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Princess Prom Project announces 7th year of gowns giveaway

Donated dresses from the ”dress collection” for Princess Prom Project at the 14th Legislative District offices in Hamilton.
–Provided photo

HAMILTON, N.J. — The organizers of Princess Prom Project have recently announced its 7th year of assisting teenage girls in the local community to afford dresses for their proms and other memorable formal events of their youth.

The annual Princess Prom Project, launched in the spring of 2011 by Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Hamilton), alleviates the financial worry that young ladies may face when shopping for their junior or senior high school proms, or other formal celebrations.

DeAngelo announced this year’s project stating that, “over the last seven years, the generosity of individuals donating new or gently worn dresses to the Princess Prom Project has helped put smiles on faces of countless young ladies who have found the perfect dress for a special night.”

According to DeAngelo, the project has grown and remains popular this year.

“Our dress room is bursting at the seams with beautiful dresses of all designs and sizes perfect for any youth formal occasion,” he said.

DeAngelo adds that, “through collaboration with youth-service and community-outreach agencies combined with local and word-of-mouth, we are able to expand our program this year to young ladies attending not only the prom but other memorable formal events.”

Princess Prom Project assists the young ladies and their families to browse through their large collection of dresses – provided at not cost to them – by hosting “shopping parties” during the afternoons on several dates before their proms.

“As a father of two daughters, I know how important these special occasions can be in creating treasured high school memories. The Princess Prom Project continues to be a great avenue for families who want their daughters to have memorable evening that will last a lifetime without the burden of an overwhelming price tag,” said DeAngelo.

The Princess Prom Project is opened to high school girls who live in the 14th District, Mercer and Middlesex counties.

This year’s shopping parties will be held at the 14th Legislative District Outreach Center at 4621A Nottingham Way, Hamilton Twp. from 3 – 6 p.m. March 5 and 28, April 10 and 26, May 9, 17 and 30, and June 7.

Families may also schedule appointments by calling the 14 Legislative District Outreach Office at 609-631-7501.

Individuals who would like to support the Princess Prom Project may do so by donating formal or cocktail gowns to the Shoppes at Nottingham Pointe at the 14th Legislative District Outreach Center.

They will accept all size dresses that are in good condition and previously cleaned, to add to their “dress collection.”

To help complete the perfect head-to-toe look, they will also accept gently worn or new accessories such as purses and jewelry.

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Nobody dead in big blaze

TRENTON, NJ — Luckily for residents who lived in the burnt out homes on Colonial Avenue, no one died last Sunday.

A big, devastating fire damaged five homes in the middle, right side of the block, and left homeowners and residents to find shelter in hotels and with families and friends.

Many lost their lives’ belongings and some said they do not want to return to the block even if their homes are repaired.

A resident said the fire started on the third floor of his mother’s home and that he believed it was due to electrical problems.

However, officials have not reported a sure cause.

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Mercer students to compete in annual Consumer Bowl

Area high school students from Mercer County participate in annual Consumer Bowl sponsored by Division of Consumer Affairs.
– Provided photo

HAMILTON, N.J. -– Students from seven Mercer County high schools will compete in the 22nd annual NJ High School Consumer Bowl at 9 a.m., Thursday at the Stone Terrace in Hamilton.

Last year, Hightstown High School was the champion, defeating other Mercer County high schools, and then competing for the Regionals against high schools from Hunterdon, Middlesex, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset and Union counties.

Each year, the Consumer Bowl tests students’ knowledge of state’s consumer protection laws and regulations. The competition features a game-show format where teams buzz in to answer questions posed by a moderator from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

“This event, and the preparation that goes into it, is a great opportunity for students to gain knowledge they can use to become smarter consumers,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Education is your best defense against consumer fraud.”

This year’s game-show style event will boast a diverse line up of moderators, referees, judges, scorekeepers and timekeeper.

Those moderating include: Anthony Brennan, New Jersey Consumer Affairs investigator, and Melanie Hazim, NJ Consumer Affairs outreach director. Referee will be Mercer County Consumer Affairs Chief, John Worth. The plan for judges will be Andrew Tucker, special assistant to the director of NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, County Surrogate Diane Gerofsky, Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Cook, Undersheriff Jason Salvatore, County Planning Director Leslie Floyd, and Assistant County Counsel John Maloney. Rebecca Shaw, Mercer County Weights and Measures inspector; and Dulcelina Pena, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Consumer Bowl coordinator will keep scores. And, timekeeper will be David Donahue, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Building Services coordinator.

The Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs holds the event in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

The Mercer County office handles complaints from individual consumers against local businesses. It protects Mercer County residents from fraudulent and unconscionable business practices. It also provides free consumer counseling and complaint resolution services to Mercer County residents.

The Division of Consumer Affairs can be reached at (609) 989-6671.

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Hamilton, Trenton to offer free rabies clinics for pets

dog

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.

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Boy, 10, ensures hundreds of Mercer residents will have winter coats

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.

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Black women’s group blesses families for Christmas

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.

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Fashion show models show off their new bodies

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.

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YWCA Princeton’s all-girls robotics earn spot in regional championships

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.”

To learn more about YWCA Princeton Robotics, please email them at robotics@ywcaprinceton.org.

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Pickleball sport now at Mercer County Park

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.

The 2018 ID card is available for purchase at https://register.communitypass.net/mercer.

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Detox facility to open at Catholic Charities in City

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.