Readington News - February 2021 by Town Media

February 2021 www.readingtonnews.com

The

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

John Albanese Sworn in as Readington Township Mayor and to start work on new ones as they arise. I often say the role of the Township Committee, very often, is to be problem solvers for Township issues. I am happy to report that we have a great team to do just that. I view my role as the chairperson of the Township Committee with each member bringing their unique talents to the table. It is my job to leverage those talents into results for our community. Our Administrator, Rich Sheola, has suggested convening a goal setting meeting for the Township Committee for 2021. I am in favor of this idea and have requested that he schedule such a meeting for January. Many issues carry over into 2021, of course. We continue inching closer to an agreement with the ownership of the Gables and old Whitehouse diner ownership on Route 22 to improve that area, we are engaged in the stormwater management issues on the Farm and Regency properties, our property tax revaluation is pending completion, we are studying our zoning in the business districts on Route 22 that

The

will bring improvements there and provide more of a sense-of-place. We will continue to provide quality services that taxpayers expect to receive for their property tax dollar; maintenance of our roadways, a safe community, beautiful parks and open spaces, a healthy environment, a stable business climate, a government that works for the community and much more. We will continue our arduous work to meet our State mandated Affordable Housing obligations. Readington has worked hard to come up with the least impactful solutions for the most recent rounds while providing quality housing opportunities that blend into the community. This body recently sent a resolution to our State representatives imploring them to do their jobs and take back ownership of this process and to provide municipalities with workable solutions for the next round which begins in 2025. We have lowered the debt significantly by paying more for capital improvements up-front, thereby, requiring less bonding. We have removed

the Solberg Airport debt from our obligations. Readington will continue to defend its decisions and protect its residents from unwarranted development interests. And, of course, we will find our way back to the normal life that we all enjoyed prior to COVID. Hopefully, before the end of the year, our country and our Township are in a position to allow for us to return to the Municipal Building for in-person public meetings. But, for now, we will

need to continue in a safety-first manner until guidance from doctors, scientists and other experts tell us otherwise. Many of our businesses that rely on public congregation such as restaurants, retail and entertainment venues have been severely impacted by COVID and the restrictions that have been required to reduce the spread and protect the public. Our schools are not able to conduct in-person learning in

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Mayor John Albanese is pictured with his sons Alex (12) and Nikolas (9) at the Readington Township Reorganization in January. Following is a message from the new Mayor John Albanese:

I want to start by thanking Jonathan Heller and Juergen Huelsebusch for their hard work and dedication to the Township for what was a particularly challenging year in 2020. No one could have prepared for what was to come early in 2020 but you both led us through a difficult time successfully. I, too, want to take a moment to thank all of those who make Readington go throughout the year. Our Police Department, Fire Departments, our Rescue Squad, our CERT team, Emergency Management, the Department of Public Works, our Recreation Department and ALL of our municipal employees who work so hard for our community every day. In addition, all our volunteer boards, committee and commission members, our attorneys, planners, engineers, and advisors who help all of us make Readington the place we call home. All these folks have navigated, shifted and altered what they previously knew as normal to deal with the unprecedented times we saw in 2020. I have been asked if I have a specific agenda for 2021 a few times. My agenda is to work with everyone I just mentioned to make decisions in the best interests of our residents and businesses, to work to solve old problems

-continued on page 7

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Flowers for Front Line - On Dec. 23, Hunterdon Healthcare

received a special delivery of poinsettia plants for employees. State Senator Kip Bateman organized this event, and Hionis Greenhouse in Whitehouse Station donated the plants. More than 600 plants were donated to honor and thank employees for their service. Pictured (center) are Senator Kip Bateman and Tim Hionis, owner of Hionis Greenhouse, who delivered the poinsettias.

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Girl Scout Way - The Girl Scouts of 6th grade Cadette Troop 80535

completed a service project in the Lazy Brook Greenway open space preserve as part of the Girl Scout Way badge which reinforces century-old Girl Scout traditions and the requirement to leave an area better than you found it. The troop contacted John Klotz from the Readington Township Open Space Advisory Board, received a list of possible projects, and then selected one that fit the girls’ ages and skills. The girls weeded about 20 small trees in protective cages that were being choked with tall grasses and weeds. Pictured are Kelsey Burgey, Angela Grillo, Elizabeth Dorman, Marianne Negin, Laci Sova and Joanna McDonald. Angela Grillo said, “We all really enjoyed the project and would love to do it again!” - Submitted by Amie Grillo, Assistant Leader of Cadette Troop 80535

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The Readington News • February 2021

Library Offers More Through M.A.I.N. 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 2021

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

The Hunterdon County Library, as part of its continuing commitment to provide the best possible service to patrons and despite the challenges that the current health crisis presents, joined M.A.I.N. (Morris Automated Information Network), in January, to broaden patron choices, Freeholder Zach Rich reported at a recent Freeholder Meeting. Rich, the Board’s liaison to the County Library Commission, said, “Joining the M.A.I.N. consortium will bring with it a host of improvements for library services which will be available to patrons. An additional 2.5 million items from other libraries in Warren, Somerset and Morris counties, gives library card holders a plethora of choices that were unavailable until this merger.” Library users will be able to walk into any M.A.I.N. library and take out materials or have them delivered to a Hunterdon County Library branch or affiliate. “We are very excited to be able to provide additional access to print materials for our residents through shared services,” Library Director James Keehbler said. “The world of knowledge available through Hunterdon County Library will be even bigger and more comprehensive.” Other benefits of joining the M.A.I.N. consortium include more efficient library processes, increased access to digital resources, group purchasing discounts and increased staff development opportunities. As 2021 progresses, be sure to continue to check the library website, https://hclibrary.us, for other updates.

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Free Surviving Cancer Workshop Offered Cancer Thriving & Surviving, a free workshop designed to support the needs of cancer survivors and their families is being offered in a virtual format from Feb. 16 through March 30 on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Trained facilitators sponsored by the Hunterdon-Mercer Chronic Disease Coalition and the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center guide participants through an evidencebased process to explore challenges, develop new skills, and create action plans that support their health and wellness goals moving forward. During this 7-week program, each week builds off the previous to cover a wide variety of topics such as stress/anxiety, fatigue, sleeping problems, setting goals and living with uncertainty. Advanced registration is required and space is limited. To register or learn more, call 908-237-2328. “Cancer survivors often experience physical, emotional and psychosocial effects from cancer and its treatment long after treatment is over. It’s essential that we as healthcare providers continue to help cancer survivors manage

and minimize these challenges to improve the quality of their lives,” said Dr. Barbara Tofani, Assistant Vice President of Outpatient & Ambulatory Services at Hunterdon Medical Center. The number of cancer survivors continues to grow reflecting the increasing number of new cancer diagnoses from a growing and aging population, as well as, increases in cancer survival due to advances in early detection and treatment. It is estimated that by 2030 the population of cancer survivors will in-

crease to more than 22.1 million in the US. “Survivors often share that the most unsettling part of their experience is when treatment ends and there is the uncertainty of what is next. This is normal and why the Hunterdon-Mercer Chronic Disease Coalition and the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center are collaborating to deliver programming for the specific needs of cancer survivors,” said Bonnie Petrauskas, Regional Coordinator for the Coalition.

Readington Township Public Schools Pre-Registration

The Readington Township School District is currently conducting FullDay Kindergarten and First Grade pre-registration for the 2021-2022 school year. If your child will be attending kindergarten or entering first grade from a private kindergarten in fall 2021, call either Three Bridges School at 908-782-2141 or Whitehouse School at 908-534-4411 to preregister. 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, 2021. In-person registration is planned for both Three Bridges School and Whitehouse School on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, and Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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Canoeing the South Branch - On Sept. 19, 22 Troop 90 scouts

and eight adult leaders participated in a canoe trip on the South Branch of the Raritan River. Scoutmaster Dan McDonald of Readington provided the scouts with a safety briefing and an overview of the canoe, care, and basic paddling and steering to navigate the river. The scouts paddled six miles from Joe Stala Park in Neshanic Station to Studdiford Drive in Branchburg. Scouts spotted many egrets and a single bald eagle diving for fish. Everyone had a great time canoeing and each scout is looking forward to the next wet adventure in the spring. For additional information on Troop 90, see Branchburg90.mytroop.us. - Submitted by Troop Scribe William S. Lawson

Readington Girls Invited to Join Branchburg Rec Softball

Branchburg Softball has been notified that Readington Recreation will not be running a recreational softball league this spring. For 2021, parents of players from grades 1 to 8 are encouraged to register directly with the Branchburg Baseball Club (BBC) for Branchburg Rec Softball. BBC will make an effort to keep Readington players together when forming teams. Register by Feb. 12 to avoid a late fee. For more information and to register, visit branchburgbaseball.com. - submitted by Jason Miessler

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 2020-2021 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 can continue development of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. The budget also allows for additional mental health services and additional training and supplies for school counselors. The math program was strengthened by adding a part-time math intervention teacher and a part-time math coach. Additional funding was provided for 6th – 8th

grade curriculum review, SEL curriculum, and strategic plan work. This year’s budget also allowed replacement of smartboards at Readington Middle School and other locations throughout the District. Capital projects were completed including the replacement of boilers at Three Bridges School and partial roof replacement at Holland Brook School. The budget also allowed for expansion of physical safety and security enhancements district wide such as ballistic film, battery backup, and installation of POTS lines. Tentative open public sessions and budget topics for the 2021-2022 school year are as follows: (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) Feb. 9: Curriculum/Staff Development, Pupil Services and Technology Feb. 23: Facilities, Transportation, Administration, Personnel and Benefits March 16: Presentation on the whole budget to the public with tentative approval April 13: Budget clarification April 27: Budget hearing and final adoption of budget During the planning of the 2021-

2022 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 needs for students and staff especially during the continuation of the hybrid learning period. Facility upgrades to ensure both students and staff remain safe and healthy including additional COVID-19 costs. Also, the district will experience a higher share of health insurance premiums with the new state health benefit plan. In addition to these challenges, the district continues to be committed to providing our students with a comprehensive and rigorous program of studies, along with an eventual full complement of athletic and extra-curricular offerings. ALL input and concerns about the budget can be heard during the Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 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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The Readington News • February 2021

Readington Township School District Enters Budgeting Time of Year

Readington Girl Scout Earns Gold, Creates Zen Dens

The Readington News • February 2021

Emily Schneider with her award

Hunterdon Central Regional High School senior Emily Schneider of Readington Township recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. This final award makes her a “Change Maker,” which is an honor bestowed to those scouts who earn all three awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold. It took three years of hard work and persistence to see her project materialize in the original setting for which it was meant, but the result was worth the effort and the wait. Emily began her journey dur-

ing her freshman year when she recognized the serious need for accessible student mental health resources. Drawing inspiration from a Troop field trip to the Hunterdon Medical Center years prior, where she was introduced to a room created for nurses, doctors and staff to relax, Emily started to research ideas about creating such a place on her school campus for students and staff; a place where participants could gather their thoughts, relax, regroup and refocus. Equipped with a presentation based on her findings, she met with school officials to pitch her ideas. While there was clear interest, no firm commitment was made. In the interest of getting this project moving, Emily reluctantly took her idea out to the local community to find a home for her mindfulness room, “The Zen Den.” “I was so invested in this project and knew it would be well received in the school, but I also knew the clock was ticking and without a firm commitment, I wouldn’t be able to get approval from the Girl Scout Council to begin my project. So, in order to move forward, I had to move on,” Emily said.

Soon after reaching out to the community, Emily was introduced to The StarThrower Group, a local non-profit organization that provides a place for young adults with special needs to explore careers and connect with their community. Owner Jenni Clark welcomed the idea for a mindfulness room and Emily quickly got to work doing further research and building her team. With generous donations of painting supplies from Flemington Home Depot and Lowes, the project began to take shape. Emily’s team helped her paint, sew pillows for meditation and build a storage tower for the pillows. Trained mindfulness instructor and owner of the G.E.M. Program, Sue Cornet, offered support and suggested various elements for the room while Emily started developing mindfulness activities for the young adults to help promote healthy coping and relaxation skills. While working on the room, Emily was informed that the StarThrower population was outgrowing their current space and needed to move. They temporarily relocated to the Flemington DIY Building where Emily designed and built a second mindful-

ness room. When the StarThrower Group finally moved to their new destination, the owner of the DIY building asked if they could keep “The Zen Den” there. Emily gladly obliged and then, for a third time, designed and created “The Zen Den” in StarThrower’s new place. While this was enough to earn her the Gold Award, Emily was still determined to get “The Zen Den” in her high school. In October 2019, she attended a Board of Education meeting and spoke about her experience with the mindfulness room and its importance; she also added that the school should consider a student wellness committee. Her plea was met with resounding support and soon thereafter a Zen Den was born. While it took three years, in September 2020 the Hunterdon Central Zen Den was opened to the school community. “This journey has been such an incredible experience in leadership and determination,” Emily said. “It was always more than just a project for an award; it was about recognizing an issue and not stopping until some sort of change was made. There is a real need within this community, along with the rest of the nation, to start an open conversation

about teens’ mental health. Every teenager has their good and their not-so-good days and it’s important for these teens to be equipped with the knowledge and skills on how to deal with those not-so-good days. It’s very easy to get caught up in day to day stressors, but with a room such as this and a student-run wellness committee, there is progress being made in addressing the issue and providing teens with the tools to help themselves. Nothing feels better than knowing that this long awaited room is being used, especially in a year such as 2020, and that teenagers at Hunterdon Central feel they have a safe space to practice healthy coping skills. I am so grateful to all those who believed in me and this project and who took part in helping to create this space.” A special thanks to Liz Woods, Amy Matza, Lauren Bozzuti, Peter Zangari, Sue Cornet, Superintendent Dr. Moore, the HCRHS Board of Ed, Counseling Supervisor Dana Kurilew, the HCRHS SAC Counselors and HCRHS students who helped develop this space. – Submitted by Jodi Schneider,GSHNJ Troop Leader

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FEBRUARY 2021

News from the Municipal Building

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

Township Announces New Advisory Committee

POLITICAL SIGNS

Readington WaterWatch Advisory Committee has been established to promote the restoration and preservation of clean water in our community. Background. We use and reuse our water supply over and over again – from our waterways up into the clouds through evaporation, and back to earth through precipitation. The same water supply that fills our streams when it rains also replenishes our underground aquifers. Caring for that supply ensures that clean water will be available for future generations. Objectives. Streams flowing through the Township are critical to our water supply and are part of the South Branch Raritan River Watershed. RWW’s focus is on keeping that watershed healthy – from plants, fish, and other stream life to riparian zones (adjoining land) surrounding the streams and deep-water aquifers. Programs. RWW will spearhead a variety of educational opportunities for adults and youth, as well as activities designed to improve our water supply directly. All activities will be well advertised. Our Mission. RWW hopes that their efforts will help Readington achieve a balance between sound policy that supports a healthy water supply and responsible growth. For more info, email waterwatch@readingtontwp-nj.org

Throughout the Township, one can’t help but notice the left-over 2020 election signs. While the Township has absolutely no interest nor right to determine the content of the signs, there is an ordinance (local law) in place that regulates when and where signs can and cannot be located and when they need to be removed. A summary of the local ordinance states: Chapter 148: Land Development , Article XII: Sign Requirements and Regulations 148-9. Definition / Election Sign: A temporary sign erected or displayed for the purpose of expressing support for or opposition to a candidate or stating a position regarding an issue upon which the voters of the Township shall vote. 148-116.8F. Election signs: For each parcel, one election sign for each candidate and each issue may be displayed. An election sign may be displayed as an attached sign or as a freestanding sign. The election sign shall not exceed four square feet in sign area if located on a lot in a residential district and shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area if located on a lot in a nonresidential district. If the election sign is displayed as a freestanding sign on the parcel, the election sign shall not exceed three feet in height. An election sign shall be removed within seven calendar days following the election to which it pertains. No signs shall be placed in the rights-of-way of any road within the Township—that usually is the first 10 feet of property from the curb of the road (or in the absence of a curb, where the pavement meets grass/ dirt). No sign should be attached to any tree, road sign or fence and no sign should be affixed to any utility pole. We all want to do our part to keep Readington the beautiful Township that it is. Let’s do our part and remove the signage as soon as possible.

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ICYMI…Township Property Revaluation Program Everyone should have received their Value Notice detailing their new property assessment. In 2019, the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation and the State of New Jersey Division of Taxation ordered a property tax revaluation for all real properties in Readington Township. The last full assessment was done in 2003 so it is to be expected (and welcomed) that property values have risen significantly since that time. As stated, the purpose of the program is to update all assessments to fair market value. To do so, Readington hired a firm (via the bid process) to perform all field inspections, collect information and provide the assessments. At the conclusion of the program, every resident was notified by mail of the assessed value established for their property. All property owners are given the opportunity to discuss the value with a representative from the appraisal company if they choose to do so. Appeals beyond that discussion can be done via the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation. New assessments are due to be used for the 2021 tax year. Assessments are not made based upon quality of finishes, fixtures, new kitchens, bathrooms, or appliances. The assessments essentially confirmed the main things the tax offices have on file for the property; number of bedrooms, bathrooms, accessory buildings, in-ground pools, HVAC type and overall square footage. No home is the average value. There are about 6,000 homes in Readington. Each has their own unique qualities. Some are valued more, some less. The assessment process used measurements to get an understanding of the features of that house so that re-valuations could be fairly applied. Hunterdon County believes that assessments are 83% of market value so they expect all home prices to increase (on average) by 17%. Residents are concerned, noting that “nothing has changed in my house for 30 years, why are the assessments going up?” Because the County determined that Readington was undervalued and needed to increase assessments across the board. Others will say that they purchased their home recently for less than the new assessment. Assessments is not a perfect science. Perhaps you got a good deal on your recent purchase. Why did some people have their assessment go up, but their estimated taxes go down? If the increase in assessed value on your home is less than the average Township increase percentage, then the math worked in your favor this time and the assessed value of your home is a smaller percentage of the Township valuation. Property values have risen in Readington Township in the last 18 years so valuations increased for most properties. It is now incumbent upon each property taxing entity (both school boards, municipal government & county government) to lower the current tax rates based on the new valuations to meet budgetary needs. This process was not an opportunity to raise taxes. Taxes have been raised many times in the past 18 years. A revaluation is a way to establish a fair baseline for all taxpayers.

The Readington News • February 2021

Township of Readington

East Whitehouse Fire Co. Seeks Volunteers

The Readington News • February 2021

Pictured is the Halloween scene at the East Whitehouse Fire Company. Volunteers distributed candy to young trick-or-treaters who visited the fire house and also distributed fire safety pamphlets to adults. The volunteer organization is in need of members who can contribute as firefighters and associate volunteers. Any 14-18 year old can join the junior firefighter program. If interested, leave a phone message at 908534-2323 and someone will be in contact. – Submitted by Paul Hooretz, Chief 31

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Hunterdon Healthcare Offers Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Hunterdon Healthcare has begun offering monoclonal antibody treatment to COVID-19 positive outpatients. The monoclonal antibody treatment can be used to help COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms and who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease. “Antibodies are proteins that our bodies make to fight viruses like the one that causes COVID-19. Antibodies that are made in a laboratory act like natural antibodies to fight the virus, stopping it from attaching to your cells and growing. It must be used early in the course of the infection, before the virus has reached maximum growth. Monoclonal antibodies are directed against a specific virus, in this case the coronavirus that causes COVID-19,” explained Geralyn Prosswimmer, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Hunterdon Healthcare Partners. She added, “Mono-

clonal antibody treatment may reduce the chance of hospitalization for those at highest risk for severe disease. While not FDA approved, this product has emergency use authorization due to the pandemic.” Limited doses are supplied to hospitals by the state. Monoclonal antibody treatment is given intravenously and is administered at Hunterdon Medical Center in a specially created infusion center. This treatment can be used for adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who: Test positive for SARS CoV2, are within five days of the start of their symptoms, are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 due to age or chronic conditions. Patients who meet these criteria can discuss monoclonal antibody treatment with their Hunterdon Healthcare primary care physician. For more information on COVID-19, visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.

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Shannon Daley Memorial Fund Supports Front Line Workers

The Shannon Daley Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization founded to help families facing financial difficulties due to a child facing serious illness, has announced its plan to help those working the front lines during the Covid19 pandemic. The memorial fund was founded on the premise of providing service and assistance. While this may look different in the wake of Covid-19, the fund continues to find ways to donate and offer support to those who need it. During the pandemic, members of the fund’s Board of Directors (BOD) provided pizza and Rita’s Italian ice to various first responders and medical workers. Members of the BOD visited and made donations to ICU and ER staff at the Hunterdon Medical Center, the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey State barracks in Somerville, Perryville, Kingwood, Millstone and to the New Jersey Regional Intelligence Operation Center in West Trenton. Colonel Patrick Callahan, acting Superintendent of the NJSP, said, “The New Jersey State Police would like to thank the Shannon Daley Memorial Fund for their support during COVID-19. The SDMF is a great local charity that has helped many families in need over the years. We appreciate what they have been able to accomplish in support of the community.” The SDMF also visited and provided pizza and Rita’s Italian ice to Police Departments in Readington, Raritan, and Clinton in Hunterdon County. Readington Township Police Chief Joe Greco said, “It’s nice to know that we have the support of a great community foundation like the Shannon Daley Memorial Fund. We truly appreciated the community partnership.” The organization also provided meals to the FBI and the Bridgewater Police Department in Somerset County. “As a charity, we feel that it’s important to recognize those that are on the front lines every day,” said Paul McGill, President of The Shannon Daley Memorial Fund. “Their work supports our efforts towards making a difference and helping local families in need.” For more information, visit www. shannonfund.org or contact Paul. McGill@shannonfund.org. -Submitted by Karen DiPietro

By Stephanie B. Stevens, Historian If you will drive down the Old Highway in White House then turn onto Mill Road and proceed down to New Bromley Road you will come upon a blue historical sign which states that General George Washington stayed with Colonel John Melhelm on this very property! Yes, the Father of our Country, while making his way from Morristown to Philadelphia, in July of 1777, stopped over with his friend and colleague, Colonel John Melhelm at Melhelm’s New Bromley home. There are very few completely authenticated buildings in which Washington stayed - this was one. On Aug. 15, 1777, in a letter in his own handwriting, Washinington mentioned “when I was at Colonel Melhelm’s” . . . Where is New Bromley? It was a small group of dwellings and farms clustered around a

mill owned by Andrew Leake. Leake owned mills near Pluckemin which he called “Bromley.” Upon building mills on the Rockaway near White House he dubbed them and the area “New Bromley.” Here in White House along Mill Road Leake owned 250 acres, the mills, and a store, all of which were located close to the “Great Road” that ran from New Brunswick to Easton, PA, the area showed such good promise of commercial development that, in 1769, William Paterson set up his first law practice in this area. Paterson went on to become governor of New Jersey, signer of the Constitution, and New Jersey’s (nominated by Washington) first United States Supreme Court Justice. Little New Bromley was indeed a lively place! The “Great Road” was located near to the mills, then in 1806 moved south to become the first New Jersey Turnpike, known today as the Old Highway in White

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House. Route 22 has supplanted the Turnpike Road as the main road to Easton. Colonel John Melhelm was an important figure in colonial history. A member of the Colonial Assembly, and the committee which deposed the last Colonial Governor of New Jersey, William Franklin, he served as a Judge of the Hunterdon Courts and was the commanding officer (Colonel) of the fourth Hunterdon Militia during the Revolutionary War. After the War Melhelm served as a Freeholder from Readington. During the time of Washington’s visit, Melhelm’s beautiful country house was located on the main road. The current day Oldwick Road (Route 523) between Route 22 to the intersection of New Bromley Road did not exist, rather one traveled from Mill Road (note the sign for the mills) north along New Bromley Road to the intersection of Route 523 then on to Oldwick. Land on both sides of Mill Road and New Bromley Road today is owned by the Durling family. Durlings also were the owners of the historic Melhelm house when vandals broke in and burned it to

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the normal manner. Many have lost loved ones, have known someone who has contracted the virus or have contracted it themselves. We have all felt the impacts. I urge everyone to continue to follow the defined safety guidelines and protocols until further treatments and guidance are available for everyone. Personally, I am truly honored and humbled to serve as Mayor in the town in which I grew up. My parents moved our family from Middlesex County to Readington over 40 years ago. Three generations of Albaneses now live in this town. I am quite certain that my parents had no idea that the shy kid they were bringing to town would one day wind up in this position. I think I can speak for everyone I previously mentioned that we do this FOR the Readington community and that has never been more evident to me than it is today. The dawn of a New Year, the changing of the calendar, is thought of as a fresh start with new beginnings. That has never rung truer to me, and I’m sure, for most of you, than this year. My hope is that our residents and businesses and life in general for all Americans can return to normal this year. Until that time, Readington Township will continue to assist, guide and be nimble enough to help everyone get through this difficult time to the best of our collective abilities. Better days are ahead, and I look forward to sharing them with all of you.

-continued from page 1

An historical sign marks the site of Col. John Melhelm’s house where General George Washington stayed during July 1777. The farmhouse was destroyed by fire in recent years.

the ground. What a tragedy! To think that what should have been a national historic landmark fell to the hands of pranksters. So much of our important colonial history has been destroyed for no reason. Marking the site today is the blue historic sign placed by the Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission. How sad that all we have to remind us of this piece of our early colonial history is a sign.

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The Readington News • February 2021

Register for Spring Baseball Registration for Spring baseball with Readington Tewksbury Junior Baseball League (RTJBL) is still open for Little Sluggers (pre-K and K) through March 6. Late registrations for all levels of play are subject to a $25 late fee and are only accepted if there is still room at that level. RTJBL will continue to follow all guidelines from the charter organization Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth, as well as those set forth by the NJ Department of Health in planning the upcoming season. The season should commence around an Opening Day of April 17 and conclude with Family Fun Day on June 12.

As a non profit, RTJBL receives no funding from Township sources and relies on the generosity of sponsors to help offset costs and to maintain fields at the Railroad Avenue complex, which is not a township facility. The RTJBL Financial Assistance Program is available as in past years. Contact the League President for more information, which will be kept in the strictest confidence at readingtonbaseballpresident@ gmail.com. Any general questions or concerns should be emailed to RTJBLinfo@gmail.com. Register at RTJBL.com. - Submitted by Erin Rocchietti

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