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Founding Father Fact: Thomas Jefferson
We know him as the third President of the United States of America, but Founding Father Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to our nation extend far beyond the presidency. "He was a lawyer, diplomat, educator, architect, naturalist, and early fossil enthusiast; a member of the First and Second Continental Congresses; Vice President under John Adams; author of the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom; and the Father of the University of Virginia." Jefferson believed in a decentralized federal government, agrarianism, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
The Louisiana Purchase posed a dilemma for him. Some saw the purchase as hypocritical and inconsistent with his principles since the Constitution did not explicitly authorize the federal government to acquire foreign territory. Nevertheless, Jefferson relied on the executive branch’s treaty-making powers to complete the purchase, nearly doubling the size of our young nation. He then commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition, whose work helped spur westward expansion.
Jefferson was also an avid reader and lover of books. When the British burned the Library of Congress during the War of 1812, he sold nearly 6,500 volumes from his personal library to Congress, helping rebuild and expand the library into what it is today. Jefferson also helped popularize pasta in America by serving macaroni and cheese to guests at his Virginia estate, Monticello, and at the White House during his presidency.
Perhaps most fitting, Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Some of his final words were said to have been, “Is it the Fourth?” Jefferson died mere hours before his longtime friend and once political rival, John Adams. Following a decade of feuding, the two reconciled in 1812. Rekindling their friendship, they exchanged more than 150 letters on topics including politics, philosophy, the Revolutionary War, and the future of the nation. Adams, living in Massachusetts, was unaware of Jefferson’s passing earlier that day; some of his final reported words were “Thomas Jefferson survives.”
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Street Wise Safety Unites Community Partners, Including Hamilton Fire Division and Red Cross, to Promote Fire Safety Awareness
Last month, our fire division collaborated with the Colonial Volunteer Fire Company, Hamilton Professional Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Hamilton Fire Police, PNC Bank, and the American Red Cross New Jersey Region to promote fire safety and awareness. Free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were provided to residents in a targeted area. During this one-day event, 65 smoke detectors and 19 carbon monoxide detectors were installed in 59 homes, benefiting 159 residents. Remember, only working smoke detectors save lives!
Didn’t get a visit? Click the button below to schedule a free smoke detector installation.
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In Case You Missed it, the next Mayor's Wellness Walk Has Been Postponed to July 30th
Due to the weather forecast, the Mayor's Wellness Walk originally scheduled for today, July 9th has been postponed to the rain date of July 30th.
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Mercer County is Hosting an In-Person Meeting TONIGHT about Planned Arena Drive & South Broad Street Safety Improvements
Interested in learning more about Mercer County's safety study and planned improvements for Arena Drive and South Broad Street? Join the in-person meeting on July 9th at 5:30 PM at Saint Raphael, Holy Angels Parish (3500 South Broad Street) to learn more.
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Celebrate the Red, White, and Woof this Year with the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter!
In celebration of America's 250th Anniversary, let's embrace the red, white, and WOOF! By adopting a dog from our shelter, you can change a life forever. Explore all the adorable companions eagerly waiting for you by clicking the button below. Your future best friend is just a click away!
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Join Hiring Our Heroes on July 16th for a Veteran Job Fair at Joint Base
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
If you are a veteran seeking career resources, join Hiring Our Heroes for the their Career Summit on July 16th. The event will take place at the JBMDL Base Theater (2909 Tuskegee Airmen Ave, JBMDL, NJ 08641) and Tommy B's Community Center (2705 E. Arnold Ave, McGuire AFB, NJ 08641).
The Job Seeker Workshops will run from 9 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by the Hiring Fair from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Click the button below to learn more about how you can advance your career.
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| Upcoming Events: July 12th - July 18th | | |
Sunday, July 12th
The Historical Society of Hamilton reminds you that the John Abbott House (2200 Kuser Road) is open for free tours from 1 PM to 4:30 PM, with the last tour beginning at 4 PM.
Tuesday, July 14th
The Hamilton Township Division of Health (2100 Greenwood Ave) provides a confidential, free STI clinic open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Residents of Hamilton Township, East Windsor, Ewing, Hightstown, Hopewell Township, Lawrence, Princeton, Robbinsville, and West Windsor are eligible for services. Walk-ins are accepted. Call 609-890-3647 for more information or visit www.HamiltonNJ.com/STD.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Scheduled for tonight has been CANCELLED.
Saturday, July 18th
The Kuser Farm Mansion will showcase Wedding and Victorian Dresses through the ages, along with various wedding-related items. Tours of the mansion will also be available. Open from 12 PM to 4 PM. Learn more about Kuser Mansion at www.HamiltonNJ.com/KuserMansion.
The Historical Society of Hamilton reminds you that the John Abbott House (2200 Kuser Road) is open for free tours from 1 PM to 4:30 PM, with the last tour beginning at 4 PM.
| | HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES | | | | If you are dealing with food insecurity, click below to find helpful resources throughout Mercer County. | | | | If you're feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or experiencing thoughts of suicide you're not alone and there is help. Call or Text 988. | | | | Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction is a local agency that provides resources for those facing alcohol and substance abuse issues. Call (609) 396-5874. | | |
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.
HelpLine volunteers are available Monday-Friday 10AM- 10PM - text “HELPLINE” to 62640, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), use the “Chat with us” widget on the website, or email at helpline@nami.org.
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Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides free non-medical services to the homebound elderly/disabled residents in Mercer County.
If you need help with grocery shopping, transportation to a doctor's appointment or, if you are interested in volunteering please dial, 609-393-9922.
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