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Artist captures ‘People in Geometry’ classic moments

TRENTON, N.J. — For Fine Arts Photographer John Clarke, retirement from a career in Architecture

Fine Arts Photographer John Clarke displays his favorite piece, “Reflection of Man,” in his current exhibition called “People in Geometry” at Artworks in Trenton.
— Provided photo

has led him to defining relationships between people and their unique geometric surroundings.

Clarke’s most recent photography collection called, “People in Geometry” is a black and white monochrome exhibition at Artworks in Trenton lasting a month through Feb. 23.

With this exhibition of fine arts photography, Clarke said that light is an important factor in all the photographs.

“Sparkling surfaces that glow and reflect draw the viewer’s interest into the photo,” he states.

Clarke also said that the idea to monochrome his photographs is deliberate, and he does it “to emphasize the relationship between the geometry of the setting and the people.”

He chooses to make them black and white because he wants his photos to be “timeless and abstract.”

As longtime architect, who is a partner emeritus of Clarke Caton Hintz, an award-winning architectural and planning firm based in Trenton, Clarke said he spent his professional life “immersed in architectural and urban design issues.”

His work involved photography.

At the recent opening reception for this exhibition, Clarke said, “I like the idea of exhibiting my artwork here because the space is very ideal and conducive to showing photos and paintings.”

Clarke has a lot of history with the Artworks building and the Mill Hill area in general.

But he said, “I’ve never had an exhibition in this building before, and I’ve only being doing this type of (fine arts) photography since I retired from my architectural practice” eight years ago.

Clarke’s relationship with the Artworks building dates back to nearly 50 years ago when he was the City of Trenton Director of Planning and Development.

He said he was instrumental in acquiring the old Sears building, getting federal funds, and renovating it to make sure they would create a space for artists.

This photo is called “Bicycle in Princeton,” from Fine Arts Photographer John Clarke.
— Provided photo

Now Clarke is finally “closing the loop” by exhibiting his own work in a building that he helped to design, and he is also educating the public about this new type of photography that he is enjoying.

He says his favorite piece in the “People in Geometry” exhibition is the one called the “Reflection of Man” photograph that he took in the courtyard of PS1 Museum in New York City.

To express action in a setting, Clarke creates this photo to show the “reflection of the uniquely dressed older man looking at the young woman.”

With most of these photos, Clarke is trying to tell a story about a person somewhere who has an expression, or is doing an action.  He captures a decisive moment. He says light can also define the settings, or the peoples in the photos.

The Artworks exhibition also has a photograph by Clarke that is called, “Bicycle in Princeton.”

This local photo shows a male on a bicycle in a science building at Princeton University.

“I am interested in this location due to the people moving through the pattern of light and shadow created by the buildings sun screen,” explains Clarke.

As an architect, Clarke has the ability to choose the ideal spaces and buildings for his photos.

“I think he’s remarkable. Because he’s an architect, he has such an eye for how spaces and shapes and people all come together,” said John D. S. Hatch, FAIA, LEED AP at Clarke Caton Hintz Architectural and Planning Firm.

“It’s about the connections and contrasts of the people to the geometry,” he said.

At the opening reception to “People in Geometry,” Clarke expressed gratitude to be showing “this group of photos” in a neighborhood that he is “very familiar with.

He also mentioned that as an architect in the City, he was also involved with the creation of the Architects Housing, Passage Theater, and the home renovations in Mill Hill.

To become more familiar with John Clarke’s photography, visit his website at

https://johnclarke.smugmug.com

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Rediscover connections between humans and nature

PRINCETON, N.J. — At D&R Greenway Land Trust, an author and a photographer are exploring trees, miniscule plants and other species from a different perspective.

Author Andrea Fereshteh expresses her love for trees in this image.
– Provided photo

Author Andrea Fereshteh and Photographer Tasha O’Neill offer unique views of their take on nature.

Fereshteh will discuss her book called, “In the Company of Trees,” Thursday at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, while O’Neill currently has a display of her close-up photography of oft-overlooked nature called “From a Child’s Perspective“ at D&R Greenway’s Olivia Rainbow Gallery.

“Practicing being present in nature has been a truly transformative experience for me,” Fereshteh says.

Fereshteh credits the lands preserved by D&R Greenway and other local conservation groups for inspiring her to write a newly published book about the ancient and enduring wisdom of trees.

“We are so lucky to have so many amazing preserved natural spaces in our area. They are incredible resources for experiencing firsthand the magic of nature, and I am thrilled to encourage others to get outside and take advantage of our local trails by sharing this new book,” she says.

Fereshteh has an interest in blending mindful and contemplative practices with nature, which has led her into the woods of central New Jersey where she has practiced forest bathing for the past two years.

Her book is full of short essays, inspirational quotes and color photographs that can be enjoyed piece-by-piece, allowing the reader to savor the experience of trees, healing and nature.

Likewise, O’Neill’s photography focuses macro-lenses on the unusual and the tiniest plants in nature that give the Olivia Rainbow Gallery art lovers the outdoor experiences of the late Artist Olivia Kuenne.

“I seem to be drawn to the unusual. The tiniest plants compel me, as though I were still my child self. I am pleased that D&R Greenway invited me to share these images from the child’s perspective for Olivia’s Rainbow Gallery,” O’Neill explains.

Photographer Tasha O’Neill focuses her macro lenses on this blue egg shell laying out there in nature.
— Provided photo

O’Neill’s art regularly appears in the Princeton-area juried exhibitions.

Recently, D&R Greenway demonstrated her one-person exhibition of her “Forest Bathing” art in their Soul of a Tree display; and is also highlighting her Golden Light art about the apotheosis of winter trees in their Lovely as a Tree display.

This artist grew up in a diverse countryside of Germany, where her family was dedicated to nature.

“There we would walk; explore; learn about wild plants and berries; and then nap in the meadow. With our faces so close to the flowers, the gentle buzzing of insects would lull us to sleep,” she states.

Both Fereshteh and O’Neill are sharing their love for nature locally.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Fereshteh will discuss the inspiration for her book.

A month later, at 5 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 21, she will lead a mediation workshop focused on trees, healing and nature at the Johnson Education Center, where participants will also walk through Greenway Meadows Park.

During the walk Fereshteh will guide them to pause and ignite their senses at different points so they will experience the benefits of being immersed in nature.

These Princeton events are free, but require registration at rsvp@drgreenway.org, or by calling 609-924-4646.

The public can see O’Neill’s other exhibitions such as Gifts from the Sea at Merwick’s Millstone Gallery in Princeton from March 10 to May 9. And, Princeton’s Nassau Club will feature her Shapes of Water artwork in November and December this year.

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Authors seek to preserve African-Americans’ history in Sourland Mountains

PRINCETON, N.J. — Longtime trustees, researchers, and now authors and educators of the

Cover of book.
— Provided image

Stoutsburg Cemetery Association, two African-American women are on a mission to preserve their history with a book.

Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills are the authors of their book, If These Stones Could Talk: African American Presence in the Sourland Mountains.

These authors will talk about their book at 6 p.m. in Princeton today.

In their book, the authors tell stories of a minority black community in a predominantly white region of central New Jersey, where they offer a window into a part of New Jersey’s past that is missing from the historical records.

“The authors place these stories in the larger context of American history in the areas of slavery, the Civil War, freedom, and civil rights,” says James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era.

“Part genealogy, part history, and part personal memoir, rooted in an amazing amount of research, the book brings to light a rich past that had almost been lost,” says McPherson.

The women started their research to work on their book in 2006 when they got a call for help about the then unofficial burial ground that someone was going to bulldoze.

Soon after, they began a search through the woods for gravestone markers and they also started rummaging through land deeds, making relentless phone calls to state officials, archeologists and reporters, as they began their research.

The authors embarked on a journey through the past to document the land’s hallowed purpose. Kirkus Review has called their mission a “detective-labor-of-love.”

Both women have been board members of the Stoutsburg Cemetery Association that is nestled in New Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region. They have deep familial ties with the area because some of their ancestors are buried there.

So, their book offers readers a look into their African American past.

It states that cemeteries have stories to tell, voices to unearth—and lessons from the past that we can draw upon to better shape the future.

Their book reveal that the Stoutsburg Cemetery was purchased by three Black men in the early 19thCentury as a location to bury Blacks with honor and dignity.

Buck and Mills’s foray into historic preservation work convinced them to go further into connecting African American history to local and national history books, and to even house a museum.

“Our vision for the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) is to bring awareness about the African American presence and their contributions to this region,” says Buck.

“Through partnership with D&R and the Sourland Conversvancy we intend to preserve and sponsor programs and events about the native ecology, plants and insects from the Sourland Mountains. We are working hand-in-hand with D&R Greenway and the Sourland supporting their vision and working to preserve our history and culture in the Sourland Mountain region.”

Vice President of D&R Greenway, Jay Watson, confirms that, “D&R Greenway is working to preserve lands near the proposed Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum in the area, near their site to support the museum project.”

New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman reinforces the mission of the authors.

She says, “Humanity is prone to the unfortunate habit of forgetting, avoiding and altogether rewriting history, particularly when it falls into uncomfortable territory.”

She praised their book for collecting “an important and often forgotten history of central New Jersey, (and) preserving it permanently so that everyone can understand the diverse tapestry of our past.”

The authors will be having a free “Book Talk” discussion of their book today at 6 p.m. at D&R Greenway Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton. rsvp@drgreenway.org, or phone 609-924-4646.

— Follow Michelle Dryden on Twitter @Michelle_Dryden

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Lesniak Institute introduces Humane State license plate

Kelly Qiang is the winner of the Humane State – N.J. license plate contest. She updates her plate design with the following: a black bear representing Pedals’ Law; an elephant representing Nosey’s Law; a dog for banning puppy mills; and a cat for ending suffering for community cats. — Provided photo

TRENTON, N.J. – Sen. Raymond Lesniak has recently announced winners from among 146

contestants from 21 New Jersey schools for the Humane State license plate design.

The Lesniak Institute for American Leadership sponsored the contest for K-12 students in New Jersey. The students wrote essay competitions and participated in the Humane State license plates design for animal welfare.

The first place winner for the license plate was Kelly Qiang from High Technology High School in Middletown Twp., who created her design based on four causes of the Lesniak Institute.

“We deserve to be called the Humane State,” said Sen. Lesniak. “New Jersey has proven to be a national leader in protecting animals from cruelty and extinction on the face of the earth.”

Sen. Lesniak hopes that when the Humane State license plates debut you will buy them to display “your compassion, your concern, and your support for making New Jersey the humane state.”

As a senator, founder and president of the Lesniak Institute, he has been instrumental in advocating for animal rights, among many other humane causes.

Sen. Lesniak was the “proud” sponsor of the initial law in the nation to ban ivory products and transactions involving ivory products and rhino horns.

Sen. Ray Lesniak cares for animals and shows that by holding a puppy here.
– Provided photo

Since then, he has legislated for other animal rights such as Nosey’s Law, Pedlars’ Law, Puppy Mills, and Gestation Cages. These are pending bills.

He said the Humane State license plate design is an extension of these bills, and that it is “aspirational” in terms of serving as a reminder to individuals for protecting animals from abuse.

So, the ideas behind the license plate design are not only to recognize New Jersey as the Humane State, but also to promote students and citizens’ involvement.

The top two winners of the license plates designs were awarded $1,000 each in scholarships, while the top six winners for the essay contest will get $500 each in

scholarships.

The winners for the essay contest will be decided Jan. 15, 2019.

Meanwhile at the recent press conference, Brian Hackett, executive director of New Jersey Humane Society commends the students for their “fine’’ work and praised the Lesniak Institute for their efforts towards animal protection.

“We are glad to see that animal welfare and animal protection is one of the causes that the institute is taking up,” said Hackett.

He also said aid that the senator has been successful in enacting a bill that reformed how animal cruelty cases in the State are investigated and prosecuted.

Funds and proceeds from sale of the plates will go to the Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey, and grants will go to local agencies such as the local police, animal shelters, and the Sheriff’s Department that enforces the welfare of animals, said Hackett.

The Lesniak Institute was formed at the beginning of this year. The Humane State license plate design competition was a one-time contest.

The Institute hopes the plate design will be around for a lifetime.

— Follow Michelle Dryden on Twitter @Michelle_Dryden

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Inaugural Trenton Wellness Loop to make many connections

TRENTON, N.J. – At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, Trenton Mayor

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora cuts the ribbon at the opening of Trenton Wellness Loop for bikers in the City.
– Photo by Michelle Dryden

Reed Gusciora, City Council members, D&R Greenway and project partners announced a new Wellness Loop at Trenton Battle Monument.

This Wellness Loop for bikers or cyclists will connect the historic Trenton Battle Monument and the D&R Canal path with the other larger Circuit Trails in the State of New Jersey and beyond.

“This project has been planned for years and is finally on the ground,” says D&R Greenway Vice President, Jay Watson.

The new trail features on-street bike lane striping, signage and way finding through Trenton’s downtown. The City of Trenton and the Partnership for Healthy Kids created the design and Watson spearheaded the implementation.

“This is truly a dream come true,” Watson continues. “For nearly two decades, the State, Mercer County and the City of Trenton were looking for ways to complete trail connections along the D&R Canal and the Delaware River.”

Watson’s leadership brought the partners together.

“Building on our preservation work and close partnership with the City and Mercer County, we were able to bring D&R Greenway’s strategic know-how and efficiencies to the table to get this project done.”

As a result, the Trenton Wellness Loop is strategically and historically making connections.

The Loop starts at the Trenton Battlefield Monument, at an area known as “Five Points,” where the American artillery were placed during the Revolutionary War on Dec. 26, 1776, when the Americans gained victory at the first Battle of Trenton.

This Wellness Loop will connect to a larger trail segment that is in progress, and it will also reconnect the D&R Canal towpath through Trenton’s streets to another section of the D&R Canal in Hamilton Township.

“The D&R Canal State Park is one of the State’s most visited parks. Reconnecting this segment that runs through the Abbott Marshlands to the main trail system creates linkages to the Delaware River Heritage Trail and the Circuit Trail that is currently in creation,” says Olivia Glenn, director of parks and forestry for the NJDEP.

The Circuit Trail is a system of connected public trails in the Greater Philadelphia and South-Central New Jersey region. When it is completed, it will include 800 miles of multi-use paths for cyclists, walkers, runners, commuters and families for recreation and active transportation.

Cyclists gather in front The Trenton Battle Monument stature after taking their first ride around the Wellness Loop following the ribbon cutting.
– Photo by Michelle Dryden

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora looks forward to this improvement to the Capital City.

“I am very excited about these projects in our city, making bicycling safer for our residents and visitors,” says Mayor Gusciora.

“Many of Trenton’s residents move around our city by bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. Creating bike lanes to integrate them into the proper traffic patterns will serve to protect them and inform motorists to share the roadways,” he said.

Currently, the new bicycle lanes are along Warren and North Broad streets, and Assunpink Boulevard.

“The Wellness Loop is yet another way D&R Greenway is working to enhance the health of the Capital City,” says Watson.

“In addition to making the streets safer for Trenton’s many bicycling commuters, the Wellness Loop is a great way for families to spend time together outdoors, get a cardiovascular workout, see our preserves and reap the health benefits of nature,” he said.

D&R Greenway secured funding from the William Penn Foundation through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to bring this project to fruition.

— Follow Michelle Dryden on Twitter @Michelle_Dryden

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D&R Greenway adds 50th poem to trail

PRINCETON, N.J. — Akin to nature, the poems on the trail at

Lois Marie Harrod is reading her poem at D&R Greenway Poetry Trail in Princeton.
— Provided photo

D&R Greenway Land Trust evoke love for the earth, and recently they grew to 50 poems.

The trail founders and sustainers, Scott and Hella McVay selected a new poem, “The Spineless”by Dodge Poet and three-time winner of New Jersey Council on the Arts Fellowship, Lois Marie Harrod to add to the list on their poetry trail.

“I am honored and delighted to be part of the Scott and Hella McVay Poetry Trail, a sanctuary for many people,” says Harrod from her Hopewell home.

She continues, “As a friend told me recently, ‘I go there when I need peace.’ Scott and Hella have spent a lifetime supporting art and science, teachers and poets. I am indebted to them, and to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the Dodge Poetry Festival.”

Established in 2010, the Scott and Hella McVay Poetry Trail loops a meandering mile through the native plant meadow in Greenway Meadows Park.

They made the trail comfortable and attractive.

Furniture Designer and Fine Craftsman David Robinson created eight rustic benches for the trail, while George Zienowicz created the 50 signs.

Since then, they have dedicated several poems from poets who have strong responses to the natural world.

For example, in 2016, they dedicated a poem by the late Pulitzer-winner C.K. Williams.  (1936-2015)

Former Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand, chair of D&R Greenway’s Board of Trustees, opened the dedication ceremony beneath a 300-year-old Oak tree on a beautiful, sunny day.

“If you ever feel a need for healing, get out and walk on this trail,” said Marchand.

“You will feel just great, enjoying the natural connection of poetry and nature.”

With the addition of Harrod, the 50 poets are now balanced among 25 men and 25 women, note the McVays.

“I love being outside,” says Harrod. “Especially walking and hiking – Baldpate Mountain, the Sourlands St. Michaels Farm Preserve. I often write about something I have seen or experienced during these walks – though not immediately,” she adds.

Harrod says she knows that some people and even some poets are averse to nature. She appreciates that D&R Greenway, and other local environmental organizations, provide antidotes to such fears.

The author of 16 poetry collections, Harrod is the winner of the 2012 Tennessee Chapbook Contest, the 2010 Hazel Lipa Chapbook Prize, and a five-time recipient of fellowships to the Virginia Center for Creative Arts.

She has spent her life writing and teaching, most recently at the College of New Jersey and at Princeton Senior Resource Center’s Evergreen Forum.

Widely published in literary journals and online e-zines from American Poetry Review to Zone 3, her work can be read at www.loismarieharrod.org.

The poetry trail founders think Harrod’s poem winks at our humanity and deserves to join the ranks of works by Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost, Rumi/Coleman Barks, Walt Whitman, Mary Oliver, Paul Muldoon, Jane Hirshfield, Joseph Bruchac, and six U.S. Poet Laureates:  Rita Dove, Robert Haas, Stanley Kunitz, Howard Nemerov, W.S. Merwin, and Richard Wilbur, among others.

Harrod will lead an En Plein Air poetry workshop at D&R Greenway’s St. Michael’s Farm Preserve in Hopewell tomorrow, said Linda Mead, president and CEO of D&R Greenway. rsvp@drgreenway.org

— Follow Michelle Dryden on Twitter @Michelle_Dryden

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Old Barracks hosts fall lectures by history authors

TRENTON, N.J. – A discussion about “The Power of Objects in

Author, Jennifer Van Horn, discusses her book, “The Power of Objects in Eighteenth-Century British America.”
— Photo by Michelle Dryden

Eighteenth-Century British America” was the first of the fall lectures at Old Barracks in Trenton this season.

Sponsored by the Society of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey, leading historians and authors will speak on a variety of subjects, which started Saturday, Oct.13, and will end Nov. 15 at the Old Barracks.

This is the fourth fall that the Old Barracks Museum is offering these free lectures, says Lauren Ronaghan, program coordinator.

“The lectures are to promote the studies of historians on subjects relevant to the history of the Old Barracks Museum,” Ronaghan states.

She continues that, “by inviting authors and historians to speak, we hope to elevate their visibility to the general public and spark interest in our visitors into studying and reading more about the history of our state and nation.”

There will be two more lectures this fall, following the lecture on the book, “The Power of Objects in Eighteenth-Century British America” by Jennifer Van Horn.

“Valley Forge” by Bob Drury is the next free lecture scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m., with reception at 6:30 at the Old Barracks.

Drury’s well-known work, “The Heart of Everything That Is, “ has been the #1 New York Times best-selling book.

His “Valley Forge” book is called “one of the most inspiring—and underappreciated—chapters in American history: the story of the Continental Army’s 6-month transformation in Valley Forge.”

The last lecture in the fall series is by Mark Maloy, who will discuss his book, “Victory or Death: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton, December 25, 1976 – January 3, 1977 on Nov. 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. for reception, and lecture at 7 p.m.

Maloy book explores the incidents that led up to George Washington’s victory in the face of defeat, on the road to the Declaration of Independence in the United States.

Ronaghan said that attendees do not have to read the books before attending the lectures, and encourages those who have at least vague interest to come out.

“The lectures are meant to appeal to people who have an interest in the topic discussed, even if it is a marginal interest and they are not historians,” she states.

— Follow Michelle Dryden on Twitter @Michelle_Dryden

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6-year cancer survivor makes 15 years of ministry

TRENTON, N.J. – Experiencing 15 years of challenges, an area pastor

Rev. Leon Alexander is pastor of Life Abundant Church of God in Trenton, where he celebrates his 15th year pastoral anniversary this month.
— Provided photo

overcame many obstacles to face the month of October with grace.

The Rev. Leon S. Alexander, Jr., Senior Pastor at Life Abundant Church of God, started the celebration of his 15th-year pastoral anniversary at the church, Sunday.

During his 15-year ministry, Rev. Alexander recalls “personal trials…racial tensions, workplace issues, an ever-changing government, and a host of other challenges.”

However, he proclaims that God has remained faithful and it is His Word that sustains him.

One of the Rev. Alexander’s most personal trials was his battle with stage four breast cancer when he was diagnosed in July 2008.

He said he has been through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and recovery. Rev. Alexander is grateful to be able to tell his story of breast cancer survival.

So, the Rev. considers the month of October as a “reminder of life!”

October is important to Rev. Alexander because it is designated as breast cancer awareness month, among other significance such as domestic violence and pastor appreciation.

However, it is the reminders for annual mammograms that resonate most with the pastor.

“I cannot, nor will not forget many who lost the battle to breast cancer. This month is a time to remember those persons who fought a good fight,“ states Rev. Alexander.

He also emphasizes that the month of October is a celebration of life for breast cancer survivors.

Therefore, as a believer in the celebration of life, the Rev. was also instrumental in the name change of his historically located church.

Located in historic Mill Hill District, Rev. Alexander’s church was previously called Mill Hill Church of God at the time his call to pastoral leadership there in 2003.

Pastor Alexander, Jr. became the fifth pastor of Mill Hill Church of God, but decided to change its name to Life Abundant Church of God to affirm a biblical proclamation, rather than to reflect a geographical location.

The Rev. Alexander announced the official name change on Resurrection Sunday morning, April 8, 2007.

To exemplify his love for life that is reflected in the church’s new name, the Rev. quoted the Holy Bible in St. John 10:10:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Rev. Alexander believes it is part of God’s plan that led him to pastor specifically at Life Abundant Church of God while overcoming obstacles and various life events.

However, he admits there is some truth to what many other pastors have said that, “anyone who wants to pastor, is either crazy or does not fully understand the responsibility.”

But, he says pastoral duties are an “awesome responsibility” and that he has no regrets.

Life Abundant Church of God continues their celebration of Rev. Alexander’s 15thpastoral anniversary Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. and at 5 p.m.

— Follow Michelle Dryden on Twitter @Michelle_Dryden

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Mantua Twp. schools receive $1.6 million for pre-k expansion

MANTUA, N.J. – At the beginning of this school year, the

Mantua Twp. School District students (L-R): Kaylee Mayer, Dylan MacKay, Sofia Nuss, Matthew Dorczuk, and Jethro Morris show their hands.
— Provided photo

New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) awarded Mantua Township School District $1.6 million for preschool education expansion.

At no cost or tax levy to families, this NJDOE funding will allow Mantua School District to convert their partial-day program into a full-day program starting early winter this year.

Current preschool families will also receive a full refund of their tuition payments for this year, and will get additional information about the potential for transportation services.

“Implementing a tuition-free, full-day pre-k program is a monumental step forward for the students and families of Mantua Township,” says Dr. Robert Fisicaro, superintendent of Mantua Township School District.

The district plans to make other details such as the timeline for reimbursements and the implementation of the program start date available soon.

“This state initiative will not only help us change the learning trajectory for all future students, but it will also have a positive fiscal impact on the entire district in future years,” said Fisicaro.

Eligibility requirements for the preschool program state that prospective students must be 4-years-old by Oct. 1 during the year they will enroll, and must also be current residents of Mantua Township.

Apart from the upcoming information session to inform current and prospective families about the changes coming to their preschool education program, families should visit the school district website for further details at www.mantuaschools.com.

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Ocean County Teacher of the Year pitches at Trenton Thunder ballpark

TRENTON, N.J. — A history teacher for more than 10 years now,

William “Bill” Smith is Ocean County Teacher of the Year, 2018. Here he is celebrating his award at the ballpark at a Trenton Thunder game.
— Provided photo

William “Bill” Smith recently threw the first pitch at the Trenton Thunder game to celebrate his award for 2018-19 Ocean County Teacher of the Year.

Smith is from Hamilton and graduated from Rider University, but is currently teaching at Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin, where his seventh and eighth graders, and colleagues are really proud of him.

He states, “My students, past and present, seemed really proud of me. Many of them told me they posted news articles about it on their social media pages.”

Each year, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) initiates a four-step process to select a teacher within the State as NJ State Teacher of the Year.

It is an initiative that is also known as the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.

The first step of the process starts with each school in the State selecting a teacher for Teacher of the Year.

Next, each teacher writes a series of essays to be named County Teacher of the Year.

Then, the 21 County Teachers of the Year make a video of them teaching instructional lessons in their classrooms.

Third, the NJDOE then selects six finalists for interviews in front of a nine-personal panel.

Finally, the NJDOE announces the NJ State Teacher of the Year.

Smith hopes to be a finalist, but says, “Just to make it this far has been an incredible experience. I’ve been so honored and humbled to make it this far.”

Smith also explained that when teachers win State Teacher of the Year, they have to leave the classroom from January to June to work for the State.

“The winner is gonna be completely out of the classroom. That would be a big adjustment for me,” he said.

However, he also mentioned that he agreed to the challenge, and would embrace the journey and the opportunity to affect change in a positive way.

But he would miss his students if he goes to the State.

“That part would be a bit sad. I am so much more comfortable in the classroom. That’s where I really thrive,” he said.

Smith says he has an average class size of around 25 students and they like his engaging and interactive teaching style, and his passion for history.

He said the positive rapport that he fosters with his students is one of his greatest strengths, and his students are one of the main reasons he won this award.

Smith studied history and education at Rider University from where he graduated in 2007, and has taught in Hunterdon and Burlington counties before teaching in Ocean County.

He is enjoying his distinction, and has more recognition and speaking events to attend. He also plans to go to Germany next April to learn about their education system. And, he said he might also shoot for the stars and apply for a Fulbright Grant.

Meanwhile, all the County Teachers of the Year are waiting to hear who will make the finals for the State Teacher of the Year announcement Oct. 3