Readington News - October 2020 by Town Media

The

October 2020 www.readingtonnews.com

Readington News A Community Newspaper

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Four Vie for Two Township Committee Seats in General Election Four candidates are seeking two three-year terms on the Readington Township Committee in the Nov. 3 General Election. Republican candidates are incumbents John Albanese and Mayor Jonathan Heller, and Democrats are Rene Rao and Alan Harwick. The campaign page for Albanese and Heller on Facebook ( https:// www.facebook.com/AlbaneseandHellerforReadington/) states, “Since 2018 they have resolved the Solberg Eminent Domain case thereby reducing Readington’s debt by $18 million (over 30%), reduced Readington’s immediate, court mandated Affordable Housing obligation by 58%, preserved over 200 acres of land in the last 2+ years with little to no cost to the Readington taxpayer, completely remodeled the Township website, instituted full page news from the Municipal Building in The Readington News each month, funded and completed a walking path and new basketball courts at Summer Road Park, established a program where qualifying emergency service volunteers received 50% discounts on Readington Recreation programs, worked toward a positive court decision for the Township in the decade long sewer allocation case, completed road improvements on 30% of municipal roads including all of Lake Cushetunk Woods, School, Harlan School and Holland Brook Roads. Goals for the next three years include: “Execute a settlement with Fair Share Housing and NJ Superior Court for Readington’s Affordable Housing Obligations, continue Readington’s stated Open Space and Farmland Preservation goals as per the Township’s Master Plan, continuing to lower Readington’s debt levels, work with the Readington Police Department and Emergency Services to provide high quality services to the community, update zoning along the Route 22 corridor to better enable a vibrant business environment, continue to support environmental measures to protect air and water quality in Readington, and defend Readington’s existing zoning and ordinances as necessary.”

The

Readington residents deserve a township committee that works for them. Your committee members should listen to and represent you. As your committee member I would commit to holding frequent town halls and community coffees where residents and business owners can come and have their voices heard long before the committee votes. We need a fiscally responsible township committee that will revitalize the business district and help reduce the tax burden on residents. We also need a committee that will carefully reexamine Readington’s Master Plan to ensure it protects vulnerable wetlands, guards against flooding, and provides accessible recreational space for all of our residents. I love Readington’s safe and welcoming small town feel and I am committed to helping it remain that way for all of Readington’s residents.” Alan Harwick: “I moved to Readington in 2013, having fallen for the quaint charms of Old Highway 28 and the Township’s bucolic fields and farms. In 2014, I was happy to be appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission, where I continue to serve as Vice-Chair. I have also served on the Planning Board from 2016 through 2019 and the Zoning Board of Adjustment from 2015 through 2019, also serving as Vice Chair. From these volunteer experiences, I have gained a

wealth of knowledge of the current Township Committee’s priorities. I am running this year because I believe there needs to be a change in direction in Readington regarding the Township’s goals and expenditures. As an attorney, I am aware of the high cost of litigation in general. As a Readington taxpayer, I have followed with concern, the numerous lawsuits Readington has been a participant in, and I believe the current Township Committee has wasted millions of dollars on unsuccessful legal actions. When I am elected to the Readington Township Committee, I will work tirelessly to negotiate solutions to Readington’s costly legal battles. I will use my years of experience to reduce the section of the Township’s budget allocated to legal fees. As a municipality, we are paying 3-5 times the litigation budget of other Hunterdon County municipalities.” Voting information for this Presidential Election is available on the Hunterdon County elections page at http://www.co.hunterdon. nj.us/elctindx.htm. Contact Hunterdon County Clerk Mary Melfi at 908-788-1214 or countyclerk@ co.hunterdon.nj.us with any voting questions.

Readington News John Albanese

Rene Rao

A Community Newspaper

Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

Jonathan Heller

Alan Harwick

A 30-year Readington resident, John Albanese is a graduate of Readington Township School & HCRHS, former Vice Chair of Readington Township Planning Board, member of the Readington Township Board of Education Core Leadership Team, 2019-2020, former State Senate Legislative Aide, former Vice Chair Republican County Committee, former contributor for Citizens for Readington, 20+ year telecommunications professional, youth sports coach and volunteer, and the proud husband and father of two children in Readington public schools. A 25-year Readington resident, Jonathan Heller is a former member Readington Board of Adjustments, Readington Environmental Commission, Readington Open Space Advisory Board - Shade Tree Subcommittee, Deer Hunting Subcommittee, founder of the Readington Tree Giveaway program, 13 year Boy Scout leader in Three Bridges - Den Leader, Assistant Cub Master Pack 182, Assistant Scout Master and Scout Master Troop 186, Readington representative for Eagle

Scout projects, Raritan Headwaters Association volunteer and Citizen Scientist, Readington Parks, Recreation and Leisure Activities Committee, Readington Trail maintenance volunteer, and proud husband and father of two children. Democratic candidate statements are posted on https://www.raoandharwick.com/ and updated information is available at https://www.facebook. com/RaoAndHarwick/. Rene Rao: “I have lived in Readington for over 22 years. I was an active volunteer in Readington’s schools for about 12 years. Since 2014, I have volunteered with Readington Museums, reenacting for school field trips and designing and tending the colonial garden. In addition, I have been a member of the museum’s board for the last four years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been instrumental in the Readington Democrats Give Back Program, collecting and donating food and money for The Whitehouse Rescue Squad and the Flemington Area Food Pantry, as well as collecting and delivering donations for Hunterdon Health Care workers.

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The Readington News • October 2020

Upcoming Events 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 November 2020

Oct. 10 For Ad Materials Oct. 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

Evening of Laughter Oct. 2 The Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 6930 and Stanton Italian Table will present an Evening of Laughter Fundraiser for Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Whitehouse Station, at Stanton Italian Table, 1 Stanton Mountain Rd. The show will feature Joey Kola, Mark Riccadonna and Gemini. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and the show, at 7:30. This event will be outside. All distancing and safety guidelines will be followed. Tickets cost $45 each. For tickets, visit www.ollwhs.org. For more information, call 908256-9760 or 908-217-4330. Fall Garage Sale Oct. 10 Kirkside Shared Home’s semiannual garage sale will be held outside from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 199 Route 28 in Bridgewater. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are requested. This will be a huge sale as the spring sale was cancelled. Items are priced starting at a dollar. There is a new selection of jewelry, toys, linens, household items, electronics and tools, a large selection of DVDs & CDs and books priced at $1.00 per bag. A boutique table with high quality collectibles is featured. Christmas items will feature village houses and decorative pieces. All proceeds benefit Kirkside Shared Home for Seniors. For more information about Kirkside, call 908-725-2313.

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THS Tag Sales Saturdays, Oct. 17 and Nov. 7 The Tewksbury Historical Society will hold Tag Sales 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oldwick Carriage House, 5 James St., Oldwick. The sales will be held rain or shine. The society will be selling quality items, which are clean and in working operation. Antiques, furniture, china, dishes, housewares, garden items, costume jewelry and linens will be among the available merchandise. In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing will be observed and patrons and staff must wear face coverings. Donations will be accepted on a limited basis by appointment only at the Carriage House on one Saturday in early October. To reserve a donation time slot and to get details regarding acceptable items and donation procedures call 908-832-6734 and leave your name and number. Someone will return your call.

Freeholders Call on Governor to Stop 22.5% Gas Tax Hike During the Sept. 15 Hunterdon County Freeholder Board meeting, Freeholder Board Director Shaun C. Van Doren and Freeholder John E. Lanza called on Governor Phil Murphy to use the executive authority he used to shut down the state’s economy to halt the 9.3 cents per gallon gas tax increase scheduled for Oct. 1. Lanza said, “The gas tax will go up again, this time by 22.5%, from 41 to 50 cents per gallon, on Oct. 1, and it will be ruinous to residents, commuters and businesses at a time it can be least afforded. The tax hike will increase costs on already struggling businesses here in the county and throughout the state, at a time when many businesses are barely hanging on. The Governor can stop it, if he wants to.” Van Doren said, “It seems incongruent that the Governor can use his extraordinary powers due to the public health emergency to stop the economy in its tracks, but now cannot stop a gas tax increase that will so negatively impact residents and businesses.” ED STANGLE OWNER

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Author James Wiater of The Friends of Solo Foundation is pictured with K9 Agar and Officer Chris Heycock of the Readington Township Police Department.

Children’s book author James Wiater of Millstone and The Friends of Solo Foundation recently donated a ballistic vest to K9 Agar of the Readington Township Police Department. Agar is a 4-year-old German shepherd who is dual certified in narcotics detection and patrol. The dedication took place at the Readington Twp. Police Dept. on

May 28 with fellow officers from the department and K9’s Finn and Mack of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office attending. The vest was custom made by K9 Storm Inc. and costs $3,100. It is rated a threat level II, is puncture resistant and capable of stopping a bullet from a handgun. Officer Chris Heycock requested the vest for his canine partner from The

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Cub Scout Pack 1980 of Readington volunteered some time at America’s Grow a Row in Pittstown on Aug. 20. The scouts and parents harvested over 1,400 lbs. of zucchini, which will result in about 5,600 servings for families experiencing food insecurity. For more information about America’s Grow a Row, visit https://www.americasgrowarow.org. For more information or to join Pack 1980, visit https://www.njpack1980. org. Pictured with their harvest are (front row, left to right) Cub Scouts Phillip Hindle, Brice Lindquist, Luke Schnaudt, Erik Schnaudt, Robert Hindle, Bernie Hoffman, and J.R. Clarke, and Daisy Scout Mary Grace Clarke, and (back row, left to right) leaders David Schnaudt, Jacqueline Hindle, Lynn Hoffman, and John Clarke. - Photo by Diana Lindquist

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The Readington News • October 2020

Body Armor for K9 Agar

Friends of Solo Foundation in December. Agar will now have added protection while doing his job. The vest donation was made possible from proceeds of a children’s book written by Wiater, titled “The Adventures of Solo, The Big Dog” and from generous donations made to The Friends of Solo Foundation. The book started as a simple story about a K9 officer that Wiater had made up for his daughters. It was titled after real life “K9 Solo” who was killed in the line of duty in Bradley Beach, NJ, in 1998. The publishing of this dogloving children’s book is a dream come true for James Wiater. “Back in 1998, after reading the article about the police standoff and how Solo lost his life in the line of duty, I made a promise to myself that one day I would purchase a bullet proof vest for a K9 officer,” Wiater said. This is now the tenth vest for author James Wiater, who uses the proceeds from his children’s book. Wiater has also donated three pet oxygen, eight trauma kits and an SUV cooling fan to K9’s throughout NJ and the U.S. To purchase a copy of “The Adventures of Solo, The Big Dog” or Solo gear and help protect K9s, visit Friendsofsolofoundation.org or email Jim@friendsofsolo.org. Or visit the GoFundMe page to make a donation: Friends of Solo/ K9 equipment.

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The Readington News • October 2020

Mayor Addresses Pandemic, Affordable Housing, Airport By Mayor Jonathan Heller Readington Township residents have a lot to be thankful for in 2020. We have traversed the Covid Pandemic 2020 to date with 105 positive Covid cases and 5 deaths. Alarming numbers for a small town, but the actions of our residents, professionals and volunteers prevented it from being much worse. Thank you all for taking this pandemic seriously. We continue to be concerned about exposure, but the vast majority of residents continue to practice safe distancing and go about our lives. Many thanks and much gratitude should be shared with our local heroes. The volunteer firefighters, rescue squad and CERT members who answer the call, day and night when help is needed; our police department who provide the sense of security that allows us to sleep at night; and all of our township employees who continue to provide the services we expect; and most importantly the nurses, doctors and health care professionals that are in the front lines when people need them most. Words are not enough to show our appreciation. Update Affordable Housing: Our affordable housing plan has received “Conditional Judgement of Repose” (approval) from the NJ Superior Court. Essentially approving our affordable housing plan with several additional conditions to be met before final approval. The Willows on Nelson

Street (our first AH project) has been completed and is beautiful and fully occupied. Airport Litigation: The township has settled the Solberg Airport condemnation case and the balance of funds kept in escrow by the courts has now been returned to the township, approximately $18 million dollars. Legally the money can only be used to purchase the airport or pay off airport bonds. Because the bonds cannot be paid off until 2026, the funds will be used to purchase financial investments that will in turn be used to pay off the bonds as soon as we are legally permitted. In effect using the money to generate interest to offset the bond interest and at the same time removing $18 million dollars in debt from the township ledgers. The only remaining court case concerning the Solberg Airport is the civil rights case being brought against the township by the Solberg family for allegedly failing to pass an Airport Safety Zoning ordinance making the airport a conforming use. The Township and the Solberg’s attempted a court mandated mediation this spring to try to resolve this issue, but the negotiations were unsuccessful, and the civil rights case appears to be headed to trial. The township recently passed an ordinance updating the Airport Safety Zone Area to replace one invalidated by the courts as part of the condemnation case. That ordinance is currently under review

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and may require additional modifications. The re-activation of the third runway at Solberg Airport (runway 10-28), which had been closed for 20 years, is currently under review by the township and other agencies. Open Space: The Township has added three additional properties to our open space. All of these properties are being purchased with the assistance of State Green Acres, State Farmland Preservation and Hunterdon County Land Trust and State Agricultural Development Committee funds and are not expected to bring any significant long-term debt to the township. The Township pays for properties and bonds them now, but gets reimbursed over the next few years for most of the purchase price. The Gallo property on Ridge Road (28 acres) was a donation. The Geritsen property on Coddington Road (36 acres) and the Saum’s property on Rockafellows Mill Road (105 acres) were purchased with county and state funds. The Gallo and Geritsen properties were purchased to protect the Chambers Brook watershed. The Saum’s property will be split into partial open space lands and partial farmland preservation. Additional hiking trails are being added at all three properties and also the trails near Indian Purchase up Cushetunk Mountain. Volunteers are always needed for tree planting and trail clearing. Volunteer opportunities can be found on our Township website Deer hunting season started on Sept. 12 and many Township properties are being hunted this year. All trails and properties remain open, but please wear safety orange vests for your protection. Stay safe. Social distance. Continue to wear your mask in public areas. Enjoy the coming fall weather.

Well Testing This Month

Look for the Raritan Headwaters Association blue van during Community Well Testing days.

By Steve Foster The 2020 Community Well Testing Program will take a new approach this month. To respect safety needs required this fall, the Readington Township Environmental Commission and Readington Water Watch have partnered with Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) to make the well testing process safer and more convenient. The updated process does not require entering buildings and is easy to use. The plan will include online registration and payment for kits and a “Same-Day Pickup and Return” drivethrough process. During TestingDays, RHA’s distinctive blue van will be staffed by Environmental Commission and Readington WaterWatch volunteers who will greet residents, answer questions, and do the kit delivery and exchanges through the passenger side windows. Residents are asked to wear masks and remain in their vehicles. Participants will have the option of choosing when to return the filled sample bottles - either the same morning they pick up their kits or on another of the scheduled well test dates. Residents are asked to pre-order their test kit online at www.testmywell.org. Community Well Testing ‘Van Drive-Through Days’ will be held in the Readington Municipal Building parking area (509 County Rd 523, Whitehouse Station) on 3 days: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-noon (Kit sales and pre-order pick-up only); Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 8-10 a.m. (Sample returns accepted until 11 a.m.); Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 8-10 a.m. (Sample returns accepted until

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11a.m.) Van Drive-Through Days will be held at Three Bridges Fire Company (467 Main St.) parking lot on 2 days: Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 8-10 a.m. (Sample returns accepted until 11 a.m.); Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 8-10 a.m. (Sample returns accepted until 11 a.m.) An “Ask the Experts Questions and Answers Session” will be Friday, Oct. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on ZOOM. Details will be provided for those who register for the Q&A at www.TestMyWell.com under the Readington Township program area. Yearly well testing is recommended because wells can become contaminated with pollutants ranging from coliform bacteria from faulty septic systems, to nitrates from lawn and farm fertilizers, to naturally occurring arsenic in the ground. A basic test kit for coliform bacteria and nitrates (recommended once a year) is just $60. Residents may also test for lead, arsenic, volatile organic compounds, radon, gross alpha, and other contaminants at an additional cost. While water from public sources like NJ American Water is tested for lead and other contaminants before it reaches your building, lead from plumbing can contaminate water as it runs through pipes in the house. You may take advantage of this Readington Township water testing event to test the water in your home or business for lead which might be coming from pipes or solder. Lead testing is highly recommended for all buildings constructed before 1987. The standalone Lead Test is just $25. “Eighty percent of the residents in this region get their drinking water from private wells, and it’s more important than ever for people to make sure their water is clean and safe,” said Mara Tippett, well testing manager for RHA. “Drive-through testing has been well received by local residents because it minimizes personal contact at a time when people are concerned about the coronavirus. We’re able to accommodate the needs of citizens looking to test the quality of their drinking water at a time when the municipal offices usually used for the program are not open to the public.”

OCTOBER 2020

News from the Municipal Building

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

IT’S HUNTING SEASON! In an effort to reduce the over-population of deer and preserve the forest growth on Township Open Space properties, many of the properties have been opened for deer hunting for the 2020-21 hunting season. The season extends from September 12 through the end of February. The properties will be hunted by permitted hunters or leased to gun clubs. All properties hunted will be marked by signage at the trailheads and around the perimeter of the property. All properties are open to the public for hiking, but visitors are reminded to take the following precautions during hunting season: •

Wear bright colored clothing—red, orange. Orange vests and hats are advisable. Dogs should wear bright colors as well.

•

Make noise. Whistle, sing, talk, to advise hunters of your presence.

Readington Township Cuts Red Tape for Residents No matter how good the intentions are when a municipality makes changes to ordinances, zoning or other guidelines, those changes occasionally have unintended consequences. One of those that the Township is seeking to rectify has to do with a planning calculation known as Floor Area Ratio (FAR). FAR is the measurement of a building's floor area in relation to the size of the lot/parcel that the building is located on. When Readington changed its zoning within the Agricultural Residential zone (which encompasses a major portion of the Township) to 8 acres per building lot, the FAR was not increased accordingly which necessitated a trip to the Board of Adjustment (BoA/Zoning Board) for a variance for many residents who wanted to complete a small addition or add an outbuilding (shed, pole barn, etc.).

Led by Committeeman John Albanese, the Planning Board established a subcommittee to study the FAR issue with its professional • Be courteous. Once hunters are aware of your presence, don’t Planner and Zoning Official to establish recommendations for make unnecessary noise. changes to the Land Development ordinance. The subcommittee • Know your own comfort level. If hunting makes you nervous, used real examples from residents who wanted to complete upschedule your hikes for Sundays, when hunting is not permitted. grades or additions to their homes to ensure that what was often approved by the BoA was captured in the new calculations thereby Hopefully, the hunters will have a good season and reduce the deer population so that our forests can regenerate and your landscaping can ending a cumbersome and costly application process. An easy to survive. For more details as to which properties are being hunted and read and understand table with the calculations was also included to simplify the process for residents that didn’t previously exist. when the seasons are, please go to the Township website. The ordinance change will have a public hearing and potential vote The Municipal Building by the Township Committee on October 5th. Residents are encour4th Quarter will be closed on aged to attend and offer their comments on the proposed changes. Property Taxes due Monday, October 12 NOVEMBER 1. In Observance of Columbus Day

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Due to COVID-19, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #177 stating that the November 3rd General Election will be conducted primarily by Vote by Mail, with limited in person polling locations open on Election Day. All “Active” registered voters will automatically receive a Vote by Mail Ballot. Vote by Mail Ballots can be submitted in several ways: rd • Hand-deliver your ballot to the County Board of Elections Office located in the Historic Court House, 3 Floor, 71 Main Street, Flemington. • Deposit your ballot in any of the twelve (12) secure drop boxes located throughout the County that has daily pickup. One of the secure drop boxes is located at the Readington Township Municipal Building in front of the Police Station. • Mail your ballot through the US Postal Service in the return postage-paid envelope (no stamp necessary) which will be included in the Vote by Mail Ballot packet you will receive. • Take YOUR ballot – you may not take anyone’s ballot but your own – to Readington Township’s polling place on Election Day, November 3rd, 2020, or if you do not have your Vote by Mail ballot you can cast a paper provisional ballot. Voters who are disabled and require an accommodation can vote on an ADA-accessible voting machine. The designated Readington Township polling place located at Holland Brook School (52 Readington Road, Whitehouse Station) will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

~ MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS ~

The Readington News • October 2020

Township of Readington

The Readington News • October 2020

Hunterdon Healthcare Donates Masks to Teachers and Staff At the height of the pandemic this past spring, Hunterdon Healthcare received thousands of cards, posters, and handwritten notes from local teachers and students throughout Hunterdon County. In addition, many schools donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Hunterdon Medical Center. This fall, Hunterdon Healthcare supported Hunterdon County schools and donated nearly 5,000 reusable cloth masks to every teacher and support staff in all 55 public schools and district offices. Masks were also donated to Immaculate Conception School and Hunterdon Preparatory School both located in Annandale. “We were touched by the outpouring messages of support for all our staff throughout

the healthcare system and we wanted to do something to give back to our schools. They were there for us when we needed those messages of hope and encouragement and we want to be there for them as they return to learning in the classroom during these unprecedented times,” stated Patrick Gavin, President and CEO, Hunterdon Healthcare. Hunterdon Healthcare has been promoting the importance of wearing a mask as part of their “Masking Up Matters” campaign. Masks are essential to help slow the spread of COVID-19. “When the pandemic arrived, the schools of Hunterdon County were the first among the state to donate medical and PPE supplies to our first responders and

frontline healthcare workers throughout Hunterdon Healthcare,” said Juan Torres, Interim Executive Superintendent of Schools, Hunterdon County. “And now, as our districts gear up for a school year unlike any other, Hunterdon Healthcare is helping our schools do just that. We are all in this together and we’re grateful for these partnerships.” Hunterdon Healthcare also produced two educational resource videos for parents/ guardians on COVID-19 and one just for children. Links to those videos are: https://youtu. be/96Ek9iFiwLY and https:// youtu.be/R2ttHcdKjOE For more information on COVID-19, visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.

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Community Theatre Scores Perry Award Nominations The New Jersey Association of Community Theaters has announced Perry Award nominations for 2020. The Perry Awards are the NJ Community Theater equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards. Readington Community Theatre was honored to receive the following 9 nominations for its production of “Lend Me A Tenor” last January. Outstanding Production of a Play (Rob Nonni); Outstanding Direction of a Play (Rob Nonni & Lona Nonni); Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play (Robert Herko & Don Schlachter); Outstanding Sound Design of a Play (Robert Herko & Frank Bergson); Outstanding Costume Design of a Play (Joanne Vinciguerra & Cynthia Okamoto); Outstanding Properties in a Play (Joanne Vinciguerra); Outstanding Scenic Design of Play (Frank Bergson); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play (Denise Hickson); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play (Stephanie DiPilla - Patalona). The date and format for the Awards Ceremony has not yet been announced by NJACT. - submitted by Rob Nonni for RC Theatre

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By Stephanie Stevens, Historian Born to a Quaker family in 1746, Isaac Collins was educated at The Friends School where he was taught a deep respect for education and academic achievement. Along with those virtues, Latin, Greek and the “three Rs” took up most of his academic time. By the age of 13, Isaac was apprenticed to James Adams, the most successful printer in Delaware and became a skilled printer himself. During his apprenticeship in the 1760s, young Isaac traveled as far as Williamsburg, VA, and Philadelphia. These were tumultuous times with the colonists rising up against the British taxing policies. Isaac observed the speakers and writers of the period and realized the importance of a strong press and its influence on the public. In 1767 he became a master printer and as such traveled to Burlington where he purchased a site that belonged to Benjamin Franklin. It was here that he set up a sophisticated shop which became an immediate success, printing religious works, historical tracts, and an almanac. His printing was of such an elegant style that by 1770 he was appointed Royal Printer by King George III. As such he printed money, prepared the minutes of the Royal Council and supplied the needs of the NJ Assembly. By 1771, Isaac married Rachael Budd of Philadelphia. Over the years they became the parents of 14 children who were brought up in the strict tenets of the Quaker religion. As the American Revolution came on in these 13 colonies, NJ Governor Livingston sought out Isaac to print a newspaper for all freedom loving colonists asking them to unite against the British. Thus in December 1777 the very first issue of the

New Jersey Gazette became available. A completely pro colonist, anti British paper, the Gazette traveled throughout the colonies with great success. In 1778 he moved the press to Trenton (then Hunterdon County.) Remember this newspaper carried all of the news of the day. It was the only news available. When paper became scarce, Isaac advertised for the ladies of Trenton to save their material scraps. That done, he continued on printing utilizing material for his daily news. The New Jersey Gazette was considered the New Jersey voice of the revolution and its printer, Isaac Collins, considered the Printer of the Revolution! Later, he printed volumes of historical and political note, and a Bible that people could order. His children were paid to read over each Bible for accuracy, thus this Bible was one of the most accurate printed. The Readington Museums owns a Collins Bible. One day, when the coronavirus goes away, the Bible can be displayed.

Cynthia K. Critelli Memorial Basketball Tournament Raises $5K The 18th annual Cynthia K. Critelli Memorial Basketball Tournament run by Hunterdon Horizon Girls NonProfit AAU basketball club presented the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation with a check for $5,300 to support the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Over the past eight years, this event has raised a total of $81,450 to support the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. The event was run on March 7 and 8 at Readington Middle School and attended by many people. Special thanks to the Readington Township Board of Education for allowing the event to be held there. The tournament included eight girls basketball teams (4th Grade, 8th Grade) and four boys basketball teams (6th Grade). Teams from FlemingtonRaritan Youth Basketball, Montgomery Basketball Association, North Hunterdon Lions, Princeton Basketball Club, Readington Township Recreation and South Brunswick PAL participated in the event. Each team participated in a three game roundrobin tournament over the two days with the championship and consolation games held on March 8. Special recognition goes to local teams which include the Flemington-Raritan Youth

Basketball 8th Grade Girls who won their bracket and Readington Township 4th Grade Girls who were the runner-up in the Championship game. Congratulations to South Brunswick PAL (4th Girls Champions) and Montgomery Basketball Association (6th Grade Boys Champs) and all the teams

who all gave an outstanding effort. All proceeds from the tournament were donated to Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center in memory of Cynthia K. Critelli, a Readington teacher and beloved community member who died in 2004 after battling breast cancer.

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The Readington News • October 2020

Looking Back… Isaac Collins Printer of the Revolution

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The Readington News • October 2020

Readington Community Theatre Welcomes New Executive Committee Members Readington Community Theatre has announced the reorganization of its management structure and the addition of two new officers Matthew Patalona and Frank Bergson. Matthew Patalona of Branchburg Township has been appointed Vice President - Marketing and will serve as a member of the RCT Executive Committee. Matt has been a career marketing professional for over 15 years. He operates a local digital marketing service company called Matthew Scott Studios, which serves as the marketing department for a number of client organizations. Matt has been consistently active with the RC Theatre since 2017 providing IT and web design support and marketing assistance. He has appeared on stage in several RC Theatre productions, including “Noises Off,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and “The Producers.” Earlier this year he performed in the lead role of “ Max” in “Lend Me a Tenor.” Matt is currently pursuing his MBA in Marketing at Missouri State University. He looks forward to contributing to the challenge of bringing live theatre back to our local communities as soon as public health conditions permit. Frank Bergson of Whitehouse Station has been appointed Vice President - Creative and will serve as a member of the Executive Committee. Frank has a long history in Community Theater. He acted in plays and musicals in Houston, San Antonio, and Toronto before settling in New Jersey. Here, after retiring as a pharmacist, he joined the Readington Community Theater where he acted in a half dozen plays and musicals. Frank has been involved in all phases of production development, and soon became the principal scenic designer at RCT. He received two Perry Award nominations from The NJ Association of Community Theaters (NJACT) for outstanding scenic design in a production. Frank also created the sound effects and music cues for many shows, and has taken on projects in publicity and fundraising. He is happy to assume responsibility for the role of Vice President, Creative. The Executive Committee now consists of five members: President Robert Nonni; VP, Production Joseph Vinciguerra; VP, Finance Kimberley Coombs; VP, Marketing Matthew Patalona; and VP, Creative Frank Bergson.- Submitted by Rob Nonni for RC Theatre

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