September 2020
www.branchburgnews.com
Near Tragedy: Branchburg Family Thanks Townspeople for Support after Bicycle Accident Branchburg community and the prayers and good will directed toward 15-year-old Peter Zaninelli. When Peter hit the ground and said he couldn’t move, his friends immediately called 911 and their parents. Then they set up a human chain to lead the Branchburg Police and Rescue Squad personnel and Peter’s mom Jessica quickly to Peter. “The way the kids handled the accident and took care of Peter was unbelievable,” Jessica said. “They Peter Zaninelli A bunch of teenage boys mak- were trying to stop the bleeding, ing trails and ramps and doing they were leading people into the bike tricks in the woods on a hot woods.” summer day -- add a rope swing Peter was taken to the Trauma or a river bank to jump off and Center at Morristown Medical Cenyou have the kind of day so many ter where tests determined that he Branchburg kids have experienced had a serious “Christopher Reeves” growing up here, thrilling and fun spinal injury. Over the next few as long as no one gets hurt. But as days the family would struggle fate would have it someone did with questions about possible paget hurt on Friday, June 26, in the ralysis, an occluded artery and worwoods at White Oak Park. One of ries about blood clots, all while supthe six teenage boys riding bikes porting Peter one parent at a time that day flew over his handlebars because of coronavirus pandemic and broke his neck in a freak ac- rules. Initially, Todd, Peter’s dad, cident. What happened next is a sat in his car in the parking lot for testament to the greatness of the nearly five hours waiting to switch
off. “Covid made it so much harder to take care of our son,” Jessica said. Peter underwent painful but successful surgery and went home on July 1 in a cage brace with a hopeful prognosis. No paralysis, no additional surgeries needed. In the meantime, friends of the Zaninellis got on the phone and social media and set up a meal train and fund that was literally the talk of the town. Various Facebook groups and phone chains shared the info, and from day one people were preparing food and donating money for medical expenses. Everyone was talking about the terrible accident in the woods at White Oak Park. “It was so weird for me to be on the receiving end of this. The outpouring of prayers and kindness still stops me in my tracks. First Peter had angels watching over him at the scene of the accident and then our family had angels with us to get us through this,” Jessica said. “We got a call from a friend that church groups were praying for Peter, so many strangers were rallying around us. Never in my life
Country Fair has encountered Hurricane Floyd, the tragic events of 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy. However, we never expected a pandemic. Therefore, the Branchburg Country Fair will be modified for the safety of all fair-goers.
We are planning to have a concert featuring the Branchburg-based rock band The Broadcasters from 6 to 8 pm. The Gregory Gonzales Memorial Fireworks will follow at 8 pm. Of course, we will be following social distancing and any other rules established at the time. For more information, you may email Branchburgcountryfair@gmail. com or call Bob or Rita Bouwman at 908-526-3094. The event as always will be free and give Branchburg and neighboring residents a chance to celebrate Branchburg in a safe manner. We hope to see you at the Fair, neighbor!
Branchburg Country Fair is Sept. 26
By Rita Bouwman On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Branchburg Country Fair will celebrate its 23rd annual event at White Oak Park with a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 27. In 23 years, the Branchburg
would I imagine such a support system. Heaven was bombarded with so many prayers. I felt like the entire town of Branchburg, and Somerville too, were sending a virtual hug. It was overwhelming. This truly is the best place.” While Peter was in the hospital So many people and pets wore their “Peter - Strong as his friends made a Rock” bracelets in July. cards and posters for his hospital room and showed who circled us with love and kindup outside his window with post- ness? I hope this article in The ers to cheer him up. When he got Branchburg News does that,” Jeshome there was a giant “Welcome sica said. Plans are for Peter, a rising 10th Home Peter” banner stretched across the Zaninelli’s front yard. grader at Somerville High School, On his birthday a few days after to return to school once his brace he was released from the hospital a comes off, towards the end of Sep“Honk it’s Peter’s birthday” banner tember. went up in the yard. And then the “When I see him smile and laugh, food, cards, flowers, and donations tease me, and fight with his brother Tommy I say to myself this is acflowed for weeks. Todd had 300 orange “Peter tually happening: He is good,” JesStrong as a Rock” bracelets made sica said. “And I want all the people and delivered them around the praying for him and for us to know township as a thank you. “How do that he is good.” we say thank you to all the people