ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Information told MidJersey.news that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash this morning April 22, 2024, at 2:17 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike south milepost 64.1 on the inner roadway in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County.
Based on a preliminary investigation, in the area of milepost 64.1, a BMW 428i and a BMW X3 were involved in a collision, becoming disabled within the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike inner roadway. A BMW 328i was traveling southbound and collided with the unoccupied and disabled BMW 428i. After the collision, the driver of the BMW 328i parked on the right shoulder and exited the vehicle. A Hyundai passenger vehicle was traveling southbound and collided with the disabled 428i, subsequently striking a pedestrian and the rear of the parked 328i.
As a result of the crash, the pedestrian associated with the BMW 328i, Alton Smith, a 30-year-old male from Levittown, PA, sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the Hyundai sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. There were no other injuries reported. The crash remains under investigation, and there is no additional information available.
ROBBINSVILLE NJ (MERCER)–It was during the Roaring 20s in Chicago. Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap – until he finds out he’s been duped.
Want to know what happens next? Don’t miss the spring musical, set for April 19-21. Get ready for the razzle and dazzle of “Chicago: Teen Edition” by reserving your seat at our.show/rhschicago
Tickets online are $15 per adult and $10 for students and seniors. At the door, tickets are $5 more. Show times are: Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m.
“Chicago: Teen Edition” contains some mature themes.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Aarav Khatri is having quite a sophomore year.
Between his app – Symptofy – being selected by Rep. Andy Kim (D-3rd Dist.) for a Congressional App Challenge Award, the 16-year-old is the latest local “National Cyber Scholar” named by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation (NCSF).
This week, Aarav is attending #HouseofCode, a two-day event at Capitol Hill where the winners of the Congressional App Challenge are set to showcase their technology to members of Congress. Symptofy will be featured at the U.S. Capitol, as the Robbinsville teen mingles with tech industry leaders and fellow coders from around the country.
The Congressional App Challenge was founded in 2015 as a bipartisan initiative by the Congressional Internet Caucus. The contest inspires and recognizes U.S. students, while also transforming how Congress views computer science, coding and STEM. #House of Code is considered the “new national science fair.”
As one can imagine, Aarav is very excited to be involved to be in Washington Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the representatives, show my app more and see the apps that others have created,” the sophomore said. “And we get to tour the Capitol and the White House.”
Aarav said the app honors his late grandfather. Previously, apps he created would help solve “small problems” that he faced, but Symptofy is bigger – and it could help solve bigger problems. Like those his grandfather faced.
Aarav’s grandfather suffered from Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and it seemed every day there was something new to add to an already overwhelming number of issues. The complexity of his symptoms led to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment, the student said.
Symptofy collects a person’s medical data and stores it in one place. The patient, family and doctors can have easy access to data related to any medical condition, Aarav said.
“I found a need for collecting data especially since he had dementia, and every day there’d be a new problem and new things going on,” Aarav said. So, I thought collecting data would really help the doctors for my grandfather and countless others.”
The teen hopes his app can help doctors make more informed decisions, such as better managing medicine dosages, gauging which medications can best help with symptoms as well as see if certain prescriptions can have a negative effect. The app can also be customized to best suit a patient’s needs.
“Once you have all that data, over a period of time, the app shows you in a graph view and it makes it easy for you and the doctors to notice the differences,” Aarav said. “Like when you switch from this medicine at 50 mg to 25 mg, your symptoms may get easier. My app helps medical professionals, families and patients make more informed decisions.”
Doctors are provided with a summary of the severity of a patient’s symptoms to determine the effectiveness of their prescribed medicine and diet. The app would keep healthcare providers informed as they navigate complex treatment options for medical disorders causing multiple symptoms across the body.
“I’m inspired by Aarav’s idea for such a valuable healthcare tool that could help so many families like his own who have had a loved one living with complex medical conditions,” Kim said. “Every year, I’m impressed by students across this district and I’m glad the Congressional App Challenge provides a chance to celebrate and showcase New Jersey talents and innovation.”
The win is exciting and encouraging, Aarav said.
“I’d spent a lot of time designing this app and I’m excited to see that people think it is a good idea too,” said the techy teen, who intends to pursue coding as a profession.
With an interest in computers since he was very young, Aarav began delving into coding in middle school. He embraces new challenges and coding concepts come easy for him.
“There’s always new things to learn in coding,” he said. “Like when I was making this app, I hadn’t used specific toolkits before. I hadn’t worked with a database. And there’s always new things to learn when debugging code. But I think once you have the concepts down, it’s easier to learn and it comes more easily.”
As for the NCSF competition, Aarav competed against more than 35,000 students nationwide for a top score in solving real-world cybersecurity problems. In recognition of his achievement, he earned an invitation to participate in the Cyber Foundations Academy – a multi-week online program based on the nationally-recognized SANS Foundation’s training course and certification.
And like many teens, he is also interested in video games and game development. In middle school, he even created a few before focusing his coding efforts on Symptofy.
When he does get spare time, Khatri enjoys video games and ping-pong. He also is treasurer and a member of the Hackathon Club as well as the Math League and Model UN. He also participates in Robotics with his FTC team REAPR, which advanced to the state championship this year.
That rare spare time is also taken up by CodeConnect, a non-profit student volunteer organization that teaches coding in different programming languages. Aarav is president of the Robbinsville branch of CodeConnect, which hosts free classes every week for middle and elementary school students, like his brother Avyaan Khatri, who is in the fourth grade.
“My parents (Maneesh Khatri and Neetu Chillar) are very happy that I created something useful. Until now, I’ve been creating small video games,” Aarav said. “This is something that’s helpful and my dad’s proud that it relates to my grandfather – his father – and honors him.”
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER) All are invited to attend the first-ever – and hopefully annual – Art Auction, set for Thursday, March 21 at Robbinsville High School.
The auction is the brainchild of the high school’s Art Club, which has been looking for ways to raise money to bring in professional artists for workshops and to offset the costs of field trips. The Art Club, with about 20 members, includes students in grades 9-12.
The auction, to be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the media center, will present about 50 pieces of artwork from the students. The art is diverse: oil paintings, mosaics, photography, Shrinky-Dink key chains and even hand-knit axolotls made from yarn. The starting bids will be $5.
“Our students have noticed that other high schools host art auctions; it is a great way to raise money and awareness about the Art Club,” said Jaela Johnson, an art teacher and club advisor. “So, we thought this would be a wonderful way to raise money for the club year after year.”
Johnson said there has also been a donation from Raissa Djoursanaliva, the grandmother of student Kat Kharnitonov, who donated five oil paintings with bids beginning at $100
Admission is free, but attendees are being asked to bring food for the Robbinsville Food Pantry. Anyone who donates is eligible to win door prizes.
Ample parking to be provided outside of the media center.
Robbinsville Schools to Receive $2.6 Million and Lawrence Township $923K in State Preschool Education Aid (PEA) to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
March 12, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy was joined by Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer at Millridge School in Secaucus to highlight the impact access to preschool is having on New Jersey families as part of his administration’s record investment to expand access to preschool statewide. The visit coincides with the announcement of another round of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) Preschool Education Aid (PEA) that will allow an additional 16 school districts across the State to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
“Access to early childhood education helps set the tone for the rest of a child’s educational career by providing innumerable benefits that will follow young learners throughout their lives,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “From advanced literacy skills to enhanced social and emotional development, access to high-quality preschool programs has a tangible impact on our children. That is why I am proud to announce continued investments to expand access to preschool for families across the State. Today’s announcement builds upon our work to make universal preschool a reality in New Jersey so that more children have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.”
The funding is projected to provide 827 additional seats for children to access high-quality preschool education. This second round of funding for FY2024 builds on the $25 million investment in preschool funding announced last October that provided for an additional 1,715 preschool seats in 26 school districts. High-quality preschools are full-day programs that have a certificated teacher and aide, limited class size, curriculum aligned to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, and are inclusive of special needs children.
“We know that high-quality preschool sets the foundation for a child’s success and is linked to improved student outcomes for years to come,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “That’s why bringing high-quality preschool to more communities can be so transformative, and one that is well worth our investment.”
Today’s announcement builds on the Murphy Administration’s campaign to put New Jersey on the path to universal preschool, providing every three- and four-year-old child in New Jersey with access to free, full-day preschool. Additionally, the Governor’s FY2025 budget proposes an additional $124 million for preschool education, including $20 million to expand high-quality, full-day preschool programs into new school districts. Since taking office, Governor Murphy has increased preschool funding by over $427 million and added more than 14,600 preschool seats in New Jersey school districts.
“I am thankful the Secaucus school system was chosen to receive pre-K Expansion Aid, which will provide the funding necessary to start a full day pre-K program for 3 and 4 year olds. As the pre-K program develops, I look forward to working with the Governor’s Office and our school administration to more completely understand and prepare for the impacts this expanded program will have on our school system. I have no doubt the early educational benefits afforded by this funding will help our children perform better as they advance. I am grateful to Governor Murphy and his administration for advancing this important educational initiative,” stated Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli.
“Today marks a significant step forward in our commitment to early childhood education. Our recent acceptance of the Pre-K Expansion Aid marks a pivotal moment in offering free Pre-K to our families. This initiative is not just an investment but also a commitment to our community to lay the groundwork for universal access to early education. Our goal extends beyond the current horizon. In collaboration with our Mayor and Town Council, we are committed to expanding our district’s reach, to ensure that every family in Secaucus has access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs. This move towards inclusive education reflects our dedication to nurturing the potential of every child. It fosters a community where every family has the support and resources to thrive. Together, we are building a brighter, more equitable future for Secaucus, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Governor Murphy for his unwavering commitment to prioritizing education in New Jersey,” said Erick Alfonso, Ed.D., M.B.A., Superintendent of Secaucus Public Schools.
The following is a list of the 16 additional 2023-2024 school districts receiving PEA funding for preschool programs:
County
District
Projected Funding
Burlington
Cinnaminson Township
$290,280
Burlington
Tabernacle Township
$522,504
Cape May
Upper Township
$458,568
Hudson
Secaucus
$1,583,647
Hunterdon
Bloomsbury
$193,206
Hunterdon
Delaware Township
$341,826
Hunterdon
Holland Township
$535,032
Hunterdon
Union Township
$772,824
Mercer
Lawrence Township
$923,486
Mercer
Robbinsville
$2,661,014
Monmouth
Atlantic Highlands
$322,718
Salem
Oldmans Township
$171,600
Sussex
Fredon Township
$363,775
Sussex
Stanhope
$145,510
Union
Roselle
$934,496
Warren
Great Meadows Regional
$935,644
Total
$11,156,130
Locally Robbinsville Schools to Receive $2.6 Million and Lawrence Township $923K in State Preschool Education Aid (PEA) to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
Latest inspection is sixth in five years for severe violator
March 11, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – A Robbinsville frozen food manufacturer with an extensive history of violating federal safety and health standards was cited again by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, after a worker suffered an amputation in August 2023.
The agency determined the company exposed workers to lockout/tagout hazards – where energy may be inadvertently released – and cited it for four willful, one repeat and three serious violations, amounting to a $551,719 penalty.
“This company continues to leave its workers vulnerable to hazardous conditions that threaten their safety,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “These hazards must be addressed immediately to prevent another incident.”
CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC manufactures frozen dumplings, wontons and noodles for the Twin Marquis and Chef One brands.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–At 9:20 p.m. firefighters from Robbinsville and Hightstown responded to a vehicle on fire at mile post 64.5 south bound, inner roadway, on the New Jersey Turnpike. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. No other details are available.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Rejoice Robbinsville! Your annual evening of family fun, free from homework, has arrived. On Wednesday, March 6, the school community will host the “Robbinsville Night Off” for the ninth time.
The event began as an initiative created by the late Dr. Steven Mayer, former Superintendent, and Tawrye Mason, Assistant Principal of Pond Road Middle School. The two were brainstorming innovative ways to bring Robbinsville families and the community together on a random weekday night. Thus, Robbinsville Night Off was born.
“Quality time with family is everything,” said Mason, Robbinsville Night Off lead. “We thought of having a night where there’s no homework. Families have enough time to come home, be together and do something fun.”
The event, which runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m., is a partnership between the district, police department, fire department and the township, with activities offered from each, Mason said. Besides the strict “No Homework” rule, the district of about 3,000 students also does not schedule after-school activities, including athletics. The township also clears its schedule for the evening, enabling all to focus on the big event.
Some of the most popular activities have been the “Goose Chase,” a town-wide scavenger hunt, the police department’s mock crime scene, police station tours, K-9 demonstrations and “Come Paint with the Superintendent Betze.”
And it gets bigger and better every year, Mason said.
The majority of activities are free. Dinners at participating restaurants – Massimo’s, PJ’s Pancake House and Mannino’s 3 – offer a discount.
Mason said she enjoys the activity that allows Superintendent Brian Betze to show off his artistic side. “Painting with the Superintendent” has proven to be a popular attraction each year.
“The students and parents get to see our superintendent in a very different light, and that is always fun to see,” she said.
While some activities are of a drop-in variety at set times – such as the scavenger hunt, fire and police departments station tours, fire department vehicle/rescue, Robbinsville Hydroponic Farm tour – some require registration, Mason said. These include “Painting with the Superintendent,” “Sand Art Craft,” “Forever Hart Fit,” “Kindness Rocks,” “Fairy Hair Fun,” and “Kids in the Kitchen.”
Two activities also offer donation opportunities, said Mason.
The “Share the Love Essential Items Drive” is collecting essentials for Mercer County children in need. “Project Linus” involves a craft project in which families can make fleece-tied blankets to give to children in need. Registration is required; pre-cut materials are $10.
This year, Mason said, organizers added a list of suggestions for families who wanted a “night in” and to not spend any money, such as making dinner, playing a board game, watching a movie and having a family dance party.
Robbinsville Night Off is “very special” to Mason. She feels it continues a connection to Mayer, who died in 2016.
“Seeing everyone come out, share this night together and do something meaningful and supportive of our community is important,” Mason said. “I love that kids can have a night off, not rushing to every event, every practice. I have my own kids – I know what it is like.”
Robbinsville Night Off isn’t only loved for the “no-homework” component. Students, along with their parents, community members and businesses, also look forward to the annual event to foster family time and community involvement.
“I get emails from parents that say, ‘Thank you for the night that I got to spend with my kids’,” Mason said. “And how important it is for their families. We have kids talking about it. And businesses say that it does bring in business, so, it makes them happy to participate. It does really make me happy to see this event every year and I hope everyone enjoys it again!”
On March 6, the school, township, fire and police departments will join together to once again host Robbinsville Night Off. As one of the most popular activities, participants can sign up to “Come Paint with the Superintendent” and witness the artistic talents of Superintendent Brian Betze firsthand.
Participants can help investigate a crime scene with the police department during the annual Robbinsville Night Off on March 6.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville-Allentown High School Ravens Cooperative Ice Hockey Team fell to Ocean Township High School with a final score of 1-0 in Round two of the State Playoffs. Shots on goal Robbinsville 48, Ocean Township 26.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville-Allentown High School Ravens Cooperative Ice Hockey Team won their game against North Hunterdon High School Lions with a final score of 6-0 in the first round of the NJSIAA State Tournament tonight at Mercer County Park. The Ravens will advance to Round 2 on Friday against Ocean to be held at Mercer County Park at 3:30 p.m.
The Raven’s Zach Duggan scored his 100th career point in tonight’s game.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville-Allentown High School Cooperative Hockey team won the Mercer County Hockey tournament at the Mercer County Skating Center tonight. The final score was Robbinsville-Allentown 3 Notre Dame High School 1. This is Robbinsville-Allentown’s first Mercer County Tournament title.
Too Many Drivers are Ordering Food While Driving, Students Say
February 10, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Juniors at Robbinsville High School were at the Statehouse on Thursday, February 8, 2024, to voice support for a proposed Senate resolution that would urge restaurants to include warnings on their apps regarding distracted driving.
The students suggested the resolution to their local senator, Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-14th Dist.), who was the lead sponsor on the bill (SR 39). Following the testimony of the students before the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee, lawmakers voted unanimously to move the resolution to the full Senate for consideration.
Jennifer Allessio, co-advisor of the Class of 2025 at Robbinsville High School, said the proposed resolution is a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has reshaped consumer behavior, notably in how consumers order and access food.
The students, she said, cited a study that shows digital orders at full-service restaurants skyrocketed by 237% between 2020 and 2021, with mobile ordering constituting 60 percent of these orders.
“To give an even clearer picture of the digital landscape, the students learned a quarter of all sales at Starbucks locations across the United States are made via their mobile app,” Allesio said.
The exponential increase in consumers using mobile ordering is not slowing down either; companies are doubling down on digital marketing, fostering loyalty programs, and creating promotions to incentivize mobile ordering. While this benefits both consumers and businesses, it comes with a notable downside: distracted driving.
Studies show that using mobile phones while driving reduces attention to the road by up to 37 percent and increases the risk of accidents by 400 percent, fueling the 1.6 million crashes annually.
“The students brainstormed ways to address the issue of distracted driving that would not stifle the growth of mobile ordering,” Allesio said. “ The result was Bill SR39, a resolution that urges restaurant owners to update their mobile ordering features to display pop-up messages reminding users to refrain from ordering while driving. This measure aims to create a balance between public safety and the support of the mobile ordering industry.”
The students include: Sam Cohen, Kami Enciso, Ellison Mentzer, Ekahsh Mohley, Kushad Padmaraju, Mitchell Shapiro and Caitlyn Todd. The co-advisor is Mark Iannelli.
The proposed resolution cites the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reported 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted driving in 2020, including such distractions as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio or climate controls. Moreover, a recent study from Rowan University reported that 20 to 25 percent of drivers on certain New Jersey roads were distracted, most commonly by cell phone use.
“Urging the use of safety features to warn against mobile ordering while operating a motor vehicle is one step this House can take to encourage safe driving habits in this State,” the resolution reads.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Township students once again took center stage for the New Jersey Thespian Festival, held last month at Robbinsville High School.
As the state’s largest annual student theater event, the New Jersey Thespian Festival focuses on performance and technical theater workshops, as well as competitions, auditions and community service projects, over the course of two days for students and educators.
Besides a weekend bursting with activity, Jan. 13-14, the event also hosts the annual recognition awards known as the “Thespys.” With bravos for all cast, crew and educators, the Thespian Festival awarded Robbinsville’s Troupe #7161 with Gold Honor Troupe status for its outstanding service and support in educational theater.
Two local students – Shreya Savur and Zach Peabody – received “Superior” rankings in the Musical Theater Solo and Lighting Design competition categories, respectively. A third student, Isabella Ghen, earned a $1,000 acting scholarship for a summer program with the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.
“I knew Robbinsville students would be up against hundreds, if not thousands, of other young thespians. I got to see not only how our 30 thespians have grown over the last few months, but also how they felt about it,” said Blake Gonzales, theater arts teacher and director at Robbinsville High School, advisor of the RHS Raven Players, and Thespian Troupe #7161 director. “Our students impressed the judges and now have a new direction to take their acting and music prowess. It was so rewarding to witness.”
New Jersey Thespians is the state chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), which sponsors the International Thespian Society (ITS). Honoring excellence in the work of theater students since 1929, ITS has troupes in more than 4,000 high schools and middle schools, mostly in the U.S. and Canada.
While the Thespian Festival is organized and planned by the New Jersey State Thespian’s chapter board, Robbinsville students lead efforts to set up and take down the festival space. This year, 1,132 students and educators from all over the state attended the Saturday session with 971 participants on Sunday.
As this was Gonzales’ first-ever Thespian Festival, she said it gave her extra energy to help students grow and improve. Looking to next year, Gonzales said, the experience equips her with more inspiration to improve, experiment with new challenges and ensure Robbinsville has an even greater presence at next year’s event.
The Thespian Festival is not just for the students, Gonzales said. Many of the workshops and lectures are aimed at theater educators.
“They really stress the importance of not only student growth, but also educator growth,” Gonzales said. “They bring in people from the professional world to help educators take their teaching and their styles in a new direction as well.”
At Robbinsville, Gonzales said the Thespian Troupe’s members stem from the high school’s Drama Club, known as the Raven Players. Along with other students, the 35 members participate in a Fall play and in a Spring musical run by the music department and Choir Director Brian Williams. This year’s Spring show will be “Chicago: Teen Edition” and will run from April 19 through 21. (Great seats, still available.)
Juniors Anusha Nandan and Mark Daily also attended the Thespian Festival for the first time as newly-inducted Troupe #7161 members. To gain admittance, students must meet the minimum eligibility requirement of 100 hours of quality work in theatre arts and related disciplines.
Involved with theater – both on stage and off – since elementary school, 16-year-old Anusha said she was inspired after her Thespian Festival experience. She competed in two categories – Contrasting Monologues and Musical Theater Solo.
For the monologues Anusha performed, one was from “Macbeth” and the second from a drama monologue book. She also sang “Stay With Me” from the musical “Into the Woods.” Both performances earned her a score of “Excellent,” which she was very proud to receive.
Next year, she will be aiming for the next level: “Superior.”
“I definitely enjoyed the festival. It was a lot of fun, and I learned so much,” said Anusha, who also took singing and acting workshops, including “Belting” and “Exploring Subtext in Musical Theater Acting.”
“When your scores come out, there are also notes from the judges that tell you what you could have done better and what you did well,” Anusha said. “I found those are the most helpful because they can help you find your strengths and your weaknesses and what you need to work on. Overall, it’s a really good learning experience.”
Focusing more on the technical side of the stage, Mark, 16, has been involved for four years. His expertise focuses in sound and building sets for shows. He especially loves exploring new technical programs, seeing how they work and how they can make the overall show even better.
“That’s how I got into sound,” he said. “I saw that the little board and those switches seemed cool. So, I said, ‘How do I how do I use it?’ It was a rabbit hole from there. I’m excited to keep going down to learn more.”
At the festival, Mark found the workshops to be both interesting and impressive.
“These are industry professionals teaching the classes,” he said. “They been doing this for 10, 20 years. There was one college professor who taught a workshop about playback software. I really enjoyed that because it was a pretty sore spot in my technical repertoire. Taking the class definitely helped me expand my understanding.”
Mark recommends people check out the Drama Club, even if they lack experience in the theater.
“Join it, try it out, see if it’s for you,” he said. “There’s always a spot for anybody who wants to be there.”
While neither Anusha nor Mark are sure if they will pursue theater as a college major, both know they will continue their involvement with the stage. And they, along with Gonzales, are already looking forward to bringing the curtain up on next year’s Thespian Festival.
“Theater – it’s so much fun to do, but it’s more than that – it’s the community you build along the way,” Anusha said. “These are people who you will forever remember – they will always have played a role in shaping your experience. These are people who help you; they nourish you. It’s an amazing experience.”
Nearly 30 Robbinsville High School students attended the annual New Jersey Thespian Festival held in January at the school. Members of Thespian Troupe #7161 participated in competitions and workshops and saw performances of their peers over the two-day event.
ROBBINSVILLE – UPPER FREEHOLD, NJ — Around 4:27 p.m. a vehicle traveling south on Old York Road lost control and left the roadway in the 1300 Block of Old York Road near the curve in New Sharon and came to rest in wooded area near a creek on the Upper Freehold side of the roadway. Robbinsville Township Fire Department, EMS, Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Captial Health EMS and Paramedics responded to the scene. There were initial reports of entrapment and firefighters had the driver free in a few minutes. The driver was transported by EMS to Captial Health Regional Medical Center by Robbinsville EMS and Captial Health Paramedics. Robbinsville Township Police and New Jersey State Police were on scene. No further details are available.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Council appointed Harold “Hal” English to the governing body to fill the unexpired term of Mike Cipriano at tonight’s Special Public Meeting.
English is a Town Center resident, served as the Township’s Director of Economic and Community Development from 2017-2020, is a former member of the Robbinsville Township Planning Board as well as the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC).
More recently, English served as the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.
“We are extremely grateful to the men and women who expressed their desire for the open Township Council position,” President Debbie Blakely said. “These are all residents who truly care about our community and want to give back. After reviewing all the applicants, we made the decision to appoint Hal English. Hal has been active in our community for many years and knows Robbinsville very well. He held a key position at the Township and has a plethora of experience in finance, planning, zoning, and redevelopment. We know he will bring great ideas to the table and will work well with all of us. We are very much looking forward to him joining our team.”
In addition to a career steeped in local banking, Mr. English also served as Business Administrator, Director of Technology and Economic Development as well as Acting Mayor of Hamilton, where he played an integral role in the development of the highly successful Hamilton Marketplace and its 1 million square feet of retail space on Route 130 North.
English holds a degree in economics from Boston College and is the author of “Behind Ivy Walls,” a memoir that recounts his challenging, unhappy childhood in Trenton.
“Hal English has been a beacon in our community for many years,” Vice President Mike Todd said. “Through his finance, banking, municipal and economic development backgrounds, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the Council and the Township. We are excited to be working with Hal and look forward to continue doing great things throughout our community. We’d like to thank all the residents who expressed their interest in joining the Council.”
Robbinsville Township Council appointed Harold “Hal” English to the governing body to fill the unexpired term of Mike Cipriano at tonight’s Special Public Meeting.
You must be logged in to post a comment.