June 12, 2013 - The Robbinsville Sun
Transcription
June 12, 2013 - The Robbinsville Sun
“Draw Your Dad” art contest winners announced. PAGE 18 www.robbinsvillesun.com FREE JUNE 12-18, 2013 Fischer commanding in sectional title win ‘Clerk of the Works’ hired for school projects By JOANNE DEGNAN Editor JOHN BLAINE/Special to The Robbinsville Sun Lauren Fischer pitched a no-hitter and struck out 13 in the Ravens 1-0 win over Raritan in the Central Jersey Group II championship. See story on page 17. The Board of Education has hired Remington & Vernick Engineers to serve as the district’s “clerk of the works” at $700 a day to review architectural designs and oversee the school construction projects that begin this summer. Voters have approved spending $18.9 million for renovation and building expansions at the K-3 Sharon School and grade 4-8 Pond Road Middle School to accommodate increasing K-8 enrollment. Under the professional services contract awarded May 28, Remington & Vernick will review the architectural designs to see if cost-reductions are possible, evaluate bids and then oversee construction to ensure the work is done on time and meets contract specifications. Matt O’Grady, the chairman of the board’s Finance, Facilities and Transportation Committee, said the goal is to save taxpayers money in the long run by bringing in a third party, independent of the architect, to identify costefficiencies and keep the project on time and on budget. “Having professional engineers looking at a live construction project on our behalf is the best protection we can ask for,” O’Grady said. “We want to have an independent voice at the table, not just be told by the professionals that this is what we have to do. We now have an advocate that we’re paying that’s going to make sure that if there is something we need to be aware of, we are made aware of it.” The project is being done in two phases. A $2,364,000 contract for Phase 1 of construction has already been awarded to Paul Otto Building Company of Cranford for renovations that include the please see CLERK, page 5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Raising funds, building community Hundreds take part in BAPS charity walk. PAGE 19 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kids’ Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 10, 12 2 THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN — JUNE 12-18, 2013 School board president won’t seek re-election By JOANNE DEGNAN Editor Mike Reca, who has led the Board of Education as its president for almost six years, is not seeking re-election to the board. Reca, whose current term ends Dec. 31, said he made up his mind to retire only several days before the June 4 filing deadline. “After five and a half years as president and seven and a half years on the board, I thought maybe it was time for some new leadership,” Reca said in a June 5 phone interview when he was asked about his decision. There are three Robbinsville school board seats on the ballot Nov. 5. The Mercer County Clerk’s Office said that incumbents Matthew O’Grady and Thomas Halm have both filed to run for another three-year term and former school board member Keith Kochberg has filed to run for Reca’s seat. Kochberg had served on the board in 2011 as an interim replacement after a board member resigned, but he lost his election bid to Shaina Ciaccio last fall. Halm, Kochberg and O’Grady will run uncontested on the ballot this fall because no one else filed to run for the three open seats. “This slate of people running, they’re fantastic,” Reca said. “You can’t get better than the seasoned veterans that are coming back, and then Keith with his experience and his abilities and his knowledge, it’s just awesome that he’s coming back.” O’Grady is the chairman of the school board’s Finance, Facilities and Transportation Committee and is also a former board vice president. Halm is an attorney who heads the Board of Education’s Negotia- tions Committee. Kochberg did not immediately return a phone message before The Robbinsville Sun went to print June 5. Reca was sworn in as a Board of Education member in December of 2006 to fill a vacancy and then was elected to his first term in April of 2007. His colleagues on the school board voted him president the following year and at every reorganization since. Teachers of the Year honored By JOANNE DEGNAN Editor The Robbinsville Board of Education recently honored the school district’s three Teachers of the Year for their outstanding work in the classroom. Robbinsville High School world history honors teacher Sean Fry, Pond Road Middle School fourth-grade teacher Renee Mering, and Sharon Elementary School third-grade teacher Megan Steigerwald were given special recognition at the May 28 school board meeting. RHS Assistant Principal Nicole Rossi had high praise for Fry, calling him “one of the most intelli- gent people I have ever met.” Fry’s own passion for learning is contagious in the classroom and his students respond enthusiastically, she said. “He challenges his students and they rise to his high expectations,” Rossi said. “They adore him and we adore him. He’s a great guy and I‘m so proud that he is Robbinsville High School’s Teacher of the Year.” Sharon Elementary School Principal Janet Sinkewicz introduced third-grade teacher Megan Steigerwald, recalling how “Miss Stag,” as she is known to her students, began her career in Robbinsville as a student teacher in 2004, the same year the new assisFRAN MCKENNA/Special to The Robbinsville Sun The Robbinsville School District recently honored its 2013 Teachers of the Year. From left: Assistant Superintendent Kathleen Foster; Pond Road Middle School teacher Renee Mering; Robbinsville High School teacher Sean Fry; Sharon School teacher Megan Steigerwald; and Schools Superintendent Steven Mayer. tant principal, Nicole McGrath Bootier, arrived as a student teacher. “We hit the jackpot when they were both placed in Sharon School,” Ms. Sinkewicz said. “Any positive adjective you can think of to describe a teacher is Megan. She is flexible, she is caring, she’s tough, and she cares about her kids and pushes them.” Pond Road Middle School Principal Paul Gizzo said his son is starting fourth grade in another school district in September, but if he could pick any fourth-grade teacher in the world to be his son’s teacher it would be Mering. “She embodies what a good teacher should be at all times,” Gizzo said. “She’s hard working, she’s a leader – one of our fourthgrade team leaders – and also a math coach. She treats her kids like the most loving math problem you’ll ever see in your life. She figures them out. She sees what they do best, she sees where they need help and she personalizes learning for each and every one of her students and that is one of her greatest gifts.” Schools Superintendent Steve Mayer, who lives in Robbinsville, noted his sons had been fortunate to have two of the teachers who were being honored and concurred that they were tremendous teachers. “You guys really do embody what we believe to be outstanding, caring teachers,” Mayer said. “Thank you for all the work you do every day – the planning, the preparing and making sure your lessons meet kids’ needs – because that’s not easy work and you do it exceptionally well.” St. Gregory the Great's Family Carnival June 17 thru 22nd • 6 PM to 11 PM Carnival 2013, our 34th annual family carnival, is fast approaching! Save time - no waiting on line - and money by purchasing your ride and food tickets now. A packet of food tickets worth $6 is yours for $5. And a sheet of ride tickets worth $20 again costs only $10. These tickets can be used any time at any event featuring Amusements of America rides. Discounted ride and food tickets will be sold after all Saturday night and Sunday Masses on the weekends of June 8-9 and 15-16, at the June 9 general carnival meeting. Discounted ride tickets also will be available in the semi-circle “drive thru” in front of St. Gregory the Great Church on Nottingham Way on Monday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets may again be purchased online. Once purchased, these tickets will be available for pickup at the command booth from 6 to 9 p.m. each night of the carnival. Visit www.sggcarnival.com for more information. Half-price ride tickets and discounted food tickets (a $6 value for $5) also are available at the parish office. All advance ticket sales cease prior to the opening of the carnival on Monday evening. As always, the Carnival Committee thanks you for your support and hopes you again enjoy the greatest carnival in the area - St. Gregory the Great's Annual Family Carnival. You may now purchase discounted ride tickets, a $20 value for only $10 - that’s half price! - at: • 33 Barber Shop, 1629 Route 33, Hamilton • Central Perk & Bagel, 2130 Route 33, Hamilton • Chiarello’s Hamilton Market, 1624 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton • Chick-fil-A, 555 Marketplace Boulevard, Hamilton • Friendly’s, Foxmoor Shopping Center, Robbinsville • Golden Dawn, 2090 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton • IHOP, 787 Route 33, Hamilton • Maggie Moo’s, 2350 Route 33, Robbinsville • Mane Street Salon, 1450 South Olden Avenue, Hamilton • Mannino’s 3, 2235 Route 33, Hamilton • Massimo’s Trattoria, Foxmoor Shopping Center, Robbinsville • Party Fair, Mercerville Shopping Center, 320 Route 33, Hamilton • Pump It Up, 8 Commerce Way, Suite 135, Hamilton • Salon Bellissima, Buckley Plaza, Route 130, Hamilton • Texas Roadhouse, 1305 Route 33, Hamilton 4 THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN — JUNE 12-18, 2013 PROFESSIONAL WEBSITES. PEASANT PRICES. New appraisal sought for Windsor School By JOANNE DEGNAN Editor The Board of Education has decided to ask for a revised appraisal for the school district’s Windsor School property, which it is considering selling to help pay down debt service associated with new school construction projects. Matt O’Grady, the chairman of the school board’s Finance, Facilities and Transportation Committee, made the committee’s recommendation to the full board at the May 28 Board of Education meeting. “We decided that since the Robbinsville real estate market has improved so significantly since we had the study done for the appraisal, we wanted to get it updated,” O’Grady said. “Once we have that in hand we’ll provide an update on the next steps.” Schools Superintendent Steve Mayer said afterward that the first appraisal had been a draft report that valued the property “somewhere between $500,000 and $1.8 million depending on zoning and usage.” The approximately 1-acre property, which contains a two-story brick building at 16 School Drive, is located in the Village of Windsor, which is listed on the Register of Historic Places in New Jersey and zoned H-1. The only students now at the 104-year-old Windsor School are three of the district’s 10 kindergarten classes because of overcrowding at Sharon School across town. Windsor students use only four rooms inside the building (three classrooms and one classroom used as a lunchroom) because of the building’s age and condition. The board has said previously it is too costly to renovate the entire building for school use. At the May 28 meeting, board member Thomas Halm Jr. said the Windsor School property, which currently does not have direct access to Route 130, could be made more valuable if were able to be merged with nearby lots that do front the highway but are currently not deep enough to attract commercial development. “If the (Windsor) property is considered for potential commercial development, I believe it would be more valuable,” Halm said. Mr. O’Grady said the school district needed to proceed carefully. “We have to access as much dollars as possible, but have to be sensitive to the village,” Mr. O’Grady said. “We want to control whatever does happen so, if we do decide to dispose of the property, it’s going to be for a use everyone agrees on. We’re not going to go for the highest bidder and make it Wally World Amusement Park.” Send us your Robbinsville news Have a news tip? Want to send us a press release or photos? Shoot an interesting video? Drop us an email at news@robbinsvillesun.com. Call the editor at (609) 529-6611. 10/.-,+0*),('&%$#"-,.-,*'",+!*',*., "(./&- *'",(.-&$"-*,&-$"+"-$"-*,)"%#"%&!-*,+".+%",!%% +!#"-*),'.+",*'"&#,('&%$#"-,(!-, " #&-,&-,*'&),(.0+.-,*.,#"("&",,.,.0#,&#)*,/.-*'),*0&*&.- !%&$,!*,*'&),%.(!*&.-,.-%,&/&*"$,*&/",."# 10/.-,!*',!-$,"!$&-,"-*"#,.,. &-)&%%" ,.0*",, *",,. &-)&%%",,,,,,,0/.-(./#. &-)&%%" JUNE 12-18, 2013 – THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 5 ‘Clerk of the Works’ hired for school projects CLERK Continued from page 1 expansion of the Sharon School kitchen and cafeteria, and the reconfiguration of the Pond Road Middle School library where space is being converted into three new classrooms. Phase 1 is set to start this month and be completed by the time school opens in September. “The 21st is the last day (of school) and the bulldozer comes the 24th,” School Business Administrator Bob DeVita told the school board. Phase 2, which includes a twostory addition with 27 classrooms and another gym at Sharon School, as well as the expansion of the Pond Road Middle School cafeteria, will go out to bid this month, Schools Superintendent Steve Mayer said. That larger project is expected to be completed by September 2014. “The objective is to have a professional set of eyes over the summer,” O’Grady told the school board. “It’s for Remington to review bids … and Remington will then come back the following summer and help us with punch list items and assist us with obtaining a clean certificate of occupancy.” DeVita said the total budget for the clerk of the works is $192,000. Remington Vernick would be on site five days a week this summer to ensure Phase 1 of the renovations is done on time so that the buildings can open in September. “Once we get through that phase we won’t need a constant presence,” DeVita said June 4. “We will manage them to one day a week until probably the end of May or beginning of June (2014) and then it will go to five days a week again to ensure we hit our target to open the addition in September of 2014.” At the May 28 meeting, board member Sharon DeVito said that after seeing images of the twisted metal beams of the elementary schools in Moore, Oklahoma destroyed by a recent tornado she was not inclined to entertain any proposals from a clerk of the works that called for using less expensive building materials. “If you tell me you’re going to save $100,000 by using blue bricks instead of pink bricks that’s fine, but I don’t want the integrity of the structure (affected),” DeVito said. Both O’Grady and Board President Mike Reca assured DeVito the Remington engineers would not be recommending changes that would jeopardize the integrity of the building, nor would the school board ever agree to go along with that type of cost-cutting. “This is not to lower the integrity of the project, it is to make sure that any possible savings because of design, etcetera are looked at by a second set of eyes,” O’Grady said. “Part of the package also is to review the bids to help us evaluate them so that we can bring this project in on time and, hopefully, under budget.” The school board voted 7-0 to award the clerk of the works professional services contract. Board members Carol Boyne and Faith Silvestrov were absent. In a related action, the Board of Education authorized the renewal of another 12-month lease for five modular classrooms now at Sharon School through August 2014. The monthly rent for the trailers is $8,500 each ($102,00 a year) for a total annual cost $510,00 for all five trailers. The cost of the lease is the same as in 2012, DeVita said. Visit us on the Web at www.robbinsvillesun.com The lease renewal with M Space Holdings, LLC also gives the district the option to extend the contract six additional months, a contingency plan in case the two-story building addition at Sharon is not finished as expected by September 2014. The district would like to be able to return the modular classrooms in 2014 because under state law lease payments come from a school district’s operating budget, which siphons funds from educational programs since there is a 2 percent cap on operational spending increases. Debt service payments for bond sales that financed school construction projects are outside the state cap because local voters directly authorize construction borrowing during public referendums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— JUNE 12-18, 2013 in our opinion Christie’s costly move P.O. Box 7 Windsor, NJ 08561-0007 609-529-6611 Special election for Lautenberg’s replacement will cost $24M he late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg wasn’t even in his grave yet when the political maneuvering began. The death of the 89-year-old New Jersey Democrat on June 3 presented the Republican Gov. Chris Christie with several options, but he has chosen one that will cost taxpayers’ wallets dearly. Instead of allowing voters to choose Lautenberg’s successor in the Nov. 5 general election, he’s ordering a special election less than three weeks before on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The cost of Aug. 13 primaries and an Oct. 16 special election is $24 mil- T lion. Since the governor has already chosen New Jersey Attorney General Jeff Chiesa as the interim replacement, we wonder what’s the harm in saving taxpayers a bundle by letting Chiesa hang on to the job three weeks longer so that a special October election can be avoided. Democracy is priceless, but is something else going on here? State Sen. Barbara Buono, whose underdog gubernatorial campaign against Christie might have benefited from the coattails of a strong Democratic U.S. Senate candidate on the same Nov. 5 ballot, wasted no time tak- ing the offensive after the governor announced his plans. “Earlier this year, the governor cited money as to why he vetoed early voting,” Buono said in a press statement, referring to Christie’s May 9 veto of legislation that would have let people cast ballots during a 15-day period before Election Day. “However, despite costing millions of dollars, Gov. Christie made the cynical and arrogant decision to call a special election in October,” Buono said. Buono may not be without her own political motives in this controversy, but she makes a valid point. letter to the editor Thank you, Robbinsville The Red Carpet event and Post Prom 2013, recently held at Robbinsville High School, were very successful due to the many resident volunteers who donated their time, services, products, skills and talents to create a safe and memorable evening for the graduating Class of 2013 and their guests. It takes an “R’ville-age” to plan an event two years in the making, to meet and discuss, to raise funds, to select a theme, to form committees, to recruit helpers, to ask for donations, to reach out to the community for assistance, to mobilize, to execute, to build, to fabricate in order to create a memory for our children as they depart R’ville and move on to the next chapter in their lives. It takes a community of people who care enough about their children to work together to provide a great place to live and to call your hometown, a community of people who were willing to get involved and to be a part of something to be remembered for years to come. On behalf of the RHS Post Prom 2013 Planning Committee, I’d like to acknowl- edge the following local businesses that contributed to the successful events by providing their skills, services and products: • Joe Carfaro, Carfaro Ornamental Iron Works, for fabricating customized stanchions for Red Carpet to be left as legacy gifts from the Class of 2013. • John Speranza, Hope Handyman, for repairing the arch and lattice photo backdrops for Red Carpet. • Mark Bossie for his assistance in coordinating the construction projects related to the Red Carpet. • Suzette Lucas and Anne Condit for taking beautiful pictures at Red Carpet. • Ted Froehlich, Bohren’s Moving & Storage, for donating boxes and warehouse space to build, store and then deliver a large sandcastle prop. • Al Schillaci, Schillaci Builders LLC, and Ron Gafgen, for constructing a lighthouse. • John Coriasco, JLC Painting and Handyman, for fabricating directional signs. • George Demetriades, Paint Pro, for coordinating the painting of our sandcastle prop. • Bruce and Sue Roeloffs, Crown Trophy, for providing towels and tote bags printed with the beach theme logo and assisting with parking logistics for Red Carpet. • Bagels n Cream for providing bagels. • Marcello Mandreucci, Pizza Grill, for donating pizza for the volunteer workers. • Beth Stewart, Carvel, for providing ice cream. • Chris Katzman, DJ, for providing great music at Post Prom. • Tony’s Farm and Garden Center, Timothy’s Farm and Garden Center as well as Country Gardens Farm Center for loaning plants and shrubs to enhance the environment of Red Carpet and Post Prom. • Kelly Blair, Galaxy of Dance, for loaning us her lifeguard stand. I’d also like to acknowledge the members of the Post Prom 2013 Planning Committees who worked together to make the dream a reality: • The Decorating Committee, headed by Kelly Sankey and Mary Theresa Weil, who created an environment to evoke the theme: Beach Blast 2013 - The Final Wave, please see LETTER, page 11 PUBLISHER EDITOR Dave Doran Joanne Degnan The Robbinsville Sun is published weekly by The Robbinsville Sun, P.O. Box 7, Windsor, NJ 08561-0007 and mailed to every address in our community. If you are a Robbinsville resident, but not currently receiving a copy of The Robbinsville Sun, please contact us at 609-529-6611. PDFs of the newspaper are free and available online at www.robbinsvillesun.com. Nonresidents may obtain a six-month subscription of the newspaper mailed to their home or business for $39.99. For more information about delivery, call 609-529-6611. Email news releases, photos and calendar items to news@robbinsvillesun.com. Photos submitted for publication consideration should be high-resolution JPG format. Calendar items must include the name of the event, date, time, full street address, admission fee (if applicable) and a contact email or phone number for further information. For advertising information with The Robbinsville Sun, call (609) 529-6611 or email advertising@robbinsvillesun.com. The Robbinsville Sun welcomes suggestions and comments from readers – including any information about errors that may call for a correction to be printed. SPEAK UP The Robbinsville Sun welcomes letters from readers. Brief and to the point is best, so we look for letters that are 300 words or fewer. Include your name, address and phone number. Phone numbers are for verification purposes only and will not be printed. We do not print anonymous letters. Email letters to news@robbinsvillesun.com or mail to P.O. Box 7, Windsor, NJ 08561-0007. The Robbinsville Sun reserves the right to reprint your letter in any medium – including electronically. JUNE 12-18, 2013 – THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 7 Plant Color for the Summer 818 Old York Road Hightstown, NJ 08520 www.villagenurseriesnj.com See us on 609-448-0436 Facebook • • • • • • • • Flats of Annuals Tons of Perennials Bunches of Azaleas Lots of Rhododendron Pots of Roses Clumps of Ornamental Grasses Loads of Lilacs Racks of Baskets and more… Special of the Week COLORFUL HYBRID LILIES $5.00 8" POT REG. $7.95. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. MULCH JOANNE DEGNAN/The Robbinsville Sun First-graders show their parents that something fishy is going as they sit with a school of giant eels they helped create for an open house showcasing what they learned during their month-long author study of Leo Lionni. A giant eel is a character in Lionni’s Caldecott award-winning children’s book, “Swimmy.” Authors! Authors! By JOANNE DEGNAN Editor There were snakes dangling from basketball hoops, eels as long as cars slithering onstage and basketball-size eggs hatching who-knows-what oviparous creatures on the cafeteria tables. And it was all in the name of literature. The 10 first-grade classes at Sharon School held an open house May 30 to showcase what they’d learned during their month-long author study of the stories and illustrations of Leo Lionni. The animals were made from old neckties, felt and papiermache, but the hardcover books the children wrote and illustrated themselves in the distinctive Lionni style were the real deal. “Every class wrote their own fiction story using Lionni as a mentor text,” explained first- grade teacher Kim Raymond. “So we used a lot of the tools that Lionni used to illustrate his books, and we also looked at the story elements and the story features to include that into the fiction writing as well.” Children used potato stamps to create illustrations, just as Lionni did in his 1963 book, “Swimmy,” a Caldecott Honor book that is one of more than 40 books Lionni wrote and illustrated in his lifetime. “Swimmy” was also the inspiration for the 15-foot papiermache eels on the stage. The dangling necktie snakes on the basketball hoops were decorated with googly eyes and construction paper forked tongues to create the serpent from “In the Rabbitgarden.” Lionni was the first children’s book illustrator to use collage as an artistic medium, creating characters with patches of color much like the way Eric Carle later did with tissue paper in the children’s classic, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The Sharon School students imitated this collage style to illustrate their own miniature hardcover books that were on display in the school’s multipurpose room. “Our fiction stories used his way of using paper, tearing paper, cutting out paper and shapes,” Raymond said. “We used all kinds of different mediums that they’re really not used to working with so that it looked like it could be one of Lionni’s books.” Deb Dauer and Sharon Martin were the first-grade teachers who obtained the $1,000 grant from the nonprofit Robbinsville Education Foundation to pay for the books and art supplies the children needed to complete the auplease see AUTHORS, page 16 Natural Brown 1900 per yard $ Black 2400 per yard $ 10% OFF 12 yards or more. With coupon. Expires 6/30/13. Natural & Color Enhanced Certified Playground Wood Chips Delivery or Pick-Up John Stanley 609-918-1668 www.TimberwolfTreeService.com CALENDAR PAGE 8 WEDNESDAY JUNE 12 Play Dough Chefs: 10 a.m. & 11 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Children ages 2 to 5, accompanied by an adult, are invited to make and play with Play Dough. Online registration required at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call the library at 609-2592150. THURSDAY JUNE 13 Coffee, Donuts and a Movie: 1:30 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville Allentown Road. Refreshments provided and a screening of “Zero Dark Thirty” (R). To register, please call the library at 609-2592150 or register online at 856-356-2775 5(!!"(0"0!"(0(!"(& '05(*)( www.mcl.org. Friendly’s Cruise Nights: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weather permitting), Foxmoor Shopping Center, 1031 Washington Ave. All cars welcome from classics to customs. DJ Cruisin themes, goodie bags, food discounts, kids games, trophies. For more information, go to www.robbinsvillehotrods.com. “From the ‘Burg to the Barrio”: 7 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Enjoy a compelling documentary screening and discussion of a film about the Chambersburg neighborhood in transition with producer/director Susan Ryan. To register, please call the library at 609-259-2150 or register online at www.mcl.org. Robbinsville Township Council Meeting: 7:30 p.m., courtroom trailer, 1117 Route 130 North. Agenda will be posted online at www.robbinsville-twp.org. FRIDAY JUNE 14 Storybooks in Action: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Watch the animated version of a storybook and make a craft. This class is for children ages 2 and up; children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call the library at 609-259-2150. Human & Companion Animal Blood Drive: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., NorthStar VETS, 315 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Hosted by the American Red Cross and NorthStar Vets, a 24/7 veterinarian hospital. To sign up for a time slot for you and/or your pet, contact Rose Pierson or Alexander Munoz at 609-259-8300 x2009. For information and requirements for animal donors, visit www.northstarvets.com/bloodbank. SUNDAY JUNE 16 2nd Annual Fathers Day Fishing Derby: 7 a.m. to noon, West Park Lake by the gazebo in Town Center. All residents are invited to this free event, hosted by The Robbinsville Municipal Alliance For the Prevention of Substance Abuse, that includes contests, prizes and food. Call 609-918-0002 ext. 100 or email rmapsa@robbinsville-twp.org. MONDAY JUNE 17 Opening of Robbinsville Farmers Market: 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., corner of Route 33 and Robbinsville-Edinburg Road (parking area across the street from Centro Grille). A seasonal open air market open every Monday offering a variety of Jersey Fresh produce, honey, baked goods, plants, flowers, soaps, herbs, pickles, cheese, eggs, beef, and more. Follow on Facebook for weekly updates and information. TUESDAY JUNE 18 Geeks and Gadgets: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Bring electronic devices for instruction or troubleshooting. You may also ask questions about computer technology, or library services such as the catalog, audio books, and E-books. 543210/.-, +*)('&(%0$'#5"! (&004'&(% JUNE 12-18, 2013 No registration required, but please email your questions to support@mcl.org at least a few days before the event. Questions? Call the library at 609-259-2150. Robbinsville Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting: 7:30 p.m., Senior Center, 1117 Route 130 North. Agenda will be posted online at www.robbinsville-twp.org. WEDNESDAY JUNE 19 Kids Music Round: 10:30 a.m., Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System, 42 RobbinsvilleAllentown Road. This music and movement program is for children age 6 months and up, who are accompanied by an adult. Online registration required at www.mcl.org. Questions? Call the library at 609-259-2150. Robbinsville Planning Board Meeting: 7:30 p.m., Senior Center, 1117 Route 130 North. Agenda will be posted online at www.robbinsvilletwp.org. THURSDAY JUNE 20 Friendly’s Cruise Nights: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weather permitting), Foxmoor Shopping Center, 1031 Washington Ave. Special theme night: Corvettes. DJ Cruisin themes, goodie bags, food discounts, kids games, trophies. For more information, go to www.robbinsvillehotrods.com. FRIDAY JUNE 21 Last Day of School/Class of 2013 Graduation Ceremonies: 6 p.m., Robbinsville High School athletic field, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. www.robbinsville.k12.nj.us. MONDAY JUNE 24 Robbinsville Farmers Market: 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., corner of Route 33 and Robbinsville-Edinburg Road (parking area across the street from Centro Grille). A seasonal open air market open every Monday offering a variety of Jersey Fresh produce, honey, baked goods, plants, flowers, soaps, herbs, pickles, cheese, eggs, beef, and more. Follow on Facebook for weekly updates and information. TUESDAY JUNE 25 Robbinsville Board of Education Meeting: 7 p.m., Robbinsville High School student activities room, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. Agenda posted online at www.robbinsville.k12.nj.us. WEDNESDAY JUNE 26 Summer Reading Kick-Off Party: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Robbinsville branch of the Mercer County Library System. The theme this year is “Dig Into Reading.” Children can register at the Kick-Off Party, and enjoy the strolling magic of Matt Schick, crafts, and prizes. The Summer Reading Program is for children, ages 2 to 18, who must register in person any time before Aug. 5 to participate. For more information, stop in the library or call 609259-2150. Robbinsville Planning Board Meeting: 7:30 p.m., Senior Center, 1117 Route 130 North. Agenda will be posted online at www.robbinsvilletwp.org. WA N T E D ADVERTISING SALES REP Candidate should be customer focused, deadline oriented and able to work flexible hours. 0"0/ (!"*'*02'%*"*'*'04'&"!!"*' !(')(*( ('(" /0%'0(000.00+!(')(03 0 Please contact the publisher at ads@robbinsvillesun.com or 609.529.6611 JUNE 12-18, 2013 – THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 9 robbinsville youth sports scene Lacrosse Mavericks Tournament Ravens Boys Grade 3/4 Black Team It was a very hot and humid day June 1 at the Mavericks Tournament in Colts Neck, where the Ravens showed physical and mental toughness in each of the three games. Ravens 4, CBAA 3 The Ravens faced a very talented Central Bucks Athletic Association (CBAA) team that had pulled ahead to a 3-2 lead in the second half. The Ravens were anchored by the solid play of goalie Kyle Wolchok who made many key saves behind the solid defensive play of Aaden Butler and Jake Perrine. The Ravens clawed their way back to tie the game when Ryan Leale found the back of the net as the result of Eric Calabro and Matt McArthur’s solid midfield play. With one minute remaining, Cameron Coyle drove from behind the opposing goal and scored the gamewinning goal. GOALS: (2) Coyle; (1) Ryan Ammirata; (1) Ryan Leale. Shark River 10, Ravens 1 The Ravens faced a very talented Shark River team that pulled ahead early and maintained an advantage throughout the game. Despite being down, the Ravens did not quit, and did not stop working. Cameron Coyle scored in the second half to get the Ravens on the scoresheet. GOALS: (1) Coyle. Mavericks 10, Ravens 4. The talented Mavericks team found the net early in the game and jumped out to a lead in the final game of the day. Kyle Wolchok maintained his fantastic play in goal. In one sequence, he stopped a Maverick at point blank range, then saved a shot that immediately followed when another Maverick picked up the rebound in front of the goal. The Ravens again showed perseverance and determination despite being down in the game and put a scare into the Mavericks in the second half when Ryan Ammirata fired a shot past the Maverick goalie, and Cameron Coyle found the back of the net three times to secure a hat Special to The Robbinsville Sun The Ravens Grade 3/4 Boys Black Team congratulates goalie Kyle Wochok (partially seen behind No. 75) after their come from behind win in the first game of the Mavericks Tournament in Colts Neck on June 1. From left are: Cameron Coyle, Drew Scibilia, Jake Leale, and Anthony Dottino. trick in the final game of the season. GOALS: (3) Cameron Coyle, (1) Ryan Ammirata. Overall, this season was a huge success. After posting only 2 wins last season, the Ravens Boys 3/4grade team improved to 13 wins this season. Travel Soccer WWPSA Sunburst Tournament Girls U13 Finals Robbinsville Riptide 1 Bordentown Blast 0 In a dramatic 1-0 victory, the Robbinsville Riptide U13 girls soccer team defeated the Bordentown Blast to win the West Windsor Plainsboro Soccer Association’s Sunburst Tournament (Girls U13 White Division) on June 1-2. En route to the championship, the Riptide scored a total of 12 goals and allowed none. Goals were tallied by Sydney Flyge (6), Tessa Carlin (2), Fiona Aromando, Kayli Heverin, Maria Artemiou and Lily Coggins. Both teams entered the finals on Sunday afternoon undefeated and un-scored upon in the tourna- ment; and both teams were coming off of championship SJGSL seasons where the Blast competed one conference above the Riptide during the spring. In their previous matchup, the two finished as co-champions after a 0-0 draw in the lightening-shortened 2012 Sunburst final. It was clear during Sunday’s final that neither side wanted to settle for a draw this time. The Riptide created most of the scoring chances during the match only to be thwarted by a strong and physical Blast defense. At the opposite end of the pitch, Sophie Billings had a career outing in goal for the Riptide, stopping multiple breakaway scoring opportunities with gutsy sliding saves into the feet of Blast strikers. The Riptide backline remained unfazed as Clare Herrera, Alecia Holden, Lexi Kolbe, Emily Rubino and Stephanie Wall shared the bulk of the defensive duties as they had all season for the Riptide. Fiona Aromando, Lily Coggins, Gabby McEntee and Sara Toscano anchored the midfield with offensive support and gritty defense. Pressure in the final third was provided by Maria Artemiou, Tessa Carlin, Audrey Cook, Sydney Flyge, and Kayli Heverin. In about the 20th minute, Coggins beat a defender to a loose ball at the edge of the box and lofted it back over the head of the opposing defenders into the Bordentown net. It was Coggins’ first goal of the season and proved to be the decisive goal wrapping up a successful season for the Riptide. WWPSA Sunburst Tournament Girls U-9 White Division The Robbinsville Comets played a very strong WWPSA Tournament June 1 and June 2 at Zaitz Field with a record of three wins and one loss. Robbinsville Comets, 5 Lawrence Leopards 1 The Comets got off to a great start in their first game, dismantling the Lawrence Leopards by a score of 5-1. Christina Golden led the way with four goals while Aleca Fotiou chipped in with one. Nicole Weaver, Kailey Pacifico and Alena Pietrini played stellar defense turning away all attacks. Robbinsville Comets 3, North Brunswick Blue Devils 2 The second game saw the Comets overcome a two-goal deficit and roar back to defeat the North Brunswick Blue Devils 3-2. Yianna Mazzella and Christina Golden each netted a goal with Maddie Pike nailing the game winner late in the second half. Jaimee McEntee, Kolette Schulz, Emma Horan and Cara Alban led a strong two-way effort to seize control of the game. Robbinsville Comets 3, Ewing Overdrive 2 Game 3 saw the Comets roll to a 4-1 victory over the Ewing Overdrive behind the goals of Christina Golden, Yianna Mazzella, Caroline Coggins and Emma Horan. The continued strong defense of Becky Blitz, Kailey Pacifico, Alena Pietrini and Nicole Weaver shut down a strong Ewing attack. Princeton Juventus, 3 Robbinsville Comets, 1 Game 4 saw the Comets come out on the short end of a 3–1 loss to a tough Princeton Juventus team. Christina Golden netted the lone goal with Kolette Schulz and Aleca Fotiou battling hard in the midfield against a charging Princeton team. Caroline Coggins and Becky Blitz did an amazing job in goal throughout the four games turning back shot after shot in the blazing heat. Little League Softball Division C (ages 6-9) Notre Dame v. UCLA Two up-and-coming softball teams – Notre Dame (Seasonal World) and UCLA (A Reason to Smile Dentistry) – put on a gritty performance for cheering fans at Tantum Park on May 29. The Soft C Notre Dame girls played very well against a tough UCLA team. Leading the way offensively for the Notre Dame girls were Haley Krebs, Jordan Pancari, Ella Moser and Abigail Veisz. All the girls played well defensively, including key outs recorded by Nicole Walling, Lucy Shea, Kelsie James and Lily Ondy. All the girls please see YOUTH, page 19 10 THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN — JUNE 12-18, 2013 Leapin’ Lizards! ravens nest Girls Track and Field The Robbinsville girls team had a great day at the Group II State Championships on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1. Noel Jancewicz won the 400meter and high jump events to make it 10 total state championship medals that she has won in her Robbinsville High School career. Katie Koss medaled by finishing 5th in the 400-meter race also. The girls 4x400 meter relay of Kelly Koss, Paris Hughes, Noel Jancewicz, and Katie Koss won gold as well with their 3:55.41 new school record time. The girls were set to compete at the New Jersey Meet of Champions on June 5, after The Rob- Special to The Robbinsville Sun Elizabeth Vernon, of Robbinsville, played the lead role in St. Raphael School’s production of "Annie" on May 16. Stanley Scheuerman (seated) portrayed President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. binsville Sun had gone to press. Boys Track and Field The boys team ran well at the Holmdel Twilight Series meet on May 29, with nearly every boy that ran in the meet achieving a personal best at the end of the season. Casey Jones, Dominic McAnany, Richard Kasper, T.J. Haistie, Sean Lynch, Mike Michon, and Sean Tierney all won their respective heats at the meet. Nick Brennan and Ryan Gross both finished under 4:40 with times of 4:38.35 and 4:37.16 respectively. Overall, 10 boys finished under the 5-minute 1600 barrier. It was a great effort by all and an excellent way to end the season for many of them. Send us your Robbinsville news Drop us an email at news@robbinsvillesun.com. THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 11 Letter LETTER Continued from page 6 which included a “visit” to four unique New Jersey beach towns: Seaside, Atlantic City, Cape May and Wildwood. • The Food Committee, headed by Gael Levering, who served up some great boardwalk classics like hoagies, chicken, fries, hot dogs, frozen drinks and ice cream with fixings, which the attendees devoured upon arrival to Post Prom. • The Prizes/ Gifts committee, headed up by Lisa Angeli, who selected awesome gifts for every senior as well as five raffle prizes that were well received. • The Games/ Entertainment Committee, headed up by Mary O’Toole and Alicia Parylak, who arranged for lots of fun, including inflatables, laser tag, chair massages, casino tables, boardwalk games, tattoo artists, palm readers, a caricature artist and a hypnotist whose show was the highlight of the night. • Our Volunteers Coordinator, Rosanne Tully, who orchestrated all the volunteers needed for each committee as well as the chaperones. • The Red Carpet Committee, headed by Maria Carfaro and Joan Speranza, who did a great job of relocating the event to the front of the school, which allowed for greater viewing area for the community. In appreciation for their direction and support, I’d like to acknowledge the RHS Administration, Board of Education and the Parent Teacher Student Association.Finally, a special “thank you” to all of the numerous dedicated volunteers who were an integral part of the planning for this special night, which was a parting gift for our seniors to remember how much their hometown cares for them and wishes them “Godspeed” as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. Well done, Robbinsville. Diane Guididas RHS Post Prom 2013 Planning Chair 12 THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN — JUNE 12-18, 2013 Lacrosse shootout a smash hit The 9th annual Robbinsville Shootout Festival drew 45 youth lacrosse teams from New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Community Park for a day of exhibition games that gave the kids a chance to hone their skills and play before big crowds. An estimated 3,000 players and parents took part in the successful May 18 event. The festival that began nine years ago as the Robbinsville Lacrosse Association’s primary fundraising event for the season has evolved over the past decade into something much more, as it has grown in size and popularity. “It is a celebration of the sport of lacrosse and the definition of community,” RLA President Mike Langford said. The shootout attracts current and former RLA players, and their parents, who all volunteer their time, services and numer- ous items necessary to pull off an event of this magnitude, Langford said. Robbinsville High School lacrosse coaches attend the event and many RHS students volunteer to help out. Langford said the township is also a major supporter, providing assistance in preparation, parking and cleanup. “It’s simply one of the best-run lacrosse events in the state and immediately sells out every year months prior to the event,” Langford said. For the RLA players, the Shootout is the climax of their lacrosse season. They get to play in front of large crowds of supportive fans and test their skills against great teams. The festival style of play does not count wins and losses or produce a tournament champion. While games are still fiercely competitive, the objective of the day is to celebrate the sport of lacrosse and healthy competition. RLA entered five teams in this year’s Shootout and all performed and experienced both victory and defeat. A total 134 Robbinsville players took part including a Grade 3/4 team, two separate Grade 5/6 teams, a Grade 7 team and a Grade 8 team. “We are building great positive memories for our players,” said Mike Cocciolillo, RLA board member and father of two boys in the program. Langford noted the Grade 8 boys team broke an RLA record set in 2008 with 23 wins this season, to finish 28-8 for the year. Of the 32 eighth-graders playing in the RLA, 23 will be attending Robbinsville High School, which is the largest incoming class of RLA lacrosse players ever for RHS, Langford said. The eighth-grade players headed to RHS include: Shawn Camisa, Michael Cardona, Matthew Carlin, Michael Cocciolillo, Michael Consiglio, Chris Curran, Jeffrey Flodmand, Michael Garcia, Joe Gaynor, Corey Kale, Cole Montplaisir, Michael O’Neill, Lucas Olshevski, Brandon Sankey, Nando Sgro, Aaron Smilow, Bobby Stewart, Derek Taylor, Taylor Twamley, Kyle Twamley, Jared Twamley, Ian Winn and Brian Wojton. Lacrosse players from the RLA eighth-grade team headed to other area high schools include: Anthony Delle Grotti, MJ Leonard Jr., Sean O’Donnell, and Matthew Sellers (Notre Dame); Mitchell Hennessey and Kyle Seliga (Northern Burlington Regional); Conner Braddock and Christopher Keahon (Steinert); and Jonathan Bendorf (Hun). Send us your news Have a news tip? Want to send us a press release or photos? Shoot an interesting video? Drop us an email at news@robbinsvillesun.com. Call the editor at (609) 529-6611. Special to The Robbinsville Sun Cole Montplaisier, of the Robbinsville Lacrosse Association’s eighthgrade team, advances the ball during the RLA’s 9th Annual Lacrosse Shootout at Community Park on May 19. Below, Michael Cardona, of the RLA Ravens’ eighth-grade team, defends against Princeton. JUNE 12-18, 2013 – THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 13 police report The following items were taken from reports on file with the Robbinsville Police Department: A 20-year-old East Windsor man was arrested and charged with DWI and other offenses after a traffic stop at 4:43 p.m., June 2 on Route 130 South. Officer Scott Kivet stopped the vehicle near Church Street because it was not staying in its lane. The driver was asked to perform field sobriety tests, which he failed. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a small quantity of marijuana, resulting in the arrest of both the driver and passenger, a 21-year-old Plainsboro man. In addition to DWI, the driver was also charged with possession of marijuana, DWI in a school zone, careless driving, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, having a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and driving an unregistered vehicle. The passenger was charged with marijuana possession. *** A 27-year-old Lawrenceville man was arrested and charged with DWI and other offenses after he crashed his car at the intersection of Hankins Road and Route 130. Patrolman Matthew Hill responded to the accident scene, where the driver’s vehicle had run off the road and struck a utility guide wire. The driver, who was not injured, appeared intoxicated so the officer asked him to perform field sobriety tests, which he failed. The driver was also charged with careless driving, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. *** An Anderson Lane resident told police he saw an unidentified man try to open his front door in an attempted burglary, but the man walked back to his small blue car and drove away after he was unable to get inside the house. Patrolman Thomas Egan took the report at 4:15 p.m., May 29 at police headquarters. The victim described the suspect as a white man in his late 40s with gray hair and wearing a blue short-sleeve shirt and khaki shorts. No arrests have been made. *** Two Jackson residents were arrested and charged with possession of heroin and other offenses after a traffic stop at 3:04 p.m., campus news Alex Ryan, of Robbinsville, was one of 12 members of the Classes of 2015 and 2016 in the second cohort of Rutgers-Camden Civic Scholars to be recognized on April 30, 2013 at the Chancellor’s Awards for Civic Engagement. Civic Scholars make a substantial commitment to curricular and cocurricular civic engagement and receive scholarships in recognition of their leadership. Andrew Harvilla, of Robbinsville, a senior majoring in Management, made the Dean’s List at Coastal Carolina University for the spring 2013 semester. Danielle E. Douglass, of Robbinsville, was named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa., while working toward her Bachelor of Science degree in health science. The following Robbinsville residents have earned their degrees at commencement ceremonies: Anthony Di Meglio received a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management and Lisa Lebak received a Bachelor of Science in Health/Science Studies from Quinnipiac University on May 19. Carina Chivulescu received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Marist College the weekend of May 24. May 28 on Interstate 195 East. Patrolman Scott Kivet saw an eastbound vehicle with an expired inspection sticker and no lights on while the wipers were operating. After stopping the vehicle near Exit 7, the officer detected evidence that narcotics were present, but the driver refused to consent to a search of the vehicle. The vehicle was then impounded and a search warrant was obtained from a Superior Court Judge Mark Fleming, which led to the discovery of heroin, hypodermic needles and drug paraphernalia. The 26-year-old driver and 23year-old passenger were both charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of hypodermic needles. The driver was additionally charged with driving while suspended, being an unlicensed driver and failure to maintain lane. Buy 1, Get 1 Free Oil Change 10% Off Service over $100 If you’re in grades 6th thru 12th, join us this summer and Exploring Aviation and Aerospace Campers will learn and experience the following: • Rocketry • Airplane Flight Controls • Instruments • Preflight Inspection • Radio Communications • Weather • Navigation Using Aeronautical Charts Actual Flight Time, logged in your own logbook! Study Towards FAA Written Exams and SOLO FLIGHT! • Accredited Flight School FSANA *Any camper may choose not to fly. Career information discussed and provided for all aspects of the Aviation & Aerospace Industry including, but not limited to, piloting aircraft, Certified Flight Instructors, maintenance, ATC (tower) and weather/meteorology. MAC DONALD JEWELERS Batteries • Bands • Links • Watches • Crystals • Solder Silver • Gold Chains • Pendant Loops • Size Rings • New Shanks • Set Stones Rebuild Prongs • Catches • All Jewelry Repairs • Engagement Wedding • Anniversary • Eternity • Birthstone Rings • Earrings Bracelets • Pendants • Orthodox • Celtic • Crucifix • Resin Crosses 108 Yardville-Allentown Road (Rt. 524) in Yardville, NJ 08620 609-585-4716 Open 6 days 10 til 6 14 THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN — JUNE 12-18, 2013 kids’ views Editor’s note: The following was written by a Pond Road Middle School student, who wins a free ice cream from Maggie Moos for having her essay published in The Sun. Stop dog fights The amount of dogs in shelters because of fighting is out of the roof !! These poor dogs want nothing more then to have a loving family and home. Instead, they are taken to a bone-chilling place where they have to fight to live. ##"# # $ " # " # $#" #"#""# #"#"" # (>4*(9>'''#0-5-=//90#/=" (!90-=(>=""2(*;$>!50.>8=*(-+*??9> ='(-:*,>5$>2(9>;:> 65432103/.-4,+4.5*1)3+)(.*31.-105''.*-&.((31%5$*-#."1!+ 1*314# # !09>;=>;:>05)9 ########################################################### *)?5()->89/095;*=(5?>495329> ;:>;=>;:>05)9 ###### (+ 3,-1-41'31'34$33*11+*)11 3+,-15()1+-15141-41111,+)31'+-3)15*1+((11#55(13+, # 6=0>95/:>5))*;*=(5?>-*?*(3>;:909>*->5>>/09)*;>5,,?*9)#> 5,13 +"(3 *<>$=2>:5+9>>/:*?)09(>*(>;:9>,0=305">>2(/:.*(>>()>305)90>5()>>*)?5() $=20>;=;5?><99>'*??>9>#>>>>)*-/=2(;# ! 5.9>5??>/:9/.->,5$5?9>;=>87@>=0>8=*(-+*??9>7=//90>@--=/*5;*=(# 5*?>/:9/.->;=>-41'31"5-4+,3)1' 14#31)3+)(.*31451+&5.)1(+43133> 87@>!##>1=>>*()-=0>> # +4313321((1,3/.-4,+4.5*-1+43,1*314#1$.((1'31-'341451+*1+)).4.5*+(115,14#31-41#.()1((1(+43 ,3/.-4,+4.5*-1$.((1'31$+.41(.-43)1+*)1+,31*541/+,+*433)1+143+ $#"! @??>=<>;:9>87@>65??>495329>@39>105/.9;->509>,0=+*)9)>*(>5//=0)5(/9>'*;:>&7>7=//90>5()>&7>%=2;:>7=//90>32*)9?*(9<=0>539>5,,0=,0*5;9>,?5$#>@??>35"9->509>,?5$9)>=(>75;20)5$-#>!05/;*/9->509>:9?)>*(>;:9>9+9(*(3>)20*(3>;:9>'99.# :9>*)?5()->89/095;*=(5?>495329>*->5>/0=--;='(>?95329><=0>09/095;*=(5?>,?5$90->=(?$>':*/:>5??='->=?)90>/:*?)09( ;=>/=(;*(29>,?5$*(3>09/095;*=(5?>-=//90>+>=(>5><2??-*)9)><*9?)>':*?9>/=",9;*(3>535*(-;>(9*3:=0*(3>;='(-# 05+9?>*->?*"*;9)>;=>;:9>-200=2()*(3>/=""2(*;*9->-2/:>5->@??9(;='(>:9-;90<*9?)>9;/# !0=<9--*=(5?> 05*(*(3>79--*=(->509>,0=+*)9)>;=>5??>=<>=20>89/095;*=(5?>!?5$90->5=+9>;:9>539>=<> >$950->$>;:9>9'>%=0.>89)>12??-# 4950(>"=09>5=2;>;:9>8=*(-+*??9>7=//90>@--=/*5;*=(>$>+*-*;*(3>'''#0-5-=//90#/="> !?95-9>3=>;=>=20>'9-*;9>5()>-*3(>2,>=(>?*(9>093*-;90><=0>=;:>7,0*(3>5()>65??>(='# Dog fighting is never a good thing to watch. This is a depressing subject for some people who like or have dogs as pets. If you think fighting is bad, wait until you see dogs fighting. Can you believe people would like to watch dogs fight! The president of the Humane Society said, “People enjoy watching the dogs fight, they enjoy seeing the blood. They gamble on the outcome. The fights may last from 10 minutes to three hours. Dogs may die from shock or blood loss.” Dogs that can’t fight very well are used as bait. They are also hung, drowned, shot, and other awful things happen to them. It makes me think if we know all of this information, we should be cracking down on dog fighting and trying to stop it. Today we are beginning to understand dog fighting and why it happens. Most people just want money and the sport of dog fighting earns a lot of money for those who require it. But, some people were just raised to fight dogs, they learned from their family and play it as a street game. If the president of the Humane Society is helping to stop this, you can make a difference, too. Go to your nearest shelter and become a volunteer. Even adopting an dog can go a long way and help that one dog not get picked up by dog fighters. Remember, a dog is a man’s best friend. Gia Marie Daula age 12 Send us your Kids’ Views The Sun welcomes submissions from K-12 students in Robbinsville. Email essays (300 words or less) to jdegnan@robbinsvillesun.com and include your name, age and phone number. (Phone numbers are for verification purposes, not publication.) If your submission appears in this column, bring your published essay to Maggie Moos, 2350 Route 33, to receive a complimentary ice cream for yourself, parents and siblings! JUNE 12-18, 2013 – THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 15 interfaith views Eight Words By DAN GRECO Pastor, Lifetree Community Church Eight words. That’s all it takes. Eight words have the potential to change a difficult experience into a joyful one. Eight words can change the way we look at others and the way we see ourselves. The eight words are these: “Is there anything I can do for you?” Those eight words lead us to pay attention to those around us and compel us to consider how we can help. Those words declare two things: “I am aware of you” and “I am willing to help.” That may not seem like much, but they can mean the world to someone in need. Many residents in Robbinsville embody this attitude. In the few years that I have lived here, I have observed time and again how people are willing to help out in any way they can. Even our high school has a community service requirement built right into its program. I love that! We are communicating to the next generation the values of responsibility and compassion. Perhaps you would like to help, too, but are not sure how to get involved. I have a solution for you. Our church regularly serves community groups in Robbinsville such as the Food Pantry, Mealson-Wheels, Senior Center, and Recreation Department. We would love to have you join us. You don’t have to attend our church to help. If you simply want to join us in asking the community, “Is there anything I can do for you?” then we would love to serve alongside you. The name of our service program is Better Together. You can go to www.lifetreecc.com/bettertogether and join the team! Whenever we get a request for help, we will pass it on to the Better Together team. If you can help, great! If not, just stay tuned for the next opportunity. Remember, eight words can make all the difference! Send us your Interfaith Views The Robbinsville Sun invites leaders of churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other houses of worship serving the Robbinsville community to share views, news, calendar items and photos for this column. Email the editor at jdegnan@robbinsvillesun.com. The Robbinsville Sun's Foodie, Betty O'Donnell presenting Luther Mills, lead cook who created the burger, the award for the 1st Annual Best Burger Contest with Lee Paroly, owner of Friendly's. HOURS: M-F 6-7, Sat 7-6 and Sun 7-4 16 THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN — JUNE 12-18, 2013 Authors! Authors! AUTHORS Continued from page 7 thor study. The project went beyond art and literacy to also include social studies, science and math curriculums. The concepts of time and measurement were taught in conjunction with Lionni’s book “Inch by Inch,” and “The Extraordinary Egg” became part of science lessons as students learned about the different animals that hatch from eggs. Then they created papier-mache eggs with animal cutouts inside. “We really stretched Leo across all the subjects,” teacher Jessica Migliaccio said. The No. 1 goal, however, was helping first-graders develop their own “voice” as writers. Dauer said the opportunity for students to immerse themselves JOANNE DEGNAN/The Robbinsville Sun Maisie Thompson, 7, and her brother Joseph, 4, at the necktie snake rack inspired by the Leo Lionni book “In the Rabbitgarden.” in the study of one author enabled the kids to become better writers themselves. “It really makes a difference in how they perceive their own writing when they know that they can be an expert on another author’s writing,” Dauer said. As more guests arrived, the multipurpose room where all the arts and crafts and homemade books were on display began to take on the air of a celebrity book-signing event. Parents and grandparents lined up around the tables and snapped photographs of the budding young authors reading their books. For the teachers watching it all, there could be no doubt the project was a success. “They loved it because it was something different than they’re used to doing,” Raymond said. “We did a lot of things that stretched their creativity and I think we saw a lot of stuff that we didn’t even know they were capable of doing.” To view more photos of the Sharon School event, go to www.robbinsvillesun.com. JUNE 12-18, 2013 – THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 17 Fischer commanding in sectional title win By BOB NUSE Special to The Robbinsville Sun Lauren Fischer always seems to find a way to rise to the occasion. The Robbinsville High School senior did just that when she tossed a no-hitter to lift the Ravens to a 1-0 win over Raritan in the Central Jersey Group II championship on May 31. The sectional title was the third straight for the Ravens. “Everything is very special,” said Fischer, who followed up her no-hitter with a one-hitter in the Ravens’ 4-0 win over Buena in the Group II state semifinals on June 4. “But the most important thing to me is coming out with a win. I am not coming into a game trying to throw a no-hitter or get all the strikeouts. I know if they put the ball in play my team is going to make the plays behind me. Anyway I can help my team win the game is what is important.” Fischer struck out 13 and did not allow a ball out of the infield in the win over Raritan. The Ravens scored the only run of the game in the fifth inning when Gabby Manto singled and was sacrificed to second by Morgan Psilek. The winning run then scored when Felicia Schumacher singled to drive in Manto. “It is very special being my senior year,” Fischer said. “But even when I was younger I tried to focus on the current game. We never look too far ahead, which I think is important. We focus on the game we have and once it is over we talk about the game ahead. We always worry about the present and not the future.” Robbinsville was scheduled to face Hanover Park for the Group II state championship on June 8, after The Robbinsville Sun went to press. In the win over Buena, Manto had three hits and drove in a run, while Megan Hevey had two hits and scored a pair of runs. The four-run win must have seemed like a walk in the park for the Ravens, who won two straight one-run games to capture the CJ II title. “If that is how it is going to be, I think we are doing a very good job of working with it,” Fischer said. “We’re giving it our all every single inning. We’re playing good teams. We’re far into the state tournament and when you play good teams that is what you are going to get. We’re thankful that we are playing such good competition. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be fun. “We have a very clutch group of girls,” Fisher said. “Felicia has knocked in so many important runs. She is so calm and focused. Every time she is up you know she is going to do something big.” As successful as the Ravens have been the last four years, playing close games in the state tournament is nothing new. They know they can hold down the opposition with their strong pitch- ing and solid defense and at some point push a run or two across the plate. “I just have to relax and trust that they are doing everything that they can and it will work out,” Robbinsville coach Christine Cabarle said. “I think my concern is that every inning there is more pressure on Fischer and Becca (Freeman, the Robbinsville catcher). And every coach would prefer the opposite. I don’t think it is for a lack of effort. And at the end of the day they are making it happen.” The Ravens improved to 25-2 with the win over Buena in the state semifinals. They will face Hanover Park, which topped Mahwah, 3-2, in its state semifinal to improve to 21-6 on the season. Send us your Robbinsville news Email us at news@robbinsvillesun.com. Call us at (609) 529-6611. MEET JIM • Local resident • Been in the bagel business since 1969 when only a couple bagel shops in central New Jersey • When in Twin Rivers in 1980, voted best bagel • Proudly serving breakfast and lunch to Robbinsville residents Celebrating 30 years in the bagel business We Tweet! J UNE S PECIAL ivers Twin R 1984 store in Robbinsville store in 2013 owned & operated by Robbinsville resident Jim Lillis 34 Robbinsville Allentown Rd., Robbinsville NJ 08691 609-259-4388 18 THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN — JUNE 12-18, 2013 And the winners are... Place a photo of your young student-athlete starting with The Robbinsville Sun's June 12th issue congratulating them on a great season! y to You did it! Wa next season! go! Good luck Congratul ations to you season! n a great d of you!!! lations o u tu ro p ra g ry n o C family ve ade your You've m and your teammates ! Submit a photo and caption to: P.O. Box 7, Windsor, NJ 08561 or email a photo and caption to ads@robbinsvillesun.com Please submit them along with a $20 check made out to The Robbinsville Sun and we will print a 4" x 4" color photo and your message to your student-athlete. Special to The Robbinsville Sun Sixth-grader Chloe Esterly’s drawing of her father (above) won The Robbinsville Sun’s Draw Your Dad contest in the middle school category. Kindergartner Josephine Kowalski, 5, won in the K-3 division for her crayon drawing (below). Both girls win a KidzArt gift certificate for a free week of art summer camp in July. JUNE 12-18, 2013 – THE ROBBINSVILLE SUN 19 Giving their all to give back YOUTH By JOANNE DEGNAN Editor Hundreds of people turned out for the first BAPS Charities Walk in Town Center, a June 2 fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society on National Cancer Survivors Day, as well as Robbinsville school programs. In keeping with the walk’s theme, “Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time,” BAPS Charities donated $2,000 of the event’s proceeds to the Robbinsville Education Foundation, a nonprofit that supports initiatives, such as pre-engineering classes at the middle school that are beyond the scope of the school budget. With temperatures near 90 degrees, the participants young and old enthusiastically stepped off from the parking lot at 1 Washington Blvd. then followed the town’s customary parade route down North Street, Newtown Boulevard, and Lake Drive. Similar fundraising walks took place June 2 in more than 40 other cities. In Robbinsville, however, talking preceding the walking as the event began with a series of check presentations and speeches from the portico of the Sharbell building, where BAPS Charities volunteers business leaders, township council members, school district representatives and other special invited guests were gathered. BAPS Charities presented Natasha Coleman, regional vice president at the American Cancer Society, with a $3,000 donation. REF Treasurer Sharon DeVito, joined by Sharon School Principal Janet Sinkewicz and Facilities and Community Education Manager Kim Keener, accepted the $2,000 check for the REF. Corporate donations small and large, and even the dollar bills raised by children going door-todoor with donation cans, all contributed to the success of the fundraising event, organizers said. The walk was launched with a traditional prayer for world Sports Scene Continued from page 9 ran the bases well and played hard! The UCLA “Blue Thunder Tiger Jays” countered with solid defense and timely hitting. The UCLA offense was led by Cheyanne Weigand, Emily Keller, and Macie Prohammer. Each girl made the most of their at-bat opportunities, swinging the bats hard and picking up several hits each. The Jays defense, however, sparkled in the evening twilight, with many girls making key plays. The combination of Kelly Carduner and Mia Lawrence was solid in the field, tallying several outs and assists in the game. Emily Prohammer was a defensive force, turning a critical out at third base and recording an assist in the third to Sarah Light, who also contributed with multiple hits during the game. Overall, the Jays’ effort was characterized by solid play and great teamwork from all members that shined in this classic. JOANNE DEGNAN/The Robbinsville Sun Hundreds of people turned out for the BAPS Charities Walk through Town Center on June 2 to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, the Robbinsville Education Foundation and other charities. peace, followed by opening remarks from Shreya Barot, a BAPS Charities volunteer who is currently pursuing her master’s in public policy from Rutgers University. “BAPS Charities aims to improve the quality of life for the community by hosting various events and serving the underserved,” Barot said. “Health fairs, blood drives, walkathons, bone marrow drives, children’s health and safety days, and care for the elderly programs are but a few initiatives aimed at providing resources to better the lives of our friends and neighbors.” DeVito, who is also a school board member, thanked BAPS Charities for its donation, noting BAPS Charities has been a strong supporter of the Robbinsville public schools in recent years, including contributing funds for the athletic field lights and the high school’s award-winning robotics team. Township Council members Vince Calcagno, Christine Ciaccio, and Sheree McGowan, Board of Education member Shaina Ciaccio, and Township Recreation Director Joe Barker were also present. The township officials expressed their gratitude to BAPS for its volunteers’ help during Hurricane Sandy. “The members of BAPS have really shown us what it means to be part of a community,” McGowan said. “Whenever the township needs anything they’re there.” Looking out at the hundreds of people in the parking lot, McGowan said she was amazed at the turnout for the inaugural walk. “To have this many people out on a Sunday morning is incredible,” McGowan said. “We hope that in the years to come the walk becomes bigger and bigger.” Kevin Cummings, CEO of Investors Bank, which was the major corporate sponsor of the event, received a plaque in appreciation for the bank’s support. Gold-level sponsors recognized included Raritan Pharmaceuticals, Dubal Law Offices, Pulte Group, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Decors USA, Grand Bank and Walmart. Many other local businesses and individuals who also contributed were also recognized as silver and bronze sponsors. Special to The Robbinsville Sun Lily Coggins (right) is congratulated by teammate Sara Toscano after Coggins scored the winning goal in the Robbinsville Riptide’s 10 victory over the Bordentown Blast at the WWPSA Sunburst Blast Tournament on June 2. Send us your Youth Sports news The Robbinsville Sun invites all township youth recreation sports leagues to contribute news items, including announcements, game results and photos. Email the editor at jdegnan@robbinsvillesun.com. Submission deadline is Tuesday for publication in the following week’s newspaper. WE OFFER A VARIETY OF EXCITING DAILY SPECIALS! 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