Branchburg News - February 2023

ALDI, QuickChek Eyeing Route 202 and Old York Road Site

Plans for an ALDI grocery store and QuickChek convenience store at Route 202 North and Old York Road were being evaluated by the Branchburg Township Environmental Commission at press time. The site is on farmland across from police headquarters next to the newly built Cornerstone at Branchburg senior community.

ALDI has proposed a 19,053-square-foot grocery store on 4.5 acres subdivided from the 24.32-acre lot at the intersection. The nearest ALDI to Branchburg is in Flemington, near the Flemington Circle on Route 202 South.

QuickChek, based in Whitehouse Station, has proposed a 5,670-square-foot convenience

Township Committee Reorganizes

store and gas station at the intersection. QuickChek is proposing entrances and exits on both Route 202 and Old York Road. The store has also proposed to construct a storm drainage system and sewer system. QuickChek has one other location in the township at the intersection of Routes 22 and 28 in North Branch.

Branchburg Student Selected for Senate Youth Program

March 4-11. Krishnamurti and Lee were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

but for people around the world.”

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) selected Anjali Keira Krishnamurti of Branchburg and Serena Jade Lee of Montclair to join Senator Robert Menendez and Senator Cory Booker in representing New Jersey during the 61st annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the Senate leadership of the day, the impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony is “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America

Krishnamurti, a senior at Somerville High School, serves as the Student Council vice president. She founded Vote16NJ, a student-run organization that takes action to expand the vote to 16-year-olds in local elections. Anjali has led the text-banking program as an intern for Governor Murphy’s 2021 campaign and is the president of her school’s Youth and Government, Spanish, and Mock Trial clubs. She was elected to attend Girls Nation, representing New Jersey as a mock senator in Washington, D.C. When she is not participating in politics, Anjali runs the nonprofit Metamorphic Mentoring, which provides free mentoring services to young people in her community. She plans to study political science, attend law school, and pursue a career in public policy.

The Branchburg Township Committee named David Owens Mayor and Anna Columbus Deputy Mayor at the Jan. 4 reorganization meeting at the Municipal Building. Also sworn in to serve

on the Township Committee were Thomas Young, James Schworn, and Brendon Beatrice. (See the Mayor’s Message on page 7 for 2023 goals.)

David Owens

Anna Columbus

Anjali Krishnamurti

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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.

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March 2023

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Upcoming Events

Coffee with the Mayor Feb. 11

Mayor David Owens will host Coffee with the Mayor in the court room at the Municipal Building from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Quilting Guild Feb. 17

FIND WHAT MOVES YOU FIND YOUR Y

Y, you’ll find all the fitness facilities and classes you want with none of the pressure. So you can stay in shape, stay true to you, and stay in your community. That’s a win win win.

The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Marisa Simons will present “English Paper Piecing.” New members welcome. Email hunterdoncountyquiltingguild@gmail or visit https://hcquiltingguild.wixsite.com/hcquiltingguild for info.

Vincent’s Run March 26

In memory of Vincent R. Gargliardi at White Oak Park. Details can be found at https://runsignup. com/Race/NJ/Branchburg/VincentsRun.

Planetarium Shows in February

Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium offers the following shows this month:

The Little Star that Could, Saturdays, Feb. 4 & 11, 3 p.m. The show offers a great introduction to the different kinds of stars in space, as well as the planets in our solar system.

(Recommended for ages 6-12)

Laser Magic, Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 4 p.m. Enjoy a laser show featuring such selections as “Fireworks” by Katy Perry and “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” from Encanto. (Recommended for ages 6-12)

The Sky Above, sensory-friendly program, Saturday, Feb. 4, 5 p.m. This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, 45 minutes in length, is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the Moon, and constellations.

Our Lovely Skies, Saturdays, Feb. 4 & 11, 7 p.m. Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained.

(Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Laser Love, Saturdays, Feb. 4 & 11, 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. This laser concert features love songs. The Tuesday evening performance is for couples age 16 and older only, and the Saturday shows are open to all ages.

Romancing the Stars, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. This Valentine’s Day evening program is for couples ages 16 and older.

Follow the Drinking Gourd, Saturdays, Feb. 18 & 25, 3 p.m. Learn to find the Big Dipper and other stars in our night sky. (Recommended for ages 6-12.)

A special program, “Exploring the Underground Railroad Using Codes,” Saturdays, Feb. 18 and 25. Families may stop by to participate in the activities anytime between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Recommended for ages 6-12, the activities will focus on the Underground Railroad, a secretive network of people and places that helped thousands of enslaved people move northward as far as Canada to escape slavery.

For full details and additional shows, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium. For reservations and info, call 908-231-8805 or email planet@ raritanval.edu.

At the

Plots Available at Branchburg Community Garden

By Roger Johnson, Branchburg Community Garden Advisory Committee

The Branchburg Community Garden concluded its 14th gardening season this past fall. Last summer’s hot and dry weather presented challenges, but also helped to produce a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, peppers and other produce for our gardeners. Those tomatoes, peppers, other produce and flowers were grown in the 80 garden plots rented by gardeners. Over the years, the garden has provided opportuni-

ties for gardeners to grow vegetables and flowers, socialize and also give back to the community. In the spirit of giving, this year the garden donated 600 pounds of produce and nonperishable items to the Raritan Food Pantry. There’s a little something for everyone in the garden. There are organic and nonorganic plots and raised beds for folks who may find a conventional plot more challenging. Parents and grandparents have used a plot as a learning experience for their children and grandchildren.

The garden has a limited number of organic and nonorganic gardening plots available for rent for the 2023 season for residents and non residents of Branchburg. Available plots will be rented to new gardeners on a first come first serve basis.

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 email bcgac.nj@gmail.com.

Pappas Kicks Off Campaign–Branchburg resident and former Congressman Michael Pappas, pictured left, kicked off his campaign for NJ State Senate at the Stoney Brook Grille recently. He was joined by many friends and supporters including (from left) Charles Tuma, Committeewoman Anna Columbus, Jon Sarles, Christina Sarles, Committeeman Tom Young, and Committeeman James Schworn.

–Photo by Shavaun Gliksman

SHS Marching Band Seniors Move On

By Sharon Kechula

The Somerville High School 2023 Senior Class wrapped up their marching band career knowing “if they can make it in the ‘Ville, they can make it anywhere.” Experiencing the stand-still performances during the covid protocol months and a canceled trip, they made up for the disappointments when the band marched down Main Street at the “Happiest Place on Earth” in Spring of 2022. They also said

farewell to long time director and mentor, Matthew Krempasky and graciously welcomed the new visions of Sean Ferguson during their EMPIRE CITY performance. We wholeheartedly congratulate these soon-to-be-FREE young adults who competed together in UNITY, and now find themselves MOVIN’ ON treasuring four years of memories of their time as SHS Pioneers.

Pictured, right, are patches depicting the musical themes for the past four years.

This Month In Branchburg History

Pictured are Somerville High School Marching Band Seniors Brody

Bouziotis, Luke Bouziotis, Nate Cohen, Kiarra Dalida, Luca Ettore, Logan Fabriczi, Diego Gonzalez, Liam Hall, John Iovino, Brendan Kelley, Madeleine LaRoche, Jason Lauducci, Jack Morais, Angel Munoz, Jessica Ortiz-Quinonez, Tanvi Patro, Toni Romani, Josh Rutka, Sam Saliola, Charlie Shiloff, Lily Tews, and Maddy Van Dyke. —Photo by Gina Tews

One year ago, Feb. 2022 – Super Bowl 56 resulted in the Los Angeles Rams beating the Cincinnatti Bengals 2320. The game had a different result in Branchburg, third graders at Whiton Elementary School played in the SOUPerBowl, bringing in soup donations and placing them in the end zone corresponding to the team they wanted to win. Total donations were 279 cans for the local food bank.

Five years ago, Feb. 2018 – On Feb. 6, the SpaceX Falcon Heavy, considered the world’s most powerful rocket, lifted off from Cape Canaveral, FL, carrying with it some brainpower and fingerprints from Branchburg. Rudolph E. Powser IV, who attended Branchburg schools, Somerville High School, Raritan Valley Community College,

and Cornell and Stanford universities. was a 28-year-old Launch Mechanism Engineer for SpaceX, working in designing and manufacturing ground support structures at Cape Canaveral.

Ten years ago, Feb. 2013 – Six-time Branchburg Mayor John Sanford was inducted into the NJ State League of Municipalities’ Elected Officials Hall of Fame.

25 years ago, Feb. 1998 – The Recreation Committee was holding public meetings to discuss ways to add recreational features at White Oak Park, to help meet demand from the increasing population. The park had three full-sized baseball fields, three Little League-sized baseball fields, one fullsized soccer field, four medium-sized soccer fields, four kindgarten-sized

fields, playground equipment and tennis courts. Under discussion were two new baseball fields, two new soccer fields, a multipurpose field for sports such as football and soccer, another tot lot with playground equipment, gazebos, walking paths and flower beds. 50 years ago, Feb. 1973 – Somerset County College (which in 1987 would be renamed Raritan Valley Community College), got some bad news when the state pulled $7.2 million in funding for an anticipated physical education center and student center.

Branchburg Rec Softball Winter Clinics

Grade 3-5 Clinic Attendees: Helpers – Brianna Hannum, Kelsey Tremel, Sarah Graber, Caroline Stierle, Nicole Fitzgibbon. Players – Frances Peare, Ava Jaskewicz, Jessica Lumsden, Gianna Szeman, Victoria Yannetta, Eva Worthy, Natalie Bachler, Fionna Carr, Victoria Anese, Emma LaRoche, Mackenzie Murphy, Madelyn Matthews, Teagan Amo, Emma Critelli, Ryleigh Critelli, Molly Martin, Theresa Egbert, Cecelia Hernandez, Kendall Furmick, Emily LaMarca, Samantha DiStefano, CeCe Mallory, Fallon Tremel, Lexi Phillips

Branchburg Rec Softball held winter clinics recently at the Branchburg Sports Complex to prepare the girls for the upcoming spring softball season with drills for throwing, fielding, base running, and hitting. Former Rec Softball players who still play softball at the high school and college levels assisted coaches in teaching the younger girls. Registration for the upcoming spring season of rec softball for Grades K-8 is still open through early February (www.branchburgbaseball.com). - Submitted by Jason Miessler, BBC Softball Director, Branchburg Girls Rec Softball

Grade K-2 Clinic Attendees: Helpers – Samantha Ney, Trinity Blomquist, Brianna Hannum, Caroline Stierle, Nicole Fitzgibbon, Mallory Miessler. Players – Milania Da Silva, Holly Heinrichs, Korra Carr, Alexa Wolf, Lara Erder, Ella Lore, Elizabeth Regan, Caroline Wieben.

Wreaths Across America – Girl Scout Cadette Troop 62314 participated in Wreaths Across America on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Saint Peter, Paul, and Holy Ghost in Hillsborough. Pictured, from left, are Ellie Dahl, Michaela Omelio, Grace Gondeck, Allyson Manger, and

Branchburg’s Photo Contest winners were honored at a Township Committee meeting in December. First Place went to Cody Booker for his photo of “The Lehigh Valley Railroad Bridge” located in Neshanic Station over the South Branch of the Raritan River.

Earning second place for “Balloons Overlooking a Branchburg Farm” was Amanda Grace. Third place went to Jia P. Mei for “SnowCovered Society Hill.”

Summer Jobs with Recreation

Camp Counselor ~ Counselorin-Training (CIT) ~ Lifeguard ~ Pool Gate Attendant… Interested in working with great people while having a fun and rewarding summer? Rec is looking for reliable, creative, motivated teens and adults interested in working at Recreation Summer Camps

and Community Pool. Applications are posted on the Township website under Recreation - Summer Employment. Camp Counselor and CIT applications and references are due in the Recreation Office by March 24, and pool job applications by April 1.

Contestants submit their photos to the Communications Committee and the photos are then displayed at the Branchburg Country Fair, where the fair attendees vote for their personal favorite photo of Branchburg. A total of 523 votes were cast against 5 entries for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

—Photos and info by Bernard Rosario

908-963-2680

Cody Booker

Amanda Grace Jia P. Mei

Haley Patel.

Mayor David Owens

2023 Acceptance Speech

I would like to thank my colleagues, James, Tom, Anna, and Brendan for this honor and for their support and trust in my abili ty to represent this Governing Body. I know I can count on them to provide council as we move through 2023. 2023 will present us with opportunities and certainly some challenges. Some known and some yet to be revealed. As in the pas t, we will not overreach but govern with a light touch. I have a great deal of trust in the residents of Branchburg to be responsible and look o ut for their fellow residents, friends, and neighbors as they have done with each passing weather event and during the Pandemic. Our philosophy as yo ur governing body has and will continue in a manner that is transparent, consistent, thoughtful, confident yet humble and fiscally responsible. We govern as a team and will continue to transition each year with focus and consistency. I will touch on some current priorities that we will co ntinue to work on as we move through this new year.

On Taxes: Responsible stewardship of our tax revenues is a keystone. I can not over stress the impact and importance of the decisions m ade through our budget process. We have a diverse tax base which along with strong leadership allows us to weather challenging ti mes and to continue to support and invest in critical services. To that end, we will work to strengthen this tax base with an increased business outreach program. This will connect our independent businesses and large public corporations in Branchburg to further encourage them to grow and col laborate in ways that will benefit them, the town, and its residents. Additionally, this will provide us with insight into common challenges these businesses face as they attempt to grow and prosper and how we can assist. Many businesses currently have expansions under way or in considerati on, that will benefit Branchburg in the short and long term.

On Education: We are in exciting discussions with Raritan Valley Community College and Somerset County on ways to partner to encourage futu re enrollment and expansion of their educational offerings. Including discussing how to collaborate with some of our large publi c corporations to form mutually beneficial skills specific programs. Strong public township schools combined with our Somerville High School, all fo cused on high quality education and preparing our students for transition to the next level, is a result of a dedicated Branchburg Board of Educati on and engaged, involved parents. The Township Committee will continue to align and foster our goals of educational excellence and safety.

On Open Space: This is paramount to the culture and character of Branchburg. We will continue to target parcels of Open Space to round out o ur portfolio. The parcels will be a combination of passive and active. These may be designated but not limited to activities li ke hiking, team sports activities, or simply as a buffer between developments. We will also continue to invest in our current parks and open space t o provide the best-inclass outdoor experiences. We will look to partner with the County as well, when and where we are in alignment, as with river access and connectivity.

On Health and Public Safety: We will continue to address the needs and requests of our all -volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service providers with the necessary equipment and resources. We are all proud of the dedication and high standards to which they provide service and ensure the safety of our community.

On the Branchburg Police Department: As stated many times by the members of this Township Committee, we believe this department is one of the best in the state! Through leadership and recognized national accreditation, their foundation and culture is strong! We a re excited to begin the interview process for a new police chief, with Phase 1 beginning this Saturday. This individual will be promoted from our ran ks and sworn in this year. We expect that these steps will create additional opportunities in the Branchburg Police Department moving forward.

On Residential and Commercial development: Developments can have a positive influence on our continued growth as a community, however, it can also present threats to our quality of life as with unfettered warehousing or overdevelopment in residential areas. When these proposed developments are not in the best interests of our community and residents, we will engage and resist when necessary. We have and w ill continue to take a balanced approach to development with an eye on enhancing amenities that continue to attract new families.

I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of our township associates in Finance, the Department of Public Works, Zoning , Parks and Recreation, and all of our administrative staff, led by Greg Bonin, as well as our volunteers on our Boards and Committees, many wh o are here tonight to be sworn in.

These days, when many shy away from public debate or discussion, we encourage it. Respectful, thoughtful dialogue or question s, promotes understanding and is a foundation of responsible government. Please remember that these boards are comprised of your friends an d neighbors and are dedicated to defending and improving Branchburg. We are accessible and are available for your questions or comments by simply attending a meeting, Coffee with the Mayor, or b y reaching out to us via email. In closing, I would like to thank my wife Kelly, daughters Farrell and Avery, my Mom, and all my friends who are i n attendance tonight. I would also like to acknowledge the continued support of the residents of Branchburg for their trust in this governing body in carrying out the business of our community.

Branchburg Library Hosts Escape Room Activity

The Branchburg Library, 412 Olive St., Neshanic Station, will host an evening event for Branchburg 4th – 6th grade students on Monday, Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Meet Branchburg’s own middle grade author Brian Sanders

Branchburg Seniors Kick Off New Year

By Audrey E. Henry Branchburg Recreation

and experience Branchburg Library’s first Escape Room activity. Snacks and prizes will be featured. Register by Feb. 3 at branchburglibrary@gmail.com or call 908369-5355.

The Branchburg Seniors started the year off with a meeting attended by 70 members on Jan. 5. Registration for the Senior program began on Jan. 1 and, as of this writing, we have 102 members! Any senior resident wishing to join the group is always welcome. We meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Whiton Hills Community Room, on the lower level of Building #10.

Our first meeting began with a rundown of the upcoming programs and events and a happy birthday wish to all seniors celebrating in January. The business portion of the meeting ended, and Officers Jonathan Elbert and Ed Edgar arrived to discuss the various telephone scams going on and how to respond. They provided several hand-outs and answered numerous questions from the interested group.

Next, resident Joe Forfa gave an amazing introduction to Tai Chi.

He explained the fundamentals of the exercise and how purposeful breathing promotes good health and well-being. We hope to have Mr. Forfa return on a regular basis to demonstrate more about Tai Chi for seniors.

For more about the Branchburg Senior Program, check out the calendar on the Township Website (https://www.branchburg.nj.us/) under Recreation or call us at 908526-1300 x 188.

Imagine a door with twelve window panes, each frame a portal into a month of the year, and every time you turn away and look back, the scene changes. Some views, in a series of glances, stand out more than others, and from that subjective perspective we link an emotion to an image that is different from anyone else’s interpretation. This perfectly describes how the impression of each month and season is characterized in our mind.

The image of each month has been generalized to create a static image to establish its collective reputation. December is always dark and snowy, July is always hot and dry, while February is por-

A male ring- necked duck in full breeding plumage, rests on a local pond during early migration north to traditional breeding grounds. Migration may be early or delayed, depending on the variable weather conditions each winter brings.

trayed as a full month of winter, a time of hibernation, deep snow and howling wind. February becomes an abbreviated but intense survival test where only the strong survive. Sometimes February’s visit is tempered with warm weather and no measurable snow. So, having been visited by February each year of our life, what image appears in our mind when we think of February?

Reality is that each month demonstrates a flexibility in the character it portrays and together with the rest of the cast, summarizes that season’s show. A backup actor follows the same script, while using nuance, expression, and timing to elicit audience reaction. A Broadway play is always a different experience with a new lead actor.

Our impression of the month, yet to unfold, is really artistic expression. Each person who peers

through the portal of February sees that view differently. Barely tolerable to some, this mid-winter month represents a never ending imprisonment in darkness and cold. Stripping away the emotion, February delivers a full hour and seven minutes of day length in just twenty-eight days to flood the earth with light and shrink the long shadows that grew in the low winter sun.

The bright light of sunshine forces the darkness into retreat to make legible an early promissory note, guaranteeing the arrival of spring twenty days after February’s departure.

The leafless gray brown stands of trees, as seen in the distance as muted vertical brush strokes, now wear a dark maroon veil as color seeps from emerging buds to signal change is in the air. The increasing day length promotes the flow of energy in the form of sugary sap to awaken the buds and give them their burnished blush. Freezing nights halt the flow of sap which resumes when the daytime temperature rises above freezing.

Ice shrouded fine tree branches hanging just above the surface of the river are often broken during strong winds and by large shards of ice and debris carried downstream by raging flood waters.

The broken ends drip with concentrated sugary sap and form long icicles during the cold night to provide a passing paddler with a sweet icy energy boosting treat.

Among the treetops, bald eagles and great horned owls are incubating eggs or brooding hatched chicks. Winter is now well aware its days are numbered when new life appears despite the inexhaustible supply of cold, snow and ice that remain in winter’s armory. Live eagle cams make it possible to watch a brooding eagle, covered with snow, faithfully await an early morning exchange with its partner. Both parents share brooding, feeding and incubating responsibility as they defy the threat of winter’s oppressive cold that stands opposed to emerging life.

Bird migration is well underway in February to brighten the stark frozen landscape, soon to

be liberated by planetary position and tilt of the earth in relation to the sun. Brilliant colored warblers and waterfowl are the first to journey north to summer breeding grounds. Blue and green wing teal, ring neck ducks mingle with winter holdovers who are herded short distances by the vagary of unfavorable local weather. Small flocks of boldly colored male warblers light up the dull landscape and foliage as bright as a string of multicolored miniature lights hidden within the branches of a Christmas tree.

February fights a losing battle as the walls of a depleted winter fortress begin to crumble and the month surrenders days in frustration to become the shortest month of the year.

Though February is devoted completely to winter, it cannot conceal the increasing day length nor suppress the awakening of life that begins before winter can exit the stage.

Contact jjmish57@msn.com. See more articles and photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com.

A flightless great horned owl, born in the dead of winter, now thrives in the late February sun, surrounded by maroon tree buds which began to emerge around the time the owl eggs were being incubated.

Branchburg Woman’s Club Plans Regifting Auction Fundraiser

By Kate Sarles

The Branchburg Woman’s Club’s February general meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Whiton Hills Community Room. This meeting will feature a Regifting Auction Fundraiser, which was introduced last year. Members bring their new or gently used gifts to auction for $10 or more. The proceeds from the auction support the club’s various projects. Members enjoyed the selection of gifts and the friendly competition in bidding last year. All are welcome to join us at the auction. Please RSVP to 908-4586832 to let us know you are coming.

The club collected 50 boxes, bags, and tins of brand-named Christmas cookies for the PTO’s

Holiday Happiness Project. This favorite program is done annually by the club; however, we look forward to the time when covid restrictions are lifted and we can put on our aprons and get back to baking our own delicious cookies.

This month we will wear “red” to our general meeting in recognition of Healthy Heart Month. We continue to collect food items for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and bottle caps for Raritan Valley Community College. Thus far, we have saved the planet from 3,300 bottle caps!

If you are interested in attending one of our meetings, please call 908-458-6832 or message us at branchburgwomansclub@gmail. com.

w e a l t h

m a n a g e m e n t

Branchburg Silver Saddle Community Pool Early Bird Special

By Audrey E. Henry Branchburg Recreation

Winter is still upon us, but summer is just around the corner. Start thinking about making a splash at the Silver Saddle Community Pool. Early registration begins on March 1 for Branchburg residents and March 15 for all non-residents, online through Community Pass. Register during the month of March and receive two free guest passes.

Registration will also be available for Water Aerobics: Monday, Wednesday and Friday for seniors only, and Tuesday and Thursday

Winter Guard Holds Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

for all adults. Swim lessons will also be offered this summer, and registration will take place on a later date.

When registering online in Community Pass, if you have forgotten your user name or password please do not create a new account. Call Recreation and we will assist you. If you are a returning member, your pool ID card(s) will automatically be activated upon registration and the start of the season. New members need to contact the Rec Office for photo ID cards.

Childrens Corner BUMC

Serving

Hours:

Director: Jeanne Alusik

The Somerville High School Winter Guard fundraiser of selling Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee will help to defray the cost of the team traveling to compete at the WGI (Winter Guard International) in Pittsburgh the weekend of March 4. Send your order by Feb. 5 to shsmbawinterguard@ gmail.com. Include your name, selection, phone/email. Original Glazed $15, Specialty $17, Coffee $10. Venmo accepted.

Recreation Programs Update

Branchburg Township Recreation Winter Programs are underway. Registration for Spring Programs begins on March 20. Follow Recreation’s Facebook page and Gov-delivery for program updates and registration information. Summer Camp registration begins Monday, April 3, at 8 a.m., online through Community Pass. If you have any questions, call 908-526-1300 ext. 188.

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Scout Troops Hike Columbia Trail

What They Went For

Recent property sales reported in Branchburg Township:

$285K

Ladies Night Out March 2 to Support

Pediatric Brain Cancer Research

Tickets are available for the popular Ladies Night Out on Thursday, March 2, at the Somerville Elks Lodge #1068, 375 Union Ave. in Bridgewater, which benefits the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation for pediatric brain cancer research. The theme of this year’s event is Princesses in Pajamas, and prizes will be awarded for creative costuming.

cause. Food, wine, and a silent auction are planned. Tickets ($60) are on sale now and include wine, dinner, and dessert. The price increases to $65 after Feb. 20.

On Dec. 17, members of Scouts

BSA Troops 185G and 185B hiked the Columbia Trail in Hunterdon County. Starting at Commons Park in High Bridge, the scouts hiked the trail north along the Ken Lockwood Gorge to Califon. Cub Scouts from Pack 185 joined the hike to satisfy requirements of their Arrow of Light rank. Once in Califon the scouts visited the Califon General Store for lunch.

Troop members were scheduled for a weekend cabin campout and ski trip at the end of January and rock climbing in February. For information regarding the Troops, contact Scoutmasters Brian Lime at bsa4girls@branchburg185.mytroop.us or Tom Decker at bsa4boys@branchburg185.mytroop.us.

—Submitted by Tom Decker, Scoutmaster Troop185B

Hunterdon Walking and Social Club Reorganizes

The Hunterdon Walking and Social Club, a singles club for the 55-plus age group, is planning Sunday afternoon walks and gatherings at local restaurants for the new year. The organization is 28 years old this year. Visit www. angelfire.com/trek/hwsc for further info and look for a listing of events in the next issue of The Branchburg News.

Over the past 16 years, the Ladies Night Out event has evolved into a “must-go” activity for friends to let down their hair while raising money for a good

The foundation welcomes donations of complete or partial baskets. Contact Ileen Bradley if you have items to contribute (mrbfoundation@gmail.com) or call 732-735-3291. For more information on the foundation, email mrbfoundation@gmail.com or visit www.meghanrosebradleyfoundation.org.

Members of Troops 185B and 185G hike the Columbia Trail in Hunterdon County.

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Branchburg CORN

What did George Washington say to his men before they crossed the Delaware? “Get in the boat, men.”

What do you call a tiny, tiny Valentine card? A valen-teeny.

What do you say to an eightarmed octopus on Valentine’s Day? I wanna hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand!

What did one bee say to the other? I love bee-ing with you, honey!

Branchburg, NJ 3150 Route 22 - 908-997-0506 (pet baths)

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