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.)

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Deadlines For Next Issue

March 2023

February 15 for Ads and News

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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.