Branchburg News, June 2020 by Town Media

June 2020

www.branchburgnews.com

100 Years of Life Celebrated in Branchburg

Aerial Acrobatics Helped Install Beams for River Road Bridge

Yard decorations by family members were top-notch. -photos by Bob Krupnik

In keeping with the “social distancing” guidelines of pandemic spring 2020, the Swodys’ seating arrangement was meant to reduce the chance of contagion.

Charles R. Swody enjoyed his 100th birthday from his daughter’s Branchburg driveway on a beautiful April 25, as family members, neighbors, friends, fire companies and army fighter planes participated in a walk-by, drive-by, fly-by celebration. Seated with Charles, in their chairs of honor, was his wife Elizabeth (Betty, age 97). The Swodys’ 79th wedding anniversary is June 15. The fire trucks parading by were an appropriate touch for a man who had a 42-year career as a

fireman, retiring as Fire Chief of the Elizabeth Fire Dept. in 1986. Local volunteer fire companies joining in the drive-by were Readington, Country Hills Branchburg District and Country Hills Bridgewater District. A fly-by of three Army World War II-vintage fighters honored Charles’ service in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations in which he rose to the rank of Signal Corps Technical Sergeant. Born and married in Elizabeth, the Swodys also lived in Green Brook before moving to Branchburg with their daughter Pam Ansbro and son-in-law Mark Ansbro. Besides Pam, they also have a son, Charles E. Swody, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. To see a video of the 100th birthday festivities by NJ.com, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8Vm0dljSo. Another video, by grandson Bob Krupnik, is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCFL-GE3SEkeFin6NGIeGBjg.

Gov Urged to Allow Live Graduation

State Sen. Kip Bateman of Branchburg in a statement on May 20 urged Governor Phil Murphy to allow in-person high school graduations despite the state’s COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. “New Jersey’s high school graduating seniors deserve the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends, classmates, and loved ones at inperson graduation ceremonies. The Air Force Academy recently graduated close to 1,000 cadets at such a ceremony with masks and proper social distancing. Given all of the other venues from beaches to grocery stores that can be visited today with much less preparation, it’s hard to believe we cannot trust our high schools to stage well

planned events that would offer New Jersey’s young adults the recognition they deserve with minimal risk. We encourage you to announce that these celebrations may be planned.” The statement followed countless letters, emails, phone calls, and social media posts from parents and students pleading for a meaningful sendoff for the Class of 2020. Somerville High School administrators have made clear that they will follow state guidance. The ball rests in the governor’s court. Local parents have offered ideas on safely setting up the SHS football field for graduation, controling foot traffic, along with offering to provide masks and hand sanitizer stations.

In this photo, provided by NJDOT, a giant crane lowers the first box beam into place. High above can be seen the overhead power lines that were de-energized during the procedure.

Township Administrator Greg Bonin received a very upbeat package of words and photos regarding the River Road bridge replacement project from an NJ Department of Transportation engineer in late April. Krishna Tripathi of the Division of Project Management wrote: “It is my pleasure to inform you that NJDOT has met their major milestone on April 16, 2020 by installing concrete box beams that support the bridge deck. It was very challenging for us to meet this milestone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through careful

coordination with utility companies, NJ Transit, local residents, businesses, and officials, we developed a plan in which JCP&L would de-energize its overhead power lines to provide a window for our contractor to lift the enormous box beams into place.” Pouring the bridge’s concrete deck quickly followed. Wrote Krishna, “We created a very aggressive schedule to replace this bridge by this summer and we are still working to meet our schedule. We will provide you more information as this project moves forward.”

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Balloons in June– The SHS

PTO has announced that Balloons in June will not be stalled by COVID-19. Order balloons for family, friends and neighbors as the community celebrates the resilient SHS Class of 2020. Orders must be received by Sunday, June 7. All info is on the Somerville High School PTO website at http://www.shspto.org/

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The Upside of our “COVIDized” Lives

The Branchburg News • June 2020

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 July/Aug 2020 June 10 For Ad Materials June15 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

James Rinaldi, Nicole Rinaldi and Blazer are experiencing a slower way of life that was common in the 60s and 70s.

By Ronald P. Rinaldi II of Neshanic Station Yes, I believe there is an upside to this COVID-19 environment in which we are living. Over the past weeks I have found many from my generation feeling the same way. The upside is a surreal peacefulness in life that has come out of this current situation. Let me explain… Born and raised in Branchburg in the 1960s and 1970s, I went through the school system, gradu-

ated Somerville High School in 1980, and moved back after college and early jobs, to raise my own family for the past 25 years. My parents still live in our original house in North Branch and my three children have shared many of the “Branchburg” experiences I had while I was growing up in this wonderful area. By the 1st week of April, I realized that this “COVIDized” lifestyle of ours has created something

of a time warp where we went back to the Branchburg of the 60s and 70s in many ways. Like then, life has slowed down. Many of the daily stressors have subsided. Like then, my children are home and we are having “family dinner” every night, EVERY NIGHT! My parents used to have family dinner every day at 5 pm. Now, my wife and I are sitting and talking with our children at dinner as a family, not skipping dinner and “Ubering” them somewhere every day in different directions trying to keep up with the hectic schedules children grow up with today between school, sports, clubs, shopping, practices, volunteering, and play-dates. I actually see my children and spend “family” time with them. Now, these weeks of “nowhere to go” time allow our family to enjoy each other’s company. This was usually a luxury only afforded us during the one or two weeks per year when families go away on summer vacation. Before living “COVIDized,” I would see my two high schoolers maybe an hour per day between my work, their school, after-school sports and clubs, friends, and homework. Now we take long bike rides at a leisurely pace with no time limits. In fact,

my two high schoolers have discovered bicycle riding and have fallen in love with the activity for the first time ever! As we ride our bikes, I tell them stories of when my sister and I rode our bikes around Branchburg on a daily basis. We would go down to William’s Market on Rt. 28 to buy candy. Then we would sit on the old wooden bridge in North Branch (now gone and being rebuilt), or on the train trestle over the river, and eat. These rides were taken along Branchburg roads then void of traffic, like now. Now, we go on long walks with our dog after dinner -- without rushing. Just like I did with my continued on page 3

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“COVIDized” Lives dad when I was their age, we walk the neighborhood, talk, and see our neighbors outside. Now, we sit on the front porch and just talk and watch the neighborhood, or spend time on Sunday night watching the CBS Sunday Night Movie, like we did 50 years ago (CBS started airing it in 1962 and has now brought it back for our “COVIDized” lifestyle). Now, we can travel on Rt. 202 down to Somerville in record time. 50 years ago, I tell my children, there were no traffic lights because there was no traffic. My parents would drive to the Somerville Circle to go food shopping and the only traffic light was at Raritan. You could look in either direction and see only a handful of cars as far as the eye can see. My children used to laugh at me when I told them that, but now they are experiencing this phenomenon. Like then, it seems a bit quieter at night as the drone of traffic on Rt. 202 is minimized. Like then, it seems Branchburg is more peaceful. If you are from my generation you are possibly appreciating this chance our “COVIDized” lifestyle has given us to stop and go back to simpler time. We can actually “smell the roses” and appreciate the meaningful things and people in our lives. Instead of rushing the week to get to the weekend, only to rush completing our weekend chores to get ready for Monday, we now have time each day to spend with our families. More time to walk, talk, bike, sit as a family, and work around the house. This was life in Branchburg in the 60s and 70s. Every day is somewhat more leisurely, more meaningful, and more valuable as we get back to a more manageable pace of life. Finally (and to me most importantly) my children are experiencing a way of life they never knew, but holds many valuable life lessons they will hopefully carry with them in the future. Lessons such as the importance of family, socializing together at home, having more down-time, and slowing down their busy lives just a bit to enjoy their days growing up here in Branchburg. So yes, I do believe there is an upside to this “COVIDized” lifestyle.

Everyone is talking about tests for COVID-19. Here is a brief explanation of the tests and what they mean provided by Hunterdon Healthcare officials. There are two general types of COVID-19 tests: PCR tests and antibody tests: COVID-19 Testing or PCR Tests These tests are used to diagnose someone who is sick. PCR stands for “polymerase chain reaction”. It identifies the genetic material of the virus and is usually done with a swab rubbed in the back of the nose, where the virus is found. Some research centers have developed versions that use saliva instead of the nose swab; the saliva test is limited to the research center where it was developed, so it is not available at Hunterdon Medical Center. Up to 30% of people who have symptoms have a negative PCR test. This could mean that there is another reason for the symptoms, but it could also mean that the swab didn’t catch the virus, or that the test was not accurate and the person did have COVID-19. Because the materials needed to do the test are in limited supply, there is guidance about which patients to test. Higher priority is given to hospitalized patients and to those who are elderly or have chronic diseases. Healthcare workers and first responders are also a high priority for testing in order to keep a workforce ready to take care of our citizens. Results for most of these tests take a few days to come back. There are some tests that offer results in an hour; since these are in limited supply they are reserved for patients in the hospital. Antibody Tests These are blood tests used to tell if someone had COVID-19 and recovered. They are not used to diagnose someone who is sick now. The test looks for proteins in the blood called “antibodies” or “immunoglobulins” known as “IgG”. More than 90 companies are selling COVID-19 antibody tests, but not all give reliable results. It is very important to understand the accuracy of the test before deciding whether to do it. Tests can be falsely positive or falsely negative. At Hunterdon Medical Center, we only offer tests done at labs we know

The Branchburg News • June 2020

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Hunterdon Healthcare Explains COVID-19 Testing

and trust, but the meaning of the results is still being investigated. Ask your doctor for help understanding how the test can help you, and how to interpret the results. High levels of IgG for other viruses can mean that a person had the virus and is now immune. We believe that persons who test positive for COVID IgG were infected, but we do not know whether people can get COVID-19 more than once. California and other states have begun to test their population to try to understand how many people have been exposed to coronavirus. New Jersey is considering implementing this in the future. Convalescent Plasma Donation Convalescent Plasma has been shown to help people sickened by COVID-19. For people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have recovered from the virus, you can help save a life of someone

Doorway of Inspiration–At the former Old York School location at 580 Old York Road in Branchburg, the Jointure’s Creative Campus students use their creativity to share messages of love, strength and bravery. We miss our students and families. Stay safe. We can’t wait to see you. 69th Season - Ages 5-13 Come drive by to see the children’s artwork and words. For more info In the of Hunterdon County about the Jointure and Creative Campus, visit https://www.jointure. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Extended Hrs. 7 - 6 org/creative-campus –Submitted by Lauren De Cuollo 21 Cratetown Road • Lebanon, NJ 08833

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4 The Branchburg News • June 2020

Senior Citizens Club Foresees a Summer Without Meetings

Working Together, But

By Rosemarie Caroselli Due to the COVID-19 virus, the Branchburg Senior Citizens club has avoided having meetings. We all have been missing each other’s smiling faces at our gatherings. We hope that all are healthy and staying safe within the guidelines recommended by the health experts. Unfortunately this pandemic has meant cancellation of our meetings and fun days for the last few months and will continue as a precaution at least through the end of September. Members will be notified if this changes. Membership is open to ages 55+, dues are $15 annually. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of Apart–On May 2, the Boy Scouts of the month starting at 11:30 am. The

Troop 185 installed an 8-by-4-foot colorful sign on the lawn of the Branchburg Municipal Building. Maintaining social distancing, scouts worked together but apart, taking turns with various tasks, to construct, paint and install the sign expressing gratitude to all first responders and frontline workers fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. Each day these workers make our community safer and also risk getting the virus to help others. There for all to see, the sign represents our thanks to the real-life heroes dedicated to making our lives safer and better. Scouts are now working on a second sign to be installed in Raritan once the location is approved. The three scouts in the photo are (from left to right): Evan Berry, Jason Lauducci, and Doug Sullivan. –photo and caption submitted by Mahin Patel

third Thursday of the month is a so- to join us. For more information call cial meeting which includes a light 908-253-0828. lunch. “Fun Days” are social times Seniors’ April & May Birthdays to meet up with friends. These are Apr. 1 Margie Harrison Thursdays when there are no meetApr. 1 Helen Kovel ings (fifth Thursday if it occurs.) Fun Apr. 2 Rosemary Girone days start at 10 am. There are board Apr. 10 Nicky LaRocca games, playing cards, shooting pool, Apr. 16 Marian Chiesa jigsaw puzzles, selecting a book from Apr. 18 James Satterlee our Book Nook. You can get a lowApr. 27 Jean Sevehuk cost light lunch. We meet at the ComApr. 30 Fred Sopko munity Room in Building 10 Lower May 5 Judith Iannielo Level Whiton Hills Route 202. May 11 Ellen Baxter We invite you to attend one of our May 11 Sydell Fischer meetings as a guest and hopefully, May 17 Erie Stone we can welcome you as a member. May 20 Kathy Herdman Membership is open to all residents May 28 Joan Marotta May 29 Phyllis Diakos age 55+, and spouses may join reMay 29 Geri Taylor gardless of age. We encourage resiMay 29 Barbara Vitelli dents of neighboring communities

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Municipal Building News | in print and online at www.branchburg.nj.us Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as directed by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 120, the 2020 Primary Election has been postponed until, Tuesday, July 7 th. In addition, Executive Order 144 provides that ballots be mailed to all registered Democratic and Republican voters and vote-by-mail ballot applications be mailed to unaffiliated and inactive voters. All vote-by-mail ballots and vote-by-mail ballot applications will come with prepaid postage. Most polling locations will be open on July 7 th; however, the push is for the majority of votes to be cast by mail. Vote-By-Mail applications can also be found on the Township’s website at www.branchburg.nj.us in the Document Center under Election Information. If you do not have access to a printer, please call the Clerk’s Office at 908-526-1300 ext. 122 and an application can be mailed to you. Please note the application process on the Vote-By-Mail application. At the time of this writing, polling locations will be open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you plan to go to the polls, please check your sample ballot for your polling location. Sample Ballots are mailed to registered voters on or before 12 noon the Wednesday preceding the election. Please note that Branchburg’s Polling Locations have changed in Districts 4, 7, 8, and 12. Voters in District 4 & 7 will now vote at the Branchburg Board of Education Office, Conference Room, 240 Baird Road. Voters in District 8 & 12 will vote at the Girl Scout Council, 1171 Route 28. A Primary Election is an election held prior to the General Election in which voters select the candidates who will run on each of the political party’s ticket. In a primary election a “declared voter” is only permitted to vote in their designated political party. An “undeclared voter” or “unaffiliated voter” may declare their political party at the pol ling location or now through the vote-by-mail application. However, once a voter declares a political party, the voter will be affiliated with that political party until they file another party affiliation form to change their affiliation to a “declared party” or “unaffiliated”. Registered voters can complete either a declaration of party affiliation form or a voter registration form to make the change. All forms can be found on the Township website as noted above. If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 908-526-1300 ext. 104 for more information. Hello Branchburg, We are well into the third month of our COVID-19 lockdown and the summer is upon us. Things in Branchburg, and more broadly in New Jersey, will begin to open up as it appears that the worst of the virus is behind us. We have about 20 active cases left in town and that number is declining as people recover and emerge from the quarantine of being ill. In total Branchburg had a little more than 75 cases overall and unfortunately, 2 fatalities. When we entered this crisis in March, we were looking at setting up field hospitals here in Branchburg. It is easy to forget how bad it could have been for our community. Luckily, in our town, those worst-case scenarios did not manifest. While the risk has not fully abated, the warm weather and commonsense approaches should start to put this virus in the rear-view mirror. In that sense, it is time to get our lives back to normal – albeit a new normal. This lockdown has shown us the importance of socialization in our lives. We miss the gathering of friends; going out to dinner; seeing a concert; or going to a ball game. We miss the aspect of being “open” and having the freedom to go about our lives. It is my hope that as we emerge from this lockdown in the coming weeks, that all of us have a renewed appreciation for the things that truly important to all of us. Stay safe and let’s look forward to a brighter and better future for the rest of 2020 and beyond. Thomas Young Mayor Branchburg Township

Station House Renovations Sitting quietly on Olive Street in the heart of the Neshanic Village is the “Station House”. Home to the Branchburg Library and used for many years as a meeting place for residents, the recreation theater production and other local groups. The Station House is the silent “workhorse” of our community. Built in the early 1900’s the Station House was home to the Neshanic Fire Company for many years until the new fire house was built in its current location (hence the name “Station” house). Sometime in the 1950’s the building was transferred to Branchburg Township and it has served as one or our main community meeting places. It has served us well but in recent years became worn and was in desperate need of repairs and renovations. In 2018 Township Committee member Anna Columbus began the initiative to make the much-needed renovations to the Station House. The Township began making repairs to the exterior of the building including a new roof, new exterior siding/shingles, new exterior doors and rot repair to the structure itself. Using our inhouse staff and equipment we even made new signs that mimicked the old, broken wood signs that adorned the exterior for many, many years. With the exterior protected discussions began on what to repair and renovate on the inside. In 2019, Mayor Anna Columbus enlisted the assistance of local historians, preservationists and architects to help guide the work. Neshanic Historical Society member Robyn Abramo, local preservationist Mike Merchant and architect Michael Cuttitta all lent their time and expertise to guide improvements and renovations to the Station House. One of the major changes was the lighting. Gone were to be the fluorescent lights which seemed too harsh and industrial for such a setting. New ‘schoolhouse’ lights were installed to better evoke the historic nature of the building. The ceiling and walls were repaired and painted. The wood wainscoting was cleaned and re-stained as was the floor in the main room. A fresh coat of paint was applied to the stage area and new era appropriate lights were installed. A dramatic difference which has resulted in a beautiful room that takes you back in time. The renovations did not stop there. The kitchen, worn from many years of use for cooking classes and arts/crafts projects was in dire need of a facelift. The cabinets, while in good shape, needed to be cleaned and repaired. As did the large farmhouse metal sink, believed to be original to the building. Care was taken to have the sink cleaned and restored to its former glory (ready for more arts and craft projects by the kids!). The kitchen counter was replaced with a style reminiscent of the 1950’s era, a new backsplash was installed, walls were repaired/painted, and a new floor was put down. Much of this work was done by our own DPW saving countless dollars. A few months ago we put the last touches on the Station House renovations and were eager to let the public in to see the transformation…and then the COVID-19 lockdown came. When the municipal facilities open again we encourage everyone to stop by and see this gem in the heart of Neshanic Station. Until then, we’ll think about how we can spruce up the Branchburg Library.

The Branchburg News • June 2020

TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG

The Branchburg News • June 2020

Woman’s Club Announces New Officers

Pictured here at the April 2019 NJSFWC College District Spring Conference and Achievement Day luncheon are (left to right) BWC members Nancy Schamberger, Kathy Herdman, Linda Mish, and Barbra Lawson. -- photo provided by the BWC

by Tricia Ihde for the BWC The Branchburg Woman’s Club of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) has announced the club’s new officers. For the next club year, they are: Linda Mish and Kathy Herdman, Co-Presidents; Cookie Thom-

son, First Vice President; Susan Anczarki, Third Vice President; Ann Marie Winters, Recording Secretary; Michelle Lane, Corresponding Secretary; Kathy Harris, Financial Secretary; Regina Lembrich, Treasurer; Sheila Cancella, First Year Trustee; Linda Brozyna, Second Year Trustee; Joan Jorgensen, Third Year Trustee; and Rita Bouwman, Fourth Year Trustee. The club hopes to announce a second vice president later. Continuing the BWC’s mission, club members have been doing what they can to be helpful during this challenging time. Independent activities have ranged from donating to

the local food bank and the local animal shelter, making protective facemasks, picking up trash to help the environment, plus safely reaching out to neighbors, friends, and family. The club is grateful to all the volunteers and essential workers, which includes some of our members, helping the community through this crisis. The Branchburg Woman’s Club has cancelled its meetings through June, but still welcomes membership inquiries. To learn more, leave a message at 908-866-1060 and follow the club on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BburgWClub/.

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Girl Scout Group “Pampers” Hospital Heroes Girl Scout Service Unit 73 of Branchburg took donations and made 100 ‘Pamper Me” bags for all doctors, nurses and all other employees at RWJ University Hospital Somerset. This was a take-action project that entailed filling bags with toiletries, (shampoo, toothbrushes, soaps, lotions, etc.) for men and women. The Service Unit chose the hospital for all their hard work and endless hours they are putting in during this pandemic. We thought they could use these “essentials” before, during and/or after a hard and emotional day’s work. The Girl Scouts are very thankful to them. -- submitted by Girl Scout Service Unit Manager Dina Stracuzzi-Farlow

PTO Raises Funds for Frontline Workers Thanks for the donations go to parents, teachers and staff who are helping address the growing needs that are arising as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The Branchburg PTO is grateful for all of the first responders and frontline workers who are helping keep our families and community safe. By early May, the Branchburg PTO had already raised $2,890 for Robert Wood Johnson Somerset. If you are interested in contributing to this virtual fundraiser, visit www.branchburgpto.com for more info. -- submitted by Heather Grande 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

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HAVE NO FEAR WHEN YOUR CARE IS HERE Hunterdon Healthcare never stops caring for our community. As we resume medical practice visits and non-urgent procedures we have implemented new safety protocols to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for you during your visit.

We are gladly accepting appointments now for the following services:

• Primary and Specialty Care • Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy

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Virtual visits are also available for some services, such as primary care and behavioral health. Contact your providers office for more information.

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At Hunterdon Healthcare you can receive exceptional care without fear because your trust and confidence in the care we provide are at the heart of everything we do. Please visit HunterdonHealthcare.org/Reopen to find our list of practices, outpatient services locations, and urgent care centers. You can also learn more about our safety measures and request an appointment.

South Branch Family Practice Remains Open Throughout Crisis

Ruby Halper-Erkkila, MD

ment agencies, so the doctors had to forge their own way forward. The doctors started by opening a COVID-19 triage and testing station in their parking lot: this meant they would see their patients from their cars, perform car calls, and develop a new telemedicine workflow. The next step was to create a temporary tent in the parking lot of the office so that patients could be seen and treated outside of their vehicles, but safely in the open air. Fully stocked with personal

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appear anytime soon. The medical industry needs to adapt to a new way of practicing medicine to continue protecting their communities in the best way possible. If the practice continues to stay closed down to everything but COVID-related illness or sickcare visits, the bigger issues of not getting routine care will start to become deadly as well. Not taking care of medical issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac diseases is not a good way to continue forward. To rise to the occasion, and put patient and staff safety first, the practice planned to move forward and reopen on May 26 in a COVID-19 safe way. The practice will no longer have a waiting room, as even the concept of a waiting room is being tossed out. All patients will be evaluated outside in the safety of their cars; after a negative screening for COVID-19, they will be escorted into the office for their routine care, including well visits. No sick patients will be seen inside the office. The inside will be reserved for routine visits and the sick-care visits will continue to be seen outside. This method will control the flow of people in and out of the

The Branchburg News • June 2020

Julie Ann Juliano, MD

For 32 years, Dr. Julie Ann Juliano and Dr. Ruby Halper-Erkkila have been serving the residents of Branchburg and surrounding communities with comprehensive family practice medical services for all age groups. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, there was no thought of closing down. When the COVID-19 crisis hit the only goal of the office was to safely treat and continue helping patients. There were no guidelines to follow and no directives from hospitals or govern-

protective equipment (PPE) before the crisis hit, the practice was able to keep its staff safely working, while protecting the patients as they came to be tested and seen by the doctors. It hasn’t been easy for any of them; they continued operating through the panic, even when it was rainy and cold. It was difficult some days, but the patients, the staff, and the doctors have all tried to maintain a sense of humor and positivity while moving forward. They have been testing for COVID-19 every day since March 1, and while the cases are decreasing, they are still seeing tests come back positive. The practice is guiding its patients through the worst of it, keeping people home and safe while they navigate through the illness. It was a tough start, and a few patients in the practice have gotten severely ill, but the practice is adapting to the situation as it changes and they are able to care better for everyone. Thankfully, no one at South Branch Family Practice has died from this horrible illness. Now comes the hard part. The COVID-19 virus is still out there. The disease still poses a threat, one that is predicted to not dis-

office. The practice will be ramping up its disinfecting procedures, and not scheduling back-to-back appointments will ensure that there is no transmission of any diseases between patients. South Branch Family Practice wants you to feel safe and comfortable within the practice and will be doing everything possible to keep its patients, staff, and the community safe. The doctors want you to take care of yourselves and have your necessary care continue as they adapt to a new way of working. The office planned to be officially back open the Tuesday after Memorial Day, May 26. This will be a new beginning for the practice and the community, one that promises to bring higher levels of treatment, safety and protection to everyone. —submitted by Douglas Teixeira

Neshanic Reformed Church Services on YouTube

The Neshanic Reformed Church welcomes all to join each Sunday starting at 10 a.m. for online worship service on YouTube. For link info visit www.neshanicreformedchurch. org.

More Bridge Work is Underway

As the replacement of the River Road Bridge over the NJ Transit rail line continues toward its expected summer completion, a second bridge in the area has now been closed for rehabilitation. Somerset County Bridge No. D0904, Station Road (CR 679 over Chambers Brook), was fully closed to vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic on May 12. As described in a Somerset County construction announcement, the duration of this road closure is expected to be six months. Originally built in 1850, and widened previously in 1935, the overall condition of the Station Road bridge structure is described by the county as “poor due to the poor condition of the superstructure. The stone masonry superstructure has deteriorated and displays missing mortar and outward movement of the spandrel wall.” The existing detour for the River Road bridge was modified to reroute traffic around the Station Road Bridge project, utilizing US Route 22, Readington Road (CR 637), Dreahook Road/Old York Road, and US Route 202.

The Branchburg News • June 2020

The stone masonry superstructure of the Station Road bridge over Chambers Brook has deteriorated, and led to its closure for rehabilitation. The grey building seen in the background in the photo is Frontline Arts, formerly known as The Printmaking Center of NJ.

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else with COVID-19 by donating convalescent plasma. To participate you must meet the following criteria: ● You must be free of symptoms due to COVID-19 for at least 28 days. ● You must be in good health and eligible to be a volunteer community blood donor. ● You must be able to show that you were diagnosed with COVID-19. This can be done by having your doctor complete the Attestation Form available via this link: https://www.giveapint.org/covid-plasma-form/ ● If you have had a pregnancy, tissue transplant or transfusion you must be negative for HLA antibodies. If your HLA antibody status is unknown the blood center can test you. If you are interested in being a donor and meet the donor criteria listed below, please contact the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank at (610) 691-5850, extension 1279, and tell them that you are interested in helping Hunterdon Medical Center patients with COVID-19 by making a convalescent plasma donation. The same precautions are necessary for everyone, whether tested or not. Everyone should continue social distancing, masking, staying home when sick, hand washing and disinfecting high touch surfaces. For more information, visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.

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The following Branchburg residents received college honors for the fall semester: Daniello Fois was inducted into Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Phi Omega Epsilon honor society; Nicolette Peron was named to the President’s List at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA; and Jill Pace was named to the Dean’s List at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. Branchburg resident Carol A. Munn earned her Doctorate Degree Ananya Gandhi

Ananya Gandhi of Branchburg, a graduating senior at Somerville High School, has won a $2500 National Merit Scholarship, She is one of 2500 winners chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. In her announcement package, Ananya lists a probable career choice of biomedical engineering.

Devyn Dabrowski

Adam and Kim Dabrowski of Neshanic Station announce with great pride the graduation of their daughter, Devyn Dabrowski, from Michigan State University. Devyn received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from MSU’s College of Nursing. While at MSU Devyn was regularly on the Dean’s List, enjoyed her time studying abroad in London and was a member of the MSU Dance Club.

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The Branchburg News • June 2020

Branchburg Newsmakers

Pollinators in Disguise

The Branchburg News • June 2020

If you look closely you can see a smudge of yellow pollen top center of the hummingbird’s head as it feeds on cardinal flower. The pistil’s stigma containing the pollen is perfectly positioned just above the hummer’s head. As the bird will visit multiple flowers it carries pollen from one flower to the next. The bottom part of the pistil forms the flower’s ovary.

The midsummer morning dew covered the green meadow grass with a transparent layer of condensation. In the light before sunrise the green grass appeared to be covered with a dull silver wash.

I was making a morning pilgrimage to an isolated jumble of trumpet vine in hope of capturing hummingbird images. The freshly made trail of an animal, passing through the tall grass caught my attention. Its fur wiped off the droplets of moisture clinging to the meadow grass. The image was that of a long single brush stroke of dark emerald green overlaying a dominant pewter green tinted background. In the distance near the trumpet vine I saw a fox repeatedly bounce

in the air as if on a trampoline. I edged closer hoping for a better view with binoculars. The fox sat up and turned its attention to the tangle of vines covered with large trumpet shaped orange flowers. As if out of curiosity the young fox stretched forward and sniffed among the vines and actually stuck its nose up one of the flowers. A closer look revealed a smudge of orange pollen on the tip of the fox’s wet black nose! I knew what to look for or I would never have noticed the telltale pollen dust. Whenever I identified a flower for my daughter, she instinctively held the flower to her nose. The weaker the scent the closer to her nose it was placed. Curiosity then demanded another flower be sniffed in comparison to the first. Inevitably she would comment on the scent totally unaware the tip of her nose was smeared with bright colored pollen. In doing so, genetic material from one flower was transferred to another in an act of incidental pollination by a pollinator in disguise!

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tures to accommodate specific pollinators. Flat-faced zinnias are perfect for bees and butterflies while the cone-shaped flowers of trumpet vines are best suited for the long thin probing beaks of hummers. Specificity and dependence between species in nature often comes with a price. Where major crops like blueberries are grown, a die-off of honey bees will result in a poor harvest. In this case, the relationship between pollinator and flower expands to include agriculcontinued on page 11

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Flowers have evolved along with primary pollinators for mutual benefit. The flower’s structure provides an ergonomic accommodation resulting in an automatic pollen dispenser. This is essentially a primitive method of artificial insemination, where genetic material is collected from one individual and dispensed to another. When we think of pollinators, honeybees and butterflies first come to mind. There are however, scores of other insect pollinators along with highly adapted birds, hummingbirds being a prime example. Bats and orioles also are listed as pollinators. Primary pollinators and flowers have developed unique structures that fit together perfectly to serve the needs of both. Bees have pollen baskets on the side of their legs while hummingbirds have the ability to hover motionless over a delicate stemmed flower and feed by way of a highly adapted beak and tongue, avoiding damage to their food source. Flowers use color, shape and placement of reproduction struc-

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Pollinators

ture, economics, commerce and consumers. The beauty of flowers extends to their adaptability to recruit incidental pollinators. When a non- targeted pollinator, fox or human, walks through a field of flowers, pollen will collect on fur or clothing and brush off on other flowers. Not an efficient method of genetic transfer, but some pollination will occur. If the inquisitive fox were to sniff another trumpet vine bloom, genetic transfer would be complete. That flowers can use a fox to transport pollen makes one wonder if an argument could be made that flowers are an intelligent life-form. Consider that flowers are living things that in some magical way recruited man to further their propagation in exchange for a glimpse of eternal beauty, dreams and imagination to expand the universe of human potential with unbounded creativity and expression. More detailed information on pollinators in NJ may be found at Conserve Wildlife New Jersey’s website. http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/protecting/projects/pollinators/ Contact jjmish57@msn.com. See more articles and photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com.

This Month In Branchburg History One Year Ago, June 2019: The dilapidated River Road bridge over the NJ Transit rail line near the North Branch train stop was closed on June 5 after an inspection by the New Jersey Dept. of Transportation found it in “poor condition requiring the immediate closure.”

prizes as about 40 racers sped down the hilly part of Baird Road near White Oak Park in their homemade engineless cars. 25 Years Ago, June 1995: As more municipalities (such as Bridgewater) established police bicycle patrols, Branchburg was described in a newspaper report as one of the first in the country to start one (in 1994). Branchburg Police Lt. David Young said the program works.

Five Years Ago, June 2015: On June 4, the Rotary Club of Branchburg held its first Comedy Night at Raritan Valley Community College attracting a large audience and raising more than $10,000 for the 50 Years Ago, June 1970: The Branchburg Rotary Scholarship Branchburg Woman’s Club won Foundation. first place in the national “Crusade for Light” contest sponsored by 10 Years Ago, June 2010: The the General Federation of Wom15th annual Downhill Race was an’s Clubs and the Readers Digest held on June 6, sponsored by the Foundation. Club members had Branchburg Recreation Dept. and donated six permanent lights for the Branchburg Rotary Club. It the skating pond in White Oak was a day of fun, music, food and Park.

The following message from the Branchburg Recreation Dept. was dated May 12: “It is our hope that we are able to offer our Summer 2020 Programs as we have in the past with social distancing in place. We are currently accepting REGISTRATION, to a WAIT-LIST, through Community Pass, for the following programs: Girls Fall Field Hockey, Summer Youth & Adult Tennis, Run4Fun, YOGA in the Park, Cardio and Pilates. “Please know we are doing everything we can to safely offer these programs with registrations going directly to a wait-list with payment due when the programs begin. “Hopefully within the next few weeks there will be additional guidelines from the CDC and state as to how we may operate our programs. To REGISTER online through Community Pass, please visit the following site: https://register.communitypass.net/Branchburg Be well!”

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RVCC to Offer Online Tech Camps for Kids Raritan Valley Community College, in partnership with Black Rocket, a national leader in technology education, is offering online summer programs for kids and teens ages 8-14. The earliest courses begin June 6. For a complete list of courses and to register for programs, visit https://www. raritanval.edu/kids-online-science-technology. For information only, email youth@raritanval.edu or call 908-526-1200, ext. 8454.

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Stephen Reid Walker Jr. Reaches Career Milestone at Ameriprise Financial Branchburg resident Stephen Reid Walker Jr., CFP®, ChFC®,CLU®, APMA®, PrivateWealth Advisor with Walkers & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, in Flemington, has reached a career milestone through the company’s Circle of Success program by achieving years of consistently high performance. Less than 8% percent of Ameriprise advisors have earned this distinction. Walker was one of only 61 advisors to achieve this milestone. He has 25 years of experience with Ameriprise Financial. Syed Mumtaz, an intern at Walkers & Associates, so eloquently describes his experience working with Walker and the team, “Being a part of a company that is not only so devoted to their clients, but also devoted to making an impact on the community through numerous donations was eye opening. The confidence that the clients place in Stephen does not only benefit their financial future, but also benefits the community and its needs! It is more than an honor to be a part of the Walkers & Associates team!” To celebrate his milestone during this pandemic, Walker has provided Visions and Pathways, formerly known as

the Brahma House, a shelter for abused, neglected, and homeless youth, with funds to refinish their activity room. He has also made generous donations to various restaurants to prepare meals for the families of various food pantries in addition to a local hospital. Walker notes, “This is our way of saying thank you to our clients for the trust they place in us, and to continue to shine the light especially for those in need during these dark times.” As a Private Wealth Advisor, Walker provides strategic financial advice steeped in family values that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations, and is delivered in one-on-one relationships with his clients. For more information, please contact Stephen at 908.782.7673 or connect via email:stephen.r.walker@ ampf.com. Ameriprise Financial has been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With a network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors and outstanding asset management, advisory and insurance capabilities, Ameriprise has the strength and expertise to serve the full range of consumer financial needs. For more information, visit ameriprise. com or stephenrwalker.com.

Planning your future by navigating your now. Now more than ever, you need sound advice and strong support to help keep your financial life on track. Ameriprise has been working alongside clients to do just that for over 125 years. I’m here to guide you with developing market updates, investment recommendations and personalized advice to help keep you focused on what matters most to you. Call me today to discuss your goals. Stephen R. Walker Jr. CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, APMA® Private Wealth Advisor Walkers & Associates A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

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11 The Branchburg News • June 2020

continued from page 10

Branchburg Rec Dept. Lists Summer Programs

CLASSIFIED ADS

Summer Starts Saturday, June 20 at 5:44 pm. Be There!

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 Apartment for rent - Branchburg. $2,000 available 8/1/20. Two bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom. Two fireplaces. Two car garage. Includes cable, electric, garbage pickup. Call 908-507-8120. K&J TREE SERVICE - Proudly serving our Branchburg neighbors since 2011! Members of TCIA/NJ Certified Tree Experts. Fully insured. Call for a free estimate 908-963-3384 or kjtreeservicenj@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook!

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Shucks! -- The succulent, buttery gags selected for Branchburg Corn seem to have ignited a rivalry between two Corn Cornnoisseurs, until now hiding their passion for sophisticated humor. “Cornelius Cob” (aka Tom Orecchio) was first to market, sending in several hilarious humdingers. He was quickly followed by “Maized & Cornfused,” (aka John Orecchio) who wished the editors health and safety, and then referred to Cob as his arch nemesis, who has been “walking around town boasting about his famous jokes getting in the Branchburg Corn.” For the record, the knee-slappers served up by Cornelius Cob are marked (cc), while those by “Maized & Cornfused” are marked (m&c).

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