Branchburg News - November 2021 by Town Media

November 2021

www.branchburgnews.com

Tragic Accident Takes Life of Branchburg Teenager

Vincent Gagliardi

Vincent “Vinny” Gagliardi, 17, of Branchburg, passed away on Oct. 8 after a tragic car accident on Fairview Drive in Neshanic Station. Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson stated that on Friday, Oct. 8, at approximately 8:21 p.m. Branchburg Township Police responded to a single motor vehicle crash on Fairview Drive. Responding officers along with emergency medical personnel upon arrival to the crash scene initiated life-saving measures on Vincent, who was

ejected from the front passenger seat of the car. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Prosecutor Robertson stated that the preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Scion, was being operated westbound on Fairview Drive prior to the motor vehicle crash, which consisted of striking several roadside objects across several hundred feet of roadway. The vehicle was occupied by a total of three occupants at the time of the crash. The driver and rear-seat passenger were evaluated and treated at the scene and refused further medical treatment. Born in Somerville, Vincent resided in Branchburg all of his life. He attended Somerville High School and worked part time as a cashier at ShopRite in Branchburg. During his life in Branchburg, Vincent participated in Branchburg In-Town Soccer, Travel Soccer, Somerville High School Freshman Soccer, Cub Scouts, Branchburg In-Town Baseball, Branchburg In-Town Lacrosse and Somerville High School Ski Club. Vincent loved to spend time

with his amazing group of friends. His passion was skateboarding and online gaming. One thing Vincent enjoyed the most was taking trips to LBI in the summer to spend quality time with his family. He is survived by his loving parents, Kelly and Richard Gagliardi, adoring sister, Erica Gagliardi of Branchburg; two aunts, Kimberly and husband Patrick Mock of Woodstock, GA; Krista and husband Derek Koch of Atlanta, GA; three uncles, Steven and wife Anne Marie Gagliardi of Whippany; Anthony Gagliardi of Whitehouse Station; Brian Gagliardi of Whitehouse Station; his paternal grandparents, Judy and Russ Evans of Whitehall, PA; his maternal grandmother, Sharon Cook of Lawrenceville, GA; and many loving cousins. A funeral mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes in Whitehouse Station. Friends set up a Meal Train (search “Meal Train for The Gagliardi Family”) to assist the family with food, gift cards and monetary donations.

Branchburg Police Kick It with In-Town Soccer

By Heather Grande

The Branchburg Police Department visited the township’s recreational soccer program, Branchburg In-Town Soccer Club, on Oct. 16 at White Oak Park. The officers attended the TOPSoccer division, BITSC’s special needs division, and met with our future officers. Players dressed in police hats and badges, explored police vehicles, and showed off their soccer skills. Officers then met with our preschool division and even got some goalie training from our youngest players. The Branchburg PD mingled with members of the community, and soccer players enjoyed some ba-

General Election is Nov. 2 Branchburg will elect two Township Committee members and three Board of Education members in the Nov. 2 General Election. Seeking re-election to the Township Committee are Republicans Anna P. Columbus and Brendon A. Beatrice. Opposing them are Democrats Sivakumar Mathusoodana and Thomas R. Weimer. The six School Board candidates are Carmela Noto; incumbent Theresa Joyce (BoE president); incumbent Kristen Fabriczi; Charles Tuma; Stephanie Locricchio; and Heather Maturin. (See related story on page 9.) On the state level, top candidates for Governor are Democratic incumbent Philip Murphy and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. In District 16, candidates for State Senate are Republican Michael Pappas and Democratic Andrew Zwicker. Candidates for two Assembly seats are Republicans Vincent T. Panico and Joseph A. Lukac III and Democrats Roy Freiman (incumbent) and Sadaf Jaffer.

In Somerset County, candidates for two seats on the Board of County Commissioners are Republicans Michael Kirsh and Amber Murad and incumbent Democrats Shanel Y. Robinson and Sara Sooy. In-person voting at all polling locations in Branchburg Township in the Nov. 2 General Election will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents’ polling locations will be noted on their sample ballots. A list of polling locations can also be found on the Branchburg Township website at www.branchburg.nj.us, in the Document Center under Election Information. New Jersey voters now have the option, for the first time, to vote in-person at early voting polling locations. Voters also have the option to vote by mail. For information on all voting options, visit the Somerset County Clerk’s website at: https://www. co.somerset.nj.us/residents/election-guidelines.

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Soccer players and police officers enjoy a day of soccer at White Oak Park.

gels, coffee, and handmade cards. The Branchburg In-Town Soccer Club thanks the Branchburg PD for making the time to get to know our players and program. The Branchburg In-Town Soc-

cer Club and TOPSoccer Program opens enrollment each year in May for the Fall Season. Program is open for children grades preschool through 8th grade. www.branchburgsoccer.com

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The Branchburg News • November 2021

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 Clewell The Branchburg News is mailed monthly, free-of-charge to every mailing address in Branchburg Township. Free copies are also available for distribution in places of business, schools, and municipal offices. DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE December 2021 November 15 For Ad Materials November 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

Upcoming Events Crafts ‘n Quilts Show and Sale Nov. 6 Courthouse Quilters Guild will host this free event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Flemington Elks, 165 Route 31 S, Flemington. Handmade items include wood bowls, local honey, hand dyed fabric jackets, lavender bee balm, quilts, scarves, dichroic glass jewelry, photos, notecards, handbags, and holiday decorations. Fabric will be sold at rock bottom prices. Quilts will be on display. Lunch and drinks available during the show courtesy of the Flemington Elks.

Holiday Shopping Boutique Nov. 11 The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center (JCC) will host from 3 to 7 p.m. at 775 Talamini Rd. in Bridgewater. The free public boutique will feature a wide variety of vendors including accessories, jewelry, crafts, clothing, handbags, candles, and dog bandanas. Details are posted at ssbjcc.org.

Friday Evening with the Mayor Nov. 12 Join Mayor Brendon Beatrice for an informal conversation on any topic from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Craft Fair Nov. 6 Courtroom of the Branchburg The Readington Reformed Municipal Building. Church Women’s Ministries will host the annual event from 10 a.m. Historical Society to 4 p.m. Original crafts, knitted Open House Nov. 14 items, jewelry and quilted items The Andrew Ten Eyck House on will be featured along with a bake Old York Road will be open for sale and tricky tray. The church is visitors on the second Sunday in located at 124 Readington Road November from 1 until 4 p.m. The (Rte 620.) Proceeds benefit mis- Open House also includes a sale sions and the church handicap ac- of antiques, collectables and yard cess project. Masks required. sale items. Tack Sale Nov. 7 Looking for great deals on name brand equine tack items? Come to Mane Stream, 83 Old Turnpike Rd. in Oldwick, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. All proceeds to benefit Programs of Equine Related Activities and Therapy Services. For more info: 908-439-9636 or manestreamnj. org.

Quilting Guild Nov. 19 The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will meet via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. There will be a morning lecture and afternoon workshop with Debbie Kratovil, a prolific quilter and pattern designer, published author and popular teacher. (https://www.quilterbydesign. com/.) The lecture is “Turning

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Roseann Podlaski and Barbara Melitski are pictured preparing to wear purple for Domestic Abuse Awareness Day.

Diamond Eye Jack

Though he died a quarter of a century ago, the music and community of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead is stronger and more popular than ever. Two local musicians are doing their part to continue that experience by bringing their band, Diamond Eye Jack, to Willie McBride’s on Friday, Nov. 12 at 9 p.m. Branchburg residents Chris Repetto and Jim Russo make up 2/5ths of the jam band that has been headlining venues and music festivals and creating buzz amongst the tri-state music community since debuting back in March of 2019. Playing mu-

Branchburg Woman’s Club Helps Out, Has Fun

sic together for more than a decade, Repetto and Russo have joined forces with lead guitarist Luke Youngman, bassist Mike Malinowski and keyboardist Chris Shelley to create a unique musical experience. Though rooted in the music and style of the Grateful Dead, any given Diamond Eye Jack show will feature multiple songs by other classic rock, R&B and blues artists covered by the Dead. Upcoming events, setlists, videos and more can be found on www. DiamondEyeJack.com or www.facebook.com/diamondeyejack.

Mary Enyingi sells 50/50 raffle tickets at the Branchburg Country Fair. - Photo by Steve Harris

By Kate Sarles The Branchburg Woman’s Club’s dedication to community service was evident in September at the Branchburg Country Fair. The club collected 60 lbs. of food for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Additional funds raised at the fair through a 50/50 and basket auction will be used to help fund the annual scholarships the club awards to Somerville High School and Branchburg Central Middle School students.

While the Oct. 21 general meeting of the club was cancelled due to storm damage at the Little Red Schoolhouse, members joined the Federation of Women’s Clubs in wearing purple on that day in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness and to underscore the importance of regular mammograms. October also saw the club collecting items to fill holiday stockings for our troops. The stockings are filled with items the soldiers identify as useful and/or

enjoyable. In addition, members have been donating gift cards, sweaters, hats and other needed articles for the two-year statewide woman’s club project, Chill Out, to help the homeless. Of course, BWC Interest Groups are where friends are made and special interests are pursued. As with the Literary and Lunch Bunch Interest Groups, “Game Time” provides gamers one afternoon a month for members to play their favorite games, such as Uno and Mexican Train. Chairwoman Barbara Melitski sets the meeting schedule, but the members decide which game or games they’d like to play that afternoon. Refreshments are served! If you are interested in learning about the Branchburg Woman’s Club, we can be reached at branchburgwomansclub@gmail. com. The club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the New Jersey Federation of Women’s clubs.

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The Branchburg News • November 2021

Branchburg Musicians Keep the Dead Alive

The Branchburg News • November 2021

Memories Are Where You First Met Them

Over the course of time everything we experience is stored as a memory. Having limited capacity for recall, it is the most impactful memories that linger. By no means are memories ever lost, they are stored in pristine condition in unconscious archives. The key to recovery can be a scent, sight or a sound. Prompted by clues hidden in unrelated conversations, a single phrase or word can bring an experience back into sharp focus. Old, faded photographs of no particular beauty or composition can instantly bring the past into laser focus as the prompts to our memories are as individual as fingerprints. So it is that each time I paddle the river, it becomes a physical journey through the accumulated memories collected over hundreds of miles, paddled on the same stretch of river. Each trip is like opening the old family album to add new photographs and seeing the older images as the pages are turned. It is as if a gravitational pull compels you to linger a bit longer in the realm of old memories. There is hardly a location on the river that does not hold a memory

for me. Digital images and photographs abound, however, it is being present on the river that provides access to memories not captured by the camera or pushed aside by the endless flow of freshly minted memories. Every time I pass the drainage above the mouth of Pleasant Run, my mind immediately plays the video of the snowy winter day I pulled out of the current into the safe harbor of a drainage to warm my hands under my arms. The heavy snow quickly covered me and my boat as I leaned forward, folded arms resting on my thighs. I felt safe and comfortable as the canoe was stabilized in the heavy slush and well within the sixfoot-wide drainage, away from the main current. The snow was almost a foot deep along the high bank and to my surprise a dark brown mink was porpoising through the deep snow toward the drainage and my canoe. The mink came within arm’s reach before it realized the convenient bridge and large lump of snow was an existential threat. One summer day I had my young daughter in the bow of my canoe, as we approached the tower line near home, a large fish jumped clear of the water, hit the gallon jug of juice she was holding, bounced off the opposite gunwale and fell back into the river. Her expression was priceless, as was mine, to witness

a scene that could only happen in a cartoon. Can’t pass under that tower line without reliving that moment! Though many years have passed, the clarity and even the emotion of that comedy is still retained in the tower line archives. On an initiation canoe trip with my four-year-old grandson, I paddled close to a high shale cliff, as in my experience cliffs were a major attraction to young boys. Sure enough, Caleb was impressed and asked how to get to the top. Before I could answer I noticed a large animal on the narrow shelf at water’s edge below the cliff. We closed in on a supersized beaver munching some delicate vines growing on the cliff face. The beaver slowly moved into deeper water but not before swimming on the surface a few yards in front of the canoe. You will not be able to see it, but when I pass that cliff, it reveals a crystal-clear video of that priceless moment. Of course, the next day Caleb never mentioned the beaver to his mom but was totally impressed by Grampy carrying the canoe over his head. One early spring day after ice-out, the river was running high, and the only ice that remained was found in deep cuts into the bank where trees were washed away. As I rounded a sharp bend in the river, I kept about three feet off the left bank to avoid the main current. Immediately to my

This maroon shale cliff forming the river’s bend serves as a memory retrieval bank for times gone by. I was canoeing with my late friend Jimmy, who caught and released a feisty smallmouth bass just upstream of that shale prominence. Memory storage may be why the shore of a river is referred to as a “bank.”

left was a large ice-covered cove about 12 feet into the high vertical bank. I could not believe what I saw! Standing in sharp contrast to the empty expanse of graying ice, was an otter! As it ran toward me, I realized its only escape route was into the water next to my canoe. At less than two feet away I watched the otter dive into the fast-moving muddy water in the narrow space between my boat and the ice shelf. I thought I was hallucinating, perhaps hypothermic; I never saw an otter on the

river before or since. That bend in the river projects this memory exclusively for me, it is my personal archive available to no one else. Memories are where you first met them, they are safe from prying eyes and remain where you last left them. The storage capacity is infinite and the keys to unlock them are everywhere. Contact jjmish57@msn.com. See more articles and photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com.

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By Ileen Bradley, MRB Foundation President On Oct. 1 the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation hosted its 14th Annual Gala, the Rose Ball, at the Somerville Elks Banquet Hall. The room was filled with an assortment of various shades of roses supplied by Scott’s Florist in Raritan. Highlights of the evening included State Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman as the Master of Ceremonies and Bob Bradley welcoming everyone for the evening. There were scrumptious

culinary delights, an array of silent auction items, music, games and dancing to the tunes of Classic Sounds DJ Ray. Everyone had a wonderful time while raising thousands of dollars for pediatric brain cancer research. Dr. Richard Anderson gave us a promising update about the clinical trials that began a few years ago. This year’s Award Recipient, Dr. Amir Sheikhi from the Pennsylvania State University, shared his vision and his direction for the next two years. The grant

The Branchburg News • November 2021

Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation Rose Ball Supported Grant

awarded totaled $80,000 over a two-year period. These funds are available as a direct result of everyone’s commitment to support our mission. I want to thank all our sponsors and a special thanks to Clark Travel for sponsoring our Wine event, all the volunteers, the committee who works tirelessly to make all our events special, our friends from the Branchburg Rotary, the Elks, and this incredible Branchburg Community. Contact us at mrbfoundation@ gmail.com.

The Branchburg News • November 2021

Bollywood Dancercise Comes to Branchburg

Charitable Bracelet Makers–Branchburg girls Grace Gon-

deck and Elizabeth Dahl came up with a charitable business idea over the summer called Para Perfect. The girls worked hard making paracord bracelets and keychains, selling them to raise money for Project Horses for Forces, a nonprofit organization offering equine therapy to veterans and Miriam’s Heart, a nonprofit organization helping with adoptions. They recently had a table at the Branchburg County Fair and were able to raise close to $200 to support both charitable organizations. If you would like to help and have an opportunity for them to set up a table, email paraperfect2@gmail.com. –Submitted by Janet La Gondeck

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Branchburg Recreation has announced its newest program, Bollywood Dancercise. During this 6-week program to be held in the gym at Stony Brook School on Tuesdays beginning Nov. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m., participants will experience the fun, upbeat tempo of Bollywood music. This form of exercise can help with weight loss, body toning, better health, stress reduction, and most importantly, lots of fun. Participants can dance to instructor-led steps or choose Indian wedding freestyle. This program is designed for all ages and no prior experience needed. Register online through Community Pass, https://register.communitypass.net/Branchburg. Instructor is Surabbi Sharma.

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Principal Gerard Foley is pictured with National Merit Commended Students Andrew J. Dailey, Ranjit Singh, and Miguel A. Aguirre.

Principal Gerard Foley of Somerville High School announced Sept. 22 that Miguel A. Aguirre, Andrew J. Dailey, and Ranjit Singh, all of Branchburg, have been named Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by Mr. Foley to these

scholastically talented seniors. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT). Hannah Shahinian of Somerville has been named Semifinalist. From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation.

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State and Federal environmental agencies have determined that electronic products must be treated as hazardous waste when intended for disposal and ******* has mandated recycling for e-waste. Electronic waste is incredibly poisonous. NEW PROGRAM – Bollywood Dancercise! Want to It exceeds the level for hazardous waste by 30 to 100 times! have fun with family & friends and torch calories

away while you dance? Well, this is the class for you. Join us for an hour each week, all are welcome! 6 7:00pm, Tuesdays, 11/2 – 12/7 at Stony Brook Gym.

There will be a drop off area set up at the Public Works Garage on the above date, to accept e-waste at NO COST TO YOU!! BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP LEAF PICK-UP SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

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Branch from 11am-1pm, meet at the Elm Street Bridge parking lot in the village of Neshanic Station by 10:45am. Register ONLINE for these FREE Events!

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The Let’s Volunteer group will be meeting 1st Saturday of the month 9a - 3:00p on Monday, Nov 15 to make Brown Bag As an alternative solution to disposing of your yard waste please consider composting or mulching. Lunches for S.H.I.P. They were hit extremely hard with Ida & lost everything, except A Simple Reminder: their spirit to do what they can for the homeThe Municipal Offices and Public Works Office will be closed all day on the less and those less fortunate. following Holiday dates: . Follow Branchburg Recreation on Facebook @ • November 11th BburgRecDept •

November 26th

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The Branchburg News • November 2021

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The Branchburg News • November 2021

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Famous Rescue Dog at Barkley’s Nov. 14

When Piglet comes to Barkley’s Marketplace in the ShopRite shopping center in Branchburg on Sunday, Nov. 14, for a book signing and “meet and greet,” it is going to be something of a family reunion. Piglet’s “Favorite Dad” Warren is the cousin of Andy Cohen, the owner of Barkley’s Marketplace. A love of animals, especially “rescues,” seems to run in the family: Cohen has 5 dogs at home, and Warren and his wife, veterinarian and author Melissa Shaprio, are parents to 6 dogs, including Piglet, the subject of Shapiro’s inspirational memoir, “Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Family.”

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Sessions will be held at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Melissa will be accompanied by Piglet, Piglet’s “Favorite Dad,” Warren, and a few members of his “pack.” Piglet will demonstrate his tap signals, and Melissa will discuss her book, the importance of the “Piglet Mindset” (resilience, growth, kindness) and answer questions. All books purchased at the event will be signed by Melissa and include Piglet’s paw print. Tickets are limited and must be reserved in advance on barkleysmarketplace.com. Admission is free, and the cost to reserve a signed copy of the book is $26. $5 from every book purchase will be donated to Piglet International, an educational non-profit foundation. Guests are asked to treat Piglet with care. No other animals will be allowed at the event, except service dogs, and guests will not

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Branchburg Township voters will elect three Board of Education members for three-year seats in the Nov. 2 General Election. Six candidates have thrown their hats into the ring in this tough year of mask mandates and pandemic protocols. On the ballot are Charles Tuma; and newcomers Stephanie Locricchio and Heather Maturin, running as a team, and Carmela Noto, incumbents Theresa Joyce (BoE president), and Kristen Fabriczi, running as a team; (Correction: In the October issue of The Branchburg News Carmela Noto was listed as an incumbent. She has served on the board previously, but is not currently serving. We regret the error.) The Branchburg News requested the following candidate statements to assist voters in electing the candidates that best represent them. Responses are listed alphabetically. Kristen Fabriczi 1. What is your occupation? I am a speech language pathologist, working in a school setting and for a private practice. 2. How long have you lived in Branchburg? 36 years 3. If you are an incumbent, how many years have you served on the board? I have served for almost six years on the Branchburg BOE and as the Branchburg resident on the Somerville BOE for nearly 4 years. 4. What is your candidate statement, that is, why should residents vote for you? I’m a hard worker who has served on or chaired the education, personnel, policy, community relations, and strategic planning committees. I also serve on Somerville’s technology committee. I am one of only four

current board members who has been through the process of hiring a new superintendent. As an alumnae of the Branchburg schools and Somerville High School, I’m proud to be educating my children here and doing all I can to make Branchburg schools the best they can be. Theresa Joyce 1. What is your occupation? software developer (retired); non-profit bookkeeper/ treasurer (volunteer) - Somerville Area Fish, Inc. 2. How long have you lived in Branchburg? 24 years 3. If you are an incumbent, how many years have you served on the board? 10 years (4 as president, 2 as vice president) 4. What is your candidate statement, that is, why should residents vote for you? I have had the honor of serving as president of the Branchburg BOE for the last four years. It has been my pleasure to work for the children and families of Branchburg. Our district needs strong, thoughtful, consistent leadership. I will stay focused on the search for an exceptional new superintendent, continuing academic excellence, responsibly managing our budget to support educational

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programming and facilities, attracting top quality teachers, and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff. Stephanie Locricchio 1. I am an Advocacy Liaison with Children’s Health Defense. 2. I’ve lived in Branchburg for 3 years. 3. (not incumbent) 4. Parents who are fed up with mandates, and the slow removal of their God given parental rights should vote for me. I will defend their right to decide. Parents know their children better than any elected officials or school board member and should be the ones to make personal medical decisions and instill the morals and beliefs they hold dear. It’s time to end mandates and give the power back to the parents where it belongs. I am committed to defending parental choice. Heather Maturin 1. What is your occupation? I am a Technical Recruiter, I’ve been in IT recruiting for over 13 years. 2. How long have you lived in Branchburg? Almost 7 years 3. (not incumbent) 4. What is your candidate statement, that is, why should residents vote for you? I am just a mom who began showing

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intendents (two Branchburg and one Somerville). I will work diligently to make sure our District continues to address the needs of our children, preparing them for a bright and productive future, while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget. Charles Tuma 1. What is your occupation? Sr, Financial Analyst 2. How long have you lived in Branchburg? 8 1/2 years 3. If you are an incumbent, how many years have you served on the board? I served on the board from 2018 to 2020 4. What is your candidate statement, that is, why should residents vote for you? Hire the RIGHT superintendent. Address student learning loss. Optimize the school budget. Assess impact of new housing on future enrollment. Transparency and clear communication with the Branchburg community. All of these issues will appear on board agendas in the near future and will require the right experience to ensure that the right decisions are made to benefit the students of the district and to assure the voices of ALL Branchburg residents are heard. I would appreciate your support! Experience matters!

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up to BOE meetings because I had questions. Many questions didn’t always have an answer. I want to play an active role in creating solutions that keep parents informed and, most importantly, our children safe while they learn and interact socially with each other. If I were elected, I would work tirelessly to deliver on my commitment to help our children, staff and parents have the best possible experience in our schools. Carmela Noto 1. What is your occupation? Territory Manager 2. How long have you lived in Branchburg? I am a lifelong resident. 3. If you are an incumbent, how many years have you served on the board? I previously served two terms (6 years from 2011-2017). 4. What is your candidate statement, that is, why should residents vote for you? As a lifelong resident of Branchburg, I attended Branchburg public schools from grades K-8. I am an experienced Board Member serving for two terms, with one as representative for Somerville. Additionally, I participated in candidate searches and hiring for three Super-

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The Branchburg News • November 2021

Happy, Familiar Faces at the Branchburg Country Fair

The Branchburg Woman’s Club had a big presence under the tents with a food drive, a 50/50 fundraiser, and a tricky tray auction.

The Green Planet rock band performed for the crowd. Other performers were Tom Klimchock, Penelope The Powerful Parrot, School of Rock, and Averie Washington.

The 24th Branchburg Country Fair took place on a sunny Saturday, Sept. 25, at White Oak Park. The event began at 11 a.m. and ended with the Gregory Gonzalez Memorial Fireworks at 8 p.m. Fairgoers were treated to entertainment, family activities, displays by community groups, vendors and businesses, and food. A car show was featured across Baird Road at the Branchburg Central Middle School parking lot. Bob Bouwman has chaired the event for 24 years and promises an The Branchburg Historical Society entertained with a fun “name the historieven bigger bash for the 25th fair cal item” game. Pictured is Norm Winter manning the booth. in 2022.

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Kids ran around the fair grounds in between sports activities at the park.

All country fair photos were taken by Steve Harris. The fair boasts the very best fireworks display, thanks to Furino and Sons Inc. For a complete photo gallery, see the fair website at www. branchburgcountryfair.org. Past Branchburg Country Fair Rita Bouwman, Marie Caprio, years’ country fair photos are also Committee Members are Jim Caprio, Maria DeSimone, featured on the site. Chairman Bob Bouwman, Shavaun Gliksman, Steve Harris, Michael Kaminsky, Bill Lawson, Maria Mineo, Patti Rees, and Specializing in Braces & Invisalign Amy Silva. for Children, Teens & Adults Want to volunteer on the fair committee? Send an email to branchburgcountryfair@gmail. com or call Bob at 908-5263094.

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By Michele Dickson On Nov. 11 Branchburg Senior Citizens Club is celebrating its 50 Anniversary by having a luncheon at Fox Hollow Golf Club. We will honor our past club Presidents: Walter Taylor (1971-1977), Helen Partak (1978-1983 & 1986), Grace Staats (1984-1985), Min Fredericks (1987), Jean Pastore (1988), Corinne Sansone (1995-1996), George Becker (1989-1990), Adam Sansone (1991-1992), Louis Grube (1993-1994),Corinne Sansone (19951996), Dorothy Budzek (1997-1998), Jack Bergen (1999), Thomas Sharkey (2000), Rita Jordan (2001- 2002), Henry Philips (2003-2004), Linda Grube (2005), Angela Schmitt (2006-2007), Norman Rossdeutscher (2008), Ronald Schmaltz (2009 -2010), Angela Schmitt (2011), Jean Dean (2012), Liz Dorizas (20132014 & 2016), Jack Bergen (2015), Marion Bergen (2017), and Ed Ogin (2018-2021). We are thankful for all the Presidents who work faithfully to keep the club running smoothly. We also have our Monthly Business meeting on Nov. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the club meeting room in Whiton Hills Apartments. Come join us for a light lunch, Bingo, 50/50, and an information meeting.

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visiting from Colorado. The two remained in touch as friends before they became a couple in early 2018. Later that year, Maria moved back to the East Coast, and the rest is history. The happy couple were officially engaged on July 8 in New Hope, PA.

Matthew Topley and Maria Sacchi

Thomas and Cynthia Sacchi of Branchburg announce the engagement of their daughter, Maria Sacchi, to Matthew Topley, son of Thomas and Wynn Topley of Yardley, PA. Maria graduated from Somerville High School in 2012 and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2016. She currently works as an Analyst at Altus Partners Inc. in Radnor, PA. Matt graduated from Pennsbury High School in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University in 2015, his master’s degree from the University of Delaware in 2018, and is currently completing his PhD at Temple University. Maria and Matt first met in Philadelphia by chance while Maria was

Continued on Page 12

Joe Pavlow has been hired as the new Director of Athletics at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. Pavlow comes to the college with a wealth of experience as a coach and administrator having worked as the Director of Athletics at Rosemont College. Under his direction the department captured its firstever CSAC Championships, in all totaling five championships across three different programs. Pavlow was actively engaged in committee membership on campus, in the conference, and on the national level.

Miya Sachi Cosenza

Somerville High School ‘02 alumnus Garrett Cosenza and his wife Corey UtsurogiCosenza welcomed the arrival of their daughter Miya Sachi Cosenza on May 26, 2021. Garrett is the assistant

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The Branchburg News • November 2021

Branchburg Senior Citizens Club 50th Anniversary Luncheon Nov. 11

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Branchburg, LP $575,000 • Location, Location, Location. Desired Mountainview Farms is accessible to White Oak Park where tennis, playground, walking trails, sporting events and Branchburg Central School are all within walking distance. Enter into the bright foyer with its high ceiling and paladian window. The formal living room and dining room offer hardwood flooring, and crown molding. A brand new kitchen sparkles and adjoins the family room with a wood burning fireplace and hardwood flooring with access to the oversized deck. Another current upgrade is the powder room. Open concept floor plan allows for ease in formal and informal entertaining. The spacious master bedroom has vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet. The master and main bath have been tastefully refreshed. The remaining three bedrooms are all exceptional in size. The finished basement is the perfect recreation room and exercise area. Love where you live in this outstanding community.

The Branchburg News • November 2021

12 Senior Citizens Club 50th… continued from page 11 Nov. 16 we are having our Thanksgiving Dinner Luncheon at the club meeting room, provided by Elmer’ws Catering. Dec. 2 is our December Business Meeting at 11:30 a.m. at the club meeting room, with a light lunch,

Bingo, and 50/50. Everyone 55 years or older and their spouses of any age may join us. Membership dues are $15 annually. Meet us at the Club Meeting Room in Building 10, lower level at Whiton Hills Apartments, Route 202.

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