Branchburg News - December 2022

Former Resident Remembers Branchburg in the 1950s - Part 2

Bridge Street and Route 206 to a large field with a snow fence to watch a helicopter land to drop off and pick up mail sacks.

If we felt a little more adven turous, we’d drive to Reading ton Road to Silver Saddle Ranch. At one time they had rodeos and you could always go horseback riding. TV and movie star Larry “Buster” Crabbe, the original Flash Gordon, was one of the owners and we always hoped to meet him one day.

ated by Russ Carkhuff and stood where Bagel Garden now stands.

Certain mornings most resi dents would check on their milk delivery from Raritan Valley Farms, which was delivered in glass bottles with cream on top.

The children looked forward to a visit from the Bond Bread truck driver who allowed you to walk through the truck to pur chase cakes and pastries.

Branchburg Rescue Squad Santa Run Planned

Mike Slaktowicz Jr., a former Branchburg resident who now lives in Bridgewater, penned a memoir about growing up in Branchburg in the 1950s. Part 1 appeared in the November issue of The Branchburg News. Here is Part 2: Growing up in Branchburg we were never bored. We had no cell phones or video games, but we devised our own Army and Cowboy and Indian games. During the summer, we would go fishing and swimming in the Raritan River under the Old York Road Bridge. Often our parents would take us to the General Store in North Branch where we would buy candy and baseball cards. From there we would go to the drive-in movies on Route 22.

Once in a while we’d take a ride to the corner of South

During the summer we had the Branchburg Little League. It was organized by Mike Slakto wicz Sr., Jake Gara, Clint Curtis, Dom Zagari, Vince Stewart and Carmen Ricco.

There were no strip malls, condos or apartments. There was, however, the Silverleaf, a store which had a lunch counter, deli, and groceries. It was oper

Branchburg Township did not have its own police department in the 1950s, and fires were han dled by Country Hills Volunteer Fire Department on Milltown Road. Crime was almost nonex istent. Residents left their homes and cars unlocked and felt very safe in doing so.

Branchburg was a closely knit community where we all looked out for each other and was a great place to grow up.

Operation Santa Returns To North Branch

For the third year in a row, Santa will assist the North Branch Volun teer Fire Company in delivering gifts to children and grandchildren 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 and hand deliver gifts. He’ll spend a few moments with each child and be available for any pictures that parents would like taken. Expert Tip: The earlier date you book, the better. Last year, many Branchburg families sent out Christmas cards with pictures taken during this fund raiser. To register, follow North Branch Volunteer Fire Co. on Facebook to find the registration link. You can also register by emailing santa@ nbvfc.org and ask for the registration link.

Branchburg Rescue Squad has announced that Santa called from the North Pole again this year and asked the squad to help him tour Branchburg. The 2022 Branchburg Rescue Squad Santa Run will be on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, starting around 4 p.m. each day.

The members of the Rescue Squad are looking forward to bring ing Santa to as many residents as possible for this annual tradition. To help residents know when he is in

the area, the Rescue Squad will use sirens frequently and asks residents who live on cul de-sacs or dead-end streets to come out to main roads to meet Santa.

Updated announcements and planned routes will be posted on the Branchburg Rescue Squad Face book page, and the squad will share a tracking link so that residents can follow Santa’s progress. Donations are not required for the Santa Run but are greatly appreciated.

Branchburg Rescue Squad’s rig is all decked out for Santa.

Pictured is a movie poster featuring Buster Crabbe, one of the owners of the Silver Saddle Ranch that operated on Readington Road in Branchburg in the 1950s.

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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.

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Upcoming Events

Carols, Candles and Cheer Dec. 2, 4, 10 Concertgoers of all ages are invit ed to join the Whitehouse Wind Symphony, under the direction of James P. Sheeley Jr., for a free concert featuring classic Christ mas carols and favorite holiday songs. Concerts will be held as follows: Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. - Whitehouse United Meth odist Church, 73 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse; Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. - Flemington United Meth odist Church, 116 Main St., Flem ington; Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. - Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd., Readington. Concerts are free but donations are gratefully accepted to benefit the symphony.

4-H Pop Up Party Dec. 3 Somerset County 4-H will be hosting a “Pop Up Party” at the Bridgewater Commons Mall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4-H clubs will be welcoming the public to experi ence a variety of activities includ ing radio control cars, games, arts and crafts, and magic tricks. Open to all ages with free admission, the event will be an opportunity for the public to meet youth mem bers and leaders, as well as find out more information about how

to join Somerset County 4-H.

Holiday Concert Dec. 4

The RVCC Chorale will present its annual holiday concert at 3 p.m. in the Welpe Theatre at Rari tan Valley Community College’s Branchburg campus. General ad mission tickets cost $12 per per son, $8 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the night of the concert or in advance from the Theatre Box Office, 908-725-3420.

Pet Photos with Santa Dec. 11 Barkley’s Marketplace is host ing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Branchburg store, 3150 Rt. 22 near ShopRite. Net proceeds will be donated to the Branchburg Rescue Squad. The cost for each photo session is $15 and includes a digital image file. Payment will be collected at the event. Pre-reg istration can be found at barkleys marketplace.com or the Branch burg Rescue Squad Facebook page. Pets and people are invited to pose with Santa.

Christmas Eve Services Dec. 24

The Bridgewater United Meth odist Church, 651 Country Club Road, Bridgewater, welcomes all to celebrate Christmas Eve with

two spirit-filled Christmas Eve Worship Services. The Children & Family Service with Christ mas Pageant will be at 4:30 p.m., and the Candlelight Service with Holy Communion will take place at 9 p.m. Both services will be livestreamed and will be available at bridgewaterumc.org.

Christmas Masses Dec. 24, 25 Our Lady of Lourdes, 390 County Road 523, Whitehouse Station, will celebrate Mass Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. (preced

For info call 732-469-3363 or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle

ed by a choir concert at 9:30 p.m.) and on Dec. 25 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please be advised that at the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Christ mas Eve, once church capacity has been reached, all will be di rected to the Community Hall where Mass will be livestreamed.

–Submitted by Suzanne Daniels, Secretary for the Branchburg Historical Society

Historic Holiday The Branchburg Historical Society will host its annual Holiday Celebration at the Andrew Ten Eyck House, 671 Old York Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. The house will be festively decorated, refresh ments will be served, and good cheer will abound. All are welcome.

SHS Welcomes New Music Department Directors

The Somerville High School Music Program welcomed Direc tor of Band, Sean Ferguson, and Director of Choirs, Nicolas Noa, this fall. Both had big shoes to fill with the retirement of popular di rectors Matthew Krempasky and Karen Gorzynski.

“Ferg” brings with him his experience as Band Director at Dunellen High School and as

sistant marching band director at South Plainfield High School. Beginning with marching band season then into preparations for holiday performances, he has taken the instrumental program across the Hudson with an awardwinning marching band show, Empire City. Ferguson also cur rently teaches drum corps while designing music, drill, and chore

ography for local marching bands. Noa, a familiar staff member, student-taught this year’s SHS Senior Class when they were freshmen in 2020. He returns from Delaware Valley Regional High School with his dynamic repertoires in hand. Along with bringing the A Cappella Choir to Choralpalooza in November, Noa has also begun assembling vo cal ensembles to prepare for the upcoming concerts and traveling performances for the holidays. Upcoming public choral per formances are: Downtown Divi sion Street on Stage, Dec. 2, 7:20 p.m.; Caroling Festival at United First Methodist Church, Dec. 9, 4-6 p.m.; Carols by Candlelight (Branchburg Recreation) - White Oak Park, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Winter Concert, Somerville HS, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Division Street, Dec. 17, from 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Norris, Sharon Snyder, Dave Snyder, Susie Naftal, Freddie Hager, Katie Grady, and Jim Grady.

–Submitted by Katie Grady

Pictured are Sean Ferguson and Nicolas Noa. —Photo by Jenna Dickson

Branchburg Resident Named to Coast Guard Auxiliary Command Post

Longtime Branchburg resi dent Bennett J. “Jim” Dry has been elected to lead a Divisional unit of the US Coast Guard Aux iliary, overseeing the organiza tion’s safe boating operations in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

Branchburg resident Jim Dry conducts a formal inspection of marine rescue rivercraft, one of the activities he will coordinate on a tri-county basis in his upcoming role as a Division Commander in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Jim is set to become Division Commander of Division 4 (Rari tan Bay Area) in the USCG Aux iliary District 1-South chain of command. In that role he and his leadership team will guide the recreational safe boating activi ties of four Flotilla groups based, respectively, in Edison, Sewaren, Somerville and Union.

He is a US Navy veteran who served at sea during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, and who

has earned several advanced qualifications in the USCG Auxiliary since his 2005 enroll ment, including Boating Safety Instructor, Telecommunications Operator and Vessel Examiner. Most recently Jim was a crew member on the Naval War Col lege vessel taking part in New York Harbor’s commemoration of the US Coast Guard’s 232nd anniversary.

The USCG Auxiliary is com posed of dedicated volunteers who provide educational materi als, training and other resources in support of recreational boat ing safety, marine environmen tal protection and active-duty US Coast Guard missions.

Branchburg Library Hosts Contests,

Events, Story Time with Santa

By LuAnn Wright

Many thanks to all who helped make our annual book sale a success. From your donations and purchases, we will be able to fund several programs this year at the Branchburg Library on Olive Street in Neshanic Station.

We will host Story Time with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3. Come see Santa, hear stories, make a craft, and enjoy some hot cocoa. Register by Dec. 1 at branchburglibrary@gmail. com or call 908-369-5355.

Story time is held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Raegan Haluszka won the recent Tween/Teen Selfie Challenge at the Branchburg Library.

Pirate Palooza night at the library in October was a swashbuckling success.

Branchburg PTO Holiday Happiness is Collecting Gifts

The PTO Holiday Happiness program provides new, unwrapped gifts for the less fortunate families in our local community. The suc cess of this program completely depends upon the generosity of the people of Branchburg. Thanks to you, Holiday Happiness has been assisting the community for over 40 years.

As this amazing program has grown over the years, so has the number of families. This PTO pro gram benefits children from PreK through 8th grade. The donated items being collected will need to be new, unwrapped gifts for both boys and girls. The children’s ages range from 4 to 14. Small denomination gift card donations (i.e. $25, $20 and $10 to Mov ies, i-tunes, Amazon, Claire’s)

are most appreciated. There is a wishlist on Amazon at https:// www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/UI0IYM7EHPQN?ref_=wl_ share. These items can be pur chased and shipped directly to the sorting location.

Contact bburgholidayhappi nessinfo@gmail.com for ques tions. Donated gifts are being col lected at all Branchburg Schools and the Municipal Building from Nov. 28 through Dec 16. There will be a large collection box out side each of the school’s main en trances. Please do not leave gift cards at the drop-off locations. Instead, contact Heidi at 908-8721533 and she will schedule a pick/ drop-off.

—Submitted by the Branchburg PTO

By Eileen Bufe

Scouting for Food Thanks Donors

ing this project so successful.

Each year the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of the Branchburg area participate in the Scouting for Food project which benefits the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Your support helped us provide 4,294 pounds of food plus cash and online donations to the Food Bank.

The Food Bank is most appre ciative and we thank you for mak

Thank you to FedEx of Branch burg for providing one of their trucks, two drivers and donations made by FedEx employees.

Thank you to ShopRite of Branchburg for helping with the food drive by setting up a display of items the Food Bank requested and allowing the scouts to collect these purchased items as custom ers exited the store.

With so many families needing continued assistance please sup port the Food Bank year-round. You can pledge online and include a note that your donation supports Scouting for Food: https://www. somersetfoodbank.org/need-help/ give-funds/. You can also take your food donation to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County at 7E Easy St., Bound Brook, MondayFriday, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

What matters most to you in life? It’s a big question. And it’s one of many questions we’ll ask to better understand you, your goals and your dreams. We may ask questions that other financial advisors won’t. Why? Because your vision of the future is unique and we’re committed to helping you achieve it. The future looks brighter when you’re more prepared. We’ll help you plan for what you expect to achieve in life - and any changes you may encounter along the way - Let’s start developing a personalized financial plan so you can gain the confidence to focus on what matters to you- today and tomorrow. We’re here to help you live the life you’ve earned. Give yourself or someone you love the gift of financial planning!

Preschoolers Get Into Spirit of the Season

been decorated by children at Kangaroo Kids with the names of children from West Virginia. Im maculata High School in Somer ville leads a community service initiative in support of the West Virginia Children’s project. Each mitten holds the name and age of a child from the Appalachian Community of West Virginia. Throughout the month, staff, families, friends, and alumni have stopped by to collect a mitten and purchase an age-appropriate gift. Immaculata picks up the gifts and distributes them in the West Vir ginia community.

By Kathy Feigley, Executive Director

Little elves are spreading cheer at Kangaroo Kids by helping those in need. Under the direction of lead teachers in the Waddler Room, Fatima Pidany and Jackie Russano Weiss, many boxes of food were donated to the local food bank. Community service is a year-round tradition at Kanga roo Kids Child Care & Learning

Center, but holiday time brings a special joy in giving. Young children can understand the im portance of helping others by role modeling significant adults in their lives and by being included in events that give back. December brings the Giving Tree to Kangaroo Kids. For over 15 years, the tradition at the school has been to put up a Giving Tree filled with mitten tags that have

Kangaroo Kids will host its Winter Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 1047 Route 28 in Branchburg. Come take your photo with Santa and enjoy all the displays. Don’t miss the Gingerbread House Vil lage. Call to enter your family gin gerbread house in the Kangaroo Kids contest. The event is free to the public and is appropriate for children under 9 years of age. Call 908-231-7800, email staff@kan garookidschildcare.com or like Kangaroo Kids Child Care Face book page for the latest details on the event or for further informa tion about Kangaroo Kids Com munity Service Projects or special events.

Teachers Fatima Pidany and Jackie Russano Weiss are pictured with the Waddler Class and their food drive donations.

TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG

Municipal Building News | in print and online at www.branchburg.nj.us

Our Work is Your Play’

RECREATION NEWS***

Dog License Renewals

Registration for our Winter Programs begins January 1, 2023. Programs start the week of January 16th Your favorite program can be found in the Winter Program Booklet on the Township website or online through Community Pass: https://register.communitypass.net/Branchburg

DECEMBER EVENTS

The Christmas Spectacular on Tuesday 12/6 is SOLD OUT. Bus leaves from the White Oak Park parking lot, across from the middle school on Baird Road, at 1:00pm for the 5pm show.

Carols by Candlelight Tuesday, 12/13 @ the White Oak Park Pavilion 6:30pm with the SHS Chamber Choir Cookies, Hot Cocoa, & a visit from Santa!

NJ State Law requires that all dogs seven months of age or older be licensed in the municipality in which they reside. Please license any new dogs in your household or renew your current dog license by January 31 st. The yearly license fee for a neutered/spayed dog is $16.00; an additional $3.00 fee is imposed for non neutered/non spayed dogs. Dog licenses renewed after January 31st are subject to a $5.00 late fee. Please note that in order to obtain a dog license, N.J.S.A. 4:19 -15.1 et seq. requires that all rabies vaccinations be current up to November 1 st of the licensing year.

Community Garden Plot Registration

The Township offers approximately 125 community garden plots at the John Sanford Farmland Preserve (River Lea Farm) located at 2088 South Branch Road. Registration will begin in January and plots are offered to returning gardeners first and then to new gardeners on a first come basis. Available plots are 10 x 10 for $30.00; and 10 x 24 for $50.00; a $10.00 discount is offered for seniors age 62 and older. You can designate your gardening method as organic or non organic. Applications will be available in the Township Clerk’s office after January 1, 2023.

Municipal Park & Ride Lot

Phone Calls from Santa Monday, 12/19 Santa will be calling children in Branchburg! Forms will be posted on the township website under Recreation. If you would like a call from Santa, fill out one form for each child and drop off forms to Recreation or mail to:

Branchburg Recreation SANTA Municipal Annex 34 Kenbury Road Branchburg, NJ 08876

Follow us on Facebook @ BburgRecDept

Branchburg Township offers commuters a Park & Ride Commuter Lot on Route 202 N between River Road and Milltown Road for service via the Trans Bridge Bus Line to and from New York City. Contact Trans Bridge Lines at transbridgelines.com for the route schedule and pricing. Parking is permitted by permit only on weekdays and free of charge on Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays. No parking is permitted any day between the hours of 12:00 AM and 4:30 AM. Annual and daily parking permits are available to residents and non residents at the Municipal Building. Daily parking permits and bus tickets can also be purchased at the Bagel Garden on Route 202 N and Kenbury Road. For more information, please contact the Clerk ’s office at 908 526 1300 x104.

‘

Donate Books to WinterGuard Project

Support the Somerville High School WinterGuard by donating your unwanted books to the bins at your neighborhood Branch burg or Somerville ShopRite. The Branchburg bin is located in the employee parking lot at ShopRite. The guard is accepting books in good, readable condition that have an ISBN barcode label on the book cover. Hardcover, paperback and textbooks are all welcome. Please do not donate books that do not have an ISBN barcode on the cover, encyclopedias, library references, magazines or waterdamaged books.

908-725-0011 Daily Specials! “Best of the Best” Sunday Brunch, 10am - 3pm Open 7 days for lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday 11:30am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 8pm Happy Hour Monday - Saturday, 3 - 6:30pm with food and drink specials Catering for all your special events! Takeout and curbside pickup Prime Rib Dinner Wednesdays, Certified Angus beef

At the big, bright green book bin at the ShopRite in Somerville are Winter Guard team members Nate Cohen, Katie Curtis, Selina Verbanas, Hannah Varley, Kiarra Dalida, Gianna Giampino, Carol Gurney, Ella Mercier, Mal lory Miessler, and Lizzy Malanga.

New Legacy Books works closely with non-profits and town ships throughout New Jersey. All books that are donated will get picked up by New Legacy Books of Annandale, which works with non-profits and townships throughout the state to either re sell or recycle the books.

—Submitted by Sharon Kechula

Book your Holiday Party now! Christmas & New Year’s Eve we will have our regular menu plus holiday specials. 7 Fishes special dinner Christmas Eve. Call for details.

team was 11-1 for the season and showed great skill and determina tion. The team is managed by Car mine D’Urso and coaches Ronnie Almagor, Joe Czaszynski, Jeff Fleischer and David Roy. 20% OFF

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Our last day of business will be Thursday, December 22nd at 3pm. We will reopen on Thursday, January 5th.

Thank you for your business! Tom, Randy, Grace, Leo, Wendy & Tami 1285 Route 28 · Easton Turnpike (Branchburg) · North Branch, NJ 08876

—Photo by Marie Cohen

Pictured are (back row, from left) coaches Ronnie Almagor, David Roy, Carmine D’Urso, Joe Czaszynski and Jeff Fleischer, (front row) Levi Almagor, Leo Antivachis, Matty Murphy, Evan McDougal, Mike LaPorta, Christopher D’Urso, Jacob Moody, David Roy, Trevor Ost, George Kizoulis, Jordan Fleischer and Sam Czaszynski. —Submitted by Kelly D’Urso

Nutcracker Holiday Ballet to be Presented at RVCC Theatre

Experience the joys of the holiday season at The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College with a performance of the Nutcracker! Magical Christ mas Ballet, Friday, Dec. 9, at 4 and 8 p.m.

This Christmas, the entire family will be transported back to a simpler time with Nutcrack er! Magical Christmas Ballet. The acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theatres for the 30th anniversary tour. Experience the exquisite artistry of the in ternational cast featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of peace and harmony.

As is the custom, local stu

dents of Gotta Dance will per form along with the professional dancers of the world-renowned company. Caroline Hidalgo and Chloe Cardinale coordinate the auditions and rehearsals for the approximately 100 young danc ers from Gotta Dance.

Tickets cost $60, $50, and $45. To purchase tickets for Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet or for additional infor mation about any of the produc tions in RVCCArts’ 2022-2023 season, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Senior citizen, student, and group dis counts are also available for most performances.

SUMMER 2023: June 26-August 11

Day Camp Summer Employment for Leadership Positions Arts & Crafts, Music, Leadership Team, Nature and Group Leaders Email letters of interest to winneday@ptd.net

In the of Hunterdon County

21 Cratetown Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833 (908) 735-8336; winneday@ptd.net; www.winnewald.com

Childrens Corner BUMC

Preschool and Kindergarten

Serving the community for over 25 years. All are welcome!

Full and Half Day Programs

Hours: 6:45 to 6 daily (M-F) Children 2 to 6 years of age

Director: Jeanne Alusik 651 Country Club Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 childbumc@gmail.com 908-526-9596

Happy Holidays!

Troop 185 camped at the Sauerland Outdoor Center, formerly the Round Valley Youth Center, (pic tured at right) the weekend of Oct. 28. Arrow of Light Cub Scouts came for the day or stayed overnight. Several of the future girl founders of Troop 185G also attended as that program gets started. It was an awesome experi ence for all. The young scouts were involved in activi ties including a scavenger hunt using a compass, tug-ofwar, cooking with foil packs and field games. A campfire capped off Saturday evening with a dutch oven apple cobbler and pie iron cooking. If you are interested in joining Troop185B or Troop 185G, contact Scoutmasters Tom Decker at bsa4boys@branchburg185.mytroop.us or Brian Lime at bsa4girls@branchburg185.mytroop.us.

-Submitted by Evan Berry, Senior Patrol Leader Troop185B

Streetscape Tree Replacement Program Link is Live

Branchburg Deputy Mayor Dave Owens has rolled out a streetscape tree replacement pro gram to help residents replace shade trees that have died due to insects and viruses. Use this link to order your trees: https://branch burgtownship.rja.revize.com/ forms/4761

Using funds collected from commercial developers, the town ship has placed money in a “tree fund” which can be used only for tree replacement/ replenishment. Through this program, these

funds will be used to purchase native deciduous trees which will be planted along the roadway on private residential properties. Ma ture trees that are above 6 feet tall will be planted.

The Township will be going out to bid this winter for the amount and type of trees required (based upon resident input). Planting would occur in the spring of 2023. The expense to remove dead trees which exist on your property will have to be paid for by the property owner.

Branchburg Seniors Enjoy Festivities of Holiday Season

By Audrey E. Henry Branchburg Recreation

The Branchburg Seniors have been winding down 2022 with a full calendar of events and activi ties.

During the month of November, the Seniors enjoyed an extremely interesting presentation by Tamara Berisha of Flemington on Acu puncture. Her extensive knowl edge and experience in this prac tice piqued the interest of many in attendance and prompted numer ous questions from the group.

At the Nov. 17 meeting mem bers celebrated the Thanksgiving season with a lovely traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

I have only been the Senior Pro gram Coordinator for two years

now, but I can tell you, this town is so fortunate to have the knowledge and wisdom of such an extraordi nary group of individuals. It is a blessing for me to work with our seniors and I am thankful for my experiences with these wonderful new-found friends.

Nov. 29 heralded a trip to the Brownstone in Paterson for the Jersey Dreamers Christmas Show, a great way to kick off the holiday season with dinner, dancing and wonderful entertainment.

This month’s first Senior meet ing features a special guest, Kim from Rolling Hills, with a presen tation on Wine Paring. ID’s will be checked at the door.

A good number of seniors will be joining the Recreation Depart

ment on our sold-out Radio City Christmas Spectacular Trip on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

This year’s Senior meetings will come to a close with a lovely Holiday luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 15. We will also bid a fond farewell to the current president, Ed Ogin.

He will not be going far just stepping down from a four-year term as Club/Program President. Ed held the Senior group together through the Covid storm by keep ing in touch with the seniors via email, phone calls and correspon dence. He helped me navigate the

club proceedings as the Recreation Department gradually took the helm. I know the seniors are grate ful for all of Ed’s hard work and dedication to the club and he truly kept things going with the regular meetings and fun days. I know he will be a valuable resource moving forward. Thank you, Ed Ogin, for all you have done for the Branch burg Senior Club/Program these past few years and we wish you all the best and good health in the future.

Progress is being made on the 2023 Senior Program calendar of events. Information will be posted

on the township website under Recreation’s Senior Corner by mid-December, once confirmation on programs and trips is received. Annual Senior Program Dues reg istration begins on Jan. 1, 2023, online through Community Pass. It will be open to residents only Jan. 1-18 and open to “grandfa thered” non-resident members 19 - 31. Paper registration forms are always available at the Rec office or at the January Senior meetings on the 5th and 19th. Details to fol low on the January programs. Best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season!

Empire City Halftime Show Dazzled

taxi-cab costume-donned char ismatic guard.

Thank you to SHSMBA

By Sharon Kechula, Somerville High School Music Boosters Association

Empire City was the title of this fall’s halftime performance by the Somerville High School Pioneer Marching Band and ColorGuard. Ninety-three per formers worked to create a cap tivating visual and symphonic nine-minute precision perfor mance.

Crediting the newly appointed Director Sean Ferguson, As sistant Director Stephen Loreti along with supporting percus sion staff Megan Major and Sean Maher, led by this year’s Drum Majors Lily Tews and Luke Galioto, Empire City captured the essence of our neighboring NYC “where the streets will in spire you,” from the cacophony of traffic and city sounds to the

On Oct. 8, the SHS Pioneer Marching Band competed in the Ludwig Musser Classic (for merly Yamaha Cup) at MetLife Stadium. Although they did not secure first place in the Group 4 performance, the band scored a 95.5 seizing the Caption Award for Visual Effect outperform ing the entire competition of 50 bands in all class sizes. Even more noteworthy, their score broke records for achieving the highest visual effect score ever awarded in the history of the Yamaha Cup. In addition, under the creative vision and leader ship of Rick Delancy, along with instructors Keri Newlander and Breanna Ferenzi, the flag, saber and rifle yielding Pioneers also reigned with the Caption Award for Best ColorGuard.

At the USBand local and States competitions they earned impressive scores and place ments while consistently secur ing the Caption Awards for Best Visual and ColorGuard.

Volunteers keep the ‘Ville marching band and color guard moving. —Photo and info by Sharon Kechula

Spectators witness the undeniable talents of the students unfold on the fields of their performanc es. What may not be regularly vis ible are the volunteers who keep the well-oiled marching machine moving. Thank you everyone: Somerville High School Mu sic Boosters Association Board (SHSMBA) for overseeing the organization, those who keep the kids well fed and hydrated during band camp and prior to the com

petitions, the “crew” comrades who sew, store, pack, transport, construct, lift, roll, carry and drag props and equipment from school to every performance then back, folks who come to set up, cleanup and everything in between. Acknowledging the immeasurable donation of time of our volunteers as well as those provisions need ed for the overall success of our award-winning Pioneer Marching Band, We Are The ‘Ville!

The Empire City halftime show captured the essence of NYC, “where the streets will inspire you...”

—Photo by Timothy Dry, Drill Designer Mike Niedziejko

Voters Await

Official General Election Results

At press time, official results from the Nov. 8 General Elec tion were not expected until Nov. 26. Visit the website of Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter for final tallies: https://www.co.somerset. nj.us/government/elected-offi cials/county-clerk. Results for U.S. House of Representatives are for Somerset County’s portion of the district. For full Congressional results, go to the New Jersey Divi sion of Elections website: https:// www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote. shtml.

dancing,

carving pumpkins. At the end of the night, the girls joined in an indoor campfire sing along

beautiful evening. –Submitted by Tabby Debraski

I n v e s t m e n t s :

T r a d i t i o n a l B r o k e r a g e E q u i t y I n v e s t m e n t s E d u c a t i o n P l a n n i n g F i x e d i n c o m e I n v e s t m e n t s

w e a l t h m a n a g e m e n t

Branchburg Woman’s Club Celebrates Season of Giving

By Kate Sarles

The holiday season is upon us, and the Branchburg Wom an’s Club will celebrate with a social on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Branchburg Rescue Squad, 113 River Rd. The evening will feature great food and surprise activities. All women are wel come. Please call 908-458-6832 or message branchburgwoman sclub@gmail.com so we know you are coming.

This is the season for giving and a review of some of the club’s community contributions as a service club affiliated with the New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs is appropri ate. Ongoing projects include a monthly collection of food for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and monetary contributions combined with food and clothing donations to the Resource Center at Rari tan Valley Community College. The students’ current need is for holiday dinner items.

Each year we join the Raritan Headwaters Association in help ing to clean up the Raritan Riv er. The club also fills stockings for our troops. Funds are raised (Did you see our basket auc tion at the Branchburg Country Fair in September?) for student awards -- four for Branchburg Central Middle School gradu ates and two for Somerville High School graduates -- and for our four volunteer fire companies and the Branchburg Rescue Squad. We donate to Autism Speaks, Pathways, Safe and Sound, St. Hubert’s Animal Rescue, the Raptor Trust and the Cancer Support Community. We have knitted newborn items and blankets for hospitals and nursing homes.

Please support our fundrais ing events. Donations are al ways appreciated. Come join us in helping our community while having fun and learning!

Branchburg CORN

What is the best Christmas present in the world?

A broken drum, you can’t beat it!

What did the ghost say to Santa Claus?

“I’ll have a boo Christmas without you.”

How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing, it was on the house!

What do reindeer say before telling you a joke? This one will sleigh you!

Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Because it “soots” him!

What’s a good holiday tip? Never catch snowflakes with your tongue until all the birds have gone south for the winter.

F i n a n c i a l S t r a t e g i e s :

A s s e t A o c a t i o n R e t i r e m e n t P l a n n i n g A n n u i t e s

R i s k M a n a g e m e n t :

L i f e I n s u r a n c e D i s a b i t y I n c o m e I n s u r a n c e L o n g T e r m C a r e I n s u r a n c e

C F P ® a n d C E R T F E D F N A N C A P L A N N E R a r e c e t f c a o n m a r k s o w n e d b y h e C e i e d F i n a n c i a P a n n e r B o a d o S t a n d a d n c T h e s e m a r k s a r e a w a d e d o n d v i d u a s w h o s u c c e s s f u y c o m p e t e t h e C F P B o a r d s n t a a n d o n g o n g c e r t f c a o n e q u r e m e n s S e c u e s o f e r e d h o u g h E q u a b e A d v s o s L L C m e m b e r F N R A S P C n v e s m e n a d v o r y p r o d u c a n d s e v c e s o f f e e d t h r o u g h E q u i a b e A d v i s o s L L C a n S E C e g e r e d i n v e s t m e n t a d v s o r A n n u y a n d n s u a n c e p r o d u c s t h r o u g h E q u t a b l e N e w o k L L C R C H P a n n n g G o u p s n o t o w n e d o o p e r a e d b y E q u a b e A d v s o s o t s a f f a e s P P G 5 8 9 4 9 ( 2 / 2 (

CLASSIFIED ADS

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

HELP WANTED - Earn extra cash while enjoying the great out doors and getting in shape with healthy walking. Join our team of dog walkers. Flexible hours, decent pay. Call Barbie: 908-4424027.

Winnewald Day Camp - June 26-Aug. 11. Leadership openings, Arts & Crafts, Program Direc tor, Nature, Music, Group Coun selors. Email letter of interest to Winneday@ptd.net.

SEASONED FIREWOOD - All Hardwood. $190 a cord. $110 a half cord. Delivery available or pickup. Call Mike 908-642-8566.

Window Screen Repairs - Good quality Fiberglass screens for your windows and patio doors. Pick-up and delivery available. George & Son’s 908-392-2677.

HANDYMAN - Branchburg Car penter Available for work in and around your home. Quality work. Please call Ron at 908-256-9128.

RITTER BROTHERS PAINT ING, Readington, NJ. Interior & Exterior. Lic#13VH10329300. Business: 908-233-8904, Home: 908-534-9390.

FD MASON CONTRACTOROver 30 years of experience. Brick, block, stone, concrete. No job too large or small. Fully insured & licensed. Free estimates. 908-3855701. Lic# 13VH05475900.

MUSIC LESSONS: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Harmonica, Keyboard at my Branchburg home studio. De greed with over 25 years teaching/ performing experience. Young sters, adults, retired folks. Call Sig 908-231-0492. Leave message.