The Readington News, February 2020 edition by Town Media

February 2020 www.readingtonnews.com

The

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Readington School District Names Educators of the Year

Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Hart recently announced the Readington Township School District Governor Educator of the Year recipients for the 2019-2020 school year. The honorees were each presented with flowers in recognition of this prestigious award. The GEOY recipients will be recognized at the district’s May 19 board meeting. The honorees are: Readington Middle School - Bruno Somma, Math Teacher, and Adam Connelly, School Counselor; Holland Brook School - Michael Roosen, Special Education Teacher, and Nicole Maraventano, Literacy Coach; Whitehouse School - Jennifer Kostelansky, Kindergarten Teach-

The

Township Committee Reorganizes, Heller is Mayor

The Readington Township Committee reorganized on Jan. 6, and Jonathan Heller was elected mayor and Juergen Huelsebusch deputy mayor, for 2020. Following are Mayor Heller’s remarks: “Good evening and thank you all for coming. First and foremost, I want to thank Mayor Betty Ann Fort, Deputy Mayor John Albanese and Administrator Vita Mekovitz for their hard work and selfless dedication to Readington Township in 2019. Next I would like to thank all of the Readington Township residents that take time away from their family, friends and daily lives to volunteer for our township. The volunteerism that takes place every day in our town is truly remarkable. It is a tribute to the character and moral integrity that our residents possess. Our fire departments, the rescue squad and our CERT members are selfless heroes that brave the night so that we can sleep comfortably in our homes. The committee members from the Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, Open Space Advisory Board, Sewer Advisory Committee, Recreation Committee, Environmental Committee, Beautification Committee, Historical Preservation Committee, Museums Committee, Board of Health and Readington Lebanon Sewer Authority all donate uncounted hours of their time for the betterment of our town. Our municipal teammates in Readington Township from the Police Department, from Buildings and Grounds, from the Department of Public Works, from our librarians and our Municipal Building teammates are all dedicated and caring contributors to our wonderful town. I have truly enjoyed meeting them, talking to them and learning what each and every one of them contributes to the greater good of Readington. Our professionals, the lawyers, engineers, planners, accountants and advisors work diligently to help us maintain Readington’s character and guide us through the troubled waters of municipal government. My wife Patti and I have lived in town for 26 years. We were married in our yard by Mayor Ron Monaco. We have experienced the professionalism, courtesy and caring that the working teammates and volunteers of Readington exude in the performance of their respective duties. Unfortunately that includes several visits to our home from the Fire Department and Police Department, not to mention the late night DPW plow drivers out cleaning our streets in all kinds of ugly weather. I can also add a recent ride in our First Aid Squad’s ambulance, all in the interest of researching our emergency preparedness. We all sleep better at night knowing that they are there behind the scenes doing what they do for the benefit of all Readington residents. I would like to thank all teammates and volunteers again for all that they do. They are all underappreciated and overworked. 2019 was a good year. There were some tumultuous times, but overall a good year. I want to thank Betty Ann, Vita and John again for guiding us through the potholes and pitfalls that seemed to appear on a weekly basis.

Readington News

Pictured are Holland Brook School Governor Educator of the Year recipients Mike Roosen and Nicole Maraventano.

A Community Newspaper

er, and Sara Grzenda, School Psychologist; Three Bridges School Christine Lewis, Grade 3 Teacher, and Stephanie Armstrong, Nurse.

Readington Township Considers 80-Acre Redevelopment Area

The Readington News jumped the gun in a front page article in last month’s newspaper titled “80-Acre Site Eyed for Affordable Housing,” and regrets the error. Township Committee member John Albanese explained that a Readington Township Planning Board vote on Dec. 9 designating an 80-acre area off Route 22 East “in need of redevelopment” simply recommended that area for redevelopment -- nothing more. This newspaper cited the action as paving the way for an affordable housing project, but many steps lie between the Planning Board’s action and development at Block 36. Further, this newspaper described 881 units including 355 affordable units. Albanese clarified that those numbers are for the township’s entire court-mandated affordable housing plan -- not for Block 36. Block 36 includes the sites of the dilapidated former Whitehouse Diner, Gables Boarding House, the vacant Interstate Iron Works and a mum field owned by Hionis Greenhouses. As affordable units relate to the proposed redevelopment property, the former Ironworks site is approved for 192 multi-family apartments with 48 dedicated to lowand moderate-income households.

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Details are available in a document prepared for Readington Township by Clarke Caton Hintz on the township website https://readingtontwpnj.gov/images/PB/191105_ AINR_Investigation_CCH.pdf. According to Clarke Caton Hintz, the “NJ Local Redevelopment and Housing Law: Redevelopment Process” is as follows: • Governing body directs the planning board to undertake a preliminary investigation to determine whether or not an identified area is in need of redevelopment. • Planning board conducts an investigation and holds a public hearing on the proposed redevelopment area designation. • Based on the planning board’s recommendation, governing body may designate all or some of the study area as an “area in need of redevelopment.” • The governing body prepares a redevelopment plan for the area, or directs the planning board to prepare the plan. • The governing body adopts the redevelopment plan. • The governing body or another public agency/ authority designated as the “redevelopment entity” that oversees the implementation of the redevelopment plan. • The redevelopment entity selects a redeveloper(s) to unContinued on page 12

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Mayor Jonathan Heller is pictured with his wife Patti, daughter Briana, and son Corwin. - Photo courtesy of Christina Albrecht Affordable housing was a major topic of discussion in town with the start of the Willows at Nelson Street. Currently the project is under construction with the anticipated opening of the apartments later this year. 2019 was a good year for open space land

acquisition. The 35 acre Gallo property on Ridge Road was donated to the township. The 30 acre Lorenzen property on Dreahook Road was finally closed with our Transco money. The 106 acre Saums property on

Continued on page 4

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The Readington News • February 2020

Editors/Publishers: Monita Casey Haduch, Bill Haduch Advertising Manager: Karen C. Muller Contributors: Lisa O’Donoghue & Susan Torsilieri Mailing Services: Mike Sanchez Art: Kevin Gora, Megan Moore Layout Services: Steve Skladany The Readington News is mailed monthly, free-of-charge to every mailing address in Readington Township. Free copies are also available for distribution in places of business, schools, and municipal offices. DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE March 2020

February 10 For Ad Materials February 15 For News Materials

The Readington 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 Readington 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: readingtonnews@gmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 5351, Branchburg, NJ 08876 Web: www.readingtonnews.com A Creative Resources/ Town Media Newspaper Publishers: Bill Haduch, Monita Casey Haduch

Community Garden Club Feb. 13 Victoria Dole, a certified Master Gardener, will discuss the beauty and history of Italian gardens and provide useful suggestions when the Community Garden Club of Hunterdon County meets at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 390 Route 523 and Pulaski Road, Whitehouse Station, at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments at 10:30 a.m. and program at 11. For information call Linda 908-537-0901. Billy Joel Tribute Band Feb. 15 Knights of Columbus John Paul II Assembly 3293 will present Captain Jack, The ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band, on Sat. Feb. 15 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church hall, 105 Summer Rd. in Three Bridges. Dinner is at 6:30 and the show starts at 8 p.m. Dancing is encouraged. Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner and show. BYOB. For tickets and information, contact Roman Hnidj at 908256-9760 or rhnidj@gmail.com. Daytona 500 Party Feb. 16 The annual Automotive Service Center (ascwhitehouse.com) Daytona 500 Party happens at Three Bridges Banquet Hall, 467 Main St., Three Bridges, from noon to 6 p.m. Enjoy NASCAR’s Great American Race on jumbo screens with friends and race fans. Door prizes, race pools, and more. Catered by 55 Main, admission includes buffet dinner, draft beer,

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Upcoming Events

soft drinks, wine, coffee and dessert. Get your tickets via Eventbrite, $35 each, with discounts for full table tickets (seat 8). Proceeds benefit Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company. Open Space Walk Feb. 16 Enjoy a Sunday afternoon hike on the trails of the Lazy Brook Greenway. Traverse through wide grasslands, streams and forest patches, with panoramic views. The group will walk about two hours over gently sloping fields and wooded areas between Summer Road Park and Lazy Brook Road. Your pooch on a leash is welcome to join. Meet at the trailhead parking lot across from #40 Summer Road at 1 p.m. To sign up, or for questions, contact John Klotz at jwklotz@embarqmail.com. Quilting Guild Feb. 21 The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd. This will be the guild’s annual community service workshop. All levels of quilters are invited to join. For

additional info email hunterdoncountyquiltingguild@gmail.com or visit https://hcquiltingguild. wixsite.com/hcquiltingguild. Girl Scout Sweetheart Dance Feb. 21 The annual Girl Scout Sweetheart Dance will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges from 7 to 9 p.m. Girl Scouts in Daisies, Brownies and Juniors are invited to get dressed up and attend with their special guy. For more information contact Emily Zgombic at ezgombic04@ gmail.com. Killer Fashion March 1 From 1 to 4 p.m., Dana Bala will present “Dressed to Kill: From Arsenic in Clothing, Lead in Cosmetics to Blazing Crinolines” at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, 114 Dreahook Rd., in the Stanton section. (GPS use Lebanon 08833) Bala will discuss some of the most lethal fashion practices during history, focusing on the Victorian period. This is a free family friendly event, although donations will be accepted. For more infor-

mation visit www.readingtontwp. org/ReadingtonMuseums.html or call 908-236-2327. Taste of Tewksbury March 27 At 7 p.m., the Woman’s Club of Tewksbury will present A Taste of Tewksbury, the club’s signature fundraising event, at Beaver Brook Country Club. Local restaurants will showcase menu specialties and Tewksbury Fine Wine & Spirits will offer samplings. Light fare and cash bar are planned. For tickets visit http:// www.tewksburywomansclub. org/.

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By Ray Egbert Readington Board of Education Finance Committee Chair The Board of Education is tasked with managing the budget of the district with the guidance of our Superintendent, Dr. Jonathan Hart, and our Business Administrator, Jason Bohm. As with every year, the first few months of the new year is when budgeting, planning and preparing occurs. The creation and implementation of a strong, responsible budget allows the district to maintain the many programs our students have become accustomed to. The district is also able to maintain the buildings and grounds in the manner in which our constituents have come to expect. The 2019-2020 budget, which is currently being utilized, has helped the district to meet the goals that are set annually. With this year’s budget, the district is able to offer new programs such as: an extended Social Emotional Learning program with a newly appointed supervisor who will continue to grow this forward thinking program district-wide, two full-time Coach positions for Literacy and Math and a new behavioral disabilities program. This year’s budget also allowed for enhancements to school security including construction of security vestibules in each school building, upgrades to access controls district-wide and expansion of other physical security enhancements. The district also hired through a shared service with the Township an additional part-time Police Officer. Board of Education meetings are scheduled with the following tentative 2020-2021 school year

budget topics: Feb. 4: Curriculum/ Staff Development, Pupil Services, and Technology; Feb. 25: Facilities, Transportation, Administration, Personnel and Benefits; March 10: Presentation on the whole budget to the public with tentative approval; April 7: Budget clarification; April 28: Budget hearing and final adoption of budget. (Please note these dates can change and public notices will be posted in advance with start times. Please check the district website readington.k12. nj.us for updates.) During the planning of the 2020-2021 school year budget there will be some challenges facing our district which include, as of the writing of this article, a need for enhanced technology equipment for students and staff, facility upgrades to ensure both students and staff remain safe and healthy, along with increases in staff salaries and health insurance premiums. In addition to these challenges, the district continues to be committed to providing our students with a comprehensive and rigorous program of studies, with a full complement of athletic and extra-curricular offerings. All input and concerns about the budget can be heard during the Feb. 4 and Feb. 25 board meetings as well as the other dates listed above. Public input helps the Board of Education to create a fiscally responsible budget while keeping all of the members of the community apprised of the current needs of the district. Please consider attending one or all of the dates. As always, should you have questions, please email boardmembers@readington.k12.nj.us.

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Troop 90 Attends Jersey Jam Scout Jamboree

Pictured are (front row) Andrew D’Alessio, Ryan Bellek*, Richard Belt, Nicola D’Amico, (second row -kneeling) Philip Kazantsev*, Evan Osworth, Tommy Capozzi, Aidan Haddad, Dylan Nyakanga, Kristofer Litwinko*, Jackson Parisi, Joseph Keck, Brendan Kempe, Lukas Litwinko*, Brian Linck, (back row - left of flag) Vic Haddad, Stephanie Keck, Dan Osworth, Josh McDonald*, Scott Belt, Andy D’Amico, Bill Lawson, (back row - right of flag) Brian Armstrong*, Will Lawson, Walter Nyakanga, Chris McArthur, Brad Hieber, Mark Litwinko*, Alex Niewaidomski (with trophy), Scoutmaster Dan McDonald*. (* indicates Readington Township resident) - Submitted by Bill Lawson, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 90

Branchburg Troop 90 scouts attended the Jersey Jam, a weekend Scouting jamboree and campout hosted by Patriots’ Path Council, Oct. 4-6 at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation and historic Waterloo Village. Over 2,500 participants from the area arrived Friday night to set up camp, making this the largest gathering of scouts in the Northeast in 2019. The jamboree activities included a wood and rope bridge, helicopter

landings and tours, ATV riding, shooting sports, and mountain biking. Special tent activities were provided by vendors and the Jersey Jam staff and included Indian lore displays, knife making, glass blowing, STEM demonstrations. The New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Division of Forestry, and Picatinny Arsenal staff exhibited the latest military, police, fire and emergency management vehicles, demonstrating new technologies

for the scouts. The evening entertainment included scout contests, a concert, and ended with a fabulous fireworks display. The scouts took great pride in completing a team extreme obstacle course and enjoyed the scout spirit and camaraderie of the event. Troop 90 meets on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Midland School, Branchburg.

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The Readington News • February 2020

Readington Township Board of Education Begins Budget Process

The Readington News • February 2020

Happy 100th Birthday, John Czaja

Township Committee Reorganizes, Heller is Mayor

Continued from page 1

Pictured, from left, are Readington Township Committee member Ben Smith, John Czaja, Sally Czaja Schoenfeld, Committee member Betty Ann Fort, and Bob Schoenfeld.

By Betty Ann Fort At its Dec. 16 meeting, the Readington Township Committee passed a resolution honoring John Czaja on the occasion of his 100th birthday. A Whitehouse Station resident, he turned 100 on Dec. 27. Mr. Czaja, a proud World War

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Rockafellow Mills Road is currently under contract. Hunterdon County is also working towards the purchase of two properties on Rockafellow Mills Road, totaling 29 acres. We partnered with the county to purchase the 14.6 Delaney property on Foothill Road as a part of the Round Mountain section of town. 2019 saw the addition of several new businesses. The Farm (Route 22 East) opened up and now offers several affordable housing apartments and currently has a nail salon and bridal dress shop. Profeta (Route 202 South) completed its new building and has been open for business. Verona purchased the old Walmart building (Route 22 West) and is preparing to open. QuickChek (Route 28) is currently expanding its headquarters. Karen’s doll house store has opened (Route 22 West). Two new restaurants opened, Stanton Italian Table (Stanton) and Chef’s Table Tuttobene (Route 22 East.) Readington Township in 2019 was one of only 53 communities in the state to achieve silver status in the Sustainable Jersey program, a program empowering communities to build a better world for future generations. 2020 brings us the start of a new decade and a new year. I have been asked about my vision and my goals as mayor. I quite frankly like Readington Township exactly the way it is and has been for the last 26 years I have lived here. I was not able to come up with any grandiose or glamorous projects or goals. There is a lot of unfinished work and long term goals that I think the Township Committee, both past and present, would like to bring to closure. We have spent countless hours and too much money to reach those desired results. With the beginning of a new year and a new decade we are reaching out to the owners of Solberg Airport to begin mediation meetings with the hopes of attaining an amicable and mutually beneficial agreement with the family members. Affordable housing, we have been working on since 1985. We have been in compliance in Round 1 and Round 2. Recently we came to an agreement with the fair share housing authority. We are currently waiting for our day in court to reach final approval of our Round 3 obligations. Nelson Street will be occupied some time this year. Several other properties are currently under varying stages of negotiations to help Readington meet our affordable housing obligations. The Township Committee is also concerned with our debt and we are actively researching ways to reduce our overall debt and our debt service. We anticipate the opening of several new businesses in 2020. Verona should be hiring up to 100 people for its new business. The Farm is anticipating new businesses for its property. QuickChek will begin construction of its new convenience store and gas station on County Line Road and Route 22.

The Readington Hop Farm is anticipating opening its tasting room this year. The 388 Realty Property on Route 22 was recently purchased by a new developer and we anticipate seeing plans for that project. We are currently meeting with the owners of the Gables and the Whitehouse Diner about potential improvements and additions to that property. The township is currently working on modifying and updating ordinances. We are working on a new tree ordinance, a revised sign ordinance and reviewing our zoning ordinances. All of this is being done to create a better environemnt for potential new businesses. Our county mandated tax revaluation is currently underway and each business and residence in town will be reassessed to more equally distribute the tax values in town. The tax revaluation will continue into 2021. Our new neighbor Unicom Global has been quiet, but the Township Committee plans on opening the lines of communication to determine if we can partner with them to help their business grow. I would like to close by stating that the Township Committee wants to open this new decade and the new year by helping to create a better understanding between the residents and all the volunteers, professionals and teammates that make up our municipal government. We want everyone to understand what the township government is attempting to do with its current Master Plans and new ordinances. We are your neighbors and your friends, we work together to make Readington Township a lasting place for all of us to enjoy. We pay the same tax base as you do, we drive the same roads that you do, our children attended the same schools that your kids do. We shop at the same stores and eat at the same restaurants that you do. We want to maintain the same rural character of the town that brought all of us here in the first place. But, we are being forced by the NJ Supreme Court and the inaction of NJ state legislators to commit to unrealistic affordable housing obligations. To make unwanted changes to our town. It is going to have a profound effect on our schools, our taxes, the traffic on our roads, municipal services and the look of our town. We are all working to try to minimize the effects that affordable housing is going to have on our town. We have a limited budget and limited tools available to us to work with. But we do have a plan. We would like to bring back the town hall meetings to reach out to our neighbors and friends that may not be actively involved in our town politics and ask them to bring their questions and concerns to us. We are working on potential sites; possibly Three Bridges would be the first stop. If these town hall meetings are fruitful and well attended, we will continue the effort. The Township Committee is looking forward to meeting the town’s needs and achieving the best possible outcome for all of us who love Readington Township. Thank you neighbors.”

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FIND MORE MUNICIPAL INFO ON THE TOWNSHIP WEBSITE: READINGTONTWPNJ.GOV

Township Budget Season Approaches

Chambers Brook Greenway Gallo Acquisition (35 Acres)

The Readington Township budget process starts early each calendar year with department heads meeting with the Township Administrator to forecast salary, overtime, and routine expenses for the upcoming year. This data is compiled by the Township CFO into an overall budget including contractual items (such as insurance, garbage pickup, debt service, salaries), contrasted with the prior year's budget and actual spent. The CFO then adds in expected revenue sources, such as surplus, projected department revenue (e.g., tax collection, construction, courts), interest on accounts, and other outside sources such as State aid. The difference between total expenses and expected revenue is the projected property tax levy.

Readington Township has accepted the donation of a 35.66-acre wooded and wetland parcel located on the Chambers Brook Corridor. This stream corridor is one of six major preservation priority areas in Readington Township, which include key watersheds such as the Holland Brook, Pleasant Run and Chambers Brook. This Ridge Road parcel contains lands identified as of State-wide importance for water quality and protects a northern portion of the headwaters of the Chambers Brook. It includes sensitive wetlands, a pond and streams that provide suitable habitat for reptiles and amphibians, large areas of importance for groundwater recharge, and coniferous forest that provides suitable habitat for wintering owls, including the threatened Long-eared Owl.

All this data is presented by the CFO and Administrator to the Township Committee liaison responsible for finance. This Township Committee member provides guidance on items that have more discretion and annual variability, such as projected legal fees and capital expenses. The numbers are recalculated based on the feedback and the whole budget is presented to the entire Township Committee in a special public budget meeting. This meeting is publicly advertised and usually held in the morning of a weekday. Some years there is more than one such meeting. Once the Township Committee is happy with the budget, it is formally introduced by vote for a public hearing and adoption at least 28 days after introduction. It is then reviewed by the Township auditor and the State for compliance. By law the budget summary must be advertised in an official newspaper and the entire budget document must be available for review by the public. At the public hearing during a regular evening meeting, the budget is presented, comments are taken from the Township Committee and the public, then a vote is taken to adopt the budget. This entire process normally wraps up with budget’s adoption in April or May.

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A view in the northwest section of the parcel with a turtle basking in the center of the small pond. The Readington Township Open Space Advisory Board and Environmental Commission plan to protect and monitor this parcel, especially the wetland areas and it is expected that this parcel will be maintained in its natural state for wildlife protection. The Open Space Advisory Board will also evaluate the parcel for a potential trail for local residents.

Starfish Food Pantry Readington Area Starfish Food Pantry provides emergency food as needed year-round. Emergency food is available through the Township Social Services office (908-534-0974) or by contacting local clergy. Donations always welcome: The Food Pantry accepts donations (food or monetary) year-round to support those in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Housing/Social Service Office at the Readington Township Municipal Building: 509 Rt. 523, Whitehouse Station, NJ.

What is an AINR? An AINR, or Area In Need of Redevelopment is a planning designation which allows a municipality to develop a holistic plan for an area and enables the town to cross property lines and look to develop or redevelop all aspects of a particular area, including buildings, roads, parking and open space. In late 2019, the Planning Board was directed to undertake a study to determine whether Block 36 was an area in need of redevelopment. Upon completion of the study, the Planning Board makes a recommendation to the Township Committee. The study area is located south of Route 22 and consists of 79.81 acres of land. It includes The Gables boarding house, a former diner (abandoned), the former Interstate Iron Works facility (abandoned) and Hionis Greenhouses’ mum field. The Iron Works property had previously been rezoned VRAH -I, Village Residential Affordable Housing-I to allow construction of 192 multi-family apartments which will include both affordable and market-rate units. Under New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL), municipalities are empowered to determine whether an area needs rehabilitation or redevelopment, to adopt a redevelopment plan, and to implement and carry out redevelopment projects. The Township of Readington must follow the statutorily defined process set forth in the LRHL. This process may result in the adoption of a redevelopment plan, which is a new set of development regulations, along with the ability to offer enhanced fiscal tools that may act as incentives to prospective redevelopers. Ultimately, it is a means to lay the groundwork for redevelopment that benefits, both, the public and private interests. If so designated by the Township, the next action would be the creation and adoption of a redevelopment plan for the Redevelopment Area. A Redevelopment Plan is adopted by ordinance by the Township Committee before any project is initiated. Depending on the nature of the Redevelopment Plan, it may contain some or all of the land use controls for a particular Redevelopment Area. Furthermore, a plan may be created in such a way as to provide for detailed recommendations regarding circulation, open space, housing, urban design and architecture. The goal is to ensure that Readington is enabling the AINR to be in accordance with the Master Plan and is a benefit to the community as a whole.

The Readington News • February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

The Readington News • February 2020

First Responders Train for Vehicle Rescue

The volunteer members of East Whitehouse Fire Department and Whitehouse Rescue Squad recently held joint classes consisting of vehicle rescue awareness and vehicle rescue operations at Station 31 Fire in Whitehouse. These classes were held three nights in a classroom and two days outdoors doing practical training on equipment usage. Members of the East Whitehouse Fire Dept. who participated in the class are Karl Heidersberger, Sam Lee, An-

drew Jefferson, and Christina Flanagan. Members of the Whitehouse Rescue Squad who participated are Pete Rogers, Nancy Olds, Tim VanDeursen, Deputy Chief Lewis Moore, Zach Waseleski, Andrew Pottoroff, Megan Heintz, Adriana Quioroz, and Sarah Raper. Congratulations to all who participated and successfully completed this training. - Submitted by Paul Hooretz, Chief 31, and Jeff Herzog, Rescue Squad Chief

Pictured above are volunteers from East Whitehouse Fire Dept.and Whitehouse Rescue Squad.

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Mayor Jonathan Heller presented his daughter Briana Heller with a Resolution commending her for attaining her Girl Scout Gold Award at the Township Reorganization meeting on Jan. 6.

Briana Heller of Readington Township earned her Girl Scout Gold Award recently after completing a project involving invasive plants at Round Mountain in Stanton. For her Gold Award project, Briana described her research in a scientific pamphlet she produced titled “Plant Invasive Species in NJ.”

In the pamphlet, Briana writes that the invasive plant multifloral rose has taken over large patches of forest. “Over the course of the summer of 2019 we took out these plants and put up a deer enclosure. The extraction was difficult due to the thorns on the plant and its thick roots. Once able to cut at the base of the vines, the plant could be pulled out. This plant is a danger to our local ecosystems since it covers the forest floor making it so tree saplings and other native plants do not have the sunlight or space to grow. Forests at the site have many old trees and few saplings as there has not been an opportunity for these young plants to grow. In forests like this, once the older plants die there will be no younger generation plants to take their place. Thus the multiflora rose will cover the land where the forest was. Forests that hikers and animals used to enjoy would then be gone. Eradication of this plant is essential in maintaining a healthy forest environment for years to come.” The pamphlet is posted at https:// www.readingtontwpnj.gov/images/ EC/Perennial.pdf.

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Readington Public Schools to Conduct Pre-Registration in February The Readington Township School District is conducting Full-Day Kindergarten and First Grade preregistration for the 2020-2021 school year. If your child will be attending kindergarten or entering first grade from a private kindergarten in fall 2020, call either Three Bridges School at 908-782-2141 or Whitehouse School at 908-534-4411 to pre-register. Registration materials will be mailed to all pre-registered families before the dates of in-person registration. In order to be eligible to enter kindergarten in September, your child must be 5 years of age on or before Oct. 1, 2020. In-person registration is planned for both Three Bridges School and Whitehouse School on Monday, Feb. 24, and Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon.

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NJ Senate Approves Anti-hazing “Timothy J. Piazza Law” Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Kip Bateman, Troy Singleton and Linda Greenstein on hazing in colleges and schools has cleared the Senate. The bill, S-3150/S-3628, would increase penalties for hazing activities resulting in injury. The Timothy J. Piazza Law is named for a Penn State University sophomore from Readington who died during a fraternity hazing in 2017. “Unless we explicitly prohibit the deep-rooted custom of hazing, more families will suffer,” said Bateman (R-16). “When our kids go to college, they should have the right to live and learn in a safe environment without fear. Parents who send their children off to school should demand no less.” The bill would increase hazing resulting in serious bodily injury to a third degree offense, and if

the hazing causes simple injury, the charge is elevated from a disorderly persons offense to a fourth degree charge. “For too long, hazing has been used as a rite of passage into college fraternities and sororities. It is dangerous, it is irresponsible, and tragically, it is sometimes deadly,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “However, as a member of a Greek organization, I am saying ‘enough is enough.’ If students are found guilty of hazing another student they should fully understand the seriousness of this illegal practice and what’s at stake. If we want students to stop hazing, there needs to be real consequences for their actions.” The measure also expands the list of activities that constitute hazing and establishes immunity for an individual who reports hazing to emergency services, re-

mains on the scene, and cooperates with responders. “It is evident that Greek life and hazing rituals continue to be intertwined and are still taking place at colleges throughout the country,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Anything that puts the physical wellbeing of students at risk must be met with repercussions and college fraternities and sororities must understand that hazing is not going to be tolerated under any circumstances.” “No one should be subjected to ritual humiliation,” added Bateman. “Students must understand that hazing is a crime, and there are serious, life-altering consequences for engaging in such malicious and depraved behavior. This law will be a strong deterrent to ensure college kids get that message.”

Co-Medical Director RWJ BarnabasSomerset Center for Wound Healing Chief of Podiatry RWJ Barnabas-Somerset

The Readington News • February 2020

Scientific Research Leads to Girl Scout Gold Award

Middle School Top Scholars of the First Marking Period Perrine, Lily Rutgers, Matthew Santos, Isabelle Schroeder, Aman Shah, Cameron Smekal, Sofia Readington Middle School has Stefanik, Reese Tancke, Vanessa announced the Distinguished Tancke, Angelina Tenore, VictoHonor Roll and Honor Roll for the ria Urena, Kara Vandal, Nicholas first marking period. Vasquez, James Wiegand, Marc Wootton, Adrien Ziemba Grade 6 Grade 7 Distinguished Honor Roll: Distinguished Honor Roll: Noah Bouton, Tyler Caro, Olivia Davis, Dominick DeAngelo, Dante Valentina Agostino, Vincenzo DeRogatis, Daniel Denisov, Bron- Albano, Jesse Allen, Lila Allorto, wyn Downey, Lauren Facinelli, Sydney Artache, John BetterLauren Fischer, Avery Fulton, mann, Madeline Bezahler, Nicolas Griffin Galloway, Briana Good- Borella, Mira Bruen, Anna Carleyear, Morgan Heller, Margaret varini, Madeline Carvalho, Luke Howell, Braden Hubbard, Alexis Christensen, Julia Del Corso, Piper Jacobus, Aniruddh Kapidi, Chloe Doyle, Kristina Drotleff, Isabella Katsempris, Laila Keller, Raychel Durka, Michael Garbowski, Riya Khusid, Lana Kimmel, Miranda Gupta, Maitland Halsted, CamKopp, Ashlee Martin, Natalia eron Hess, Tatiana Hlinka, Emma Martinez, James Mongno, Lind- Howell, Ava Marie Infante, Jack sey O’Donnell, Olivia Ost, Carly Ippolito, Annie Johnson, Lauren Kaczmarek, Joseph Kaecker, Han-

nah Kavanaugh, Emma Kilcomons, Ava Kimmel, Benjamin Ko, Kimberly Komosinski, Emma Kovacs, Elizabeth Krzyzanowski, Harrison Langer, Emily Mancusi, Aden Masterton, Mia Medina, Bani Meghadri, Dean Mierzejwski, Sophia Milicevic, Ryan Miller, Anna Nydam, Divyen Patel, Max Qi, Mason Quintard, Anastasia Savic, Ethan Schroeder, Samantha Sova, Nathan Spicer, Amy St.Miklosy, Connor Stevens, Nicholas Terricon Grade 8 Distinguished Honor Roll: Juliana Amorosi, Mia Aquino, Calan Armitage, Brian Armstrong, Jake Beatrice, Hannah Bezahler, Shreya Bodanki, Rachel Castela, Aidan Chendak, Elisa Chin, Divier Chirinos-Ortiz, Nina Cirianni, Ryan Coury, Courtney Deighan, Andie Federico, Alexia

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Frank, Ashley Green, Olivia Hardy, Martael Hoffman, James Horner, Kristen Johansson, Liese Keller, Megan Keller, Delaney Klaus, Sarah Kopacz, Daniel LaMarca, Andrew Leibowitz, John LoMonte, Julia Lopez-Carrete, Eddie Lou, Olivia Martin, Nilay Mehta, Noah Metelitsa, Alec Nanda, Ashley Nothnagel, Alina Patel, Liam Petros, Colin Prior, Caitlyn Redmond, Emma Ribaudo, Tyler Rodriguez, Christopher Serrao, Thomas Shreiber, Kiera Spring, Brooklyn Stothoff, Kayla Sutphen, Madeline Turvey, Jay Wieder, Madelyn Yip Grade 6 Honor Roll: Siena Albanese, Evan Alfaro, Yazan Arabi-Katbi, Nikhil Aravind, Natalie Bannon, Micaela Beardsley, Ryan Bellek, Christian Borea, Eva Borges, Ihan Busso, Ashly Calderon Chinchilla, Briana Cascarrinho, James Casey, Emily Castela, Calvin Cayero, Lea Childs, Joseph Cirianni, Christopher Cirigliano, Carmine Colantuono, Blake Conroy, Keira

Conway, Nikki Costantini, Cole Costigan, Louis Critelli, Samuel DeRogatis, Jacob DeVries, Jake Delia, Natalie DiStefano, Sadie Doyle, Griffin Dunn, Francesca Edgar, Pharl Shzanne Evedientes, Ryan Ganguzza, Ronald Garutti, Yesim Gokmen, Eva Graziano, Chase Holohan, Jason Horner, William Hunt, Sonya Hutzelmann, Dylan Icangelo, Isabella Icangelo, Delia Jackson, AnneMarie Jensen, Katherine John, McKayla Kavanaugh, Philip Kazantsev, Elsa Kelly, Joseph Kennedy, Aviva Khusid, Sarah King, Hannah Lawrence, Corinne Leibowitz, Samantha LoMonte, Isabelle Maher, Daniel Martin, Natalie Mason, Matthew Matos, Anna Metelitsa, Dayana Mills, Aaron Moloparambil, Jordyn Moran, Riley Muir, Samuel Nyez, Emily Olszyk, Katelyn Paul, William Percario, Emily Perez, Gabriel Pitts, Tucker Rhoades, Christopher Rosinski, Jacob Ross, Anna Rutgers, Alexa Sanchez, continued on page 9

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Jakelin Sanchez, Brian Schmitt, Emma Shinn, Aditri Shukla, Julien Small, Sean Souvenir, Matteo Tonelli, Adelaide Trego, Sanjit Vasan, Grace Wardle, Lillian Woodworth, Jessica Yip Grade 7 Honor Roll: Michael Alam, Zachary Barckholtz, Anna Bennington, Jack Beyer, Richard Bezahler, Luke Bielen, Emily Blumenberg, Arion Brooks, James Brown, Matthew Calo, Tylor Cardoso, Joseph Caruso, Victoria Castro-Gutierrez, Nicolas Cirigliano, Gillian Conk, Grace Cowart, Lucas Czerniak, Joseph Delli Santi, Cameryn Dilgard, Sarah Ducoff, Hailey Eyer, Andrew Fisher, Kealana Forsythe, Zachary Foulon, Natasha Hoffman, Adam Iervolino, Alex Kagan, Brady Kelliher, Nathaniel Ketner, Brandon Klein, Dylan Klein, Garrett Krygier, Madison Lagola, David Loew, Harrison Marr, Liam McNerney, Mary Mele, Gabrielle Menyhert, Kate Mongioi, Zackery Murphy, Alexis Ondovik, Allyson Reyes-Perea, Dylan Reynolds, Steven Ritter, Lucas Romano, Tyler Rossi, Aurelia Savic, Dalila Scouloukas, Michael Shipula, Brooke Stange, Emily Steinberg, Matthew Teevan, Marcos Teixeira, Meadow Troisi, Viktoria Urban, Mia Verrengia, Christopher Walters, Eric Wootton, Sophia Zepeda, Sandy Zheng Grade 8 Honor Roll: Samuel Adams-Fancera, Caitlin Azevedo, Raymond Baez, Mackenzie Bender, Evan Berlinger, Connor Biehl, Sara Borella, David Bowser, Alexander Bukowski, Axel Caballero-Aparicio, Michael

Cable, Eli Carlsruh, Melanie Caro, Sloane Coddington, Brandon Colucci, Lila Cook, Madison Corbett, Anna Davitt, Lily Delmonte, Joseph Duffy, Shaili Dutt, Sean Eustice, Temilolu Fashae, Trent Fischer, Zachary Fisher, Justice Forsythe, Samuel Freed, Dylan Gale, Braden Galloway, Owen Hall, Maya Hernandez, Eric Holmlund, Dylan Hughes, Matthew Hughes, Toni Kaese, Aven Kelly, Stella Kemecsei, Richard Knudson, Lindsay Kopp, Presley Lavish, Jeremiah Markowitz, Sophie Maurer, Joshua McDonald, Matthew McMillin, Conor Mikaelian, Benjamin Moesch, Matthew Molinaro, Matthew Molineux, Jack Ost, Carlos Pacheco, Christina Peters, Juergen Rau, Jasmine Relovsky, Alexa Revill, Cameron Rodger, Andrew Ryder, Nicholas Schafranek, Duncan Schengrund, Daniel Schneider, Matthew Scotto, Paige Simon, Samuel Souvenir, Danica Svendsen, Justin Teresak, Sofia Trivino, Amelia Watson, Henry Weisshaupt, Sophia Willigan

The Readington News • February 2020

Middle School Top Scholars continued from page 8

Pictured, from left, are Kenan Lake, Coordinator, Volunteer Services; Karen DiPaola, Director, Volunteer Services; Sharon Barkalow; Betty Ann Dhein with Sophie; Patrick Gavin, President and CEO, Hunterdon Healthcare; Philip Jones with Jack; Philippe Beekman, Senior Vice President, Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation; Pam Wells; Terri Parks; Joyce Bitzer with Shiann and Mariel; Jill Drake with Aspen; Joseph Diehl with Kirby; Ellen Apgar with Oreo, and Kelly Otero, in front.

Volunteers from Hunterdon Medical Center’s Ernest L. Wells Pet Therapy Program gathered for the annual Pet Therapy Recognition Dinner sponsored by donor Pamela Wells – whose late husband Ernest is the namesake of the program. The purpose of the annual recognition dinner is to recognize

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the tremendous contributions made by both the human and dog pet therapy volunteers. Since 1995, Hunterdon Medical Center’s Pet Therapy Program has used canine volunteers to soothe and cheer patients. The program has grown over the years and currently has seven dogs that come and visit patients each day. The program has expanded to include areas outside of the hospital such as, Briteside Adult Day Center, Bright Tomorrows Child Care Center, Hunterdon Hospice and Hunter-

don Regional Cancer Center. At the event, volunteers were honored with a heartfelt speech by Wells, who is dedicated to expanding the program. Volunteers were given gift bags for themselves and their dogs to enjoy. Hunterdon Healthcare is currently seeking new pet therapy volunteers. To learn how you and your dog can volunteer with Hunterdon Medical Center’s Ernest L. Wells Pet Therapy Program, contact HMC’s Volunteer Resources at 908-788-6140.

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The Readington News • February 2020

Hunterdon Healthcare’s Crystal Ball Raises Nearly $380K Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation raised nearly $380,000 at the 39th Annual Crystal Ball Gala “Paint the Town Blue” on Nov. 16. The theme was chosen to celebrate the hospital’s strengths and its dedication to the local community. Also focusing on the talent that resides within the community, the silent auction included featured local artists James Fiorentino and Kevin Von Holterman. Hunterdon Central Regional High School students designed creative artwork for table centerpieces. The Spirit of Hunterdon award has been a long time tradition, honoring an individual or organization that has significantly impacted the success of Hunterdon Healthcare. This year’s honorees were Unity Bank, the Corporate Spirit Honoree; America’s Grow-a-Row, the Community Spirit Honoree; and Katie Benson the Philanthropic Spirit Honoree. All were selected for their incredible impact in the com-

munity from driving economic growth, to providing fresh produce for the underserved, to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Lead Sponsors included Atlantic Health System, Unity Bank, Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates, Hunterdon Anesthesia Associates, Flemington Car & Truck, ShopRite of Hunterdon County, Pegasus Emergency Group, HealthQuest/Diamond Nation, Duane Morris, Mercedes-Benz of Flemington, NK Architects, Quest Diagnostics, Grey Sky Films, USI and Hunterdon Medical Center Auxiliary. Proceeds from the event support Hunterdon Healthcare in its initiatives to meet the health needs of the community. For more information on supporting the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, call 908-788-6141 or Pictured, from left, are Patrick Gavin, President and CEO of Hunterdon Healthcare; Phil Beekman, Senior Vice visit foundation.hunterdonhealth- President, Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation; Chip Paillex, President and Founder, America’s Grow-A-Row; Dr. care.org. Candice Teuber, Pharm. D, Chairperson, Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, and James Hughes, President and CEO, Unity Bank.

Troop 90 Backpacks Along Appalachian Trail

Pictured, from left, are Eric Rausch, Mateo Aguirre, Dan McDonald, Chris Rasch, Alex Niewiadomski, Damian Barczewski, Alex Bukowski, Brian Armstrong, Josh McDonald, Bill Bukowski, Josh Rutka, Will Lawson, Jackson Parisi, Paul Parisi and Bill Lawson. (Readington residents: Dan McDonald, Alex Bukowski, Brian Armstrong, Josh McDonald and Bill Bukowski)

On Nov. 16 and 17, Troop 90 went to Harriman State Park on a cold-weather backpacking trip. Ten scouts and five adults participated. Harriman State Park spans both Rockland and Orange counties of New York state, and is the second-largest park in the state parks system, with 31 lakes and over 200 miles of hiking trails. The backpacking trip took the troop along the Appalachian Trail (AT). The troop hiked to the Lemon Squeezer, an interesting rock formation on the AT and fun

section of the trail. There was some snow on the ground with the temperature ranging from the low 30s to as low as 11 degrees at night. After driving up early Saturday, the troop backpacked and camped overnight in tents. The troop practiced navigation and backpacking skills in preparation for a 12day backpacking trip this summer to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico. Troop 90 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Midland School in Branchburg every Thursday. -- submitted by Larry Ahearn

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By Stephanie Stevens Historian, County of Hunterdon Just think, Readington has so many rivers both within our borders and surrounding us. Where do they start and end? Well, let’s explore! North Branch of the Rockaway rises in Tewksbury and flows south down to old White House where it joins the South Branch Rockaway which is flowing from Clinton Township all across the western side of Northern Readington. When they join, the river becomes a larger body of water which joins the Lamington around Fiddler’s Elbow Golf Course. This larger body of water eventually becomes part of the Raritan River. By the way, the name “Lamington” is an Indian name, formerly the “Alamatunk.” Chamber’s Brook starts on the eastern slope of Pickle’s Mountain and merrily flows to the east picking up all sorts of small brooks until it empties into the Raritan. Meanwhile Holland’s Brook flows from the southeast side of Pickle’s Mountain picking water up all along Dreahook Road (a Dutch word meaning “triangle”) on down through the village of Readington, continuing on to meet the South Branch Raritan River. Campbell’s Brook, which we call Pleasant Run, has its beginning on the southern slope of Pickle’s Mountain. Flowing down Springtown Road it crosses under Route 523 gurgling merrily all along Pleasant Run Road until, in Somerset County, it becomes part of the South Branch Raritan River. All brooks from Pleasant Run Road south to the end of Readington, where we cross the river into Flemington, flow southerly into the South Branch, Raritan River.

Meanwhile the “big” river, the South Branch, commences flowing at Budd’s lake. It flows, southwest, then southeast, then northeast until it eventually meets the North Branch, Raritan River. When you are out riding around see how many brooks/rivers you can name! Editor’s Note: Stephanie’s challenge inspired us to search for the names of local waterways. Wikipedia.org provides a list that might interest residents of Central Jersey’s “Raritan River Basin.” And so, The Readington News offers the following sample of rivers, brooks, creeks, ditches, runs and branches considered to be in the Raritan River Basin: Raritan River, Bound Brook, Ambrose Brook, Green Brook, Blue Brook, Bonygutt Brook, Stony Brook, Crab Brook, Cedar Brook, Crows Mill Creek, Cuckholds Brook, Dukes Brook, Garron Creek, Lawrence Brook, Beaverdam Brook, Great Ditch, Ireland Brook, Oakeys Brook, Cow Yard Brook, Sawmill Brook, Sucker Brook, Terhune Run, Doc Brook, Middle Brook, Mile Run, Mill Brook, Millstone River, Beden Brook, Cherry Run, Pike Run, Back Brook, Pine Tree Run, Cruser Brook, Roaring Brook, Rock Brook, Cat Tail Brook, Bear Brook, Cranbury Brook, Cedar Brook, Devils Brook, Shallow Brook, Harrys Brook, Heathcote Brook, Carters Brook, Indian Run Brook, Little Bear Brook, Peace Brook, Rocky Brook, Timber Run, Royce Brook, Simonson Brook, Six Mile Run, Cross Brook, Middlebush Brook, Nine Mile Run, Steep Hill Brook, Stony Brook, Baldwins Creek, Duck Pond Run, Honey Branch, Lewis Brook, Woodsville Brook,

Ten Mile Run, Van Horn Brook, Black River, Burnett Brook, Clucas Brook, India Brook, Lamington River, Bamboo Brook, Cold Brook, Rockaway Creek, Tanners Brook, Larger Brook, McVickers Brook, Middle Brook (Bedminster), Mine Brook, Moggy Brook, and Peapack Brook... to name just a few.

Brown Honored On Retirement

Treat yourself and your love to an out-of-this-world Valentine’s Day at the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg. The Planetarium is offering the following special holiday shows in celebration of Valentine’s Day: Romancing the Stars, Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. - It’s date night at the Planetarium. Enjoy a lighthearted look at the universe and learn about stars, constellations, songs, and stories that all celebrate love. The program is open to adult couples only, ages 16 and older. Laser Love, Friday, Feb. 14 & Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. - This laser concert celebrating love features such songs as “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. The Friday evening performance is open to adult couples

only, ages 16 and older. The Saturday show is open to all ages. Our Lovely Skies, Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. - Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained. Planets are named for Roman and Greek gods who have stories of their own. Beautiful stellar nebulas remind us of celestial flower bouquets. Discover these treasures and more in this light-hearted, family-friendly show about the love stories in the sky. The show is recommended for ages 10 to adult. Admission per couple is $20 for one show, $38 for two shows on the same day. Individuals are also invited to attend the Valentine’s Day shows at a cost of $10 per person, $18 for two shows on the same day. Reservations are strongly suggested for all shows. For additional information, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Starfish Donation– Unity

Robert (Bobby) Brown accepts retirement congratulations from Readington Township Administrator/Municipal Clerk Vita Mekovetz. Brown was honored by township officials for his 20 years in the Readington Township Department of Public Works at a Retirement Luncheon held on Dec. 18 at the DPW Garage. -- Submitted by Meg A. Slutter, Readington Township

Bank and its employees have donated a record total of $28,500 to 19 area food pantries, including the Readington Area Starfish. Unity Bank Assistant Relationship Manager Neetu Singh presents a $1,500 donation to Nancy O’Malley, Assistant Treasurer of the Readington Area Starfish. Funds were contributed by employees and matched by the bank as part of a special annual holiday community service project that was started more than 10 years ago. Donations of $1,500 were presented in early December to a local food bank by each of Unity’s 19 community branches.

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The Readington News • February 2020

Looking Back... Exploring Readington’s Rivers

RVCC Planetarium to Present Special Shows for Valentine’s Day

The Readington News • February 2020

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Recent property sales reported in Readington Township:

FD MASON CONTRACTOR - Over 30 years of experience. Brick, 175 Aster Ct.$315K block, stone, concrete. No job too large or small. Fully insured & li- 3 Fairway Dr. $737,500 148 Hillcrest Rd. $345,500 censed. Free estimates. 908-385-5701. Lic# 13VH05475900. 1 Juniper Dr. $340K 291 Kingbird Ct. $216,500 28 Mallard Ct.$192,500 388 Mountain Rd. $350K Continued from Page 1 51 Phlox Ct. $233K dertake a project(s) that implement capacity, so it is part of the town- 2 Railroad Ave.$462,500 ship’s “durational adjustment” 39 Ridge Rd. $410K the plan. At this point the Planning obligation, and will only be built 5 Van Cleef Dr. $695,771 Board’s recommendation has if Readington expands its sewer 8 Van Cleef Dr. $733,588 been submitted to the Readington plant to allow for additional capacTownship Committee, Step 2 of ity, Township Committee member 77 Van Cleef Dr. $495K 78 Van Cleef Dr. $516,156 Betty Ann Fort noted. the process. The township is currently work- 83 Van Cleef Dr. $540K “Readington is considering multi-family inclusionary develop- ing with the owners of the Gables 90 Van Cleef Dr. $515K ment on the Hionis site, as part of and Diner properties to enable 120 Van Cleef Dr. $494,500 its affordable housing obligation. It construction of a new access road is included in the township’s court- for this area so the new develop- 127 Van Cleef Dr. $550K approved settlement with Fair ment traffic does not travel down 418 Well Sweep Rd. $139,940 Share Housing Center,” accord- Mullen Road and Maple Lane, Aling to the document. The Hionis banese said. site does not currently have sewer

Readington Township Considers 80-Acre Redevelopment Area

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New Brunswick, NJ Permit No. 1757

ECRWSS

It’s Just a Joke!!! What did George Washing- What did the stamp say to the enton say to his men before they velope on Valentine’s Day? I’m stuck on you. crossed the Delaware? “Get in the boat, men.” What do you say to an octopus on What rock group has four guys Valentine’s Day? I want to hold your hand, hand, who can’t sing? hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, Mount Rushmore. hand! What did they call George WashMom: How was your day at ington’s false teeth? school? Presidentures. Tommy: Okay, but the teacher Abraham Lincoln’s mother: didn’t give me a present. “Again with the stovepipe hat? Mom: Why would she give you a Can’t you just wear a baseball present? Tommy: Well, she said “sit here cap like the other kids?” for the present.” A guy sends his girl a card by special delivery every day from A Bridgewater woman was going January 1 to Valentine’s Day. So to the mall, but goofed and drove what finally happens? She runs up to the YMCA instead. “Look,” she said, “they spelled MACY’s off with the mailman. wrong.”