Fire encourages native seed germination, reduces invasive plant pressure, and cycles nutrients into the soil; these effects all aid in increasing habitat quality and diversity, while promoting forest regeneration and grassland establishment.
While managing invasive species and promoting habitat regeneration and enhancement is an important component of the burn plan for both Mercer Meadows, the Park Commission anticipates the burn to have additional benefits such as reducing hazardous fuel loads to prevent unplanned, higher intensity wildfires. Prescribed burns have also been successful in reducing tick and insect pest populations.
In addition to the Park Commission, land managers throughout the State have been using this management tool for its ecological benefits and to reduce the chance of unplanned forest fires.
Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-15,is serving her eighth term in the New Jersey Senate.
Prior to serving in the Senate, Shirley served two terms in the Assembly in 1993 and 1995. During the 208th Legislature,Sen. Turner became the first woman, and the first African-American person to be elected as Senate President Pro Tempore.
Sen. Turner has worked in a bipartisan fashion to build a significant record of legislative accomplishments, working to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of New Jersey’s children, strengthen families, promote public education and affordable health care; develop and support small businesses, and also fostering economic development, and job growth. The breadth of legislation she has sponsored reflects the needs and interests of her diverse district.
As a career educator, Sen. Turner has been dedicated to New Jersey’s youth, helping them to build bright futures.
She is a former Trenton public school teacher, a former EOF counselor to disadvantaged youth who are first-generation college students, and a former counselor for the New Jersey Youth Corps to help prepare youth for employment.
She is the former Director of Career Services at Rider University, where she worked advising college students and alumni in their career plans.
She received a B.S. in education from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) and a M.A. in guidance and counseling from Rider University. She earned doctoral credits in education at Rutgers University.
Sen. Turner is a former Mercer County Freeholder and Freeholder vice president. She and her husband Donald live in Lawrenceville.
American history resonates with the names of great African-American men and women, andBlack History Monthis our nation’s way of showing respect and recognition for the hard work of and sacrifices made by African Americans. Mercer County throughout the month will celebrate because Black History is American History! Watch this space for upcoming events!
TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County recently assisted the D&R Greenway Land Trust in preserving about 44 acres in Hopewell Township to protect high-quality wildlife habitat, including mature forest, wetlands and a stream corridor,County Executive Brian M. Hughessaid.
A resolution authorizing an Open Space Assistance Project Agreement with D&R Greenway that helped the organization acquire a conservation easement on 43.92 acres of the Forrester property on Marshalls Corner-Woodsville Road was among the proposals submitted by Mr. Hughes that received Board of County Commissioners approval on Jan. 26.
D&R Greenway Land Trust requested aid from the Mercer County Municipal and Non-Profit Assistance Program for 40 percent of the appraised value, not to exceed $268,815, to acquire the easement. A public trail will be developed on the property that will be part of a trail network connecting to other preserved land in the area, Mr. Hughes said. Stewardship and monitoring of the property will be overseen by D&R Greenway.
“Preserving open space for future generations and providing our residents with trails for hiking and biking have always been among our top priorities,” Mr. Hughes said. “We’re pleased to be able to partner with D&R Greenway on this important project that adds to the inventory of preserved land in the County.”
More than 27 percent of the County’s land area is now preserved, which is roughly equivalent to the size of East Windsor, Ewing and Lawrence townships
