Branchburg News, October 2019 Web Edition by Town Media

Oct. 2019

www.branchburgnews.com

A Tale of Three Trends

National Merit Success at the Ville

Work trucks are seen outside the old Walmart in mid-September as reconstrucThe three Semifinalists --From left, Kathrine Dailey, tion goes on inside. Jeffrey Pan, Ananya Gandhi, Principal Gerard Foley.

This past decade has witnessed three trends which are now converging on the retired Walmart on Route 22. First, the move to more Internet shopping spurred big retail chains to reduce their numbers of brick and mortar stores. Second, agriculture visionaries realized the well-lit, wide open spaces of old retail stores make great environments for state-of-theart indoor farming, year-round. And third, the acceptance of marijuana for medical purposes brought about increased demand for cannabis plants grown carefully under controlled conditions. And so, the Walmart in Readington, which closed in 2018, is now coming back to life as a cannabisgrowing facility. The store was often mistakenly identified as “the Branchburg Walmart.” Mayor Betty Ann Fort and Deputy Mayor John Albanese, in an email to The Readington News, wrote that Verano, a part of one of the nation’s largest cannabis companies, Harvest Health and Recreation, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, “will grow and process cannabis for medical use at this facility. There will not be a dispensary. This site will provide products for the company’s two licensed dispensaries in Phillipsburg and Elizabeth.” In 2018, Verano was granted a permit by the New Jersey Department of Health’s Division of Medical Marijuana to grow cannabis for medical purposes. Recreational cannabis is not legal in New Jersey at this time. Fort and Albanese wrote, “Verano’s plans for this site include leaving the

building’s exterior much as it appears today, with some improved landscaping and lighting. There will be little, if any, signage. The operation will be serviced by vans, and there will be no tractor-trailer or other truck traffic generated. Like all cannabis facilities, there will be tight security, with many cameras and security personnel. The facility will not be open to the public.” Verano officials told the township they will be hiring about 100 local employees and will be holding a job fair in the near future. The Walmart store, which has been vacant for almost 20 months, has failed to attract another retail use, the mayor said. It keeps the property on the tax rolls, with no reduction, and there may be additional tax benefits for the township. In addition, when township officials met with principals of Verano, the principals stated their commitment to giving back to the township, and cited many examples of how they had done this in other towns, she said. Verano did not require any permits or variances from the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment because agriculture is a permitted use in all but one zone in the township. “The township views this as a winwin-win situation, bringing about 100 new jobs to Readington, occupying a vacant building which was unlikely to attract new retail and keeping the building fully on the tax rolls, and providing marijuana for medical use to two Central Jersey dispensaries,” Fort said.

The Branchburg News Is Now Celebrating Eighteen Years In Print Established Oct. 2001

Three Somerville High School Students have been named Semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. Four Somerville High School students have been named Commended Students in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. All seven students live in Branchburg. Semifinalists are Kathrine Dailey, Jeffrey Pan, Ananya Gandhi.

The four Commended Students -- From left, Sasha Raina, Juliet Walnoha, Gillian Reinhardt, Amanda Hegadorn, Principal Gerard Foley

Commended students are Sasha Raina, Juliet Walnoha, Gillian Reinhardt, Amanda Hegadorn. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship

Affordable Housing Plans Proceed Branchburg took significant strides over the summer to help the Township meet the state’s obligation for affordable housing. In its Aug. 26 public meeting, the Branchburg Township Committee moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-1358, which will permit construction of a maximum of 523 multifamily dwelling units in a development on Route 22 East across from the France Drive Intersection. The affordable housing (AH-4) zone will provide 131 affordable housing credits, consisting of 92 affordable apartments and 13 apartments for special needs residents containing 39 special-needs bedrooms. Affordable dwellings will be integrated with and be indistinguishable in outward appearance from the market-rate housing. In its Sept. 9 public meeting, the Township Committee unanimously agreed to consider a plan to execute a development and property transfer agreement with Branchburg Senior Apartments, LLC, for the development, construction, operation and management of residential age-restricted affordable housing located across Old York Road from the

Branchburg Police Station. This development, on lot 1.01, would have 150 residential rental units for occupancy by senior citizens with low, very low and moderate incomes. The developer intends to construct the project in two separate and distinct phases of 75 units. A public hearing on the property transfer agreement was scheduled for Sept. 23.

application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit® $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2020 will be announced in April. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation describes Commended Students as “being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.”

The Branchburg News • October 2019

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 November 2019 Oct. 10 For Ad Materials Oct.15 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

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Pancake Breakfast, Oct. 5 From 8 to 11 am at Bradley Gardens Community Church. Pancakes, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea, and orange juice. No reservations needed. Suggested donation: $8 - $10 per person. Location: 124 Old York Rd., Bridgewater. 908-722-0878.

Upcoming Events

Refreshments available. No experience necessary. For more info, call 908-236-2327. Animal Shelter 5K, Oct. 13 At 9:30 am at Duke Island Park, benefits Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. For info, https://raceroster.com/ events/2019/23515/2019-fosrasKirkside Garage Sale, Oct. 12 Kirkside’s semi-annual garage sale heart-sole-5k-runwalk. will be held from 8 am to 2 pm at Suicide Awareness & Prevention, Kirkside, 199 Route 28, in BridgeOct. 15 water. A rain date is scheduled for Hunterdon Medical Center’s InSaturday Oct. 19. Sale items range tensive Family Support Services from dollar items to antique furni- and School-Based Youth Services ture. All proceeds benefit Kirkside, are joining together to host this a Shared Home for Seniors. free, public program in the hospiCoffee with the Mayor, Oct. 12 tal’s auditorium beginning at 6:30 From 9:30 to 11 am at the Munici- p.m. To register or for more inpal Building. Listen, talk and learn formation, call 908-788-6401 or about township happenings and is- email aciufo@hhsnj.org. sues in a casual setting. Knights Annual Variety Dinner Show is Oct. 19 Roast Beef Dinner Oct.12 From 4:30 to 7pm at the South “Love Me Do” Beatles tribute show Branch Reformed Church, 870 with dinner and dessert, wine and River Rd., Hillsborough. Dine in or beer. $45 per person at Our Lady take out. Adults $15, Children 6-10 of Lourdes Community Hall, 390 $6, kids 5 and under free. For more County Road 523, Whitehouse information or to purchase tickets Station. Doors open 6:30 pm with dinner, show starts at 8 pm. Sponcall 908-369-4956. sored by the Knights of ColumBarn Dance, Oct. 12 bus, Our Lady of Lourdes Council From 7 to 9:30 pm in the 18th 6930. Info and tickets: Tom Dicentury Wade Wykoff Barn at Quollo 908-217-4330, tomdiquolthe Bouman-Stickney Farm- lo@aol.com or Roman Hnidj 908 stead. Family-friendly event at114 256-9760 rhnidj70@gmail.com. Dreahook Rd. in the Stanton section of Readington. For GPS use Garden Club Meeting, Oct. 24 Lebanon, NJ. Suggested donation At 9:45 am at the Station House of $5 per adult and $2 per child. on Olive Street in Neshanic Sta-

tion, the Neshanic Garden Club will hold its regular monthly meeting. The program will be presented by Thomas Biro, a Hillsborough resident and landscape architect. A light luncheon will be provided at noon. Prospective members are encouraged to attend. For further information about club meetings, contact either club co president, Cathy Heuschkel at 908-359-6881 or Kathy Herrington at 908-3596835. For more information about the club, visit www.neshanicgardenclub.org and like us on Facebook. Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 27 From 1 to 3 pm at White Oak Park. Free event sponsored by Branchburg Recreation. For pre-school through third grade. “Pumpkin picking,” costume parade, crafts, games, refreshments and prizes for everyone. BSC Free Halloween Party, Oct. 27 From 4 to 6 pm, Branchburg Sports Complex will hold its annual Halloween Party. Families will enjoy a “Trick or Treatville” complete with games, bounce houses, refreshments, and much more. Put on your craziest, funniest, silliest costume and celebrate Halloween at BSC. This event is perfect for children under 12 and is free and open to the public. www.branchburgsports.com.

Oct. 7, 21

For info call 732-469-3363 or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/ recycle BSC Halloween-Themed 5v5 Soccer Tourney, Nov.2 Branchburg Sports Complex will host a 5v5 “Kick or Treat” Soccer Tournament. Boys and Girls soccer teams are invited from U8 - U12 to compete in this three-game, one-day tournament designed to focus on the fun in youth soccer. Teams are encouraged to reinvent their team names and dress in ‘spooktacular’ fashion, with prizes and themed activities throughout the day. For more information or to register contact Graham Jones at gjones@branchburgsports.com or call 908-2031600. Pig Roast, Nov. 2 From 5 to 7 pm at Clover Hill Reformed Church, 890 Amwell Rd., Hillsborough. Roasted pig with baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, homemade apple sauce and homemade desserts. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 kids 5-12, under 5 free. Baked goods will be available for sale. There will be a raffle for a homemade afghan (shades of blue and grey). One ticket $2 and 3 tickets $5. For more info or tickets, call the church office 908-369-8451 or Diana Reinhardt 908-369-4362.

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First Responders Fundraiser Oct. 20 at Willie’s The folks at Willie Mcbride’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 1270 Easton Turnpike/Route 28, “have the utmost respect for local community and first responders, and with this in mind have created an annual fundraiser to benefit the local police department, fire companies, and rescue squad,” said owner Sean Hession. “Willie’s will be offering 15% of our sales to this great cause fon Oct. 20”. Local bands and DJs will donate their talent and time to help raise funds. Willie’s is soliciting donations for raffle baskets to be awarded throughout the day. All raffle ticket proceeds will be donated as well. Also planned is a 50/50 raffle. Drop off raffle baskets and donations at the restaurant. Call 908722-1113 or visit www.williemcbrides.com for further details.

The Branchburg Township School District has officially opened its new transportation garage, representing the culmination of more than two years of planning and preparation. Under the guidance of Robert Cline, the Supervisor of Transportation and Theresa Linskey, School Business Administrator, the Branchburg Board of Education began planning for the threebay bus garage behind the former Old York School in January, 2017. With more rain delays than could have possibly been imagined, the project finally reached completion in August 2019, just in time for the start of the new school year. The new garage will allow up to three buses to be serviced inside the garage and, if needed, an additional two buses to be serviced on the concrete apron outside the building. With a fleet of 65 buses to service for Branchburg and Readington Townships, these service bays will be put to very good use. In speaking with Mr. Cline, he

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The Rotary Club of Branchburg presents Rotary Designer Bag Bingo and Mini Tricky Tray, Friday evening, Oct. 4 from 7 to 10 pm. Doors open at 6 pm at Raritan Valley Community College on Route 28. This fun night is still available for the great price of $25 for admission and 18 games of BINGO. The popular 50/50, Mini Tricky tray, goodie bags and quilt raffle will also be available. Additional tickets needed for raffles and tricky tray. You can also reserve a group table for 10 people. Call Debbie at 908-685-8080. It’s an opportunity to help the Rotary Club of Branchburg support all its many community service projects including scholarships and have a fun night with friends at the same time. See any Branchburg Rotarian for a chance to purchase tickets prior to the event. Tickets can also be purchased at Dr. Julie Juliano’s office, 48 Robbins Rd., Branchburg – or call 908-6858080 – during the day is best.

School District Opens New Transporation Maintenance Garage

MADE HOME LS E M A

Fall Festival at Kangaroo Kids

Scooby Doo Scarecrows Brought Fun to Clover Court

The Branchburg News • October 2019

“Velma” by Pat & Maggie Morrison

This year, the neighbors of the Clover Court cul de sac are holding their fifth annual Scarecrow decorating contest. As is the tradition, The Branchburg News publishes photos available from the the previous year to help celebrate the current season of orange, green,

“Fred” by Jill, Eric, Brianna, Matthew and Sean Hannum

black and brown. As seen in the photos above from last year, the theme for 2018 was Scooby-Doo, the cartoon starring a big talking dog and his gang of wise-cracking teenage friends. The show first appeared on TV in 1969 and continues today in vari-

2019

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ous spin-offs. Each house was randomly given a character and it was kept secret until the “reveal day.” On a Sunday in mid-October, the scarecrows come out and the neighbors walk from scarecrow to scarecrow to evaluate. We

“Scooby Doo” by Kristin, Gary, Kai & Sydney Herman

end the evening at one of the neighbors’ houses, enjoying appetizers and good company. The kids absolutely love seeing the scarecrows every year. It is a great addition to the Halloween decorations. -- submitted by Kristin Herman

SEASON 36

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Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center will host its Fall Festival family event on Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 6:30 pm at 1047 Route 28 in North Branch Village. Bring the family and enjoy fall crafts, games, tattoos, bounce house. Be sure to wear your costume and collect goodies at Kangaroo Kids Trunk or Treat. There will also be a pumpkin decorating contest. Decorated or carved pumpkins can be submitted starting Monday, Oct. 21. They will be on display at the Fall Festival and the winners will be chosen during the event. It will also be the kick off for Kangaroo Kids food drive to help support those less fortunate in our community. The only entrance fee will be a can of food for the food bank. Families are welcome to come in costumes to trick or treat at the holiday trunks. For further information, like the Kangaroo Kids Child Care Facebook page, call 908-231-7800 or email staff@kangarookidschildcare.com. --submitted by Kathy Feigley

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Great Season for 8U Branchburg Bulldogs – This past summer, the 8U Branchburg Bulldogs travel baseball team finished with a record of 21-5, won three tournaments, and captured the USABL Summer League title with a 5-3 victory over Hillsborough. Players on the team include Ben Andersen, Dylan Boehm, Jack Ciccarone, Augie Eosso, Jason Holterman, Brett Meyers, Nate Neigel, Thyce Pappas, Oliver Repole, Luke Resner, Ben Vannozzi. -- submitted by John Ciccarone

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of the Branchburg area are participating in the Scouting for Food project collecting non-perishable, unexpired foods (no glass containers) and new winter items (hats, scarves, mittens & gloves). Bags will be distributed the weekend of Oct. 26/27. Please place food items in the plastic bag provided and winter items in a separate bag. Place the bag(s) on your front doorstep, in a location visible from the street, on Saturday, Nov. 2 before 9 am. Scouts will collect the bags between 9 am and 1:30 pm. The project benefits the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Your support is greatly appreciated. Since it is not possible for the scouts to distribute bags to everyone in the Branchburg area, we ask that if you did not receive a bag to please bring your food & winter item donations to the Branchburg Municipal Building on Saturday, Nov. 2, between 10 am and 2 pm. Scouts will be collecting at the Federal Express truck parked in the lot. -- submitted by Eileen Bufe

League of Women Voters Offers Voter Information Tool

The League of Women Voters of NJ (LWVNJ) is offering a nonpartisan election resource, www.vote411.org. The site provides tools to help voters navigate the voting process this November. By Oct. 22, VOTE411.org will include voter registration tools, polling place location and other helpful information. “Voters need simple, helpful tools to help them navigate the voting process and Elec-

The Branchburg News • October 2019

Annual Scouting for Food Project is Coming

tion Day,” said Ann Armstrong, a Branchburg resident and a member of the LWVNJ-Somerset/Hunterdon Counties. “League of Women Voters is proud to provide this critical tool in New Jersey.” The League contacts all candidates prior to the election, asking them to submit their responses to a

set of questions. Candidates submit their responses directly to www.vote411.org. Candidate responses and all other information will be available to the public at www.vote411.org by Oct. 22. The local league meets in the community meeting room at Whiton Hills. For more info, email lwvnjsomersethunterdon@outlook.com. -- submitted by Carol Harvey

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The Branchburg News • October 2019

Burgers for a Cause, Oct. 17

Oct. is National Fire Safety Month – Thanks to Kevin Calvo of the North Branch Fire Company, students at Kangaroo Kids Child Care & Learning Center will have an opportunity to learn how to keep themselves and their families safe if they should ever encounter a fire. On Friday Oct. 11, Firefighter Kevin will teach the children to stop, drop, cover and roll to protect their faces in the event of a fire. He will help the children feel comfortable with seeing a fireman is his full outfit and let them know the fireman is their friend and they should not hide if a fire occurs at their house but to get outside and call 911. Thanks to Kevin for protecting and educating us for 24 years. Seen above, on a previous visit, are Kyle Calvo, Lead Discovery Preschool Teacher Diana Flores and her class. -- submitted by Kathy Feigley Do you have CHRONIC PAIN? Get RELIEF!

In partnership with the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation, Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar will be donating 20% of the food sales to the foundation when the“Fundraising Never Tasted So Good” flyer is presented during the benefit day (Oct. 17, 11 am to 10 pm). When supporters purchase food and present either a printed copy of the MRB Zinburger flyer or show an online flyer via their smart phone, Zinburger will make the donation. The flyer can be downloaded and printed from meghanrosebradleyfoundation.org Zinburger is located at 550 Somerset Corporate Blvd. Bridgewater, NJ 09907 phone:908-450-7011

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Each year, Troop 185 Boy Scouts spend a week at a different summer camp to earn badges and enjoy the facilities. This year, Troop 185 went to Rodney Scout Reservation in North East, Maryland. A good time was had by all thanks to the amount of activities that were offered, the energetic staff, and the expansive wilderness to explore. Scouts earned merit badges ranging from basketmaking to lifesaving to archery. In addition, three Scouts from the troop spent the week on a high-adventure sail-

ing trip on the Chesapeake Bay. They piloted a 40 foot sailboat from the campground to the Inner Harbor of Baltimore and back. Following a week of adventure and fun, Troop 185 performed their annual rendition of their soup skit, which was greeted with laughter and applause by the several other troops at the closing ceremony. For more information on Troop 185, contact Eileen Bufe at eabufe@gmail.com. -submitted by Jason Lauducci

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In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Branchburg Sports Complex (BSC) will hold a charity volleyball event on Friday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 pm. Participating teams will include members of the Branchburg Police Dept., North Branch Fire Company, teachers from the Branchburg School District and staff from BSC. The teams will be cheered on by members of the Branchburg Central Middle School Peer Leadership Group who will also host a bake sale with proceeds going to breast cancer research. The evening of family fun will include special pricing for the BSC PlayMaze at $5 per person, and a Laser Tag Special at $6 per person/ per game. Proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Located off Route 22 at 47 Readington Rd. in Branchburg, BSC is NJ’s premiere sports and family entertainment center. It features 78,000 sq. ft. of actionpacked sports and activities. Www. branchburgsports.com, 908-2031600.

Bechtel, New River VA, and sumBranchburg’s annual afternoon festival of fun, bier, wine, burgers, mer camp and adventure treks in Hawaii. This year the scouts will bratwurst and music was held on a beautiful Sept. 14 at the Golf Range attend a high adventure camp in @ Branchburg on Route 22. It was again sponsored by the Branchburg Republican Club and the Branchburg Municipal Committee. Texas. The Broadcasters band entertained with a wide ranging collection of Annual historic trips have taken the troop to Washington DC, Bos- hits from the 50s to the present day – good old rock’n’roll, soul, funk, ton, Philadelphia, West Point and motown, southern rock, even psychedelia. (Notable was an accurately Gettysburg and a visit to the Unit- groovy rendition of the Beatles’ “I am the Walrus.” Jooba, jooba!) The fest is the club’s only fundraising event of the year. It also proed Nations. Additionally, the troop has vides an opportunity to meet and greet various elected officials and cancamped throughout NY, NJ, PA, didates. MD, MA & VT. These included summer camps, Jamborees, encampments, ski trips, whitewater At right: The crowd rafting, canoeing, deep sea fishing, enjoyed chatting and snorkeling, Raritan Valley District laughing away the Camporees, First Aid Meet and afternoon, and some Klondike Derby plus the traditional hiking, biking and swimming folks even practiced their golf swings adventures. Visits to the Westfield Armory, Escape Room, rock climb- and mini golf, which ing facilities and horseback riding were included with are some of the trips that enhance admission. the program. Congratulations to the scouts, alumni, parents and volunteers who have created this rich heritage for T185. We invite you to join or visit us. Manning the grill T185 meets at the North Branch were Township Reformed Church on Wednesday Committeemen nights 7 – 8:30 pm. Fifth grade Tom Young and or older boys are welcome to learn Bob Petrelli. more about T185 at the Oct. 2 meeting. -- submitted by Eileen Bufe

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Raritan Township

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7 The Branchburg News • October 2019

BSC Charity Volleyball Event is Oct. 4

Branchburg Rescue Squad officially chartered Boy Scout Troop 185 on Oct. 14, 1964. In 2002 the North Branch Reformed Church became the chartering organization. During the troop’s 55 years, 116 Scouts have attained the rank of Eagle. In the last 20 years the Eagle projects have benefitted: four Branchburg schools, White Oak Park (some Somerset County parks), churches in eight towns and other community groups. Troop service projects helped: Branchburg organizations (Country Fair, Recreation Department, Rotary, Rescue Squad, Travel Soccer Club, Baseball Club, Food Bank Network of Somerset County, Soup Kitchen in Bound Brook, RVCC Cultural Arts Festival, Raritan Headwaters and Gigi’s Playhouse. The troop annually conducts a flag retirement ceremony to retire the worn flags collected at the Municipal Building. The scouts of T185 plan their yearly program. The program is designed so the scouts learn and experience life skills in the community and natural environment. Since 2003 the program has included multiple high adventure trips: treks at Philmont and Sabattis, six sailing adventures at Seabase (five Key West, one Bahamas), plus one on the Chesapeake, trips to Summit

Bavarian Fest: Always a Fun September Day

The Branchburg News • October 2019

Oct. 12 &13 Will Bring Weekend Journey Through the Past

Interactive house tours and arts activities, history trading cards and a colonial cannon will connect visitors to Somerset County’s rich heritage during the 14th annual Weekend Journey through the Past, Oct. 12 and 13. Thirty historic sites around the county—four of which were visited by George Washington— will be open to the public free of charge from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, Oct. 12, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. For details visit the event website at www. SCHistoryWeekend.com. A video introduction to the annual program can be found at http://bit. ly/2019WeekendJourney. Branchburg has two sites on the tour: the 1873 South Branch School (Little Red Schoolhouse) on South Branch Road, opposite Studdiford Drive, and the circa 1790-1810 Andrew Ten Eyck House at 671 Old York Rd. Orga-

nizations hosting historic displays at the schoolhouse are the Branchburg Woman’s Club and the Neshanic Station Historical Society. At the Little Red School House, there will also be a photo exhibit by JJ Mish and an antique woodworking tools display. Hosting tours at the Ten Eyck House are members of the Branchburg Historical Society. Also, the society will hold its annual antique sale inside the house, along with an outdoor flea market. (See adjoining flea market article.) Also at the Andrew Ten Eyck house, the Branchburg Historical Society will be selling historical maps for $10, and there will be some books for sale. Returning this year are Somerset County Commemorative History Trading Cards. Each card features a notable person, place, event or theme taken from four centuries of Somerset County’s rich history and deals out fun facts, activities and even a few mysteries to solve. Cards are available only during Weekend Journey. Ask for them when you visit this year’s participating historic sites; most sites offer at least one trading card.

During Weekend Journey: Flea Market at Ten Eyck House

The Branchburg Historical Society is sponsoring its fifth annual outdoor flea market on the grounds of the Andrew Ten Eyck House, 671 Old York Rd., Oct. 12 and 13. This event is held the same dates as the Somerset County Weekend Journey Through the Past. Because the Ten Eyck House is part of the countywide tour of historic places, an ever-changing stream of visitors comes to the site and the flea market usually attracts a big crowd. Members of the public are invited to sell at this event; lots are $20 for the weekend; contact for the sale is Sue Winter of the Historical Society at 908-369-2027.

Sensory-Friendly Astronomy Shows Set at RVCC Planetarium in Oct. & Nov.

The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present “The Sky Above,” Saturdays, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2. Both screenings begin at 5 pm. The sensory-friendly astronomy and music show, approximately 45 minutes in length, is specially designed for families with children on the autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. Neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for audiences of all ages. The planetarium provides a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to everyone. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark) and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. The show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the moon and constellations. All material will be presented on a very basic level. Admission is $10 per person. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly suggested. For additional information and to make reservations, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

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Summer’s Over, Senior Citizens Club is Back Elections are coming up and a full slate of new officers need to be elected. The future of our club depends upon “smiling and saying YES” when you are asked to serve. Please give the nominating committee a break, and experience a leadership position in the club. Coming Events: Business meeting: Oct. 3; Social Meeting: Oct. 17 - Halloween party; Fun Days: Oct. 10, 24, 31. Membership Information: Membership is open to ages 55 +. Dues are $15.00 annually. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at Building 10, in the Whiton Hills Community Room on Rt. 202 South. It’s on the lower floor. The business meeting is always on the first Thursday. The third Thursday is the social meeting, which includes a light lunch. Time: 11 am to 3 pm. “Fun Days” are social times to meet up with friends. These are on Thursdays when there are no meetings. Shooting pool or playing cards are favorite activities. Playing board games and selecting books from the Book Nook, or just socializing are fun, too. You can even get a low-cost light lunch. For more information: 908-635-7542.

October Birthdays Compiled by Gail Mantz

The Branchburg News • October 2019

By Rita Jordan Although we had Fun Days every Thursday in the summer, many Seniors hadn’t seen each other for two whole months, since the June picnic at White Oak Park. In September, it was a happy reunion of friends who were glad to see one another again and catch up with their latest adventures. We celebrated the birthdays for July, August and September, and looked forward to our next meeting which would be on Sept. 19 for our annual fall picnic at White Oak Park. Yes, you read that right. We had two picnics this year. We also had our usual table at the Branchburg Country Fair. Seniors Club President Ed Ogin announced that Barbara Dugan would be membership chairperson for this year. Ruth Hentz announced a coming trip on Dec. 3 to The Brownstone Christmas Show. The cost is $54.00. Sign up very soon. If not enough sign up, there will be no trip. The Oct. 17 meeting will be our early Halloween party. People who dress in costume will be eligible to win Lottery tickets, all others will not. On Nov. 21, we will have our annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Whiton Hall. There will be door prizes for this event.

Oct. 2 Ronald Schmalz Oct. 12 Jennie Giancola Oct. 12 Allen Meidhof Oct. 17 Orsolija Rokob Oct. 27 Angiolina Daniels Oct. 30 Mac McKenzie

Volunteers Needed for Fall Leaf Clean-Up The Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services is looking for volunteers for its annual fall leaf clean-up program. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves for elderly and disabled homeowners around the county who have no other means to do yard work. The annual leaf clean-up project will take place Saturday, Nov. 23. However, anyone who would like to help but cannot make it on Nov. 23 is welcome to schedule an alternative date and time. For information and to sign up as a volunteer, call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-541-5715. Elderly and disabled residents who need the leaf-raking service are asked to call after Oct. 1.

Troop 90 Goes to Sea – On Aug. 11, 14 scouts and 10 adult leaders embarked on an adventure to Seabase in the Florida Keys. There were SCUBA crews and sailing crews. Seen above is a sailing crew. Pictured from left to right are Bill Bukowski, Rob Ott, Chris McArthur, Josh McDonald, Nate Ahearn, Zack Hoyer, Dan McDonald, Alex Bukowski, Andrew Ryder, Aidan Haddad, Liam Ott, Larry Ahearn, Brian Armstrong, Mark McArthur, Eric Hoyer, Vic Haddad. The scouts spent four days experiencing a mixture of sailing, snorkeling and fishing, watching sea turtles and visiting a few shipwrecks. -- submitted by Larry Ahearn

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The Branchburg News • October 2019

E-Waste Drop-Off Nov. 2 From 9 am to 3 pm on Nov. 2 at the Public Works Garage, there will be an area set up to accept ewaste at no cost to residents. The garage is located at 34 Kenbury Rd. in Branchburg. State and Federal environmental agencies have determined that electronic products must be treated as hazardous waste when intended for disposal and have mandated recycling for e-waste. Electronic waste is incredibly poisonous, exceeding the levels for hazardous waste by 30 to 100 times. Items accepted: TVs, computers/ laptops, servers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, DVD, video players, power supplies, video games systems/controllers CDs and DVDs, telephones. Public Works phone number is 908-526-1300 x177.

Bus Trip to Radio City Christmas Spectacular Dec. 9 The Branchburg Recreation Department’s annual bus trip to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular is one of the most popular programs of the year. Tickets always sell fast. Here are some details: Date: Monday, Dec. 9 Time: Coach bus leaves from White Oak Park at 1 pm sharp. Show time is 5 pm. Plenty of time see the tree in Rockefeller Center and many of the Christmas decorations in the city. Arrival back at White Oak Park should be 8-8:30 pm. Seats: Orchestra seats. Price: $105 per ticket, includes coach bus transportation and show.

Make Room for Turkey --

Branchburg Run for Education is Nov. 17

The Branchburg Education Foundation (BEF) announces the inaugural “Branchburg Run for Education” 5K on Sunday, Nov. 17, 10 am at White Oak Park. This cross-country (on & off paved paths) run will help fund innovative educational grants for students in Branchburg and Somerville. Six age groups: 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over Info and registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Branchburg/BranchburgMakeRoomforTurkey5K. -- Submitted by Bruce Tunkel

Another Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off to be Scheduled

For more details and instructions on ordering, visit http:// branchburg.nj.us/departments/ recreation/index.php or call Recreation at 908-526-1300 x188.

PTO Scholarship Winners Noted

Casey Bumgarner

Jean-Paul Hendricks

Jack Dailey

Every year the Somerville High School PTO awards scholarships to graduating students. For the class of 2019, the recipients were Casey Bumgarner who is pursuing a major in Chemical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology; Jean-Paul Hendricks, who is pursuing a major in Criminal Justice at Raritan Valley Community College; Jack Dailey who is pursuing a major in Forensic Accounting at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. -- Submitted by Fran Culver

After serving 1,200 vehicles at Somerset County’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off in Branchburg on Sept. 14, the vendor was unable to accept any more materials. This forced the county to close the program early, at around 1 pm. To help serve those who were unable to drop off their materials, the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management announced that afternoon that it was planning to schedule another event in a few weeks. “We want to thank our residents for being environmentally conscious and for taking advantage of our hazardous waste drop off,” said Freeholder Brian G. Gallagher, public works liaison. “This has become a very popular service and we apologize for any inconvenience caused when we had to close early.” For more information, contact the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management at 908231-7031, or email solidwaste@ co.somerset.nj.us or visit www. co.somerset.nj.us/HHW. --submitted by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders

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Municipal Building News | in print and online at www.branchburg.nj.us ‘Our Work is Your Play’ We are excited to offer residents new recreational opportunities and bring back everyone’s favorites. For details & information go to: www.branchburg.nj.us click on “Township Recreation”, to sign up for programs click on the “Register Now” button.

FALL Program Registration! We are so happy to see so many new participants in our programs! If you missed out on the September program starts, we have several children & hs/adult programs beginning in October! Check out the program brochure on the township website under Recreation and the programs will also come up online through, Community Pass.

PUMPKIN PATCH

SUNDAY, OCT.27TH @ WHITE OAK PARK IT’S FREE ~ 1:00 – 3:00PM

Pre-school thru 3rd gr. come and pick a pumpkin, costume parade, crafts, games & refreshments!

Kids: Wrestling begins next month, REGISTER NOW! If you are new to the sport & want to give it a try, an Intro to Wrestling Clinic begins on the 1st, it’s a five week program held at BCMS/$25!

BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP LEAF PICK-UP

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE: General Election - Tuesday, November 5 Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Check your Sample Ballot for your polling location

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Voter Information:

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Last day to register to vote - October 15

Please note that as of 2018, voters may choose to receive a Mail-In Ballot for all future elections (including primary and special elections) by filling out one application. If voters choose this option, they will automatically receive ballots without further action, until they choose to opt out. Voter information and forms are available in the Township Clerk’s Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM and also on the Township website at www.branchburg.nj.us in the document center under election information, or on the Somerset County website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/affiliated-agencies/election-board/voter-information.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS: •Consider using make-up rather than masks. Masks may obstruct a child's vision making it difficult for them to see oncoming traffic. •Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to darker costumes. Always carry a flashlight at night. Inexpensive battery-operated strobe lights are now sold in many drug stores and convenience stores. •An adult should always accompany children when they are out trick-ortreating. Older teens should travel in groups for their safety. •Make sure trick-or-treaters know to only approach familiar houses that have outside lights on and never to enter a stranger's house or vehicle. DRIVERS:

Monday, December 9th bus leaves WOP @ 1PM, for a 5:00PM show, tickets are $105 & includes Orchestra seat ticket & Coach bus transportation. TICKETS are still AVAILABLE, call Recreation! Country Fair –Family Feud! The Rec Department enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon at the Country Fair, on September 28th with all of our Family Feud participants! Thank you all for the laughs and being such great sports! “Survey says, Join us next year!” Follow Branchburg Recreation on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranchburgRec

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Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot in person - no later than 3:00 PM the day prior to the election at the Somerset County Clerk’s Office.

Neshanic Station Village: Branchburg Police Department will have extra patrols in place and again provide lighting in certain areas. Branchburg Police would also like to offer the below listed suggestions for Halloween

•Stay alert at all times for young children who may dart in front of your vehicle unexpectedly. In the excitement of the day, trick-or-treaters probably REMINDER: TWP. ORDINANCE 15-4.1

FEEDING OF DEER PROHIBITED

No person shall purposely or knowingly, as said terms are defined in Title 2C of the New Jersey Revised Statutes, feed wild white-tailed deer in the township, on lands either publicly or privately owned. It shall be presumed that the person is purposely or knowingly feeding deer unless the feed is placed on a platform that is raised at least four feet off the ground or is placed in a feeder whose opening is sufficiently restricted so as to prevent deer from accessing the feed. HUNTING AWARENESS SAFETY ZONES

ARCHERY HUNTING: No bowhunter may carry a nocked arrow or hunt within 150 feet of a building or within 450 feet of any school playground, even if unoccupied, except the owner or lessee of a building, and persons specifically authorized by him in writing. FIREARM HUNTING: No firearm hunter may carry a loaded firearm or hunt within 450 feet of a building or any school playground, even if unoccupied, except the owner or lessee of a building, and persons specifically authorized by him in writing.

Minimum two (2) PICKUPS in your area

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Last day to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by mail - 7 days prior to the election or October 29

Halloween Tips from Branchburg Police Department:

Pickup will begin approximately October 14th to December 6th

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Rake leaves to the curb area

DO NOT rake them into the road, drainage ditch or within 10’ of a catch basin. Leaves can be taken to the Dumpster Facility by residents on normal days of operation: Every Friday – 12 to 3:00pm 1st Saturday of the month - 9a - 3:00p

As an alternative solution to disposing of your yard waste please consider composting or mulching.

won't be paying attention to passing motor vehicles, so slow down and drive cautiously. •If you attend a Halloween party where alcohol is served, make sure you have a designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. With small children running from house to house, driving while under the influence can have a deadly result. •If you are transporting trick-or-treaters, remember that seat belt laws are not a burden, but a proven lifesaving measure. Costume or not, buckle up! TREATS: •Consider handing out something other than candy—fast food coupons, pens, sports cards. •All opened candy should be thrown out. •Make your own trick-or-treaters wait until they return home, and you have examined their goodies, before they sample any treats. •It is sad to think people may tamper with food and candy given to children, but better safe than sorry.

BRANCHBURG POLICE HIRE THREE NEW OFFICERS At the September 09th Township Committee Meeting Elizabeth Lescano, Amitoj Oberoi and Bryan Russoniello were sworn in as our newest Police Officers by Mayor Anna Columbus. The three Officers will be replacing some of the recently retired Officers from the Department. Bryan Russoniello is a Branchburg native and Somerville High School Graduate who joined us after working for the Somerset County Sherriff’s Office. Officer Russoniello is also a Volunteer Fireman with North Branch Fire Department. Amitoj Oberoi worked for Carteret Police Department and is also a Somerset County native having graduated Franklin High School before obtaining his Associates Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business. Officer Oberoi is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi. Elizabeth Lescano was an Alternate Route Police Academy graduate and former Police Officer from DC Metro Police department. Officer Lescano is also an Army Veteran and fluent in English, Spanish and Portages. Branchburg Police Department is excited to welcome these newest members to the Department. The training and experience these Officers bring to Branchburg will be a benefit and asset to the Department and Town.

The Branchburg News • October 2019

TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG

The Branchburg News • October 2019

is a Data Analyst with Prudential in Newark. Jess is a graduate of Kean University where she received her degree in Special Education and Math. She is employed by the Old Bridge school district as a high school special education teacher. Mike and Jess moved to Matawan after returning from their honeymoon cruise through the Mediterranean.

Branchburg Newsmakers their lives by the Rotary Four-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?”

Dylan Leonard Student of the Month, Dylan Leonard, a student at Branchburg Central Middle School, won the Rotary Club of Branchburg Essay Contest for September. The presentation reflected the student’s goals for the future and the steps necessary to achieve those goals. Dylan is planning on studying to become a hockey player. He was awarded a Rotary certificate, a gift certificate and a special Rotary coin that reminds Rotarians to live

Matt Cardonne Branchburg resident Matt Cardonne, earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from East Stroudsburg University and is employed by Villanova University in its Athletic Department.

Jess & Mike Michael Altonji, son of Greg and Clare Altonji, was married to Jessica Czarkowski on July 13. Jess is the daughter of John and Nancy Czarkowski of Bridgewater. The couple was married at St. Bernards Church in Bridgewater, followed by a reception at Mercer Oaks Golf Club. Mike earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University and his Masters in Engineering from Georgia Tech. He

Long-time Branchburg resident Mike Beckwith was chosen as the artist of the month by the Gallery on Main in Somerville for both July and August. Beckwith’s art studio, Scene One Art, specializes in acrylic pour abstract paintings, but he is branching into other areas as well. His work can be viewed online at www.sceneoneart.com and in person at the upcoming Somerville Street Fair on Oct. 6. In addition to Scene One Art, Mike is also a full-time sixth grade English teacher. He loves sharing his process, and teaching others how to create their own acrylic art. To learn more about Scene One Art,

email sceneoneart@gmail.com or search the same name on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Etsy. Somerville High School student and Branchburg resident Grace Pfitzner increased her knowledge of environmental stewardship through her work this past summer with the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA). Based in Far Hills, RHA is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting water in rivers, streams and homes with a vision of everyone having access to safe, clean water that is swimmable, fishable, and above all, drinkable. Grace worked alongside RHA scientists assessing various streams, ponds, and wetlands fulfilling the requirements to become a citizen scientist. She learned real-life science techniques, collecting and recording data to be used by the RHA Science Research Program.

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Save the Dates: October 27, 2019 - The Center School 5K Fun Walk/Kids Dash Colonial Park 156 Metlars Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 Join us as we “move students in the right direction” Sign up at www.centerschoolmoves.com

October 30, 2019 - TCS Open House/ Professional Development Open House: 9:00-12:00 Professional Development: 1:00-3:00 2 Riverview Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873 Families and District Staff are invited to tour The Center School and learn how we can change your student’s life. Following the Open House, District Staff are invited to stay for a Professional Development on: HIB/Transgender/LGBTQ Law Updates Presented by Mr. John Worthington, Esq. RSVP: kspotts@center.school CEU Credits will be given

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Sophie Belkin of Branchburg participated in the 2019 Paper Mill Playhouse Summer Musical Theater Conservatory and was nominated for outstanding performance by an actress in a supporting role at the Playhouse’s Rising Star Awards.

Meredith & Mark Alex and Maureen Jordan of Branchburg announce the recent engagement of their daughter Meredith Jordan to Mark Costanza, son of Ralph and Evelyn Costanza of Windermere, FL. Meredith, a 2010 Somerville High School graduate and former NY Jets cheerleader, is currently employed as a real estate sales associate with Pure Properties in Jersey City. Mark is a 2007 graduate of Bergen Catholic High School and earned a Bachelor of Finance from St. John’s University. He is employed with Bank of America as a mortgage banker. An avid golfer, Mark currently holds the course record at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone. A fall 2020 wedding is being planned.

Holiday Calendar Raffle Will Provide Multiple Chances to Win Cash The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Somerset County will spread holiday cheer throughout November, December and January. The non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization will hold three months of daily drawings in a Holiday Calendar Raffle. Over $3,900 in cash prizes are expected to be awarded over the period. There will be one winner each day and all winning tickets are reentered for the remaining draws. Multiple wins are possible.Tickets are $10 each. Raffle license number is 940. Proceeds benefit IHN, which provides case management and emergency shelter to homeless families in Somerset County. To buy tickets, call IHN at 908704-1920 or stop by the IHN office, 98 West End Ave. in Somerville during office hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

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By Tricia Ihde for the BWC • Excitement is building for the 32nd Annual BWC Craft Sale. This fundraiser for charities and student awards will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 am to 3 pm in Branchburg Central Middle School (Baird Road). There will be door prizes, a bake sale, and refreshments. The response from crafters and artists who will be selling their creations has been great and the roster is almost filled. A small number of spaces may still be available. Interested crafters should email information about their crafts to bwccrafts@ gmail.com. • Oct. 12 and 13, the Branchburg Woman’s Club will again help with Somerset County’s annual Weekend Journey through the Past. BWC members will be guides and will offer refreshments at the Little Red Schoolhouse from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and from noon to 4 pm Sunday. Officially named the South Branch School, the quaint building is the primary meeting place of the ever-growing Branchburg Woman’s Club. Built in 1873, the former schoolhouse is one of the many registered historic sites on the free county tour. Photos from the schoolhouse’s past, plus antique woodworking tools, and other memorabilia will be on display. Also, JJ Mish will have an exhibit of his local nature photographs. The event is sponsored by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. See http://

www.schistoryweekend.com/. • The club’s Oct. 17 meeting will start at 7 pm at Branchburg’s Little Red Schoolhouse. Karen Gutshall-Seidman, Ph.D., LCSW from the Raritan Valley Community College will give a presentation titled “Empathy in the Classroom.” Refreshments and a club meeting will follow. Adult guests are welcome, but carpooling is encouraged. Dr. Gutshall-Seidman is an RVCC Professor and Co-Director of the RVCC Resource Center plus a licensed clinical social worker. She will discuss what it means to be an under-resourced student these days. Although not a new problem, the increasing need for food banks and resource centers at community colleges, all over America, has been the subject of recent studies and national news articles from reputable sources. The fact that college students, both young and old, are going hungry may surprise some people. Even at RVCC, there are

many students who must decide between buying books, food, warm clothes, and transportation. Upon learning about this situation, the club has found ways to help the Resource Center. Last January, the BWC donated new and gently used coats, jackets, sweatshirts, plus afghans to the Resource Center. This project was part of the club’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Another club project is raising funds for the RVCC Resource Center Pantry. For this ongoing project, the Branchburg Woman’s Club has been selling ShopRite gift cards. Five percent of the value of the gift cards go to the pantry for buying fresh produce and gas cards for these students. • To inquire about the Branchburg Woman’s Club, call 908- 8661060 or visit these sites: https:// www.facebook.com/BburgWClub and https://staging.dbchk.com/ bwc/.

Readington Community Theatre will perform its 12 year Anniversary production of “Lend Me A Tenor” in January 2020 at a new venue, Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club (SRCC) in Whitehouse Station. Several Branchburg residents perform in RCT productions. “Lend Me A Tenor” was the theatre’s inaugural production in 2008, and will be performed again by

members of the original cast joined by several talented new players. The theatre will present six performances of this show at Stanton Ridge, opening on Friday, Jan. 17, and playing through Sunday, Jan. 26. Pre-show dinners will be offered by SRCC at select performances. For further information, go to rctnj.org. - Submitted by Rob Nonni, Readington Community Theatre

Community Theatre Announces Next Show, New Venue

13 The Branchburg News • October 2019

More Branchburg Newsmakers

At Branchburg Woman’s Club, Weekend Journey, Oct. 17 Meeting and Nov. 16 Craft Sale on Agenda

The Branchburg News • October 2019

The Nature of Fall

A gallery of photography by JJ Mish

JJ Mish and the Branchburg News first crossed paths in February 2004, after the second coldest January on record created heavy ice in the rivers. When flooding rains came in February, the rivers rose and thick ice slabs glided across the roads and land. “It looks like Antartica!” came a call from Neshanic Station. Ever curious, the editors of the Branchburg News piled into their staff car and drove along the South Branch to see the spectacle. Sure enough, it was spectacular. And then, through the ice-clogged riverscape paddled a lone canoeist. A photo of him ended up in the March paper and the phone rang again. “That’s me,” said Joe Mish. A profile article about him appeared in the June 2004 issue: “Living the Wild Life in Branchburg.” Studies at Rutgers College of Agriculture and Environmental Science led to an internship as a veterinary assistant at Warner Brothers Jungle Habitat in West Milford during the 70s. “This was a once in a lifetime experience,” Mish was quoted. “Everything from raising about a dozen lion cubs, a couple of bears, delivering all manner of ungulate offspring; roping, darting, all manner of God’s creatures -- cobras, rattlers, dolphins. baboons, elephants, etc. -- all up close and personal. I captured escaped bears, deer and even lions one memorable Sunday morning.” Mish was later associate director, clinical data management, with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Raritan. Along the way, he wrote articles for the South Branch Watershed Association. His ongoing column for The Branchburg News, “Along the South Branch,” first appeared in the July/August 2004 issue.

About his early retirement from J&J in 2004 after 26 years, Mish said he hoped to spend more time communicating about nature. “I become animated when I can share the gift of nature with others,” he said. “I have a desire to reconnect people with nature... to help them keep nature in their lives, and appreciate the relationship that exists with or without their awareness.” The Branchburg Woman’s Club will host an exhibit of JJ Mish local nature photography at the Little Red Schoolhouse during the Somerset County Weekend Journey Through the Past, Oct. 12 & 13.

Bald eagle meets turtle, eats turtle A young flightless great horned owl

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

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A six-week-old bald eagle still has remnants of his downy white baby feathers

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15 The Branchburg News • October 2019

Houston, Tranquility Branch here. The eagle has landed.

A flock of great spangled fritillary butterflies

This raccoon wears the mask of a bank robber.

A ruby throated hummingbird feeds as it hovers above a tithonia

A passage into autumn as seen along the South Branch

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The Branchburg News • October 2019

A Final Blast of Flaming Fluorescence

A profusion of spider webs and hopeful strands of silk, looking for a second anchor point, weave throughout the late August woods in an attempt to hold the fleeting summer hostage. Though the formidable silken net poses enough of an obstruction to divert a hiker’s footsteps, its hold on summer goes unnoticed by the celestial choreography that declares the arrival of autumn. Color begins to appear as careless drips and blotches on the faded green palette left behind by summer. Scattered specks of yellow mist the crown of a wild cherry tree, as if clearing the sputtering nozzle on a can of yellow spray paint. Deep scarlet splashes onto leafy vines of Virginia creeper to appear as strands of a necklace lying against the perennial greenery of an eastern red cedar. Swaths and stripes of color appear in fields and resemble an artist’s palette, holding an array of colored oils. Fields offer the greatest diversity of any stage of plant succession and so, they are showcases of color in the fall. The earliest news of the changing seasons is published in full color ads in open fields for all to read. Pokeweed, drooping with clusters of deep purple-black inkberries, stands out among the yellow swaths of fully blossomed goldenrod. The main stem of pokeweed always gets a second glance as it

appears to be some odd placed artifact that does not belong. The arrow straight magenta stems are so dramatic in color they deserve a long moment of admiration simply for the boldness of nature’s artistry. Native cardinal flowers which favor damp soil, is a personal favorite, which signals that the end of summer is near. Blooms begin mid-August and last well into September. A favorite of humming birds, these small, delicate tube-shaped flowers glow with a flat reddest red fluorescence and contrast beautifully against pale green cattail leaves, which often grow nearby. If ever a color was to catch your eye it would be an isolated cardinal flower bloom that glows with the power of a lighthouse beacon. Bright purple ironweed, swamp and common milkweed add to the scene of fall color. Begging a closer look, an isolated stand of ironweed or a yellow swallowtail butterfly on a cluster of milkweed, often offers a surprise in exchange for curiosity. Hidden among the dominant grasses and blooming plants, hide the volunteers. Long thin pods of dogbane, used to make bowstrings and cordage, odd placed wildflowers or other cultivated escapees, find safe harbor and anonymity within these trackless fields. As summer begins and ends with colorful flowers, autumn, bearing genes of summer parentage, carries on that tradition of color in a final blast of flaming fluorescence. Black gum and native persimmon begin the lightshow, subtly at first. Random isolated leaves are electrified and take on the ap-

pearance of old-fashioned decorative light bulbs, salmon and orange, respectively. The concocted color combinations composed of various tints used during the early seasonal transition, now overflow, mix and explode in brilliant colors used by October to paint the tree tops. Oak and sweet gum take the full blast of color shot from October’s paint gun. Add a clear autumn day under full sun and blaze orange oak leaves absolutely glow against the blue sky. The sweet gum produces a kaleidoscope of color ranging from Another autumn, like no other, passes through an ageless portal, as all seasons shades of reddish purple to pure must. red, maroon, orange and yellow. Individual trees favor one color over the other but all sweet gums offer the complete spectrum of possible tints and shades. It’s fun to imagine, spiders, as in Charlotte’s Web, spelling out the word, AUTUMN, in silken letters, to foretell the coming season. Another autumn, like no other, passes through an ageless portal, as all seasons must, only to reappear and fade and reappear and fade again. The ephemeral concept of life seems at odds with the reality of nature. Contact jjmish57@msn.com. See more articles and photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com. Autumn’s final blast of flaming fluorescence is embodied in these black oak leaves that appear to be on fire.

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By Lois Paleck The Branchburg Library congratulates the 37 children, ages from 1 to 12, who participated in the 2019 Summer Reading Club at the library in Neshanic Station village. They each read (or were read to) from 80 to 3,850 minutes for a grand total of 42,270 minutes. Teagan Dingwall was the top reader with 3,850 minutes. Nathaniel Pennington was a close second with 3,000 minutes. Twentyone of the readers each read for a thousand minutes or more. Max Marchinda guessed 146 to win the “Guess What” prize this year, the closest ‘number’ to the 143 aliens and astronauts in the container. The children received prizes for the minutes they read and celebrated with pizza at an awards ceremony on Aug. 21. A wide range of Branchburg establishments gave donations used as rewards and prizes during the program. The library thanks the following businesses for their generosity: Bagel Garden, Branchburg Sports Complex, Dunkin Donuts of Branchburg, Flemington ShopRite, Grandma’s Northland, Raritan Valley Pharmacy, Smashburger of Branchburg, Tex’s Liquor Store, The Golf Range @ Branchburg, The Theatre @ RVCC, Trattoria Uno, Vinnie’s Pizza and Wegmans-Bridgewater.

Thanks also go to recognize the many Branchburg residents who donated used books to the library and those who came to the annual used book sale on Sept. 7-8. It is through this program that we generate the funds to conduct the Summer Reading Program and the Story Time and Crafts Program for pre-school children held every Wednesday at 10:30 am. Again this year, in addition to selling donated items, over 100 books and DVDs were selected to replace time-worn ones and add new selections to the collection. Most of the juvenile books added were on the Branchburg School’s summer reading lists. Thanks to all for your generosity and support. If you are interested in volunteering at the Branchburg Library, please call or visit the library. The Branchburg Library, a member of the Somerset County Library System and is located in the Station House on Olive Street in Neshanic Station. It is supported by an all-volunteer staff. The hours are Monday and Thursday 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm and Saturday 10 amnoon. The phone number is 908369-5355. For additional information, follow us on Facebook @ Branchburg Library in Neshanic Station.

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The Branchburg News • October 2019

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The Branchburg News • October 2019

RVCC to Hold Saturday Open House in October Learn about all Raritan Valley Community College has to offer at the college’s Fall Open House, Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. The event, designed for high school students and adults who are interested in pursuing a college degree or certificate, will be held in the Event Center at the college’s Branchburg campus. Those attending will be invited to tour the campus and get a feel for RVCC’s vibrant college life as they meet current students, alumni and faculty members. Participants will learn about: • student clubs, organizations and athletic teams • the college’s innovative programs designed to help students transfer to top colleges and universities in New Jersey, across the country, and even in Europe • career training programs, designed in partnership with local industry, that can be completed in a year or less

• how to pay for college, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities • RVCC’s nationally recognized community service, environmental stewardship and diversity initiatives • free tuition for those who qualify, through RVCC’s participation in the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) Program The event also will include workshops on How to Become an RVCC Student and the Community College Free Tuition Program. To register for the Fall Open House, visit www.raritanval.edu/ openhouse. For additional information, contact the Admissions Department at 908-526-1200, ext. 7009 or admissions@raritanval.edu. Ranked by BestColleges.com, WalletHub.com, and Niche.com as the #1 community college in

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Planetarium Lists Halloween Shows, Laser Concerts, Kids’ Programs Kids Jam Laser Concert, Saturdays, Oct. 5 & 12, 4 pm Enjoy an eclectic mix of music to entertain kids and kids at heart while lasers dance on the dome overhead. Songs include “Bright” by Echosmith, “YMCA” by The Village People, “Mia” by Bad Bunny, and “Waka Waka” by Shakira. (Recommended for ages 6-12) Astronomy Tonight, Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 pm Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Earth, Moon, Sun and Coyote, Saturdays, Oct. 5 & 12, 3 pm Coyote has a razor-sharp wit, but he’s a little confused about what he sees in the sky. Join this amusing character (adapted from Native American oral traditions) in a fastpaced and fun show that tells Native American stories and explores lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzles. The show also examines how humans learn through space exploration. The program includes a brief tour of the night sky. (Recommended for ages 6-12) Laser Grateful Dead, Saturdays, Oct. 5 & 12, 8 pm This laser concert features such

Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, Oct. 19, 3 pm Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. A lively experience for young people, the show features selected music from “Journey Into Space” by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8) Frankenstein laser image

classic Grateful Dead tunes as “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” and “Sugar Magnolia.” (Recommended for ages 10-adult) Black Holes, Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 pm Journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: Black Holes. Where do they come from? Where do they go? How do we find them? Is there one on Earth’s horizon? The program includes a brief tour of the night sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

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Fright Light Laser Concert (family version), Saturdays, Oct. 19 at 8 pm and Oct. 26, 4 pm The witches and ghouls continue to haunt the Planetarium. These characters love our laser songs, including “The Addams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters.” (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

SkyLights, Saturday, Oct. 19, 4 pm Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while others feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

The Skies over Hogwarts, Friday, Oct. 25, 7 & 8 pm Join our eclectic group of witches and wizards as it guides audience members through a “Harry Potter”-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how J.K. Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters’ names. (Recommended for ages 8 and Spooky Skies, Saturdays, Oct. 19 older) at 7 pm, Oct. 26, 3 pm & 7 pm This Halloween, come to the Fright Light (PG-13), Saturday, RVCC Planetarium to witness Oct. 26, 8 pm spine-chilling tricks and treats This show is not recommended of Spooky Skies! The show takes for young viewers or those easily viewers back to medieval Ireland scared! The laser concert features to explore the roots of the Hal- such tunes as “Alive” by Meatloaf, loween holiday, then goes into the “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and heavens to draw parallels between “The Devil Went Down to Georsome celestial objects and famous gia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. monsters. What does a werewolf (Recommended for ages 13-adult) have on an inescapable Black Hole; Planetarium tickets cost $10 for a noxious, deadly planet like Veone show, $18 for two shows on the nus; or a crushing, dangerous supernova? (Recommended for ages same day. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805. For 8-adult) additional information, visit www. raritanval.edu/planetarium.

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The Branchburg News • October 2019

From laser concerts featuring music by the Grateful Dead, to astronomy shows focusing on Black Holes and the night sky, to special Halloween programs for kids and adults, the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium is offering a variety of offerings in October. The following shows will be presented at the Planetarium in Branchburg:

The Branchburg News • October 2019

Branchburg Scouts Enjoyed High Adventure Trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico

By Michael Rossman, Crew Reporter

Boy Scout Troop 90 of Branchburg had a crew of 12 (nine scouts and three adult leaders) that went to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico from June 26 to July 10. We were initially supposed to go to the ranch in 2018 but due to wildfires, our trek was moved to 2019. We departed from Newark Airport for Denver, Colorado, known as the Mile High City with an average elevation of 6,800 ft. and the center of the city exactly 5,280 ft. above sea level. For the next two days our crew visited the United States Air Force Academy and took a tour through the chapel and religious areas. Our crew rode on the Cog Railway to the 14,115 foot high summit of Pike’s Peak and visited the town of Manitou Springs. Also, our crew went whitewater rafting down a seven-mile stretch of the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge with Class 4 rapids. We had a guide in each boat to help us navigate throughout the river. What an awesome adventure! Our crew rode on the Cog Railway to the 14,115 foot high sum-

mit of Pike’s Peak and visited the town of Manitou Springs. Also, our crew went whitewater rafting down a seven-mile stretch of the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge with Class 4 rapids. We had a guide in each boat to help us navigate throughout the river. What an awesome adventure! After spending two days in the Colorado Springs area, we headed to the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico, for our 12-day backpacking trip. Day 1: We arrived at base camp around noon and met with our ranger Tom. He explained what to do on the trail and reviewed our trek plans. After lunch in the dining hall, Tom took us to our campsite to set up our gear for the night and do a gear shakedown to make sure we had everything we needed for the trek. After gear shakedown we took our crew photo. Our crew number was 628-T5 and during the photo Tom held up the sign to show the crew number in the photo. After our photo, we went to the store to purchase our Philmont belts and other things we needed for our trek. We were there for quite some time. After that we ate dinner and then went to the open-

ing campfire. About five minutes into the campfire, it started pouring. So we went to the pavilion to finish the opening campfire. We headed back to our campsite to get ready for the following day. Day 2: We left base camp at 10am to start our trek, driven by bus to an access road. Before we started, Tom had to go over some basic training before he leaves on day 4. He showed us how to set up and breakdown camp and how to stay safe on the trek among other things. We got onto the trail at 10:45pm and had a 1.35 mile hike all steep uphill to our first campsite which was Toothache Springs. We got to camp and were able to put

bear bags up with all “smellables” not used for that day. Halfway through setting up our dining fly, it started to rain and hail. Then it thundered and lightning caused us to go into lightning position for 1 hour then move to a red roof for another 35 minutes. In the red roof, Tom taught us some first aid to keep our minds off the rain. After the rain passed, we finished setting up the dining fly and set up our tents. We ate lunch and the rain returned. So we went into our tents and took naps for 45 minutes and then did more basic training through dinner and until bed. Day 3: We woke up at 5:30am to hike to Abreu to do our first program. We learned about life in the area and took a tour of the house. After the tour, we had root beer and were taught how to properly cook and clean up our meals. After eating, we left Abreu and had a flat 2 miles to Karson Meadows staff camp. We were given a campsite and then hung bear bags. We set up our tents and then cooked dinner. After dinner, we did the last of our basic training and then went to the staff cabin for activities. We played a mafia game and a game that was like Simon Says. The games were fun and exciting.

After the games, Tom took us to a spot by a campsite to tell us about his story and life at Philmont. In 2018, before the wildfires, Tom was free climbing and fell 35 feet and broke both of his legs. He said the day he went to the hospital, he was going to come back to Philmont the next year because he loves it there. After Tom told us his story, we hiked back to our campsite and went to bed. Day 4: We woke up at 8 am and had a long eight-mile hike to Fish camp. Along the trail, we got some pictures of the crew and there was nice scenery. We arrived at Fish camp at 11:45am and ate lunch right away because we were hungry and exhausted from the hike. After lunch we took a tour of the cabin and then went to our program which was fly tying. When we were learning about fly tying, it started to pour and hail. We were tying for 30 minutes and our time was up and another crew came to do the activity. After tying, we went into the cabin and we waited out the rain by playing cards with the staff. Day 5: We woke up at 6am to hike 2.5 miles to Apache Springs. continued on page 21

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The hike was easy and we arrived at camp at 9:45am. We met a staff member named Julia and she was from Hunterdon County, NJ, which was pretty cool. After checking in, we went to the commissary to get our meals and fruit. Then we set up camp and went to our activity which was 3D archery and we shot at fake animals. It was a lot of fun and the crew enjoyed it very much. Then at 2 pm we had our conservation work which was cutting down trees. We all enjoyed helping out. After conservation, we returned to camp and ate dinner. Day 6: We hiked three miles through a meadow to Cow camp to do a program and it was very interesting. We learned about different animal skulls and how to tell them apart. After our program, we had two more miles of hiking to Wild Horse camp. We arrived there and ate dinner right away because we were exhausted and we went to bed shortly after. Day 7: We left Wild Horse to hike to Deer Creek to throw tomahawks. It was a lot of fun and we all enjoyed it. After the tomahawk throwing, we took a tour of the hunting cabin where there were many animal pelts that we learned about. After the tour, we went to the range at the camp to shoot black powder rifles. We learned how to load them and we shot three shots. We were able to shoot at bandanas, hats, and shirts. We all had a lot of fun and that was an action-packed stop. We hiked 2.5 miles all uphill to the top of Mount Phillips. The view was amazing and that was one of the best moments of the trip for everyone. After Mount Phillips, we

Pictured from left to right: Michael Rossman (Crew Reporter), Nathaniel Ahearn (Crew Leader), Chris McArthur (Crew Wilderness Guia), Evan D’Aprile, Mark W McArthur (Navigator), Brad Hieber (Crew Chaplain Aide), Brett D’Aprile, Miguel Aguirre, Peter Bellek. Not pictured: Leaders Larry Ahearn, Mark McArthur, and Tom D’Aprile.

hiked to Comanche Peak where we saw fireworks from Cimarron and a beautiful sunset. Day 8: We left the peak at 8:30 am to go to Sawmill and the hike was easy because it was all downhill. We got to the camp around noon and ate lunch. We got our meals from the commissary and hiked up to camp to drop off our gear and came back down to reload our rifles for the next day. After that, we went up to camp and today we got to take showers for the first time since we left Colorado, which was such a relief! After the showers, we washed clothes, ate dinner and set up camp. Day 9: We woke up at 9:30 am and went shooting at 10 am. We shot .30-06 rifles. We all had 12 shots each. It was awesome! After shooting, we left Sawmill to go to

Whistlepunk camp. As we were leaving, it started to rain. We had a short 2 mile hike to camp and we were 0.1 miles away and we had to go into lightning position for 30 minutes. We were all cold from the rain and soon after we were setting up our tents in the rain. We got into our tents and fell asleep for about 2 hours. We were tired and cold so we did not eat dinner and we called it a night. Day 10: We left Whistlepunk at 9:30 am and had a 3 mile hike to Cyphers Mine to do an activity. The hike was fun because we sang some songs along the trail to keep our minds occupied while we were hiking. Once we arrived at the camp, we went into the mine and learned how people tried to find gold. We had to make our way out of the mine with no flashlights. After that we ate some

snacks and hiked to Cimarroncito where we played cards and set up camp. Day 11: We left Cimarroncito at 10 am and we did rock climbing and rappelling. It was a fun time. We hiked to Clark’s Fork where we had a chuck wagon dinner with the staff and it was pretty good. We had stew, biscuits, and peach cobbler. After dinner we played cards for an hour then we went to the campfire. Day 12: We left Clark’s Fork early and we were all excited because that was the last day of the trek. We ate breakfast on the trail and we got back to base camp at 10 am. After coming back to base camp we returned the supplies that belonged to them. We set up camp and then took showers. It felt great and we were all happy to be back on our phones. We went to the lunch hall and we saw Tom and we were talking to him about our trek and then we went to the Cantina where we got some snacks. After going to the Cantina, we went back to camp to get ready for dinner. We had dinner at the dining hall then went to the closing campfire. Heading Home: We woke up at 7am and got ready to go home. We packed up all of our things and got onto the charter bus and went back to the hotel after a long bus ride. We ate lunch and chilled for a little bit. After eating, we headed to Denver Airport and the four-hour flight home (actually six hours with the time difference). We got home at 11 pm and greeted our families who were there to pick us up. We all had a lot of fun and it was an experience of a lifetime!

What They Went For Recent property sales reported in Branchburg Township: 532 Azalea Ter. $235K 538 Azalea Ter. $210K 1012 Breckenridge Dr. $212,500 15 Cottage Pl. $545K 216 County Line Rd. $535K 16 Fremont St. $409,900 8 Gordon Pl. $495K 1305 Magnolia Ln. $278K 5 Mohawk Trl. $370K 8 Natures Ln. $445K 629 Old York Rd. $480K 871 Old York Rd. $470K 2 Ramapo Trl. $565K 312 Red Crest Ln. $230K 20 Susquehanna Trl. $390K 3 Tamarack Dr. $670K 1 Watchung Trl. $405K 2 Watchung Trl. $337,500 5 Windy Willow Way $425K

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21 The Branchburg News • October 2019

continued from page 20

High Adventure Trip to Philmont Scout Ranch

Central Jersey Stream Team Likes Clean Waterways

By Jens Riedel, PE President, Central Jersey Stream Team

up in the river from past and current illegal dumping, flooding, and stormwater runoff, but with dedicated cleanup events and efforts to reduce littering and dumping, the waterways are becoming cleaner. The Central Jersey Stream Team is a grassroots, 501c3 nonprofit organization started in 2013. The all-volunteer group has organized 10 or more cleanups each year primarily in the Raritan River watershed but also in other parts of the state. The group has removed close to 5,000 tires and many tons of other junk from New Jersey’s waterways. The group is based in Old Bridge and can be contacted through Facebook or www. cjstreamteam.org.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Central Jersey Stream Team ( CJST) organized a river cleanup on the South Branch of the Raritan River which forms the border between Branchburg and Hillsborough. Almost 30 volunteers removed trash from the river bottom and banks from a nearly 2.5 mile section between the Elm Street Bridge in Neshanic Station and Clawson Avenue in Hillsborough. The volunteers collected 53 tires (including 2 large tractor tires), an oxygen tank, two chairs, a vintage TV set, a trash bin, several rugs, many bags of trash and recyclables, and lots of other junk. Hillsborough Township picked up and disposed of the trash that Jens Riedel grew up in was collected. This garbage ends Branchburg, and still lives here.

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Central Jersey Stream Team volunteers enter the South Branch of the Raritan at the Elm Street Bridge in Neshanic Station.

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CJST Cleans Up River Between Branchburg and Hillsborough

The Branchburg News • October 2019

Seen above at left, the trash pile at Clawson Avenue on the Hillsborough side. At middle is the CJST equipment trailer. Note the rowboat stowed on top. At right, Mike Boguszewski (left) of Middlesex Borough and Mike Elonis (red shirt) of Trenton remove a tractor tire from the river. Mike and Mike are two new volunteers who were attending their first CJST cleanup. All photos provided by Central Jersey Stream Team.

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Please Join Us In Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary! Saturday, October 5th, 2019 10am-3pm At Whitehouse Prep

Come Celebrate With Us! Highlights Include: • Alumni Talent Show • Carnival Games

This Month In Branchburg History One Year Ago, Oct. 2018: Five scouts of Troop 185 were promoted to the rank of Eagle: Brian Morris, Joseph Schuler, Logan Christ, Caleb Mason, Matthew Emmons. Five Years Ago, Oct. 2014: The 1790 Andrew Ten Eyck House in Branchburg was the most popular stop among 25 sites on Somerset County’s annual Weekend Journey Through the Past tour. 10 Years Ago, Oct. 2009: Emergency services personnel from the Readington Volunteer Fire Company, the Branchburg Rescue Squad, the North Branch Volunteer Fire Company, and the Whitehouse Rescue Squad got to-

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gether for four days of hands-on training. The goal was to learn the same techniques and to become familiar with working together. 25 Years Ago, Oct. 1994: In its Kidswin program, the Branchburg Police Department was giving “tickets” to young bicycle riders based on helmet use. Riders spotted wearing helmets got green tickets and a chance to win a police-style mountain bike. 50 Years Ago, Oct. 1969: Because Branchburg student enrollment at Somerset County Vocational High School unexpectedly jumped from nine to 13, arrangements were made to lease a larger bus for an extra $8 per day.

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The Branchburg News • October 2019

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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 FLORIDA CONDO For Sale in Naples. Near beaches and shopping. 1700 ft2, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Renovated in 2016. Asking $325,000. Call 908-303-9470 for info. Stay warm this winter!

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Tickets for the Dec. 7 Stanton Holly Trail are now on sale. Started in 1962, Holly Trail is the longest running house tour in New Jersey. The day consists of touring five private homes elaborately decorated for Christmas. Tickets cost $50 and include bus transportation, tea and cookies, admission to the craft bazaar, a stop at the whimsical Candy House, and a musical respite in the sanctuary of the Stanton Reformed Church. There is an optional gourmet lunch available for $15. The tour can also be enjoyed by candlelight on Friday, Dec. 6. Purchase tickets at www.stantonhollytrail.org or call 908-713-8111. The theme of the 2019 tour is Joyful and Triumphant: The Final Tour. 2019 marks the end of Stanton Holly Trail. “Like many all-volunteer organizations, we are struggling to find younger volunteers to carry on the work of Holly Trail,” said Suzanne Schwanda, co-chair of Holly Trail. “We still believe deeply in the causes we support and hope to re-invent ourselves in order to continue to support Briteside Adult Day Services and outreach at Stanton Reformed Church.” For more information and photos of past tours visit www.stantonhollytrail.org.

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