December 2021
www.branchburgnews.com
Branchburg Chose Incumbents in General Election Branchburg voters reelected Republicans Anna Columbus (3,867 votes) and Mayor Brendon Beatrice (3,765) over Democrats Thomas Weimer (2,436) and Sivakumar Mathusoodana (2,363) for Branchburg Township Committee in the November General Election. For the three seats on the Branchburg Board of Education, BoE President Theresa Joyce led with 2,662 votes, followed by Carmela Noto, 2,604; and Kristen Fabriczi, 2,557, besting Charles Tuma, 2,324; Stephanie Locricchio, 1,596; and Heather Maturin, 1,337. Statewide, Governor Phil Murphy was reelected with 58,585 votes defeating GOP contender Jack Ciattarelli with 54,264. Ciattarelli conceded on Nov. 12 after a
Movin’ On– Class of 2022
Somerville Pioneer Marching Band Seniors “pile it on” after their last official practice on Oct. 28 prior to the Friday night game and Senior Night. Like this year’s show title, they’ll be “Movin’ On” but not before they wrap up their performances with upcoming concerts, Winter Guard and a spring trip to march in Disney World. Pictured are seniors Catherine Bartushak, Matthew Buttgereit, Sean Clarkson, Andrew Dailey, Megan Gonzalez, Owen Hughes, Gianna Perrine, Kylie Ronning, Jaden Russo, Christian Sergile, Hannah Shahinian, Colin Sheeley, Evelyn Skop, Zachary Taylor, Jack Tuazon, Rebecca Wolin, Heather Young, Andrew Zhang. –Submitted by Sharon Kechula
thorough vote count. All Branchburg voting districts went for Ciattarelli. For State Senate, Democrat Andrew Zwicker defeated Republican Michael Pappas of Branchburg with 18,085 votes vs. 18,039. Republicans Vincent Panico (18,133 votes) and Joseph Lukac (17,898) bested Democrats Roy Freiman (17,811) and Sadaf Jaffer (17,194) for NJ Assembly. Board of Somerset County Commissioners incumbent Democrats Shanel Robinson (55,403 votes) and Sara Sooy (54,798) defeated Republicans Michael Kirsh (53,956) and Amber Murad (52,733). All results were reported by Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter Nov. 15.
North Branch Fire Teams Up With Santa Claus
Santa Claus delivers a Christmas gift.
By Tom McCartney President, North Branch Volunteer Fire Co. For the second year in a row, North Branch Volunteer Fire Company has enlisted the help of a good friend from the North Pole. During the month of December,
Santa Claus will be assisting the fire company in delivering gifts to children in the North Branch section of town as a way to raise funds for the 100% volunteer organization. For a $50 donation, North Branch Fire will escort Santa Claus to your house with lights and sirens blaring. Santa will come right up to your porch with a gift for each of your children and hand deliver it to them. He’ll spend a few moments with each child and be available for any pictures that parents would like taken. Last year, many Branchburg families sent out Christmas cards with pictures taken during this fundraiser. To register, follow North Branch Volunteer Fire Company on Facebook to find the registration link. You can also register by emailing santa@nbvfc.org and asking for the registration link. If you’re unsure of what’s considered North Branch, the south-
ern boundary is Harlan School Road. The eastern boundary is Stony Brook Road. The northern boundary is Bedminster Township and the western boundary is Readington Township. All families residing within those boundary lines are eligible to participate in this fundraiser. North Branch Volunteer Fire Company provides fire protection to Branchburg and Bridgewater Townships and runs an excess of 600 calls per year. In addition to township funding and private donations, fundraisers such as this are instrumental in being able to provide adequate fire protection. Events like this help to fund gear and equipment to a company exclusively composed of volunteers who protect the lives and property of our residents. The company is often overwhelmed by the support shown by its residents and is equally appreciative of donations of all sizes.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays from The Branchburg News
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