From the Executive Director
I hope you had a joyful and rejuvenating summer! As we transition into the cooler months, I’m thrilled to welcome you to the first edition of our digital newsletter. This shift to a digital format not only allows us to share our updates more frequently and effectively but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability—reducing our environmental footprint is one of our ongoing goals.
Unlike many businesses that slow down during the summer, our operations heat up! Our summer farmstand, which kicked off on June 5th, has been a resounding success. Every Wednesday, our community enjoys fresh, locally sourced produce. The smiles and gratitude from our program participants as they pick up their farm-fresh selections are priceless. A heartfelt thank you to Carversville Farm Foundation, Rolling Harvest, Grow A Row, and all the local farmers whose generosity keeps our farmstand thriving.
We’re also incredibly proud of our Feeding Local Youth (FLY) program, an initiative close to our hearts. Since its launch in 2019, this program has ensured that children who rely on free and reduced lunches during the school year continue to receive nutritious meals over the summer. This year, we distributed over 1,000 meal bags packed with healthy, child-approved options. It’s a joy to see these young faces light up with excitement as they explore their meal bags.
Our Lambertville Academy was buzzing with activity all summer long. The children enjoyed a variety of enriching trips and programs, and we were able to provide scholarships to families needing financial assistance for summer childcare. These experiences not only entertained the children but also fostered learning and growth.
As we gear up for the new school year, our commitment to our community remains steadfast. We are collecting back-to-school supplies to ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed. Thanks to the generosity of local churches and businesses, we anticipate providing over 170 backpacks brimming with supplies.
While summer often brings thoughts of relaxation, hunger doesn’t take a vacation, and neither do we. Our dedicated staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to keep our essential programs running smoothly. I’m proud to report that, despite our busy schedule, we’ve also found moments to rest and recharge, ready to tackle the busy months ahead.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of the Fisherman’s Mark community. Together, we’re making a significant impact every day.
Jennifer Williford
Executive Director
Exciting Updates from the Lambertville Academy
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates from Lambertville Academy, where our enrichment programs and community collaborations continue to make a significant impact on our students and their families.
Enrichment Programs
This summer, our students had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of enrichment programs designed to foster their creativity and development. Our offerings included:
- Soccer Shots: A fun introduction to soccer that enhances physical fitness and teamwork.
- Qigong: A practice that promotes relaxation and mindfulness through gentle movements.
- Birdhouse Center for the Arts: Engaging music classes that encourage self-expression and creativity.
- Yoga: Classes focused on flexibility, balance, and stress relief.
- Creative Movement by Roxy Ballet: A dynamic program combining dance and movement to build coordination and confidence.
- Spanish Language Skills: Interactive sessions to introduce and develop basic Spanish language abilities.
- STEM: Hands-on activities that stimulate curiosity and problem-solving skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Creative Arts: A broad range of activities encouraging artistic exploration and imagination.
Parent Referral Program
Lambertville Academy offers a Parent Referral Program. Refer a friend, and you’ll receive a free week of enrollment for your child. It’s a win-win opportunity to share the benefits of our exceptional programs while enjoying a special reward.
Pre-K Enrollment
We are currently encouraging families in the surrounding communities to enroll their children in our pre-K program. Our early childhood education is designed to prepare young learners for a successful start in kindergarten, and we collaborate closely with Lambertville Public Schools to support afternoon care and ensure a smooth transition to elementary school.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss our Back to School Night in early October, where families can meet teachers, learn more about our programs, and get ready for an exciting school year.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. We look forward to a fantastic school year ahead!
Fisherman's Mark Announces New and Outgoing Board Members
Fisherman’s Mark extends its gratitude to outgoing board members while welcoming new faces as we enter a new chapter.
Farewell to Outgoing Members
Jose Falconi: Jose has been instrumental in managing our facilities and played a key role with Los Puentes. His notable achievement is transforming a neglected space at Lambertville Academy into a thriving pollinator garden.
Dan Meara: Dan’s strategic insights on the Marketing and Development Committee have boosted our outreach and community engagement.
Nigel Brown: Nigel’s oversight on the Finance Committee has been helpful for our financial stability, ensuring robust planning and sustainability.
Welcoming New Members
Wanda Quinones: As a School Principal with extensive experience in educational leadership and curriculum development, Wanda brings valuable skills and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Lynne Alexander: With over 30 years in public health and human services, Lynne’s background and recent volunteer work at our Food Pantry will strengthen our community impact.
Kathleen Kennerley: Kathleen, a retired Director of Claims with expertise in risk management, has been a dedicated volunteer and will bring her strategic skills to our board.
“Our new Board members will be pivotal as we continue to expand our impact.” Williford said. As we bid farewell to our esteemed outgoing members and embrace the new energy of our incoming members, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of our community. At Fisherman’s Mark, we are more committed than ever to our mission, and with the continued support of our board, staff, volunteers, and community members, we look forward to achieving even greater milestones.
Empowering Individuals Through Community Partnerships
Fisherman’s Mark proudly collaborates with both the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) and The Next Step Programs (TNS) to support and empower individuals with diverse needs. These partnerships exemplify the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusion and forging new community connections.
PCDI, established in 1970, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive behavior analytic services for individuals with autism. Its mission is to deliver effective, science-based interventions and to extend treatment resources both nationally and internationally. PCDI’s programs include early intervention, preschool, K-12 education, adult life skills, and community-based residential services.
From Recipient to Volunteer: A Journey with Fisherman's Mark
Meet Felix, a dedicated volunteer at Fisherman’s Mark who has been a part of our community since moving from Puerto Rico to Lambertville in 1969. Initially, he came as a recipient of services, seeking support and connection.
Felix’s involvement has been transformative. He found that Fisherman’s Mark not only improved his quality of life but also introduced him to new friends and a sense of community. “I’m helping people,” he shared, highlighting the joy he finds in every interaction and the special community he has become a part of.
His volunteer journey began with an opportunity to work with Chef José and the Zero Waste Program, where Felix helps turn fresh produce from the MARKet into delicious meals. His responsibilities are varied and essential—assisting participants, helping Spanish-speaking individuals, rotating, and restocking fresh produce, and even becoming renowned as the best coffee grinder around.
Celebrating Success: Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission and Fisherman’s Mark’s First ESL Classes Graduate
Fisherman’s Mark proudly celebrates the graduation of our first ESL classes, a milestone in our collaboration with the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission (HCESC).
The ESL program, funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, aims to enhance English language skills for adults in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. The goal is to help learners improve their basic skills and integrate better into their roles as parents, workers, and citizens.
Doug Shaw, a Fisherman’s Mark Board of Trustees member, emphasized, “Offering adult English classes became a priority after learning directly from the community about their needs.” HCESC partnered with Fisherman’s Mark to address the high need for ESL services in southern Hunterdon County. The program includes beginner and intermediate levels tailored to individual needs based on standardized tests and interviews. The partnership with Fisherman’s Mark has enhanced the program’s success by leveraging community connections and increasing awareness of available services. The program’s growing interest highlights the critical role of literacy in economic development.
This nine-month class was a big commitment for the students who balanced family and job commitments. Despite this, students made notable progress, particularly in verbal communication, boosting their confidence. A memorable success was a student who, after completing the program, improved her communication at work and received commendations from her employer.
Zoe Castro-Abrica, a non-native speaker and experienced ESL teacher, and Will Ferry, a retired principal, led the classes. Their combined expertise contributed to the program’s success, finding the experience both challenging and rewarding.
We congratulate our first graduates on their achievements and look forward to expanding our efforts to support more individuals through education and community engagement.