May 2017 www.readingtonnews.com
The
Readington News A Community Newspaper
Hotly Contested Nelson Street Project Approved The Readington Township Committee and Planning Board last month approved the controversial 6-plus acre Nelson Street Redevelopment Plan for affordable housing, over the course of lengthy meetings with heated protests from residents. Officials said they had no choice but to accept the grossly unpopular rental complex to comply with state affordable housing rules. Township Planner Michael Sullivan at a March 20 meeting provided background for the current affordable housing debacle: Affordable housing rules began with the Mount Laurel case in 1975 forcing every municipality to provide low- and moderateincome housing units. Readington was fully compliant with the first (1987-1993) and second rounds (1994-1999) of Council on Affordable Housing rules. Years of litigation over COAH continued throughout the state, and COAH was eventually dismantled. The state Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that in the absence of COAH, the Superior Courts would decide the AH obligations for each municipality. Municipalities like Readington with third round certifications were given temporary immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits if they met all of the court deadlines. These deadlines have been extended a few months at a time as the court cases plod on. The current immunity date is August 2017. The Nelson Street parcel, east of Main Street in Whitehouse Station, was purchased by the town in parts, first in 2009, and then in 2014, with an eye toward affordable housing. The Township Committee recently selected Ingerman (http://www. ingerman.com) as the builder. By law, the project must conform to the Township’s Master Plan, be located within public water and sewer, and walkable to public transit,
and meet residential site improvement standards. For plan details see http://www.readingtontwp.org/ notices/FINAL-Nelson-St-%20 Redev-Plan.pdf. Ingerman representatives have described the project as 72 rental units contained in 6 buildings, 2.5 stories tall, and a seventh building containing a community center for tenants. There is a stream on the border of Whitehouse Village which would be protected by a 150 foot riparian and visual buffer for village residents. Residents against the project formed a nonprofit group, Whitehouse Welands Tributary Preserve, and passionately debated officials at four public meetings in recent weeks. Sullivan noted that because the complex is all rentals, it would give the township 144 credits towards the affordable housing obligation. It is likely the first of several required affordable housing developments. Readington’s other option would be to wait for the courts to decide an AH number, which could be as high as 1000, and then developers could potentially build at a ratio of 5 market rate units to 1 affordable unit. Readington has 6000 homes, so this outcome would have the potential to double the population of Readington.
The
Serving All of Readington Township, NJ
Grand Champion - Brian Armstrong, an Arrow of Light Scout in Readington Pack 1980, won the grand championship at the Hunterdon Arrowhead District Pinewood Derby on April 8 at Round Valley School. The derby was open to all Cub Scouts in Hunterdon County who had finished in the top three in their home pack. Brian’s “Iron Man” themed race car took top honors racing against all other cars designed by boys his age. Brian’s car then raced against the winners of all other ranks, besting all of them to be the fastest car of the 127 Cub Scout cars competing at the district race. Each year, more than a million boys in first through fifth grade team up with their parents to build and race cars in local pinewood derby competitions. To find out more about how your son can have fun in scouting, visit www. njpack1980.org or www.beascout.org. - Submitted by Cindy Barckholtz
Readington News
Readington Serving All of Readington Township, NJ Road Closed Memorial Day Parade May 29 The Readington Township Committee and Recreation DepartUntil July ment are planning the 12th annual Memorial Day Parade to be held
A Community Newspaper
Busy Readington Road (Route 637) has been closed between Dreahook Road and Harlan School Road in Branchburg since late March, sending many motorists on a detour over Solberg Road. A bridge near Baird Road is being replaced, a traffic light added, and the road is being widened through that one-mile section, according to Somerset County Public Works. The road is expected to reopen by July 4. Work will then continue for one to two more months with daytime lane closures. The road will be open for the weekend of the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, according to the Public Works website.
Buffalo Babes - Whitehouse
Rescue Squad hosts the 19th Annual Buffalo Watch with Antique Show, Collectables & Craft Fair on Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Readington River Farm, 937 Route 523, Readington Township. Rain or Shine. Take a wagon ride past the newborn buffalo calves. The event also features pony rides, face painting, live music, wine tasting, antique and craft vendors, Civil War regiment re-enactors, and great food including BBQ.
on Monday, May 29. This year’s parade will once again begin from the Whitehouse Mall parking lot, corner of Route 523 and Route 22 East. The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and continue along Main Street to the Municipal Building, immediately followed by a flag-raising ceremony commemorating fallen service personnel. Following the ceremony, walk over to Pickell Park where the Recreation Department will host Community Day, with games and activities for all ages. Hot dogs and soda will be available for everyone. All Township residents, clubs, organizations, teams, businesses and collectible car owners are encouraged to participate in the parade. If you would like to join the parade or spend a few hours volunteering on Parade Day, contact Deputy Mayor Betty Ann Fort at readingtonparade@comcast.net.
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The Readington News • May 2017
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Editors/Publishers: Monita Casey Haduch, Bill Haduch Advertising Manager: Karen C. Muller Contributors: Lisa O’Donoghue & Susan Torsilieri Mailing Services: Mike Sanchez Art: Kevin Gora, Megan Moore Layout Services: Steve Skladany The Readington News is mailed monthly, free-of-charge to every mailing address in Readington Township. Free copies are also available for distribution in places of business, schools, and municipal offices. DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE June 2017
May10 For Ad Materials May 15 For News Materials
The Readington News is not liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical errors, or errors in publication, unless, in our judgment, the error materially affects the content and advertising value of the ad. Compensation will not exceed the cost of the space in which an error occurs. The Readington News has the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason, and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. We ask our readers to keep us informed of any misleading advertisements. Phone/Fax: 1-800-530-3046 Email: readingtonnews@gmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 5351, Branchburg, NJ 08876 Web: www.readingtonnews.com A Creative Resources/ Town Media Newspaper Publishers: Bill Haduch, Monita Casey Haduch
©2017 Creative Resources/ Town Media, All Rights Reserved
Upcoming Events Newcomers and Friends May 2 Newcomers and Friends of Central Hunterdon County will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Hunterdon Christian Church, 71 Summer Rd., Three Bridges. Refreshments will be served with meeting following at 7. Chadd Tindall, D.V.M., of the Mobile Veterinary Service in Stockton and Voorhees Corner Veterinary Clinic in Flemington will speak. For more information http://newcomersandfriendsclub.com. WCTT Meeting May 2 The Woman’s Club of Tewksbury Township will host a discussion on the college acceptance process with Lily Partridge at its general meeting at the Oldwick Manor, 163 Oldwick Rd., Oldwick. Refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. followed by the meeting and program. A Tewksbury resident and a graduate of Princeton University, Partridge has been a member of WCTT for more than 15 years. As a member of the Princeton School Committee she works with the Princeton University Admissions Office. Guests are welcome. Call 908-509-1855 to make a required reservation. Visit www. tewksburywomansclub.org for club details. Job Seekers May 3 Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties is offering a Job Seekers Success Group from 7 to 9 p.m. at JFS, 150-A West High St., Somerville. The topic for this session is “New LinkedIn: Behind the Veil,” presented by Andy O’Hearn, Communications Advisor and Coach. This group is offered free of charge and is open to the entire community. To register or for information about Career Counseling Services, contact Elise Prezant at 908-7257799 X108 or eprezant@JewishFamilySvc. org. When registering for this session, leave your email address and/or LinkedIn web address for the presenter so he can better tailor the presentation. Knights Golf Event May 5 The Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 6930, Whitehouse Station, presents its 14th Annual Foursome Scramble Charity Golf Event at Beaver Brook Country Club in Annandale. Reg-
istration begins at 11 a.m., lunch at noon, and shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner and prizes at 6 p.m. The cost is $150 per person. Council 6930 supports local organizations including Hunterdon ARC, Clinton ARC, and Lyons VA Hospital. For more information, contact Event Chair Bruce Sanderson at 973-418-1732 or bsanderson@pelicansportcenter.com or Bill Kovacs, 908-2408975 or brkovacs@embarqmail.com. We Shall Over-Run 5K May 6 The Lebanon Reformed Church, 100 Brunswick Ave., Lebanon Borough, will host its third annual 5K run and 1 mile walk with the race at 9 a.m. and the walk, 9:15. Walk-in registrations will be open starting at 8 a.m. Register online at http://weshalloverrun5k.itsyourrace.com. For more information call the church at 908-236-6176. Awards will be given to the top three male and female 5K finishers. All proceeds from the event will benefit Hunterdon Hospice. Ice Cream Making May 7 From 1 to 4 p.m., Susan McLellan Plaisted will present ice cream making from harvesting ice to moulding at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, 114 Dreahook Rd., Stanton. For this demonstration, ice cream will be made in a reproduction 18th century sabotiere. Documented flavors of the 18th century will be reproduced. Donations gladly welcome. For more information visit www. readingtontwp.org/ReadingtonMuseums. html or call Program Director Margaret Smith at 908-236-2327. Winnewald Day Camp Open House May 8 Visit Winnewald Day Camp, 21 Cratetown Rd., Lebanon, from 1 to 4 p.m. The day camp is gearing up for its 66th season. While camp parents work, they feel comfortable with their children ages 5-12 in Winnewald’s safe, supervised program. The camp is located on 30 acres between Routes 31 and 629 in Clinton Township. For info, call 908-735-8336 or visit www. winnewald.com. Free Skin Cancer Screenings May 8, 10 Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center will
kick off its skin cancer awareness campaign with two free screenings on Monday, May 8, 5 - 7 p.m., and Wednesday, May 10, 5 - 7 p.m., at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, 2100 Wescott Dr., Flemington. Participants will receive a full body screening by a board-certified dermatologist. The screening is open to Hunterdon and Somerset County residents, ages 18 and older, who have not been screened within the past 24 months, are not under the care of a dermatologist, and have no prior history of a skin cancer diagnosis. To register, call 908-237-5445. Barn Dance May 13 Readington Museums hosts its bi-annual Barn Dance from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The dance will be held inside the eighteenth century Wade-Wyckoff Barn at the BoumanStickney Farmstead, 114 Dreahook Rd., Stanton. This family friendly event requires no square dancing experience. There is a suggested donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child. Groups of six or more, call for a reservation 908-236-2327. Buffalo Watch May 13 Whitehouse Rescue Squad hosts the 19th Annual Buffalo Watch with Antique Show, Collectables & Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Readington River Farm, 937 Route 523. Rain or Shine. This family event features wagon ride tours to see the newborn calves on an authentic working buffalo farm. Also featured are pony rides, face painting, live music, wine tasting, antique and craft vendors, hot sauce experts, Indian tepee educational presentation, Volunteer Civil War Regiment Re-enactors, fur trapper, 4-H animals, blacksmith, The Jackson Hole Gang, plant sales, and picnic food. All proceeds benefit the squad. Interested craft and antique vendors are welcome to visit the squad website at www.whitehouserescue.com for registration information. Crazy Quilts Workshop May 19 The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd. Following the business meeting, Jeanne Campbell, a renowned quilting instructor,
will sponsor a trunk show and a workshop “Crazy Quilts Using Decorative Stitching.” For pre-work and other info, email hunterdoncountyquiltingguild@gmail.com. Spiritual Adventure May 20 Eckankar in New Jersey will host a day of spiritual exploration featuring “Living from the Heart in a Challenging World,” an interactive workshop presented by author and artist Mary Carroll Moore, 12:30 – 8:30 pm. at Raritan Valley Community College Conference Center, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg. For more information: 800870-9139, www.Eckankar-nj.org, or spirituality@eckankar-nj.org. Open Space Walk May 21 Enjoy the height of Spring with a Sunday afternoon hike in the undeveloped Lazy Brook Greenway, traversing through wide grasslands and forest patches between Summer Road Park and Lazy Brook Road. It will last about two hours and cover about a mile and a half. Meet at Summer Road Park at 1 p.m. at the end of the lot furthest from Route 202. To sign up, or for questions, contact John Klotz at jwklotz@embarqmail. com. Fitness Challenge May 21 Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties (JFS) is holding a community Fitness Challenge from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CrossFit Chimney Rock in Bound Brook. The registration fee is $18. Individual participants pledge to raise a minimum of $180 in donations, and teams pledge to raise a minimum of $360 in donations. T-shirts will be given and prizes awarded. Proceeds will benefit JFS social services. For more information contact 908-725-7799, Admin@JewishFamilySvc. org, or www.JewishFamilySvc.org. Living History Night May 31 Hunterdon Central’s Rho Kappa History Honor Society will be hosting its second annual Living History Night from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hunteron Central Commons in Flemington. This free event is open to the public, and all students and their families are encouraged to attend.
By Ray Egbert, Board of Education and Chair of Finance Committee
The Readington Township Board of Education has been working over the past several months to craft the 2017-18 school budget. These open and public budget discussions have yielded a budget that is responsive to the district’s Strategic Planning Goals while remaining fiscally responsible to the community. The $29.5 million dollar tax levy is that part of the budget that is supported by the taxpayers. This reflects a 1.86% increase in the tax levy as compared to the 2016-17 school budget, or approximately $37 for the averaged assessed home in Readington Township. Several highlights of the 201718 school budget include: Facility upgrades including student restroom renovations at Three Bridges and Whitehouse Elementary Schools; A new 4th and 5th grade class for students with Autism; A 1:1 Chromebook initiative for students in 6th through 8th grades at Readington Middle School; All educational programs and class sizes are maintained; Solar panels will be installed at Three Bridges and Readington Middle Schools and solar ground arrays at Holland Brook and Readington Middle Schools later this year. The school district budget anticipates a student enrollment for 2017-18 of 1,539 students, a decrease of about 75 students from the current school year. Of course, enrollment is a fluid process and children enter the district throughout the school year. Still, there is a
pattern of declining enrollment in the district which has contributed to the reduction of staffing positions. The Readington Township Board of Education has pledged to ensure institutional and financial sustainability in the face of economic and demographic challenges. The school district budget over the past several years has achieved that goal. Additionally, the district has lowered its share of total property taxes from 43% to 40% over the last eight years. More information on the budget can be found on the district website at www.readington.k12.nj.us. See the “User Friendly Budget” under Quick Links on our homepage.
Municipal Budget Includes Tax Increase
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The Township Committee on March 20 proposed a Municipal Budget with a tax increase of $90.19 annually on the average assessed home valued at $360,758. For the municipal portion of taxes, the rate in 2016 was 52.80 cents per $100 of assessed value, or $528 for every $100,000 of assessed value. In 2017, the proposed budget increases this tax rate to 55.30 per $100 of assessed value or $553 for every $100,000 of assessed value, an increase of $25 per $100,000 of assessed value over the previous year. The total budget for the 2017 calendar year was introduced at $20,789,308, up from $19,747,774.20 in 2016. The public hearing on the proposed budget was to be held April 17 at the Readington Township Municipal Building.
The Readington News • May 2017
School District Budget Raises Tax Levy 1.86%
Teachers Triumph– For the third consecutive year, the Readington teachers (wearing yellow T-shirts) were triumphant over the Readington Police Department /PBA 317 on March 31 in the annual Mark Cleere Memorial Scholarship Fund basketball game with a final score of 52-50. The highlight of the game was Jaime Ericson, a first grade teacher at Whitehouse School, who individually scored 21 points, including six 3-point shots. The Readington Middle School Pep Band and staff cheerleaders rallied the Readington crowd and led their team to victory. Both teams, including cheerleaders, appear in the photo. Mark Cleere was a fifth grade teacher at Holland Brook School and a district basketball coach before his untimely passing in 2014. Funds from the annual basketball game benefit the Mark Cleere Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition for students to explore topics of interest at workshops and camps during the summer or the following school year.
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Four Running for Township Committee in June Primary
The Readington News • May 2017
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John Albanese and Jonathan Heller
Wayne Borella and Britt Simon
Four candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for two Township Committee seats in the June 6 Primary Election. John Albanese and Jonathan Heller have announced that they are running jointly and are endorsed by the Readington Republican County Committee. Britt Simon and Wayne Borella have also announced a joint candidacy for the Township Committee seats. Committeemen John Broten and Sam Tropello are not seeking re-election. Albanese and Heller state that they are: “For fiscal restraint and finding ways to keep tax rates stable and seek ways to lower tax bills; for continuing to lower Readington’s debt; for continuing the smart planning policies that have made Readington a great place to live; for increasing the public use of our preserved green space; for preserving our rural lifestyle.” Simon stated that his “reasoning for seeking this office is solely to focus on regaining credibility for the township. The Superior Courts have repeatedly made decisions against Readington due to the lack of credibility of its elected officials.” He wrote, “The Solberg Airport matters, which have plagued Readington Township for years, have cost the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. The long history of suspected dishonest maneuvers by prior and current committeepersons has caused the township to lose its arguments almost every time. It is time to restore our credibility and allow us to improve our chances of protecting our open space.” Borella said their “ultimate goal is to ensure that Readington residents can maintain the high quality of life we enjoy here.”
Neither Simon nor Borella said they support expansion of the airport, but “would like to see safety issues addressed at the airport.” “We want any airport that exists in Readington to be managed in such a way as to not pose a risk of harm to any of the residents; our obligation is to the residents of this town,” they stated. Albanese has been a resident since his family moved to Readington in 1980. He attended Readington School from 5th through 8th grades and graduated from Hunterdon Central High School. He returned to Readington with his wife in 2002. He currently serves as vice chair of the Readington Township Planning Board and is a volunteer in township youth sports. He and his wife have two sons (5 and 8,) and he works as a telecommunications network planner for the New York City metro area. Heller and his wife have lived in Readington for 23 years and have two children (19 and 15.) He is a current member of the Readington Township Board of Adjustment, Environmental Commission and Open Space Advisory Board. He is a sales manager in the steel product industry. He was actively involved in the Boy Scouts, serving as Pack Leader for 13 years, founded the annual Tree Giveaway program in Readington, and is a volunteer citizen scientist for Raritan Headwaters. For more information, www.albaneseheller4readington.com. Simon is a 46-year resident of Readington. He is the managing partner of a law firm in Somerville. Borella is an executive with a financial firm in New York City. For any questions: Simon and Borella for Readington Township Committee, PO Box 92, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 08889. (908) 963-1661.
Pictured, from left, front row, are Ryan Levison, Alexander Bukowski, Jake Beatrice, Connor Johnson, back row, Scoutmaster Bill Wallace, Jay T. Wieder, Trevor Jerzewski, Dylan McPherson, Adithya Rajaram, Daniel Schneider, Jack McPherson, Troop 1969 Scout Dylan Campbell. Missing from photo: Conor Mikaelian
Bill Wallace, Scoutmaster of Troop 1969, greeted 11 new scouts who crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts at the Pack 1980 Blue and Gold Ceremony on Feb. 6 at the Polish American Citizens Club in Readington. These newest recruits
are already hard at work at the troop’s weekly meetings, learning the skills to earn their first rank: Scout. They also assisted with the outdoor Yukon Trail event on March 11 at Spruce Run Reservoir. Troop 1969 meets at the Stanton Reformed Church. For more information on the troop, contact Scoutmaster Bill Wallace at flybywranch@comcast.net. - Submitted by Claire Fox
Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers in Whitehouse Station and Clinton are dedicated to providing health enhancement and disease prevention programs for the community. As part of their EducationSeries, the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers will focus on “How To Do a Workout in 20 Minutes or Less� on Tuesday, May 9, from noon to 1 p.m. in Whitehouse Station and Thursday, May 11, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Clinton. This program is free and participants will receive a guest pass to be used at the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers. To register for the program at the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center in Whitehouse Station call 908-5347600. The Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center in Whitehouse Station is located at 537 Rte. 22 East. To register for the program at the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center in Clinton call 908735-6884. The Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center in Clinton is located at 1738 Rte. 31.
The Readington News • May 2017
Cub Scout Pack 1980 Marks Blue and Gold Ceremony
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Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers Demo 20-Minute Workouts
Gettysburg Weekend– Boy Scout Troop 1969 in Stanton spent the weekend of March 31-April 3 at Gettysburg, PA. Pictured are (Top Row,) from left, Luke Fischer, Jake Beatrice, Connor Johnston, Connor Johnson, Conor Mikaelian, Aiden Watson, (Bottow Row) Kyle Friery, Zach Brembt, Billy Wallace, Zach Ferreira, Michael Barckholtz, Pete Higley, Adam Sinagra, Dylan Campball, Trevor Jerzewski. All enjoyed the film, cyclorama, and museum at the visitor center before taking a guided hike of the battlefields. Base camp for the weekend was nearby Camp Conewago. For more information on Troop 1969 email flybywranch@comcast.net. –Submitted by Kristen McPherson
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The Readington News • May 2017
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Readington Recreation Receives Award
Ronald Armellino Honored by NJ Recreation and Park Association Ronald Armellino was presented the Fay S. Mathewson Award at the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) Annual Awards Dinner in Atlantic City on March 7. Ron has volunteered for over 20 years for the Readington Recreation Department. This award is to acknowledge and provide recognition to a “Friend of Recreation, Parks and Conservation.” Volunteers are the lifeblood of any recreation department. Ron’s stint started many years ago when he was handed a bag of balls and asked to coach. He
ran with that and each year since has assumed many different volunteer positions throughout the Hunterdon County community. Ron has also served on the Recreation Committee playing an instrumental role in bringing many events, programs, and projects to fruition including the installation of a new basketball court and baseball fields. He has served as the director of travel basketball and run the holiday tournaments for 13 years, raising over $200,000 for the community. Ron remains just a phone call away when the Readington Recreation Department is in need.
Pictured (from left) are Ed Grill, NJRPA Awards Committee member; Dawn Thompson, NJRPA president; Gabrielle Bolarakis, Director of Recreation, Readington Township; Ron Armellino; Sharon Bobnar-Becker, Recreation Committee Chair, Readington Township; and Karen Zimmerman, NJRPA Awards Committee Chair. - Photo by ©Jaye Joyce 2017
Check out Readington Rec’s website at http:// readingtonrecreation.org/
Readington Township Recreation was presented the Agency Showcase Award for Digital Media Promotion for the Readington Recreation Website and Online Registration System at the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) Annual Awards Dinner in Atlantic City March 7. Gabrielle Bolarakis, Director of the Readington Recreation Department, accepted the award. The Readington Recreation Department not only re-designed the website, but rebranded the department with a new logo, bright color scheme, easy to read displays, dozens of clickable photos, embedded video and plenty of information. Readington Recreation staff spent countless hours developing this website in-house, saving the municipality thousands of dollars in production costs. The goal of the Awards Program is to focus state attention on the achievement of Park and Recreation agencies, to recognize the continuing efforts of staff and volunteers, and to acknowledge support extended by member agencies.
Three Bridges Fire Company Partners with RHSO
To Advertise in The Readington News call 1-800-530-3046
The Readington News • May 2017
The Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company (TBVFC) held its annual installation banquet on Jan. 14, and while many were called to a structure fire that night, others remained to celebrate the previous year’s successes. Among those successes was the Three Bridges Five-Mile Road Race, held on Aug. 13, 2016. For this past year’s run, the TBVFC partnered with “Remember Henry Scott Oldenburg” (RHSO) in support of its Hug-A-Bear project. This organization was formed in memory of Henry Scott Oldenburg, a local police lieutenant who passed away following his battle with pancreatic cancer. The organization’s hug-a-bear project seeks to provide stuffed animal puppies to children in hospitals throughout New Jersey who are going through a stressful time. In appreciation of RHSO’s support at the 2016 race, the TBVFC invited members of RHSO to attend the banquet and Girl Scout Troop 80848 members put on their hair nets and presented them with a $2,000 check to participated in the “Feed the Starving Children” food packing event at Zion be used towards purchasing the stuffed Presenting the check to the RHSO organization is Mike Wernicki (far left), and Lutheran Church in Oldwick recently. Pictured are Caroline Renjilian, Olivia animals. The TBVFC plans to partner Jamie Reed (far right) of TBVFC, and in the middle receiving the check is Linda Asch, Mobile Team Leader for the Packing Event, Lauren Corley, and Nicole with RHSO again for this year’s race, Francis and Alisa Swider of the RHSO organization. scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12. Race Wood. -Submitted by Maria Asch - Photo courtesy of Victoria Dayton information can be found at www.TBVFC.com.
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Business Administrator Appointed
The Readington News • May 2017
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Black Belt -
National Girl Scout Day – Girl Scout Troop 80058 (7th grade)
from Readington held a carnival on March 19 at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church to celebrate National Girl Scout Day. Thirty children attended, and the troop donated more than 100 canned goods to the church. Pictured are (back row) Zoe Bowser, Becca Bowser, Katie Ryder, Haley Fitzgerald, Jackie Sullivan, Shalini Varma, Catherine Dolan, Annabelle Hinks, Bridget Beardsley, (front row) Jessica Schuchardt, Ally Amster, Meaghan Aramburo, Madison Fitzgerald, and Isabella Guerriero. - Submitted by Lisa Varma
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Olivia Asch, age 14, (shown at age 4 and now) earned her Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate on March 25. Olivia has been with the Westling Martial Arts Academy in Flemington since the age of 4, under the guidance of Sensei Ed Westling. Olivia is a freshman at HCRHS. She trains and teaches at the academy four days a week. Currently, the academy is developing a program for girls to promote emotional and physical wellbeing. - Submitted by Maria Asch
Jason Bohm
JOGA Champs – Gymnastics Unlimited JOGA 2, 3, 4, and 5 girls competed in the JOGA State Preview in Galloway April 1-2. Level 3 gymnasts Patricia Balseiro of Lebanon (pictured, right) earned all-around first and Amaya Adetiba of Three Bridges (left), earned allaround second.
Readington Newsmakers Kira Victoria Greer of Readington was named a Peter Stearns Provost ScholarAthlete for the fall semester at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. She was also selected to the Athletic Department Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
Patio Now Open Now Offering a Gluten Free Menu
Samantha Painter of Whitehouse Station was named to the fall Dean’s List at Roger Williams University. James Coleman of Whitehouse Station was named to the fall Dean’s List at the University of Hartford. Shayna N. Cesaro, a freshman at Montclair State University, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester.
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Jason Bohm has been named the new Business Administrator for the Readington Township School District, effective July 1, 2017. The appointment was unanimously approved by the Readington Township Board of Education at the March 28 meeting. Bohm, who will receive an annual salary of $120,000, replaces Readington’s Interim Business Administrator Thomas Venanzi. Bohm has served as business administrator for the Roseland Public School District since 2015. Prior to his Roseland position, he was assistant business administrator for four years at the Wyckoff Public School District. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he received a B.S. degree in both accounting and finance. In addition to holding a School Business Administrator license, Bohm is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and Qualified Purchasing Agent. He was previously Manager of Assurance and Enterprise Risk Services at the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP in Parsippany. “Our district is delighted to have attracted a school business leader with Jason’s fine background. We are excited to introduce him to all the amazing people in Readington Township Schools,” said Superintendent Barbara Sargent. A resident of Tewksbury, Bohm is raising three young children with his wife, Tara, a former teacher. He serves on the Tewksbury Land Trust.
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Readington Community Theatre Presents “Noises Off” wrong in live theatre. All at once. With perfect, split-second timing. Readington’s production includes a talented cast of nine actors directed by theatre founder Rob Nonni. The cast list is as follows: Kim Coombs, Whitehouse Station; Dan Mazelis, Phillipsburg; Matthew Patalona, Branchburg; Jessica Alfaro, Phillipsburg; Stephanie DiPilla, Branchburg; Brad Barnhorst, Bath, PA; Denise Hickson, High Bridge; Gil Lawley, Bridgewater; Barney Stone, Lambertville. A technical challenge in producing this play is the requirement for a complete set reversal. Acts I and
III take place inside an upscale, English country home. In Act II, the audience watches the action from backstage; the set has been rotated 180 degrees. Readington’s productions are presented in a banquet hall converted to a theatre. In order to accomplish the set reversal, the tech crew had to design and build a platform and wall flats rotated simultaneously by the cast and crew in between the Acts. The set reversal is amazing and is actually a part of the show that earns ap- Noises Off cast members, from left, are Denise Hickson, Matthew Patalona, plause from theatre patrons. Jessica Alfaro, Barney Stone, Dan Mazelis, Gil Lawley, Stephanie DiPilla, Brad Barnhorst, and Kim Coombs. - Photo courtesy of Rob Nonni
The Readington News • May 2017
The hit comedy/farce “Noises Off” opened at Readington Community Theatre on April 28, and three May performances are slated: May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and a matinee performance on May 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18/Adult and $15/Senior & Student, and can be purchased online at www.rctnj.org or by calling 908-534-1557. A play-within-a-play, “Noises Off” is a spectacularly funny comedy about putting on a comedy. The play takes its title from the theatrical stage direction indicating sounds coming from offstage. “Noises Off” is a repeating exploration of everything that can go
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Hunterdon Design on Display at “Mansion in May”
The Readington News • May 2017
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Recent property sales reported in Readington Township: 2 Delaware Road $643K 5 Fanwood Court $385K 8 Far Knoll Lane $588,900 16 Fernwood Court $365K 10 Hannah Court $463K 27 Hillcrest Road $235K 524 Old York Road $1.5M 2 Orchard Drive $478,750 28 Plantation Road $512,500
11 Powderhorn Road $515K 1 Proprietor Lane $442K 126 Pulaski Road $320K 2 Quiet Acres $605K 2 Quimby Lane $645K 3509 Route 22 East $2,500,000 458 Route 22 West $225K 15 Tavern Lane $327,500 211 Teasel Court $215K
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Knights Donation – Michael DaSilva, (right) on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, Council #6930, Whitehouse Station, recently presented Lieutenant Amanda Boynton (left) of the Salvation Army, Flemington, with a donation of $300. The Knights have been donating to the Salvation Army for over 10 years, raising funds through Mother’s Day Breakfast, ethnic dinners, comedy shows, golf outings, and other activities.
Alnwick Hall, known as “The Abbey,” on Madison Avenue in Morris Township, is the site of “Mansion in May,” the fundraiser of the Woman’s Association of Morristown Medical Center. The Designer Show House and Gardens to benefit the Center for Nursing Innovation and Research at Morristown Medical Center, celebrating its 125th Anniversary, is open to the public May 1-31 for daily tours 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. It is staffed by over 1,000 volunteers. Of the 45 interior and 17 landscape designers working on the house, five firms are from Hunterdon County: C.R. Interior Designs LLC; Jane Danielle Interior Designs; Nature’s Apprentice of Lebanon; Elizabeth Interiors LLC of Stanton; and Interchange Technologies of Stewartsville. Designed by New York architect Percy Griffen for Edward P. Meany and his wife, Rosalie Behr Meany, between 1903 and 1904, the house is an example of Renaissance Revival and originally consisted of 30 rooms. Tickets at $50 are available at local retailers, online or at Admissions. For ticket purchases, volunteer opportunities and information visit www. MansioninMay.org.
“The Importance of Being Little”
The Preschool of Whitehouse United Methodist Church invites preschool parents in the community to a parent workshop “The Importance of Being Little” on Wednesday, May 17, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Whitehouse United Methodist Church, 73 Old Highway, Whitehouse. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of the Readington Township Public Schools, will present the workshop which addresses the question: Are children being raised with the proper balance of unstructured time, peace, and independence? Referencing suggestions from “The Importance of Being Little” by Erika Christakis and information from brain research, this session will provide parents with smart strategies to use with their young children at home. For more information and to RSVP, contact Chris Scheick, Director at preschool@whitehouseumc.org or 908-534-6333.
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Looking Back. . . Little Graveyards Soldiers’ Resting Place
Since Readington was a colonial farming community during an era when everything was home grown and homemade, the end of life was also taken care of by the family. Thus we find that the oldest township farms had family burying grounds - not too far from the ancient farm house. The earlier centuries consisted of an era of acceptance of death as a part of life. We find that from early childhood, children were taught to sew their shrouds. As the child grew, a larger shroud was made and put away should it be needed. No, all was not doom and gloom, but rather reality - some lived to a ripe old age, others died as infants. Considering that medicine consisted of herbal decoctions, bleeding to get out the evil “humors� and no antiseptics or anesthesia or antibiotics, one can understand that only the strongest survived to pass on the best genes. All babies were born at home , not always in the most sanitary of conditions. Diseases such as smallpox, measles, pneumonia, diphtheria, mumps, all presented the threat of death. Immunization simply didn’t exist. Mother was doctor to all, and learned, at an early age, how to treat disease and infection. Readington Township has 18 remaining small family burying grounds – all located on what were farms. Perhaps, riding up and down the roads you have passed several and wondered who was buried there. Well, many
(DAR, Hankinson, Hay Press, Schomp, Wyckoff - plus all of the old church cemeteries) of these ancient grounds were the final resting places of Revolutionary soldiers. A most interesting burial is located in the Hankinson cemetery on West Woodschurch Rd. The memorial stone reads‌ “In memory of Isaac Graham (vet.) who departed this life January 8, 1777 in the 21st year of his age. Fort Washington was overcome and Graham was captive made. This well loved man on his way home was numbered with the dead.â€? Graham is not a Readington family name – who could this young man have been? Because he was a Revolutionary soldier stationed at Fort Washington in 1776 he became one of the many who fell or was captured in the battle of Fort Washington– one of the most distressing battles of the early Revolutionary war – a complete loss of soldiers (Graham was made a prisoner) along with all of their equipment, cannons, guns, tents, food – in a word, everything. It was with remaining soldiers of Fort Washington that Washington moved down to Fort Lee. From Fort Lee Washington rallied remaining troops and began the long retreat across the State of N.J. eventually culminating in the Battle of Trenton. Remember? That was the first successful battle in the Revolutionary War and it took place in Hunterdon County! But, back to Isaac Graham. Investigation of war records tells us that he was from Bucks County.
One can surmise that he had been wounded or so badly treated by the British that he was released and was on his way home when death overcame him. How did he get into the Hankinson family burial ground? Well, Hankinsons owned a large farm on which they, for years, had buried their dead. Along with that Hankinsons were Patriots and were in the Militia. Of course they would have taken
in this wounded American soldier and provided a place for a respectful burial. And so it’s obvious that Isaac Graham’s family from Bucks County, eventually found his resting place and erected a suitable stone to his memory. You see, each one of Readington’s cemeteries with its ancient markers contains stories of those who rest there. If you’d like to make a field trip to visit our old
burying grounds, the Readington Train Station Library has a book of all of our cemeteries inclusive of the Cherry Hill cemetery for slaves. Remember, show respect, do not touch any stones, read epitats with your eyes only for these are resting places of the dead - this is hallowed ground.
The Readington News • May 2017
By Stephanie Stevens Historian, County of Hunterdon
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Whoa! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water Wars Watch out for Hunterdon Central seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; infamous Water Wars competition now underway. Water Wars is a month-long, intense contest where students compete for a cash prize to eliminate as many of their opponents as possible. Although it may sound easy to eliminate a player, the rules make it anything but. Players are not allowed to be shot on school grounds, in their cars, in indoor venues, in their garage, while working or at school events. Unless opponents are invited in by a parent, players are also safe within their own houses, and several safe zones, such as the Wawa in Flemington and Polar Cub, have been established. Thanks to these restrictions, the majority of Water Wars activity occurs in parking lots and driveways, often early in the morning or in the afternoon when students are arriving home from school. Players are prohibited from shooting anyone not registered for the competition. The goal of Water Wars is simple: Shoot your opponents with a watergun, balloon or hose, until
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by Julia Wickman you win. However, winning is not nearly as easy as it sounds, due to the sheer size of the competition. Water Wars originally starts with 128 teams, each composed of four students. In each of the eight rounds, two teams are squared off against each other, and they strive to eliminate as many players on the other team before the end. Because it is single elimination, only the winning the team moves on, while the losing team is immediately eliminated from the competition. After eight rounds, a single team will be crowned victors, given bragging rights and awarded a cash prize. Best of luck to all participants!
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Type your ad exactly as you want it to appear. Ads are limited to 30 words (phone numbers count as one word). Mail your ad along with a check for $20 made payable to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Readington Newsâ&#x20AC;? to The Readington News, PO Box 5351, Branchburg, NJ 08876
What do you call a bear with no HEIRLOOM TOMATO PLANTS: 38 teeth? varieties of naturally grown, heirloom A gummy bear! and hybrid tomato plants available from Misty Acres Farm in Readington What do you call a computer that beginning May 6. Also Pepper Plants. sings? Visit www.misty-acres-farm.com for Adell details.
What did the Lion King tell Simba REAL ESTATE: 2.02 Acre Lot in when he was walking too slow? village of Stanton behind Country Mufasa! Club. Access to Rts 22, 78, 202, 287. Close to boating and fishing. 908-534Why did the cookie cry? 8919. No realtors please. $199,900 Because his mother was a wafer so long!
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