Readington News - September 2021 by Town Media

September 2021 www.readingtonnews.com

The

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Together, Inquire and Inspire: Theme for a New School Year house School welcomes Austin Abney, Health/PE teacher, Anna Shinn, third grade teacher, and we welcome back Elizabeth Lewis as a kindergarten teacher. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Kristen Halozan as the art teacher for Whitehouse and Three Bridges. At Three Bridges School, we welcome Kristen Fabriczi, speech-language specialist, and Lynda Breckenridge, a leave-replacement G&T teacher. Holland Brook School welcomes Melissa Van Eck, special education teacher. New teachers at Readington Middle School are Kerry Bonci, language arts teacher, and Vincent Biancamano and Evan Gulino as leave-replacement social studies teachers. We have a new districtwide behaviorist, Jennifer Prior, and a new part-time ESL teacher, Dawn LoCalio. There are new staff members in the business office, facilities department, and technology department as well including Katie DeRiso, Ray Egbert, Lara Nasser, Ryan Dec, Daniel Wasserman, Tim Hochrun, and Louis Orth. In addition to new hires, there have also been some staff assignment changes in the district - these are familiar faces in different places. Dana Pierro will be the art teacher at RMS. Rachel Brodsky and Janice Razza will be teachers at WHS. There may also be some additional new faces as the

The

By Dr. Jonathan Hart, Superintendent of Schools The Readington Township School District is excited to welcome all students back for in-person learning on Sept. 8. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to linger in our community and beyond, our approach to the school year will be one where we hope to return to many learning opportunities as we remember them: all students in classrooms, providing extra-curricular sports and clubs, and offering a variety of learning experiences. Of course, we will continue many of our COVID precautions, but we are eager to provide children with a sense of community and togetherness. The district welcomes several new inspiring teaching staff members in various positions. White-

school year gets underway. These talented individuals come with various backgrounds and experiences and will certainly add greatly to the Readington team. We are excited to have them! Over the summer, we worked hard to revise curriculum, purchase new texts and technologies, and update our facilities. Many of our teachers attended the district’s Summer Teacher Academy Program learning about topics such as technology, literacy and math instruction, using virtual field trips, social emotional learning (SEL), and supporting inquiry based learning. Our leadership team spent time considering and researching the best ways in which we can execute our strategic goals in order to live up to our mission of empowering members of our community to live purposeful lives with integrity, to cultivate a spirit of discovery, and to embrace connections in our diverse, global society. We look forward to launching the next phases of our strategic goals where we hope to inspire student and teacher inquiry, promote meaningful partnerships, and build a sense of social awareness. We look forward to a great school year where children can learn, play and explore. As a district we work together to inquire and inspire learning throughout our community.

Flemington at 8:30 a.m. Dr. Kanokogi, the Director of Mental Health and Peer Support Services for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, is a Whitehouse Station resident, Judo expert and author of Get Up & Fight~ The Memoir of Rusty Kanokogi, The Mother of Women’s Judo, which she co-wrote with her mother, the late Rena “Rusty” Kanokogi. She has served in law enforcement for 23 years and has been a lead investigator on several highprofile cases, including the 9/11 attacks. Sheriff Fred W. Brown said the county’s ceremony will remember those who perished from the attacks, particularly the 16 Hunterdon County residents lost that day, and will honor the county First Responders who were at the scene. Contact Ruthi Cass, rcass@co.hunterdon. nj.us, if you are a First Responder attending the event.

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Readington Community Theatre to Present Theatrical Tribute at Bouman-Stickney Farmstead Museum

Readington Community Theatre, in collaboration with the Readington Township Museums Committee, will participate in the reopening of the Dorothy Stickney Local Artist Series later this year. The Theatre will present the staging of a scene from the play “Life with Father” written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The setting will be the Wade-Wycoff barn on the Committee’s BoumanStickney Farmstead property where two performances will be presented on the final weekend of September – Saturday the 25th and Sunday the

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26th. Curtain is at 3 p.m. on both days. Admission is free, and limited seating will be assigned on a firstcome, first-served basis. This will be the first post-pandemic production staged by Readington Community Theatre. The Local Artist Series was established to honor the memory of actress and author Dorothy Stickney who co-starred with her husband, the well-known playwright and producer Howard Lindsay, in the production of “Life with Father” – which still holds the record

for the longest-running Broadway play in history. They purchased the farmstead house and property in 1935 and used it as a second home. In 1997, the township acquired the property and established the current museum. The presentations by RC Theatre will be a special tribute to the famous Broadway couple that once lived here in Readington. The Bouman-Stickney Museum is located at 114 Dreahook Road in Readington Township. - Submitted by Rob Nonni for Readington Community Theatre

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Dr. Jean Kanokogi, a Federal Agent who responded to Ground Zero the day of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, will serve as guest speaker for Hunterdon County’s 20th Anniversary September 11th Remembrance Ceremony at the Historic Courthouse in

Readington Township CFO Retires Readington Township honored longtime employee Thomas Carro (right) at a Retirement Luncheon held on June 29 at the Township Municipal Building. He was honored for working 24 years as the Township’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Pictured with Carro is Richard Sheola, Township Administrator. - Submitted by Meg Slutter, Readington Township Administration Office

Upcoming Events

The Readington News • September 2021

Editors/Publishers: Monita Casey Haduch, Bill Haduch Advertising Manager: Karen C. Muller Contributors: Lisa O’Donoghue & Susan Torsilieri Mailing Services: Mike Sanchez Art: Jacki Hasko, Megan Clewell 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 October 2021

Sept. 15 For Ad Materials Sept. 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

Tag Sale Sept. 4 Tewksbury Historical Society will host from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oldwick Carriage House, 5 James St., Oldwick, rain or shine. The society will be selling quality items, which have been cleaned, polished and are operable. Garden items, baskets, holiday items, antiques, crystal, 24 carat gold-edged dish set, silver-plated serve-ware, small kitchen appliances, housewares, costume jewelry, linens, lamps, furniture and artwork will be sold. Quilting Guild Sept. 17 The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will be starting up its new year on Sept. 17. New members are invited to meetings, workshops, and lectures. It has not yet been determined if the meetings will be in person or via zoom. Check out https://hcquiltingguild.wixsite. com/hcquiltingguild for any updates, schedule of meetings, and events. Email the guild at hunterdoncountyquiltingguild@gmail. com with any questions. Harvest Home Carrot Cake Sale Sept. 18 The Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd., was planning to host the Annual Family Style Roast Beef Dinner this month but cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. Instead, a limited number of Harvest Home carrot cakes with cream cheese icing in 8” x 8” pans will be sold for $10 on a prepaid, advance orders-only basis. Orders may be placed one of three ways:

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Hoffman Farm Park in Tewksbury. Rain date is Sept. 26. Admission is $20 per car and benefits the Tewksbury First Aid & Rescue Squad and the Tewksbury Library. This family-friendly festival includes food trucks, a beer garden, unique art and craft vendors, and music by the Bonnie Boland Band. Free activities include pumpkin and face painting, a classic car show, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, fire trucks, and a tethered hot air balloon. Free popcorn and cotton candy will be provided by area Scouts. For more info, visit www. tewksburyharvestfest.com or facebook.com/tewksburyharvestfestival.

from the central New Jersey area. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the concert. Children under 12 will be admitted free. Refreshments will be served during the intermission. For more info, call 908369-3838 or 908-421-1508.

Hunterdon Harmonizers Oct. 10 The Hunterdon Harmonizers will share their unique a cappella vocal talents in a medley of songs from the golden years of Broadway, including selections from “The Sound of Music” and “Anything Goes” at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead Barn at 114 Dreahook Road in Readington at 3 p.m. The show is free, but seating is limited and by reservation only. Reserve Classic Rock Concert Sept. 26 your spot at www.readingtonmuseThe Neshanic United Methodist ums.org or call 908-236-2327. Church, 301 Maple Ave., will host an afternoon of classic rock music Craft Fair Nov. 6 featuring Catmoondaddy at 3 p.m. The Readington Reformed Catmoondaddy, an acoustic group, Church Women’s Ministries hosts performs old favorites from Cat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 124 ReadTewksbury Harvest Festival Stevens, Neil Young, Dion, Paul Si- ington Rd. Original crafts, knitted Sept. 25 mon, Wilson Pickett, The Beatles, items, jewelry and quilted items The 23rd annual festival will be Bob Dylan, and many more artists. will be featured along with a bake held from noon to 5 p.m. at Christie The band is composed of musicians sale and tricky tray. Candidates Forum Sept. 22 The League of Women Voters of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties will host a candidates forum Sept. 22 at the Event Center at Raritan Valley Community College. The Legislative District 16 Assembly Forum is at 7 p.m. and the Senate Forum, at 8:30 p.m. Citizens may submit questions for candidates to lwvprinceton@gmail.com before Sept. 10. Assembly candidates participating are Roy Freiman (D), Sadaf F. Jaffer (D), Joseph A. Lukac III (R), and Vincent T. Panico, (R). Senate candidates are Michael Pappas (R), and Andrew Zwicker (D).

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Jackson and his dad Nicholas Conte from Three Bridges Pack 182 show off the largemouth bass that Jackson reeled in at the derby. - Photos and info courtesy of Cindy Barckholtz

Gavin and his dad Adam Honrath from Readington Pack 1980 proudly share the certificate Gavin earned for being the first kindergarten scout to catch a fish at the Hunterdon Arrowhead District Fishing Derby.

Almost perfect fishing weather greeted 90 youth who traveled to Manny’s Pond in Hoffman Park on Friday, June 18 - “National Go Fishing Day” - to participate in the Hunterdon Arrowhead District Fishing Derby. Among that group were 20 youth from Readington Cub Scout Pack 1980 and Three Bridges Pack 182. With safety precautions in place, families from all Hunterdon County Cub Scout packs were able to return to this favorite event that could not be held last spring due to the pandemic.

Five Cub Scouts claimed First Fish prizes for being the first scout in their rank to catch a fish: Kindergarten Lion: Gavin Honrath - Readington Pack 1980; First Grade Tiger: Erik Schnaudt - Readington Pack 1980; Second Grade Wolf: Joseph Pino - Bethlehem Twp. Pack 191; Third Grade Bear: Ethan Rocchietti - Three Bridges Pack 182; Fourth Grade Webelos: Jayden Weis - Three Bridges, Pack 182. For information on local packs visit https://www.njpack1980.org/ or https://www.pack182.org/.

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State Health Benefits Law Impacts School District Budget By Jason M. Bohm, Business Administrator The State of New Jersey passed P.L. 2020, c. 44 (“Chapter 44”) mandating school districts throughout the state to implement structural changes to medical and prescription benefit coverages, creating the New Jersey Educators Health Plan (NJEHP) and Garden State Health Plan (GSHP). All employees hired on or after July 1, 2020, are placed into these healthcare plans, and existing employees prior to June 30, 2020, have the option to join at their discretion. Chapter 44 fundamentally changed the landscape of healthcare in schools. In essence, this new law resulted in: Overwriting all local collective bargaining agreements for employees enrolling in NJEHP or GSHP; reducing premium contributions by employees enrolled in NJEHP or GSHP; lowering the level of benefits enjoyed by employees in NJEHP or GSHP, increasing their potential out-ofpocket costs; and tying employee contributions to salary rather than healthcare premiums. Unfortunately, many local school districts including the Readington Township School District had previously negotiated health benefit agreements with employee unions

with lower net costs compared to the new plan design. The State of New Jersey with the passage of Chapter 44 caused the Readington Township School District and many other districts irrefutable harm, dramatically increasing the financial burden of the district and local taxpayers by: Increasing the healthcare premium costs of the district; lowering the contributions made by employees to healthcare thereby increasing the district’s share of costs for each employee; eliminating the ability of the district to obtain buyup contributions from employees who select higher cost plans or coverage when enrolled in NJEHP or GSHP; and encouraging staff who previously waived or declined coverage to enroll in NJEHP or GSHP due to the extremely low employee cost-sharing provisions. During the first six months of 2021 after the implementation of Chapter 44, the district experienced increased, recurring costs of nearly $82,500. This was based on only 13% of staff in Readington Township Public Schools joining NJEHP. As staff retire and new employees are hired, the costs to the district are anticipated to skyrocket as each new employee is statutorily mandated to join NJEHP based on state law. At minimum, the cost of Chapter 44 shall be $165,000 for

the 2021-22 school year; however as new hires are onboarded, the actual costs are anticipated to eclipse $200,000 for the 2021-22 school year. Over the next five years, as the percentage of new employees expands, the projected recurring costs could exceed $750,000 annually. Unfortunately, these costs may exceed the district’s ability to address within current budgetary parameters due to the limitations of the 2% property tax levy cap. Chapter 44 was a well-intentioned proposal that aimed to generate hundreds of millions of dollars for school districts, school employees and taxpayers. While some school districts may indeed be realizing savings due to the provisions of Chapter 44 as well as the State of New Jersey directly for retirees, many are experiencing the opposite effect and witnessing an increase in their health care costs. This may result in cuts to critical programs, services and staff in order to balance school budgets. It is the district’s hope the State of New Jersey Legislature and Governor address and correct the unintended financial consequences districts are experiencing due to Chapter 44 to avoid any detriment to student programming and services in the future.

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The Readington News • September 2021

Readington Cub Scouts Reel in Prizes at District Fishing Derby

The Readington News • September 2021

Readington Township Celebrates Work of Mt. Amwell Cemetery Project

Pictured from left are Mayor John Albanese and Mt. Amwell Project representatives, David Reading, David Voorhees, and Beverly Kirby-McDonough.

By Pat Fisher-Olsen, Readington address the 32 at-risk historic cemTownship Historic Preservation eteries in Hunterdon County that Commission, Chair will be lost or destroyed due to ne-

Each May, the Readington Township Historic Preservation Commission joins with historic preservationists around the country to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by presenting awards for work done in one of our historic districts or sites. This year the historic preservation award recognizes an organization that has taken on multi-year preservation projects that honor our community now and in the future, The Mt. Amwell Project. The Mt Amwell Project organization was founded in 2005 to

glect, abandonment, or purposeful development. The goal is to protect and preserve as many at-risk cemeteries as possible for future generations. In the spring of 2016, the Mt. Amwell Project began restoring the Historic Haypress Cemetery, including removing trees, overgrown bushes, and restoring broken and fallen headstones. After the restoration, the Mt. Amwell Project volunteers assumed the yearly maintenance of the cemetery. The Rockaway Dutch Reformed Church established the Haypress Cemetery early in the 18th century.

The earliest burial in the historic cemetery is Capt. Cornelius VanHorne in 1744. Other families buried here include Voorhees, Wyckoff, and Covenhoven. In 2019 the Mt. Amwell Project began the restoration and maintenance of the Woodschurch Cemetery. The cemetery was abandoned and in a fair to poor condition when the project started. The cemetery required significant tree removal completed by the township before the restoration work could begin. Asher Hankinson, one of the Grove (or Woods) Methodist Episcopal Church trustees, conveyed the land on which the first church was built via a deed dated September 5, 1829. The church was rebuilt in 1854, about 100 yards further north on W. Woodschurch Road. It was abandoned 60 years later and demolished. Burials in the historic cemetery include Cole, Biggs, Hankinson, and Painter families. This year, the Mt. Amwell Project began the restoration of the Hankinson Cemetery, also located on W. Woodschurch Road. Readington’s historic areas are the enduring physical connections to our collective past that enrich our cultural heritage as told through the built environment and provide our sense of place.

Therapy Dog Honored with Bench

The Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, one of the Readington Museums, received a new bench to honor Lucy Rider, the beloved therapy dog for Hunterdon Central Regional High School (HCRHS.) As a frequent visitor and volunteer to the farmstead, Sharon Rider, Lucy’s mom, developed an appreciation and passion for the farmstead. While there are a few benches on the trails, many have fallen into disrepair. Sharon wanted to donate this bench so that others could also enjoy the scenery and peaceful atmosphere on a new and sturdy bench. Lucy began working at HCRHS in 2012 before retiring in 2017. During her service, she comforted many students and staff. The Readington Museums thanks Sharon for this donation and the Readington Township Buildings and Grounds department, directed by Scott Jesseman, for in-

Beloved therapy dog Lucy Rider rests on her donated bench - Photo by Bruce Michael

stalling all donated benches. Anyone interested in donating a bench to the Bouman-Stickney property can email the museum at readingtonmuseums@gmail.com or call 908-236-2327. - Submitted by Margaret Smith, Program Director, Readington Museums

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Township Cannabis Business Status On November 3, 2020, New Jersey voters adopted a referendum to legalize the personal use of marijuana, or cannabis as it is called in the law. After several months of negotiations between the Governor and the Legislature, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act was signed into law by Governor Murphy on February 21, 2021. The legislation established licensing of cannabis, municipal opt out provisions, certain land use controls, levels of municipal taxation, penalties, and established a Cannabis Regulatory Commission to function much like the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division does for alcohol. Within 180 days of the effective date of the legislation, or August 21, 2021 a municipality may prohibit the operation of one or more license classes, except for Class 6, within its borders. If the municipality fails to enact an opt out ordinance, then the law automatically allows the uses and operations of the six license categories. If the municipality fails to act within the 180-day window, it must wait five (5) years to enact such an ordinance and any establishment already up and running would be grandfathered. Legislation established six (6) classes of cannabis licenses below:

Class 1 – Cannabis Cultivator Class 2 – Cannabis Manufacturer Class 3 – Cannabis Wholesaler Class 4 – Cannabis Distributor Class 5 – Cannabis Retailer Class 6 – Cannabis Delivery Service At the July 6th Readington Township Committee meeting, the Committee voted to opt-out out of the six classifications of businesses established by the State of New Jersey. The State is yet to establish rules and regulations for the six classifications. This decision does not preclude Readington from opting back in at any time to allow for any of the six business classifications within Readington’s borders.

Township Committee Hires Two Police Officers and Two Public Works Leaders

At the August 2nd Township Committee meeting, four new employees were welcomed to the Township. In anticipation of police retirements in the upcoming months, the Committee and Police Chief interviewed many applicants to fill two openings. Trevor Anderson and Jacob Belardo are Readington’s newly minted officers. Officer Anderson is a U.S. Marine veteran who most recently served as Hunterdon County’s Conservation Police Officer for NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. Officer Belardo is a Branchburg native who recently graduated from Ocean County Police Academy and has experience in the Somerset County Sheriff Office. Both know our community well and are excited to get started. The Township is reworking the operational structure in the Department of Public Works and hired Ryan Wallace and Ronald Christy as Road Supervisors reporting directly to the Public Works Director. Mr. Wallace served as Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for Bernards Township and carries several professional accreditations including a Professional Engineer license. Mr. Christy worked for Hillsborough Township as Assistant Supervisor of Public Works and is a licensed Arborist in the State of New Jersey. Join us in welcoming these new employees to the Readington Township team. Municipal Offices will be CLOSED on Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of LABOR DAY

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Transportation Improvements from Federal Representatives

Congressman Tom Malinowski and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg held a meeting for Mayors and The Township is establishing a subcommittee to research and follow elected officials ofnd towns along the Raritan Valley Railroad the rules and regulations as they are developed and to track the suc- Line on August 2 . Readington was represented by Township Committeeperson cesses and challenges for businesses and municipalities that are op- Betty Ann Fort. erating under the new regulations. The subcommittee will provide The meeting was held to discuss how funds from the pending Infrastructure legisfeedback, data and recommendations to the governing body as time lation could improve service on the line. Among planned improvements is congoes by for their consideration including taxation. struction of an additional tunnel under the Hudson River, which would allow for the elusive one-seat ride into Manhattan. Currently, all passengers change trains The decision by the Township does not affect the curin Newark for the last segment of the ride. Another planned improvement is the rent grow facility being operated by Verano on Route construction of the Hunter Flyover, a railroad bridge for passenger trains, which 22. Growing and cultivating cannabis is considered agriculture by the State of NJ. Agriculture is a permit- would eliminate the need for passenger and freight trains to vie for space on the ted use in all zones in Readington so a use variance was same tracks into New York City. This would greatly reduce the frequency of denot necessary to operate. The Township approved their lays for passenger trains. site plan application to retrofit the building at the Planning Board Bound Brook Mayor Robert Fazen spoke about the research he had done which meeting on April 26, 2021. Verano is currently working to retrofit indicated that improving passenger train service into Manhattan would raise propthe prior Walmart location with air handlers, charcoal odor filtraerty values in towns along the Raritan Valley Line as well as improve the econotion, removing some of the parking spaces no longer needed, updat- my in these towns. ed landscaping, etc. The applicant did testify under oath that their odor mitigation will work and if it doesn’t, they would take steps to Another topic raised was the need for increased and improved bus transportation both into New York City and between local towns. Secretary Buttigieg and Concorrect it. gressman Malinowski also spoke of transitioning to all-electric buses in the near Recently, several members of the Township Committee along with future. our senior staff had a conference call with Verano representatives specifically to discuss their immediate and future plans. They reiter- All of these improvements will affect not only residents who commute regularly ated their desire to have all air filtration systems in place and work- into Manhattan for work, but also those residents who like to head into New York ing as soon as possible and be a good neighbor to all of Readington. City for theater, restaurants, museums, shopping or other reasons.

The Readington News • September 2021

Township of Readington News from the Municipal Building

The Readington News • September 2021

Hunting Season Starts This Month, Deer Management Program Underway By Adam Mueller, Chair Wildlife Advisory Subcommittee White-tailed deer have reached problematic numbers in Readington Township and throughout New Jersey. Increased deer-vehicle collisions, increased health concerns, damage to ornamental plantings and gardens, damage to agricultural crops and destruction of the natural forest ecosystem are some of the problems associated with high deer populations. In the early spring of 2019, with the help of a grant, Readington commissioned the services of Raritan Valley Community College’s Center for Environmental Studies to conduct a white-tailed deer survey in town. Spotlight surveys were conducted throughout the township’s road system as well as infrared drone surveys of township open space parcels. The results from Readington Township in 2019 show deer densities (132-136 deer/mi²) to be far higher than historical levels, statewide averages, and those needed to maintain ecosystem health. Studies show that densities above 10 deer/ mi² have detrimental effects to forest regeneration, bird communities, invertebrates, and a host of other ecosystem variables. This confirms that Readington

Township has 13.5 times the number of deer we should have. As the steward of over 4,400 acres of open space in one of the most densely populated deer counties in the state, Readington has an obligation to implement economically responsible deer management practices. In 2019, the Township established the Wildlife Advisory Subcommittee. The subcommittee developed a hunter-based deer management program in consultation with state officials and industry professionals that the Township Committee ultimately approved. Readington’s program has been viewed as a model for several neighboring towns who have adopted Readington’s plan. Readington currently has ~1,400 acres available to a combination of hunting clubs and individual permit holders with a focus on reducing the deer population. The 2020/2021 season wrapped up Feb. 20 with 20 individual hunters and 5 clubs harvesting 193 deer. This accounts for nearly 20% of all deer harvested in Readington as reported by the Division of Fish & Wildlife with the remaining deer coming from private, county, or state properties. Individual permit holders

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increased their harvest by 263% over previous season’s harvest data. Many of the deer harvested are donated to local food banks through the Hunter Helping the Hungry program. Readington is preparing for another successful year which officially starts Sept. 11 and continues until late February. All properties will have signage at the trail heads as well as around the perimeter of the property. Each property remains fully open to the public, but visitors are reminded of the following: • Know when hunting seasons are. Continue to use the open spaces but learn about where and when hunting is taking place. • Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or bright green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. Orange vests are advisable for people and dogs. Leash dogs. • Readington has instituted a “quiet time” for firearms between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., except for Saturdays, 6-Day Firearms Season, and properties without posted trails. • Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement. • Make yourself known. If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity. • If hunting makes you uneasy, choose a hike in a location where hunting is not allowed or schedule your outings for Sundays. One-hundred years of research and management experience throughout the United States has shown regulated hunting to be an ecologically sound, socially beneficial, and fiscally responsible method of managing deer populations.

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Hunterdon and Bucks County HazMat Teams Share Training

Pictured are Michael Stellato, Deputy Special Operations Coordinator, Bucks County; George Wilson, Special Operations Coordinator / Deputy EMC Bucks County; Eugene Ngai, Chemically Speaking; Andrew Camp, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety, and Greg Vaccarino, Hunterdon County Public Health Investigator. - Photo and article courtesy of Eugene Ngai

On the evening of July 15 at the New Hope Eagle Fire Station, the first joint meeting and training session was conducted with the Bucks County, PA, and Hunterdon County, NJ, Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Response Teams. They share a border, which is the Delaware River, so it makes sense to share knowledge. This was coordinated by George Wilson, Special Operations Coordinator / Deputy EMC Bucks County; Andrew Camp, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety; and Eugene Ngai, Chemically Speaking LLC, Whitehouse Station. Planning began in early June at a dinner meeting in Lambertville between the three. Ngai provided a three-hour training class consisting of two modules, Compressed Gas Emergency Response Fundamentals and What’s in That Cylinder? Both are training modules he uses for training emergency response teams worldwide. The attendees had time to socialize and get to know each other during breaks. Additional training sessions and meetings are planned in order to develop a closer relationship between the two teams as well as a better understanding of the capabilities of each team.

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Readington Township Open Space Efforts Continue

By Juergen Huelsebusch,Chair Readington Open Space Advisory Board / Township Committee First, a step back. Readington Township has a long history of being a pioneer with both Open Space and Farmland preservation. The township residents overwhelmingly approved the first municipal Open Space referendum in 1978. The first farm was preserved in 1987. Today there are approximately 70 farms preserved and about 9,281.28 acres preserved, either as Open Space or Farmland. In 2018, Readington updated its Open Space Master Plan and committed to the preservation goal of 12,000 acres of preserved open space and farmland by 2050. This will require an additional 3,000 acres of land, either open space or farmland. This goal would preserve 40% of Readington lands with its success dependent upon the availability of Township, County, State and Non-Profit open space taxes and funding, as well as by opportunities provided by existing landowners willing to preserve their lands.

All acquisitions were preserved by Readington Township and Hunterdon County with reimbursements by County and State programs as well as donations. They help extend protection of existing natural lands, including forests, meadows, and streams. Completed preservation efforts in 2020 and 2021 are as follows: 2020 Chambers Brook – 22.61 acre private open space in the Chambers Brook watershed; 2020 South Branch of the Rockaway – 1.5 acre open space in Whitehouse Station; 2020 South Branch of the Raritan – 55 acre preserved farm in Three Bridges Village greenbelt; 2020 South Branch of the Raritan – 50-acre open space alongside State Wildlife Mgmt. Area; 2021 Chambers Brook – 28.7-acre open space in the Chambers Brook watershed; 2021 South Branch of the Raritan – 26.4-acre additions to County South Branch Reservation; 2021 Prescott Brook – 38.447-acre addition in Stanton Station to County South Branch Reservation; 2021 Lazy Brook tributary - .91-acre donation (walnut trees) at Locust and Barley Sheaf Roads.

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Tyler O’Brien with one of the giant care packages

Tyler O’Brien of Whitehouse Station, a member of Troop 186 - Three Bridges, became an Eagle Scout on May 27. His Eagle project was very meaningful to him. He wanted to thank the Readington First Responder departments during Covid-19 for all they do for the community by giving them care packages. The care packages were distributed to Three Bridges

Fire Department, Readington Fire Department, Whitehouse Fire Department, East Whitehouse Fire Department, Readington Police Department and Whitehouse Rescue Squad. With the overwhelming response from the community to help his effort, Tyler was able to make 233 care packages which weighed about 9 lbs. each and had about 60 items in each bag. The items were all donated by the community members of Readington, businesses, churches, and schools. Special thanks to Holland Brook School, especially Ms. Krayem’s Class. Tyler thanks everyone in the community who donated and gives a special shout out to the following who really went above and beyond to make this project a success: Mr. Wallace, Mr. Nigro, Grasso family and friends, Mr. Giorgi and friends, Bagel Junction, UPS Store, The Rail, Hunterdon Brewing Co, Readington Farms, Our Lady of Lourdes, Darrows Sporting Goods, Tim Piazza Foundation, McDonald’s and Lowes.

Historical Society Seeks Artwork for Exhibition and Sale Chairman Andy Calamaras has announced that the Tewksbury Historical Society will host its 29th Tewksbury Juried Art Exhibition and Sale Saturday, Oct. 9, through Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Christian Education Building, 16 Miller Ave., Oldwick. An Opening Reception is planned on Friday evening, Oct. 8. THS brings together the region’s best fine artists and includes juried, small work, portfolio areas and photography. Jurors will be Oscar Peterson, Judge of Selection, and Dannielle Mick, Judge of Awards. Awards will be based on “Best in Show,” “Best of Tewksbury,” “Marion Katnack Memorial Award,” plus 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Honorable Mentions in each category. Juried Works submission deadline is Sept. 17 and must be original to the show, not having been submitted to any other THS Juried Art Exhibition. For a copy of the submission prospectus, for eligibility requirements and for show details visit www.tewksburyhistory.net.

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The Readington News • September 2021

Readington Township Committeeman Juergen Huelsebusch and Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Susan Solloway discuss a recent joint acquisition completed by the Readington Open Space Advisory Board and Hunterdon County on the Prescott Brook by Round Mountain. Readington preserved 92 acres of land in the first six months of 2021 and 336 acres since 2018.

Eagle Scout Honors Local First Responders

The Readington News • September 2021

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CLASSIFIED ADS

Whitehouse Teacher: “George Washington not only chopped down his father’s cherry tree, but he admitted it. Do you know why A committee from Regency at Readington in Whitehouse recently sold flags to his father did not punish him?” residents to raise funds for a donation to the East Whitehouse Fire Company Student: “Because George still 31. Pictured are some members from this committee: (from left) Nancy Wotanis, had the axe in his hand!”

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 Caregivers Wanted! Comfort Keepers of Flemington is seeking kind, caring, reliable and compassionate caregivers. Flexible Hours. Full-Time, Part Time, Weekends and Overnights. Top Pay! For more information call: 908-806-3768. RITTER BROTHERS PAINTING, Readington, NJ. Interior & Exterior.

Karen Garcia, Kathy Dockendorf, Brenda Wilk, Beth Warren, and Dominick Lic#13VH10329300. Business: 908-233-8904, Home: 908-534-9390. Mazzagetti. Accepting the substantial donation from the committee on behalf Three Bridges Teacher: “ Didn’t of the East Whitehouse Fire Company is Chief Paul Hooretz and Secretary I tell you to stand at the end of FD MASON CONTRACTOR - Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Allan Layton. Not pictured: Nancy Dowd, Jill Searing, Cary Gonzalez, Marge the line?” block, stone, concrete. No job too large or small. Fully insured & licensed. Sharky, AnnMarie Willard and Laurie Loftus.

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Student: “I went there, but there Free estimates. 908-385-5701. Lic# 13VH05475900. was someone already there.” Preschool teachers – Looking for a meaningful career working with Holland Brook Teacher: “Name young children. We have part time and full positions for teachers and astwo days of the week that start sistant teachers in our classrooms with infants through kindergarten. Call with ‘T’.” 908-231-7800 for more information. Student: “Today and Tomorrow!” Readington Township School District - Notice of Vacancies: RMS Teacher on the first day of CUSTODIAL POSITION - Special Requirements: Maintenance and school: “Do you think you can grounds experience a plus, Black seal license preferred, Immediate opening just sleep through my class?” Student in the back row: “Well, MAINTENANCE MECHANIC - Special Requirements: HVAC, we could if you didn’t talk so plumbing, electrical, grounds, and building maintenance experience preferred, Black seal license preferred, Immediate opening loud...” Only online Applications Will Be Accepted: www.applitrack.com/Readington/OnlineApp/ The Readington Township Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer, has an Affirmative Action Program, and will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, political affiliation, sex, armed forces liability, physical handicap, social or economic status.

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