July/August 2020 www.readingtonnews.com
The
Readington News A Community Newspaper
Serving All of Readington Township, NJ
RMS Celebrates Graduates with Car Parade
The
Readington News A Community Newspaper
Serving All of Readington Township, NJ
Readington Middle School held a car parade on graduation day June 18 at 4 p.m. along the school roadways. A PA system played “Pomp & Circumstance,” RMS grads were driven mostly in decorated family SUVs slowly and regally past School counselors Adam Connelly (the and as each vehicle passed by, the name of the grad aboard was announced by the main school entrance. Many grads were waving from open sunroofs and car Viking) and Christine Crielly greeted windows. a school official. the families.
Readington Township Public Schools hosted a car parade for Readington Middle School 8th grade graduates on June 18 at 4 p.m., in lieu of a traditional commencement ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a June 3 letter to 8th grade families, Superintendent Jonathan Hart invited graduates and families to celebrate in a parade through the Holland Brook/ Readington Middle School campus. The district also created a virtual graduation video for students. “Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this most unusual time. Our students and families have been met with significant challenges over the course of the year and our Readington community continues to be amazingly resilient,” Hart wrote. The graduates are: Anthony Abbate, Samuel Adams-Fancera, Juliana Amorosi, Leslie Ansbach, Mia Aquino, Jose Ariaz-Cordero, Calan Armitage, Brian Armstrong, Caitlin Azevedo, Raymond Baez, Justin Bannon, Liam Batongbakal, Jake Beatrice, Mackenzie Bender, Evan Berlinger, Hannah Bezahler, Connor Biehl, Wy’ze Billingsley, Owen Blum, Shreya Bodanki, Sara Borella, Mateo Brito, Colby
Brunton, Alexander Bukowski, Axel Caballero-Aparicio, Michael Cable, Arianna Cancela, Eli Carlsruh, Melanie Caro, Amelia Cassidy, Rachel Castela, Luis Cervantes Guerrero, Miller Champion, Aidan Chendak, Elisa Chin, Divier Chirinos-Ortiz, Nina Cirianni, Sloane Coddington, Andrew Cohen, Alec Collado, Brandon Colucci, Lila Cook, Madison Corbett, Ryan Coury, Ben Critelli, Nyasia Cureton, Margaret D’Alessandro, Daniel Danubio, Anna Davitt, Oliver De’Stefano, Gabriel DeCola, Julian DeCola, Courtney Deighan, Lily Delmonte, Lucy DeSola, Joseph Duffy, Shaili Dutt, Sean Eustice, Temilolu Fashae, Kathryn Fazio, Andie Federico, Santiago Fernandez, Trent Fischer, Zachary Fisher, Justice Forsythe, Alexia Frank, Samuel Freed, Daniel Frenkel, Thomas Funke, Dylan Gale, Braden Galloway, Talia Gentles, Ashley Green, Owen Hall, Ryan Hample, Olivia Hardy, Maya Her-
nandez, Martael Hoffman, Eric Holmlund, James Horner, Colin Howell, Madalyn Hudson, Dylan Hughes, Matthew Hughes, Jared Jacobus, Trevor Jerzewski, Justin Jimenez, Kristen Johansson, Connor Johnson, Toni Kaese, Benjamin Keitel, Liese Keller, Megan Keller, Aven Kelly, Stella Kemecsei, Delaney Klaus, Richard Knudson, Sarah Kopacz, Lindsay Kopp, Katherine Kuczynski, Rosalie Kurdyla, Wilda Lago, Daniel LaMarca, Presley Lavish, Andrew Leibowitz, Ryan Levison, John LoMonte, Julia Lopez-Carrete, Sara LoPiccolo, Eddie Lou, James Lynch, Jeremiah Markowitz, Charis Marshall, Olivia Martin, Sophie Maurer, Joshua McDonald, Matthew McMillin, Dylan McPherson, Jack McPherson, Nilay Mehta, Tyler Merlini, Noah Metelitsa, Conor Mikaelian, Ava Milliern, Benjamin Moesch, Matthew Molinaro, Matthew Molineux, Connor Moran, Alec Nanda, Juan Na-
Happy Summer!
The Readington News follows the community newspaper tradition of publishing a combined July/August issue. We will resume our regular monthly delivery schedule the first week of September. In the meantime, have a healthy, happy and safe summer! And don’t forget to email your summertime and upcoming fall news and photos to The Readington News (readingtonnews@gmail.com) by August 15 for the September issue.
varrete, Ashley Nothnagel, Tyler O’Brien, Jack Ost, Carlos Pacheco, Nichole Pagano, Alina Patel, Estella Pecoraro, Alejandro Perez, Amanda Perez-Vargas, Christina Peters, Liam Petros, Lianna Phillips, Madison Phillips, Mary Pijanowski, Isabelle Pizzuto, Matthew Prager, Aidan Prior, Colin Prior, Lukas Raimo-D’Amico, Rooney Rasare, Juergen Rau, Caitlyn Redmond, Jasmine Relovsky, Alexa Revill, Emma Ribaudo, Jack Ritter, Abigail Rivenbark, Cameron Rodger, Tyler Rodriguez, Andrew Ryder, Nicholas Schafranek, Dun-
can Schengrund, Daniel Schneider, Matthew Scotto, Michael Seabrook, Christopher Serrao, Edward Shinn, Thomas Shreiber, Paige Simon, Vancastle Siqueira, Derek Smith, Samuel Souvenir, Kiera Spring, Brooklyn Stothoff, William Stothoff, Kayla Sutphen, Danica Svendsen, Luke Szymanski, Justin Teresak, Sofia Trivino, Madeline Turvey, Douglas Vail, Alessandra Wallace, Amelia Watson, Henry Weisshaupt, Jay Wieder, Logan Williamson, Sophia Willigan, James Woodworth, Madelyn Yip, Isabella Zaragoza.
The Readington News • July/August 2020
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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 September 2020
August 10 For Ad Materials August 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
©2020 Creative Resources/ Town Media, All Rights Reserved
Readington HSA Awards Scholarships
HCRHS Holds Video Graduation Ceremony, Car Parade Hunterdon Central Regional High School held a virtual graduation for the Class of 2020, in compliance with a coronavirus directive from the Office of the Governor, on Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m. The graduation was held on the Zoom video conferencing software app and featured components of a traditional Hunterdon Central Graduation including: Opening Processional, singing of the National Anthem, speeches by the valedictorian, senior speaker, principal, superintendent, Board of Education president, and Class of 2020 vice principal, Presentation of 700 Graduates, Turning of the Tassels, Tossing of Caps, singing of the Alma Mater, and Recessional, featuring Hunterdon Central’s traditional “Star Wars Theme.” Giving speeches were: Michael Gavin Capone, President of HCRHS Class of 2020; Grant Bloch, Valedictorian; and Gabriela Scarpelli, Senior Speaker. Earlier on graduation day, Hunterdon Central planned a “DriveThrough Parade of Graduates” in which seniors and their families were invited to decorate their cars and drive through campus and receive their diploma at the end of the parade.
Bank Street Beauty–
Beautification Committee of Whitehouse Station members Bob Spielberger, Steve Fraebel, and Maryann Lacamera are pictured (socially distancing) at the Bank Street garden across from the Readington Train Station on Main Street. They recently planted 14 coneflowers and black eyed susans donated by Rose Grieco of Tewksbury. They also installed a bird house in the garden. The committee members receive help from residents with watering planters and weeding the garden. If you are interested in helping out, joining the committee, or making a donation, contact Maryann at mal2001@comcast.net.
Winnewald Day Camp Closed for 2020 Season Winnewald Day Camp, Clinton Township, will be closed for the 2020 season due to COVID19 restrictions which would lower the standards of its quality program. Winnewald will open for its 70th season in 2021.
Balloonfest Moved to October
The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, formerly sponsored by QuickChek, was rescheduled from the last weekend in July to Oct. 16-18 at Solberg Airport in Readington. The 38th annual event was moved to October due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Readington Township Home School Association (H.S.A.) awarded its annual scholarships totalling $2,000 to two Readington college students: Charlotte Vitale, a senior at University of Rhode Island studying Kinesiology with minors in Biology and Spanish, and Kevin Leach, a senior at American University with a double major in Justice and Law and Physics. The annual scholarship recognizes Readington students who have completed at least one year of a four year college or one semester of a two year college, have satisfactory grades, and have attended Readington Schools for not less than two years. Applications open in May each year. For more information, go to www.readington.k12.nj.us and click on the H.S.A. tab to find the Scholarship Program.
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Readington School District Finishes Strong Despite Coronavirus Challenges
By Jonathan Hart, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools As the school year draws to lar areas, integration of restorative was completed mid-year. This ima close, it’s clear that education practices for discipline, school- portant undertaking significantly during the 2019-2020 will be best wide assemblies, and mindful- enhances the safety and security remembered for an abrupt school ness practices for students. All of our school buildings. In addiclosure in March, ending with of which has been accomplished tion to the vestibules, we also devirtual learning in the last quar- with the guidance of our new su- veloped new visitor practices and protocols. In combination, these ter; however, it is important not to pervisor. Students in kindergarten measures provide for screening allow the school closure to overshadow some of the significant ac- through fifth grade saw a new and safe entry of visitors. Finally, Readington Middle complishments of the 2019-2020 math program titled Ready Classacademic year. There is much to room. This research-based pro- School received both the New be celebrated. This article high- gram prepares students for mas- Jersey recognition as a Green Riblights the ‘top 5’ accomplishments tery of rigorous math standards, bon School, and also distinction as among the many achievements and students in grades K-5 have a U.S. Department of Education that occurred during this unique demonstrated improved math Green Ribbon School. Now all discourse as a result of their en- four of our schools have earned time in education. First, the Board of Education gagement in Ready Classroom in- this extraordinary distinction. We has prioritized academic achieve- struction. The transition to a new celebrate this unique accomplishment and social emotional learn- program is always a challenge, but ment and look to further expand ing (SEL). This came to fruition our students and teachers worked our initiatives as a green, sustainwith the creation of new positions: hard through implementation to able district. While the impact of the coronaa literacy coach, math coach, and make the launch into new learning virus will certainly be discussed supervisor of SEL. The infusion a success. A new Strategic Plan has been for years to come, Readington and implementation of these newly created positions have proven to adopted by the Board of Education Township School District has disbe invaluable to our district. The with specific strategic goals and tinct achievements that should not coaches have been widely used action steps. In addition, this plan be forgotten amid the challenges as a critical resource for teachers comes with a new mission and vi- of remote learning. We are an exas they assisted with growth and sion statement. The district is very traordinarily resilient, dedicated reflection in areas of instruction, excited about its new direction! school district looking forward to data analysis, and planning. In ad- We look forward to enhancing our what the future will hold. Let us dition, our SEL work included set- inquisitive learning, partnerships, celebrate the many successes of Readington Township Board of Education members understand ting aside specific blocks of time and social awareness. this past school year as we head families may be experiencing financial hardship during this chal- for students to engage in SEL acWe are pleased to announce that into summer vacation! lenging time as a result of job loss, furlough, reduction in salary tivities, infusion of SEL in curricu- the entry-door vestibule project or other adversity during the coronavirus pandemic. If you have a child attending the Readington Township Public Schools and Your Experienced Hunterdon & Somerset Team Realtors need assistance, contact the district at 908-534-2895 or by email at assistance@readington.k12.nj.us to discuss resources and options available. The Readington Township Committee introduced an ordinance at the June 1 meeting to create a new inclusionary housing zone known as the Age-Restricted Affordable Housing-1 District (ARAH-1) at Fox Hollow Golf Club. The change is as follows: Section I. Section 148-11 (Zoning Map) is hereby amended to add the Age Restricted Affordable Housing-1 (ARAH-1) District for Block 15, Lot 28. Section II. Chapter, Article IV of the Code of the Township titled “District Regulations” is hereby amended to add the following new section: 148-27.__ Age-Restricted Affordable Housing-1 (ARAH-1). According to the ordinance, the tract subject to the ARAH-1 district regulations contains an existing private 18-hole golf course that straddles the Readington Township and Branchburg Town-
ship border. The ARAH-1 District is intended to provide for the redevelopment of the site for 100% age-restricted housing with a portion of such housing restricted to occupancy by households of very low, low and moderate income. Redevelopment shall be substantially consistent with the “Open Space Concept Plan,” Fox Hollow Golf Club, Block 15, Lot 28 Readington Township, Block 5.11 Lot 2 Branchburg Township, prepared by Gladstone Design dated September 3, 2019, revised March 16, 2020 (“Concept Plan”). The ARAH-1 Zone shall provide for no more than 240 total dwelling units of which 48 shall be affordable dwelling units. For complete details on the Readington Township Affordable Housing Settlement, see https:// www.readingtontwpnj.gov/readington-township-affordable-housing-settlement.
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3 The Readington News • July/August 2020
Age-Restricted Affordable Housing-1 Ordinance Introduced
The Readington News • July/August 2020
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Harvest Festival & Craft Fair Postponed, Live Auction Planned
Primary Election July 7 The Primary Election has been rescheduled to July 7 and is being conducted as an all-mail election. Information is available on the Hunterdon County elections page at http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/ elctindx.htm. Readington Township Committee Republican candidates for two three-year terms are incumbents John Albanese and Jonathan Heller. Also unopposed are Democratic candidates Rene Rao and Alan Harwick. Republican Board of Chosen Freeholders candidate for a threeyear term is incumbent Shaun C.Van Doren. Democratic candidate is Patrick D. Heller. Democrat Cory Booker is seeking re-election to the U.S. Senate for a six-year term. He is opposed by Lawrence Hamm (Not Me.Us.) Republicans running for the seat are Natalie Lynn Rivera (We The People), Eugene T. Anagnos (Prevent CA East), Patricia Flanagan (America First Republicans),
Rikin “Rik” Mehta (Hunterdon County Regular Republican Organization), and Hirsh Singh (Keep America Great New Jersey). Seeking re-election for a twoyear term in the U.S. House of Representatives is Democrat Tom Malinowski. Republican candidates are Thomas H. Kean Jr. (Hunterdon County Regular Republican Organization), Raafat Barsoom (Keep America Great New Jersey), and Tom Phillips (America First). President Donald J. Trump is running for re-election on the Republican ticket. Democratic candidates are Joseph R. Biden (Hunterdon County Regular Democratic Organization) and Bernie Sanders (Bernie 2020.Not Me.Us.) The presidential vote includes 9th District Delegates. Contact Hunterdon County Clerk Mary Melfi at 908-788-1214 or countyclerk@co.hunterdon. nj.us with any voting questions.
The Good News Home for Women (residential addiction treatment center) Annual Harvest Festival & Craft Fair has been postponed until September 2021 due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus. The facility will honor all requests for refunds. Email Dawn Davidson at dawn@goodnewshome.org with your request. Include your name, company name, address to send refund to and phone number. If you Food Drive– Pictured are Jimmy Benson, Life Scout, Troop 186, and do not wish to request a refund, you can simply make it a donation or the Kyle Benson, Webelo Scout, Pack 182 of Three Bridges who are running a Non-Contact Food Drive for the Readington Starfish food pantry. If you would fee can be applied to the September 2021 Harvest Festival. Let Dawn like to donate, leave your non-perishable donations in a bag on your front know your decision via email. porch and contact the scouts for pick up at bensonfamily2000@comcast.net A live auction fundraiser is being or text 908-501-0465. Here is a list of Starfish’s current needs: Gift cards for planned for this September, date to local grocery stores and restaurants, men’s toiletries, peanut butter, jelly, cebe announced. All are welcome to real, granola bars, spaghetti sauce, canned meats, juices, Snapple, Gatorade donate items including gift baskets multi-packs. and gift cards. Contact Dawn at 908-483-5394 for details. Support Our Advertisers! They Donations may also be made at donate2gnh.com. - Submitted by Make The Readington News Dr. Inga Brockington, Executive Possible! Director
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JULY/AUGUST 2020
News from the Municipal Building
FIND MORE MUNICIPAL INFO ON THE TOWNSHIP WEBSITE: READINGTONTWPNJ.GOV
TREE ORDINANCE Readington recognizes that trees are a natural resource that provide aesthetic, economic, ecological, environmental and health benefits to the Township and its residents. We have found that indiscriminate, uncontrolled and excessive destruction, removal and cutting of trees on individual properties can have significant impacts not only on those properties, but also on neighboring properties, the streetscape, the tree canopy, and the entire municipality. In order to ensure appropriate management of these resources and to control excessive removal of trees, the Township has passed a tree removal and replacement ordinance. This ordinance requires that all applications for subdivision or variance contain a plan which shows any tree of 6” diameter or more at chest height which would be removed, and indicates a plan for replacement of those trees. How does this plan affect the average homeowner? It limits the number of trees of 6” diameter or greater to be removed in a year to three (3) per acre (or 30% of the total number of trees on the property). Exemptions include any tree that is within 50’ of the dwelling, any tree to be cut for firewood for the resident, and any tree deemed to be unhealthy or dangerous by a tree expert. Trees which are part of a woodland management plan may continue to follow that plan. Trees in the way of sewer or water line repair or replacement are also exempt from this ordinance.
If you are removing more than three (3) trees of 6” diameter (or more than 30% of the total number of trees on the property) you will need a permit, which can be obtained from the Township zoning officer. We know that, with the emerald ash borer destroying many of Readington’s beautiful ash trees, it becomes even more important to preserve as many of the healthy trees as we can.
Municipal Offices will be CLOSED on Friday, July 3 in observance of INDEPENDENCE DAY
Property Taxes due AUGUST 1 ——————————————— Sewer Fees due SEPTEMBER 1
CHAMBERS BROOK PRESERVE Come hike the Gallo Trail, the latest open space trail in Readington. The entrance to the trail is at 22 Ridge Road, in the Whitehouse section of the Township. The one-mile trail loop is mostly level and is marked with white trail markers. The site, a 35.66 acre forested/semi-open and wetland parcel located on the Chambers Brook corridor, contains sensitive wetlands, two ponds and streams providing habitat for reptiles and amphibians, large areas of importance for groundwater recharge, and coniferous forests for wintering owls. Usually, one pond is visible from the trail. The trail is mostly dry, but you might encounter some muddy conditions crossing over a stream. Suitable footwear and tick resistant clothing should be worn. This property was preserved in 2019 via a donation. It is intended to be kept in its natural state to protect wildlife, wetlands and groundwater recharge in the Chambers Brook corridor, and to provide an additional trail in the Whitehouse area. One can still find remnants of old farm roads and other evidence of its day as a farm. Many local volunteers worked hard in late 2019 to remove large amounts of debris from the site. Readington Public Works installed a parking area and fencing along Ridge Road, and local volunteers cleared and blazed a trail loop, installed bridges and an informational kiosk. A map of the trail can be found on the Township website. Come take a walk!
Township Committee Approves Outdoor Dining At a special June 12th meeting of the Readington Township Committee, the governing body unanimously approved a resolution to allow for temporary outdoor dining at restaurants where it is not currently permitted and to create a process for approval to do so in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order (EO) #150 & the State Department of Health Executive Directive NO. 20-014. The EO took effect on Monday, June 15th with many Readington restaurants able to welcome guests for “dine in” services. Readington’s Zoning Officer has visited our restaurants to assist with the process of being approved for outdoor dining areas where it was not offered in the past. The primary concern is the safety of the diners and employees. If you dine out, please show patience and understanding while our restaurants adapt to the new way of doing business. The Township will continue to look for ways to support our local businesses during these challenging times.
PRIMARY ELECTION - JULY 7 BALLOT DROP BOX Primary election will be held on Tues., July 7 until 8 PM. Drop your ballot at any of the four Ballot Boxes located throughout the County. The East Location Ballot Box is located outside the front door of the Readington Township Municipal Bldg. The municipal building will be available for provisional paper ballots ONLY. In-person voting is available if a voter has a disability and needs an accessible ballot. For info, visit Hunterdon County Clerk at: co.hunterdon.nj.us/Primary2020.htm or call Hunterdon County Board of Elections at 908-788-1190.
2020 Capital Bond Ordinance At the June 15th Township Committee meeting, the governing body approved the 2020 capital improvement bond ordinance in the amount of $716,000. This is significant reduction from the traditional amount borrowed for capital improvements for two reasons. First, the Committee recognizes the extraordinary times in our country and its effects on Readington residents. Second, the Committee allocated significantly more funding towards the down payment on the bond ordinance to reduce the total overall amount to be borrowed. About 80% of the bond will go towards road maintenance and repair on Old Highway 28 and the portion of School Road from Old Highway to Route 22. The Township has received approval for State grants totaling reimbursements of $285,000 of the $576,000 costs to mill and repave these two roads. Once the work is completed and grant funds are received, the note will be paid down with these funds. $140,000 of the authorization will be allocated to a new basketball court at Pickel Park, similar to the work completed at Summer Road park last year and for a new roof at the Municipal Building. The total amount to be borrowed will be $430,200. With the State reimbursement for the two roads, the note will be reduced to $145,200. By way of comparison in prior years, the Township normally borrowed between $1.3-$2.0M and issued a 5% down payment. This year Readington’s down payment will be approximately 40% of the bond. In future years, it will likely be necessary to increase capital bonding to normal levels to maintain the Township’s infrastructure and provide the services taxpayers expect to receive.
The Readington News • July/August 2020
Township of Readington
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The Readington News • July/August 2020
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Looking Back. . . Clotheslines Told a Family’s Story By Stephanie B. Stevens Historian, County of Hunterdon
Well, in this day and age when every new bride soon becomes the owner of not only a washing machine but a brand-new clothes dryer, the old reliable clothesline has slipped into oblivion. Don’t believe me? Just take yourself for a ride around town and I bet that you’ll find only a very few clotheslines. The age of technology has made the clothesline a thing of the long past. Gone are the days when we ladies took clothes baskets of wet, newly washed family laundry out to the fresh air and dutifully hung each and every piece on the family clothesline! What a wonderful gadget was the trusty clothesline. But you must remember, there were rules that governed its use: Never put out wash on a Sunday. My what a scandal that would be! Always remember to hang sheets, towels and tablecloths on the outside lines thereby allowing for the family “unmentionables” to be hung on inside lines away from neighborhood eyes. Monday was always “wash day,” and it took most of the day to complete the task.
After all, “whites” were washed and bleached first thing - then off to the line, and next came the dark clothes. The efficient housewife hung whites and darks separately and honed the skill of sharing one clothespin to hang two items. Freezing weather made for freeze dried wash and killed any germs that might be hanging around. Not only was the clothesline a useful tool but, in an era when email was nonexistent, it served as a great communicator. A new baby in the house? The clothesline would be resplendent with rows of diapers, tiny shirts, and infant gowns, receiving blankets and crib sheets. Company? Fancy sheets, towels, and tablecloths announced the arrival of friends and relatives from far and near. Was there sickness in the house? Nightclothes, bathrobes, along with
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extra sheets hung somewhat haphazardly announcing the sadness. Vacations were indicated by empty clotheslines, while “I’m back” filled up the lines many times. As the children grew their clothing changed sizes. Oh my, how fast they grow! Technology has wiped out so much of “what used to be” sometimes for the good - sometimes not so good - perhaps our neighbors knew us better in those old times.
Send your News Items & Photos to: readingtonnews@ gmail.com
In Memory of Timothy Piazza: Bateman/Kean Measure to Combat Hazing Passes Senate State Senator Kip Bateman and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean’s legislation to increase penalties for hazing has passed the New Jersey Senate. Timothy Piazza of Readington, a 19-year-old Penn State University student, died in February 2017 during a fraternity hazing ritual. “Hazing is a despicable crime disguised as a game against one’s peers, often resulting in physical or mental trauma, or worse,” said Bateman. “No student deserves to go through the ritual humiliation that Timothy Piazza experienced on the night that he died. With the enactment of this bill, hazing will no longer be tolerated in New Jersey’s high schools and colleges.” “More than half of all students are hazed at some point during their college career,” said Kean. “We won’t allow this culture of
humiliation and violence to continue in New Jersey. Our legislation sends a clear message: if you engage in hazing, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” S-84/2093 would upgrade the crime of hazing from a disorderly persons offense to a fourthdegree crime if it causes bodily injury, and to a third-degree crime if it causes serious bodily injury. The bill would also require high schools, universities, and student organizations, including fraternities, to take a more active role in preventing and punishing hazing activities. Bateman noted that he was inspired to introduce the legislation after he received a letter from Matthew Prager, a 12-year-old Readington student who was also Timothy Piazza’s friend and neighbor.
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Police said a resident of the home alerted 911, and the Readington Police Department, Readington Volunteer Fire Company and the Whitehouse Rescue Squad were dispatched to the blaze. The initial investigation revealed that the sleeping residents were woken by the sounding smoke detectors in the home. All of the inhabitants narrowly escaped due to their rapid evacuation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Readington Township Police and Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. In light of this tragic loss, the Readington Police urge all residents of the township to check their smoke and CO detectors for operability.
The Granski family residence on 127 Readington Road was destroyed by fire on Monday, June 1, just after midnight. Family members were able to escape safely, but all of their belongings and personal possessions were destroyed. They were all in bed when the fire occurred and left the house with only the pajamas they were wearing. They were able to rescue their family dog but unfortunately could not reach their four cats. Immediately many local residents and restaurants mobilized, providing meals, clothing, and necessities. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to assist the family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ granski-fire-recovery-fund.
RMS Levendis Awards Announced Readington Middle School announced the following Levendis Athletic Award winners for fall and winter sports. Fall -- Girls Soccer: Juliana Amorosi; Boys Soccer: Calan Armitage, Tyler Rodriguez; Girls Cross Country: Alexa Revill; Boys Cross Country: Brian Armstrong, Tyler O’Brien; Field Hockey: Sloane Coddington, Kristen Johansson; Volleyball: Elisa Chin, Paige Simon. Winter -- Girls Basketball: Rachel Castela; Boys Basketball: Thomas Shreiber, Douglas Vail; Wrestling: Owen Hall The spring season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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RMS Academic Award Recipients Readington Township Schools announced the Class of 2020 Academic Awards: Math - Juliana Amorosi, Eddie Lou; Commitment to Math - Sarah Kopacz; Science Calan Armitage, Brian Armstrong; English - Calan Armitage, Eddie Lou; Social Studies - Aven Kelly, Madelyn Yip; Spanish - Ashley Green, Ashley Nothnagel; French - Hannah Bezahler, Kiera Spring; Mandarin - Elisa Chin, Andrew Leibowitz; Art Appreciation - Kiera Spring; Vocal Music - Presley Lavish; Band - Nina Cirianni, Santiago Fernandez, Douglas Vail; Orchestra - Eddie Lou, Amelia Watson; Drama - Duncan Schengrund, Paige Simon; HSA Fine & Performing Arts - Presley Lavish; Student Council - Evan Berlinger, Shreya Bodanki, Rooney Rasare, Tyler Rodriguez, Kiera Spring; Good Citizenship - Christopher Serrao; Mark Cleere Memorial Scholarship - Sloane Coddington, Douglas Vail; Civic Award In Memory of Mary Grillo - Courtney Deighan; David Knauth Joy of Reading - Arianna Cancela, Joshua McDonald; George Ihnat Award Dylan Hughes; Karl Najaka Award Ashley Green; HSA Achievement Madelyn Yip; Outstanding Personal Achievement - Connor Moran, Alejandro Perez; Community Service Award - Stella Kemecsei, Andrew Leibowitz; Junior Humanitarian Award - Olivia Hardy; All-Around
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Student - Juliana Amorosi, Rooney Rasare; Innovation & Achievement - Christopher Serrao; President’s Award - Academic Achievement Raymond Baez, Mackenzie Bender, Alexander Bukowski, Arianna Cancela, Divier Chirinos-Ortiz, Nina Cirianni, Sloane Coddington, Alec Collado, Madison Corbett, Sean Eustice, Braden Galloway, Trevor Jerzewski, Toni Kaese, Aven Kelly, Stella Kemecsei, Juan Navarrete, Nichole Pagano, Christina Peters, Alexa Revill, Paige Simon, Justin Teresak, Madeline Turvey, Jay Thomas Wieder; President’s Award - Academic Excellence Juliana Amorosi, Calan Armitage, Brian Armstrong, Hannah Bezahler, Shreya Bodanki, Rachel Castela, Elisa Chin, Ryan Coury, Courtney Deighan, Andie Federico, Alexia Frank, Ashley Green, Liese Keller, Megan Keller, Delaney Klaus, Sarah Kopacz, Andrew Leibowitz, John LoMonte, Eddie Lou, Olivia Martin, Noah Metelitsa, Ashley Nothnagel, Alina Patel, Liam Petros, Caitlyn Redmond, Emma Ribaudo, Tyler Rodriguez, Christopher Serrao, Kiera Spring, Madelyn Yip; Academic Excellence Award - Juliana Amorosi, Eddie Lou, Christopher Serrao;
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Spirit Award - James Horner, Jeremiah Markowitz, Colin Prior; Vice Principal’s Award - Andrew Leibowitz; Principal’s Award - Juliana Amorosi; Tri-M Music Honor Society - Kathryn Fazio, Stella Kemecsei, Andrew Leibowitz, Eddie Lou, Nilay Mehta, Juergen Rau, Christopher Serrao, Paige Simon, Douglas Vail, Amelia Watson.
Annual Family Style Roast Beef Dinner Planned
The Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd., is planning to host the Annual Harvest Home Family Style Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. While the committee is moving ahead with plans there is some uncertainty about being able to obtain supplies and work together in close proximity due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers will post updates about the event in this newspaper and on the church Facebook page.
- Submitted by Bob Lefever and Bernie Lewis, Co-Chairs
7 The Readington News • July/August 2020
Outpouring of Generosity after Devastating House Fire
The Readington News • July/August 2020
8
Farmer’s Market Voucher Distribution Drive-Through July 8
Hunterdon County residents, 60 years of age or older with low income, are invited to participate in the NJ Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program sponsored by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services. Participants will receive six (6) checks valued at $5 each for a total of $30 to be redeemed at participating farm stands for fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers are not permitted to give change so each $5 check should be used in its entirety. Checks will be distributed July 8 via a drive-through service located at the Readington Township Municipal Building (509 Rt. 523, Whitehouse Station.) Drivethrough times will be based on a person’s last name. Only come during your allocated slot to ensure a smooth process. Wear a mask and do not exit your vehicle.
Last names that end in: A-C 10 a.m.; D-G 10:30 a.m.; H-L 11 a.m.; M-Q 11:30 a.m.; R-V noon; W-Z 12:30 p.m. Income: Single - $1,925.58 (Gross) month/ $23,107.00 per year; Couple - $2,607.00 (Gross) month/ $31,284.00 per year. This year there is no need to show proof of income. Instead, you will complete a self-declaration form stating that your income is below the above listed limits. Checks must be used by Oct. 31, 2020. For more info, call Christine Dey at the Readington Township Social Service Office 908-5340974, M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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A perfect joke for a summer evening: Knock-knock. Who’s there? Amos. Amos who? Amos Keeto just bit me!
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