Branchburg News - April 2023

Future Scientists Share Knowledge at Whiton Science Fair

Branchburg Baseball and Softball Opening Day is April 22

On Feb. 24, nearly 145 second and third grade students from Whiton Elementary School participated in the annual Science Fair. The event inspires students to grow a deeper understanding of scientific phenomena and concepts relating to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.)

Student projects covered topics such as light, density, magnets, and cod-

ing. All participants received a commemorative color-changing bracelet and certificate of participation. Fifth grade GATE (gifted and talented) students from Stony Brook Elementary School also visited the fair to help preschool and kindergarten learners view the projects and grow their STEM knowledge.

–Submitted by Ruth Pluymers, Second Grade Teacher, Science Fair Coordinator

North Branch Fire To Host 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Submitted by North Branch Volunteer Fire Company

For the second year in a row, North Branch Volunteer Fire Company will host an Easter Egg Hunt for kids in town as a department fundraiser. The event will take place on April 8 at Old Towne Park at noon.

The egg hunt will feature more than 5,000 Easter eggs and 10 “golden” eggs for grand prizes. The Easter Bunny himself will be on hand for the event and will be available for pictures. Kids can also get their faces painted and

tour the fire trucks and equipment. The hunt kicks off at 12 p.m. sharp, and the eggs will go quickly, so please arrive early. The suggested donation back to the fire department is $5 per child participating.

This event would not be possible without the support of the many sponsors who donate the eggs, candy, and event costs to run the hunt: Wegman’s, The Heritage Guild, Kumon Learning Center, Pollock Brothers Group, WJ Casey Trucking & Rigging Co., Superior Tool &

Manufacturing Company, Eagle Fence & Supply, All Tire & Service, Country Classics Homes, QuickChek, Barkley’s Marketplace, Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine, Exact RF Broadcast & Wireless, Evangel Chapel, and Garden State Energy. Please support the businesses who support your volunteer firefighters.

For any questions regarding the event or if you’d like to donate candy or contributions to the cause, email president@nbvfc. org.

On Saturday, April 22, the Branchburg Baseball Club (BBC) Opening Day festivities will take place in White Oak Park for Branchburg Rec Baseball and Softball. A parade in the park will kick off the day. A softball player will sing the National Anthem, and the Police Department will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Following the ceremonies, the players will take to the fields for their games.

—Submitted by Jason Miessler, BBC Softball Director

Pictured are second graders Logan O’Brien and Zachary Fine with their project about volcanoes and Alessandra Pastorello and Gia Landzinski with their project about the states of matter.

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 Clewell

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

May 2023

April 15 for Ads and News

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: Editorial 908-285-2847

Advertising 908-963-2680

Email: branchburgnews@gmail.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 5351 Branchburg, NJ 08876 Web: www.branchburgnews.com

A Creative Resources/ Town Media Newspaper

©2023 Creative Resources/ Town Media, All Rights Reserved

TO SEND NEWS & PHOTOS

Email items to branchburgnews@gmail.com

We like your text as a simple email message, with your photo simply attached as a JPG. For more info, visit www. branchburgnews.com, click on “How to Send News & Photos.”

TO ADVERTISE

CALL AD MANAGER HEATHER SANCHEZ

AT 908-963-2680

More info at www.branchburgnews.com, click on “How to Advertise.”

Sights and Sounds of Somerville April 1 & 2

The Somerville High School Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard will host their Home Show Competitions at Branchburg Central Middle School with 17 other school districts in attendance. The Percussion Show will begin on Saturday, April 1, at 3 p.m. and the Guard Show will begin on Sunday, April 2, at noon. The public is welcome to attend. Admission fees apply.

Easter Plant Sale April 7 & 8

The Branchburg Rescue Squad will host its Annual Easter Plant Sale and visit from the Easter Bunny on Friday, April 7, from noon to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until supplies last. Flowers will be available in multiple varieties and colors.

Coffee with the Mayor April 8 Branchburg Mayor David Owens will meet with residents informal-

Upcoming Events

ly in the courtroom at the Municipal Building from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Free Concert April 14

The Friends of the Bridgewater Library are sponsoring a free concert at the library, 1 Vogt Dr., Bridgewater, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. featuring “Hot Taters,” a Philadelphia-based group that plays Dixieland, hot jazz, swing, classic ballads and New Orleans Mardi Gras music.

Quilting Guild April 21

The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. for an in-house community service project at Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd. New members are welcome at Zoom meetings, workshops and lectures. For information, email hunterdoncountyquiltingguild@gmail, or visit https://hcquiltingguild.wixsite.com/hcquiltingguild.

Speakeasy Event April 22

As part of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish 100th Anniversary Celebration, a Speakeasy featuring Nancy Colleti and Judy Palmer performing popular songs from the 20th century will be presented at the church, 390 County Road 523, Whitehouse Station, at

Winnewald Day Camp

June 26 - August 11

OPEN HOUSES 1-4 PM

APRIL 18, MAY 21

Interested counselors may also attend!

Winnewald@gmail.com

(908) 735-8336

www.winnewald.com

21 Cratetown Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833

6:30 p.m. This event is hosted by the Anniversary Committee and the Knights of Columbus 6930. Tickets are $30 per person with canapés, beer and wine included. 1920s period attire, optional. For tickets, email anniversary@ollwhs.org, or call Roman Hnidj at 908-256-9760 or romanhnidj@ verizon.net.

Spring Luncheon April 27

The Neshanic Garden Club will host the event from noon to 4 p.m. at the Somerville Elks Lodge. Basket raffle, 50/50 and door prizes are planned. Anthony Lund of

Bartletts Tree Experts will speak on “How Drought Conditions & Common Pests Affect Your Landscape.” For tickets contact Barbara Zielsdorff at 908-2298148 or BZielsdorff@gmail.com. Ticket price is $40.

Township Committee Introduces Warehouse Ordinance

The Township Committee introduced an ordinance March 13 that would prohibit freestanding warehouses from being built anywhere in Branchburg Township without obtaining a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, a much more rigorous process than obtaining site plan approval from the Planning Board.

At press time, the ordinance was up for a public hearing and final adoption March 27.

The ordinance would: Prohibit warehouses, major distribution centers, large fulfillment centers, lastmile fulfillment centers, high-cube automated warehouses, cross dock-

ing and cold storage; Redefine “light manufacturing;” Permit storage of materials as accessory uses provided the storage is specifically related to the principle use of the property; Confirm that hazardous substances facilities are conditional uses in all industrial zones; Create conditions for the expansion of existing standalone warehouses. It would not affect any applications pending before township boards and would not affect existing facilities like Federal Express on Meister Avenue.

Township officials have been trying to defend against warehouse construction. Many residents have been attending meetings to protest

Harry the Handyman, LLC

warehouse projects. A new group “Branchburg Advocacy Group” has organized to attend meetings and challenge developers. (See article on page 8.)

In November, Branchburg voters approved a referendum to allow the township to spend taxpayer money to buy properties in the North Branch section to avoid warehouses or additional affordable housing.

In 2020, the township adopted a zoning ordinance that prohibited new standalone warehouses in the Route 22 corridor. That ordinance prompted a number of Superior Court lawsuits resulting in out-of-court settlements and approvals of warehouse projects.

The Planning Board was sched-

uled March 28 to hear a proposal by S/K Stoney Brook Associates of Jersey City to build nearly 300,000 square feet of warehouse space in three buildings on the 43-acre property in the Evans Way Redevelopment Area which borders Old York Road between Route 202 and Stony Brook Road.

That application was filed after S/K Stoney Brook filed suit in December 2020 challenging the Township Committee’s approval of an ordinance to eliminate warehouses as a permitted use in an industrial zone. The lawsuit was settled out of court in fall 2021.

As part of the settlement, the developer will allot 2.25 acres fronting on Stony Brook Road to the township.

March Was Entertaining for Seniors

Also featured were Eimear Reynolds of Celtic Woman fame; Jimmy Q., Ireland’s prince of comedy; The Guinness Irish Band and World Class Irish Dancers. On March 16 Elmers Catering provided a delicious traditional Irish luncheon. At the end of the month we headed to the Somerset County Vo-Tech for an incredible buffet luncheon. The students who prepared and served were amazing and we thank them for a wonderful experience.

By Audrey E. Henry Branchburg Recreation

The seniors had quite an Irish fun-filled month. It started off with a performance by the extremely talented Richard Stillman, a musical virtuoso. Not only did he play multiple instruments,

but he sang several Irish ballads and Irish danced as well. On March 15 a group of 24 ventured out to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse for The Irish Cabaret, starring Andy Cooney. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating Irish music, song, dance and comedy.

April showers may bring May flowers, but it also brings the seniors an interesting month. A presentation on “Everything about Medicare” by Pia Rey will be held April 6. We thank our friend Joni Lauyer, at Rolling Hills of Flemington, for providing us with outstanding speakers and entertainment. On April 20, in honor of Earth Day (4/22) we will have a member present the Science of Climate Change. If you are a Branchburg Senior and want to join the fun, give us a call at 908-526-1300 ext. 188.

World Thinking Day

– On Sunday, March 5, Service Unit 73’s World Thinking Day Event at Elizabeth Ann Seton Church was hosted by Troop 60117. World Thinking Day is on Feb. 22 and it is a time for Girl Scouts to reflect on their peers in countries across the world, and what it means to be a member of this international organization. This year, girls “traveled” to various countries, trying their food and learning about the cultures and traditions in nations with fellow scouts. This celebration reflected the overall themes of World Thinking Day 2023, “Our World, Our Peaceful Future: The environment, peace, and security.” Cheers to another year of leading girls in this beautiful world-wide event.

–Submitted by Shreya Patro (Photo Credit: Cynthia Warshawsky)

Aluminum Fence

Richard Stillman plays the bagpipes at a senior citizen program in March.

Princesses in Pajamas–Pictured are Maryann Baranowski, Ileen Bradley, Samantha Ahlstrom, Pam Booth, Ulrike Ocasio, Valerie Ardila, Donna Giordano, Gladys Loaiza, and Hayley Berman at the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation’s 16th Ladies Night Out on March 2 at the Somerville Elks Lodge. The event raised $18,000 for pediatric brain cancer research, thanks to community donations and participation by attendees. Foundation events honor the life of Meghan Rose Bradley, who passed away at age 16 from pediatric brain cancer in 2004. To date, the foundation has raised more than $600,000. For more information contact Ileen Bradley at 732-735-3291, email mrbfoundation@ gmail.com or visit www.meghanrosebradleyfoundation.org.

Craft Show Vendors Wanted

Readington Reformed Church

Women’s Ministries seeks crafters for the annual craft show on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd.

Six Friends Run Popular Tournaments at Old Towne

Interested craft vendors should contact Judy at 908-369-4227 or email jdiselin@comcast.net for registration forms. The fee is $40, table included. Register early as spaces fill up quickly.

w e a l t h

m a n a g e m e n t

Last summer, six Branchburg friends started their own sports business, Old Towne Series (OTS). OTS runs 3v3 basketball and 5v5 football tournaments on occasion at Old Towne Park. These fun, unique

tournaments are open to all ages, with a different prize going to the winning team in each tournament. The latest tournament on March 12 drew 75 kids, the biggest turnout so far.

Carson Torchio, who is the leader and the eldest member of the group, hopes to run a few more tournaments before he attends Kutztown University in the fall where he will be studying sport management. “This group has changed my life for the better. I had not really figured out my passion in life before we started organizing these tournaments. I’ve had so much fun, and seeing Old Towne Park packed on a random Saturday, with everyone having a lot of fun, especially after Covid, is definitely a welcoming sight and enough to make you emotional,” Carson said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids to be working with or a better group of friends.”

Carson organizes and advertises these tournaments on both Instagram and Snapchat, so keep your eyes open for the next tournament date and time.

I n v e s t m e n t s : A s s e t A l o c a t o n R e t i r e m e n t P l a n n i n g A n n u i t e s

T r a d i t i o n a l B r o k e r a g e E q u i t y I n v e s t m e n t s E d u c a t i o n P l a n n i n g F i x e d - i n c o m e I n v e s t m e n t s

R i s k M a n a g e m e n t :

F i n a n c i a l S t r a t e g i e s : L i f e I n s u r a n c e D i s a b i t y n c o m e I n s u r a n c e L o n g - T e r m C a r e n s u r a n c e

J A R R E T T D E W E L D E , C F P ®

C E R T I F I E D F I N A N C I A L P L A N N E R ™ p r o f e s s i o n a l j a r r e t t @ r i c h p l a n n i n g g r o u p c o m

T e l : ( 7 3 2 ) 3 8 4 - 9 1 9 2

R I C H P l a n n i n g G r o u p , L L C 5 0 D i v i s i o n S t r e e t S u i t e 5 0 1 S o m e r v i l l e , N J 0 8 8 7 6

N E R ™ a r e c e r t f c a i o n m a r k s o w n e d b y h e C e e d F n a n c a l P a n n e r B o a d o S a n d a d s n c T h e s e m a k s a r e a w a d e d t o n d v d u a s w h o s u c c e s s f u y c o m p e t e t h e C F P B o a r d s n t a a n d o n g o n g c e r t f c a o n e q u e m e n s S e c u t e s o f e r e d t h o u g h E q u i a b e A d v o r s L L C m e m b e r F N R A S P C n v e s t m e n t a d v s o r y p r o d u c s a n d s e v c e s o f f e e d t h r o u g h E q u a b e A d v s o s L L C a n S E C - e g s e r e d i n v e s t m e n t a d v s o r A n n u y a n d n s u a n c e p r o d u c s h r o u g h E q u a b e N e w o k L L C R C H P a n n i n g G o u p s n o t o w n e d o r o p e r a e d b y E q u a b e A d v s o o t s a f f i a e s P P G

Pictured (top row, from left) John Jagiello, Ryan Hayden, Carson Torchio, Ryan Rudolph, (bottom row) Collin Bewalder, and Luke Metrovsky. (Photo and info submitted by Carson Torchio)

TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG

Municipal Building News | in print and online at www.branchburg.nj.us

‘Our Work is Your Play’

*** Recreation News***

Spring/Summer Program registration is going on now. Programs begin April 17th. Check the township website for the Spring/ Summer Program booklet with all the details and register online with Community Pass!

SUMMER CAMP Registration begins

Monday, April 3 @ 8am online with Community Pass. Campers must currently be in Kindergarten - 8th to register.

K-5 choose – Whiton Elem. School Camp or White Oak Park Camp.

6-8th graders at Teen Scene @ BCMS. Register according to current grade.

Branchburg Silver Saddle Community POOL

Starting Memorial Day weekend: 11-7pm and weekends only. June 24th-Everyday!

Registration for POOL or PROGRAMS: https://register.communitypass.net/ Branchburg

Please call for password assistance!

DO NOT create a new account!

908-526-1300 x 187 or 188

Follow Branchburg Recreation on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/BranchburgRec

For up to date on Trash & Recycling Pickup please download the Recycle Coach on your phone!!

E-Waste Drop Off

April 1, 2023 9am to 3 pm

Public Works Garage-34 Kenbury Rd. Branchburg, NJ 08876

908-526-1300 x177

State and Federal environmental agencies have determined that electronic products must be treated as hazardous waste when intended for disposal and has mandated recycling for e-waste. Electronic waste is incredibly poisonous. It exceeds the level for hazardous waste by 30 to 100 times!

There will be a drop off area set up at the Public Works

Garage on the above date, to accept e-waste at NO COST TO YOU!!

TVs /Computers/Laptops/ Servers /Monitors

Printers / Fax Machines/ Copiers /DVD/Video players/ Power supplies /Video Games Systems/Controllers/ CDs /DVDs/ Telephones

Branchburg Advocacy Group Opposes Evans Way Plan

By Tara Murphy

The Branchburg Advocacy Group (the BAG) has formed in opposition to the Evans Way Redevelopment Plan.

Planning Board meetings on multiple aspects of this warehouse development occurred throughout January, February and March, with the next proposed meeting to take place on Tuesday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.

The agenda is expected to include the continued testimony, questions and comments on the developer’s Traffic Impact Study by their traffic engineer, the

Township’s traffic engineer, Planning Board members and the general public.

As many of you know, the developer, S/K Stoney Brook Associates, proposes to build three warehouses totaling 296,750 sq. feet on the corner of Old York and Stony Brook Roads adjacent and neighboring to Society Hill at Branchburg residential community, single family homes, nearby White Oak Park and Branchburg Central Middle School. Combined, these warehouse buildings will “now” consist of 52 loading docks from 60 and are proposed

to operate 24/7; with unknown verifiable levels of noise, air and light pollution, along with increased truck traffic in our community - - all of which will affect our health, safety and overall quality of life.

This is especially true since Glenn Pantel, the developer’s attorney, stated at the Feb. 28 meeting that the warehouses are being built on speculation, so no tenants have been signed. Based on his statement, the BAG finds the study deficient to the benefit of the developer in their application review/approval process. With no proposed tenants to attest to the type of business and expected levels of operation regarding vehicle and truck activity, the traffic at the Route 202/Old York Road intersection upon build completion/operation could, in fact, exceed the NJDOT’s threshold of increased traffic of 100+ new peak hour trips generated from this development.

Per the developer’s study and

the township traffic engineer’s comment Memorandum, both confirm that the existing traffic volume at this intersection exceeds capacity; operating at an overall failing Level of Service (LOS) during weekday morning peak hours, along with lane turning delays during both AM and PM peak hours.

In order to prevent the increased potential for serious injury or death at this intersection and with the understanding that the NJDOT and Somerset County DOT have been previously made aware of the above stated traffic LOS, the BAG strongly believes that the Planning Board should not approve the developer’s application until the necessary upgrades are completed by the DOT. This upgrade will go a long way in preventing further deterioration and safely accommodate current and future traffic, including vehicle and truck traffic that will be generated from this ill-suited warehouse development.

Despite the reduction in loading docks, increased number and/ or height in sound walls and additional tree plantings, the developer fails to recognize that the application for 24/7 distribution warehouses on this property is not compatible with the general welfare of this community.

The BAG along with Branchburg homeowners immediately adjacent to this property acknowledge it has been zoned for industrial use for over the past 30 years, but believe any application for redevelopment should be consistent with existing builds on Evans Way and Millenium Way that provide warehouse space that is ancillary to the primary business and where truck operations outside the walls of the buildings are not conducted during the hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

For more information and to join the BAG’s Focus Group, go to Facebook and search for “Branchburg Advocacy Group.”

Fourth Graders Create Wax Museum

Stony Brook School fourth graders completed a unit on biographies during February and created a wax museum in the gymnasium as the final activity. Each student chose a famous person to study and then portray in the wax museum. Choices ranged from Albert Einstein to Aaron Judge to Jennifer Lopez. Students dressed as their characters and gave a short speech about their life and accomplishments for staff and family members who visited the wax museum.

—Photos and info courtesy of Fourth Grade Teachers Isabella Russo and Danielle LoCascio

Bhavesh Dronadula as Abraham Lincoln

Jonah Zuniga as Steven Spielberg and Emmy Trexler as Milton Hershey

RVCC to Launch Adult Learners’ College

Raritan Valley Community College will launch a new Adult Learners’ College this fall to help older students fulfill their personal or career goals.

The college is geared for students age 25 and older who are looking to begin or complete their college degree, explore a new career path, gain additional training, get a promotion

at work, be the first member of their family to attend college, or improve their English.

Special support services will be offered to help students complete their education.

In addition, 7-week semesters will be offered for some programs, providing adult students with a more convenient academic schedule to help them

balance work, school, and family obligations.

For a list of programs, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/ academic-programs/onlinecourses.

Fall 2023 Semester begins Aug. 30.

Rock

went to The Gravity Vault rock climbing gym in Flemington. The troops were joined by Cub Scouts from Pack 185, many of whom are joining the Troop this spring. This was the first rock climbing experience for many of the scouts. Each climber, new or experienced, found a physical or mental obstacle, and a way past it. They were able to see the practical application of knots they had learned, the purpose of climbing equipment, the physical challenges of climbing a vertical rock face, and the protocols in place to ensure safety. There was quite a bit of enthusiasm for the activity, and similar trips are planned in the future. For information regarding both troops, visit https://branchburg185.mytroop.us.

Climbing– On Feb. 26, Scout Troops 185G & 185B

–Submitted by Tom Decker, Scoutmaster Troop 185B

Easter Sunrise Service

An ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service will be held on April 9 at 6:30 a.m. at Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd. The gathering place will be at the top of the hill of the church’s cemetery. Bring lawn chairs. For more than 30 years, music has been provided by Mr. Ed and the Revs. All are invited to a potluck breakfast after the service in the Library of the church at 7 a.m. Please bring

an item to share. Participating local churches include: Church of the Holy Spirit, Cokesbury Methodist, Fairmount Methodist, Lebanon Reformed, Our Lady of Lourdes of Whitehouse Station, Readington Reformed, Rockaway Reformed, Stanton Reformed, Whitehouse United Methodist and Zion Lutheran. For information, call 908-534-4351.

It’s

Your Duty

If you are walking a dog in Branchburg Township you are required to pick up the dog poop and throw it away, or face a $50 fine. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining cats and dogs, blazing hot, blizzarding, or if no one seems to be looking; you still have to pick up after your pup.

With the state ban on cheap plastic shopping bags, dog owners may have trouble finding something to grab on the way out the door with the dog. That may be one of the causes of the current sidewalk buildup, theorizes one dog owner who prefers to remain anonymous. It can be hard to start a new habit such as buying dog poop bags or ask-

to Keep on Curbing

ing a relative in Pennsylvania to save plastic shopping bags for you. One dog owner pointed out that the free flimsy plastic produce bags in supermarkets work well. Just grab a handful when you’re buying fruits and vegetables.

Alas, any person who violates or refuses to comply shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $50 or to be imprisoned for a period not exceeding 30 days, or to both at the discretion of the court.

The Curbing of Dogs Ordinance states: No person owning, harboring, keeping or in charge of any dog shall cause, suffer, or allow such dog to soil, de -

file, defecate on or commit any nuisance on any common thoroughfare, sidewalk, passageway, bypass, play area, park or any place where people congregate or walk, or upon any public property whatsoever, or upon any private property without permission of the owner of said property.

It shall be the duty of each dog owner to remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner any feces left by his or her dog on the aforementioned areas. No person in charge of a seeing eye or hearing ear dog shall be subject to the provisions of this subsection.

This Month

In Branchburg History

One year ago, April 2022 – The Somerville High School Winter Guard competed in the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships in Dayton, OH, Apr. 7-9, and ranked 26th of 40 teams in the Scholastic Open Class.

Five Years ago, April 2018 – A team of seven bold and creative students from Branchburg Central Midde School won the Odyssey of the Mind State Championship at Ewing High School on Apr. 14. Team members included Matthew

Buttgereit, David Frankel, Jamie Chiang, Avni Maheshwari, Ella Romano. Mina Batra, Katherine Shi

Ten Years ago, April, 2013 – A Joe DiMaggio autograph was the highlight giveaway during the Branchburg Baseball and Softball Club Opening Day ceremonies at White Oak Park on Apr.20.

25 Years ago – April 1998 –School Board elections were still being held separately in April

Ruff n’ Ready Dog Walkers & Pet Care LLC

Serving Branchburg and surrounding area for over 15 years

Insured & Bonded – Pet First-aid & CPR trained

• Dog Walking • Potty Breaks

• Trips to the Dog Park

• Pet Taxi and more

• Vacation Visits: Most pets do best staying in their own home

• Cat Care

• Chicken Care

• Fish

• Exotic Pets

House Sitting • Plants Watered, Trash/Recycling to curb, mail Pets are given the same loving care we give our own.

throughout Central Jersey, and in Branchburg, candidates’ top issue seemed to be construction of our own high school for Branchburg students. In election handouts and hearsay, all six candidates were in favor of the project.

50 Years ago – April 1973 –Community portions of quarterly federal revenue sharing were announced by the US Treasury Dept. in April. Branchburg was on the list for a $23,351 share of Somerset County’s total of $559,739.

Students Donate to Animal Shelter

During the month of February, students in Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) and TOPS Student Council joined forces to help support the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter in Bridgewater.

The shelter takes in 1,000 animals yearly. The NTHS and TOPS supplies and fundraising drive gave students a vehicle to support this organization and helped to raise awareness about all of the animals in shelters. About 60 items and $125 in monetary donations were collected for the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.

Pictured (standing, from left) Emily Jones of Branchburg, Michael Gaspar of Raritan, Chase Craig of South Bound Brook, Ivan Rogalsky of Bridgewater, (sitting) Kye Taran of Bedminster, and Bryanna Pasternak of High Bridge.

“Freedom For Branchburg”

Seeks Candidates

Freedom For Branchburg has announced its intention to run candidates for Branchburg Township Committee in 2023 and is seeking independent candidates. Visit https://freedomforbranchburg.com/run and use the contact form to get in touch or email tara@freedomforbranchburg.com for more information. Candidates only need to be registered voters living in the township and be interested in the issues facing residents.

—Submitted by Tara Murphy

Register for Stream Cleanup

The Raritan Headwaters 33rd Annual Stream Cleanup is on April 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. In celebration of Earth Day, more than 1,500 volunteers will come together in one morning to clean rivers and streams at over 50 sites throughout the watershed region. Visit the Raritan Headwaters website for further info or to register, or contact streamcleanup@raritanheadwaters.org.

Celebrate Holy Week at Our Lady of Lourdes

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Whitehouse Station invites all to celebrate Holy Week and The Paschal Triduum. The schedule is as follows:

April 1 & 2, Palm Sunday, Saturday Vigil: 5:30 p.m.; Sunday: 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:15 a.m.

April 6, Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7 p.m.

April 7, Good Friday, The Passion of Our Lord: 3 p.m.

April 8, Easter Vigil: 7:30 p.m.

April 9, Easter Sunday: 7:45 a.m.,

9:30 a.m., and 11:15 a.m.

-Submitted by Ramon Aldarondo, Pastoral Communications Assistant

Branchburg Woman’s

Club Plants Pinwheel Garden

By Kate Sarles

Spring has sprung and our members are busy planting a garden - a garden of pinwheels!

The garden is in recognition of “Prevent Child Abuse Awareness” month. Pinwheels are used as a symbol because they evoke childlike notions exemplifying the happy, healthy, and safe childhoods all children deserve. This month, come visit our pinwheel garden at the Branchburg Municipal Building.

In April, the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs holds a Spring Conference and Achievement Day. Some of our members will be attending and

entering our district’s (College District) preliminary competition. Club members enter projects in craft, culinary and/ or horticultural competitions. Those meriting a “gold” designation continue on to the state competition in May. This is a great opportunity for members to showcase their individual talents.

The April general meeting is Thursday, April 20, at the Whiton Hills Community Center at 7 p.m. The program will

be a “Game Night,” a fun and entertaining evening for our members and guests. If you would like to join in the fun, please let us know you are coming by calling 908-458-6832 or emailing branchburgwomansclub@gmail.com. Guests are welcome to attend two or more general meetings before applying for membership, which includes opportunities to join us in a variety of fun, educational, and entertaining activities.

Science Show for Kids April 14

The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College will present Doktor Kaboom and The Wheel of Science! on Friday, April 14, at 10 a.m. The show is part of RVCCArts’ School-Time Series and is geared to grades 3-8 and their families. Tickets cost $8 per person; one free chaperone ticket is provided for every ticket bought. To purchase tickets contact the Box Office 908-725-3420 or see www.rvccArts.org.

Branchburg CORN

Gorillas have a favorite month, and we’re in it. . . It’s Ape-ril!

People have been thinking about spring for months, but now, with all the potholes, we’re mostly thinking about the springs on our cars.

FIND WHAT MOVES YOU FIND

How can you pitch a winning baseball game without ever throwing a ball? By only throwing strikes!

It’s April and two types of people are complaining about paying their taxes – men and women.

Guy goes to the doctor in April and complains about being tired. “Well we all are,” says the doctor. “We all just finished a 31-day March!”

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

Window Screen Repairs - Good quality Fiberglass screens for your windows and patio doors. Pick-up and delivery available. George & Son’s 908-392-2677.

Laboratory Assistant: FT/PTSummer Seasonal for an Environmental Testing Laboratory in Hillsborough, NJ. Please send resume to ECM, P.O. Box 427, Neshanic Station 08853, or email to ecminc@att.net (EOE/M/F/D/V)

HANDYMAN - Branchburg Carpenter Available for quality work in and around your home. Powerwashing services also. Ron 908256-9128 24 hours/7 days a week.

RITTER BROTHERS PAINTING, Readington, NJ. Interior & Exterior. Lic#13VH10329300. Business: 908-233-8904, Home: 908-534-9390.

FD MASON CONTRACTOROver 30 years of experience. Brick, block, stone, concrete. No job too large or small. Fully insured & licensed. Free estimates. 908-3855701. Lic# 13VH05475900.

WANTED - Single, multi family home in Somerset/Hunterdon Counties, any condition. Your price, my terms. Please call Ron 908-2569128.

SELLING YOUR HOME? Call for complimentary market analysis. I also buy homes. George Pantozzi, Broker/Associate, Berkshire Hathaway NJ Properties, 908-392-2677

MUSIC LESSONS: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Harmonica, Keyboard at my Branchburg home studio. Degreed with over 25 years teaching/ performing experience. Youngsters, adults, retired folks. Call Sig 908-231-0492. Leave message.

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 green veil of April is laid upon the earth to cover the landscape, washed clean and left bare by the cold wind and melting snow jettisoned during winter’s hasty retreat. The blanket of winter’s white cover cloth is now torn asunder into a patchwork of pale fragments scattered across the land. A mosaic of green tints emerge and expand as April distances itself from winter.

April’s arrival comes just 10 days after winter’s meteorological conclusion to make the first full month of spring a mixed bag of weather. Snow squalls, frost, bright sun, cold rain and a sampling of temperatures from freezing to torrid, make April unpredictable; except for its unas-

sailable promise to pave the final path to summer with an explosion of colorful blooms.

Spring’s arrival is heralded in by the last gasp of winter’s fury, whose blustery breath escaped March to shake April’s greenery and ghost it with flakes of vanishing snow.

April’s struggle with the remnants of winter weather is aided by the sunlight, which now dominates the darkness, to give confidence to a profusion of life waiting to emerge from the gravid earth. The path of the earth’s orbit and tilt, makes the sun appear to ride higher above the horizon to shrink shadows and warm the earth. The increasing daylength triggers a cascade of chemical

change in all life on earth, to direct behavior in animals and rapid growth in plants.

As April progresses, the translucent, pale green veil, weaves itself into a thick verdant blanket of coarse yarn as grasses and leaves emerge and unfold to partner with the sun, converting light into nutrients and clouds of life sustaining oxygen.

As seen from the perspective of a celestial theatre seat, a time lapsed image of spring appears alive as it moves north, leaving a thick green carpet in its wake. Rivers, appearing as long shimmering threads of blue and silver, decorate the green tapestry as if by artistic design. The bright thread appears and disappears, as generous stitches, roughly sewn into a green cloth, penetrate and emerge along a torn seam.

Descending into the greenery, the broken silver-blue thread becomes a gentle flowing river, the sun reflecting off the rippling surface. Beneath the shallow water along the bank, tightly furled spikes of yellow pond lily emerge from the mud with encouragement of the bright sunlight, in preparation for next month’s floral debut. A cloud of muddy water among the expanse of the submerged spikes betrayed the presence of a

muskrat. The rat’s trail led ashore leaving an obvious mud-stained path across the matted down fresh green grass. The path ended at a large patch of mugwort, an invasive plant impervious to control, and a bane to gardeners. Likely a female, the muskrat gathered greens for bedding to line her bank den and food to wean her kits.

Beyond the mugwort, in the shade of the river birch and swamp maple, grew a variety of native plants typically found in moist woods along more pristine waterways. Trout lilies and trillium were scattered about, familiar to early season fishermen and the few who gather spring greens like fiddlehead ferns and dandelions. Trout lilies have distinctive mottled green spear shape leaf with a yellow flower on a single stalk.

Trillium is an associate of trout lily and said to have four varieties recognized in New Jersey.

Like trout lily, trillium is a short plant just a few inches high and easily recognized by its three petaled flower. The most common color I have seen is a deep rich burgundy, and appears more as an errant jewel, carelessly lost by a passerby.

Virginia blue bells grow in profusion wherever they may

be found and appear as a fluffy blue blanket hovering above the ground.

Delicate spring beauties dot the short grass along the flood plain and present a spectrum of white to pink flower petals lined with dark pink pinstripes. Each flower is so individual, it begs investigation and comparison.

Mayapple grows en masse as groundcover in moist woods where groups of jack-in-the- pulpit appear ready to preach a sermon.

Native columbine grow in secreted pockets within the walls of the red shale cliffs along the river, in perfect timing to accommodate migrating hummingbirds.

The native wildflowers which appear briefly in early spring are collectively known as spring ephemerals. These delicate beauties sprout out of the cold ground in a resurrection inconsistent with expectation, to lend an air of magic to their presence.

The spring ephemerals hide among April’s green veil and whisper the arrival of spring and a promise of summer to anyone who seeks the solace of wild places and open space. They whisper just once, and then they are gone.

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

Virginia blue bells grow in profusion wherever they may be found, and appear as a fluffy blue blanket hovering above the ground.