Branchburg News - June 2022 by Town Media

June 2022

www.branchburgnews.com

Branchburg Opening Day a Grand Slam

Pictured from left are Emily Krywicki, Ava Cassilo, Madilyn Boone, Charlotte LaRoche, Coach Jason Miessler, Mallory Miessler, Olivia Piegari, Giuliana Maillaro and Evelyn Webber. Brothers Donnie, Ryan, Jack and Will Ciccarone

The Branchburg Baseball Club (BBC) hosted a joyful Opening Day for baseball and softball players on April 23 after not having a big event for the past two years due to the pandemic. Baseball and softball players gathered at White Oak Park on Field 9 in the morning and had a parade through the park at 11 a.m. A brief ceremony was held on Field 2, and then the players took to the fields for their games. The league consists mostly of players from Branchburg and Readington. - Submitted by Jason Miessler, BBC Softball Director, Branchburg Girls Rec Softball

Ready for some friendly competition The mighty Astros

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 July/August 2022 June 15 for Ad and News

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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

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Upcoming Events Wings of Hope June 4 Crossroads4Hope, a nonprofit that provides social and emotional support to those affected by cancer, will host its annual celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crossroads4Hope’s headquarters, 3 Crossroads Dr., Bedminster. The free family-friendly event will feature informational tables; arts & crafts; interactive activities for all ages; an award presentation; a live butterfly release; and a short walk and raffle that will raise funds for the many professionally led programs and services Crossroads4Hope offers at no charge. Anyone interested in registering for the Walk for Hope; purchasing a butterfly tribute; or obtaining more information can do so by visiting www.crossroads4hope. org/wingsofhope.

Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at White Oak Park. Food, beer and live music will be featured with 20 gourmet food trucks lined up. Axe throwing, kid activities, face painting, inflatables, knockerball, games, sand art, and spin art are planned. Admission $5, children under 5 years old free.

This Month’s

Recycling:

at 199 Route 28 in Bridgewater. A rain date is scheduled for June 18. Customers are asked to bring their own bags. Many items are priced starting at a dollar. (Kirkside is For info call non-sectarian and members of all 732-469-3363 or visit faiths are welcome. There is currently a vacancy. For more infor- www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle mation about Kirkside, call the North Branch Reformed Church and the third oldest in New Jeroffice at 908-725-2313.) sey. Witness the Somerset County Commissioners commemorate Pet Adoptions June 11, 18, 25 the anniversary, hear speakers Adoption events with Bernie’s tell the story of the club’s history, Buddies Cat Rescue will be held what the club is doing, and how at Barkley’s Marketplace, 3150 members are preparing for the US-22 (near ShopRite), Branch4-H Fair on Aug. 10-12 after two burg, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Meet and greet adoptable kittens and cats years away. Rain date is June 22.

June 13 & 27

Dog Walks June 6 and every Monday Barkley’s Marketplace of Branchburg will hold Community Dog Walks at White Oak Park, 235 Baird Rd., at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the fountain. Meet new two and fourlegged friends. Check Barkley’s Marketplace - Branchburg on Facebook for last minute weather and learn about the adoption proinfo and updates or call 908-997- cess. 0506. Dairy Club Anniversary Kirkside Garage Sale June 11 June 15 Kirkside Shared Home for Se- Celebrate the 92nd anniversary of Branchburg’s Food Truck niors will host its semi-annual the Somerset 4-H’s New Centre Festival June 5 The event has been rescheduled to garage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dairy Club at 6 p.m. on the Somerville Courthouse Lawn. The New Centre Dairy Club is the oldest 4-H Club in Somerset County

Whitehouse Wind Symphony Performs Free Concerts in June

The Whitehouse Wind Symphony, a community band under the direction of Branchburg resident James P. Sheeley Jr., will present four free concerts this June. The first concert will take place on Saturday, June 11, outside, at 1 p.m. at the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Ringoes. This concert is part of the seventh annual Hunterdon Community Day fair taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day. Limited seating may be provided; audience members are welcome to bring their own chairs and picnic blankets. Community Day includes a wide range of family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, reptile show, tethered balloon rides, games, demonstrations, and food vendors. The second concert will take place on Friday, June 17, outside, at 7 p.m. at the Quarry at the Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main St., Clinton. Audience members of all ages are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs. The third concert will take place on Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. at White Oak Park in Branchburg. Audience members of all ages are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs.

2 The Branchburg News • June 2022

The fourth concert will take place inside the air-conditioned sanctuary of Whitehouse United Methodist Church, 73 Old Highway 28, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. The church is wheelchair accessible. Concert attendees can expect to hear a wide range of the band’s repertoire. This include classical transcriptions, such as Franz Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture; selections from Broadway shows, such as The Sound of Music and Les Misérables; patriotic marches and tunes, such as “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa and a tribute to our armed forces; musical selections from films such as Star Wars; and even arrangements of classic rock songs, such as those by the Beach Boys. These concerts are free and open to the general public, although free-will offerings will be accepted. In the event of inclement weather or public health emergency, the announcement to postpone or cancel any of these concerts will be made on the band’s website (whitehousewindsymphony.org), Facebook page (facebook.com/whitehousewind), and Instagram feed (instagram.com/ whitehousewind).

Ten Eyck Tour June 19 The historic site, the Andrew Ten Eyck House, on Old York Road, will be open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month if the flag is flying. Please come to experience one of Branchburg’s treasures.

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Piglet Visits June 26

Primary Election June 7 The Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 7. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting options include early voting, vote by mail, and in-person voting. Early voting will be available June 3 - 5 at locations in Bridgewa-

ter, Franklin Township, Hillsborough, Montgomery, North Plainfield Borough, and Bernards. If you have elected to receive a mail-in-ballot, a ballot will be mailed to you with instructions.

For in-person voting on Election Day, see your sample ballot for your designated polling location. Forms are available in the Municipal Office or at www.branchburg. nj.us, click on Document Center

and look under Election Information. Forms are also available in the Somerset County offices or on the county website. For additional info, call the Township Clerk’s office at 908-526-1300 ext. 104.

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Melissa Shapiro, DVM, the author of the illustrated children’s book “Piglet Comes Home” will appear at two “meet and greet”and book signing events on Sunday, June 26, at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., at Barkley’s Marketplace located at 3150 US-22 (near ShopRite) in Branchburg. Shapiro will be accompanied by Piglet, Piglet’s “Favorite Dad,” Warren, and a few members of his “pack.” Advance tickets are required:barkleysmarketplace. com. -Photo by Joan Carruthers Photography

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June 2022 • The Branchburg News

SHS PTO Brings Much to Graduation Season

Beautiful balloons in June

By Shannon Bumgarner The Somerville High School PTO is coordinating the annual Balloons in June project for graduating seniors and Project Graduation, the post-graduation party for all seniors. Balloons in June is a wonder-

ful way to congratulate Somerville High School graduates. Send those special graduates a balloon(s) along with a personal message of congratulations. Balloons are just $5 each and will be delivered at no extra cost on June 15 (the day before graduation). Deadline for ordering balloons is June 4. Order forms and more detailed information can be found on the PTO Website at www.shspto.org. All proceeds go toward Project Graduation. Project Graduation, a drug and alcohol free event for the Class of 2022 graduates, will be held at Rutgers University. Please consider making a monetary or prize donation to support this safe evening of fun and games for the 300+ graduates. More information can be found in the Project Graduation Brochure on the PTO website at www.shspto.org.

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North Branch Celebrates Preschool Teaching Anniversaries

Karen Belardo

Nicole Young

By Jennifer Landrieu, Director Since its inception in 1956, the North Branch Reformed Church Preschool has been continually blessed with wonderful women who commit themselves to providing a developmentally appropriate curriculum in a loving and patient manner to the young children in our community. The preschool has repeatedly received the award for “Best Preschool” in Bridgewater, thanks in large part to these women, who treat each student as their own. For over a decade, we’ve been blessed with having Mrs. Nicole Young of Branchburg volunteering and teaching at the preschool. We celebrate her 10th teaching an-

niversary with her this year. Mrs. Young started as a preschool mom who served as the PTO President and Parent Representative to the Preschool Board, before joining the staff in 2012. She’s acted as our Language Arts, Gym, Enrichment, and 4-Year-Old Teacher over the years, bringing her creativity to each role. Mrs. Young enjoys teaching her students about the life cycles of Monarch butterflies, ladybugs, and chicks. As a church member, she’s served on Consistory and as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. She loves to share

her faith with her students and enjoys seeing them at both the preschool and church. Mrs. Karen Belardo of Branchburg celebrates her 15th teaching anniversary at NBRC Preschool. Mrs. Belardo’s children both attended the preschool and she’s primarily served in the role of Assistant Teacher, but stepped into the role of 3-Year-Old Teacher during the pandemic. She has also served as the Teacher Representative to the Preschool Board for several years. Mrs. Belardo has a genuine love of children and is always supportive of her fellow staff members. She has a heart for God and enjoys teaching children about His love for them. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, crafts, reading, decorating, and spending time with her grandchildren. We hope you’ll congratulate these fine teachers when you see them around town and we look forward to many more happy years with them at the preschool.

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SHS Robotics Team 102 Enjoyed Spirited Season

Pictured are the members of the SHS Robotics Team, FIRST Team 102, the Gearheads.

Custom Flag for Marines–In March, Branchburg resident

Kyle Kappmeier gifted the US Marine Corps Recruiting Sub-Station in Somerville with a custom wood flag. Pictured from left to right in front of the John Basilone Memorial in Raritan are Kappmeier, Gunnery Sergeant Tabares, Staff Sergeant Estrada, and Sergeant Cesariojett. Kappmeier said he gifted the flag to help inspire and motivate the young men and women walking through the doors of the recruiting office with the goal of becoming a United States Marine.

By Patricia Leoniuk and Mahek Madan The Somerville High School Robotics Team, FIRST Team 102, the Gearheads, has accomplished a great deal over the past couple of months. Due to the pandemic, many team members had not previously experienced an in-person competition. However, this season, the team attended three competitions at Mount Olive High School, Montgomery High School, and the FIRST MidAtlantic regional championship at Lehigh University. During the Mount Olive High School competition, Team 102 competed in 12 out of the 72 qualification matches, overcoming many obstacles including damage from collisions, total melt-down of the robot controller (the “RoboRio”), software bugs, and dealing with game pieces that were much bouncier than had been anticipated. The team’s drivers, all of whom were in their roles operating and driving in competition for the first time, grew together and got better with each match. After the qualifying matches, Team 102 was picked to be a part of the #5 alliance (of 8

total) competing in the playoffs. The team’s alliance eliminated the #4 alliance before being defeated by the #1 alliance soon after. At all competitions, teams also compete for the Chairman’s Award in which they present their outreach events and demonstrate the ways they have helped to advance STEM within their community. Team 102 successfully won the Chairman’s Award at the Mount Olive competition. This was the first time in the team’s 25year history that they had ever won this award; it was arguably the most important recognition of the Gearheads’ accomplishments this year. On top of that, the FIRST Dean’s List Award celebrates high school students who display leadership and devotion. Ethan Miller, one of the Team 102 nominees, was selected for the district Dean’s List Semi-Finalist Award, and the team is very proud of Ethan’s individual accomplishment. Following the Mount Olive competition, the Gearheads traveled to Montgomery High School to compete again. At this event, the team got to try out some new functionality that had been added to the robot between

events. At the end of qualification matches, Team 102 was picked to be a part of the #8 alliance during the playoffs but was unable to make it past the strong #1 team to advance further. Shortly after, the Gearheads traveled to the Lehigh Regional Competition. The top 60 out of 128 teams in the FIRST Mid-Atlantic region that encompasses New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, were invited to compete. Team 102 put up a great fight during the course of 12 qualification matches (there were 120 total matches). Fighting through some early technical issues, the Gearheads finished ranked #30. After spending many hours together in the high school build room and at competitions, the team has become a family. Although Team 102 did not qualify to go to the World Championship in Houston, the members are very proud of their accomplishments this year. The competitions were fun, spirited, and exciting. Our two seniors, Andrew Dailey and James Girgis, enjoyed their last competitions with their team, and Team 102 wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

BEF Book Fair June 2 The Branchburg Education Foundation (BEF) will conduct a book fair event at Barnes & Noble Somerville, 319 Route 202/206, (Somerville Circle) on Thursday, June 2, at 5 p.m. Branchburg teachers and staff will read stories, summer reading selections will be sold, and refreshments will be available. Most purchases (including books, cafe items, toys) will help fund BEF grants that benefit Branchburg schools.

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June 2022 • The Branchburg News

Golf Range Sold to Medical Supply Firm

This Month In Branchburg History One year ago, June 2021 – On Sunday night, June 13, Branchburg Central Middle School Principal Matt Barbosa and the school’s PTO team pulled together a dinner dance for the 180 graduating eighth grade students outdoors after months of on-again, off-again planning in the midst of Covid restrictions. Five years ago, June 2017 – Students at Stony Brook School began using two Hydration Stations for filtered, healthier water in the drinking fountain and for refilling water bottles. Funding was provided by the PTO and the systems were installed over the spring break. Ten years ago, June 2012 – A fast-moving thunderstorm took center stage at the 2012 Somerville High School graduation ceremonies on Brooks Field on June 12. The storm interrupted the outdoor program just as diplomas were being presented, but somehow a good number of drenched graduates regrouped in the gym, where an improvised ceremony continued. In total, there were 309 graduates in the SHS Class of 2012, 186 of them from Branchburg. 25 years ago, June 1997 – Students from Midland School in Branchburg put together a farm stand to sell locally grown fresh produce two days a week in the Somerset County Administration Building in Somerville. As of June, the students were able to offer spring crops like broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, fresh flowers and mixed greens for salads. They were looking forward to bringing in the summertime favorites of tomatoes and corn on the cob.

50 years ago, June 1972 – Branchburg was one of four Central Jersey communities cleared to accept the addition of sodium fluoride in its public water supplies after the NJ Supreme Court upheld Board of Health requests in Branchburg, Bridgewater, Somerville and Raritan to move ahead with the controversial plan. The idea of fluoridating water was to help prevent tooth decay, but opponents believed it could accumulate in bone tissue and stiffen bone joints, especially in persons with kidney disorders. Some opponents were also upset with the socialistic undertones of the government adding a chemical into the water supply and taking away citizens’ individual choice. The controversy was expected to bubble up again in September when a legislative commission was planning to hold public hearings on the question of mandatory fluoridation for the state.

The Golf Range on Route 22 East in Branchburg has been sold to a medical supply company which plans to build its headquarters and packaging facility on the site. The 26.56-acre lot has been the site of the annual GOP Bavarian Festival and was once the site of the Somerville Drive-In. The Planning Board in March unanimously approved the new plans after denying the application in February because the company’s original plan included a logistics center. The township had adopted an ordinance prohibiting warehouses in the zone. Branchburg Township Administrator Greg Bonin said the property owner has chosen to sell the property, and the application before the Planning Board conforms with the township’s ordinance. Bonin noted, “Our ordinances are designed to prevent the large “Amazon” type warehouses that we see popping up all around us.”

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Branchburg Food Truck Festival - NEW DATE - Sunday, June 5 at White Oak Park from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Primary Election Day - Tuesday, June 7. Polls will be open from 6:00am to 8:00pm. Branchburg Silver Saddle Community Pool registration is open for both residents and non-residents. The Township continues its road repaving program by scheduling the repaving of the remainder of the Old Towne Development. More roads to follow…. Deputy Mayor Dave Owens has created a large tree grant program for homeowners. The Township will purchase large trees (6-12 ft) for placement on residential properties. Details coming soon.

SUMMER CAMP begins on Monday June 27. For details and information, The Camp Booklet is posted on the Township website. Teen Scene trip payment due 6/1. There is a Mandatory Parent & Camper Teen Scene meeting on Wednesday June 8th, in the Municipal Bldg Courtroom @ 6:30pm. Branchburg Silver Saddle Community POOL

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June 2022 • The Branchburg News

Branchburg Woman’s Club Pizza Fundraiser June 22, New Officers Installed

Smiles in Bloom–Members of the Neshanic Garden Club are

pictured at the Station House in Neshanic Station on April 21 after finalizing plans for their sold-out Spring Luncheon - Basket Auction held on April 28 at the Somerville Elks. –Submitted by Robin Shaw

By Kate Sarles The Branchburg Woman’s Club will hold a combination Lunch and Dinner Bunch at California Pizza Kitchen at the Bridgewater Commons Mall on Wednesday, June 22, from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Please mention the Branchburg Woman’s Club at check-out for your dine-in, take-out or online order at CPK. com, and BWC will receive 20% of your food and beverage order proceeds. Funds raised from this event will support the club’s many community projects. Four BWC members, Re-

gina Lembrich, Barbra Lawson, Kathy Herdman, and Linda Mish, achieved honors at the 2022 College District Spring Conference and Achievement Day. Three of the projects will now compete at the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Club’s competition. These events are designed to showcase member’s individual talents. At the May Annual Dinner, State Representative and BWC member Ann Ribinsky Brown installed the 2022-2023 slate of officers: Linda Mish, President; Kathy

Herdman, Vice President; Susan Anczarki, Third Vice President; Roseann Podlaski, Recording Secretary; Regina Lembrich, Treasurer; Michele Lane, Corresponding Secretary; Kathy Harris, Financial Secretary; and Barbra Lawson, First Year Trustee. We wish these volunteers a rewarding, successful year. If you are interested in joining the Branchburg Woman’s Club or being a guest at one of our meetings call 908-458-6832 or reach us at branchburgwomansclub@ gmail.com.

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Branchburg Senior Citizens End Season With Picnic By Audrey Henry Branchburg Recreation

May was a very busy month for the Branchburg Seniors with membership going up from 140 in the end of April, to 156 by the end of May! The first meeting was held on May 5, with a program on “What to do in a Medical Emergency, Health Issues Seniors May Face & Dealing with Insurance Companies,” fol-

lowed by lunch and Bingo. May 12 was a trip to the RVCC Planetarium. The 51st Senior Spring Luncheon was held at the Somerville Elks on May 19 with entertainment by Jerry Castaldo. Thank you to our guest Joni Lauyer from Rolling Hills for providing the DJ. The month closed out with a trip to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Many thanks to Branchburg Township Student Transportation for providing a bus.

We will be celebrating many birthdays in June and looking forward to entertainment at the June 2 meeting with Ed Jankiewicz, followed by lunch and Bingo. The June Picnic will be held at White Oak Park on June 23, catered by Elmer’s Catering. That will be the last Senior meeting until we resume in September. Be on the lookout for the fall calendar which will be posted on the township website.

Fast Fun–On April 2 and 3, Troop 185 scouts had a great time camp-

ing at Resica Falls State Park in Pennsylvania. Scouts worked on cooking and navigation skills, in addition to other activities. After spending the night, the scouts packed up and headed to S&S Speedway for a thrilling afternoon of go-karting. They had fun as they raced each other while speeding around the track. Visit www.branchburg185.mytroop.us for more information about the Troop. Those interested can also email us at bsa4boys@branchburg185. mytroop.us, or to learn more about the forthcoming all-female program, contact: bsa4girls@branchburg185.mytroop.us –Submitted by Brody Bouziotis

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June 2022 • The Branchburg News

Branchburg Library Offers Oceans of Possibilities

By LuAnn Wright The Branchburg Library is gearing up for the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme, “Oceans of Possibilities” promises to offer a fun way to transform our library into an underwater reading center! Children and students of all ages are welcome to join in. Simply register at the Branchburg Library on Olive Street in Neshanic Station. Participants should keep track of the total minutes read each week

and check in with library volunteers. Weekly prizes will be awarded for participation, including the ever popular “Find Buddy, the Reading Worm.” We will end the summer with our annual celebration in the Station House next door. Don’t miss out on some of the new books and series we have to offer for all ages and stages of reading. Registration begins June 1 and our kick-off will be held on Wednesday, June 22. We will continue to hold our Children’s Story Time

and Craft from 10:30 to 1:30 each Wednesday throughout the summer. We’d love to see those summer smiling faces of Branchburg! Also be looking for separate events for older students in the evenings and Saturdays. Library hours are Wednesday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. We can be contacted at 908369-5355 or branchburglibrary@ gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Cinco de Fun– “Chips, Chatter, and Challenges” on May 5 at the

Branchburg Library on Olive Street in Neshanic Station was a lot of fun for the participants: Anya Karani, MJ Nevin, Laci Sova, Joanna McDonald, Sam Gauvin, and Alaina Gauvin. Be on the lookout for more fun activities for school-aged children. –Submitted by LuAnn Wright

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Whiton “Empty Bowls” Project Benefits Somerset Food Bank By Dee Shober, Principal Whiton Elementary School For weeks leading up to Friday, April 22, and under the direction of art teacher, Mr. Chris Boehm, Whiton Elementary School’s second grade students learned about our community and how we can support those less fortunate faced with food instability. Students then worked diligently crafting and glazing ceramic bowls for our Empty Bowls family event. This is when students were able to show off their hard work and carefully crafted bowls to their families while families made donations to the Somerset Food Bank. The staff also created their own bowls that were then used in a raffle to raise ad-

ditional monetary donations for the food bank. Leading up to this event, the students were challenged to collect macaroni and cheese that would be donated to the Somerset Food Bank. On Tuesday, May 10, Steve Katz, the Executive Director from the Somerset Food Bank, came to school to thank the students for their donations. He also shared that the funds raised go directly to supporting school-age children through the Backpack Program. In all, the second graders collected 784 boxes of macaroni and cheese and $2,820.00. They did an amazing job and should be so very proud!

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Branchburg Photo Contest The Branchburg Township Communications Committee is conducting a photo contest . Snap a photo of your favorite spot in the township. The committee is looking for photos that celebrate the essence of the community. Photos will be judged on their artistic merit and ability to capture the spirit of this town. The photographer of the winning photo will receive a $100 gift card. The top three entries will be chosen by the Branchburg Communications Committee. They will be on display at the Branchburg Country Fair at White Oak Park on Saturday, Sept. 24. Visitors to the fair will get to vote and pick the winning photo. To enter: Submit your photo with your name, address and age by Sept. 1, 2022 to: branchburgcontest@gmail.com.

Stream Cleanup–On Saturday, April 23, members of Branchburg Cub Scout Pack 94 joined Raritan Headwaters Association for the annual Stream Cleanup. Scouts and their families worked together to clean debris in and around Ten Eyck Park and the Raritan River in the North Branch section of town. In addition to trash, several large items that had been swept by floodwaters into the more wooded areas of the park were recovered. The event is sponsored by Raritan Headwaters whose goal is to safeguard local waterways through research, education, and stewardship. –Submitted by Danielle Burt

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June 2022 • The Branchburg News

Branchburg Newsmakers

Nicholas DeRovira

Nicholas DeRovira, a freshman in the electrical construction program, has been selected as Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s (SCVTHS) Student of the Month for May 2022. Nicholas is the son of Dolf and Tammy DeRovira of Branchburg. SCVTHS Social Studies Instructor Dr. Louise TokarskyUnda nominated Nicholas for the Student of the Month award stating, “Nicholas is an example of a student who is excelling because of the goals he sets for himself.” At SCVTHS, Nick has assisted in the beach clean-up and participated in SkillsUSA. In his free time, Nick enjoys golfing and playing video games. He participates in the Mercer County Golf League. After graduating from SCVTHS, Nick hopes to become an electrician or an electrical engineer.

Fran Crofts

Fran Crofts of Branchburg ran her first, but not last, Boston Marathon on April 18. She is Senior Vice President of the Amazing Feet Running Club.

Girl Scout Project Gives Bees Safe Habitat Scout Troop 62314 made four pollinator boxes for bees at Colonial Park Gardens for their Bronze Award community service project. “These very-well made pollinator boxes will be appreciated by the park staff, thousands of visitors, and local insect pollinators, for many years to come,” said Amy Tranter, a Horticulture Supervisor at Colonial Park Gardens. Deforestation has harmed the bee population, so small projects like these Grace Gondeck and Elizabeth go a long way toward helping to “Ellie” Dahl constructed pollinator rebuild pollinator populations. boxes for bees for their Junior Girl To earn the Bronze award, the Scout Bronze Award. Grace Gondeck and Elizabeth junior girl scouts have to put in at “Ellie” Dahl of Branchburg Girl least 20 hours of work on their proj-

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ect. It took a lot of work for Grace and Ellie to make the pollinator boxes. First, the girls had to go to Home Depot to get wood and other materials. Then, Ellie’s dad helped them with the construction, showing them how to drill screws and use a table saw. They made the outside of the box first. Next, they used logs and drilled holes for the bees to go in. They also filled up the corners of the boxes with sticks to provide a safe space for bees. The girls then brought the pollinator boxes to donate to Colonial Park where visitors will get to enjoy the flowers because of the bees. —Submitted by Janet La

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Spring Flows Seamlessly into Summer

The late spring rain continued without interruption into summer, though the shower only lasted two minutes. Somewhere within those two minutes, the earth’s position in its year long orbit around the sun, triggered changes in day length. The change from spring to summer appears seamless though the end of one season, and the beginning of the next is measured to the nanosecond. Life on earth has evolved to respond to the predictable ebb and flow of day length. Light sensitive receptors direct chemical changes within the body affecting behavior and development as seen most obviously in trees and plants. The weeks before and after the ar-

tween breaths, I stowed my carbon the open, tufts of amber grass, darkfiber paddles, lightweight fishing rod ened by the rain to a rusty orange colinto my Kevlar canoe, shouldered or, took advantage of a once mowed my pack and walked toward the path to dominate as if marking the river. The trail through the succes- center of a road. Rose hips, escaped sion growth, transitioning from tilled from the garden, and multiflora rose, crop field to woodlands, is hardly spread their tentacles across the path, recognizable to a stranger despite redirecting travel to avoid the curved years of use. Intentionally so, follow- thorns and torn clothes. ing a philosophy of, “leave no trace” As the field grew, the occasional my path roughly sought the shortest black walnut would tower above The gentle rain falling on the reflective water, lined with muted shades of gray route, ever changing so slightly as the spreading rose bushes, small red and green foliage, combine to create a scene so peaceful, you must remember to shade and sun tolerant plants com- cedars, dried stalks of swamp milktake a next breath. peted for dominance. weed and dogbane, to act as a lightrival of summer hold the potential for silence all sound and movement. The Passing first through a canopy of house beacon marking the faint trail. producing magical moments of time- only detectable motion is that of an red oak branches, spawn of the giBreaking free onto the open flood less beauty and peaceful retreat when isolated leaf rising from genuflec- ant that stood tall for a century, the plain, the river came into view. Isolatnature takes a deep, warm, relaxing tion, after the weight of accumulated thin bare oak branches performed ed sections of its banks retained a few breath and exhales. moisture forced it to bow to gravity. a scratchy tune on the boat’s hull sentinel trees interspersed by a variA whisper of mist and gentle rain On just such a day, when the world which magnified the uncomfortable ety of brush and wild celery acted as partner to dim the light, hide the sun, was huddled and dry, and nature be- sound to disturb the silence. Once in Continued on page 15 and erase all perception of time. The chill of spring and warmth of summer agree to mediation, making Your Branchburg Real Estate Expert either imperceptible to detect. The wind’s contribution is so minimal, HOMES FOR SALE the moisture and misty curtain of fog offer more than enough resistance to

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Somerville High School Winter Guard Wins Gold at MAIN Championships April 24 at the PPL Center Arena in Allentown, Pa. Their first-place show “Unspeakable World” is directed by Rick Delancy. The 15-member team includes captains Colin Sheeley, Rebecca Wolin and Heather Young, along with Nate Cohen, Katie Curtis, Kiarra Dalida, Kaylie Fabriczi, Diego Gonzalez, Karis Kechula, Lizzy Malanga, Skye Naranjo, Gianna Perrine, Kylie Ronning, Hannah Varley and Selina Verbanas. Winter Guard — known as “the SHS Winter Guard - Photo by Heather Young sport of the arts” — is a competithe Scholastic Open Class at tive indoor color guard activity By Patti Verbanas The Somerville High School 2022 Mid-Atlantic Indoor Net- in which performers use flags, riWinter Guard won the Gold in work (MAIN) Championships on fles, sabers and other equipment combined with dance to produce Private Day Camp for Children 5-13 a choreographed show. Teams are judged in various categories, June 27 - August 12, 2022 including movement, technique, In the of Hunterdon County design analysis, equipment and general effect. The Somerville Winter Guard has been featured in two documentaries on the sport. Musician June 5 David Byrne selected the team to be one of ten to collaborate with 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Rain or Shine) indie musicians to create a live

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music and winter guard show at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Toronto’s Air Canada Center, which was featured in the 2017 documentary Contemporary Color. The Guard also participated in the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) documentary Marching to the Coolest Beat, which focused on how this dance sport tradition binds communities together and brings creativity and joy to performers and audiences, especially at the high school level. Somerville High School students and Somerville Middle School and Branchburg Middle School students in grades 7 and 8 who love to perform and are interested in auditioning for the 2022–23 Color Guard and Winter Guard team on June 1 and 2 can fill out the Color Guard Interest Form or email somervillehighschoolguard@gmail.com. No experience in dance or twirling is required; all you need is a love of performance.

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What did they say when the little “bear” graduated from the best law school in Australia? Well now she’s koala-fyed to charge lots of dollarydoos! Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how well you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow. Dad: You’ll never amount to anything because you procrastinate. Son: Oh yeah? Just you wait! Why do dads who golf need to take an extra pair of socks? In case they get a hole in one! Abby Oursler, a fifth grader at Stony Brook School, contributed a couple of “dad jokes” this month: What is a cat’s favorite color? Prrrple . . . Why did two 4s not eat dinner? Because they already 8! REGISTERING FOR SEPT. 2022

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a tattered tapestry revealing patches of flowing water. The variety of trees and woody plants shared the same pale green color to suggest all were kindred spirits. In the distance looking down river, the fallow crop field allowed an unobstructed view beyond the bend in the river’s course, a quarter mile away. The green belt was notched at the bend by a tall American sycamore tree whose characteristic white trunk stood in sharp contrast as a neon landmark. Approaching the river at a breach in the eroded riverbank, I waded in and set the canoe on the still water below an island, which was once part of the pasture. The remains of tree stumps underwater, mid river, validated that the land was subject to the meandering river. I set my pack behind the center seat and tied it to the slotted gunnel on a length of paracord. One bent shaft paddle was unstowed and leaned across the front thwart. Once aboard, I sat for a long moment to feel the gentle current, energized by gravity, magically carrying me downstream into summer. The sight and sound of the water’s surface, dappled by sparse raindrops surging from the falling mist, was meditative. I leaned forward, paddle across my lap, head pulled deep into my hood, I peered out of an imaginary cave, dry and comfortable, satisfied to move at the pace of the slow current on a journey from spring into summer.

Pictured, from left, are Christopher Dugan, Jhonen Eswein, Collin Bewalder, Cody Diamond, Leah Vannozzi, Sophia Pfitzner, Casey Barna, Kaylee Lauber, Jenna Schworn, and Kelly Lemanski.

By Kathy Feigley

Rotary Club of Branchburg supports the youth of our community through their Student of the Month program which started in 1995 under the direction of Rotarian Dr. Julie Juliano. It started as an English essay assignment with a vocational twist. Over the years in partnership with Branchburg Central Middle School it has become “Focus on the Future,” as students research a career of their interest. The presentation reflects the student’s goals for the future and the steps necessary

to achieve their goals. This year’s award winners and their career goals are Sophia Pfitzner, veterinarian; Casey Barna, personal injury defense lawyer; Kelly Lemanski, pediatric surgeon; Cody Diamond, computer programmer; Christopher Dugan, robotics engineer; Jhonen Eswein, architect; Kaylee Lauber, skincare specialist; and Jenna Schworn, marketing manager. Students were awarded a Rotary Certificate and a special Rotary coin that reminds Rotarians to live

their lives by the Rotary 4-Way test: “Of the things we think, say, and do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Typically, the students present their essay, website design or project to Rotarians at the monthly meeting. Due to the pandemic, the event had a different look. Instead of monthly presentations the event took place as a group on April 20 at BCMS. Rotarians collaborated closely with Principal Matt Barbosa, Guidance Counselor Jenn Nelson, and Student of the Month Coordinator Wendy Michels, BCMS Media Specialist. Student of the Month is one of the many ways that Rotary supports the youth of our community. In addition, the Rotary Club of Branchburg awards scholarships to seniors and mentors the college branch of Rotary called Rotaract Club at RVCC. If you would like more information, call 908-685-8080. Rotarians meet every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at Stoney Brook Grille in Branchburg.

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