Branchburg News - November 2020 by Town Media

November 2020

www.branchburgnews.com

Branchburg Country Fair Small But Mighty

Pictured are Linda Mish, Co-President of the Branchburg Woman’s Club, and Bob Bouwman, Chairman of the Branchburg Country Fair Committee. —Photo by Rita Bouwman

The Broadcasters performed at 6 p.m

By Rita Bouwman The 23rd Annual Branchburg Country Fair was held on Saturday, Sept. 26, at White Oak Park. It was modified this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Broadcasters, a local band featuring Branchburg residents Phil Liebergall and Nino DiFabio, performed at 6 p.m. followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 8 p.m. named in honor of the late Gregory Gonzalez, a long-time country fair committee member. The Branchburg Woman’s Club collected food and donations to Fair goers brought their own picnics to watch the band and fireworks. the Food Bank Network of Som—Photos by Steve Harris erset County.

The Gregory Gonzalez Memorial Fireworks lit up the sky.

Presidential General Election Nov. 3

On Nov. 3, Branchburg Township Polling Locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting district locations have been modified as follows: Voters in Districts 1, 2, 3 and 13 are assigned to the Municipal Annex Building at 34 Kenbury Rd. Voters in Districts 4, 5, 7 and 10 are assigned to the Rescue Squad Building at 113 River Rd. Voters in District 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14 are assigned to the Municipal Building at 1077 US 202 North. At the polling location you

will be permitted to return your vote-by-mail ballot or vote by provisional (paper) ballot. Only individuals with a certified disability will have access to an ADA-conforming voice activated voting machine. There will be no regular voting machine. If you plan to return your Vote-By-Mail Ballot to the polling location on Election Day, you must go to your assigned district, confirm your name and address and sign a certification, identification is not required. A Ballot Drop Box is located

outside the main entrance of the Municipal Building and ready for the receipt of VoteBy-Mail Ballots up to 8 p.m. on Election Day. This box will be monitored with 24/7 surveillance. Voters’ completed ballots may be returned by mail. Those submitted via US Postal Service must carry a postmark by Nov. 3 and be received no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 10. Ballots without a postmark due to postal error received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 will be valid.

Pictured are Branchburg Country Fair Committee members Steve Harris, Bob Bouwman, and Rita Bouwman.

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

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 December 2020 Nov. 10 For Ad Materials Nov. 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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CALL AD MANAGER HEATHER SANCHEZ AT 908-963-2680 More info at www.branchburgnews.com, click on “How to Advertise.”

Upcoming Events E-Waste Drop-off, Nov. 7 From 9 am to 3 pm at the Public Works Garage, 34 Kenbury Rd. Acceptable items include televisions, computers/ laptops, servers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, dvd/video players, power supplies, video game systems/ controllers, compact discs and digital versatile discs, telephones. Operation Secure Shred, Nov. 7 From 9 am to 1 p.m. residents can bring items for shredding to the Somerset County Public Works Garage, 411 Chimney Rock Rd., Bridgewater. This will be the last shred event for 2020. Residents must wear facial coverings and

should be prepared to unload their items, but staff will be available to help if necessary. Residents can watch while their documents are shredded. A valid NJ driver’s license is required to confirm residency; up to 6 bags, containers, or boxes per trip. No businesses or commercial vehicles are allowed. Coffee with the Mayor, Nov.14 From 9:30 to 11 am at the Municipal Building Courtroom. Listen, talk and learn about township happenings with Mayor Tom Young. Deer Hunting Deer Hunting Season started in

November Floral Design Branchburg Recreation still has room in the Recreation Afternoon Floral Design class. Classes will be held on Wednesdays, Nov. 4 & 18. The fee is $50. Classes are held at the Station House in Neshanic Station from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Register online at: https://register.communitypass.net/Branchburg or call the Recreation department at 908-526-1300 x 188. Participants are required to wear a mask, and the set up is a socially distanced class.

Adopt A Family for Thanksgiving The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring Adopt-A-Family to help families in need this Thanksgiving. A $40 donation will provide Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four. (Any amount will be gratefully accepted.) Send your check to SHIP Samaritan Homeless Interim

Program, 87 East High St., Somerville, NJ 08876, or any of the local food banks, by Saturday, Nov. 21. Write Adopt-A-Family on the memo line with the name of the town where donors would like their monetary donations sent. To complete and print a donation form, visit http://bit.ly/DonateAAF2020.

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September and runs to February. Note the following Hunting Awareness-Safety Zones: Archery Hunting - No bow hunter may carry a nocked arrow or hunt within 150 feet of a building For info call or within 450 feet of any school 732-469-3363 or visit playground, even if unoccupied, www.co.somerset. except the owner or lessee of a building, and persons specifically nj.us/recycle authorized in writing; Firearm Hunting - No firearm hunter may unoccupied, except the owner or carry a loaded firearm or hunt lessee of a building, and persons within 450 feet of a building or specifically authorized in writing. any school playground, even if

Three Bridges Ladies Auxiliary to Host Take-Out Roast Beef Dinner The Ladies Auxiliary of the Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company (TBVFC) announced they will be hosting the annual Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday, November 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 467 Main St., Three Bridges. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for young adults. Children 5 years and younger eat for free. TBVFC Ladies Auxiliary president Savanna ArabiKatbi remarked, “This year’s roast beef dinner will have all the delicious home-made menu items we are famous for - it’s just that we will serve them differently. We will have advanced ticket orders and curbside pick-up for the convenience and safety of our patrons. They still will enjoy a great reasonably-priced family meal while not worrying

about being in the public domain. These are trying times and we want to do our best to accommodate everyone.” TBVFC was established in 1927 as a fire company for Three Bridges and Readington Township. Since its inception, TBVFC has responded to all types of emergencies in the local community and beyond. TBVFC’s current responsibilities include fire suppression and motor vehicle incidents with support to mutually responding rescue squads of Flemington/Raritan and Whitehouse Station in central New Jersey. For details on the dinner, see the TBVFC website, Facebook page or contact Victoria Maurer at 609-501-0263. - Submitted by Terri Macor

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

Journey Through The Past Featured Little Red Schoolhouse–The Branchburg Woman’s Club and the Branchburg Historical Society were docents at Branch-

burg’s Little Red Schoolhouse on South Branch Road during Somerset County’s 15th annual “Journey through the Past” Oct. 10 and 11. All pandemic rules of social distancing and the wearing of masks were followed. Pictured in the photo on the left are Dave Tompkins and Bob Bouwman of the Historical Society showing Bob’s collection of antique tools. Pictured in the photo on the right are Branchburg Woman’s Club member Linda Hoinowski and husband Ed looking at pictures and articles of the Little Red Schoolhouse –Submitted by Rita Bouwman

Troop 90’s Newest Eagle Scout - Brad

Branchburg’s Local Fence Dealer Twenty Voted “Best of the Best” for Twenty Straight Years

Hieber completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on Oct. 17. He is Troop 90’s fourth Eagle Scout this year. For his Eagle project Brad improved the Whiton Elementary School kindergarten play area by adding a hundreds board, checkerboard, a four-square board, and he repainted two hopscotch boards on the blacktop where the kindergarten classes have recess. It has been a challenge for Brad to complete this year, but with the help of fellow scouts his project was ready for the new school year. - Submitted by Larry Ahearn, Troop 90

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

SCBP Annual Meeting

The Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) has announced that the 2020 Annual Meeting, the most important yearly gathering of the Somerset County business community, is scheduled virtually for Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Chris Edwards, President & CEO, said, “The 2020 Annual Meeting will honor companies that have served on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, going above and beyond to serve our community.” Honorees include Costco Wholesale-North Plainfield, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, and Zufall Health. Access to the meeting will be provided upon registration at http:// bit.ly/SCBPAnnualMeeting2020. For info on sponsorship or to place an ad in the Annual Report, call 908-218-4300.

Bridge Projects May Wrap Up This Month Two NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) bridge construction projects on the north end of Branchburg are expected to be finished by the end of November. The River Road Bridge, formerly known as “the wooden bridge,” and demolished in the summer of 2019, crosses over the NJ Transit train line. The bridge is open just to access the Print Council and then it is a dead end, for now. Less than a mile north of the River Road Bridge is a smaller county span, called the Station Road Bridge (Somerset County Bridge No. D0904) built before the Civil War. It crosses Chambers Brook and has the look of a Colonial stone bridge.

The county worked closely with members of the Branchburg Historical Society to preserve the historic colonial look. The solution turned out to be numbering the original stones before dismantling the bridge, and then following the numbers to place the stones back into their original positions. Bill Schleicher of the Branchburg Historical Society said, “We wanted to ensure, as best as we could, that the new bridge would fit into the neighborhood, maintain the original colonial look, and meet all safety standards. Reusing In mid-October, the Station Road Bridge stones were in place and workers the original stones in their original were busy completing the project. positions provided the solution.” Branchburg Administrator Greg Bonin, wrote in an email, “The County engineer recently told me the bridge reconstruction should be completed in late November. There have been some weather delays and some utility delays. Also the intricate work of rebuilding the historical nature of the bridge, stone by stone, is a slow but important process.” The River Road Bridge was fully closed to vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic on May 12 with both River Road and Station Road bridge traffic detoured to Readington Road. In September, stones were meticulously returned to the arch of the Station Road bridge. If you look closely, you can see the white markings of the numbering system. —Photos by Bill Schleicher of the Branchburg Historical Society

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

‘Our Work is Your Play’ We hope you are staying healthy during these uncertain times. Our programs are limited, as we do not have indoor school use yet this year, due to Covid-19. For details & information on programs & events go to: www.branchburg.nj.us click on “Township Recreation”.

Seniors~ Fill out the survey you received in the mail and call us or send to Recreation!

FALL Programs: There is still time to sign

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.

BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP LEAF PICK-UP

up for the last few weeks of exercise. The program fee will be prorated so, call Recreation & get in shape for the Holidays!

SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER • Pickup will begin approximately October 14th to December 6th • Minimum two (2) PICKUPS in your area

• •

Take a walk on the Wild Side with family and friends. Join us for a beautiful, socially distanced, mask wearing, walk along the South Branch River. The 2.4 mile, out and back, river trail is perfect for the whole family to explore. Lets learn about our local river ecosystem. This event is FREE! WHERE: South Branch River Walk Trail @ the Elm Street Parking lot.in Neshanic Station WHEN:Saturday, November 14th, 2020 TIME: 11am to 1:00pm “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranchburgRecDept

•

Rake leaves to the curb area

A Simply Reminder: The Municipal Offices & Public Works Office will be closed all day on the following Holiday dates:

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 st

1 Saturday of the month - 9a - 3:00p

•

November 26

•

November 27

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

Fire Safety Information: “The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.”

• • • •

“Stay in the kitchen when cooking as unattended cooking is the leading factor in home cooking fires.

• • •

Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

• • • •

Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

Two-thirds of home cooking fires started when food or other cooking materials caught fire. Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away. Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. Keep knives out of the reach of children. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.”

Source: National Fire Protection Association

The Branchburg News • November 2020

TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG

The Branchburg News • November 2020

CEA & Johanna Foods “Flock to Flemington” Turkey Trot By Mike Skoczek CEA President/CEO

The CEA Turkey Trot is celebrating the 28th anniversary of this Thanksgiving Classic this year in an unusual way, to match the unusual year we have all been having. With the unwelcome arrival of COVID-19, we are taking the Turkey Trot on the road--all roads--and creating the Turkey Trot Experience. We invite everybody to join us as we celebrate the 28th Annual Turkey Trot as part of a Virtual Challenge event. Each year thousands of proud Turkey Trotters have gathered in Flemington to run and walk up an appetite for the Thanksgiving holiday festivities while helping raise awareness and much-needed funds for CEA’s employment programs that benefit hundreds of individuals with disabilities each year. Since 1993, over 89,000 people have participated in the events. This year we invite you to continue this holiday tradition, with friends and family members, and join the Turkey Trot Virtual Challenge. Flight One departed from eight locations on Oct. 12 and

will give participants 45 days of online fun to record their times and distances as they travel (the distance) from as far away as Plymouth, MA, or Williamsburg, VA, to as close as Morristown, NJ, or Philadelphia, PA, or one of several other points along the way to Flemington, all associated with our Colonial and Revolutionary past. Flight Two, for the faster “fliers” will depart all starting towns on Nov. 1. The object is for everyone to Flock to Flemington and enjoy a virtual Thanksgiving together this year in anticipation of returning to the streets and running or walking as a group once again very soon. The CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot is the largest such event in NJ. Together we can make it the largest in historic America and help people with disabilities who have been particularly hard hit by job and opportunity losses in the pandemic crisis find new community employment opportunities in 2021. On behalf of those we serve, Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving Season.

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Students at Kangaroo Kids Raise Funds to Support Community

The comprehensive curriculum taught at Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center in Branchburg focuses not only on cognitive, physical, literacy, mathematics and language development but also on social-emotional skills, community service and character development. When students returned to the center in July, after childcare centers statewide were forced to close temporarily in March due to COVID-19, the kindergarten and school aged summer campers immediately got back to work on making a positive impact on their community. “What started as a simple art project, quickly transformed into

a lesson in kindness, entrepreneurship and healing,” said kindergarten teacher Melissa Reilley-Grecco, adding, “Students began making paper flowers. We had all been affected in some way by COVID-19 and the students began discussing that people in the hospital might like to receive the flowers. The idea developed into a business plan to sell the flowers and donate the money to a local hospital. Students and teachers began working together to make the plan a reality.” Building community relationships and a sense of citizenship is an important part of the center’s philosophy. The teachers and staff

immediately began to support the students’ project. The students created a variety of art projects to sell, worked through challenges, developed plans and negotiated strategies in order to have a successful fundraiser. The children made signs and posted on the school’s social media. Extended families and friends saw the posts and began placing orders. They raised $200 and donated to Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Emergency Relief Fund and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. For information about Kangaroo Kids call 908-2317800 or visit www.kangarookidschildcare.com.

Raritan Valley Community College President Dr. Michael J. McDonough has been named one of four top Influencers in Higher Education (County College Presidents) by ROI-NJ, a new media company created to inform and connect businesses in New Jersey. Dr. McDonough has served as president of RVCC since 2014. During that period, the college has been named the top community college in New Jersey by several organizations, including BestColleges.com, WalletHub.com, Schools.com, and Niche.com. Washington Monthly ranked RVCC eighth in the country in the category of “Best Colleges for Adult Learners (2 Year Colleges)” for 2018. And Zippia.com recently reported that RVCC students are the highest earning graduates of any New Jersey community college. “The recognition from ROI-NJ is a fitting tribute to Dr. McDonough for all of the college’s successes during his tenure. Under his leadership, RVCC has made a number of advancements

including building a state-of-theart Workforce Training Center and a 23,500 square-foot expansion to the Christine Todd Whitman Science Center; becoming the first two-year institution of higher education in the country to reach carbon neutrality; expanding workforce programs and partnerships with areas businesses and high schools; and creating new programs to meet employment needs, including the only New Jersey community college Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant,” said Robert P. Wise, Chair of the RVCC Board of Trustees. The college also was one of six colleges and universities in the country to be recognized recently by Campus Compact for outstanding work in pursuit of the public purposes of higher education. RVCC is one of only two community colleges in the U.S. — and the only New Jersey college — to receive the first Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Institutional Transformation. The college is being honored for its longstand-

ing commitment to providing all students with access to civic and community-based learning experiences through its nationally recognized Service Learning Program. Dr. McDonough is also one of only 13 college presidents in the country — and the only president from a New Jersey college — to receive the Shirley B. Gordon Award from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The awards, which are the organization’s most prestigious honor for community college presidents, are given to college presidents in recognition of their work supporting student success on campus.

RVCC President Named One of Top Influencers in NJ Higher Education

Pictured are two veterans retiring stripes of a flag from the previous year.

Boy Scout Troop 185 will conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in celebration of Veterans Day at the fire pit at White Oak Park starting at 7 p.m. Veterans are invited to join us.

It is important that everyone attending the ceremony follow the safety protocols for COVID-19. Face coverings must be worn and participants must stay socially distanced, 6-feet apart. —Submitted by Eileen Bufe

Entries Sought for 2020 Park Commission Photo Contest The Somerset County Park Commission is accepting entries for the “Show Us Your Best Shot: 2020 Photo Contest. Photos must be taken in a park managed by the Somerset County Park Commission and fall into one of the following categories: Scenic; Wildlife; Horticulture; or People. A listing of parks may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Nov. 30. Selected photographers will be awarded Park Commission prizes, and photos will be

featured on the Park Commission website and social media. Photos must be 200 dpi or higher and should be sent as an attachment to an email to dhealey@ scparks.org, indicating “Photo Contest” and category in the subject line. The 2019 winning entries may be found at http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/2019%20 Photo%20Contest/2019%20 Photo%20Contest.pdf. For information on this or any other Park Commission program, visit www.somersetcountyparks. org or call 908-722-1200.

Branchburg Woman’s Club Focuses on Helping Others

By Tricia Ihde for the BWC With the monthly general membership meetings cancelled, Branchburg Woman’s Club members have been doing charitable projects in their homes or in small groups while taking safety precautions. Helping the local food bank is especially urgent now, with so many in need of food due to the pandemic’s effect on the economy. At the Branchburg Country Fair in September, the Branchburg Woman’s Club collected 75 pounds of food and $205 as part of its 22nd annual food drive for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. In October, members collected an additional 35 pounds of food. People interested in contributing further may donate via the food bank’s website at https://somersetfoodbank.org/.

Another recent BWC project focused on showing support for the U.S. troops serving overseas with the help of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and “Operation Yellow Ribbon,” a New Jersey non-profit organization. For this year’s “Operation Christmas Stocking,” the BWC filled 15 Christmas stockings with useful supplies and goodies for our female military personnel serving in the Middle East. A handwritten note of appreciation was included in each gift stocking. The club had to cancel this year’s fundraiser for its annual charitable donations and student achievement awards. Instead, Internet shoppers are asked to support the BWC’s philanthropic efforts by shopping the iGive way. The BWC has been participating for 14 years in this program. Free

for shoppers to use at no extra cost or obligation, iGive.com is an online shopping portal that generates funds for causes. Shoppers may earn tax deductions and have access to exclusive promotional coupon codes while Internet shopping at over 2,300 online retailers. Participating websites include QVC, HSN, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Lands’ End, and many more. These retailers provide the donations to the registered causes chosen by the iGive-logged-in shoppers. Causes receive 100% of the generated donations. After signing up and choosing the BWC Philanthropic Fund (BWCPF) as their cause, participants shop at an online retailer through the BWC’s iGive.com Internet portal. Information is available at http:// www.iGive.com/BWCPF or call the club at 908-866-1824.

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Homes to Yours!

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

Flag Retirement Nov. 11

The Branchburg News • November 2020

Bradleys Thankful for Meghan’s Month of Giving Donations

Meghan Rose Bradley

Branchburg’s Ileen and Bob Bradley sent in the following “thank you note” to the community after a month of virtual fundraising for pediatric brain cancer research: Dear Friends, Thank you for supporting Meghan’s Month of Giving. Our loyal supporters were joined by countless new friends, and we have exceeded $32,000 in donations to our cause. We are grateful for your support of the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation. Our Month of Giving replaced our annual fall fundraiser. Such

are the circumstances of 2020. Replacing it with a virtual Facebook event was an unknown risk we were willing to take in order to continue our mission to fund pediatric brain cancer research. We learned a lot. We were able to reach a larger audience of individuals who support that goal. Thank you for joining with our team to remember Meghan and share her story. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity remind us that Meghan will not be forgotten. It brings us great joy to see her remembered and know that we are making a difference in the futures of all those children who may encounter pediatric brain cancer in the future. Someday, hopefully soon, we will win. Please stay with us on Facebook and of course our future events. We would like to see you soon! From our home to yours and with deep and sincere gratitude, Ileen and Bob Bradley (Meghan’s Mom and Dad)

Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation Raises $32K for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research By Pam Booth What does an organization do when its biggest annual fundraiser is sidelined by a global pandemic? The Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation went online, sharing information about pediatric brain cancer, the progress of research it is funding, and memories of the girl who inspired it all. The result exceeded any and all expectations raising $32,000 thanks to loyal supporters and new friends who joined friends and family to honor Meghan. That money has work to do. Another $40,000 check is on its way to the research team at the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) headed by Dr. Yanxin Pei (PI) Dr. Pei. As they approach the 16th anniversary of Meghan’s passing on Nov. 7, Meghan’s par-

ents, Bob and Ileen Bradley of Branchburg, are overwhelmed with gratitude. “We had no idea how to start but we knew we had to dig deep and think of a way to make up for the donations that would normally come to us through our annual gala,” said Ileen. “When the idea of doing something virtually was proposed, a group of fantastic volunteers came together, learned new things and went full steam ahead.” Bob added, “Canceling our largest annual fundraiser was a cruel but necessary blow to our mission. Attempting to replace it with a virtual Facebook event was an unknown journey that we pursued with only a small group of dreamers, no roadmap, and a lot of coffee. We borrowed some of her spirit and called on her friends and family to reveal the person

she was, the battle she valiantly fought, and the movement she inspired.” “Our mission continues,” said Ileen, “And our hope is that 2021 will allow us to once again share our events in person. We still have ‘Ladies Night Out’ in our sights for the first part of the year. On behalf of the Meghan Rose Bradley Foundation, we are eternally grateful to all of you. Always remember we have a very special angel cheering us on as together we fight to help keep children’s dreams alive.” For additional information about the foundation, including a PayPal link to make a donation, visit https://www. meghanrosebradleyfoundation. org.

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George Washington Proclaimed Thanksgiving may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed— for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted—for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

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And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed—to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord—To promote the knowledge and prac-

The Branchburg News • November 2020

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor – and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we

tice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day

of October in the year of our Lord 1789. G. Washington. Editor’s note: This was the first official presidential proclamation issued in the United States.

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

SHS 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students

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Principal Gerard Foley of Somerville High School has announced that Rachel Kaniuk, Andrew Muller, Jason Seeley, and Spencer Talish (all of Branchburg) and Vincent Samonte (of Somerville) have been named Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commenda-

Oak Park honors the memory of Chase Harlan Monson. After his passing, donations were taken in memory of Chase and given to the Somerset County library system. His parents, Justin and Megan Monson, Neshanic Station, chose the library because they are avid readers. The representative at the library suggested the book sharing station along with rocking chairs installed in several libraries with a nameplate. The book station was installed over the summer and family and friends have been keeping it filled with various books for all ages. The inscription reads: There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world –In memory of Chase Harlan Monson.

tion from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. AlLIMITED OPENINGS FOR IN PERSON CLASSES

though they will not continue in the 2021 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

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Libraries would be able to dispose of outdated material without going out to bid under legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman and advanced Oct. 19 by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. “The funding to operate public libraries remains a critical issue in this state, where the demand for, and utilization of library services continues to escalate,” said Bateman (R-16). “This practical measure would allow library administrators to reduce costs on a necessary task, and put that money to work providing better resources for patrons.” By removing the requirement to advertise for bids, Bateman’s bill, S-2644, would allow libraries to more efficiently dispose of books, newspapers, periodicals and other materials. The libraries have the

approval to procure the same material outside of the bidding process. “The bill would remove an unnecessary step and help facilities provide more useful, up-to-date information to New Jersey residents who rely on public libraries,” said Bateman. “Everybody benefits.” Currently, there are 451 public libraries and 2,295 school libraries in New Jersey. There are 68 ongoing public library construction projects underway. Senator Bateman sponsored the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act signed into law in 2017. “Libraries are not just for storing books. They are shelter during a storm, career centers, and gathering places for new neighbors,” said Bateman in a press release announcing the bill signing on July 21, 2017. “They help our children grow into wellrounded adults.”

HMC Recognized for Quality Stroke Care Hunterdon Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. Hunterdon Medical Center earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as

well as other care transition interventions “Hunterdon Medical Center is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Dana DeAngelis, Stroke Coordinator at Hunterdon Medical Center. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.” Hunterdon Medical Center additionally received the Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPa, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Ischemic Stroke. Hunterdon Medical Center has also met specific scientific guide-

lines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. “We are pleased to recognize Hunterdon Medical Center for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.” According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

Bateman Bill Helping Public Libraries Reduce Cost, Improve Services Advances

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

Branchburg Newsmakers in the Top 10. Kylee, 17, worked intensively to prepare, despite pairing with a new horse in February and then being unable to ride for three months due to the pandemic. This is just Kylee’s second year competing at the show level in Pleasure Equitation. She rides at Seraphim Stables in Augusta, NJ, and is trained by Erin McCracken. Kylee and Mia (New York’s Midnight Lady) proudly represent NJ.

Karen Rostoker-Gruber

Karen Rostoker-Gruber of Branchburg, an award-winning children’s book author, ventriloquist, and humorist, has added a 12th entry to the list of published books appearing on her website: https://www.karenrostoker-gruber. com. “A Crowded Farmhouse Folktale,” based on an old Yiddish story, was released by Albert Whitman & Co. on Oct. 1. The crowded house involves a farmer’s ducks, horses and goats all living inside, and funny illustrations of the animals and their human roommates are apropo to the current quarantine era as living quarters are being shared all day and night, with few breaks. Kylee Monaghan has qualified for the New England Horseman

Al and Debbie Ferrara formerly of Branchburg announce the enKylee Monaghan gagement of their son, Michael, Council (NEHC) Medal Finals to Amanda Balaka of Michigan. once again this year. The Finals Michael attended all four Branchconsist of three components, during burg elementary schools and is a two phases, each judged by a three 2010 graduate of Somerville High judge panel. The preliminary phase School. Michael graduated from begins with all riders being judged the University of Central Florida on the rail. Following the lineup, with a degree in Hospitality and all riders are then excused from the Tourism. Amanda is completing ring, and called back one at a time her degree at the University of to perform a pattern. No scores are Florida in Event Planning. Both are given out at this point, but the top 10 employed at the Walt Disney Comriders are invited back to compete pany in Florida. Michael is an FSA in the final rail work phase the fol- at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club. lowing evening. Kylee rode beauti- Amanda is a Concierge at Disney’s fully and was rewarded by placing Boardwalk Resort. A May 2022

Michael Ferrara & Amanda Balaka

wedding is scheduled at The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The couple resides in Davenport, FL. Catherine Jane Nojiri and Steven Gregory Banden were married on Sept. 6 in an intimate ceremony at the Washington Crossing Inn in Washington Crossing, PA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and family attended the ceremony via Zoom. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Catherine Ann Nojiri of Branchburg. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2008 with a

Catherine Jane Nojiri & Steven Gregory Banden

Doctorate in Pharmacy. In 2018, she earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. She is currently a Director in Medical Affairs at Novo Nordisk in Plainsboro. The groom is the son of Ms. Pamela Pearson, also of Branchburg. Steven completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health in 2009 from Rutgers University and is a Data Analyst at the New Jersey Department of Health in Trenton. The couple both attended Branchburg elementary and middle schools, and graduated from Somerville High School in 2002. They currently reside in Montgomery.

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The Snowy November Woods

This column first appeared in the November 2018 issue of The Branchburg News. Dawn was hardly accomplished when the charcoal sky, stirred by a strong cold wind, began to hurl sharp ice crystals against the dry

fallen leaves. The high velocity ice pellets struck the forest floor to reverberate against the dry leaves and create a mesmerizing steady hum. The expansive old woods, now under siege by the late November weather, had a logging road cut through it sometime in the past that now resembled a linear scar threading through the trees. The thick canopy of branches blocked the sunlight to prevent the cut from healing and provided

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

This hungry fox definitely would enjoy a meal of fresh ruffed grouse to supplement its steady diet of mice and voles.

an unobstructed view and silent pathway, for at least a hundred yards. Any bird or animal travelling across the woodlot could be easily seen. From my vantage point, where the road curved around a large boulder to the straightaway before me, I paused to take in the view. The falling ice began to accumulate; it was like watching an invisible hand weave a white rug on a rough umber tinted latticework. The ice would take turns with large snowflakes as this tandem team laid down white pavement on the road. The thick canopy of branches in the surrounding woods prevented much of the falling snow from reaching the ground. The white flakes and ice crystals that fell here resembled a light scattering of powdered sugar that stood in stark contrast to the near solid white woods road. The woods are transformed

The old logging road weaving through the trees scattered with snow brought the lines from poet Robert Frost to life.

Feeling chilled, I was about to resume my walk when a quick movement in the woods caught my eye. Like watching a silent movie in black and white, a woodland drama was about to unfold. Some small, fast animal was running along the ground in a straight line, on a course that

The hiker skier and the fox passed this way on a snowy walk The same path was taken on that day Though each saw things a different way

with a light snow as hidden pathways and game trails show up as white lines and the thick woods instantly fitted with clear windows into the woodland depths. Any animal previously hidden by the labyrinth of branches in 3:37 PM the one dimensional muted background of similar color, now are exposed as dark forms against white as they pass through these previously invisible portals. The slightest movement, even at a distance, now betrays an animal’s presence as sound becomes an irrelevant turncoat.

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would take it across the woody lane. In short order it appeared in the open and I was still questioning its identity. I could now see this was clearly a bird as it looked like a pigeon, though slightly larger. It was so odd to see a bird running instead of flying and given its speed, its health did not seem compromised. The fleet footed bird was a ruffed grouse! I recalled seeing grouse feeding in the predawn light on other occasions and thinking how they resembled pigeons. In less than 15 seconds, another

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larger form appeared and was clearly running along the same track as the grouse. This was a red fox! The fox had probably gotten a glimpse of the grouse, lost sight of the bird, then picked up its scent to begin the chase. The grouse felt confident enough it could escape on the ground as the fox was in steady but lagging pursuit. The bird would take to the air if the fox came within striking distance and barring intervention from a hungry cooper’s hawk, the grouse would enjoy the rest of the day in peace. The fox was on a foolish pursuit chasing an alert grouse. Its hunger in full argument with its experience arrived at a compromise and the chase began in deference to hunger. I waited another few minutes and couldn’t resist trying to call the fox in. Like magic the fox came running, sat at the edge of the lane in the white snow and stared in my direction for a good minute, stood up and trotted off. As the fox disappeared in the distant woods I again began to walk down the canopied lane enjoying the snowy woods. From, “A road not taken, “… and looked down one (road) as far as I could, to where it bent into the overgrowth”. Then the line from Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening, “…to watch his woods fill with snow”…… “The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake” Unwrap the gift of a light November snow and enjoy sights and sounds that have inspired the verse of American Poets.

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

Troop 90 Takes Wilderness Canoe Trip

This Month In Branchburg History One year ago, Nov. 2019: (Actually at the end of Oct. 2019), the Readington Reformed Church marked its 300th anniversary with a celebration of history and music in the hall of the Readington Volunteer Fire Company, which serves both Branchburg and Readington townships. The congregation was originally housed in a log structure near the confluence of the North Branch and South Branch of the Raritan River in Branchburg, and since 1865, occupies a large stately building on Readington Rd. in Readington village. Five years ago, Nov. 2015: The Somerville High School Pioneers Marching Band and Color Guard hosted their 35th Annual Marching Band Home Show on Oct. 10. The 15 area NJ High School Bands who com-

peted were: Bernards, Ridge, North Plainfield, Union, South Plainfield, Cranford, Colonia, Morristown, Fair Lawn, Watchung Hills, Point Pleasant Borough, Immaculata, Passaic, New Providence and BridgewaterRaritan. The event showcased various types of music, from classical to rock, from traditional to original scores performed by the bands while marching their show routines and colorful, creative and awe inspiring performances by the color guards, from the high schools around NJ. 10 years ago, Nov. 2010: The Branchburg Senior Citizens Club added “Fun Days” to its monthly calendar – times to be with friends and enjoy social activities and camaraderie. Fun Days featured Wii video games on HDTV, movies, card games, shooting pool, darts, board

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games, and casual conversation. 25 years ago, Nov. 1995: In a Sunday search-and-rescue drill, Branchburg police, rescue and fire squads, along with Somerset County park rangers and a canine team, took five hours to find a woman and a mannequin posing as a missing mother and Pictured are Dan and Josh McDonald; Chris and Eric Rasch; Vic and Aidan child. Haddad; Dan and Evan Osworth; Tim and Josh Rutka; Diane, Mark, Kris 50 years ago, Nov. 1970: A buffet dinner-dance to benefit Boy Scout Troop 185 was held at the Rescue Squad building. Walt Wengryn and his orchestra were on the bandstand.

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and Luke Litwinko; Bill and Alex Bukowski, and Joseph and Don Keck with the Guide Larry Ahearn.

Troop 90 went on its biannual introduction to High Adventure Canoe trip for five days starting Aug. 21. It took place in the St. Regis Canoe Area located in Adirondacks near Saranac Lake, New York. Nine scouts and nine leaders from Troop 90 participated. Wilderness Canoe tripping involves both paddling on lakes and rivers as well as portaging. Portaging is the act of carrying canoes, equipment, and gear over land from one navigable water way to another. The troop followed the Floodwood Pond Loop which was 15 miles of paddling,

moving camp to different sites each day with five portages. Most of the portages were around 200 yards but one was 5/8 of a mile. Activities included fishing, swimming, hiking, wilderness cooking and camping. The weather was excellent, and the scouts had the opportunity to earn both cooking and canoeing merit badges. This year had the additional challenge of mask wearing and social distancing, so scouts traveled in family groups. Troop 90 meets every Thursday at the Midland School at 7:30 p.m.

Tree, or Tribute Bench. Purchases support the valuable programs funded by the Park Foundation and offered by the Somerset County Park Commission. The bricks, benches, and trees provide

individuals and organizations with the opportunity to honor people and groups or commemorate special events. Commemorative Bricks are placed at the entrance to TD Bank Ballpark and Tribute Benches and Legacy Trees are placed in a selected county park to provide an enduring tribute. Commemorative Bricks are available at $100 each and will be engraved with a maximum of three (3) lines of twenty (20) characters including spaces and punctuation. A donation of $2,500 will earn the placement of a bench or tree in a designated county park of choice with a plaque memorializing the contribution. Tribute Benches are available in three styles conforming to the park in which the bench is to be placed. Living Legacy Trees can either be a new planting or an already established tree, either one noted with an engraved plaque. All fees are tax deductible. Information is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org. For information call 908-7221200, ext. 5237.

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

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Neshanic Garden Club Receives National Awards

The Neshanic Garden Club received a gold sealed Certificate of Merit along with a large purple rosette ribbon for their “90 Years of Gardening” Standard Flower Show in September 2019 from the National Garden Club. This was the highest award the club received for their Standard Flower Show. Although the uncertainty of this past year caused many activities and regular meetings for the Neshanic Garden Club and The Garden Club of New Jersey Inc. to be cancelled, special projects were not shut down, among them being the awards that the GCNJ usually distributes at the spring meeting to the member clubs. Following are the kind remarks of the GCNJ Awards Committee preceding the listing of the many awards given to the Neshanic Garden Club: “The quality of the projects, your club’s participation and impact in your community were highlights in our committees’ deliberations and final decisions to award The Neshanic Garden Club these awards. Congratulations to the Neshanic Garden Club on receiving the following GCNJ Awards for the 2019-20 year!!

They are:” Hanover Garden Club Trophy for the Greens Workshop at the Hillsborough Municipal Building; The Myra Brooks Memorial Trophy, to Carmela Shepley, winner of the Designer Choice Award in the highest rated Standard Flower Show, 90 Years of Gardening; The Dorothy M. Schick Trophy for the greatest excellence in staging a Standard Flower Show, 90 Years of Gardening; The Glenn Ferrari Memorial Trophy to Diane Reinhardt, the winner of the Arboreal Award in the highest rated Standard Flower Show, 90 Years of Gardening; Patricia Grossi Petite Award Trophy to Debbie Gleason, winner of the Petite Award in the highest rated Standard Flower Show, 90 Years of Gardening; Doris Bryan Educational Exhibit Trophy to Barbara Devitt and Janet Gibson for “History of the Neshanic Garden Club over 90 Years;” Dr. Bernard Pollack Trophy to Nayleen Scherer for the highest rated Blue Ribbon winner, ages 6-7 in the Design Division of Youth Section, 90 Years of Gardening; Certificate of Merit with a Gold Seal for an Excellent Yearbook. Also, during this past spring

The New Jersey Association of Community Theaters has announced Perry Award nominations for 2020. The Perry Awards are the NJ Community Theater equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards. Readington Community Theatre was honored to receive the following 9 nominations for its production of “Lend Me A Tenor” last January. Outstanding Production of a Play (Rob Nonni); Outstanding Direction of a Play (Rob Nonni & Lona Nonni); Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play (Robert Herko & Don Schlachter); Out-

standing Sound Design of a Play (Robert Herko & Frank Bergson); Outstanding Costume Design of a Play (Joanne Vinciguerra & Cynthia Okamoto); Outstanding Properties in a Play (Joanne Vinciguerra); Outstanding Scenic Design of Play (Frank Bergson); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play (Denise Hickson); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play (Stephanie DiPilla - Patalona). The date and format for the Awards Ceremony has not yet been announced by NJACT. - submitted by Rob Nonni for RC Theatre

Virtual Birding Workshops Offered The Naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) Environmental Education Center (EEC) have scheduled a series of Virtual Birding Workshops for adult birders. Each workshop will be offered on various dates during the month. “Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Owls” will explore the fascinating owl including long or short ears, barred or great horned. With the shared personal insights of a Naturalist who has observed all of North America’s owl species, learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each species. The program runs Fridays, Nov. 6, 13, and 20, from 7 to 8 p.m. Fee is $15 per household for each session. “Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Ducks” will be all about the wide array of ducks in New Jersey during winter. Learn how to identify drakes and hens of each

species and break the species into easy to remember groups. Learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each species. The program runs Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Fee is $20 per household for each session. Enrollment is online only at www.somersetcountyparks.org. For further information call 908722-1200.

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The Branchburg News • November 2020

Pictured, from left to right, are Jeannie Geremia, President of the Garden Club of New Jersey and NGC member; Jean Stives, Co-President of Neshanic Garden Club and Co-Chairman of the “90 Years of Gardening” Standard Flower Show, and Diana Reinhardt Co-Chairman of “90 Years of Gardening” Standard Flower Show. Not pictured is Ali Van Cleef, CoPresident of Neshanic Garden Club. - Photo courtesy of Dianna Reinhardt

and summer, Neshanic Garden Club members have not stopped working in the many local gardens that benefit the surrounding communities. Club members are looking forward to getting together for a regularly scheduled meeting to be held at the Pavilion in Ann VanMiddlesworth Park in Hillsborough. The Park is one of the beneficiaries of the hard work done by NGC members. Prospective club members are welcome to come to hear about our club and its activities. For further information please contact Co-Presidents Jean Stives at 908-359-6480 or Ali Van Cleef at 908-403-8208. - Submitted by Susan Cusumano of Branchburg

Community Theatre Scores Perry Award Nominations

• Health Screenings • Teachers all wearing face masks • Air Purifiers and Merv Filters and UV Lights • Healthy Child Zone Program

The Branchburg News • November 2020

RVCC Offers Online Enrichment

High school and middle students looking for extra academic challenges this fall and early winter are invited to register for online enrichment programs offered by Raritan Valley Community College in partnership with ed2go. Classes are being offered in such subject areas as conversational French and Japanese, human anatomy and physiology, algebra, biology, chemistry and statistics, as well as exam prep courses for SAT and ACT tests. A variety of start dates are available from October to January. Self-paced and instructorled courses are being offered. For a complete list of courses and to register for programs, visit https://www.raritanval. edu/youth-ed2go. For information only, email youth@raritanval.edu or sandile.manzini@ raritanval.edu. Ranked by WalletHub.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey,

Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The college has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a 1,000-seat Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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