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Helping Seeing Eye puppies find their way

Arianna Mccleod
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Helping Seeing Eye puppies find their way

Before a Seeing Eye dog ever guides someone through a busy intersection or safely across a street, countless volunteers have already helped shape its future. Across New Jersey and neighboring states, families open their homes to puppies, introducing them to everyday experiences that prepare them for the next stage of training.

Among those volunteers are Laurie de Jong and her family in Plainsboro, who are currently raising a puppy named Ben.

Like many parents, Laurie de Jong didn’t think her family had time to raise a puppy.

A mother of four, including a set of triplets, de Jong works full time as an exercise physiologist while juggling a busy schedule of school activities, sporting events and family commitments.

So in 2021, when a volunteer in The Seeing Eye’s puppy-raising program at her family’s church suggested that de Jong’s family get involved, her first thought was that they simply had too much going on.

“Our kids always wanted a dog,” de Jong said. “We were always so busy, and I kept thinking we were never home enough.”

But the volunteer saw the family’s busy schedule differently. Rather than viewing it as a barrier, she saw it as an advantage.

“She actually said to me, ‘You’re the perfect family to be raising a Seeing Eye puppy, because the more exposure they get, the more successful they are,’” de Jong recalled.

See Eye puppy Ben relaxes in the De Jong’s Plainsboro home.

Five years later, Ben has become the newest member of the de Jong household and the fifth Seeing Eye puppy the family has raised.

The same busy lifestyle Laurie once thought would make puppy raising impossible has become one of the family’s greatest training tools.

Whether the family is heading to football games, wrestling matches, cheerleading competitions, evening walks or running errands, Ben is usually right alongside them.

“He really goes anywhere and everywhere that we go,” de Jong said.

What might seem like ordinary family outings are intentional learning opportunities for Ben. Each new environment exposes him to unfamiliar sights, sounds and situations, helping him develop the confidence and composure expected of a future guide dog.

According to Lauren Christie, director of canine development at The Seeing Eye, those everyday experiences are among the most important parts of a puppy’s first year.

Puppies are placed with volunteer families at about 7 weeks old and remain with them until they are approximately 13 to 15 months old, when they return to The Seeing Eye for formal guide dog training.

Those first few months are focused on building the skills that will prepare the puppies for the next stage.

“The volunteers lay the foundation with basic obedience and socialization,” Christie said.

Those early lessons prepare puppies for the specialized guide work they’ll begin once they return to The Seeing Eye. Professional instructors build on that foundation by teaching skills such as stopping at changes in elevation, navigating around obstacles, safely crossing streets and knowing when to ignore an unsafe command through a skill known as “intelligent disobedience.”

“The volunteer stage is really about preparing puppies for today’s experiences and their future as guide dogs,” Christie said.

While raising a future guide dog differs from raising a family pet, Christie said volunteers don’t need prior dog experience. The Seeing Eye provides training guidelines, covers veterinary care and food costs, and connects every puppy raiser with an area coordinator and a local puppy club for ongoing support.

Sarah de Jong, right, before her high school graduation ceremony with Ben, the black Lab/golden retriever cross Seeing Eye puppy she is raising with her family, along with Maynard, the de Jong’s pet golden retriever.

For de Jong, that support quickly became one of the biggest surprises of joining the program.

“I thought, OK, I’m just going to be raising a puppy,” she said. “But you actually gain an entire friend group through this process.”

That sense of community is intentionally built into The Seeing Eye’s puppy-raising program.

While the commitment may seem daunting, volunteers aren’t expected to do it alone. Families are supported throughout the process by puppy club leaders and other volunteers.

Among those providing that support is Diane Giordano, who has been raising Seeing Eye puppies with her family for more than 20 years and is currently caring for their 19th and 20th puppies.

Earlier this year, she became one of the puppy club leaders for The Seeing Eye’s club in Middlesex County, where she helps puppy raisers develop the skills and confidence needed at every stage of raising a future Seeing Eye dog through regular meetings, outings and one-on-one guidance.

Much of that support begins before a puppy ever arrives.

Before volunteers receive a puppy, club leaders answer questions, explain the program’s expectations and often invite prospective puppy raisers to attend meetings or spend time handling puppies. The Seeing Eye also encourages prospective volunteers to puppy-sit before committing to raising a puppy of their own, giving them an opportunity to experience the program firsthand.

Once a puppy arrives, club leaders remain a resource for everything from training advice to home visits and regular club check-ins.

“A lot of it is guidance and support,” Giordano said. “We make phone calls, check up on them and ask, ‘How’s the puppy doing? How are you doing?’”

For de Jong, knowing experienced volunteers were always just a phone call away made the commitment feel much less intimidating than she had expected.

“If you’re traveling on vacation and it’s not a type of trip your puppy can go on, somebody’s always there to jump in and puppy-sit,” she said. “If you have some sort of issue, somebody’s always willing to answer questions. I thought I was taking this dog, and I was on my own. That’s not how it is.”

Monthly club meetings give volunteers an opportunity to practice obedience training together, while additional outings expose puppies to new environments they may encounter as guide dogs.

“We take the dogs on trains and buses. They go to parks and beaches,” Giordano said. “We even bring them into New York City to see the Christmas tree.”

The goal, she said, is to help ensure new experiences won’t be intimidating when puppies return for formal training.

Those experiences build on one another, helping puppies grow more comfortable in unfamiliar settings.

“When they go back, they’ve been exposed to so many things,” Giordano said. “It gives the dog a better foundation for training.”

For Christie, that’s exactly what the volunteer program is designed to accomplish. By the time puppies return to The Seeing Eye, they’ve already built the confidence and basic skills professional trainers will continue to develop.

Seeing Eye puppy Ben on a De Jong family visit to Ellis Island.

After more than a year of preparing a puppy for its next stage of training, many volunteers find themselves ready to start again.

For the de Jong family, that transition often includes welcoming one puppy as another prepares to leave.

While raising multiple puppies at once is an option, volunteers can also have other pets at home. In fact, Christie said growing up alongside other dogs, cats and household pets can help expose puppies to all kinds of environments.

After five years, de Jong said the family has found a rhythm that works, one that keeps them focused not on saying goodbye but on preparing the next puppy for its future.

“They’re going on to fulfill their destiny and help someone in one of the largest ways I can think possible by giving someone their independence back,” she said. “That’s an incredible gift that you’re giving someone.”

Although the placement process is typically anonymous, the people matched with the dogs can choose to contact the volunteers through The Seeing Eye. For de Jong, that happened after her family’s first puppy, Dexter, completed his training.

“It was amazing to hear back,” de Jong said. “Hearing all the wonderful things he’s doing, that’s what makes it all worth it.”

For Giordano, seeing puppies reach that stage never loses its meaning.

“When they go through formal training and get placed, it’s like watching your kid graduate from college,” she said. “You feel good that you helped the dog achieve what he was meant to do.”

Five years after agreeing to raise her first puppy, de Jong says the experience has become about far more than bringing a dog into her home. Along the way, her family found a community, discovered a meaningful way to give back and watched five puppies take the first steps toward becoming guide dogs.

“Even though they’re temporary visitors, they really just bring so much joy,” de Jong said. “Every day is a great day for them. I feel like they’ve taught me to have the same perspective. They really do give back to you just as much as you’re putting into them.”

To learn more about becoming a volunteer puppy raiser or to attend an upcoming information session, visit The Seeing Eye’s website.

Princeton Arts Council seeks market vendors

Bill Sanservino
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Princeton Arts Council seeks market vendors

Artists, food busines ses and vintage dealers have several August deadlines to apply for fall and holiday markets organized by the Arts Council of Princeton.

The Arts Council is accepting applications for Sauce for the Goose, Harvest Fare, a Pop-up Vintage Market and Princeton’s Winter Village. The markets are scheduled for the fall and holiday season in downtown Princeton.

Artists working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, printmaking, drawing, painting, apparel and home decor can apply for the Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market by Thursday, Aug. 13.

The market will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Paul Robeson Place. Sauce for the Goose gives artists and makers an opportunity to sell original work directly to shoppers during the holiday shopping season.

Food and beverage businesses also have an Aug. 13 deadline to apply for Harvest Fare, a new section of the market. The addition opens the event to local food makers and beverage businesses, expanding the market beyond visual art and handmade goods.

Vintage dealers have until Thursday, Aug. 20, to apply for a Pop-up Vintage Market scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3. The Arts Council is seeking vendors selling clothing, jewelry, furniture, homeware and accessories.

Artists interested in Princeton’s Winter Village must apply by Thursday, Aug. 27, for a chalet or weekend booth.

The Winter Village chalets will operate Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 12 through Dec. 20. Outdoor artist booths will be available Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 14 through Dec. 20.

The series of deadlines gives artists, small businesses and independent vendors several ways to take part in downtown Princeton events during the fall and holiday season. The markets also give shoppers a chance to buy from local and regional makers during some of the busiest retail periods of the year.

The Arts Council of Princeton is based at 102 Witherspoon St. in Princeton. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Bucks County marks ‘Rent’ 30th anniversary

Bill Sanservino
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Bucks County marks ‘Rent’ 30th anniversary

Bucks County Playhouse will mark the 30th anniversary of Jonathan Larson’s rock musical “Rent” with a new production that honors the show’s legacy while introducing its story of love, friendship and community to a new generation.

Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award nominee Jennifer Weber, whose Broadway credits include “& Juliet” and “KPOP,” the production runs Aug. 13 through Sept. 13.

The cast is led by Austin Turner, who appeared in “Rent” at North Shore Music Theatre, as Roger Davis; Sam Primack of Broadway’s “Dear Evan Hansen” as Mark Cohen; Alysia Velez of Broadway’s “Into the Woods” as Mimi Marquez; and Owen Scales of Fulton Theatre’s “Frozen” as Tom Collins.

David Merino, whose Broadway credits include “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” plays Angel Schunard. Veronica Otim of Broadway’s “& Juliet” and “Redwood” plays Joanne Jefferson, while Tiernan Tunnicliffe of “& Juliet” plays Maureen Johnson. Kevin Trinio Perdido of Broadway’s “Once Upon a One More Time” plays Benjamin Coffin III.

The company also includes Dré Hinds of the national tour of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”; Aubrey Jones of Pace University’s “Pippin”; Jack Hopewell of the national tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar”; Michael Marrero of the national tour of “Peter Pan”; JP Qualters of the national tour of “Mrs. Doubtfire”; Lauren Soto of Broadway’s “Mamma Mia!”; and Sunayna Smith of Bucks County Playhouse’s “Grease.”

The creative team includes scenic designer Tom Rogers, costume designer Nicole V. Moody, hair and wig designer J. Jared Janas, lighting designer Yael Lubetzky, sound designer Ashton Michael Corey, props supervisor Anya Kutner, music director Alexander Tom and production stage manager Amy Rauchwerger.

Since its Broadway premiere in 1996, “Rent” has inspired generations with its score and story of friendship, resilience and chosen family. The musical won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and four Tony Awards, including best musical.

Rather than attempting to recreate the original production, Weber is approaching “Rent” as a living work of theater that remains rooted in New York City’s East Village of the 1990s while speaking to contemporary audiences.

“‘Rent’ is 30 years old, but we still tend to think about it as if it was written yesterday,” Weber said. “There are people in our cast who weren’t even born when ‘Rent’ premiered. They’re discovering this story with fresh eyes, and that creates an exciting conversation between the original generation of ‘Rent’ fans and a new generation experiencing it for the first time.”

Known for her physical storytelling, Weber has created a choreographic language through which the characters express emotion, explore memory and experience connection.

Inspired by her own years living in a New York artists’ loft, Weber envisions the production’s central setting as a creative hub where artists gather, collaborate, struggle, celebrate and find community.

“I want audiences to reconnect with ‘Rent’ in a way that feels present,” Weber said. “I want people to hear the music differently because of what they see on stage.”

Producing Artistic Director BT McNicholl said Weber’s approach preserves the musical’s central themes while allowing audiences to see the story from a new perspective.

“‘Rent’ has earned its place among the defining works of American musical theater because it speaks so honestly about love, loss, hope and community,” McNicholl said. “Jennifer’s vision honors the heart of Jonathan Larson’s remarkable musical while revealing new layers that make this story feel immediate, deeply human and as relevant today as it was 30 years ago.”

Set in New York City’s East Village during the height of the AIDS epidemic, “Rent” follows a close-knit group of artists navigating friendship, love, loss and the pursuit of their dreams.

The score includes “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Bohème,” “Take Me or Leave Me” and “I’ll Cover You.”

The production is the fourth show in Bucks County Playhouse’s 2026 season, sponsored by Bank of America. Nurture Spa of New Hope is the production sponsor. “Rent” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Performances run Aug. 13 through Sept. 13 at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. For tickets and information, visit buckscountyplayhouse.org or call the box office at 215-862-2121.

Bucks County Playhouse was founded in 1939 by a group of Broadway artists. The theater is marking the 14th anniversary of its 2012 reopening and restoration by the Bridge Street Foundation. It welcomes more than 80,000 patrons annually.

Beginning in 2014, Tony Award-winning producers Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman and Josh Fiedler led the Playhouse’s artistic revitalization.

Productions of “Company,” starring Justin Guarini, and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” were named to The Wall Street Journal’s Best of Theater list in 2015. In 2018, the Journal recognized the Playhouse and artistic associate Hunter Foster for its production of “42nd Street.”

The following year, the publication called Bucks County Playhouse “one of the best regional theaters on the East Coast.”

The Playhouse has since presented productions including “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” “Steel Magnolias,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Grease,” “Anastasia: The Musical,” “White Christmas” and “Elf: The Musical,” which became the highest-grossing production in Playhouse history.

In 2022, the Playhouse produced Candace Bushnell’s “Is There Still Sex in the City?,” directed by Lorin Latarro. The production later transferred off-Broadway.

Now led by McNicholl, the Playhouse continues to produce musical theater and develop new work. A Broadway director, producer and educator, McNicholl has staged productions in the United States and internationally.

On Ramp: Week of Aug. 5

Bill Sanservino
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On Ramp: Week of Aug. 5

On Ramp is a guide to opportunities readers can act on now, from workshops, auditions and artist calls to volunteer roles, business programs and community resources. Listings are subject to change, so readers should confirm details with the sponsoring organization before making plans. Corrections should be sent to cns-news@centraljersey.media.

Business & Career

Young Professionals Networking. The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold Young Professionals On Tap on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The evening networking program is designed for emerging professionals who want to build relationships in a less formal setting. The chamb er’s Young Professionals group focuses on networking, career development and connections among people building careers in the Princeton Mercer region.

The event may appeal to young professionals, new managers, nonprofit staff members, entrepreneurs and others looking for regional business contacts. For more information go to princetonmercerchamber.org.

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Chamber Membership Orientation. The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its August membership orientation Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in Princeton.

The program is designed for new members, current members and prospective members who want to understand how to make better use of the chamber. Participants can learn about committees, marketing opportunities, networking programs and other ways to become more visible in the regional business community.

The session may be useful for small business owners, nonprofit leaders, sales professionals, entrepreneurs and company representatives who want to decide where chamber participation fits into their outreach plans. For more information go to princetonmercerchamber.org.

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Middlesex Networking Breakfast. The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its August Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 8:30 a.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Piscataway Somerset, 121 Centennial Ave. in Piscataway.

The breakfast is intended to help business professionals meet potential clients, partners and referral sources. The chamber describes the program as a platform for meeting like-minded professionals, building partnerships and driving business forward.

The event may be useful for Mercer-area professionals whose work reaches into Middlesex County, especially consultants, service providers, salespeople, entrepreneurs and nonprofit representatives looking for contacts along the Route 1 corridor. For more information go to mcrcc.org.

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JobSeekers Virtual Meeting. JobSeekers will hold a virtual meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The group meets online on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and provides a regular setting for job seekers to connect, share information and find support during a job search. Participants should use the group’s website for current meeting links.

The meeting may be useful for people who are unemployed, underemployed, considering a career change or looking for practical support from others going through the same process. For more information go to sites.google.com/site/njjobseekers.

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Business Before Business. The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold an in-person Business Before Business networking event Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Princeton.

The morning program gives businesspeople a chance to make contacts before the workday begins. It may be useful for chamber members and guests who want a structured way to meet other professionals, introduce their work and maintain visibility in the regional business community.

The event may appeal to business owners, nonprofit leaders, sales professionals and people who prefer morning networking to after-hours events. For more information go to princetonmercerchamber.org.

Arts & Creativity

Art All Day Registration. Artworks Trenton is accepting artist and site registrations for Art All Day, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 6 p.m. in Trenton.

The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 28. Art All Day is Trenton’s citywide creative showcase, giving artists, studios, galleries, creative businesses and community partners a way to take part in a public arts event.

Participating artists can display and sell work, meet collectors and connect with audiences throughout the city. For more information go to artworkstrenton.org.

Jersey Art Meetup. The Arts Council of Princeton will host Jersey Art Meetup on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The weekly social event connects creatives in Central Jersey who are interested in sequential art, illustration, comics, writing and new media. Participants can use the open workshop space to draw, write, develop ideas and receive feedback from other artists.

The meetup may appeal to artists looking for a low-pressure way to keep working, meet other creatives and get peer response outside a formal class. For more information go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.

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Nutcracker Auditions. Roxey Ballet will hold auditions for its 2026 production of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Mill Ballet School in New Hope.

Auditions are open to students ages 4 and older. Families should review the audition requirements, registration instructions, age divisions and rehearsal expectations before signing up.

The opportunity may appeal to young dancers and families looking for a seasonal performance experience connected to a professional ballet company. For more information go to roxeyballet.org.

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Film & Media

Documentary Film Submissions. The New Jersey Documentary Film Festival is accepting submissions, with a regular deadline of Monday, Aug. 3, and later submission windows continuing afterward.

The festival gives documentary filmmakers a submission opportunity connected to New Jersey and the regional film community. It may be useful for independent filmmakers, student filmmakers and producers working on documentary shorts or features.

Filmmakers should review categories, late deadlines, fees and eligibility before submitting. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.

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Horror Film Submissions. New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival is accepting film submissions, with an August submission deadline approaching.

The festival may be a fit for filmmakers working in horror, thriller, suspense, science fiction or other genre-film categories. Regional filmmakers with completed shorts or features can use the deadline as a chance to get work into a New Jersey-based genre festival.

Filmmakers should review runtime, category and fee information before submitting. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.

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Mercer Book Festival Authors. The Mercer County Library System invites local authors to participate in its second annual Book Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch.

The opportunity is intended for writers who want to meet readers, display books and take part in a local literary event. Authors should review the library’s application information, eligibility rules and participation details before applying.

The event may be useful for self-published authors, small-press authors and writers with recent books who want to reach Mercer County readers. For more information go to mcl.org.

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New Hope Film Submissions. Filmmakers can submit work for consideration for the 2027 New Hope Film Festival, with a regular deadline of Friday, Aug. 28.

The festival accepts submissions in multiple categories, including narrative features, documentary features, narrative shorts, documentary shorts, student films, music videos and webisodes. Submitted films are considered for the 2027 festival, scheduled for April 16 through 25.

The opportunity may be useful for regional filmmakers, student filmmakers and independent producers looking for a nearby festival with a long-running presence in Bucks County. For more information go to filmfreeway.com.

Youth & Family

Princeton Technology Help. Volunteers from Bloomberg plan to offer individualized technology assistance Thursday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m. at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.

Participants can seek help with computers, phones, tablets and other technology questions. The program may be useful for adults, older teens and families who need one-on-one help with devices, online tools, applications or basic troubleshooting.

Visitors should confirm the program and room through the library calendar or information desk before attending. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.

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Teen Digital Arts Camp. West Windsor Arts will offer FLOW: Teen Digital Arts Camp for ages 13 to 17 through Friday, Aug. 7.

The camp gives teens a chance to explore digital art using a variety of tools, with concepts ranging from beginner to more advanced work. It is designed for students interested in developing their own creative voice through digital media.

The program may appeal to teens interested in visual art, design, illustration, digital tools or portfolio-building. Families should check availability, registration requirements and fees before enrolling. For more information go to westwindsorarts.org.

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Musical Theater Workshops. Kelsey Theatre’s Tomato Patch program offers one-day intensive musical theater workshops on Fridays, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.

Students may sign up for one workshop or multiple sessions. Each day runs from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and ends with a showcase. The workshops are designed for young performers interested in musical theater, stage skills and performance experience.

The program may appeal to students looking for a short summer theater experience without committing to a longer camp. For more information go to kelsey.mccc.edu.

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Teen Advisory Board. The Mercer County Library System’s Teen Advisory Board will meet Friday, Aug. 14, at 3:30 p.m.

The group is designed for students in grades 9 through 12 who live or go to school in Mercer County and want to help the library and community. Teen advisory boards generally give students a way to suggest programs, support library projects and earn service experience.

The opportunity may appeal to high school students looking for a structured volunteer or leadership role during the school year. Teens should confirm the meeting location, registration requirements and service-credit rules through the library calendar. For more information go to mcl.org.

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College Application Roadmap. The Mercer County Library System plans to offer the virtual program “The Junior and Senior Year Roadmap: A Timeline for Stress-Free College Applications” online Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m.

The session is designed for high school juniors, seniors and their families. Topics are expected to include course planning, standardized testing, college lists, application essays, financial aid, deadlines and comparing admissions offers.

The program will be held online rather than at a library branch. Advance registration is required to receive the access link and any program materials. For more information go to mcl.org.

Community Connections

Hamilton Pantry Distribution. Arm In Arm plans to bring its mobile food pantry to the Hamilton Township Public Library Thursday, Aug. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way in Hamilton.

The distribution is intended for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. No advance registration is expected to be required, and Arm In Arm and library staff will register participants when they arrive.

Readers should confirm the date, hours, parking information and any schedule changes through the library before visiting. For more information go to hamiltonnjpl.org.

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Caregiver Support Group. The Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library System plans to hold a bilingual Caregiver Support Group Tuesday, Aug. 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road in East Windsor.

The group provides a safe space for caregivers to share experiences and learn ways to manage stress and other concerns. Kat Verdi is scheduled to facilitate the session and provide information in English and Spanish about available resources.

Snacks are expected to be served. Participants should confirm the program and register through the library calendar. For more information go to mcl.org.

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Mental Health Education. NAMI New Jersey, in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is offering a free community mental health education initiative on Mondays through Aug. 31.

The virtual sessions run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and are connected to NAMI’s effort to expand youth-focused mental health programming in rural New Jersey. The program is open to people looking for mental health education and community resources.

The next session after the Aug. 5 issue is Monday, Aug. 10. Participants should confirm registration details and access information through NAMI New Jersey. For more information go to naminj.org.

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Point Breeze Garden Volunteers. D&R Greenway Land Trust offers gardening, food education and hunger-relief volunteer activities at Point Breeze, 101 Park St. in Bordentown City.

Volunteers may help tend an heirloom garden, harvest produce and prepare food for people in need. The program may appeal to residents interested in gardening, cooking, food access or community service.

Volunteer dates, starting times, age requirements and registration procedures vary. Participants should check the organization’s website for the current schedule and instructions before visiting Point Breeze. For more information go to drgreenway.org.

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Bordentown Library Volunteers. The Bordentown Library Association is seeking residents interested in supporting programs and services at the Bordentown Library, 18 E. Union St. in Bordentown City.

The volunteer board raises money through grants and contributions to support children’s, teen and adult programming. Residents can submit an interest form to join the association or ask about helping with fundraising and library activities.

The opportunity may appeal to residents, library users, retirees, parents and community members interested in supporting local literacy and public programming. For more information go to bcls.lib.nj.us.

Learning & Lifestyle

Home History Research. The Trenton Free Public Library plans to present “Explore Your Home’s Story” Thursday, Aug. 6, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Trentoniana Local History Room at 120 Academy St. in Trenton.

Participants will learn about records and other resources that can be used to investigate the history of a house or property. The program may appeal to homeowners, renters, preservation advocates, neighborhood historians and people interested in Trenton history.

Readers should confirm the program through the library calendar and determine whether they should bring an address, documents or a computer. For more information go to tfplibrary.org.

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Mindful Summer Break. The Hickory Corner Branch plans to present “A Mindful Summer Escape” Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road in East Windsor.

The restorative program will use mindful breathing, gentle body awareness, intention setting, guided visualization and quiet reflection to help participants slow down and reconnect.

The Friends of the Hickory Corner Library sponsors the program. Participants should confirm the event and register through the library calendar. For more information go to mcl.org.

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Cursive Writing Workshops. The Hickory Corner Branch plans to offer Learning Cursive workshops Wednesdays, Aug. 12, 19 and 26, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 138 Hickory Corner Road in East Windsor.

Participants will use worksheets to practice cursive handwriting. The program comes as New Jersey prepares to require cursive instruction for students in third through fifth grades beginning in September.

The workshops may be useful for children, parents, grandparents and adults who want to brush up on handwriting skills. Participants should confirm the dates and register through the library calendar. For more information go to mcl.org.

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Apple Device Help. Members of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group plan to offer drop-in assistance Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.

Participants can seek help resolving questions involving Apple computers, phones, tablets and related software. The drop-in format may be useful for people with specific device problems or questions that do not require a formal class.

Visitors should confirm the program and meeting room through the library calendar before attending. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.

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Cable Alternatives Class. Princeton Public Library plans to offer “Beyond Cable” Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. in the Technology Center at the Sands Library Building, 65 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.

The class is intended for residents interested in streaming services and alternatives to traditional cable television. It may help participants compare options, think about costs and understand what equipment or subscriptions may be required.

Participants should confirm the class and check the program listing for registration, equipment requirements and details about the services that will be discussed. For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.

Ongoing Access

Small Business Mentoring. SCORE offers free mentoring, workshops and business resources for entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners.

The organization connects business owners with volunteer mentors who can offer guidance on planning, financing, marketing, operations and growth. SCORE also offers online workshops and templates for people starting or strengthening a business.

The resource may be useful for entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, retailers, nonprofits and owners who need advice but are not ready to hire a consultant. For more information go to score.org.

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Small Business Consulting. The New Jersey Small Business Development Center offers no-cost, one-on-one consulting and training for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

NJSBDC advisers can help with business plans, financing, marketing, operations, government contracting and growth strategies. The organization also posts workshops and certificate programs throughout the year.

The resource may be useful for startups, established businesses, contractors, home-based businesses, solo entrepreneurs and companies trying to expand or stabilize operations. For more information go to njsbdc.com.

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State Business Assistance. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority offers financing, tax credit, real estate, clean energy, innovation and small business programs.

Programs open and close throughout the year, and eligibility varies by industry, location, company size and funding source. Businesses can use the NJEDA site to monitor available programs and application requirements.

The resource may be useful for business owners, developers, manufacturers, nonprofits, technology companies and entrepreneurs looking for state-backed financing or support. For more information go to njeda.gov.

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Submit an On Ramp Item. Libraries, schools, nonprofit organizations, senior groups, arts organizations and civic associations in the greater Mercer County region can submit actionable programs for consideration in future On Ramp sections.

Useful submissions include registration deadlines, volunteer needs, donation drives, auditions, applications, workshops, classes and participatory programs. Each submission should identify who is sponsoring the program, what readers can do, when it will occur and where it will be held.

Submissions also should include eligibility information, registration instructions, a contact person and a base website address.

Pharma giants Bristol Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca discuss merger

Bill Sanservino
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Pharma giants Bristol Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca discuss merger

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and AstraZeneca are reportedly considering a merger that could create a company valued at nearly $400 billion.

The companies are among the largest pharmaceutical employers in the region.

BMS maintains its corporate headquarters and two major campuses in Lawrence Township. Its 280-acre Route 206 campus contains laboratories, offices and support facilities, while its Princeton Pike campus houses commercial, research and product development operations.

AstraZeneca also lists Princeton as a work location and employs pharmaceutical professionals throughout central New Jersey. Its North American commercial headquarters is in Wilmington, Delaware.

The companies have held preliminary discussions in recent months about combining, according to published reports. The structure of a possible transaction has not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether the talks are continuing.

A merger would create the world’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical company by market value and the largest by revenue. As of July 31, BMS was valued at about $133 billion and AstraZeneca at about $264 billion.

The BMS Route 206 campus serves as its corporate headquarters and an early-stage drug discovery site. The Princeton Pike campus houses employees working in commercial operations, research and development and product supply.

The potential merger comes as BMS continues a restructuring effort that has resulted in several rounds of job reductions in New Jersey. The company plans to eliminate hundreds of additional positions as part of an effort to reduce costs by $2 billion by the end of 2027.

Despite the reductions, BMS remains one of Mercer County’s largest private employers.

A merger would combine two companies with significant cancer-treatment portfolios. They also sell competing cancer immunotherapies. BMS markets Opdivo, while AstraZeneca markets Imfinzi, an overlap that could draw antitrust scrutiny.

BMS is seeking to offset declining revenue from older medicines and prepare for patent expirations affecting products including Eliquis and Opdivo.

AstraZeneca has been expanding its U.S. investments in research, manufacturing and commercial operations. It employed nearly 18,000 people at 23 U.S. sites in 2025 and plans to invest $50 billion in the United States by 2030. Investors reacted skeptically to the reports. AstraZeneca shares fell about 9% on Aug. 3, while BMS shares declined by less than 1%.

AstraZeneca declined to comment on the reports. BMS did not immediately respond to requests for comment from several news organizations.

Campus Eye founder charged in Medicare fraud case

Lea Kahn
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Campus Eye founder charged in Medicare fraud case

E. Bruce DiDonato, an optometrist who founded Campus Eye LLC and Campus Eye Surgery Center LLC in Hamilton Township, has been charged in a seven-count federal indictment related to health care fraud and illegal kickbacks, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey.

DiDonato, 71, of Lawrence Township, was charged July 29 with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, two counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to offer and pay health care kickbacks in connection with illegal referrals, and three counts of paying health care kickbacks.

The charges are accusations, and DiDonato is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In 2021, DiDonato sold a portion of his interest in Campus Eye LLC and Campus Eye Surgery Center LLC to a private equity firm, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.

DiDonato then became CEO of the newly formed Campus Eye Management Holdings LLC and its wholly owned subsidiary, Campus Eye Management LLC.

The two entities operated the optometry practice and outpatient eye surgery center in Hamilton Township.

Before and after DiDonato and outside investors formed the Campus Eye entities, he and others allegedly engaged in Medicare fraud by performing and billing for unnecessary diagnostic tests at the eye surgery center. The conduct allegedly occurred from at least 2015 through March 2023, according to federal prosecutors.

DiDonato allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to ophthalmologists in exchange for referring patients who needed eye surgery to the center.

Diagnostic tests were allegedly ordered that duplicated tests the patients had already received. Some tests also were not needed for the type of surgery being performed.

Neither DiDonato nor the optometrist reviewed the tests, according to prosecutors. In most instances, the ophthalmologists did not review the tests or rely on them when making treatment decisions before surgery.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists both provide eye care, but their training and roles differ. Optometrists attend optometry school and generally provide routine eye care, while ophthalmologists attend medical school and can perform eye surgery.

To conceal the alleged kickbacks and bribes, DiDonato created sham agreements that described the payments as consulting fees, according to prosecutors. The payments were made as monthly flat fees.

The flat fees were allegedly based on a percentage of the optometry practice’s Medicare reimbursements for tests performed on patients whom the ophthalmologists had referred to the practice during the previous year.

DiDonato allegedly caused approximately $3.4 million in fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare. Medicare paid approximately $1 million on those claims, according to prosecutors.

If convicted, DiDonato faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each of the health care fraud conspiracy and health care fraud counts. He faces a maximum of five years in prison on the kickback conspiracy count and 10 years on each count of paying health care kickbacks.

Separately, the U.S. Department of Justice declined to prosecute the Campus Eye entities for the health care fraud and kickback scheme because of the companies’ timely and voluntary disclosure of the misconduct, full cooperation with the investigation and remedial measures, federal officials said.

The Campus Eye entities agreed to pay $1 million in disgorgement as part of the resolution.

Karly C and Rebel Y’all find their stride

Susan Vandongen
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Karly C and Rebel Y’all find their stride

Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, Mercer County folks can say they knew Mike Matisa and Karly C. “when.” That is, when they were playing acoustic duos in small places around Hamilton and Princeton.

Now they have their own high-energy country-rock group, Karly C and the Rebel Y’all Band, and are performing for thousands of people.

Matisa and Karly C., with the Rebel Y’all Band, have been playing steadily to enthusiastic crowds at venues ranging from country music clubs at the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches to the luxe showrooms of area casinos, as well as regional and local festivals.

In June, they played the Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, appearing the same day that superstar Post Malone was the headliner.

“People wanted pictures with us, and I must have signed 40 or 50 autographs,” Karly says. “I thought to myself ‘this is different.’”

Closer to home, Karly C and the Rebel Y’all Band will play a free concert at the Burlington County Amphitheater in Westampton on Saturday, Aug. 15. South Jersey-based singer Grace Haley opens the evening of music.

In addition to Karly C. on lead vocals and acoustic guitar and Matisa on rhythm guitar, banjitar and vocals, the band consists of Bordentown’s Matt Nardone on lead guitar and vocals; Tink Thompson of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, on fiddle; Beau Rosin of Hamilton on bass and vocals; and Tabernacle resident Chris Broski on drums and vocals.

When this writer last checked in on Hamilton natives Mike and Karly Matisa, who are now married, it was 2018, and Karly had just begun to shift her interests toward contemporary country music, learning numerous songs and crafting quite a few of her own. Matisa worked in the background, encouraging his future wife while also cultivating connections with producers, session players, radio promoters, publicists and other industry professionals.

At the time, Karly Coleman, a 2011 Steinert High School graduate, had released a 10-song debut album and was working with several producers on possible singles and another EP. Her music had also attracted interest beyond the United States through a production music publishing agreement with an Australian company that submitted her work to major international publishers.

Karly C performs with the Rebel Y’all Band. The Hamilton native and her band have expanded from local acoustic performances to festivals, casinos and venues across the region while pursuing a growing career in country music.

She had collaborated with producer and composer Edgard Jaude, whose work included music for television and film, and had recorded with other producers working in pop and electronic dance music. Although the projects crossed genres, they helped Karly develop the powerful, slightly raspy vocal style that would eventually fit naturally with contemporary country and country-rock.

Listeners have compared her voice to performers ranging from Linda Ronstadt to Miley Cyrus. Matisa previously described her sound as a combination of Pat Benatar and Joan Jett with some country influence. Karly’s own musical interests have included Adele, Lady Gaga, Sia, Ariana Grande and the hard-rock bands of the 1980s.

“Our main focus is to establish Karly as a recording artist, and we’ve put in an effort to build up her catalog of originals,” Matisa says.

Now that country music has exploded in popular culture, they are both ready to jump into the scene boots first.

Matisa and Karly C.’s pivot from a modest acoustic duo to a powerhouse contemporary country band began only about a year ago. The process started in August 2025, when the two strategized about how to put their own band together.

“Once we had our lineup we’d put a promotional video together in the fall of 2025, and shopped it around, blasting emails to venues in the tri-state radius, and things started to catch fire,” Matisa says. “We booked a bunch of shows on our own, but agencies started to reach out to us, so we worked with them, and really lucked out. We now have 40 shows planned almost to the end of this year.”

As of this writing, they already have two shows booked at Parx Casino and another two at MudHen Brewing Co. in Wildwood for 2027.

They do all this while working full time, Karly for Virtua Health and Matisa for SiriusXM.

“Our first show in 2026 was January 9 at The West, at Caesars, Atlantic City” he adds. “The big surprise to us, just three months into the new band, we were invited to be part of the Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, where we played on June 20th, mostly originals. It’s a four-day festival with some major acts. It’s just been great between the agencies, the venues and the fans.”

Indeed, Karly was leaning toward country music about 10 years ago.

“Funny thing is, all of a sudden country is the hottest thing,” Matisa says. “Karly had her first song on country radio in 2019.”

But the Rebel Y’all Band does not just play country music. The group can rock out to Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake and Lynyrd Skynyrd, among others. Karly can sing just about anything.

“Our shows are mostly country, but we throw in classic rock, some pop songs, ‘80s singalongs, etc.,” Matisa says. “People have started to yell out ‘Freebird,’ so we decided to do it and the audience loves it.”

Karly C. reflects that, although her family was not particularly musical, her parents saw that she was passionate about music even as a child. Her mother bought her a toy microphone, and Karly took to it like a natural.

She played clarinet and violin at Crockett Middle School and Steinert High School, but she also experimented with piano and guitar at a young age.

“I could play guitar and piano by around age 12, and I learned songs by watching YouTube videos,” she says. “I would watch and mimic how they played the piano, and then I learned chords and figured things out on my own from there.”

Her earliest public singing experience came through annual recitals while taking childhood vocal lessons. She later auditioned for “American Idol” and advanced through multiple rounds after performing an Adele song.

Before meeting Matisa, however, she had not sung regularly with a band. Much of her early experience consisted of singing alone at home and teaching herself songs by ear.

Matisa has also been musically inclined since his youth and, in different capacities, has been part of the New Jersey music scene for decades.

Mike Matisa and Karly C. perform with the Rebel Y’all Band. The Hamilton couple formed the six-piece country-rock group last year and has since landed appearances at major festivals and entertainment venues.

It was through their mothers that the two reluctantly met.

“Our moms kind of forced us to meet — we were not into it,” Karly says. “My mom told me that Mike was having a gig. I went to his mom’s house, he pulled up karaoke on her computer, and I just had to sing on the spot.”

“I’ll never forget her from that first night when she got up to sing with my band — she came up fearless,” Matisa says. “She had never sung live before and she was amazing. I thought she had both star quality and a radio-ready voice.”

In addition to all the successful live performances, Karly C.’s original songs have placed on MusicRow magazine’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Her latest is “The Grass Looks Greener,” a thoughtful but upbeat reflection on how happiness can be found through gratitude and not by comparing oneself to others.

“As of recently, it was number 73 on ‘Music Row’s’ Country Breakout Radio Chart through spin tracking of reporting FM stations,” Karly C. says. “It’s also in rotation on a number of online radio stations around the globe.”

“It’s her fourth time appearing on that chart,” Matisa says. “Karly works a single for about 20 to 25 weeks, and we’re about 12 weeks in. We have between now and November to see how far the song goes. Last year, her song ‘You’ve Seen Heaven’ made it to number 42, and spent 16 weeks on the charts.”

Karly has been in communication with Nashville-based producer and guitarist Dylan Maloney, who has worked with Colt Ford, and will travel to Music City from Aug. 25-28 for three or four days of scheduled sessions to collaborate with other songwriters.

The trip will not be her first exposure to Nashville. She had visited the city years earlier and was drawn to its concentration of performers and live music. Even then, she talked about returning regularly and becoming more involved in its music community.

“Dylan has the connections,” Karly says. “We’ve known him for about seven years, but just recently out of the blue he said, ‘I want to get you to Nashville and meet some writers from Sony Music as well as some independents who’ve worked with Jason Aldean, etc.’ He’s going to try and get us a record deal, as he’s done for a few other people. This was all his idea.”

“In the next month or so, we’ll do photo shoots, sessions with other writers, and record an EP (extended play recording), shop it around and see what happens,” she says. “You can do a lot from your home, but you really have to be there (in Nashville) to break out.”

“I think I’m more excited about this than Karly is,” Matisa says. “This is what we’ve been working towards, this is what counts.”

Karly did have some opportunities to perform with other regional country bands, but in her heart, and Matisa’s, they both knew their own band would be a better fit, much more fun and much more personal.

“Now that I have my own band, I don’t have to stand still behind the microphone, and I spend half the night out in the crowd,” she says. “I want to make the audience part of the show.”

“I wanted to feel every word, connect with every person in the crowd, and create moments that people would carry home,” she adds. “That’s where I found my purpose.”

Karly C and the Rebel Y’all Band will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Burlington County Amphitheater, 5 Pioneer Blvd., adjacent to the Burlington County Library in Westampton. Grace Haley opens the show at 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 609-265-5858 or visit rebelyallband.com.

Karly C. on the web: karlycmusic.com.

Mike Matisa on the web: mikematisa.com

US1 | Issue 7/29/2026

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US1 | Issue 7/29/2026

US1 | Issues 7/22/2026

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Institute for Advanced Study adds trustees

Bill Sanservino
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Institute for Advanced Study adds trustees

The Institute for Advanced Study has appointed astrophysicist Victoria “Vicky” Kaspi, attorney Kevin L. MacMillan and economist and finance executive Peter Orszag to its Board of Trustees.

MacMillan’s appointment was unanimously approved by the board Oct. 25, 2025. Kaspi and Orszag were appointed with unanimous approval May 2.

The three trustees bring experience in science, law, finance, public policy and academia to the Princeton-based institute.

Kaspi is the Lorne Trottier Professor of Astrophysics and director of the Trottier Space Institute at McGill University, where she also holds the Distinguished James McGill Chair.

She uses radio and X-ray telescopes to study pulsars and magnetars. Before joining McGill in 1999, she taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and held a NASA Hubble postdoctoral fellowship.

Kaspi earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from McGill and a doctorate in astrophysics from Princeton University. Her honors include the 2021 Shaw Prize, the 2022 Albert Einstein World Award of Science and the 2016 Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering. She was the first woman to receive the Herzberg Medal.

She is a companion of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Canada.

Kaspi has also participated in several IAS seminars and conferences.

MacMillan is a partner at Allegaert Berger & Vogel, which he joined in 2003. His practice includes contracts, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and nonprofit law.

He began his legal career at Shearman & Sterling’s London office. MacMillan earned a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University and a law degree from Columbia University.

He serves with the Princeton Mpala Advisory Council, the Peddie School and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

MacMillan’s mother, Trustee Emerita Nancy MacMillan, is the great-niece of founding IAS Trustee Herbert H. Maass. Maass introduced institute founders Louis Bamberger and Caroline Bamberger Fuld to Abraham Flexner, who became its first director.

Orszag is CEO and chairman of Lazard. His career has included senior roles in finance, government, public policy and academia.

Under President Barack Obama, Orszag served as director of the Office of Management and Budget, overseeing the federal budget during the financial crisis and helping develop federal health care reform.

He previously led the Congressional Budget Office, focusing on long-term fiscal policy and rising health care costs.

Orszag earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Princeton University and a doctorate from the London School of Economics.

He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves on the  board of the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

His father, mathematician and physicist Steven A. Orszag, was a member of the institute’s School of Natural Sciences in 1966-67 and became known for his work in computational fluid dynamics and turbulence theory.

Founded in 1930, the Institute for Advanced Study supports independent research in the sciences and humanities. Its faculty and members have included Albert Einstein, Erwin Panofsky, John von Neumann, Emmy Noether, George Kennan and J. Robert Oppenheimer.

The institute welcomes more than 250 postdoctoral researchers and scholars each year. Its present and former faculty and members include 37 Nobel laureates, 46 Fields Medal recipients and 25 Abel Prize laureates, along with recipients of the Turing Award, the Pulitzer Prize in history and other major academic honors.

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