Volunteers Needed to Help In Effecting The Transition to a Single Municipality

To the Editor:

Now that voters have approved the consolidation referendum, the next step in the consolidation process will be to establish a team to effect the transition to a single municipality. We would like to request applications at this time from those that have an interest in serving. The transition team will be comprised of two elected officials from each municipality and four citizen representatives from each municipality (three members and one alternate). In addition, it is assumed that a series of subcommittees will be formed. If you are not selected for the core transition team, your expertise may be considered for one of the subcommittees.

Please understand that this team will require a significant time commitment. If you would be interested in applying for appointment, please provide us with a copy of your resume and a letter outlining the specific areas of expertise that you feel you could provide to the transition team and why you are interested in serving. Please provide your application to us for review by Wednesday, December 7, 2011. Applications can be made via email or regular mail:

Linda McDermott, Township Clerk 400 Witherspoon Street, Princeton N.J. 08540; Andrea L. Quinty, Borough Clerk, One Monument Drive,Princeton, N.J. 08540.

Email: lmcdermott@princeton-township.nj.us, email: lquinty@princetonboro.org.

Thank you for your consideration. This is an important task for our community as we work together to ensure a successful transition.

Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman
Township Mayor Chad Goerner
Borough Mayor-Elect Yina Moore

Hughes Thanks Voters for Support, Applauds Princeton’s Consolidation

To the Editor:

I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to the voters of Mercer County for their overwhelming support and confidence in me by re-electing me as their County Executive. It’s my honor to work hard for you.

I congratulate Freeholders Samuel Frisby, John Cimino, and Lucylle Walter; Sheriff Jack Kemler; and Surrogate Diane Gerofsky for their hard work and dedication to the people of Mercer County. We share a vision for Mercer County and I am excited to continue that effort with such a strong team.

And I also congratulate and applaud Princeton on its consolidation. The voters’ decision to unify the Princeton community is a historic one, and I believe it will be to great benefit of the residents.

You, the residents, have given me the opportunity to advance important projects and changes through county government, but there is much more to do. My administration has worked hard to ensure an efficient and transparent County government, and we’ve worked vigorously to find solutions to problems that are not unique to Mercer County. I appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me to continue our mission to make Mercer County the greatest county in the state – or anywhere for that matter.

Brian M. Hughes
Mercer County Executive

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month A Time to Raise Awareness About Services

To the Editor:

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the compassionate care and services that hospices provide to community members with a life limiting illness. Throughout the month we recognize the professionals and volunteers who provide compassionate care to hospice patients and their loved ones.

Most people are not familiar with what hospice services are. It is a difficult topic for many families, and is often not discussed until a crisis happens. Hospice services focus on care, not cure. Services offer medical care, including pain and symptom management, and provide support to clients and their loved ones.

Care also includes visits by members of the hospice team, including nurses, social workers, and volunteers; all medications related to a terminal illness; and medical equipment necessary for the comfort of the patient. Hospice services are covered by Medicare and New Jersey Medicaid, and many private insurance companies and managed care plans also cover these services. Hospice is not a place but a philosophy of care, and The Renee Denmark Punia Community Hospice of Greenwood House provides services to community members in whatever place they call home, whether a private residence, residential, or assisted living community or a skilled care center.

National Hospice month is also an opportunity for families and friends to discuss what their wishes are for care at the end of life. This is never an easy discussion, but by making your desires known through a living will, your loved ones can honor your wishes when the time comes. Like a regular will, a living will is something you can do now, and put away with the peace of mind that you have made your wishes known and eased the burden for your loved ones. A living will can specify what kind of medical treatment you would and would not want, along with other personal wishes you want to specify.

Hospice programs work hard to meet the physical and emotional needs of their clients and Community Hospice of Greenwood House is no exception. Through our Pet Peace of Mind program we provide pet care services for patients who are unable to care for their pets while receiving hospice care. Services include financial assistance for food and routine veterinary care, transporting pets to veterinary appointments, pet boarding and walking, and more.

For more information on hospice services, planning documents, and caregiver resources visit www.GreenwoodHouse.org and click on Hospice Care or call 609-883-6026.

Richard Goldstein, Executive Director
Linda C. Grenis, Director of Community Outreach

After a Sudden Fall, Two Kind Strangers Took the Time to Aid Someone in Need

To the Editor:

The Borough of Princeton will soon have a new mayor, consolidation is now a reality, and decorations are appearing in Palmer Square to bring in the holiday season — here’s one more bit of pleasant news!

On Sunday, November 20, I exited from Halo Pub after treating myself to some ice cream. As I stepped from the sidewalk to a small incline to enter the parking lot at Grigg’s Corner, I slipped and fell. The shock of the sudden fall, the realization that my right leg was completely bent back, and the intense pain was eased somewhat when two strangers came to my aid. A gentleman who was passing the pub and a young lady walking by offered to get medical aid, inquired as to how I was getting home and stayed with me until they both helped me off the ground and saw that I was okay. The gentleman helped me to my car.

At this time of Thanksgiving, the reason I am sending this letter is to publicly thank the two strangers who took the time and cared enough to stop and assist someone in need. I may never see these two persons again, but I want them to know how much I appreciate their kindness

Shirley A. Satterfield
Quarry Street

University Art Museum, Arts Council Report Strong Response to ArtWalk

To the Editor:

Along with eight partner venues around town and across campus, the Princeton University Art Museum and the Arts Council of Princeton presented the first Princeton ArtWalk on Thursday, November 3. Hundreds of visitors turned out on a perfect fall evening for this self-guided exploration of drop-in visual arts activities in downtown Princeton. We were delighted to have such a strong response, and thank visitors from across the community for their support of and passion for the visual arts and the value of collaboration.

We would also like to thank all of the organizations which participated including the Bernstein Gallery of the Woodrow Wilson School, Firestone Library, Morven Museum and Garden, the Historical Society of Princeton, Labyrinth Books, the Lewis Center for the Arts, the Princeton Public Library, and Small World Coffee.

Lastly, a special thanks to our sponsors, the Princeton University Office of Regional and Community Affairs and the Nassau Inn, which helped make this inaugural event successful. We look forward to the next Princeton ArtWalk in March.

James Steward, Director, Princeton University Art Museum;
Jeff Nathanson, Executive Director,  Arts Council of Princeton

Borough’s Mayor-Elect Is Looking Forward To Working On Transition to One Municipality

To the Editor:

I would like to thank all of the citizens of Princeton Borough who voted on November 8. I am encouraged by the well wishes I have received from everyone I have encountered. I am both honored and humbled by the support of many residents and look forward to working with all residents of Princeton as we transition to one municipality.

I want to congratulate my opponent, Republican Jill Jachera, for a vigorous campaign. I also want to thank the Consolidation Commission, Preserve Our Historic Borough, and all who worked to present information and analyses on the issue of consolidation to the public. We are fortunate to have citizens willing to sacrifice their personal time to serve our community.

I look forward to the inclusion of interests and talents from many perspectives as we move forward to work on Borough specific and consolidation tasks. I want to encourage citizens to participate in the activities of existing boards, committees, and commissions as well as the public processes unique to this year of transition to one consolidated municipality.

Please feel free to contact me via email at mooreforprince
ton@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer for the hard work ahead or have any ideas you would like to share.

YINA MOORE
Green Street

A Fond Farewell to the Princetons From State Senator Shirley K. Turner

To the Editor:

I write this letter to extend my personal thanks to the residents of the 15th District who took the time to participate in the November 8 election. I am grateful for the confidence that the voters have placed in me, and I am proud to represent my constituents in the New Jersey Senate.

Throughout my entire career as a public servant, my singular focus has been constituent services. I am looking forward to bringing this same attention to my new constituents in West Windsor, Lambertville, and East and West Amwell. I will value and advocate for the needs and interests of all of my constituents. I promise to continue fighting against attempts to marginalize the middle class, protect and create jobs, make New Jersey more affordable, and provide a safety net of services for those in need. I encourage my constituents to contact me with their hopes and concerns for our community’s future.

May I also officially welcome the residents of the District’s new municipalities into the 15th and extend a fond farewell to the Princetons and the residents whose input and involvement I have valued for 18 years. I am looking forward to making new friends and getting to know my new constituents. Again, many thanks for your overwhelming support and encouragement.

Shirley K. Turner
Senator 15th District