Hopewell Valley News

02/28/2025

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer BaldassariStudents at Lawrence Intermediate School participated in the St. Baldrick's head-shaving fundraiser event for childhood cancer research in 2024. This year's event is set for March 15 at Amalfi's Kitchen and bar in Lawrence Township.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research, has set March 15 for its annual head-shaving event at Amalfi's Kitchen and Bar in Lawrence Township.

The restaurant is located at 146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Road. The in-person head-shaving event starts at 11 a.m. A virtual option is also available.

Volunteers - "shavees" in St. Baldrick's speak - seek pledges from supporters in exchange for shaving their heads for the fundraiser, which is timed to occur around St. Patrick's Day.

The goal is to raise $75,000 in donations for the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund childhood cancer research. This marks the 18th year that the head-shaving event has been held in Lawrence Township.

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer BaldassariStudents at Lawrence Intermediate School participated in the St. Baldrick's head-shaving fundraiser event for childhood can

02/27/2025

Photo by Lea Kahn/Staff

Protesters in front of the Tesla dealership in Lawrence Township on Feb. 22.

Holding aloft signs that said, "Unplug Musk," "Steal data from Mars," and "MUSKrats out of our government," about 200 people gathered in front of the Tesla dealership in Lawrence Township to protest Tesla founder Elon Musk on Feb. 23.

The protesters, who object to the role that Musk plays in the Trump Administration, lined both sides of the entrance road off Route 1 leading into the former Mercer Mall, now known as Mercer on One.

Drivers in minivans, pickup trucks, sedans and sport utility vehicles waved and honked their horns in support - but not the drivers of Tesla sedans that drove past the protesters.

Laura Zurfluh and Gabriela Sadote of Indivisible Cranbury, which organized the event, said the protesters want to let the Trump Administration know that they disagree with allowing an unelected figure - Elon Musk - to have access to sensitive government information.

Photo by Lea Kahn/StaffProtesters in front of the Tesla dealership in Lawrence Township on Feb. 22.Holding aloft signs that said, "Unplug Musk," "Steal da

02/23/2025

Hopewell Township has amended a contract with Spiezle Architectural Group to add funds for additional environmental services in the design and planning of a new senior and community center.

Township Committee members approved additional funds on Feb. 3 for the additional professional services needed by T&M Engineering Associates, a sub professional consultant working with the Hamilton based Spiezle.

The total for the additional services totals $89,984. The work - sewer and water permits ($29,800), civil design ($21,225), survey and geotechnical services ($21,100), Phase 2 site investigation ($15,259), other potential expenses ($10,016), and project management ($2,600).

"We are moving forward," Township Administrator George Snyder said of the design and planning of the new senior and community center. "These are additional environmental services outside the original scope of work with Spiezle Architectural Group.
&MEngineeringAssociates

Hopewell Township has amended a contract with Spiezle Architectural Group to add funds for additional environmental services in the design and planning of a new

02/22/2025

Attention to heart health is the goal of the annual American Heart Awareness Month in February, with its focus on raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles.

One in five deaths each year is the result of heart disease, according to "2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data from the American Heart Association," an article published in Circulation, the association's scientific journal. The problem is anticipated to worsen in the next 25 years.

Heart disease, noted Dr. Brett A. Sealove, chief of cardiology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is the number one killer in the western world.

"American Heart Awareness Month is a time to promote prevention, screening and awareness to empower patients," he said.

Attention to heart health is the goal of the annual American Heart Awareness Month in February, with its focus on raising awareness and promoting healthy lifest

02/20/2025

There were no rails but plenty of stops on the Underground Railroad.

Historian Rick Geffken will talk about the Underground Railroad and the role it played in helping runaway slaves find their way to freedom at the Lawrence Historical Society's annual meeting Feb. 23.

The event is free and starts at 6 p.m. It will be held at Lawrence High School at 2525 Princeton Pike in Lawrence Township.

Geffken will outline the history of slavery in New Jersey, the Quakers who pushed for manumission of slaves, and the people involved in the Underground Railroad. He is the guest speaker at the Lawrence Historical Society's annual Ruth Barringer Lecture Series.

The Underground Railroad was not really a railroad. It was a network of secret routes and safe houses that aided the runaway slaves on their way to freedom. It traces its origin to abolitionists, starting in the 1780s, who were opposed to slavery.

There were no rails but plenty of stops on the Underground Railroad.Historian Rick Geffken will talk about the Underground Railroad and the role it played i

02/17/2025

Residents at Brandywine Pennington by Monarch embraced the warmth and connection of National Hugging Day with a week-long celebration, culminating in The Forever Hug art project on Sunday, January 26.

Throughout the week, residents reflected on the meaning of a hug:

- A hug feels like a warm blanket.

- A hug feels comforting.

- A hug makes me feel loved.

- A hug makes me feel secure.

These reflections inspired heartfelt discussions and activities celebrating National Hugging Day, originally established in 1986 to promote expressions of affection.

The event highlight, The Forever Hug, brought together residents and their families in a meaningful art project. Residents applied paint to their lower arms, and as they embraced family members wearing T-shirts, the hug transferred onto the fabric. These unique mementos served as lasting reminders of the love and connection shared during the event.

Residents at Brandywine Pennington by Monarch embraced the warmth and connection of National Hugging Day with a week-long celebration, culminating in The Foreve

02/17/2025

HIRING COMPANIES WANTED: Join Packet Media at our next Job Fair Friday, February 28, 2025 at Quaker Bridge Mall from 10-2. For more information on how to get involved, email us at [email protected] before February 21st.

If you are interested in attending this event as a job seeker, pre-register at CJjob25.eventbrite.com

02/14/2025

Courtesy of Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare CenterEdna Weiss celebrates turning 101 years old. She was married to Bernard "Pete" Weiss for 60 years. Together, they raised three children. She has seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Courtesy of Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Rose Kahn celebrates turning 105 years old. She has six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Here she is with Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer, her daughter Lea Kahn (far right) and niece Jaime Kahn Gordon.

Courtesy of Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare CenterGrace Hartz celebrates turning 98 years old. She is pictured with her family and Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer.

To reach 100 years of age is no small feat, and that is why three centenarians and a near-centenarian were feted at a special event at the Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.
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Courtesy of Lawrence Rehabilitation & Healthcare CenterEdna Weiss celebrates turning 101 years old. She was married to Bernard "Pete" Weiss for 60 years. To

02/13/2025

Are you or someone you know looking for full-time or part-time positions? Join Donnelly.Media on Friday, February 28 at Quaker Bridge Mall. We will be in the Center Court from 10-2. Pre-register for this FREE event at CJjob25.eventbrite.com

If you are a hiring company interested in having a space at this event, email us at [email protected]. Spaces are limited.

02/12/2025

HomeFront, which works to break the cycle of poverty in Central New Jersey, is holding its Week of Hope, a week of opportunities to connect, learn and volunteer, from Feb. 10 to 15.

Bake Treats for Children in Our CommunityMonday, Feb. 10 - At HomeBake at Home - Bring a smile to children currently experiencing homelessness by baking nut-free treats. These will be included in meal deliveries to families temporarily living in motels. Please drop off your individually wrapped treats at our 1880 Princeton Ave. location by 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11. Every sweet contribution makes a difference.

Create a Welcoming FreeStore Experience (5 slots per day)Monday, Feb. 10 - 9:30 a.m. to noon and Thursday, Feb. 13 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - 1000 Division St., TrentonHelp create a welcoming space where clients can shop for clothing, professional attire, household items, and more — all at no cost to them.

HomeFront, which works to break the cycle of poverty in Central New Jersey, is holding its Week of Hope, a week of opportunities to connect, learn and volunteer

02/12/2025

A victim was scammed out of $13,000 after receiving a phone call from a person who pretended to be from the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, according to the Hopewell Township Police Department.

In the incident that was reported Jan. 22, the victim was told to deposit $13,000 into a Bitcoin account. Once the money was deposited, the victim was told there were two more federal charges. The victim was told to deposit an additional $16,000, police said.

Once the victim disputed and questioned it, he was put on hold and the call was subsequently disconnected, police said.

The Hopewell Township Police Department has advised residents that local police departments or sheriff's offices will never solicit for money or take any payments over the phone or through any cryptocurrency or gift cards.

A victim was scammed out of $13,000 after receiving a phone call from a person who pretended to be from the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, according to the Hop

02/08/2025

Pennington Council has officially appointed First Sgt. Daryl Burroughs as officer-in-charge of the Pennington Police Department.

With former Police Chief Doug Pinelli's retirement on Feb. 1, Burroughs takes over the decision-making authority and responsibilities held by Pinelli.

He has already been serving in the role of officer-in-charge since the new year when Pinelli assigned him the role. Burroughs was reporting to Pinelli while the former chief was on leave, according to borough officials.

Council members approved Burroughs appointment at a council meeting on Feb. 3.

Burroughs has been a member of the Pennington Police Department since 2008. Borough Attorney Walter Bliss administered his oath as officer-in-charge. Council members congratulated Burroughs, who simply answered, "Thank you."

Borough Administrator Gian-Paolo Caminiti explained Burroughs will receive quarterly performance reviews as OIC, which is a temporary position.

Pennington Council has officially appointed First Sgt. Daryl Burroughs as officer-in-charge of the Pennington Police Department. With former Police Chief Do

02/08/2025

Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties

The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets in the new year to help keep the blood supply strong this winter. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to keep critical blood products on the shelves for patients in need.

Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Through Feb. 28 donors will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.

American Red Cross Llura Gund Blood Donation Center – Central New Jersey

707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12:30-7:15 p.m.

Thursday: 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pennington

Feb. 8 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - St. James Church, 17 Eglantine Ave.

Hillsborough

Feb. 9 - 9 a.m.

Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset countiesThe American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets in the

02/07/2025

Doug Pinelli ended his time as chief of police for the Pennington Police Department with a final walkout and radio call.

Family, friends, community members, fellow officers and peers showed support at Pennington Borough Hall on Jan. 31 as Pinelli ended his 20-year career on the Pennington police force.

Pinelli's retirement was announced in June 2024 and went into effect on Feb. 1.

"I want to say thank you to the residents of Pennington Borough," said Pinelli in a message posted on the Pennington Police Department's page. "As many of you know, my time as your Chief of Police ended yesterday with my retirement. The outpouring of love and support that I saw yesterday was extremely heart felt and beautiful.

"While my decision was hard, it was time for me to move forward. Pennington will always have a special place in my life."

Pinelli thanked the officers and the community.

Doug Pinelli ended his time as chief of police for the Pennington Police Department with a final walkout and radio call. Family, friends, community members,

02/07/2025

HIRING COMPANIES WANTED: Join Central Jersey Newspapers at our next Job Fair Friday, February 28, 2025 at Quaker Bridge Mall from 10-2. For more information on how to get involved, email us at [email protected] before February 21st.

If you are interested in attending this event as a job seeker, pre-register at CJjob25.eventbrite.com

01/29/2025

Local officials are calling for the creation of an independent public regional water utility after two independent reports released through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)'s state "Trenton Water Works (TWW) suffers from historic neglect and underinvestment ... an extremely high risk of system failure."

The state agency released the reports on Jan. 27.

NJDEP adds that even with its stabilization support, Trenton alone cannot repair the utility. There is not a recommendation to privatize or sell TWW, however the agency does state that TWW can be successful if the water utility is restructured as a public utility independent from Trenton's municipal government.

Local officials are calling for the creation of an independent public regional water utility after two independent reports released through New Jersey Departmen

01/27/2025

The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) will soon announce the preservation of a 28-acre tract of forest in the Mount Rose Ridge.

The property, located off of Cleveland Road, expands upon the already impressive 387-acre Mount Rose Preserve, creating a total of 415 acres of contiguous permanently preserved open space in Hopewell Valley.

The heart of the Mount Rose Preserve was purchased by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, FoHVOS, Hopewell Township and Mercer County in 2015. Preservation partners have continued to grow and expand upon the impressive public preserve since then, according to a press release.

The Giardino tract is 100% wooded including forested wetlands and upland forest on a diabase ridge.

The intact forest provides essential breeding habitat for songbirds, including Veery and Northern Parula, wetland forest vital to salamanders and frogs, and a safe harbor for rare plant species such as Wild Comfrey.

The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) will soon announce the preservation of a 28-acre tract of forest in the Mount Rose Ridge.The property, lo