The Branchburg News, February 2020 edition by Town Media

February 2020

www.branchburgnews.com

Township Holds Reorganization, Tom Young is Mayor for 2020

Branchburg Recognizes Exemplary Educators

Lucy Plaza

Toni Burke

Tara Forsyth At the reorganization meeting, outgoing Mayor Anna Columbus accepts a plaque of appreciation from incoming Mayor Thomas Young.

Jillian Sawicki

Sarah Debraski

Meredith Molinaro

By Rebecca Gensel, Superintendent, Branchburg Township Public Schools The Branchburg Township School District recently announced the recipients of the 2020 Governor’s Educator of the Year and Educational Specialist of the Year. The criterion for recognition under this program requires that any educator nominated for this award must be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated classroom teacher who, among other qualities, inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. The letters of nomination for these teachers included such phrases as “positive influence,” “pas-

sionate educator,” “truly makes a difference,” “challenging,” “compassionate,” and “inspirational.” The 2020 Branchburg Township Educators of the Year are Lucy Plaza (Branchburg Central Middle School), Toni Burke (Stony Brook School), and Tara Forsyth (Whiton Elementary School). In addition to being able to recognize classroom teachers, the Governor’s Educator of the Year program provides an opportunity to honor the Educational Services Professionals who serve the students. These members of the school community hold professional certificates in areas outside of the classroom, and are equally

important in the education of Branchburg’s students. The 2020 Branchburg Township Educational Services Professionals of the Year are Jillian Sawicki (Branchburg Central Middle School Child Study Team Member), Sarah Debraski (Stony Brook Media Specialist), and Meredith Molinaro (Whiton Guidance Counselor). Each of these educators fully exemplifies the mission of the Branchburg Township School District to inspire our students to learn, think, grow, and excel in life. We are very proud of our exemplary educators and congratulate them on a job well done!

Branchburg Township held its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 2. Township Committee member Thomas Young was sworn in as mayor for 2020, and Township Committee member Brendon Beatrice was sworn in as deputy mayor, Mayor Young’s acceptance comments can be read on page 9. The mayor in 2019 was Anna Columbus. Mayor Young presented her with a gavel and engraved plaque that reads: “Presented to Anna Columbus in appreciation

for your outstanding and dedicated service as Mayor for 2019.” Earlier, Columbus announced that Bob Petrelli has decided to pursue other interests and will no longer serve on the Township Committee. She said, “I and the other members of the Township Committee will miss his wit, intelligence and sheer concern for the residents of Branchburg. I know you will all join me in wishing him well.” Many volunteers on various committees in the township were also sworn in.

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The Branchburg News • February 2020

Upcoming Events Editors & Publishers: Bill Haduch, Monita Casey Haduch Advertising Manager: Heather Sanchez Writer/Ad Sales: Karen C. Muller Design & Layout: Jacki Hasko Web Manager: Steve Skladany Mailing Services: Mike Sanchez Art:: Kevin Gora, Cathy Zehr, Megan Moore The Branchburg News is mailed monthly, free-of-charge to every mailing address in Branchburg Township. Free copies are also available for distribution in places of business, schools, and municipal offices. DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE March 2020 February 10 For Ad Materials February15 For News Materials The Branchburg 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 Branchburg 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: branchburgnews@gmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 5351 Branchburg, NJ 08876 Web: www.branchburgnews.com

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Church Pancake Breakfast Feb. 1 From 8 to 11 am at Bradley Gardens Community Church. Pancakes, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea, orange juice. This month also includes: French toast All you can eat. Suggested donation $8 to $10 per person. 124 Old York Rd., Bridgewater, 908-722-0878. Job Seekers Group Feb. 5 From 7 to 9 pm, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties will offer a Job Seekers Success Group for active job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed or seeking a career change. Topic is “The 2020 Census is Here and The Federal Government is Hiring” presented by Marvin Joss, Partnership Specialist, US Census Bureau. The group is offered free of charge and is open to the entire community. JFS location is 150-A West High St. in Somerville. To register, or for information about Career Counseling Services, contact Elise Prezant at 908-725-7799 X108 or eprezant@JewishFamilySvc.org. Coffee with the Mayor Feb. 8 From 9:30 to 11 am at the Municipal Building with Mayor Thomas Young. Listen, talk and learn about township happenings in a casual setting. Historic Open House Feb. 16 From 1 to 4 pm, the 1790 Andrew Ten Eyck House will provide visitors an accurate look at how people lived in Branchburg’s earlier times. The restored brick and frame house is at 671 Old York Rd. at the entrance of the Allergan facility. Tours are provided by the Branchburg Historical Society, usually on the third Sunday each month. If the “Open” flag is flying on the front porch, the open house is underway. Parking lot is in the back, as is the house entrance.

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Recycling:

Public Meeting About New Bridge Feb. 18 From 4 to 7 pm, the NJ Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting about plans for the new River Road bridge in the courtroom of the Municipal Building.

and local shows. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert and beverage only will be served at noon. For further information about club meetings, contact either club co-president, Jean Stives at 908-359-6480 or Alice A. Van Cleef at 908-403-8208. For For info call more info regarding the club, visit 732-469-3363 or visit www. www.neshanicgardenclub.org and/ Megan Rose Bradley Foundation or click a like on Facebook. co.somerset.nj.us/recycle Ladies Night Out Feb. 20 From 6:30 to 10 pm at Somerville Elks Lodge. 375 Union Ave. in RVCC Planetarium to Present Special Shows Bridgewater. Wine tasting, delicious food, silent auction. As alfor Valentine’s Day ways, proceeds from the event Treat yourself and your love to an out-of-this-world Valentine’s Day at will fund pediatric brain cancer research and provide scholarships the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg. The to local area students. This year’s Planetarium is offering the following special holiday shows in celebration event theme is “glamping” as in of Valentine’s Day: glamour plus camping. Glamping attire is optional but encouraged Romancing the Stars, Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. (ideas: flannel shirts, down vests, It’s date night at the Planetarium. Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Unihiking boots or other comfy op- verse as we learn about stars, constellations, songs, and stories that all celtions). Tickets are $50 per lady un- ebrate love. The program is open to adult couples only, ages 16 and older. til Feb. 5 ($55 after). Contact info: meghanrosebradleyfoundation. org, mrbfoundation@gmail.com, Laser Love, Friday, February 14 & Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. 732-735-3291. The foundation is a This laser concert celebrating love features such songs as “Perfect” by non-profit 501(c) corporation. Do- Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Friday evening performance is nations are tax deductible. open to adult couples only, ages 16 and older. The Saturday show is open Ash Wednesday Service Feb. 26 to all ages. At 7 pm, Bradley Gardens Community Church, 124 Old York Rd., Bridgewater, 908-722-0878. Our Lovely Skies, Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Service will include communion Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained. Planets are named for Roman and Greek gods who have stories of their own. Beautiful steland imposition of ashes. lar nebulas remind us of celestial flower bouquets. Discover these treasures and more in this light-hearted, family-friendly show about the love Garden Club Meeting Feb. 27 At 9:45 am, the Neshanic Garden stories in the sky. The show is recommended for ages 10 to adult. Club will hold its regular monthly meeting at the Station House on Admission per couple is $20 for one show, $38 for two shows on Olive Street in Neshanic Station the same day. Individuals are also invited to attend the Valentine’s village. The program is “Succulents Day shows at a cost of $10 per person, $18 for two shows on the and How to Make a Succulent same day. Reservations are strongly suggested for all shows. For adWreath,” presented by Theodora ditional information, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/ Falcon. Theodora is a former presi- planetarium. dent of the Garden Club of Long Valley, Garden Club of NJ Awards chairperson and District IV director. She has studied at the NY Botanical Gardens Ikebana Japan and has earned numerous awards for her design and horticulture in state

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Members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Socety receive a proclamation from Mayor Anna Columbus (third from left).

Raritan Valley Community College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society wants to spread awareness about taking care of the environment, with the ultimate goal of creating clean communities. This organization encourages and grows leaders who want to make the world a better place. In a statement submitted to The Branchburg News, officers of the

society described a project they recently undertook at one of the township’s busiest locations: “This school year, we decided to share our passion for keeping our environment clean and reducing plastic waste. As part of this project, we were excited to partner up with Branchburg Township in distributing free reusable bags outside of the Branchburg Shoprite on Dec. 3,” wrote Nigora

Ganieva, VP of Membership, and Sara Alicea, VP of Scholarship. In all, the students, working with Doreen Danner, municipal recycling coordinator, gave away 950 reusable bags, including 200 insulated ones. Branchburg Township invited members of PTK to the Dec. 9 Township Committee meeting where they were presented with a proclamation from Mayor Anna Columbus which described the environmental problems with single-use plastic bags (such as a rate of recycling of only one percent, and a 10- to 20-year timespan for the bags to decompose, during which time they end up in landfills or the oceans). Mayor Columbus was quoted in the proclamation: “I hereby recognize the Raritan Valley Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa on their efforts to spread awareness about taking care of the environment and trying to make the world a better place.”

Floral Design Classes in Neshanic Station Village

Would you like arrangements of fresh flowers in your home to chase the winter doldrums away? Learn how to arrange beautiful fresh floral designs to take home. Designs are made with long-lasting flowers, so the arrangements can last up to two weeks. Join the Branchburg Recreation Department’s Afternoon Floral Design Class with instructor Diana Reinhardt. She has 20+ years of teaching floral design

and is the past president of the Neshanic Garden Club. Five remaining sessions are on Wednesdays – Feb., 5, Mar., 4, Mar. 25, Apr. 8, Apr. 22. Classes are held at the Station House, 412 Olive St., Neshanic Station, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Register online through Community Pass: https://register. communitypass.net/Branchburg or call Recreation at 908-5261300 x 188.

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The Branchburg News • February 2020

RVCC Student Group Strives to Keep Branchburg and the Environment Clean

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Senior Citizens Club Names New Officers

The Branchburg News • February 2020

Order of the Arrow Award Goes to Troop 90–At

Events: St. Patrick’s Day Lun- ing cards, shooting pool, jigsaw cheon is Mar. 19. Reservations are puzzles, selecting a book from being taken now. our Book Nook. You can get a low cost light lunch. Membership Information: We invite you to attend one of Membership is open to ages 55+, our meetings as a guest and hopedues are $15 annually. Meetings fully, we can welcome you as a are held on the first and third member. Membership is open to Thursdays of the month in the all residents age 55 and over and Whiton Hills Community Room spouses may join regardless of age. on Rt. 202 South. The room is We encourage residents of neighlocated on the lower floor. The boring communites to join us. business meeting is held on the For more information call: 908first Thursday of the month. The 635-7542. third Thursday of the month is a Seniors February Birthdays social meeting, which includes Feb. 14 Mary Guth a light lunch. Time 11 am to 3 Feb. 14 Michael Totten pm. “Fun days“ are social times Feb. 17 Melania Hoffman to meet up with friends. These Feb. 19 Joseph Mills Meetings: Business meeting is are on Thursdays when there are Feb. 23 Harriet Davis Feb. 6. Social meeting is Feb.13 no meetings (a fifth Thursday if Feb. 26 Henry Schnakenberg it occurs). Fun days start at 10 (Valentines Day celebration). am. There are board games, play-

By Rosemarie Caroselli At the January business meeting of the Branchburg Senior Citizens Club, the new officers for the year 2020 were sworn in. They are: President Edward Ogin, 1st Vice President Michele Dickson, 2nd Vice President Mary Jane Wronski, Recording Secretary Michaelene Goodman, Corresponding Secretary Rosemarie Caroselli, Treasurer Marion Chiesa, Trustees: Marion Chiesa, Jennie Giancola, John Giancola. Committee Members: Barbara Dugan (Membership), Ruth Hentz (Trips), Barbara Kuzio (Sunshine), Mary Long (Hospitality).

the Patriots Path annual banquet on Jan 4, the “Journey to Excellence” award for 2019 went to Troop 90. The honor recognizes the troop for recruitment, member retention, and volunteer work efforts in the community and at Patriots Path Scout Council camps. Led by Scout Evan Osworth and Assistant Scoutmaster Rich Moore, troop 90 successfully inducted 12 new members into Order of the Arrow Woapalanne Lodge 43 in 2019. This represented the single largest group to join in Central New Jersey and afforded members the opportunity to volunteer more than 125 hours of service at local events and at Council Camp Winnebago. For over 100 years the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, has recognized those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily life, mainOn the night after Valentines Day, Knights of Cotain camping traditions and spirit year round, and provide leadership and cheerful service to others. Troop 90 meets on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 pm lumbus Assembly 3293 will present Captain Jack, at Midland School in Branchburg. Pictured at the banquet are Bill Lawson, The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church hall, 105 Summer Rd. in Three Eric Rasch, Brian Armstrong, Austin Hackerd, Brad Moore, Will Lawson, Bridges (use Flemington for GPS). Dinner is at 6:30, Aidan Haddad, Chris Rasch, Evan Osworth, Vic Haddad, Rich Moore.

K of C to Present Billy Joel Tribute Band Dinner and Show show is at 8 pm, Saturday, Feb. 15. Dancing is encouraged. Tickets are $40 per person, BYOB. For tickets and info, contact Roman Hnidj at 908-256-9760, email: rhnidj@gmail.com. —submitted by Peter Payenski

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Troop 90 Takes a “Cool” November Backpacking Trip

On Nov. 16 & 17, Troop 90 went to Harriman State Park on a coldweather backpacking trip. Ten scouts and five adults participated. Harriman State Park spans both Rockland and Orange counties of New York State. It is the secondlargest park in the NY state parks system, with 31 lakes and over 200 miles of hiking trails. The backpacking trip took the troop along the Appalachian Trail (AT). Members hiked to the Lemon Squeezer, an interesting rock formation on the AT, and fun section of the trail. Here, hikers need to squeeze through a narrow

opening through the rocks. There was some snow on the ground with temperature ranging from the low 30s to 11 degrees at night. After driving up early Saturday, the troop backpacked and camped overnight in tents. Troop members practiced navigation and backpacking skills in preparation for their 12-day backpacking trip this summer to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico. Troop 90 meets every Thursday, 7:30 pm at the Midland School in Branchburg. —submitted by Larry Ahearn

The Branchburg News • February 2020

Campers on the trip were a combination of Branchburg and Readington residents. Pictured from left to right: Eric Rausch, Mateo Aguirre, Dan McDonald, Chris Rasch, Alex Niewiadomski, Damian Barczewski, Alex Bukowski, Brian Armstrong, Josh McDonald, Bill Bukowski, Josh Rutka, Will Lawson, Jackson Parisi, Paul Parisi and Bill Lawson.

Ronan Tubridy, an 8th grade student at Branchburg Central Middle School, won the Rotary Club of Branchburg Essay Contest for December and received the Student of the Month award. The presentation reflected his goals for the future and the steps necessary to achieve his goals. Ronan is planning on studying to become a Seabee. Ronan did an amazing presentation and thoroughly researched his future career path. All the Rotarians offered him advice regarding his future career. Then, Ronan’s dad John Turbridy (a veteran) and all the Rotarians who served our country posed for a photo together so we could thank all for their service. Pictured, from left, in the group shot are Dan Matyola, Clay Mason, Ronan Tubridy, John Tubridy, Craig Casucci, James Watson and Louis Cain. -Submitted by Kathy Feigley

Community Garden Plots Available

The Branchburg Community Garden at River Lea Farm on South Branch Road has plots available for rental for the 2020 season. Plots are available to both residents and non-residents of Branchburg. 10’ X 10’ plots are $30 (senior rate $20); 10’ X 24’ plots are $50 (senior rate $40). Both organic

and non-organic plots are available. For more information about rules and an application send an email to bcgac.nj@gmail.com. —submitted by Roger Johnson, Branchburg Community Garden Advisory Committee

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The Branchburg News • February 2020

Adult Guests Welcome at BWC February Meeting by Tricia Ihde for the BWC The featured program at the Thursday, Feb. 20, Branchburg Woman’s Club meeting will be a presentation about Safe+Sound Somerset, formerly the Resource Center of Somerset. The meeting at the township’s Little Red Schoolhouse, 2120 South Branch Rd., will begin at 7 pm. Adult guests and membership inquiries are welcome. For club information, call (908) 866-1060. Since 1978, Safe+Sound Somerset, a private, nonprofit agency, has been helping individuals and families who have been impacted by domestic abuse. The Branchburg Woman’s Club, a longtime supporter, is pleased to have Jessica Skultety, the community outreach associate for the agency, as the featured speaker. She will talk about the organization’s mission and how people can help. The woman’s club is a volunteer, non-profit organization providing opportunities for community involvement, personal growth, and improving the quality of life in New Jersey. Since its founding 60 years ago, the club has supported many projects that help children and families. Besides Safe+Sound Somerset, the BWC

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has aided: Visions and Pathways (formerly known as Somerset County Home for Temporarily Displaced Children), Autism Awareness, Food Bank Network of Somerset County, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Prevent

Child Abuse-New Jersey (PCANJ), and more. club information is available by calling (908) 8661060, on the club’s Facebook page, or on the BWC website at https:// staging.dbchk.com/bwc/.

February Events at Kangaroo Kids Kangaroo Kids Child Care, 1047 Route 28 in Branchburg (North Branch Village) lists the following events for February: Feb. 4 – Children can learn about dental health in a fun presentation by a local dental hygenist. Feb. 14 – Parents are welcome to stop by on their way to work for a “Breakfast to go” Valentines treat. Feb. 21 – Parents Night Out is an opportunity for mom and dad to to go out, shop or just rest while the kids have fun at Kangaroo Kids. February is also the month to “Be a Kangaroo Kid for a day.”

New families can experience Kangaroo Kids free for a day. Also planned is a Kindergarten orientation for those interested in Kindergarten or Kindergarten Prep in September 2020 on Feb. 13 at 5 pm. Enrollment for September 2020 for current students begins in February. For information on attending these events at Kangaroo Kids call 908-231-7800 or email staff@kangarookidschildcare. com. Also, click a “like” on the Kangaroo Kids Child Care Facebook page for updates.

Winter Walkers–Individuals looking for brisk weekly walks are

invited to join a weekly walking group that meets every Wednesday at 9:30 am at the Duke Island Visitor’s Center for a healthful walk through Duke Island Park along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 5226. Duke Island Park is located off Old York Road in Bridgewater. The walk is free of charge and continues weekly as weather permits. Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks. org.

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Matthew Emmons of Branchburg, a 2018 graduate of Somerville High School, is a member of a Virginia Tech engineering team chosen to participate alongside NASA and industry researchers in the quest to demonstrate methods for harvesting water on the Moon and Mars. Engineering design students from universities across the country competed in the “Moon to Mars Ice & Prospecting Challenge,” and the 10 finalist teams have been commis-

sioned to design systems that can perform four main tasks: Drill through a variety of unknown layers consisting of dirt, rock, clay and cement that simulate lunar and/or Martian terrain; Find solid ice frozen beneath these layers and determine how to extract water from that ice; Filter the extracted water – teams will be rewarded with more points if the water can be extracted without manual intervention; Use system telemetry to determine how many layers are encountered inside the test beds and provide a density profile for each of the layers. Each of the finalist teams will receive a $10,000 development stipend to build and test their systems and perform a technology demonstration of their prototypes’ capabilities in a multi-day competition at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, next June. Matthew is a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Vanessa Collier Event, Performance at RVCC to Highlight Legacy of Blues Raritan Valley Community College will present “Passion and Soul: The Legacy of Blues Music in American History,” featuring award-winning saxophonist Vanessa Collier and her Band, Monday, Feb. 17, from 1-2:30 pm. The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be held in the Nash Theatre at the college’s Branchburg campus.

The program will feature limited onstage seating. Doors will open at 12:40 p.m. Guest performer Vanessa Collier, a critically acclaimed musician, is the 2019 Blues Music Award Winner for “Best Blues Instrumentalist” and the 2019 Blues Music Award nominee for “Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist.” For more info, visit www.raritanval.edu

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Apples and Books Learning Center Celebrates 25 Years

Vanessa and Dan Carey are celebrating 25 years of nurturing children with high quality day care and early learning at Apples and Books Learning Center in the cozy red building on Route 202 South in Branchburg. “Our mission continues to focus on serving the community by offering exceptionally high quality childcare and early childhood education with flexible programs designed to nurture the growing child in a clean, safe and loving environment,” Vanessa said. “We believe that each child is unique and has an individual pattern and timing for growth, as well as individual personality, learning style and family background. We understand children’s sense of self-worth derives in large part from their experiences within the family. We continue to strive to be an extension of you to your child. Our concern is supporting and strengthening the family through childcare. Thank you for the privilege of caring for your child!” The center, located at 1036 Route 202 South, of-

Vanessa Carey is pictured (left, center) with the staff of Apples and Books Learning Center in Branchburg. Pictured clockwise (from top, left) Terri Radwanski with child Mari Lin Safta, Eden Negri, Cynthia Griffin-Robinson, Mahua Ganguly, Jeanmarie Harris, Bianca Labye with students, and Onyinye Emejulu. - Photos courtesy of Vanessa Carey

fers homemade meals and caters to 6:30 p.m. For further information, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and call 908-429-4275 or visit appleskindergarteners with before and af- books.com. ter-school care. Hours are 7 a.m. to

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The Branchburg News • February 2020

Engineering Student from Branchburg Is Seeking Ways to Harvest Water in Space

The Branchburg News â&#x20AC;¢ February 2020

Municipal Building News | in print and online at www.branchburg.nj.us ‘Our Work is Your Play’ *** Recreation News***

SELF DEFENSE CLASS – residents ages 17 and older are welcome to participate in our first Self-Defense class given by DetectiveLieutenant Lisa Gilmurray. With 20+ years of law enforcement experience and expertise, she has reached many highly respected achievements. Check out details in the Recreation Brochure, registration required, class will be held on Thurs., February 20, at BCMS Cafeteria.

Black-light Volleyball

Attention all 6-8th graders. TEEN NIGHT has taken a new direction! Join us for the ultimate game of Volleyball … in the DARK! You won’t want to miss this, so bring your friends to the BCMS main gym on Friday, February 21, 7-9:00pm and join the fun! Refreshments, games and all participants receive a glow giveaway.

Love to Ice-Skate? If the weather would cooperate we could be skating on the rink at White Oak Park. Many of you may have noticed the rink on the infield of field # 3. We are just waiting for a deep freeze to get out there and SKATE!

Winter Programs are well underway & if by chance you missed the opportunity to exercise, cook, or arrange flowers, you will have another opportunity to sign up for the second session. Several of our programs continue with additional session and registration will be later this month. Keep an eye out for Gov-delivery notification when the next sessions begin!

DISCOUNT SKI tickets are available for: Blue Mountain & Shawnee Mtn, both in PA.

Tickets are also available for:

Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ - Adult @ $21.50 Adventure Aquarium-Child (2-12) @ $17.50 Crayola Experience, Easton, PA

Call Recreation with questions! 908-526-1300x 188 Follow Branchburg Recreation on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranchburgRec

Happy Valentine’s Day

A Message From the Branchburg Health Department: January was Radon Action Month. Each year the Health Department sells Radon Kits at a reduced cost, this year we have 50 free radon kits for Township residents. They will be distributed on a first come basis. Please email: cinthia.weaver@branchburg.nj.us

The Scoop on Poop Written by Stefanie Williams I know what half of you are thinking, why wouldn’t I be picking up after my dog? I also know what the other half of you are thinking, bears and deer both go in the woods, my dog is no different. Or maybe you’re thinking, I just let my dog go in my backyard, it’s after all, my yard. I get it; I’ve been on both sides of the fence. Personally, I’m on team pick-up. There are so many benefits, my yard doesn’t smell, my neighbors are appreciative, and the chances of my kid walking in it are close to nil. Picking up after your dog, is a community service to your neighbors, yourself, and our future. It’s a common misconception that it’s as natural as a cow, but not all piles are created equally. Unfortunately, Fido is not a natural fertilizer to your yard. Cow Manure has a very different makeup from ours pups. Cows are herbivores while our dogs are omnivores and eat a high protein diet. One should never use pet waste as compost for your garden. Dogs waste is so high in nitrogen that it can actually burn your lush green lawn you’ve been working so on hard. The high nitrogen can cause more havoc on our local watersheds and cause algae blooms that eventually uses up all the oxygen needed by fish. Let’s face it, pet waste is raw sewage. It can carry tapeworm, heartworms, e. coli, and much more. If you’ve ever had to de-worm a puppy, it’s not pretty and something I personally gagged over. Now imagine all of that in our watershed (the Raritan watershed), the water that we eventually drink, the water we fish and swim in! As a pet owner, what can you do? Scoop up the yard at least once a week. I would recommend at least once a day, your shoes will thank me later. When you go on walks, keep your dog leashed so you don’t have to go on a treasure hunt that your dog set up. Save the treasure hunting for another day. And last, bring baggies, and then some, it’s always nice to share with a friend and please don’t forget to tie up those baggies.

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH – MAYOR THOMAS YOUNG I would like to take a few minutes to make some opening comments. First, I would like to thank Bob Petrelli for serving on the Township Committee for the past six years. He will be sadly missed and we will be seeking a replacement soon. Second, I would also like to thank the residents of Branchburg for re-electing me; this will be my eighth term on the Township Committee. Finally, thanks to the Township Committee for their support and nomination to the Mayor for Branchburg Township in 2020. In Branchburg, the Mayor’s position has traditionally rotated each year amongst the Township Committee Members. You should think of the Mayor as the leader of a governing team. As a team, the Township Committee operates together on your behalf. All of the Township Committee members are stewards for our town who work to preserve and protect Branchburg to make our town a great place to live. Additionally, we try to insulate, as best we can, any divisive partisan politics that are pervasive at the State and Federal level. The residents of Branchburg can continue to expect a non-partisan approach to local government service from your Township Committee Team. 2020 marks the beginning of a new decade. This next decade will likely bring about more change than we have seen in any decade in our lifetime. As such, the challenges of providing stewardship to the residents of Branchburg will be difficult. I believe the biggest challenge we face are all of the affordable housing plans being put to us by the courts. These planned changes could drive a significant amount of residential development and population changes in our town. There is a potential for this to strain our tax base, school system, traffic patterns, and the rural-suburban character of our town. However, in the end, I believe market forces will likely limit much of the planned development and we will experience slower growth than what is being discussed within the courts. As we navigate this and other key issues, the Township Committee will continue to provide the same stewardship and transparency that has served our town well over these many years. Ultimately, it is our goal to turn any changes into positive shifts for Branchburg and our community. I look forward to 2020 and to leading our Branchburg Township Committee team in this year of change. Thank you and God bless our wonderful town.

The Branchburg News • February 2020

TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG

Branchburg Newsmakers Kevin Lauducci of Boy Scout Troop 185 received his Eagle Scout rank on Dec. 11. He is a senior at Somerville High School. His Eagle Scout project involved putting up directional signs at White Oak Park to locate where each field is in the park. This assists visitors to the park in finding athletic fields during the various soccer, baseball, and lacrosse tournaments. Whitney Moya of Branchburg was named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA. Kevin Lauducci

Junior Honor Society Induction at St. Ann School -- On Jan. 16, St. Ann School in Raritan held its National Junior Honor Society Induction for eighth grade students. It was a beautiful ceremony attended by parents and students. Branchburg residents participating were Noelle Szeman and Nathan La Roche. -- submitted by Cindy Haddad 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

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During January, several state laws sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman of Branchburg successfully made their way through the legislative process in Trenton. Bateman’s bill to help clear the air of greenhouse gases was signed by the governor. The new law (A5583/ S3919) transitions the state to less harmful alternatives by prohibiting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other gases that threaten the ozone. “Moving to more environmentally benign refrigerants benefits the climate and reduces health risks to the public,” said Bateman (R-16). “Replacement gases are available and proven. I am pleased this bipartisan measure has become law.” S4276 (Corrado/Bateman) appropriates more than $32 million from various farmland preservation funds to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for preservation purposes. Also signed into law was S-2599 which authorizes a veteran’s property tax exemption and veteran’s property tax deduction for honorably discharged veterans of United States Armed Forces who did not serve in time of war or other emergency.

Scouts’ First Aid Competition: Racing the Clock

Pictured above are Troop 90 participants: First row: Daniel Flores, Chris Rasch, Emilio Flores, Brendan Kemp, Cenan Zlotkov. Middle Row: Aiden Haddad, Joseph Keck, Will Lawson. Standing: Bill Lawson, Michael Rossman, Brian Armstrong, Dom Noto, Kyle Noto, Josh McDonald, Victor Haddad. Not pictured: Dan McDonald, Joe Kempe, Stephanie Keck.

On Dec. 7, boy scouts of the Raritan Valley District of the Patriots Path Council ran their annual first aid competition at the Somerset County Emergency Service Training Academy in Hillsborough. Adult scout leaders act as judges, cub scouts and pack leaders act as victims with each scout patrol administering first aid in four separate timed scenarios. Troop 90 of Branchburg had 13 scouts in two patrols and placed third in the meet out of 186 scouts in 28 patrols.

Hunterdon Healthcare Now Girl Scouts Collecting PB&J Operates Your Doctors Care for RVCC Food Pantry in Hillsborough

During the month of February, members of Girl Scout Troop 60058 will be collecting peanut butter and jelly for donation to the on-campus food pantry at Raritan Valley Community College. The collection will be the culmination of a project the girls have been working on that promotes the understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of their race, religion or socioeconomic status. Through the collection the scouts hope to

assist other students suffering from food insecurity in the local community. The Food Pantry at RVCC, in conjunction with the campus Resource Center, assists students that have non-academic barriers to success. Donations of peanut butter and jelly can be taken to collection boxes placed in the lobbies of each Branchburg school (Whiton, Stony Brook, BCMS). You may also reach out to the troop directly to arrange a pickup or dropoff of your donation. For more information or to contact the troop, send an email to troop60058@gmail.com. —submitted by Danielle Burt, Troop Leader

Your Doctors Care is a newly operated family practice of Hunterdon Healthcare, and as of Jan. 1 the practice name has changed to Hunterdon Family Medicine at Your Doctors Care, located at 71 Route 206 in Hillsborough. The providers at Hunterdon Family Medicine at Your Doctors Care include: Brianna Fowls, M.D., Glen Landesman, M.D., Joseph Smith, M.D., Joseph Weinstein, M.D., Mirela Bruza, PA-C, Elizabeth Drews, PAC, Pamela Fiumecaldo, PAC, Linda McGill, PA-C and Shannon Radkovich, PA-C.

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The Branchburg News • February 2020

What Does the Fox Say?

A series of hair-raising, highpitched screams pierced the darkness, made blacker by the invisible February new moon. The sounds echoed in the still night. Their source? After some speculation, the listener attributed them to a red fox. Late winter marks the renewal of life for many wildlife species including red fox. What sets fox apart from most other wildlife are their screams voiced during the night-time mating ritual. The screams sound quite like a screech owl or a young great horned owl and the range of vocalization is wide and varied. That is what makes differentiation between owl and fox calls so initially challenging. The sound they all share is like a “blaat,” elongated into a screech. The giveaway is that an owl will move locations while the fox screams are stationary and muted because they are made close to the ground, the sound obstructed by trees and brush. Male fox, referred to as dog fox, roam far and wide looking for a mate and are often seen during the day. South-facing hillsides are a favorite place for a fox to fall asleep. The air currents travel uphill in

the warm sun and carry delightfully interesting scents to a nose that never sleeps. Additionally, any approaching danger will be detected at a distance, allowing time for the alerted fox to seek secure cover. It appears more of a magic trick for a red-colored fox to hide in the middle of a pure white expanse of snow. When observed, it is akin to an apparition performed in a magic act. You can’t believe what you are seeing. A male will court and mate with one or more females, also known as vixens. It is interesting that like mink and other wildlife, the implantation may be delayed several days or more, as in the case of mink. Theory suggests the first mating may not be with the ideal mate and when a better male comes along it allows his genetics to be passed on. Late one January, among a jumble of boulders on a snowy hillside in mature woods, a female was preparing a den, as evidenced by the fresh orange earth scat-

The hiker, skier and the fox Passed this way on a snowy walk. “Look into my eyes and tell me you know I exist; hear my voice and know I am near.”

tered on the deep snow. Dens may be used year after year but generally a new den site is selected. The initial den site may be abandoned and a new site selected for the growing pups. I imagine security and cleanliness are some

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The same path was taken on that day Though each saw things a different way.

considerations in moving a litter, though there are many examples of a single den serving until the pups explore on their own. One female moved six pups from a pasture to a groundhog den nearby. Mom picked up each pup by the scruff of the neck, head held high and carried them a couple hundred yards to their new home. Gestation is generally 60 days and litter size may vary from two to six. I have observed a litter of six pups though four or five are

continued on page 13

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more commonly noted. As the newborn pups are totally dependent upon mom for food and warmth, she rarely leaves the den and depends on the male to bring her food. When the pups are old enough to control their body temperature and require less attention, mom will begin hunting again. I have seen one fox hunt and kill several mice in one session. She then picked them all up,

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continued from page 12

During late spring on Sandy Hook National Recreation Area, I watched a family having a picnic and observed a fox sitting perfectly still and upright about 30 steps away in the open. The picnickers saw the fox and tossed some food his way. The fox came forward, took the food and retreated to his original position, politely waiting for a second handout. We all have our own unique style and flair as does every individual wild creature. Fox display an intelligence and creativity, as if to say, “Look into my eyes and tell me you know I exist, hear my voice and know I am near.” It is a plea often seen in the eyes of little children and the elderly. We are kindred spirits with all living things and share many needs in common. The fox is an animal spirit guide in that respect. That’s what the fox says!

at least three tails dangling from her mouth, and trotted off to feed her pups. As I was writing this, I heard intermittent screaming, which sounded quite like a yapping 10-pound lap dog. The sounds were consistent with mating fox, though it was nine in the morning. The strong wind carried the sounds afar to confuse the location of the fox. At one point it sounded as if I was just yards away. Nothing! As I returned I heard the sound again at a distance, closer to home. Unexpectedly, a fox trotted across my path from where the barking originated. So I mark this day to project a birth date sure to take place nearby in about 65 days. When we go beyond text books and actually observe wildlife, we come to appreciate individual personalities that stand in contrast to the declared behavioral generContact jjmish57@msn.com. alizations. We are misled in that way to think of wildlife as isolat- See more articles and photos at ed, inanimate objects, predictable winterbearrising.wordpress.com. in nature and nothing more to see -- that’s all there is. The fox that came into a neighbor’s yard and began tossing a dog toy in the air, pouncing and leaping in a playful moment, fits no description of its kind in any Wikipedia summary. Another neighbor further down the road noted a fox to be a regular visitor and she discovered the fox would steal her pony’s rubber boots. I wondered how common it was for fox living near homes to steal or play with dog toys or other objects a dog might be expected to have fun with. There seems to be enough anecdotal evidence of fox engaged in such antics.

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Too Cold for Outdoor Swinging? It’s Always Simulator Season at NVGC The Somerset County Park Commission has announced that open time and tournament time is available at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course (NVGC) Learning Center HDGolf Simulator. The indoor facility is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station. Weekday reservation times begin at 7 a.m. with the final starting time at 7 p.m. Simulators rent for $50 per hour weekdays and $60 per hour weekends. Discounted standing blocks of time are available. The High Definition Golf™ simulator sets the standard for indoor golf accuracy and realism. Revolutionary image processing software combines high resolution digital images, satellite data, and geophysical data into 3D models of golf courses. Representations look real and are completely accurate everywhere on the course with every tree, bunker and hazard reproduced exactly. Additionally, the simulator provides comprehensive and precise shot analysis including ball speed, club speed, launch angle, club face angle, ball spin and spin axis at high accuracy.

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Among the 26 courses available at the Learning Center are: Pebble Beach®, St, Andrews®, Pinehurst®, Kiawah Island®, Spyglass®, Doral®, Harbourtown®, Troon North®, Bethpage Black®, Banff Springs® and many others. The HD Winter Challenge stroke play tournament for men and women is run weekly on one of well-known championship courses. Weekly and year-end prizes will be awarded. Golfers may register as a single, twosome, threesome, or foursome. Fee is $20 per week. Wednesday Women’s Instruc-

tion and Practice is available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m., at a fee of $25 per person for small group instruction and one hour of play and practice. Friday Senior Swing at a fee of $20 per person will be available at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. For information and registration email FGlass@scparks.org or call the Learning Center at 908-3698232. For information on all Park Commission programs and activities, log onto www.somersetcountyparks.org.

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The Branchburg News • February 2020

What Does the Fox Say?

The Branchburg News • February 2020

Recreation Program Reminder As of mid-January, registration Adults: was still open for the following Most of the following programs programs: have started however there is always room for more participants. Youth: Total Conditioning, Seniors MaPre-School: Wee Cook for ages ture Aerobics, Cardio Interval 3-6 until Mar. 10, 1:30-2:30 pm at class, Beginner Pilates class, the Station House. $45. Yoga, Floral Design - Afternoon or Evening, Pickleball, Karate, Grades K-3: Kids Yoga on Thurs- Coed-over-30 Indoor Soccer, days until Feb. 27, 5-5:45 pm @ Men’s Open Gym. WES Music Room, $45. Check out the program booklet New for grades 1-5: Minds in Mo- on the Township website under tion/Solar Space Fleet & Chal- Recreation, then register online lenge Island-World Tour where through Community Pass by engineering meets imagination. clicking the link. https://register. communitypass.net/Branchburg. Grades 1-8: Kids Karate-Tues. Now-6/2, 6-7:30pm, BCMS CafCall with questions, 908-526eteria, $15, $20(non-resident) 1300 x 188.

Registration for the 2020 spring season of the Branchburg Baseball Club (BBC) is open until Feb. 14 . Boys and girls in preschool through 12th grade are eligible to play baseball. Girls in preschool through 8th grade are eligible to play softball. Preschoolers are eligible to play if they will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2020. For more information and to register, visit branchburgbaseball.com. Also, the BBC is looking for additional sponsors for this season. If interested, email Rich Muratore at Richard.Muratore@tradeweb.com -- submitted by Jason Miessler

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Charity Dodgeball Game Planned for March 18

The Branchburg Central Middle School Student Council is planning a Branchburg Police vs. Teacher Charity Dodgeball Game on Wednesday, March 18, at the BCMS gym, to benefit the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation for pediatric brain cancer research. Pictured (from left) at a recent school assembly are BCMS Media Specialist Wendy Michels, Student Council Advisor; BCMS Student Council Treasurer Sophia Baumann, President Chase Insabella, Branchburg Police Officer John Elbert; MRB Foundation President and Meghan’s mom Ileen Bradley, Student Council Vice President Turner Boyle, Secretary Nicole Fitzgibbon, and BCMS Principal Matthew Barbosa.

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In celebration of February as Career and Technical Education Month, Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) will hold the 13th Annual Open House from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 1. A snow date of Feb. 8 has been set in case of inclement weather. During the event, faculty, staff and student ambassadors will be available to answer questions, give tours and provide information on each of the eighteen Career and Technical Education Programs available at SCVTHS. The Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School students who have volunteered to become student ambassadors will lead tours and speak as representatives for their Career and Technical Programs during the event. Prior to the Open House, these student ambassadors have been assisting SCVTHS staff with touring Somerset County middle schools in an effort to increase awareness of Career and Technical Education. The student ambassadors also play important roles in helping to prepare and decorate for the annual Open House event. Some other highlights of this year’s annual Open House include a full

review of all academic offerings and program specific demonstrations. In addition, hors d’oeuvres will be served by Culinary Arts students and guests can meet with the advisors of SCVTHS sports teams, extracurricular activities and clubs. Additionally, this year, SCVTHS is happy to welcome trades advocate, general contractor and television host Kayleen McCabe. During the Open House, McCabe will hold an information session on “Women in the Trades” beginning at 11 a.m. This session hopes to inspire and encourage young people to explore, complete and succeed in non-traditional trade careers, answer questions related to the field and find out what’s coming up next for women in trades and future career opportunities. The presentation ends in an informal question and answer session. Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School is a fully accredited, four-year high school located at 14 Vogt Dr. in Bridgewater. All interested guests are encouraged to pre-register for this event online at www.scvths.org or call 908-526-8900, ext. 7250 or 7243.

4-H Creates New Website Somerset County 4-H has introduced a fresh, new website designed to will make it easier than ever for Somerset County and the surrounding areas to view all of the 4-H upcoming public events and resources. The revamped website is just one of the many steps Somerset County 4-H is making to embrace a new generation of leaders. 4-H invites everyone to visit https://4HisTOPS.org to find out how children can become members, learn about local volunteer opportunities, and explore the history and future of the Somerset County 4-H Fair. - Submitted by Calvin Embleton

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Contact 1-800-530-3046 or branchburgnews @gmail.com

The Branchburg News • February 2020

Somerset County VoTech to Host Open House

High School “Training”–Last month’s article about two

football players in the 1920s with freshly broken bones riding a motorycle home from Somerville High School inspired another look at school transport round-about the 1920s. Neshanic Station resident Tom Grenci showed how the Central Railroad of New Jersey shuttled students between Neshanic Station and Somerville. Tom found the “Monthly Scholar’s Ticket,” seen above, on eBay. Wrote Tom, “High School student Margaret Quick must have used the Central Railroad to commute to school..This, an eBay-found artifact, was one of several with Ms. Quick’s name that were posted for auction in the last couple of years. They were dated from 1927 through 1929.” The Branchburg News hopes to run stories throughout 2020 related to Branchburg in the 1920s. Emails and photos should be sent to branchburgnews@gmail.com.

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Don’t Forget Your Groundhog Supper! It’s an old Branchburg tradition to prepare a groundhog supper during the week of Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. For this recipe, adapted from the book “Unmentionable Cuisine” by Calvin W. Schwabe, you’ll need one fresh groundhog, ½ cup flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ cup cooking oil, ½ teaspoon sugar. Clean and skin groundhog and remove all scent glands. Cure in cool place by suspending from hook approximately four days. Dress groundhog as for rabbit, remove the small sacs in the back and under the forearms. Soak groundhog overnight in salted water to remove wild flavor. Combine flour, salt, pepper and soda; rub into groundhog pieces. Brown groundhog in hot oil in skillet; sprinkle with sugar. Reduce heat; add ½ cup water. Cover; simmer for about 30 minuites or until tender. Remove cover; cook for 10 minutes longer and turn off heat. When cool, discard contents of skillet and treat yourself to a civilized supper at one of Branchburg’s fine dining establishments, preferably a Branchburg News advertiser.

Book Drive Continues–

A book drive at Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center is helping to spread the joy of reading to those less fortunate. Veronique Berrios, (pictured right) teacher in the Discovery Preschool classroom, is the originator of this community service project. The goal is to collect 101 books. Veronique is involving all the children at Kangaroo Kids in the project from start to finish as they make copies of the flyers and collect the books. Plus, the entire school will be creating bookmarks to send with the books. What can you do to help? Go through your child’s library and bring in any new or gently used books. If a book makes sounds, is a pop-up, or has parts, it must work or be complete. Parenting books and Spanish/ bilingual books are also accepted. Through Feb. 7, bring books to Kangaroo Kids donation boxes at 1047 Route 28, North Branch. All books will be donated to the Bridge of Books Foundation. Call 231-7800 with any questions. - Submitted by Kathy Feigley

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LarkenAssociates.com • 908.874.8686 IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY | BROKERS PROTECTED Raider Realty is a licensed real estate broker. No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made to the accuracy of the information contained herein & same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, withdrawal without notice & to any special listing conditions, imposed by our principals & clients.

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On Thursday, Mar. 19, Midland School in Branchburg will hold an open house from 10 to 11:30 am. It’s an opportunity to learn more about this New Jersey Department of Education approved private special education school dedicated to the individual, social, emotional, academic and career needs of children, adolescents, and young adults, ages three through 21, with intellectual and developmental

disabilities. Visitors can bring their questions, see the classrooms, and tour the specialized programs at Midland. Call 908-722-8222 x109 to reserve a spot at The Midland School’s Open House. Midland promotes personal achievement and fosters independence for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing a range of innovative programs. Founded in 1960, Midland is a not-for-profit, 501c3 organization comprised of The Midland School and

Midland Adult Services. Midland Adult Services focuses on the transition from school to adult life by providing residential living, community and life skills training, job training and placement, day and social/recreational experiences to support and enrich the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.midlandschool.org. Physical address is The Midland School, 94 Readington Road, North Branch, NJ 08876.

Food for Cats– Girl Scouts

Isabella Suarez, Harlee Stracuzzi, Gitashri Kommineni and Paige Powers of Troop 60354 (pictured right) are working towards earning their Bronze Award. The girls must complete 20 hours of service in order to complete the award. They are working with a rescue organization for feral cats. The girls are also spending time at the colonies feeding the cats and cleaning. The girls are taking donations of wet and dry cat food, cat treats, straw, styrofoam coolers, rubber gloves, rubbermaid containers, water/food bowls and contractor garbage bags. There is a donation box at Stony Brook School and at Shear Images Salon in Flemington. Leaders also are willing to pick up any donations. Contact dinanharlee@gmail.com for pickup. - Submitted by Dina Stracuzzi-Farlow

Former Residents Bring Pet Grooming to Branchburg

The Branchburg News • February 2020

Looking a Month Ahead: Midland School’s Open House

April Schlack is pictured with a satisfied customer.

April’s Shower Mobile Pet Grooming has expanded its coverage area to include Branchburg Township. Owners April and Thomas Schlack, former longtime residents of Branchburg, say they are happy to be servicing their beloved hometown where their family and friends still reside. The mobile pet grooming service offers a totally self-contained grooming salon on wheels in the convenience of your driveway. This service allows your pets to be pampered without the ner-

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vous emotions that come with being around several animals in an unfamiliar environment. April graduated and taught at the North Jersey School of Dog Grooming and has nearly two decades of professional experience in dog and cat grooming. April’s Shower offers a full line of pet services including hand scissoring, deep cleaning hydromassage, deshedding, and flea and tick control. For more information call 908-963-0197 or visit www. AprilsMobileShower.com.

Historical Drama, Favorite Children’s Stories Slated at RVCC Theatre

The Branchburg News • February 2020

The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg is offering several works for children and their parents in February, including a show focusing on activist Rosa Parks and a stage version of the beloved classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The productions, part of the Theatre’s School-Time series that’s open to the public, offer wonderful educational opportunities for home-schooled children. The following shows will be presented: Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey (Lightwire Theater), Friday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. (Recommended for kindergarten and older; 60 minutes) Marvin the Mouse journeys to the moon in this epic, glowin-the-dark adventure about celebrating differences. What Marvin wants most is to be popular, but the “cool” rats think he’s a geek. To escape their bullying, he retreats into science books and a fantasy world where he’s the hero. Join Marvin as he blasts off and lands on the moon, where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures, learns of infinite peril, and experiences awesome beauty. Staged in dazzling, luminescent black light, Marvin’s cosmic journey of self-acceptance is portrayed with humor and honesty as he

shares the important message that being different is “cool.” Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks (Mad River Theater Works), Monday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. (Recommended for grades 3 and older; 55 minutes) A determined activist named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. The resulting uproar launched the civil rights movement and changed our country forever. This acclaimed original production weaves together music and drama to tell Parks’ story from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to “sit down and be counted.” Exciting and inspirational, Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks shows how one individual’s determination made all the difference in the struggle for freedom and equality in the United States. The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites (Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia), Thursday, Feb. 27, at 12:30 p.m. (Recommended for pre-kindergarten and older; 60 minutes) Three beloved stories by award-winning children’s book illustrator and author Eric Carle are retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a

very tiny caterpillar as he eats his way through an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterf ly. High up in the sky, Little Cloud playfully transforms himself into various creatures, including a sheep, an airplane and a shark. The Mixed-Up Chameleon tries to emulate the beautiful animals he sees before he discovers the value in being his own unique self. Individual tickets in the School-Time series cost $10 each; $8 per ticket for groups of 100 or more. One chaperone ticket is provided free of charge for each 15 tickets purchased. To purchase tickets or for more information about any Theatre at RVCC production, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts. org. Subscribers’ packages are available. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.

Peace Light Came from Bethlehem–Girl scouts from

Branchburg Service Unit 73 and a cub scout from Pack 315 had a wonderful opportunity, that was led by Doreen Sekora, to participate in a special ceremony during the Christmas season at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church on Route 22 E. The Peace Light from Bethlehem arrived at the church on Dec. 29 at the 10:30 am Mass. The Peace Light is a continuously-burning flame, originating from the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel. It has burned continuously for over 1,000 years and is meant to promote peace, harmony and unity among the people of the world regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. Each year the light is passed by Boy Scouts and Girl Guides/ Scouts to over 30 European countries and, since 2001, to the United States, Canada and Mexico as well. The sanctuary lamp was lit from the Peace Light and families were able to bring the flame into their homes over the Christmas season. Scouts participating were Doreen Sekora, Amy & Ashley Bolink, Isabella & Mateo Suarez, Grace & Anna Bianchini. –submitted by Mary Anne Bolink

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• Branchburg Dentistry visits Kangaroo Kids to teach dental health - February 4th • Kindergarten Orientation - February 13th, 5:00 pm • Valentine’s Breakfast to Go - Stop by on your way to work! - February 14th, 7:00-9:00 am • Parents' Night Out - An opportunity for Mom and Dad to go out, shop, or just rest while the kids have fun at Kangaroo Kids! - February 21st • Eyes of the Wild Family Animal Show - March 6th

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One Year Ago, Feb. 2019: The first weekend of February was cold (down to 1 degree F), and 4.5 inches of ice quickly formed on the new ice skating rink in White Oak Park, a half-inch more than required to open the facility. A quick warm up to 54 degrees three days later ruined the ice conditions and the rink was closed at 3 pm on Feb. 3. Five Years Ago, Feb. 2015: The Neshanic Garden Club displayed creativity by driving a station wagon into a flower show at the Raritan Convention Center in Edison and making it the centerpiece of an exhibit with a “tailgate party” motif. 10 Years Ago, Feb. 2010: Giant snow forts, igloos and snowmen appeared all over town after two big snowstorms hit Branchburg in rapid succession – about four inches on Feb. 6 and about 13 inches on Feb. 10. 25 Years Ago, Feb. 1995: A tractor-trailer loaded with $50,000 worth of Progresso canned soup was reported stolen while parked overnight in a restaurant’s lot on Route 202. 50 Years Ago, Feb. 1970: A lease agreement was approved by the Somerset County College Board of Trustees for the first building on the college’s forthcoming Branchburg campus. It would be a 38,000 square foot all-purpose building. At the time, Somerset County College was housed in the old Green Brook High School.

Explore Your Roots at the Library From connecting with distant relatives through social media interfaces like Facebook; celebrities sharing the journey of tracing their origins on the television series “Who Do You Think You Are?;” and the popularity of DNA kits from companies such as 23andMe; it seems like everyone is digging at their roots. Did you know that your library can help you discover who you are? Explore your family tree with the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) and resources available through ProQuest, the distributor of the Ancestry family of databases. “The origin story fascinates most people, and genealogy uncovers one’s personal story,” said Ken Kaufman, adult services librarian. “Whether it’s instant access to a revealing document or finding a cousin through a DNA link, technology has leveraged the potential for learning new truths about one’s family. Adding excitement to the mix is the greater ease with which discoveries can un-

fold through technology.” ProQuest includes three resources that each offer a variety of features to pique your curiosity: Ancestry Library, Fold3 Library Edition, and HeritageQuest Online. Ancestry Library obtains billions of names in thousands of genealogical databases including census and vital records; birth, marriage and death notices; cemeteries, wills, and probates; immigration information; and more. This resource can be accessed on-site at any of SCLSNJ’s 10 Library branches. Fold3 Library Edition has a specific focus on U.S. military records, many of which are exclusively available on the resource. What makes Fold3 unique is not only does it provide convenient access to the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served, but it also allows users to interact with what they find and add their own information. HeritageQuest Online supplements this by providing inhome access to the U.S. census

and city directories, digitized versions of local history books, and a wealth of other historical collections and research guides. “At SCLSNJ we are always willing to help anyone with questions about their family lineage,” said Mary Nelson, adult services librarian. “I find these patrons are always very appreciative of anything we can tell them. Library customers are always welcome to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our librarians.” Schedule a one-on-one appointment and discover your genealogy with SCLSNJ librarian Ken Kaufman, at the Bridgewater branch, at kkaufman@sclibnj.org.

Girl Scout Sweetheart Dance Feb. 21 The annual Girl Scout Sweetheart Dance will be held on Feb. 21 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is hosted by Girl Scout Troop 60690. Girl Scouts in Daisies, Brownies and Juniors are invited to get dressed up and attend with their special guy. For more information contact Emily Zgombic at ezgombic04@gmail.com. –Submitted by Emily Zgombic, Troop Communications Manager

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The Branchburg News • February 2020

This Month In Branchburg History

The Branchburg News • February 2020

tine’s Day. So what finally happens? She runs off with the mailman. What do you say to an octopus on Valentine’s Day? I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand!

A Bridgewater woman was going to the mall, but goofed and drove up to the YMCA instead. “Look,” she said, “they spelled MACY’s wrong.

PAID

New Brunswick, NJ Permit No. 1757

Recent property sales reported in Branchburg Township: 133 Brandon Ct. $505K 505 Clinton St. $405K 63 Country Squire Way $726,500 207 Emerald Dr. $402,500 160 Fairview Dr. $470K 810 Magnolia Ln. $248K 1416 Magnolia Ln. $243K

What rock group has four guys who can’t sing? Mount Rushmore. What did they call George Washington’s false teeth? Presidentures.

2 Monroe St. $287K 53 Preston Dr. $370K 404 Red Crest Ln. $295K 71 Robbins Rd. $318K 303 Saratoga Ct. $385K 31 Seneca Trl. $379K 41 Strawberry Hill Rd. $451K 456 Windmill Way $525K

CLASSIFIED ADS

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 “The Branchburg News” to The Branchburg News, PO Box 5351, Branchburg, NJ 08876

A Whiter Elm Street Bridge -- Always spectacular, the landmark

A guy sends his girl a card Elm Street Bridge between Neshanic Station and Hillsborough can gain some by special delivery every extra dazzle after a February snow and ice storm -- photo by JJ Mish day from January 1 to Valen-

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