Branchburg News - February 2021

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February 2021

www.branchburgnews.com

Brendon Beatrice Sworn in as Mayor, Lists Initiatives

Brendon Beatrice

Following is a message from Brendon Beatrice who was named Mayor at the Branchburg Township reorganization meeting in January: Dear Residents, I write with updates on some of the major initiatives the Township Committee and staff are working on for 2021. As you may have heard by now, the township is in the process of purchasing the Silver Saddle Swim Club on Harlan School Road. In 2020 the previous owners decided not to re-open the pool and approached the township to see if we had interest in purchasing the pool and property. The owners were working with a developer who wished to construct high density housing on the site. To their credit, the owners wanted to give the township a first option to purchase the site which has been part of our history for so long. While the deal is not done yet, we expect, barring any issues, to complete the purchase in February 2021 and open on Memorial Day as our new community pool. Stay tuned for more information! In 2019 a group of local residents began an initiative to construct a multi-sport synthetic turf

field in White Oak Park. While Covid certainly slowed down the project it did not stop it. The group has been busy planning, raising funds and reaching out to interested parties who might help make this a reality. We are one of the few towns that does not have a synthetic turf field for our sporting children. Such a field would increase opportunities for play and give our children a truly enhanced experience. Recently, the Somerset County Board of Commissioners (formerly Freeholders) announced that the County Open Space Fund would be available to towns who wish to apply for funding for recreation projects just like the turf field! (See article on page 3.) We will work to secure this funding and make this field a reality for our kids. The township continues to work closely with our volunteer firefighters and rescue squad to help deal with the increasing shortage of volunteers who respond to our community and keep us safe. We urge every resident who has an interest to reach out to your local volunteer fire company and rescue squad and consider becoming a volunteer yourself. Over the past year the township has taken great steps in the areas of open space acquisitions and the creation of additional walking trails in our community. In late 2019 the township worked with the Somerset County Park Commission to create the Neshanic Greenway trail which travels along the river between the Elm Street bridge and the Blackpoint Road bridge, a great trail for walking or launching your kayak, canoe or tube into the river! In 2020 the township opened a trail at the John Sanford Farmland Preserve at River Lea

farm (South Branch Road across from the Studdiford Bridge). This two-and-a-half-mile walk loops through the active farm and gives you the feeling you are in a totally different world! The township also received a grant from the National Park Service who is helping us create (hopefully!) another new walking trail from the river confluence at Old York Road (before it crosses into Bridgewater) southbound along the river and eventually connecting to the John Sanford Farmland Preserve trail. We are working with our partners at the NPS and the NJDEP to make this happen. Stay tuned for more on this one. We are currently working on at least two new open space acquisitions which will provide even more land preservation and recreational opportunities for our community. Because we are early in the negotiation stages we cannot expand on these projects at this time. But we hope to have some great news later this year. Covid may have slowed down many governments and organizations but not ours. The Township Committee and staff are in the Municipal Building and have continued to move forward on initiatives we know are important to you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, my colleagues on the Township Committee or any member of staff should you wish to know more about your local government. Also, if you have not already, sign up for our email/text alert system. This is the best way for us to reach you directly with information. Go to www.branchburg.nj.us and click on the “Email Alerts” banner. Thank you all and here’s to a great 2021.

My Funny Valentine– This fox duo was photographed by Barbra

Lawson of Branchburg’s “birdland” neighborhood recently. She wrote, “I am not a professional photographer, I just got lucky. There were three foxes playing in our backyard and our dog started to go crazy, as he always does when he sees foxes! One fox ran away but these two looked in our direction and I got the shot! It got over 400 likes on Facebook. A friend posted it on a Hillsborough site and it had over 500 likes there -- by far the most beloved and exciting photo I have ever taken!”

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The Branchburg News • February 2021

2 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 2021 Feb. 10 For Ad Materials Feb. 15 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

A Creative Resources/ Town Media Newspaper ©2021 Creative Resources/ Town Media, All Rights Reserved

Community Garden Plot Rentals Available

The Branchburg Community Garden at River Lea Farm on South Branch Road has organic and non organic plots available for rent for the 2021 season. Plots can be rented by residents and non residents of Branchburg. 10’ X 10’ plots rent for $30 ($20 for gardeners 62 and older) 10” X 24” plots rent for $50 ($40 for gardeners 62 and older) For more information, a registration form and garden rules, email bcgac.nj@gmail.com. —Submitted by Roger Johnson

Register Now for BBC Spring Baseball and Softball

Registration for the spring season of the Branchburg Baseball Club (BBC) is now open. Register early to avoid a late fee. Boys and girls in preschool through 12th grade are eligible to play baseball. Girls in 1st through 8th grade are eligible to play softball. Preschoolers are eligible to play if they will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2021. 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@ Mayor Brendon Beatrice will tradeweb.com. —Submitted by host the next Coffee with the May- Jason Miessler or session from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the courtroom of the Municipal Building. Listen, talk, and learn This Month’s about township happenings.

Coffee with the Mayor Feb. 13

Municipal Dumpster Hours - Open every Friday

between noon and 3 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The next Saturday drop off will be Feb. 6. Dumpster permits are available in the Clerk’s Office. The fee is $25 for 5 trips with a car, minivan or SUV; or 2 trips with a pick-up truck, van or utility trailer.

Bridges Open in North Branch

River Road Bridge at Central Place

The long-awaited bridge reopening finally happened in early January making it so much easier to get from here to there in the township. The old wooden bridge above the NJ Transit railroad tracks is now the new, two-lane River Road Bridge. Joe Rina, a nearby resident,

constructed the American flag made of wood from the old bridge at the entrance to the bridge at Central Place. A fabric American flag had decorated the bridge railing since the tragic events of 911. Down the road, the new Station Road Bridge is open with the original stones in place.

Recycling:

Feb. 8, 22 For info call 732-469-3363 or visit www. co.somerset.nj.us/recycle

Station Road Bridge

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The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners voted Jan. 12 to expand an Open Space program to include funding for active and passive municipal recreational spaces such as athletic fields, parks, picnic areas, trails, exercise paths, and more. The goal is to continue large property acquisition and farmland preservation whenever possible, but to ensure Open Space funding is also offered to communities without large available tracts of land. “Open recreational spaces are vital to the health of any community, and of its residents,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC). “The County Commissioners are committed to expanding open spaces for residents in every town, including those that are more densely populated and developed.” The program expanded this week was created in 2005 to help towns build artificial turf athletic fields for youth and adult recreation, and was utilized by six municipalities: Green Brook, Manville, North Plainfield, Somerville, and South Bound Brook. Turf field

grants were and are limited to $1 million grants with a thirty percent match, but other recreational open space grants are not limited. Municipalities are expected to provide some funding of their own, and to manage the project from start to completion. “We’ve heard from a number of municipalities that they have recreational space projects in the works where the only thing holding it up is funding,” said Commissioner Paul Drake, liaison to the Somerset County Park Commission. “Open space funding is not just important to control overdevelopment, but also to ensure residents have the opportunities to enjoy open space near where they live and work. This expansion of our Open Space funding program helps many towns achieve that goal.” Acceptable projects can be the acquisition of new open space land, construction of new facilities or amenities, parking and buildings ancillary to but necessary to recreational or conservation use, and repair or reconstruction of existing recreational spaces. Communities interested in

funding under this program must have a “shovel-ready” project with estimated costs to propose, and request the funding in writing to the OSAC. If the Committee determines an application is viable, the municipality will be asked to provide a presentation to the committee. Applications can be made at any time during the year as municipalities are ready. If the committee views the applications favorably, they will send a recommendation to the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners for a final determination. Once a project is approved, the funding will be provided to the municipality with requests for periodic status reports. 6 In total, Somerset County has preserved more than 14,800 acres Peace Light–Girl Scouts Amethyst Bolink of Troop 60354, Ashley Bolink of Troop 62209, Maddie Glaws of Troop 60616, and Jack Glaws from of open space.

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Cub Scout Pack 96 took part in the Peace Light Ceremony at St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Bridgewater on Dec. 20. The Peace Light from Bethlehem arrived at the church on Dec. 20 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The Peace Light is Branchburg Township’s Health a continuously-burning flame, originating from the Grotto of the Nativity decided to sell our home, we would en 1,000 years and is reputa Department advises residents to in Bethlehem, Israel. It has burned continuously for helpover us. They have a spectacular withthe ourpeople experience withworld. them. They w of the visit https://covid19.nj.gov/ for meant to promote peace, harmony and unity among had Guides/Scouts invaluable advice to perover their years information on the state’s COV- Each year the light is passed by Boy Scouts and Girl synergy between them in the executio States, Canada and ID-19 Vaccine Plan. Learn about 30 European countries and, since 2001, to the United that was markable to see. My husban highly recommend Peace Lightthis anddynamic fami- duo for vaccination distribution, who is Mexico as well. The sanctuary lamp was lit from the Mr. & M over the Christmas season. currently eligible, and the State’s lies were able to bring the flame into their homes actions.” –Submitted by Mary Anne Bolink plan to vaccinate New Jerseyans.

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County Commissioners Expand Open Space Funding to Include Recreational Uses

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The Branchburg News • February 2021

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Neighborhood Food Drive

NBVFC Officers Sworn In

Pictured, from left, are Secretary Stephen Lombardo, Treasurer Chris Zownir, President Tom McCartney, 2nd Lieutenant Mark O’Dell, 1st Lieutenant Keith Schroeder, Captain Zois Pournaras, Chief Dan Russoniello, and Trustee John Corbo.

Pictured are (front row, from left) Ashlyn Simko, Gabriella Charne, Carly Giuliano, Adrianna Pellegrino, Rebecca Maizel, (back row) Paige Ziegler, Mikah Bick, Emily Smith, and Olivia Piegari.

Branchburg (Service Unit 73) Girl Scout Troop 60259 collected 1146 pounds of food for The Food Bank Network of Somerset County in a three-week food drive in local neighborhoods recently. The girls selected this organization because of the enormous impact they have, distributing more than 25,000 pounds of food each month to families in need. Sup-

porting the food bank is especially important during COVID, when more families than ever rely on the food bank to eat. The scouts thank all who generously donated. The girls learned important marketing skills and the importance of helping their community. —Submitted by Karen Bick, Troop Leader

At the first Township Committee meeting of 2021, Mayor Brendon Beatrice swore in the firefighters serving as department officers for North Branch Volunteer Fire Company. Officers are Secretary Stephen Lombardo, Treasurer Chris Zownir, President Tom McCartney, 2nd Lieutenant Mark O’Dell, 1st Lieutenant Keith Schroeder, Captain Zois Pournaras, Chief Dan Russoniello, and Trustee John Corbo. Also serving as company officers this year, but not pictured, are Deputy Chief Ed Chabak, Vice President Leigh Taylor, Trustee Doug King Jr., and Trustee Dave Hickson.

“This group brings a great deal of experience to the department with an infusion of youth. These officers will ensure the department operates effectively and the residents of Branchburg are protected faithfully,” said Tom McCartney. Congratulations go to outgoing trustees Rick Schwarz and Michael “Hondo” Russoniello who both recently retired. Both men are ex-Chiefs of the department and have made outstanding contributions to the fire company during their tenure. North Branch Volunteer Fire Company serves the northern section of town (everything north of Harlan School Road) but responds

to all parts of town for reported structure fires and other highly critical emergency situations. In 2020, North Branch responded to over 500 emergency calls, down from 700+ in 2019 due to a call reduction caused by COVID-19. The department is 100% volunteer and relies heavily on private donations to sustain its ability to provide impeccable fire protection. The department would like to thank the residents of Branchburg for their overwhelming support during such a trying year and looks forward to continuing to serve the township in 2021. For information, call 908-725-2305.


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Municipal Building News | in print and online at www.branchburg.nj.us At the Reorganization Meeting of the Township Committee on January 4, 2021, the following notable events took place:

‘Our Work is Your Play’ *** Recreation

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Winter Programs are underway and if by chance you missed the start of Winter registration, the opportunity to exercise or partake in Floral Design still exists! Winter Session 2 classes begin February 23 for Cardio & Pilates & March 1 for Yoga. Registration for March Floral Design, (on the 10 & 31) ends by March 3 so hurry and REGISTER! Karate class registration is ongoing. Advanced participants, both youth & adult, are held via Zoom on Sundays register thru B’burg Community Pass. Tuesday/Thursday Beginner Karate is outdoors at the Holland Brook School in Readington please register thru Readington Rec.

*** Senior Programs Corner *** The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center Naturalists, are offering Virtual Group Outreach Programs, consisting of lectures and discussion-based presentations. We will be offering 3 such lectures (FREE) to seniors on the following dates: 2/18 – NJ Owls – 11am-Noon; Explore the world of these fascinating birds of prey. 3/11 – Virtual Safari – 1-2pm; To amazing Tanzania, deep into the wilds of Africa! 3/25 – Coyote Cries – 11am-Noon - Sort the myths from the facts. Register online thru Community Pass at: https://register.communitypass.net/Branchburg or call us.

Mr. James Schworn was sworn into office as a Township Committee member for a three year term to expire on December 31, 2023. Mr. Brendon Beatrice was nominated and unanimously elected as Mayor for a one year term to expire on December 31, 2021. Mr. James Schworn was nominated and unanimously elected to serve as Deputy Mayor for the upcoming year. 2021 Acceptance Speech Mayor Brendon Beatrice I humbly accept the nomination of Mayor of Branchburg for the year 2021. I would like to thank Tom Young for his leadership in 2020. His calm and intelligence over the last two plus decades has served Branchburg well. Last year was a challenging year and I am optimistic that 2021 will be brighter. I would also like to thank those who keep Branchburg a safe and great place to live. Thanks to our police force, our firefighters, and all of our first responders. Thank you to Greg Bonin, Maggie Schmitt, Bill Willard and the rest of the professional staff at Town Hall who make the day to day task of running a township so seamless. I would also like to take this time to congratulate Jim Schworn and David Owens for their victory in November. Jim has served Branchburg for almost ten years and his commitment to Branchburg is unparalleled. David is one of the smartest guys I know and his contribution to the Township Committee has been appreciated. Many thanks to all of the residents who volunteer their time and talents on Branchburg’s Boards and Committees. Most importantly, I thank the people who live with me: Jodi, Zac, Savannah, and my son Brody for giving me the strength and desire to be a better person. In 2021, Branchburg’s Township Committee will continue to push back on warehousing and we will continue our efforts to support smart development which is consistent with our Master Plan. As always, we will champion the preservation of our open space resources which makes Branchburg so special. I am looking forward to leading Branchburg’s venture of transforming Silver Saddle Swim Club into a municipal pool. Also, this year I am looking forward to the hopeful completion of a turf field at White Oak Park. In addition, I will be championing another look at interest in building a community/recreation center in Branchburg.

Call Recreation with questions! 908-526-1300x 188

I encourage each and every resident to become actively involved in the Township by attending or watching our public meetings and asking questions. Your thoughts, concerns and opinions regarding issues that you believe affect our families, friends and neighbors are important. The Township Committee relies on the collective voice of our residents and your voice is critical to ensuring continued sound governance practice and policy. So please speak up.

Follow Branchburg Recreation on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranchburgRec

I look forward to serving as your Mayor in 2021 and I thank you again for your continued support. God Bless you; God Bless Branchburg; and God Bless America.

Happy Valentine’s Day How to Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine

Residents interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine are asked to pre-register in the state’svaccination registration portal at: https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/ Anyone who does not have internet access or needs assistance on the NJ Vaccination site can call 2-1-1. Registered individuals will receive a follow-up email when they can make an appointment. It is important to note: As demand and supply of vaccines change, this information will be subject to change. If you have questions, please email: coronavirus@co.somerset.nj.us Those individuals who are currently eligible to receive vaccinations are: Healthcare Personnel LongǦTerm Care Residents and Staff First Responders Individuals age 65 years and older Individuals at High Risk; age 16Ǧ64 with specific chronic conditions For a list of vaccination locations, please visit: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/covidǦ19ǦvaccineǦlocationsǦforǦeligibleǦrecipients

The Branchburg News • February 2021

TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG


The Branchburg News • February 2021

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The Eagle Has Landed

It was a fine day on the river, blue sky, light breeze, air temperature in the 60s and a perfect water level. Having paddled several times a week throughout the winter in preparation for a canoe race in Maine, this mid spring post-race trip down the South Branch was a soothing balm to mind and body. After the trout season opener, the South Branch was closed to fishing on Tuesdays during in-season trout stocking. So, Tuesdays were my choice to paddle and be assured no human company would spoil the sense of wilderness the river trip provided. Though not in race mode, the smooth rhythm of my paddle stroke and resultant speed was mesmerizing as well as a distraction. I would zone out as if each stroke was a repetitive chant in a litany. So for short periods, my attention would drift away from observing the world around me. Who knows how many deer or mink watched from the woody bank as I passed within yards of their position? On a long straightaway, as I

No mistaking this eagle for a hawk. Given that the bald eagles’ characteristic pure white head and tail do not emerge until they are three and a half years old, juvenile eagles are easily mistaken for hawks.

Pictured is a two-year-old eagle with traces of white beginning to emerge on the head and tail.

transitioned from hypnotic state to consciousness, I was shocked to see a very large raptor sunning on an overhanging dead branch under which I would pass. The sun silhouetted the bird as I traded paddle for camera and a chance at a very close photo op. I set the course with one hand on the paddle and the other holding the camera. Keeping movement to a minimum was critical as the canoe drifted perfectly into position. The bird seemed huge as the distance closed. I figured the ‘hawk’ would soon fly off, but to my surprise it tolerated my presence. I turned the

canoe to face upstream and take more images. The ‘hawk’ spread its wings to sun itself but gave no intention of flying away. For the rest of the trip, I kept wondering about the size of the bird and extra large beak, never thinking it was an eagle. Eagles were not a possibility, at least on the course of the river from Clinton to South Branch. Eagles frequented the upper Delaware and weren’t that commonly seen and never on the South Branch. Aside from no known local eagle sightings, this bird was primarily brown and everyone knows bald eagles

have white heads and tail feathers. The closer I looked at the images later that day; it became clear the ‘hawk’ was a year-old bald eagle! Even the celebrated nest at Duke Farms, discovered in 2004, was thought at first to be an osprey nest. Bald eagle fledglings start out covered with brown feathers. Each year more mottled white appears on their body and not until the third year does the head and tail begin to turn white, though still marked with brown streaks. To see an illustration of plumage changes by year, check out https://www. avianreport.com. My eagle 2011 encounter was a prelude to the construction of a nest on the lower South Branch of the Raritan in 2014. That nest has fledged 11 more eagles to cast a shadow over the wilds of New Jersey and states far beyond. Last year an eagle banded in 2017 on

the South Branch was seen paired with another eagle in Connecticut on the Connecticut River. Today eagles are a common sight along any of our major waterways. Given that the bald eagles’ characteristic pure white head and tail do not emerge until they are three and a half years old, juvenile eagles are easily mistaken for hawks. Consider, you may have been given the privilege to see an eagle and not known it. If able to get a close look, its beak in comparison to any other hawk is huge. Keep an open mind to unexpected possibilities and know, for that reason, many self professed birders have missed the thrill of seeing their first eagle. Contact jjmish57@msn.com. See more articles and photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com.

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increase our allocations we will similarly increase the number of clinics to vaccinate every resident who wants to be vaccinated.” For the near term, drive-in clinics will be held at RVCC up to three times per week. When each clinic is confirmed, it will be announced in a red bar at the top of the Somerset County website at http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/ and on the county Facebook page, with a link to the registration site. Registration is required at https:// covidvaccine.nj.gov/. Learn more about Somerset County’s vaccination and testing efforts at https://www. co.somerset.nj.us/residents/covid19-status-site/vaccinations and https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/ government/public-health-safety/ health-department.

The Branchburg News • February 2021

Somerset County expanded its COVID vaccine distribution program Jan. 18 to include residents 65 years and older at its primary clinic at Raritan Valley Community College. The initial drivethrough clinic provided more than 1,400 vaccinations of community health workers, law enforcement officers, and seniors in less than four hours. “We understand the desire of our residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible so we can see an end to this pandemic, and the county is doing everything it can to distribute the vaccine we receive as soon as it arrives,” said Shanel Y. Robinson, Somerset County Board of County Commissioners Director. “The supply of vaccine is limited now, but as the state and federal governments

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Prize Winning Decor–The Powell family of Harlan School Road

was awarded a plaque and prize at a recent Township Committee meeting for winning Branchburg’s Most Haunted House contest, sponsored by the Communications Committee. Residents were asked to vote on the house with the best Halloween decorations back in October. –Submitted by Jennifer Perillo

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The Branchburg News • February 2021

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Holiday Happiness Organizers Thank Community to support Holiday Happiness and another program. The Branchburg Township School District staff and many Branchburg residents donated many gifts and gift cards. Also to be thanked are the volunteers, the Branchburg Woman’s Club and the Branchburg Holiday Happiness Cookie Ladies for the amazing prepackaged goodies they provided. Thank you to Kelly Kossowicz, a Branchburg 12-year-old, who started Kelly’s Krafts. Kelly used her Cricut machine to create seasonal crafts and donated a portion of her proceeds to help purchase gift cards. A special thank-you to Heidi Davis, Chair, and her family for opening up their home for the past seven years to store and sort donations, all while being the coordinator as well as the hub station for the program. —Submitted by Branchburg PTO

Pictured, from left, are Girl Scout Troop 60336 members Vivian Cote, Alexa Scheier, Samantha Triolo, Sophia Manochio, Charlotte White, Regan Ost and Grace Carey, who purchased Holiday Happiness gifts with their cookie sale money.

The 2020 Branchburg PTO Holiday Happiness program proved to be a difficult but successful effort during the pandemic. The PTO collected numerous toys, a variety of clothing, monetary gifts and gift cards. As always, needs were met thanks to the outpouring of dona-

tions from Branchburg’s generous residents as well as the work of the volunteers. A total number of 23 families with children participated, with gifts and gift cards divided among 34 children. Girl Scout Troop 60336 used cookie sale earnings

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Girl Scout Cookie Time

The Branchburg News • February 2021

Pictured are Teachers Diana Flores, Jackie Russano-Weiss, Melissa Reilley Grecco, Michelle Clark, Fatima Pidany, and Director Lisa Mirra.

Help support Branchburg Girl Scouts by purchasing cookies from one of the local troops. This year Girl Scouts are offering contactless cookie deliveries within the Branchburg area. If you would like to order cookies for delivery, send an email to branchburg.gshnj-

su73@gmail.com. A local troop member will reach out to you to take your order. Scouts will be taking orders Feb. 26 – March 28. Keep an eye out for cookie booths and cookie drive-thrus around town. —Submitted by Mary Anne Bolink

70 th Summer Season - Ages 4-13 Now Enrolling 2021 Campers

In the

Safety is a primary concern at Kangaroo Kids Child Care & Learning Center, 1047 Route 28, Branchburg. Prior to re-opening, Kangaroo Kids hired a professional cleaning company, Sterile Space. They cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized every single toy, Lego, chair, table, and piece of furniture in the entire school. Sterile Space, better known as the “Germ Police,” returned in December and used an electrostatic sprayer to treat the school with a broad spectrum disinfectant. In addition, every vent, duct

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and furnace has been thoroughly cleaned by a professional company. Kangaroo Kids continues with diligent handwashing, cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. All high-touch surfaces are cleaned every two hours. The entire staff is wearing masks and has access to face shields as needed. There are extensive procedures for entering the school, including screening, temperature taking and hand washing. During warm weather, a mini sink was placed outside for everyone to wash their

hands prior to entering. In cold weather the first station for anyone entering the building is hand washing. All staff and children have their temperature taken for a second time around lunchtime. All families and staff sign an agreement form that they will comply with all regulations to keep everyone safe. Kangaroo Kids opens windows and uses outdoor classrooms, weather permitting. Most soft items have been removed and sharing of materials is discouraged until items can be sanitized. All families and staff are requested to limit the materials they bring into school and all items must come in a container that can be sanitized. Toys are disinfected on a regular basis and handwashing occurs continuously throughout the day. Special filters have been installed in the furnaces, and UV lights are placed throughout the school every night. The sanitizing efforts will continue to keep everyone safe during the coronavirus pandemic. —Submitted by Kathy Feigley, Executive Director

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Branchburg Woman’s Club Mourns Losses

The Branchburg News • February 2021

10 By Tricia Ihde for the BWC In January, the BWC Board voted to donate to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County in memory of club member Phyllis Hovan who passed away in December. An enthusiastic club member since 1997, Phyllis often led the club’s holiday cookie drive and other community service projects. Friend and service chair Rita Bouwman shared that Phyllis was “very sweet and caring. She started the club’s food drive at the Branchburg Country Fair. For years, she also placed a food donation bin at the Branchburg Township Municipal Building as part of the club’s mission to

help those in need. Then Phyllis and her husband would take the heavy donations to the county’s food bank. She will be missed.” Earlier in 2020, the club was very sad at the passing of club members Rosemary Cataldi and Ann Marie Izzo. Rosemary was an active club member for 24 years. She served as past BWC President and Treasurer. She also was active in the NJSFWC College District Past Presidents Club, Meals on Wheels, and Branchburg Newcomers Club. She especially enjoyed getting together with friends in the BWC Lunch Bunch, Game Nights, and Literary groups. Ann Marie Izzo was a

supportive member of many club activities and projects during her seven years of membership. Outside the club, both ladies helped the community in other ways and with other organizations. In remembrance of Rosemary, the club made a charitable donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In remembrance of Ann Marie, a memorial tree was planted through American Forests, a nonprofit group helping critically threatened wildland forests. At the January BWC board of directors’ meeting, it was reported the club members contributed 35 containers of prepackaged

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cookies to the Branchburg PTO’s Holiday Happiness Project. For decades, club members previously have given homemade cookies for the annual project, but due to the coronavirus pandemic prepackaged cookies were donated. In addition, thanks to the club members’ generosity, gift cards were given to Safe+Sound Somerset in December. Regarding its general membership meetings, the Branchburg Woman’s Club cannot predict when they will resume. Members and guests are looking forward to the return of club activities when things improve. For the latest club news, follow the Branchburg Woman’s Club on Facebook. More information is available by

calling (908) 866-1060. Founded in 1960, the Branchburg Woman’s Club is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that endeavors to help the community while sharing activities and projects. For 60 years, it has been a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) and of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the world’s largest and oldest women’s volunteer organizations. The general mission of the BWC, the NJSFWC, and the GFWC is to promote education, stress civic involvement, support the arts, preserve natural resources, and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Wishes You A Happy Valentine’s Day!

908-231-7800 • Valentine’s Breakfast To Go Outside – Stop by on your way to work! – Feb 12th • Happy Chinese New Year Celebrations at the school • Enrollment for September 2021 starts soon! Call 908-231-7800 for details. • Kindergarten Virtual Orientation – Thursday, February 18th at 5:30 pm for fall enrollment.

Virtual tours are available! 1047 Route 28, Branchburg, NJ 08876 • www.kangarookidschildcare.com • Facebook – Kangaroo Kids Child Care

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Celebrating 65 Years of NBRC Preschool

By Jennifer Landrieu, Director The North Branch Reformed Church Preschool celebrates its 65th Anniversary this year! The Preschool was started by Carolyn Zeek, with help from Jodie VanderVeer, in 1956 with a vision that this new program would benefit both the child and family in a loving, Christian atmosphere. The first class had only 12 children and they played in the pastor’s backyard.

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their homes. Through our “Preschool @ Home” program, we welcomed our first international student who joined us from India. Our teachers and staff have followed strict health and safety measures to keep us safe, which included daily health checks, disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, triple washing of toys daily, smaller class sizes, no commingling of groups, frequent handwashing, and more. Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is underway and offers a variety of programs for children between the ages of 2 1/2 to 5 years old. If you’re interested in more information or a tour, visit www.nbrcpreschool. com or contact our office at 908725-2326 or preschool@nbrc. com. Countless preschoolers and their families have come through our doors in the last 65 years and filled our rooms with their joy. We’re thankful for the opportunity to reach so many young families and pray that God will bless our future years.

Flag Retirement Ceremony–On Nov. 18, Branchburg Boy

Scout Troop 185 conducted a flag retirement ceremony at White Oak Park. This was in honor of Veterans Day and paid respect to the flag by retiring old or unusable ones. At the event, Scouts and adults took turns silently dropping flags onto a flame, or for larger flags, cut them up into their stripes and retired them that way. Boy Scout Troop 185 thanks all veterans and current service members. –Submitted by Jason Lauducci, Troop 185 Scribe

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The Branchburg News • February 2021

The North Branch Reformed Church Preschool mascot celebrates.

Fast forward 65 years and you’ll find an education building with 7 classrooms, and an 18,000 square foot state-of-the-art playground, which have been enjoyed by thousands of children. While we have a new president every four or eight years in the U.S., there have only been five Directors in the Preschool’s 65 years, including: 1956-1962 Carolyn Zeek (6 years) 19621973 Glenna McKnight (11 years) 1973-1988 Carolyn Zeek (returned for another 15 years) 1988-2001 Gail Burgess (13 years) 2001-2008 Kate Sarles (7 years) 2008- Present Jennifer Landrieu (13 years… and counting!) During the pandemic, the Preschool opened its doors for in-person students and created a virtual program so students could learn from the comfort of

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12

CLASSIFIED ADS

The Branchburg News • February 2021

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 Real Estate: Thinking of selling your Home? Call me for a complimentary market analysis! I also buy homes! George Pantozzi, Broker/Associate, Berkshire Hathaway NJ Properties, 908-3922677 (cell) or 908-874-3400 x324.

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Snow Squirrel–The Mantz family of Branchburg has a tradition of

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