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Hepatitis C rates exploding among suburban N.J. heroin users, study finds

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Nearly half of the heroin users tested were positive for the liver disease.

Researchers recently confirmed what many in the medical and drug treatment community had feared: Rates of Hepatitis C are skyrocketing among New Jersey's suburban heroin users, particularly among the young. 

A study that tested 861 suburban heroin users admitted to Princeton House, an inpatient treatment center, found that 44 percent tested positive for Hepatitis C, a potentially fatal but treatable disease that affects the liver. Of those, nearly two-thirds were under the age of 35. 

"It's crazy. I'm not sure I even expected to see the number that high," said Ronald Nahass, an infectious disease specialist with ID Care, who conducted the study with researchers from Princeton House. "On the other hand, I don't know that I'm terribly surprised. We've noticed this happening, and it really wasn't being recognized, which is really upsetting me, frankly."


RELATED: Where to find needle exchanges in New Jersey


The Princeton House study puts raw data to what was a known, if seldom discussed, trend. Heroin use has become a ubiquitous problem of New Jersey communities over the last decade, killing more than 5,000 since 2004.  

More than 20,000 people have already been admitted for heroin treatment in the state since 2015, nearly 70 percent of which are intravenous drug users, which raises the specter of blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis and HIV spreading through large populations.

Though Nahass said figures are likely underreported, state Department of Health data shows the number of reported cases has doubled in New Jersey since 2003. 

Reported Hepatitis C Cases in New Jersey 2002 to 2013

"The good news is, there are now viable treatments for Hepatitis," said Bob Baxter, who until recently ran the needle exchange in Newark. "The bad news is, they're incredibly expensive.  

Sovaldi, for example, has been highly praised because it can eradicate Hepatitis C with few of the miserable side effects common among previous treatments.  But it costs $1,000 a pill, or $84,000 for a complete 12-week course of treatment.  

"We're back to the old adage that prevention is so much more important, because it's so much more cost-efficient," Baxter said. "We've got needle exchanges in this state, but there are only five of them. And it took so long to get them in place that we had about 20 years of missed opportunities."  

The cost of treating the disease and the dearth of substance abuse treatment in New Jersey make it a difficult problem to address otherwise, Nahass said. 

"You have a number of facilities that refuse to look, because they worry that if they do, they're going to start to incur additional costs. And not looking is just putting your head in the sand," he said. "Treatment can be a form of prevention. It's not going to solve the heroin problem ... but at least it can help slow the spread of this disease." 


RELATED: How to find drug and alcohol abuse treatment in New Jersey.


"However, in the current state of the system, linking these folks to treatment can be extremely difficult, if not impossible."  

A bright spot in Nahass' findings is that no patients who tested positive for Hepatitis C were cross-infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. But both Nahass and Baxter cautioned that it wouldn't take much to change that. 

"It's not going to stay that way forever," Baxter said. 

In one rural Indiana county, for example, at least 140 people have tested positive for HIV due to drug use, which Nahass said was tested back to a single source. 

"If it got introduced into the network of users here, we're worried we'll have the same problem," he said. 

Stephen Stirling may be reached at sstirling@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @sstirling. Find him on Facebook.

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Hopewell head-on crash sends 2 to hospital

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Erica L. Hemmel, 30, of Hopewell Township, was driving south on Route 29 near Maddock Road in a 2014 Acura when her car was hit head-on by a 2013 Nissan

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - A Sergeantsville woman was charged with careless driving in a head-on collision on Route 29 Tuesday that shut the road for 30 minutes, police said.

hopewell police file.jpgFile photo of a Hopewell Township Police vehicle. 

Erica L. Hemmel, 30, of Hopewell Township, was driving south on Route 29 near Maddock Road in a 2014 Acura when her car was hit head-on by a 2013 Nissan driven by Evelyn Jacob, 79, police said.

Both cars were severely damaged in the 3:11 p.m. crash and had to be towed from the scene, police said.

Hemmel and Jacob, who was issued a citation for careless driving, were taken to an area hospital with moderate injuries, police said.

This crash was investigated by Patrol Officer James Hoffman, police said.

Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

N.J. marijuana legalization activists plan march, rally at Statehouse

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Marijuana legalization supporters will gather in Trenton on Saturday to demand an end to cannabis prohibition in New Jersey

TRENTON -- Hundreds of marijuana legalization supporters are expected to gather in Trenton on Saturday to demand an end to cannabis prohibition in New Jersey.

Organizers will meet at City Hall at 2 p.m. before marching down State Street to the Statehouse for a 3 p.m. rally. This is the third rally organized in Trenton this year.

The East Coast Cannabis Coalition is launching a statewide campaign to legalize marijuana by starting at the municipal level. It was inspired by a non-binding resolution adopted in Asbury Park this summer calling for the decriminalization of marijuana.


MORE: Competition grows as 5th medical marijuana dispensary opens


The coalition of groups is also calling on Gov. Chris Christie to sign into law a bill that would allow parents to give their sick and disabled children edible medical marijuana at school without putting themselves or educators at risk of arrest.

The organizers include East Coast Cannabis Coalition, the Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey, Legalize Marijuana Party, Green Party of North Jersey, New Jersey Libertarian Party, New Jersey Grannies for Grass, Students for Sensible Drug Policy - TCNJ, NORML New Jersey Women's Alliance, Pittsburgh NORML Women's Alliance, Pittsburgh NORML, Ramapo College NORML, Parents 4 Pot Pennsylvania, People's Smokeout - NYC, the National Cannabis Patients Wall, The Human Solution, Maryland NORML and Delaware NORML.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Explosives training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Saturday

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The training is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 17

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- The 421st Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit will be training with explosives on Fort Dix ranges Saturday, the joint base said.

The training is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The base warned that residents in the area may experience ground shaking and considerable noise coming from the ranges. 

The 421st's mission is to deliver combat support training to over 5,000 U.S. Air Force and NATO personnel annually.

The base routinely issues the advisories when artillery and demolitions training is scheduled. The base said in a statement that the training is essential for military readiness and base officials routinely work to minimize the impact it has on its surrounding communities.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Westminster Choir College opens renovated playhouse with new name

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The newly renovated Robert L. Annis Playhouse honors the college's longtime dean who retired in December 2014

PRINCETON -- The Playhouse on the campus of Westminster Choir College of Rider University has a storied past having hosted rehearsals with some of the world's great conductors, but it is now primed for the future after nearly $2 million in renovations.

"There's been a reluctance to touch anything when it's been inhabited by some of the great conductors of our time, but we got to the point where it really wasn't meeting the needs of our current students," said Jonathan Meer, vice president of university advancement.

The playhouse reopened Friday with a new name -- the Robert L. Annis Playhouse -- to honor the college's longtime dean who retired in December 2014.

The building, which was originally used to store Army surplus, moved to its current space after World War II and for decades has been the site of countless choral rehearsals, performances and student activities. The Symphonic Choir has held rehearsals with names like Leonard Bernstein, Riccardo Muti, and Kurt Masur.


PLUS: 'America's Mandela' tells students how to change world in 4 steps


"This renovation pays homage to the history of the building, but retains some of the charm that made it so important to students over the decades," Meer said.

The renovation includes a 2,950-square-foot addition to the playhouse with an expanded stage and backstage, two new dressing rooms, two restrooms, storage space and improvements to make the building handicapped-accessible.

The space can now serve as a second full performance and rehearsal space for the college's some 400 students, Meer said.

"It's more practical, it's more attractive and it's more modern," he said, adding that the lights now work and the roof and windows no longer leak. "These were really important enhancements for one of the oldest, most beloved venues on campus but one that was really outdated and in need of TLC."

The project was made possible by foundation grants, proceeds from a benefit concert honoring William H. Scheide's 100th birthday and gifts that were made in honor of Annis.

"It's really fitting that the man who has been our best fundraising dean in our history is now the recipient of this naming opportunity because of the many donors who have made gifts in his honor," Meer said.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

4 N.J. weekend events filled with food and family

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Cranberries, Italian food, wine and food trucks make up the menu for a delicious Saturday and Sunday.

THE CHATSWORTH CRANBERRY FESTIVAL

This 32nd annual event celebrating New Jersey's cranberry harvest is the third largest of its kind in the United States. Free-to-attend, the festival will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, with more than 160 arts and crafts vendors expected. Assorted jams, jellies, breads, baked goods and cranberry ice cream are all on the menu for a weekend that also includes as antique and classic car show. Downtown Chatsworth, Route 563.

FALL FOOD TRUCK FIESTA

Like food trucks? Well, the Mercer County Festival Park Grounds is where you are going to want to be, as nearly 30 are expected this weekend for the Fall Food Truck Fiesta. Among the offerings will be  French crepes, Brazilian barbecue, brick oven pizza along, gourmet beef, pork and crab sliders and much more. The event is taking place rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 with 50 percent of the proceeds benefiting One Simple Wish -- a nonprofit that makes wishes come true for children who have been victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Food and drink are pay as you go, but children's activities, fire pits, music and free giveaways are included in the entry fee. Old Trenton Road in West Windsor.  


RELATED:< 8 best things to do in N.J. this weekend


STRAFFORD TOWNSHIP FALL WINE FESTIVAL

With the word "wine" in the event name, some may be questioning the family-friendly factor. No worries, as there will be plenty for the underage crowd to do, including hayrides, a Halloween parade, scarecrow making, a costume contest and pumpkin picking. The adults will be able to check out the food and craft vendors along with the jalapeno eating contest, if they dare. Wine tasting tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. Noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Manahawkin Lake Park, Route 9 and Lakeshore Drive. 

ITALIAN FESTIVAL

Wine and Italian food make a perfect pairing, so it seems the Bellview Winery Italian Festival, which is taking place noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday would be a delicious combination. Food vendors will provide samplings of local fare, and there will be a wine tasting tent along with live music. Tickets are $15 (which includes wine tasting); designated drivers pay just $10. (20 and under are free.) 150 Atlantic St., Landisville. 

Contact Bill Gelman at bkgelman@hotmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook. 

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West Windsor receives grant money for local Duck Pond Park

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West Windsor received over $200,000 of a nearly $500,000 grant from the county to complete the Duck Pond Park

WEST WINDSOR - The township was just given the second part of a $500,000 grant from the county to finish the third and fourth phases of the township's future Duck Pond Park.

The township received $224,250, half of the nearly $500,000 grant from the county, according to a press release sent out Friday.

The Duck Pond Park is just one of the county's 20 projects which are funded by the Mercer County at Play grant. Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes developed the grant, which has amassed a total of $6.2 million, in 2006 as an incentive to get local municipalities to start developing more athletic fields and parks, according to the release.


RELATED: Two West Windsor parks set to get facelifts


West Windsor was one of the townships that stepped up to the plate.

The 123-acre Duck Pond Park, which sits on Meadow Road, has been underway since 2011 when the township put in several lighted soccer fields.

It has grown to include two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a picnic area, a pond, a volleyball court and a mile of walking paths, according to the press release.

West Windsor Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh was not available for comment Friday afternoon but he did speak for the press release and thanked both Mercer County and the West Windsor-Plainsboro Soccer Association for their help with turning the park into a reality.

The acceptance of the grant money for the park was just the latest in a series of preservation and beautification efforts by the township.

On Wednesday the township also announced the preservation of 35 acres of land along state Route 571 in West Windsor.

Hughes, who helped in the preservation effort, said, "The preservation of this property contribute to the protection of this waterway, water quality and wildlife habitat while providing the opportunity for passive recreation in the future," according to a separate press release. 

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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TCNJ holds 'Day of Service' to honor late provost who sought to improve Trenton

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The day was planned as a way to remember his lifelong commitment to community-engaged learning and the Trenton community

TRENTON -- Hundreds from The College of New Jersey will fan out across the city Saturday as part of a day of service honoring the legacy left behind by Patrick Donohue, a former assistant provost who died in July after jumping from the George Washington Bridge.

patrick-donohue-tcnj.jpegPatrick Donohue 

The day was planned by Donohue's family and the college as a way to remember his lifelong commitment to community-engaged learning and the Trenton community, the college said.

Donohue, 50, retired from his position after nine years at TCNJ on July 1 and had been under stress as a result of the decision, his family had said. His body was found 10 days later in the Hudson River.

Donohue served as the director of the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement, a service and scholarship program that mobilizes students around community needs, and had been a tireless advocate for Trenton.

"He just lived, breathed and gave all his heart and soul to helping others, running programs and always trying to help," his brother, Peter, said at the time of his death.


RELATED: Hundreds attend funeral of former TCNJ assistant provost


On Saturday, some 300 students, staff and faculty members will honor that service by volunteering at 10 sites in Trenton, Ewing and Lawrence.

The projects include working with kids to create art on abandoned buildings as part of SAGE Coalition's "Windows of Soul," gardening, serving meals with A Better Way, organizing and cleaning PJ Hill Elementary School, weeding and cleaning Ewing's 1867 Sanctuary and helping at HomeFront's food pantry in Lawrence.

They will also be working with kids at Greg Grant's Academic Sports Academy, an organization that honored Donohue in May for his work with Trenton youth.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.


Trenton firefighters educate children on fire dangers

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Fire statistics from the state Division of Fire Safety show Trenton had 829 confirmed fires in 2014, more than any other reporting department in Mercer County.

TRENTON -- It's called Fire Prevention Week, but the Trenton Fire Department scheduled educational events for the entire month of October to reach as many children as possible.

"I believe that if you teach children, you reach the heart of the family," Fire Director Qareeb Bashir said in statement announcing the events. The director said one of his goals is to establish a more "consistent, progressive, effective and efficient" fire prevention branch for the department.

On Thursday, the department's Engine Co. 1 was at the YMCA preschool on Pennington Avenue.

Capt. Rick Bainbridge and firefighters Brendan Gurry and Jimmy J. Silva taught some fire prevention, but also displayed their gear and apparatus for the children to examine.

Fire statistics from the state Division of Fire Safety show Trenton had 829 confirmed fires in 2014, more than any other reporting fire department in Mercer County.

And in Mercer County as a whole, the leading type of fire in 2014 were cooking fires, with 790, which usually occur in the home.


PLUSTrenton fire displaces 8 residents, damages 3 homes

President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation in 1920 and Fire Prevention Week has been observed since 1922 during the calendar week that October 9 falls, the organizer, the National Fire Protection Association says.

The week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the 1871 blaze that killed more than 250 people and destroyed 17,400 structures. It began on October 8, but did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

Any organization that would like to schedule a fire prevention event can contact the Trenton Fire Department at 609-989-4039.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Two Hamilton fire districts to remain neutral on consolidation

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Districts 4 and 8 have not made any public declarations on the issue and it's going to stay that way, the chairpersons of each commissioner board said.

HAMILTON -- As fire district consolidation efforts move forward by the fire unions in Hamilton, two districts will be staying neutral on the matter, for now.

Districts 4 and 8 had not made any public declarations on the issue and on Friday their chairpersons said while they are discussing the recent developments, they want to hear more.

"We'd like to see some sort of a plan before we commit to anything," said commissioner Wayne D'Artagnan, chair of District 8's board. The district operates the Colonial Fire Co. on Kuser Road.

D'Artagnan said his board has tax concerns. Consolidation is not necessarily going to reduce taxes, and much of the discussion has been focused on the roughly $450,000 the 45 commissioners make annually running their districts, instead of other issues.

The town's nine districts each have a 5-member commissioner board.

D'Artagnan said a consolidated, township-wide fire district will still need an accountant, lawyer and other professional services, and they might charge more for a larger firefighting force.

Plus, the district could need more administrative personnel. "It's not going to save taxpayers money, and that's a concern," D'Artagnan said.

The commissioner also said District 8 is not interested in weighing in on the union's plan to have District 3 be the surviving district, and how other districts have spoken out against it.

"We don't want to get in the middle of that match," D'Artagnan said.


RELATEDHamilton firefighter unions tout plan for district consolidation

In District 4, commissioner chair Betty Newbon said consolidation has been a major point of discussion, but the district wants more information and will be watching how the effort unfolds.

"We'll see what happens," Newbon said. The district operates the Hamilton Fire Co. in the Bromley neighborhood.

District 4 commissioner John Newbon (the Newbons are brother and sister), speaking for himself, said the district was not approached by the unions with their plan to have District 3 be the surviving district.

The unions, however, have set up meetings with numerous Hamilton fire service members next week and Newbon said he too is eager to hear more about their plan.

John Newbon said he will continue to support, "What's best for firefighters and residents."

The township's two fire unions, locals of the Firefighters' Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA), recently announced a plan to consolidate the town's districts into District 3, which would provide firefighting for the entire town.

The move came after three districts, 5, 6 and 9, passed resolutions calling for consolidation, but for a new district or municipal fire department being created.


RELATEDHamilton residents support consolidation efforts, unions say

The unions went door-to-door in Hamilton neighborhoods last weekend seeking signatures on petitions that call for a consolidation of the township's districts.

The unions need signatures from 5 percent of a district's voters to bring the matter to the township council, which then holds a public hearing and votes whether or not to dissolve the district and possibly merge it with another district.

The unions, who are not seeking signatures in District 3, said they were met with considerable support from residents last weekend and plan another petition drive soon.

On Friday, Nick Buroczi, president of the fire officers union, said the unions efforts continue with seeking residents' support

"It becomes more evident with every conversation we have that the residents of Hamilton want the sort of change that our firefighters are advocating," he said.

Of districts 4 and 8, Buroczi said, "It's reassuring that these commissioners, elected to represent and respond to the needs of residents, won't be standing in the way of progress."

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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Endorsements for Jordan DeGroote & Lisa Richford

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Today's letters: more endorsements

I am writing to endorse Jordon DeGroote for WW-P School Board.

WW-P School District has always been known for providing excellent education and learning experiences to its students. But some of the recent changes proposed or implemented by the School Board are very alarming, such as eliminating midterm and final exams which are effective tools in education quality assurance; eliminating the highly successful math A&E programs for 4th and 5th grades; cutting advanced chamber music programs; spending significant amount of resources on costly but ineffective chrome books; just to name a few.  A lot of these changes were made without public awareness and input.

Candidate DeGroote advocates for a transparent, responsive and accountable School Board. He supports televising all School Board meetings, publishing the voting records of all board members, and releasing official board responses to questions of substance raised through public comment. These are necessary steps to ensure the voices of all concerned residents are heard and represented on the School Board.

Candidate DeGroote advocates for the inclusion of students' input in teacher evaluations, increasing the frequency of unscheduled in-class evaluations to better judge teacher's ability, and hiring teachers based on the ability to provide the best education, not just an average education at a lower salary.

Candidate DeGroote is a leader and an effective communicator. He is the best choice to represent the voice of the students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers on the School Board. Please vote for Mr. DeGroote on November 3.

Yiling Lamartin

Langhorne, Pa.

I am not the only one asking the question as to why challenger Lisa Richford can't get Brian Hughes to debate her.  One would suppose that if your platform was all that and what you have done in office is something to brag about, you would be chomping at the bit to have a debate. 

As to the unquestionably qualified Lisa Richford, why won't the League of Women's Voters even sponsor the debate?  By their very name one would assume that their mission is to promote women in the political sphere.  I have been to previous debates sponsored by the League of Women's Voters, so why then won't they sponsor this very important debate anywhere, anytime?  

Colleen DiPastina

Hamilton

Follow The Times of Trenton on Twitter @TimesofTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

PNC launches $1M program to help Trenton preschoolers build vocab

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The grant represents the PNC Foundation's single-largest investment in the capital city

TRENTON -- Children from low-income families hear as many as 30 million fewer words than their more affluent peers by age 3. But the PNC Foundation is hoping to change that statistic in Trenton with a new $1 million, two-year initiative focused on building vocabulary.

The initiative is part of PNC's Grow Up Great, a $350 million, multi-year, bilingual initiative that began in 2004 to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

The grant represents PNC's single-largest investment in the capital city.

The "Trenton Makes--Words!" program, which launched Saturday, will be led by the New Jersey State Museum in collaboration with Children's Home Society of New Jersey and the Trenton Community Music School.


MORE: Children's Home Society to run Trenton Head Start program


"It's all about the notion that children who are exposed to words very early on will ultimately do better in school," said Linda Bowden, PNC Bank New Jersey's regional president.

The State Museum has taken the lead on developing the programs. The museum will host weekly storytime groups, hands-on activities and learning sessions designed to teach families how to talk, read and play with their children, said Beth Cooper, curator of education.

Elsewhere in the city, the Children's Home Society and Trenton Community Music School will host "pop-up" events and eight citywide celebrations will feature activities and programs meant to strengthen reading and vocabulary skills.

Families will also be given resources and toys to help them continue the progress at home.

"It doesn't have to be formal things," Cooper said. "Taking time to play with children, talk with them about colors, what they're going to do that day, little ways throughout the day to verbally engage them."

Cooper said few Trenton families visit the museum and she is eager for more residents to explore what they have to offer.

The museum is starting a new program for Trenton families and will also be giving out passes that provides free admission and discounts to the planetarium and gift shop, she said.

"Our hope is that these families will stay engaged and think about returning even if we're not doing these family sessions," she said.

Bowden, who was an elementary school teacher, said she hopes the two-year initiative will not only help kids hit the ground running when they start school, but also encourage schools to continue exposing kids to strong vocabulary at an early age.

"If children have the opportunity to really blossom and learn if they're given the tools, given that head start, down the road that's going to make a huge difference in society," she said. "They may be inventors one day, start businesses. ... The education piece and whatever role we and other institutions in New Jersey can play in helping to bolster it is enormous."

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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N.J. wrestling family brings sport, mentoring to Trenton kids

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Wrestlers will be outfitted with gear and other equipment and given free mentoring and tutoring

TRENTON -- The Betheas are one of New Jersey's most decorated wrestling families.

The seven brothers combined to win 19 Mercer County championships, 13 district titles, five regional crowns and one state championship and five of them went on to the University of Pennsylvania. Now, the family of 11 wants to give that same opportunity to other Trenton youth who otherwise wouldn't have a chance.

Most players in Trenton don't pick up the sport until ninth grade, but that's too little, too late, says Councilman Alex Bethea, who knew that introducing his sons to organized wrestling at an early age would serve them well.

"By the time they get to district and regional levels, they're being taken out because those other kids started when they were 3 years old," he said. "We can get them started early so when they do get to high school, we can start producing state champs and these kids can get scholarships to go on to college."


MORE: With 7 brothers, Bethea family leaves lasting legacy on N.J. wrestling


The program has been in the works for two years, but came to fruition with the support of Beat the Streets Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that provides wrestling and mentoring to underprivileged students, and Wrestlers in Business' Princeton chapter.

The after-school program will be offered at three schools: Grace Dunn Middle School, Hedgepath-Williams Middle School and Jefferson Elementary School. Wrestlers will be outfitted with gear and other equipment and given free mentoring and tutoring.

"You have to build two foundations: physical as well as the mental, emotional and academics," he said. "You don't get scholarships just because you're tough. We want to encourage them to go to class, do your homework, cut the TV off."

Bethea, who is vice principal at Paul Robeson Elementary School, said wrestling is an excellent way for kids to release energy and aggression, but the discipline, focus, work ethic and respect they develop will also help them excel off the mat.

"We've got a place where you have an outlet and an inlet," he said. "Academia coming in, some of that aggression, some of that hostility, put it on the mat."

The students will be paired by their age and weight.

"We'll teach you some skills on how to overcome each other and then when you meet a guy that you don't know, take him, win a district, win a regional, win a state championship, make your family proud of you, go to college, do well in college and come back," Bethea said.

The program kicks off 1 p.m. Sunday at Joyce Kilmer Middle School, 1300 Stuyvesant Ave., Trenton. A wrestling clinic with four-time NCAA champion Logan Stieber will be followed by an all-star match and a Wrestlers in Business meeting.

For more information, contact Canaan Bethea at cbethea@btsphilly.org.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Hundreds participate in N.J. Cannabis Freedom Rally in Trenton

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Hundreds of people from all walks of life participated in the East Coast Cannabis Coalition's N.J. Cannabis Freedom Rally in Trenton today, demanding the legalization of marijuana in the state.

TRENTON -- Hundreds of people from all walks of life participated in the East Coast Cannabis Coalition's N.J. Cannabis Freedom Rally in Trenton Saturday, demanding the legalization of marijuana in the state.

Participants gathered at Trenton's City Hall and marched down State Street, then rallied at the State House at 3 p.m.

According to the ECCC, the organization is "launching a statewide campaign to legalize cannabis at the municipal level by presenting information on how New Jerseyans can introduce ballot resolutions legalizing small amounts of cannabis to their local city councils. The campaign is based on a recent marijuana legalization resolution adopted in Asbury Park by the local government. Organizers have already presented similar initiatives in Trenton and Camden and hope to spread the campaign to Newark, Paterson, Atlantic City, and New Brunswick. In addition to the municipal legalization campaign, activists are also calling for Governor Christie to sign Assembly Bill 4587, which would require schools to establish rules that would allow students with developmental disabilities to consume edible cannabis on school property."

Today's rally championed both initiatives.

"We're very happy that so many people came out," said Vanessa Maria, the director and founder of the ECCC. "Each time we do a rally, more and more people come out, which shows how far we've come. We have people here from all walks of life -- parents, medical patients, people of color; all sorts of people are here. We're becoming a more powerful voice."

The rally featured speeches by numerous well-known marijuana activists, including Ed "NJ Weedman" Forchion, Maria, and many others.

"We've learned so much from him," Maria said of Forchion. "He's the face of our movement."

Many other organizations (Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey, Legalize Marijuana Party, Green Party of North Jersey, New Jersey Libertarian Party, New Jersey Grannies for Grass, Students for Sensible Drug Policy - TCNJ, NORML New Jersey Women's Alliance, Pittsburgh NORML Women's Alliance, Pittsburgh NORML, Ramapo College NORML, Parents 4 Pot Pennsylvania, People's Smokeout - NYC, The National Cannabis Patients Wall, The Human Solution, Maryland NORML, and Delaware NORML) were also on hand.

"Many other organizations share our goals," said Maria. "We're all hoping to educate people about cannabis and inspire them to take action. We're really excited about all of this. We're hoping to see progress soon."

Rich Cuccagna may be reached at rcuccagna@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RichCuccagna. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Shine and Inspire supplied the scooter, she supplied the art

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A Trenton Woman will speak at Mercer County nonprofit Shine and Inspire's annual fundraiser on Oct. 23 about her experience with giving and receiving.

TRENTON - When Medicare denied an application to provide a motorized scooter for Gina Damiano, who has been unable to walk since a recent knee surgery, Mercer County nonprofit Shine and Inspire came to the rescue.

"Medicare, their logic was if I could walk a few steps, they couldn't help me," Damiano said. "Shine and Inspire really made a difference in my life. I never knew people like that existed."

Shine and Inspire, which operates out of Pennington, bought Damiano a scooter, which cost just under $2,000, the nonprofit's Director Carol Feldman said.

"The scooter really increased my mobility," Damiano said. "I can go anywhere now."

Damiano will be speaking about her involvement with Shine and Inspire at the nonprofit's fundraiser A Night to Shine: Fashion Edition on Oct. 23 in Princeton. The fashion event replaces the annual Care to Dance fundraiser, held in Hamilton the past three years, for which Feldman said alienated some people who shy away from dancing.

However, Damiano will not only speak at the event about what the nonprofit did for her, but what she did for her community in return.

Shine and Inspire commits itself on providing assistance with the stipulation that the recipient will give back in some sort of charitable way. Damiano set up a seven week long summer crafts program for the children in the building she lives in at Rowan Towers.

Every day over the summer, up until a few weeks before schools were back in session, Damiano said she set up a new art project for children ranging in ages from 2 to 14 to take part in. In addition, at the end of the seven weeks, she hosted a tie-dye T-shirt party for everyone who participated.


RELATED: Shine and Inspire nonprofit to host fashion fundraiser


"I wanted to do something fun," Damiano said. "The kids loved doing the projects and seeing what I would have for them the next day."

Damiano paid for the supplies for the craft workshop "out of my pocket" and through community donations, she said.

Feldman said she tried buying the art supplies for Damiano's program, but the Trenton woman refused.

"I said, 'No. You guys bought me a gift that I can never repay,'" Damiano said.

Damiano loves community service but said since her knee surgery she could not do as much, being almost completely immobile.

"I like helping people, helping the community," she said. "Miss Carol gave me back what I like to do anyway."

Damiano said she used to volunteer in building programs when there was a live-in social worker - who has since left - but the craft workshop was the first self-organized program.

She said she hopes eventually she can expand the crafts program to include field trips for the children, but would need local business support to do so.

"If I could get enough sponsors, we could go to ball games, museums, places where I used to go as a kid," Damiano said.

She said she plans to sit down with Feldman at some point to see if she can get her in contact with businesses and organizations willing to sponsor her program.

"I want to expose these kids to more than just the streets," Damiano said. "The kids showed talent they didn't know they had when they painted a picture, designed a project. The street is no place for these kids."

She said she served about 40 children in her building over the summer.

As for speaking at the Oct. 23 fundraising event, Damiano said she is "nervous."

"I don't like stuff centered on me," she said. "I'd rather do stuff and sit in the background, but it's for a good cause so I'll do it."

Lindsay Rittenhouse may be reached at lrittenhouse@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Psychics, paranormal investigators will tour Allentown

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The psychics will be joined by MG Paranormal Investigators, who investigated the area last month and will share their findings with guests on the trail.

Allentown will be getting into the Halloween spirit one week early with its annual Witches Night Out celebration.

The event, which kicks off 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Bruno's Bicycles/One Sweet Ride on Main Street, is presented by the Allentown Business Association and will once again feature the popular haunted walking tour hosted by Psychic Treasures Unlimited -- a quartet of psychics including medium Joann, intuitive psychic Cindy, reader Charlotte and emphatic clairvoyant and Reiki practitioner Aleja (all requested to have last names withheld).

This year, the tour has added a special twist to the festivities. The psychics will be joined by MG Paranormal Investigators, who investigated the area last month and will share their findings with guests on the trail.

"It's going to bring validation, a sense of excitement through the findings," said psychic medium Joann of Psychic Treasures Unlimited. "Proof."

MG Paranormal Investigators already swept through a few buildings using specific equipment -- one such instrument is a Spirit Box P-SB7 -- which proprietors Brian and Joel will demonstrate on the tour.


MORE: An epic guide to Halloween fun in New Jersey


"We are going to explain our evidence that we picked up and what we felt," said co-proprietor Brian of MG Paranormal Investigators.

Joann--an open portal to souls on the other side -- said that she Brian and Joel found Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) evidence after they accompanied her on a test run of the area.

"Spirits do live among us," she said.

The duo does not identify themselves as ghost hunters or "ghost busters," but as investigators that "communicate and verify" the paranormal. The recordings from their findings in Allentown will be uploaded on their Facebook page, which already has photos they claim capture "orbs" (flashes of light) of spirits who were present as Joann was channeling their presence.

After each investigation, the pair listens carefully to the recordings to hear what was picked up.

"Sometimes you get a whisper, sometimes you get something really clear that someone was here with you," he said. "In the beginning of the investigation, there was a really clear EVP that is going to be on our Facebook page."

The tour begins at 6:30, and will focus on the history of Allenton beginning at the Imlay House, which served as a stop on the Underground Hospital and a former hospital. It will continue through several stops, including the wooded area by Allentown's Mill.

Intuitive psychic Cindy will provide historical information with guests, while psychic medium Joann will channel the energy of spirits long passed.

"Last year, there were relatives that came through on the tour," she said. "I never know what is going to come through until that night."

In addition to taking a walk back in the past, the future will come into focus with individual readings by Charlotte at Cynthia's Signature Salon on Main Street.

Fun of the non-supernatural kind will also be taking place. There will be a scavenger hunt and a contest judging the best witch hat. Refreshments will be served at participating businesses, including Earth Goddess Jewelry and Gifts, Bloomers n' Things, Green Lace Lion, Necessities for the Heart, One Eyed Turtle, and Ye Olde Vape Shoppe.

"Witches Night Out has been going on in our town for over 12 years now, and last year was the first time we asked them to do a tour," said Heather Bruno-Saracen, co-owner of Bruno's One Sweet Ride. "We invited them back again this year because of the success."

Guests are encouraged to bring flashlights. The tour is Oct. 23, 5:30-9 p.m.; rain date is Oct. 24. Bruno's Bicycles/One Sweet Ride is located at 19 S. Main St. Allentown. Tickets for the Paranormal Luminated Haunted Tour are $30. Card readings are $20. For tickets and more information, call 609-208-0544 or visit psychictreasuresunlimited.com

N.J. Turnpike car lane exit at 7A to close for month

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The work is expected to be completed before Thanksgiving.

ROBBINSVILLE -- The New Jersey Turnpike will close the southbound car lanes exit at interchange 7A for about a month starting Wednesday to repair improperly installed steel plates.

The car lanes travel over a bridge that was constructed during the Interchange 6 to 9 Widening Program and an inspection found the steel plates beneath the bridge were not built to specification, the Turnpike Authority (NJTA) said.

The contractor is replacing the deficient steel plates at no additional cost to the NJTA. The work is expected to be completed before Thanksgiving.

The interchange connects the turnpike with Interstate 195.

"I want to stress that the bridge is structurally sound and safe for traffic," NJTA Chief Engineer Robert Fischer said in a statement. Fischer said the concern is how the deficiencies will affect the life span of the bridge.

"The bridge was designed to last 75 years," Fischer said. "We do not want future generations of New Jerseyans to have to replace it before the end of its expected life because of an error made during construction."

The bridge is one of four built in the vicinity of 7A and the other three were built according to design and do not need to be repaired, the NJTA said.


RELATED$2.5B NJ Turnpike widening complete, lanes to open

Starting Wednesday, the southbound car lanes exit will be closed, but the truck lanes exit will remain open.

The car lanes closure will not affect through traffic on the turnpike, the NJTA said.

The bridge will need to be closed around the clock, but the repair work will be done only at night. And since the bridge passes over the open truck lanes, some truck lane closures will occur while the work is being done on the bridge overhead, the NJTA said.

The NJTA offered recommendations for alternate travel:

  • Drivers who want to access Interstate 195 from the southbound turnpike during the closure but do not want to use the truck lanes will be detoured to exit at interchange 8 and take Route 133 to Route 130 south. Route 130 connects to I-195 about 1.4 miles west of interchange 7A.
  • Drivers in the car lanes will also have the option of detouring at interchange 7 to access I-195 via Route 206 north.

The Interchange 6 to 9 Widening Program doubled capacity on a 35-mile stretch of the turnpike from Burlington to Middlesex counties. Construction on the $2.5 billion program began in 2009 and ended in 2014.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Trenton launches independent nonprofit to promote economic devleopment

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Greater Trenton, a new independent nonprofit organization, will use private funding to promote economic development and revitalization projects

TRENTON -- Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson on Monday announced the creation of Greater Trenton, a new independent nonprofit organization that will use private funding and a network of relationships to promote economic development and revitalization projects in the capital city.

Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson gives his state of the capital addressTrenton Mayor Eric Jackson gives his state of the capital address in 2014. 

"This partnership with leaders from private industry and our higher education community will help us activate economic development in Trenton through a collaboration that leverages new and existing resources to grow the city's tax base and economy," Jackson said.

Greater Trenton will be tasked with coordinating downtown economic development projects, providing one-stop support and information for investors interested in taking on new projects, reaching out to potential investors and tenants, supporting clean-and-safe efforts, engaging downtown stakeholders in a strategic economic development plan and developing marketing strategies.


MORE: 5 things Trenton is focusing on to foster economic development


Bernie Flynn, president and CEO of NJM Insurance Group, and Caren Franzini, former CEO of the state Economic Development Authority, will lead Greater Trenton and co-chair a board whose members have made a five-year financial commitment to fund the initiative.

"Working in partnership with Mayor Jackson and his team, we think Greater Trenton can do for Trenton what similar public-private initiatives are doing in a number of other cities across the nation and in New Jersey, including New Brunswick and Camden," Flynn said.

The initial board of directors include representatives from NJM Insurance Group, Capital Health, Thomas Edison State College, Princeton University, Investors Bank, Bristol Myers Squibb and Wells Fargo.

Nelida Valentin, a city resident and former head of Leadership Trenton, is hopeful about the partnership's potential.

"I've been in Trenton a long time and this is the most excited I have been about a focused, collaborative effort that combines local knowledge and leadership with regional expertise and commitment," she said.  

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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High levels of stress in students prompted district-wide changes

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West Windsor-Plainsboro school superintendent released a letter Friday linking district changes to stress in students.

WEST WINDSOR - A report of "frighteningly high levels of stress" in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district prompted the administration to change the way students are evaluated this year, according to a letter from the superintendent sent out Friday. 

"The grade has become the end part, not the learning," Superintendent David Aderhold wrote in the letter, which was distributed to parents via email last week.

The letter was written in response to parents' concerns after the district did away with final and midterm exams this year.

"The only thing they see is the change. (The letter) is the why behind the change," Aderhold said.

That "why," Aderhold explained in the letter, lies with a stress-ridden student body.

He wrote that the school district employed a team of experts in gifted education from Ball State University last year to do a formal evaluation of the district's program for gifted and talented students. The experts spoke with over 120 middle and high school students who reported high levels of stress, according to the letter. 

Sixty-eight per cent of high school students reported feeling stressed all or most of the time.

In the evaluation, the students also anonymously wrote down some of their feelings about the district - writing that going to school was like "prison" and saying that grades were "more important than anything," according to the letter.

"You guys need to fix the system as soon as possible," one student wrote, according to the letter.


ALSO: Princeton schools plan homework-free weekends, joining other districts


After getting the results of the evaluation, district officials decided to change some core elements of their educational system.

"I cannot help but think that we may be failing (students) by reinforcing an educational system that perpetuates grades at the expense of deep and meaningful learning," Aderhold wrote.

In the letter, he detailed the different ways the district is making changes, which include redesigning certain classes, doing away with midterm and final exams in favor of testing throughout the semester, and continuing to establish designated "no homework nights."

He also elaborated on the reason for doing away with midterms and final exams, writing that students often only got a grade - not feedback - after completing the exams. Additionally, he wrote that many students would study for the specific test rather than absorb information from the course as a whole.

The joint goal of the various initiatives is to focus on supporting the "whole child," a term that refers to the social, emotional and academic development of each child, Aderhold wrote.

Some of the initiatives like no homework nights, were already put into effect last year with positive results, according to the district's website. Others, like doing away with finals and midterm testing, are just being implemented this year.

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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Authorities investigating sex assault at Rider dormitory

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The incident occurred in the Poyda residence rall and was reported in the early morning hours on Sunday, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said Monday.

LAWRENCE -- Detectives are investigating the reported sexual assault of a female Rider University student in a campus dorm room, officials said.

The incident occurred in the Poyda residence hall and was reported in the early morning hours on Sunday, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said Monday.

rider sign.JPG 

Additional details about the incident were not available Monday.

The prosecutor's office said their special victims unit is investigating with the Lawrence police.

No charges had been filed against anyone as of Monday afternoon, the prosecutor's office said.

An email sent to the Rider community late Sunday described the incident as involving "two students who are known to one another."

"There is no reason to believe that the safety of the Rider community on either the Lawrenceville or Princeton campuses is adversely affected as a result of this incident," the email said.


MORERider cross country team's naked running plan was hazing

Later Monday, Rider university spokeswoman Kristine Brown made a public statement, saying the university takes allegations of sexual assault very seriously and would work closely with the prosecutor's office and Lawrence police as they investigate.

"Rider is committed to sustaining an environment dedicated to learning and mutual respect as reflected in our educational programming and anti-harassment and non-discrimination policy, which prohibits all forms of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking," the statement said.

Earlier this month, Lawrence police charged a Hamilton man with touching two young women as they slept inside Rider residence halls in September. The suspect is charged with entering a sorority as well in September, but was scared off by a male visitor.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to include comments from Rider University.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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