Readington News, June 2020 by Town Media

June 2020 www.readingtonnews.com

The

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Class of 2020 Graduates Deserve Real Moment The following was written by Maria Asch of Readington, proud mom of a Hunterdon Central Regional High School senior and employed in the mental health field.

High School Graduation: the culmination of 12 years of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Twelve years of T-ball, little league baseball, and tournaments for every sport that never seem to end. Twelve years of intensive academic pursuits to qualify for the Honor Societies, and the multitude of colored cords to symbolize your success. The holiday school concerts, the band and choral showcase, and the school play and musicals that make talented kids, stars for three

days in the fall and spring every year. And let’s not forget the emotional rollercoaster of making and losing friends, a missed field goal, a bad grade, a first kiss, date, and breakup or the devastating loss of a parent or friend. And finally, the ultimate decision: college, trade school, military or work? High school graduation is not about high school or about graduation or the big parties, or what you are doing after June. It is the culmination of 12 years of physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. It is the very public acknowledgement that you are entering the next stage of your life. It is a Rite of Passage, a ritual, that clearly delineates the end, and yet

The

the beginning of something new, hopeful, and filled with opportunity. The graduation walk from the audience to the stage is about everything that has come before that day. Every joy, every heartbreak is felt in the steps that are taken to that stage, because that’s what it took to get there- to not quit, to get up everyday, with or without a smile, regardless of family or life issues and fulfill the goal of graduation. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, traditional graduation has been canceled, in favor of a virtual graduation for safety reasons. Let’s be clear- it’s not the same thing. Watching a video is different than walking and feeling one of the few

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Congregation Gets Creative

Readington Reformed Church Pastor Liz Estes invites the public to take a meditation walk in the quaint church yard, located at 124 Readington Rd., through June 7. “Walk the grounds of Readington Reformed Church’s tricentennial cemetery and follow a guided meditation through a dozen or so prayer stations. More than 30 feet will separate each station. Everyone is asked to wait at their station until the next station is unattended,” Rev. Estes said. The church yard walk is part of the congregation’s way of creatively serving the community during the coronavirus pandemic. The church has been holding small outdoor services and posting to YouTube since the pandemic shutdown in March. Members have donated home-sewn masks to Hunterdon Medical Center crafted with help from the Hunterdon County Quilting Guild. Elder Mary King said some women have been sewing six or eight hours a day to meet the demand. The church distributed palms for Palm Sunday and carnations for

moments in life that is shared by most people regardless of age, color, creed, and socio-economic background. Ask anyone about that time in his or her life and they will give a very detailed account about those few days in June. The Class of 2020, does not want to be part of history, they want to live in the moment, which defines being 18. There is no question that safety is the top priority this graduation season, given the overwhelming anxiety, fear, and compromised health of so many. But because we are so fortunate to live in Hunterdon County we have options that many counties do not. Wide-open spaces are the trademark of this county with ways to make graduation happen on a smaller scale, and allowing graduates to experience their “walking” moment. Facebook postings, Change.org petitions, and letters and emails to Governor Murphy, state and county officials, and school administrators all urge to come up with other options or use suggested ideas other than a virtual graduation. This is truly once in a lifetime… let’s not let the Class of 2020 down.

Double Duty for Rescue Squad

Whitehouse Rescue EMT Bryn PflegerSchweer disinfects an ambulance with a new system for COVID-19.

By Scarlett Doyle The COVID-19 pandemic has added layers of responsibility and duties to the work of the Whitehouse Rescue Squad. The squad provides emergency medical care to the entire Township of Readington while delivering frontline emergency services during the pandemic. In order to assure the utmost degree of safety for all residents and responders, since March, our EMTs are required to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on evContinued on Page 6

Deacon Karen Weber prepares Mother’s Day carnations for pick up.

Mother’s Day. Long-time member Judy Iselin and the Women’s Ministries ordered 100 carnations and sent out an email to congregants on May 8 to drive by and “pick-your-own” for Mother’s Day. The flowers were adorned by ribbons and affixed with prayer cards. Rev. Estes said. “The miracle is that church members managed all this without ever gathering in groups larger than two or three, adhering to public health guidelines.” A clothing donation bin in the church parking lot has allowed hundreds of stay-at-home, spring clean-

ers to donate clothing that will not be shredded, as the church has certified the non-profit group that picks up donations. Many other donation venues have had to close down. “Outdoor church services, run by fewer than 10 socially distanced leaders, enable congregants to take a break from conference calls. The bonus is that new voices and guitar players have emerged to lead hymns,” she said. “The church hopes to open its first public, outdoor service this summer. The sun and fresh air are the best antidote to the virus —as long as social distance and masks are maintained.”

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The Readington News • June 2020

Eagle Scout Award 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 July-Aug 2020

June 10 For Ad Materials June 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

Benjamin Melanson is congratulated by Bob Smith, Hunterdon Arrowhead District Advancement Chairman, at a ceremony in December.

Benjamin Melanson, a member of Boy Scout Troop 186, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was honored by the Readington Township Committee at a webex meeting in May. Ben’s Eagle Scout project involved the wood duck habitat in local parks. Many of the old wood duck boxes have either disappeared in harsh weather or fallen apart due to rotting materials. Ben led a team of fellow scouts and adults to build 15 boxes. They then installed 10 of the boxes, providing GPS coordinates for monitoring. He provided the remaining boxes to the Hunterdon County Parks Department for future use. The boxes were installed on trees and tall metal poles to keep the wood ducks safe from predators and harsh weather. Ben earned the rank of Eagle and all 3 Eagle Palms (Bronze, Gold, Silver) with 41 completed Merit badges. He is a Brotherhood Level in the Order of the Arrow (Scouting Honor Society) and is the Assistant Chapter Chief for the local Ajapeu 2 Order of the Arrow. His scouting career began with Troop 182 in Three Bridges.

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Readington GS Junior Troop Learns Digital Photography

The Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market opened for the season in mid-May and will run every Sunday through Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dvoor Farm, 111 Mine St. in Flemington. Shoppers will find organic fruits and vegetables, all-natural meats, bread, cheese, honey, pies, plants, locally roasted coffee, milk, eggs and more. About 24 farmers and vendors will participate in the Pictured (front row, from left) are Elizabeth Dorman, Abby Washuta, (middle market this season. row) Kelsey Burgey, Angela Grillo, Joanna McDonald, Laila Wyche, (back View COVID-19 pandemic row) Anya Karnani, and Libby Maxwell. - Submitted by Lisa McDonald protocols to protect all attendees Readington Girl Scouts from 5th Digital Photography is one of the at www.hunterdonlandtrust.org. grade Junior Troop 80535 attended 42 STEM-related badges that girls NJ Equine Artists’ a Digital Photography badge work- can earn in Girl Scouting, which Association Show Canceled shop at the Bridgewater Commons cover a broad range of topics such Due to the coronavirus pandemMicrosoft store on March 8. The as coding, cybersecurity, app develgirls heard an expert presentation opment, robotics and space science. ic, the New Jersey Equine Artists’ on how digital cameras work and on Microsoft and Girl Scouts USA Association National Juried Exthe essentials of taking great photos. have recently partnered to offer free hibit and Sale originally schedFollowing the presentation they ex- STEM badge workshops (robotics, uled for June 7-July 5 at Prallsplored the store to take photos and coding, digital photography and villemills, Stockton, is canceled. then practiced photo editing. The movie-making) in Microsoft stores Information on new dates will be workshop concluded with an oppor- around the U.S. These programs announced. In the meantime, the tunity for the girls to display their are available to Girl Scout Daisies, NJEAA encourages equine artists to keep working. - Submitted by work on Surface Pro tablets. Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes. JoAnne Farley, NJEAA

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Readington Township School District Approves $37.3M Budget

On April 28, the Board of Education approved the final budget for the 2020-21 school year. The new budget reflects the following district goals: • Present a fiscally responsible budget aligned to the district mission and vision; • Balance class size guidelines with scheduling efficiencies; • Enrich students’ academic experiences; • Implementation of the district’s new Strategic Plan for the 20202025 school years. Staff and program highlights in the 2020-2021 budget include: • All educational programs and class sizes are maintained in accordance with district policies; • A continuation of 1:1 chromebook initiative for students in 2nd

through 8th grade, as well as other technology resources for grades K and 1; • Savings through shared services and cooperative purchasing agreements with Tewksbury, Branchburg, Hunterdon County E.S.C., and the Township of Readington; • Part-time math intervention teacher; • Reallocation of one math teacher to be part-time teacher/parttime math coach at Readington Middle School; • Contingency for grade-level teacher due to new housing development; • Stipend for a new position titled: Coordinator of Sustainability and Green Initiatives; • Additional mental health services, training and supplies for school counselors, curriculum and strategic plan work, and continued development of social emotional learning programs.

Further, the district plans for the following security, safety and capital projects having no impact on next year’s tax levy: • Replacement of Smartboards at Readington Middle School and specific other locations throughout the district; • Replacement of boilers at Three Bridges School and roofing at Holland Brook School; • Installation of LED lighting & HVAC upgrades at Whitehouse and Three Bridges Schools, with 80% of the costs covered by State of New Jersey Direct Install Program; • Replacement of main entrance doors at Three Bridges School; • Improvement of sound system at Readington Middle School cafeteria; • Upgrade of information technology equipment; • Enhancement of safety, health and wellness through multiple maintenance projects; • Expansion of physical safety and security enhancements district-wide such as ballistic film, battery backup, installation of POTS lines, in addition to other initiatives. Readington Township School District’s total budget will be $37.3 million. This year, the dis-

trict budgeted to receive $1.8 million in state revenue, and approximately $3.1 million from other sources such as tuition, interest, and grants which will reduce the impact to taxpayers. The remaining portion of our budget is funded locally and, as demonstrated in the chart below, represents a 2.255% increase in the school tax levy. The 2020-21 budget maintains the high quality programming that students and families in Readington Township have come to expect. We are fortunate to provide our students with rich op-

portunities that prepare them for a strong high school experience. We hope to maintain our budget initiatives despite the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we recognize the financial status of the state could negatively impact this budget and/or future budgets for the Readington Township School District. If you would like to learn more about the approved budget and the wonderful activities occurring in our school district, please visit us at www.readington.k12.nj.us or call us at 908534-2195.

School Tax Levy History chart provided by the Readington Township School District

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By Laura Simon, Board President, and Dr. Jonathan Hart, Schools Superintendent

The Readington News • June 2020

Historical Society Cancels 2020 Barn Tour and Art Show Shaun Van Doren, President of the Tewksbury Historical Society, and Louisa Sargent, President of the Tewksbury Trail Association, co-partners of the bi-annual Tewksbury Barn Tour, have announced that this year’s event has been cancelled. Originally scheduled for July 26, both organizations will present the tour in 2022. The Tewksbury Historical Society 29th Art Show and Sale, scheduled for Oct. 9-17, has also been cancelled. It was a reluctant decision but one made due to the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty of holding events. The event will return in the fall of 2021. For society updates visit www. tewksburyhistory.net.

HMC Earns “A” Safety Grade

Hunterdon Medical Center was honored with an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C.-based organization aiming to improve health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. In the five overall categories, Hunterdon Medical Center achieved Best Hospital Scores in four areas including Problems After Surgery, Practices to Prevent Errors, Safety Problems, and Doctors, Nurses & Hospital Staff. They achieved Above Average Scores in the area of Infections. This year’s rating demonstrates an improvement over last fall’s “B” grade. “The entire workforce of the nearly 3,000 caregivers who represent Hunterdon Healthcare places patient safety first and foremost in their performance

every day. Our “A” rating represents a commitment to patient safety and quality healthcare outcomes that meet not just our standards, but national ones,” stated Patrick Gavin, President, and CEO of Hunterdon Healthcare. “We will continue to strive to be among the best and safest hospitals in the nation because our patients and our community deserve the best and safest care.” Developed under the guidance of an Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D, and F grades to approximately 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public.

Mobile Pet Grooming Comes to Readington Township April’s Shower Mobile Pet Grooming has expanded its coverage area to include Readington Township. Owners April and Thomas Schlack, former longtime area residents, say they are happy to be servicing Readington and Branchburg, where their family and friends still reside. The mobile pet grooming service offers a totally selfcontained grooming salon on wheels in the convenience of your driveway. April’s Shower adheres to social distancing and safety protocols to protect everyone. This service allows your

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JUNE 2020

News from the Municipal Building

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

2020 SUSTAINABLE JERSEY GRANT Readington Township has been selected to receive $10,000 from the 2020 Sustainable Jersey Grant Fund through the PSE&G Foundation. The grant application was submitted by the Environmental Commission and Open Space Advisory Board for the Township’s Meadow Inventory and Management Plan. Readington Township has participated in the New Jersey Green Acres Program obtaining over 100 parcels of land totaling over 2150 acres. Over the years, these properties have been evolving to support recreation (parks, hiking, horse trails) and natural resources that provide valuable ecological services, such as habitat for pollinators, endangered species and other wildlife, improvements to water quality, carbon sequestration and beyond. This grant will provide for a meadow restoration goal and plan for those properties currently considered “fields and meadows” in partnership with the Center for Environmental Studies at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC). Meadows are open habitats dominated by herbaceous vegetation such as grasses and wildflowers. We will work with students, faculty and staff from RVCC to inventory the flora, fauna and other important environmental conditions (soils, hydrology, human disturbance, etc.) of these fields, which will be used to set priorities and develop a plan for meadow management. The establishment of a list and restoration plan, by property, will help the Township in its commitment to sustainable land use, natural resource and wildlife interaction. These activities include 1) supporting and protecting areas of high biodiversity, 2) identifying areas to increase benefits to pollinators through sowing of native wildflower seeds, 3) identifying mowing schedules most conducive to supporting native flora and fauna, 4) eradicating invasive plant species, 5) planting native trees and shrubs along the edges of wetlands and stream corridors for water quality enhancement, and 6) planting warm-season grasses for increased carbon sequestration. The data collection on flora and fauna will be integrated into interpretive materials developed for the Township by RVCC, and voucher specimens will be deposited in the RVCC herbarium and available for public view upon request. We expect this project will serve as a blueprint for other New Jersey communities in the Piedmont area to evaluate old farm fields and methods to recover natural habitats.

PRIMARY ELECTION Due to the covid-19 virus, the New Jersey Primary election has been moved from June 2 to July 7. Governor Murphy announced that all registered Republicans and Democrats will receive a mail-in ballot in the mail. The last day to register to vote in the primary election is June 16. At the time of this writing, polling places will still be open while following social distancing guidelines. If you do not receive a vote by mail ballot, call the county clerk’s office, at 908-788-1214, or email countyclerk@co.hunterdon.nj.us. The county clerk’s website will be updated once the State provides further information on the process.

2020 MUNICIPAL BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS The Township Committee introduced a proposed 2020 municipal budget at its March 16th meeting and held a public hearing at the April 20th meeting prior to adoption. The adopted budget increased the municipal portion of property taxes by .03 per $100 of assessed property value. For the average property taxpayer with a $400,000 house, the municipal portion will be $2,408 which is an increase of $120 from the prior year. The municipal portion of your property tax bill is approximately 19%. Readington carried a $2.854M surplus into 2020. Surpluses are desirable to keep bond ratings high, bond interest rates low, and allows flexibility for the municipality throughout the year as needed. Approximately $1.9M of the surplus was used to fund the 2020 budget. The total approved budget increased from 2019 by a total of $425,583 or 2%. The Township Committee dedicated .01 (about $242K) of the tax increase to go towards capital improvements that will increase the down payment on the capital bond by $250K beyond the 5% required minimum as a mechanism to incur less debt. By way of example for a $1M capital ordinance the Township is required to pay 5% or $50,000 and borrow $950,000. With this change the Township would put $300,000 down and borrow $700,000. Capital improvements include road repairs, emergency equipment, parks equipment and maintenance, and public works equipment. So what does the Readington taxpayer get for the municipal portion of their tax bill? • Readington Township Police Department • Road maintenance, plowing, paving, drainage maintenance • Equipment: emergency vehicles, plows, mowers, backhoes, trucks • Recreation Department, park maintenance, museums • Curbside garbage pickup and recycling • Municipal services: government boards/committees, court system, code enforcement, zoning, elections, animal control, licensing, social services • 9000 acres of preserved land • ...and much more

The Readington News • June 2020

Township of Readington

Keep Saving Plastic Bags

The Readington News • June 2020

If you have been saving plastic for the Whitehouse School Trex Challenge to get a free Trex bench at the school, please continue to save it. The collection box at the Readington Municipal building is not availabe as a drop off point due to the quarantine, but the Trex Challenge will resume once quarantine is over. Please continue to save grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, ziplock and other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags. (All materials must be clean, dry and free of food residue.) There are several Trex Challenge approved drop-off locations: ACME, Kohl’s, McCaffrey’s Food Markets, Stop & Shop, Target, Weis, and Whole Foods. Please send an email to vzanardi@readington.k12.nj.us indicating how many trash bags you have. The Readington Township Environmental Commission and WHS thank you. - Submitted by Christina Albrecht

Woman’s Club Names Officers

The Woman’s Club of Tewksbury announces its newly elected officers. They will take office on June 2 and serve for the next two years: President - April Shoemaker; First Vice President and Membership - Jaime Clark; Second Vice President and Fundraising - Rori Pipeling; Corresponding Secretary - Trisha Mahoney; Recording Secretary - Debra Schatzki; Treasurer - Jean Frankel. The “Welcome Back Luncheon” is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 9 a.m. at The Manor, behind the Oldwick Firehouse. All guests are welcome free of charge. An officer induction ceremony, business meeting and luncheon are planned. In the meantime, the club wishes everyone a healthy and safe summer.

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Evan Glas National Merit Scholar Evan J. Glas of Whitehouse Station has been awarded a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship. A member of the Class of 2020 at Peddie School in Hightstown, he plans to pursue the Computer Science field. This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program began in October 2018 when over 1.5 million juniors in approximately 21,000 high schools took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, the highestscoring participants in each state, representing less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state-representational basis. Only these 16,000 Semifinalists had an opportunity to continue in the competition. From the Semifinalist group, some 15,000 students met the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of the 2020 program, about 7,600 Finalists will have earned the “Merit Scholar” title and received a total of over $30 million in college scholarships.

Stay Tuned for Summer Camp Plans

Assistant Recreation Director Brian VanDongen, who serves as the Recreation Camp Director, was working diligently to evaluate different plans and contingency plans for Readington Recreation Summer Camp at press time. “We are evaluating ever changing guidance from the CDC, American Camp Association, New Jersey state agencies, and the Office of Emergency Management. If we are able to offer a camp program, we will work to ensure it is a safe and healthy atmosphere for all campers, counselors, and the community,” VanDongen said. Camp information and plans will be updated on the Readington Recreation website, ReadingtonRecreation.org. Navigate to “Programs,” then select your child’s camp page for information. If you would like to be added to the Readington Recreation mailing list please send an email to readingtonrecoffice@gmail.com.

Double Duty

Continued from Page 1

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house Rescue Squad. “Our members are the first front-line responders into COVID positive homes, requiring up close treatment and transport in an ambulance to the hospital, our exposure potential is very real.” Since the virus spread, the number of emergency calls has increased, and in order to continue to quickly respond to all situations, additional EMTs have been added to daily shifts. The staff has initiated additional levels of protection for the residents which includes self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, including taking body temperatures for each incoming and outgoing shift, disinfection techniques using many new safety protocols and equipment. What can a resident do for the community and for the squad? Stay home, sanitize surfaces, wash hands, and wear a face mask when it is advised. If you have symptoms of coughing, difficulty breathing, elevated temperature, or loss of taste or smell, call your physician for consultation or 9-1-1 for any emergencies. With all fundraisers canceled, the squad seeks financial help to operate. Tax deductible contributions can be made to: Whitehouse Rescue Squad, PO Box 175, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889. For more info, whitehouserescue.com.

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Looking Back. . . Born to Patriotism When born the little boy was christened David in honor of both his father and grandfather. David Schomp was born in Readington to one of the oldest Dutch families of this township. His family emigrated from Long Island in 1712 to the wilderness of the Pleasant Run area, where the soil was rich, and land was available reasonably. With Campbell’s Brook winding its way the whole length from Cushetunk Mountain all the way to Somerville, this proved to be ideal for the farmer who required a constant water supply. Since the family settled in this excellent area, their farming abilities prospered and young David grew strong, straight and honest, a devoted patriot.

With the arrival of the Revolutionary War, young David became one of the many patriots determined that this country would exist in freedom. No monarch was wanted in this beautiful country. Needing the eyes and ears of his farm boy soldiers, General George Washington sought help within his own soldier ranks. David’s enthusiasm and abilities caught the eye of Gen. Washington. Traveling swiftly over the area encompassed by the Delaware River up to the Hudson River, creeping alone through thickets and swamps, from Valley Forge to Ticonderoga, David bravely sought secret information in taverns and forts, all of which was relayed back to Washington. His spy activities were rewarded by promotion to Captain as a rank.

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With the end of the war, David returned to his family’s farm in Pleasant Run. Eventually, once the U.S. Government was established, a pension was offered to Revolutionary soldiers in need. David applied, offering his claim that his rank was that of “Captain.” Three times he was offered payment for the rank of “Lieutenant” -three times he refused stating that the pension board should investigate Washington’s orders for he was a captain. Research proved him correct whereby his full pension was approved. Yes, David Schomp was indeed a captain, but a very special captain, for he was in Washington’s service as a spy – the most secretive, frightening exposure in the espionage business. Indeed, Readington claims many heroes.

Readington Recreation staff members have been doing their best to provide programs during the coronavirus shutdown. “We hope all of the residents of Readington are doing well and are home and healthy. We know it was disappointing having to cancel Spring programming. It is our hope that we will be able to offer some fun Summer programs for the community. We are following the guidelines of the Township, the Governor of New Jersey and the CDC and will make decisions based on those instructions,” Lisa Baum, assistant director, wrote in an email to The Readington News. Meanwhile, the Readington Recreation office continues to offer virtual programming for residents. At Home Karate for beginners is underway (there are a few spots open), and local photographer Dave Dabour offered Zoom Digital Photography classes for young people which

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was a great success. The Recreation office sends multiple emails a week with Virtual Travel Visits and fun activities for kids. A new segment called “Where in Readington” is offered weekly with a puzzle to solve to find a photograph of a place in Readington. Recreation is in the middle of an ongoing Virtual Pet Show and every Wednesday Assistant Recreation Director Brian VanDongen does a fun video with a game kids can play using items from home. If you want to be on the mailing list for these and other fun activities send an email to Lisa at readingtonrecoffice@gmail.com to be added. Please note that Readington Township parks are open for passive recreation activities. These include walking, jogging, and biking. Playing fields are closed to all team activities, and playgrounds are closed. Park facilities including bathrooms, pavilions, the dog park and the roller hockey rink are closed. The tennis courts are open for single play only. Please see the sign on the courts for rules and please follow all social distancing measures. While in the parks, wear a mask and stay six feet away from other families using the parks. Look after your children and make sure they are compliant. Readington Township reserves the right to close parks and facilities if social distancing is not being maintained.

7 The Readington News • June 2020

By Stephanie B. Stevens, Historian, County of Hunterdon

Recreation During Coronavirus Pandemic

Republic Services Feeds Frontline Employees

The Readington News • June 2020

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TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Type your ad exactly as you want it to appear. Ads are limited to 30 words (phone numbers count as one word). Mail your ad along with a check for $20 made payable to “The Readington News” to The Readington News, PO Box 5351, Branchburg, NJ 08876 RITTER BROTHERS PAINTING, and Overnights. Top Pay! For more Readington, NJ. Interior & Exterior. information call: 908-806-3768. Lic#13VH10329300. Business: 908233-8904, Home: 908-534-9390. FD MASON CONTRACTOR - Over 30 years of experience. Brick, block, Caregivers Wanted! Comfort Keepstone, concrete. No job too large Ralph Barca, owner of Sorella’s, prepares dinners for Republic Services ers of Flemington is seeking kind, or small. Fully insured & licensed. “Committed to Serve” initiative. caring, reliable and compassion- Free estimates. 908-385“Small businesses are often hit ate caregivers. Flexible Hours. 5701. Republic Services waste disLic# 13VH05475900. posal and removal services has the hardest during times of uncer- Full-Time, Part Time, Weekends launched “Committed to Serve,” tainty. The ‘Committed to Serve’ There’s No Place Like Home – Ena $20 million initiative to recog- initiative is a gesture of support joy Family Time in your Backyard nize its frontline employees in for both our employees and our Retreat with a finely crafted patio, the field, their families, and small local small businesses, many of outdoor kitchen, firepit or fireplace. business customers across the whom are our customers,” said Offer and photos on FB. CavagnJohn D’Aniello, Republic Sercountry. aro Landscaping 908-369-5899

Over the next two months, all of Republic Services’ 28,000 frontline employees will receive a weekly meal, a weekly dinner for employees and their families, and bi-weekly $100 gift cards ($400 per employee) to be spent locally. All meals will be purchased from local, small businesses to help support Republic Services’ customers and the communities it serves. In the Hunterdon County area, Republic Services is providing meals for 80 employees per week. To date, over $15,400 has been spent with local restaurants, including Sorella’s Pizza, which donated one-third of the proceeds to Hunterdon Medical Center for supplies.

vices Division Manager and a Readington Township resident. “The reaction from small business owners and employees has been pure appreciation. Additionally, our employees feel a sense of pride being able to give back to the local community they serve.”

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Why do farmers always look out their windows in the morning? Because they can’t see through walls. Online school teaching has its funny side. In Hillsborough, a math teacher typed “There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who can count and those who can’t.” You’ll never know how many friends you have until you rent a house at the beach. What does a fish say when he makes a mistake? It was just a fluke!

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HAVE NO FEAR WHEN YOUR CARE IS HERE Hunterdon Healthcare never stops caring for our community. As we resume medical practice visits and non-urgent procedures we have implemented new safety protocols to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for you during your visit.

We are gladly accepting appointments now for the following services:

• Primary and Specialty Care • Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy

• Women’s Imaging Services • Radiology (CT, MRI, General X-Ray, Ultrasound)

• Laboratory • Behavioral Health • Speech & Hearing

Virtual visits are also available for some services, such as primary care and behavioral health. Contact your providers office for more information.

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At Hunterdon Healthcare you can receive exceptional care without fear because your trust and confidence in the care we provide are at the heart of everything we do. Please visit HunterdonHealthcare.org/Reopen to find our list of practices, outpatient services locations, and urgent care centers. You can also learn more about our safety measures and request an appointment.