Readington News - October 2022

Reading ton News

A Community Newspaper Serving All of Readington Township, NJ

H.S.A. Announces Events for the School Year

By Lindsay Salaj, H.S.A. President

What is an H.S.A? H.S.A. stands for Home School Associa tion, meaning that the mission of the organization is to bring the home and the school together to cooperate in supporting edu cational opportunities for chil dren in Readington Township Public Schools. The Readington H.S.A. is a non-profit organiza tion developed to foster effective communication between the par ents and staff of the Readington Township Public Schools and to enhance the social, emotional, and educational benefits children receive in the school district.

Throughout the year, the Read ington H.S.A. plans many events during and outside of the school day. Many of these events serve as fundraisers to enable the H.S.A. to provide its programs during the year and give back to the students and staff of the dis trict. The events planned for the 2022-2023 school year are defi nitely some to look forward to. They include:

September: Fall Book Fairs, Movie Nights, Welcome Back Event; October: Pep Rally, Hal loween Events; November: Win ter Shoppe, Dine Around; December: Winter Cookie Delivery; January: Global Village; Febru ary: Valentine Event; March: Cook’s Night Off, Mini Courses,

Spring Book Fairs; April: Bobcat Bingo, Spring Event; May: Block Parties, Spring Social; June: Field Days, End of Year Celebra tions.

The Reading ton

Dog Park Re-Opening Celebrated

Each year, beginning in Sep tember, the Readington H.S.A. conducts its largest fundraiser, called “Invest in Your Child,” where donations of $45 per fam ily are requested to enable the H.S.A. to provide its programs during the year. The “Invest in Your Child” fundraiser is done in lieu of asking families to partici pate in sales campaigns like sell ing gift wrap or coupon books.

A Community Newspaper Serving All of

“Invest in Your Child” donations constitute approximately 30% of the funds needed by the H.S.A. each year.

The H.S.A. also facilitates Staff Appreciation, Clothing Drives, Yearbooks, Spirit Wear Sales, and Cultural Arts events. New “H.S.A. Give-Back Events” are being planned for the school year.

For more information about the Readington H.S.A. including volunteer opportunities, visit our tab on the Readington Township Public School District’s website at www.readington.k12.nj.us or email readingtonschoolshsa@ gmail.com. Donations are accept ed at any time either at www.read ingtonhsa.ptboard.com/home or by mail at P.O. Box 700, White house Station, NJ 08889.

TheFriends of the Dog Park gathered in August to celebrate the much anticipated re-opening of the Dog Park at Hillcrest after upgrades, including plantings of several large trees. Township Committee woman Betty Ann Fort (pictured right) was honored with a bench and commemorative plaque for her ef forts to rehabilitate the Dog Park. Human friends and furry pawed friends enjoyed a picnic with treats for both. Attendees painted rocks with their dogs’ names (pictured above) to line the garden wall. Laughter and barks were shared. - Submitted by Friends of the Dog Park

Thank You to Backpack Program Donors

Readington Area Starfish sends a big Thank You to all who supported the Backpack Program and for investing in the future. Your continued support and donations made it possible to send 51 students back to school with new backpacks and school supplies. Through your generosity local kids were able to begin the school year prepared with the tools they need to be successful.

- Submitted by Christine Dey, Housing Coordinator/ Director of Social Services, Township of Readington

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 mail ing address in Readington Township. Free copies are also available for dis tribution in places of business, schools, and municipal offices.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE

November 2022 October 15 for Ad Materials and News Materials

The Readington News is not liable for failure to publish an ad, for typo graphical errors, or errors in publica tion, 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 rea son, and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. We ask our read ers to keep us informed of any mis leading 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

©2022 Creative Resources/ Town Media, All Rights Reserved

Girl Scout Open House Oct. 2

Readington Trailblazers, a Girl Scout Troop for local girls in grades 6-12, will host an open house at 4 p.m. at the Readington River Buf falo Farm, 937 County Rd. 523. All girls in grades 6-12 can join the Trailblazer Troop, even if they are not currently a Girl Scout member. Readington Trailblazers organizes regular monthly outdoor adven tures including hikes, campouts, backpacking, adventure sports and environmental stewardship. Activi ties at the open house will include a short hike, a corn maze, and a brief campfire program. An adult must accompany any girl attending the open house. To sign up, for questions, or for last minute weatherrelated updates, email gssu82@ gmail.com.

Bag and Basket Bingo Oct. 14

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Com pany (TBVFC) will be hosting a Designer Bag and Basket Bingo in the banquet hall, 467 Main St., Three Bridges. Doors open at 6 p.m. First Bingo game starts at 7. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Raffles also will be held for a smart TV, iPad, AirPods and a 50/50 cash prize. Light refresh ments will be available for sale, and door prizes will be awarded. This is the 9th Annual Bingo held by the Ladies Auxiliary to benefit the Fire Company. For more information

Upcoming Events

and to purchase tickets, contact Victoria Maurer at 609-501-0263.

Autumn Hike Oct. 16

Take a Sunday afternoon hike through the Pleasant Run Green way and along adjoining trails with members of the Township Open Space Advisory Board . Meet at 1 p.m. at the nearby Lazy Brook Trail parking lot, across from 40 Sum

mer Rd, Flemington, 08822. This walk is about 1.5 miles, on mostly level ground. To sign up, or for questions, email trails@reading tontwp-nj.org, or leave a message at 908-782-6452.

Quilting Guild Open House Oct. 21

The Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will hold the annual open

house at 9:30 a.m. at the Reading ton Reformed Church, 124 Read ington Rd., Readington. All are welcome. Following the business meeting, the guest speaker will be Stephen Hobbs, a nationally known quilter. For more information, see https://hcquiltingguild.wixsite. com/hcquiltingguild.

908-735-8080

908-500-1640

Smith

4 Generations from Hunterdon, Experience Counts!

• NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Platinum 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016,

• Real Trends Top 100 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

Top 100 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

• Top 500 Agents in Country 2021, 2020, 2019

500 Agents in Country 2021, 2020, 2019

• Coldwell Banker Top 10 #3 2021, 2020, 2019

Coldwell Banker Top 10 #3 2021, 2020, 2019

• Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide

Banker Agents

• Experience Makes a Difference

Install All Smoke Detectors,

Code.

Detectors and Fire Extinguishers as per State/

• Will Meet All Town Inspectors, You Don’t Have To.

• Will Order and Coordinate NJ Required Water Test and Meet Them at House.

• Have All Contractors in Place Who are Licensed to Handle Any Inspection Issues. Will Coordinate for You.

• Will Fill Out All Required Town Paperwork Required for Closing.

• Unlimited Amount of Real Estate Experience to Navigate Any Issues That Come Up to Get to Closing!

Any Issues That Come Up to Get to Closing!

Blood Drives Oct. 16, Nov. 13

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges has worked with the New York Blood Center for many years. The church has hosted many blood drives with a great response from its parishioners and the local community. In the past, it has won an award for these efforts. During the pandemic, when many other sites shut down, the church was able to increase the number of sponsored blood drives. In 2021, a total of 217 units of blood were collect ed there. The Knights of Columbus Council #15540 has coordinated these drives as well as provided the necessary volunteers. The next drives are on Oct. 16 and Nov. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donors are always needed and welcomed. If you wish to donate, register on the Blood Center’s web site (www.nybc.org). Walk-ins are welcome. - Submitted by Ronald Foster, Trustee, Mother Seton Council 15540 of the Knights of Columbus

Three Bridges School Earns “Best in NJ” Farm to School Award

By Jason Bohm, Business Administrator, Readington Twp. School District

The State of New Jersey Depart ment of Agriculture recently named Three Bridges School the sole recipient of the 2021-2022 “Best in NJ” Farm to School award out of nearly 2,500 schools and over 650 districts. This tremendous accom plishment by Three Bridges School was led by Dr. Kristen Higgins, Principal, the dedicated teaching staff members, passionate students, Maschios Food Services, district administration and the Reading ton Township Board of Education, which is committed to infusing and implementing sustainability prac tices across the district.

To achieve this honor, a school district must demonstrate exem plary efforts to serve locally grown, fresh produce in school meals, pre school programs, and incorporate

school garden education into the curriculum. Three Bridges School went above-and-beyond other schools by forming local partner ships and creating inquisitive pro cesses such as:

• Using grant-funded hydroponic towers and aero garden pods to cul tivate edible plants and vegetables for use in school meals facilitated by Mr. Ed Dubroski, Teacher, with students;

• Creating a student-driven gar den club program to grow plants for the cafeteria program and snacktime;

• Joining Zone 7 with the assis tance of Maschios Food Services to source foods grown in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania to incor porate into lunch menus, facilitat ing the overall lowering of the dis trict’s carbon footprint;

• Having field trips to local farm ers and other entities to educate students on local growing practices

and the rich history of New Jersey farming;

• Designing creative menus fea turing local fresh fruit and vegeta bles, and highlighting sustainable practices in the cafeteria at meal time;

• Providing tastings to all stu dents and staff throughout the year featuring food from local farmers;

• Donating excess food to the Flemington Area Food Pantry and creating fundraising efforts to sup port local business;

• Providing free breakfast and lunch during the 2021-2022 school year to all students through fed eral funding inclusive of the Jersey Fresh Farm to School program.

The district is delighted to share this tremendous accomplishment with the community, highlighting the dedication of Three Bridges School in fostering sustainabil ity practices in its curriculum and overall school environment.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Lisa Santangelo

Rizza

Having attended many board meetings it has become evident that parents, children, teachers and the community need the right advocacy. The Board must be accountable, truthful and transparent. As Readington Township residents, we want to secure a value-based education for our kids.

Readington Township.

of beautiful & open

mother/ daughter,

48 Detached 3 car garage,

ceilings plus 2 car Attached garage!

at

Readington

Scout Dedicates Eagle Project to His Father

Cristian Artache of Stanton Troop 1969 recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was recognized at a Court of Honor on Saturday, Aug. 13. Cristian shared much of his scouting ex perience and several summer camping weeks with his father, Pablo Artache, who served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 1969.

For his Eagle Scout project,

Cristian planned, designed, and built a soccer kick wall at Clo ver Hill Soccer Complex for the Greater Flemington Soccer Club (GFSC). Cristian raised over $2,100 to fund his project and led more than 20 volunteers includ ing Troop 1969 scouts, friends, and family, who donated 346 volunteer hours to construct the double-sided kick wall, which was completed in August 2021.

Throughout the project, Cris tian’s father worked by his side to help Cristian achieve his goal. Cristian’s father passed away af ter a brief battle with cancer only a few weeks after Cristian com pleted his final Eagle Scout re quirement.

Beth Hain, treasurer of GFSC, the project beneficiary, shared that “the wall is now a critical tool at our facility, and we are

page

Cristian Artache and his sister Sydney install a memorial plaque.

First Iron Girl Project Scholarship

student athletes in their journey to create their own legacy, one which has a positive impact on their team mates, families and communities. All proceeds raised by Links for Lex and future events will go towards scholarships for graduating senior athletes who demonstrate true grit, understand the value of teamwork and exhibit leadership on and off the athletic field.

The First Annual Iron Girl Project Scholarship in the amount of $2,253 was awarded to Grace Iervolino of Readington.

The Links For Lex 1st Annual Golf Outing & Dinner will be held at the Stanton Ridge Country Club in Whitehouse Station on Monday, Oct. 17.

The registration fee of $225 for golfers includes a day of golfing on the Stanton Ridge golf course, a grab and go lunch, beverage and snack service, participant’s gift, buffet dinner, bar service and dessert. The event will also feature raffles and a chance to win a new car, (provided by Ciocca Car and Truck Country of Flemington), with a Hole In One contest. Registration for dinner and basket auction is also available.

All proceeds raised benefit the Iron Girl Project Inc. (IGP) scholar ship fund. IGP thanks its major cor porate sponsors of the Links for Lex Golf Outing including Stanton Ridge Country Club, Ciocca Car and Truck Country, PS&S Engineering, Profor ma, Healthquest Fitness, Diamond Nation, the Law Offices of Aaron R. Culton, Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, ProCare Rehabilitation and Flemington Pickleball.

Iron Girl Project Inc. was created to honor Alexea “Lex” Karpinski, a varsity athlete and Honor Roll stu dent in her junior year at Hunterdon Central Regional High School who passed away suddenly in Novem ber of 2020. It supports high school

Last June, the First Annual Iron Girl Project Scholarship in thea mount of $2,253 was awarded to Grace Iervolino of Readington, a graduating senior and varsity la crosse player at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. The exact amount of the scholarship was cho sen to reflect the jersey numbers Lex wore at Hunterdon Central, #22 for lacrosse and #53 for field hockey. Grace graduated HCRHS class of 2022 with a 4.2 GPA. She is a mem ber of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, earned the Spanish Seal of Bi-litera cy and achieved the Principal’s hon or roll from 2019-2022. She is also a 4-year Varsity lacrosse player and the leading scorer in the 2022 season with 73 goals. She was recognized in the state of NJ for making all-confer ence and all-section teams and was named Hunterdon County NJ’s 2022 Player of the Year.

“I am honored to have received this award,” Grace said. “I had the privilege of being Lex’s teammate for many years and she was some one I was proud to call a friend. I am humbled that the Iron Girl Proj ect recognized me as a student ath lete who lives up to the name. I will continue to ‘Prove My Worth.’ I am proud to leave a positive legacy for upcoming, dedicated athletes navi gating their way, in the hopes of making a positive impact and leaving behind their own legacy.” Grace is attending Clemson University, work ing toward her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences. She hopes to pur sue a career in occupational or physi cal therapy.

Come help us celebrate 100 years of service to our community with food and music. Rain or Shine!

Readington Scout Dedicates Eagle Project to His Father

continued from page 4 truly grateful for all the teamwork by Troop 1969 and especially Pablo Artache, who was part of this project every moment along the way. He will be remembered fondly for all his assistance and a plaque has been added to the wall in his memory.”

Cristian has been a scout for the past 12 years, starting as a Tiger Scout in Three Bridges Cub Scout Pack 182. After earn ing his Arrow of Light Award in February 2015, he crossed over to Stanton Troop 1969. As a Boy Scout, Cristian earned 26 merit badges. He developed his lead

ership skills while serving as Troop Historian, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and As sistant Senior Patrol Leader for his troop. Cristian was elected by his fellow scouts to the Order of the Arrow in recognition that he has lived the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. Completing a 90-mile trek at Philmont Scout Reservation in the backcountry of New Mexico with Readington scouts in the summer of 2021 was one of the highlights of Cristian’s scouting experience.

In addition to being a scout, Cristian played soccer for more

than 10 years before switching to volleyball.

Cristian was a starting libero for the CORE Volleyball 18U team and a starting defensive spe cialist for the Hunterdon Central Boys Volleyball Team where he was named Honorable Mention All-Skyland Conference and won the HC Culture Award. Cristian recently graduated from Hunter don Central High School and is now enrolled in Hunterdon Coun ty Polytech to pursue a career as an electrician.

Stanton Troop 1969 is char tered by the Stanton Reformed Church in Readington. To learn more about Troop 1969, visit www.stanton1969.mytroop.us.

- Submitted by Cindy Barckholtz, Troop 1969

Readington Schools Capital Projects Completed Over Summer

By Jason M. Bohm, Business Administrator, Readington Twp. School District

The Readington Township School District is thrilled to share several facility projects that have been recently completed or are nearing completion in the school buildings. The facility upgrades have been accomplished through the use of existing capital reserves with no impact to the local tax levy nor a need for a referendum. Bud get efficiencies and fiscal discipline over the years have allowed for the district to maintain a capital reserve.

At Holland Brook School, the district finalized the roof replace ment project concluding with the 5th grade wing, curriculum offices, and the Board of Education offices. This necessary improvement will reduce leaks and provide better

drainage, preventing poor indoor air quality or potentially hazardous conditions. With a 20-year warran ty, the new roofing system should significantly reduce operating repair costs that have escalated in recent years due to the age of the roof that was original to the building.

Around the district, there were numerous outdoor projects to im prove appearance and student use. At Holland Brook School, concrete work was completed to improve the outdoor classroom area along with adding a new gaga ball pit. An out door sensory garden was added to Three Bridges School along with walkway improvements to the play ground. Existing outdoor space at Whitehouse School received much needed refreshing which was made possible through a Girl Scout proj ect. And lastly, Readington Middle School received requested improve ments to its outdoor garden area which is mainly used by the Garden Club.

Painting occurred at every school giving certain hallways and cer tain rooms a more refreshing look. The iconic cupola atop the Three Bridges School was refurbished. While not as noticeable by all staff or students, the Board Curriculum offices were renovated by convert ing a large open space room to four individual offices. This will allow for more private conferencing need ed by various students and parents. The Board of Education conference room received some enhancements that should improve in person and virtual board meetings once fully completed. The schools also re ceived enhanced wireless internet access and speeds that will have direct positive impact with students and teachers.

The district acknowledges all the hard work of the staff in the Facilities and Information Technol ogy Departments. Their diligence allowed for the execution of the above-mentioned projects at a dif ficult time of obtaining materials to complete the various projects.

Township of Readington

News from the Municipal Building

Land Use Board Updates

• The Planning Board is hearing an application from Redcom Developers for a light manufacturing and office building with an accessory warehouse on Tannery Road.

The building would be built in our Research Office Manufacturing zone. It would be located on a 9 acre parcel which contains fresh water wetlands and other constraints along the front of the property, which is of concern to the Board. The building would be built on speculation, and there is no definite tenant at this time.

The plans for storm water management are to be discussed at an upcoming meeting.

Community Well/Water Testing

The annual well/water testing program will be held throughout October with drive thru pick up and drop off days. Test kits may be ordered at TestMyWell.org (look for Readington link).

Complete details on testing options and pricing available on the website. For questions or more info, contact Raritan Headwaters Well Testing office at 908 234 1852 ext. 401 or email welltesting@raritanheadwaters.org.

Whitehouse Fire Co. Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Whitehouse Fire Company will celebrate its 100th Anniversary on Saturday, October 15. Located in a landmark building on Main Street in Whitehouse Station, Whitehouse Fire Co. has a long history of being an important part of our community.

•

The Board of Adjustment has approved the application of Whitehouse Auto on Route 22 for a canopy over the gas pumps as well as additional lighting at the site. The applicant may proceed to apply for building permits, although they are still awaiting approval from the DOT for widening the driveway onto Route 22.

For general info regarding testing sites, dates, times, or procedures, go to readingtontwpnj.gov or call 908 534 4051 x 234.

GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 8

Residents and friends are invited to share in the celebration at the firehouse between 1 and 5 PM. There will be food and live music as well as an opportunity for kids to check out the fire trucks.

We hope to see lots of residents turn out to wish our amazing volunteer fire company a Happy 100th Anniversary.

•

Over the past few months, the Board of Adjustment also approved 3 applications for residential swimming pools. Although pool construction does not usually require a variance, these three lots were peculiar because of their configuration, so variances were required.

Township Committee Approves Preliminary Updates to Business Zoning

As part of an effort to update Readington’s commercial zoning, the Planning Board has been working over the past year plus on updates to Township business zoning and their allowable uses. The Planning Board approved updates to zoning in August and passed those proposed changes to the Township Committee. The Committee will now hold a public hearing on October 3rd to possibly approve the new uses.

The business zones are primarily along Route 22 with a smaller zone on Route 202 in the Three Bridges area. The uses are dependent upon the lot sizes and, of course, what zone the lot is in. The two zone categories to be updated here are Professional Office & Business zones.

POLLS OPEN 6 AM TO 8 PM

More info: www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/ elctindx.htm

There is a zoning map available on the Township website.

The new proposed additional allowed uses are:

• Animal Hospital

• Art Gallery, Art/Performance/ Instructional Studio

• Artisan/Maker

• Dental Office

• Health Club/Sports Club/Gym

• Live/work

• Medical Office

• Personal Services

• Retail Sales

• Sheltered Workshop

Definitions of these uses are in the proposed ordinance update. The Planning Board will continue its work on updating Township Business zoning in an effort to bring it more up to date with today’s economic environment and what business and property owners are suggesting.

Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, October 10

In Observance of Columbus Day

4th Quarter Property Taxes due NOVEMBER 1.

American Rescue Plan in Readington

The American Rescue Plan was approved by Congress and signed into law in mid 2021 with the intent of providing significant funding to local (and other) governmental agencies. The rescue plan helped to regroup from the pandemic and provide funding for much needed projects and programs.

In the appropriation, Readington received over $1.658 million. It was decided early on that any programs or projects would serve the entire community. To that end, a working group was formed comprised of two members of the Township Committee, the Township Administrator (who chaired the group), Chief Financial Officer, Director of Social Services, Township Engineer, Acting Police Chief, and the Board of Education Business Administrator along with residents Rene Rao, William Hamilton, Tanya Rohrbach and Rev. Liz Estes.

After numerous meetings with countless ideas presented and vetted, the following projects were approved by the Township Committee: repair a failed culvert on Horseshoe Road ($400,000); a sewer connection and pump station at Harriet ’s Mobile Home Park (to replace a cesspool) ($660,000); purchase of a truck mounted video system for use in the sanitary and storm sewer systems ($285,000); the File of Life program ($12,500), purchase and installation of bi directional antennae in Readington schools (which will aid emergency responders)($50,000); and funding of Summer Spectacular ($35,000) that took place in June. The total committed to date is $1.442 million.

The Group still has work to do since not all of the programs were approved by the Township Committee. Should any one wish to submit a project or program, please contact the Township Administrator’s office at 908 534 4051.

FIND

TOWNSHIP WEBSITE:

Eagle Scout Builds Three Bridges on Arman’s Trail

by the Readington Open Space Advisory Board (OSAB), was the creation of a connector trail and the building of three bridges on Arman’s Trail in Readington Township. The trail starts near the beginning of Van Neste Road and meanders along a stream which the trail crosses three times and eventually connects to the existing red trail in the Pleasant Run Greenway trail system.

Linz blazed and marked the new white connector trail which now al lows horses that cannot manage the steep stream crossings to use the trail. It also allows the town main tenance team to mow the trail end to end.

Ryan Linz of Readington Township, a junior at the Calais School, was presented with his Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor held at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead in Readington Township on Aug. 11.

He has also earned a bronze Eagle

Palm which is awarded after earning an additional 5 merit badges above and beyond what is required for Ea gle. Linz earned 30 merit badges in total and has been involved in scout ing for over 10 years.

Linz’s Eagle Project, sponsored

Two of the bridges are 12 feet long and one is 16 feet long. After fundraising Linz was able to acquire all the wood and supplies needed. He planned many work days to pre-build parts of the bridges which were then each carried over a ½

mile down the trail where they were completely assembled. Many more people will now be able to walk this beautiful trail with these new bridges.

This project not only benefits the town with a new trail added to its vast network, but shows true scout spirit and living the scout law. Linz planned and managed many work days last summer to complete the project with the help of a team of over 50 people consisting of fellow scouts, OSAB members, his family and many of Arman’s family mem bers.

Branchburg Boy Scout Troop 90 is chartered by the North Branch Volunteer Fire Department and has been serving youth and the commu nity since 2005. For more informa tion, email scoutmaster@branch burg90.mytroop.us.

- Submitted by Stephanie Keck, Troop 90.

Pet Walks, Portraits and Adoptions Planned

Barkley’s Marketplace, 3150 Route 22 (near ShopRite Branch burg) will host Community Dog Walks Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 at White Oak Park, 235 Baird Rd., Branch burg, at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the pond fountain. Check Barkley’s Market place - Branchburg on Facebook for last-minute weather info and updates or call 908-997-0506.

On Oct. 22, Professional Pet Portraits will be offered at Bark ley’s Marketplace from 6 to 8 p.m. Appointment is required. Info and registration: barkleysmarketplace. com.

Cat adoptions will be held Oct 1, 15, 22, 29 with Bernie’s Buddies Cat Rescue at Barkley’s Market place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital

4121

Main Street Whitehouse Station, NJ

Dr. Karan Oberhansley

Dr. Brett Newton

Dr. Nick Sakitis

Ryan Linz

Girl Scouts Upgrade Sensory Garden at Whitehouse School

By Dr. Ann T. DeRosa

Principal, Whitehouse School

This summer, Whitehouse School was extremely fortunate because two former students chose the school as their desired site to complete a project in hopes of earning their Girl Scout Silver Award. In April, Katelyn Paul and Briana Goodyear, presented a pro posal describing how they could rejuvenate the WHS Sensory Gar den, an outdoor learning space. Subsequently, the Board of Educa tion approved the girls’ plan and the project was underway.

The comprehensive endeavor began with a general clean-up by repurposing select perennials, splitting ornamental grasses, and removing overgrown vegetation.

Some of the garden beds were expanded, while others were con verted to stone for the purpose of more efficient maintenance. In addition, a Mindfulness area was constructed, which consists of a sitting nook with a gorgeous hand made wooden bench and privacy partitions. Other sections of the

garden were enhanced with a freestanding rain chain and 2 different types of wind chimes. Lastly, the scouts repainted the white borders of all of the states on the blacktop’s outdoor United States map.

We are especially grateful for the tremendous support of the Girl Scouts, as well as several lo cal businesses for their generous donations: Arvin Farm & Garden

Schools continue to seek partner ships with local organizations, businesses, and residents. To show your interest in becoming a partner, please contact Dr. Ann DeRo sa, Principal of Whitehouse School

and Co-chair of the Partnerships strategic goal. She can be reached at aderosa@readington.k12.nj.us or 908-534-4716.

Center (stone & mulch); Bad Axe Sawmill (lumber for bench); Hut son Lumber & Supply Company in conjunction with JMR Home Remodeling (lumber for privacy walls & rain chain post); Hunter don Paint & Decorating Center (stain, paint, & supplies); Home Depot in Bridgewater (gift card); Lowe’s Home Improvement in Flemington (various hardware items); Kings Food Markets (bev erages); and Bishop’s Supermarket (sandwiches & chips).

As part of the District Strategic Plan, the Readington Township

October 2022 • The Readington News 9 547 Route 22 E, Whitehouse Station (Located next to McDonalds) (908)534-5772 www.readingtonwine.com RN “The Friendly Store of Value” 118 W. Main Street Somerville, NJ 08876 908-725-1566 redelicopaint@verizon.net Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat. 8am - 5pm | Closed Sunday All Top Line Interior/Exterior Paints or Stains Excludes Aura. Must be used in store & presented at point of sale. Cannot be used online. No expiration. 20% OFF Free-standing rain chain

Katelyn Paul and Briana Goodyear explain to Dr. Jonathan Hart, Read ington Township School Superinten dent, how students will benefit from their sensory garden enhancements.

Why didn’t the skeleton go to the Halloween dance?

He had no body to go with.

What did the farmer say to the green pumpkin?

Why orange you orange?

What did a Jack-o-lantern say to the pumpkin? Cut it out!

When is a pumpkin not a pumpkin?

When you drop it; then it’s squash!

What’s a ghost’s favorite dessert?

I scream!

Historical Society Hosts 30th Tewksbury Art Exhibition and Sale

The 30th Tewksbury Art Ex hibition and Sale benefiting the Tewksbury Historical Society, chaired by Andy Calamaras, will take place Saturday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Chris tian Education Center, Oldwick, 08858.

The exhibition includes ju ried, small works and portfo lio works. Media includes oils, acrylics, paper (pastels, water colors, mixed media collages), hand pulled prints (etching, silk screen, lithographs) and photog raphy (analog and digital). Sub jects include animals, abstracts, landscapes, florals and still-lifes.

An Opening Reception will be held Friday, Oct. 7, 6-8 p.m. Ad vance tickets are $30 and can be purchased until Oct. 6, 6 p.m., at www.tewksburyhistory.net; tickets at the door are $35.

Awards will be given for “Best in Show,” “Best of Tewks bury,” “Marion Katnack Award - Tewksbury Landscape,” plus 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Honor able Mentions in each category.

Robert Beck, the Judge of Selection, attended the Penn sylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (Philadelphia). A native of Bucks County, he maintains stu dios in New Hope, PA and NYC. He has exhibited his works at the James A. Michener Art Museum, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Marine Maritime Museum, among oth ers. He is known for painting in “visual essay,” addressing sub jects through multiple images.

Wendell Jeffrey, Judge of Awards, received her MAT in Art Education from the Univer sity of the Arts, Philadelphia, and a BFA from the Rhode Is

land School of Design, Provi dence, RI. She has completed residencies at the Golden Foun dation (New Achimo, Ghana); Guttenberg Arts (Guttenberg, NJ); Vermont Studio Center (Johnson, VT), and the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (Deer Isle, ME). She is an art teacher at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge.

The show continues through Saturday, Oct. 15. Public view ing and sale will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9, 1-5 p.m., Mon day through Friday, Oct. 10-14, 12-5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. General Admis sion tickets are $5.

For information visit www. tewksburyhistory.net.

COUNTRYSIDE FUNERAL

Sharon Ann Zalewski, Director NJ Lie.

4003

George Rocco Seminara. Jr., Director NJ Lie.# 4927

John R. Zalewski, Owner/Manager NJ Lie.# 2820

John R. Zalewski, Jr., Director NJ Lie.# 4703

continued from page 5

All funds for this year’s and all future scholarships are obtained through the fundraising efforts of IGP. Most recently, the 2nd Annual Laps For Lex 5K Race & Walk, held on June 5 in Flemington raised over $10,000. More than 300 racers from three countries and six states partici pated in person and virtually. Funds raised came from sponsors, race participant registration and many generous direct donations. According to Mike Karpinski, Alexea’s father and IGP founder, “Many individuals donated at the time of race registra tion which doubled our anticipated estimates. People were extremely generous financially and also with their time as we had over 40 volun teers the day of the event.” He con tinued, “Due to the overwhelming response we had to close registration the day before the event.”

With several IGP fundraising events scheduled throughout the year, the goal of the organization is to award multiple scholarships to student athletes across New Jersey. Scholarship amounts, timing and essay topics will be released via the Iron Girl Project website and social media in January 2023. The scholar ships will expand and change each year based on event participation and funds raised.

Funeral Mass Celebrated for Reverend Edward A. Kearns, founding Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Three Bridges

On Saturday, September 10, 2022 a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Three Bridges for the founding Pastor, Reverend Edward A. Kearns. Father Kearns passed away on July 11, 2022, in Sarasota, Florida after a long illness. The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, was the Main Celebrant; Reverend Thomas J. Serafin, the current Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, was the homilist. Also attending were his sister, Ellen Akersten, other family members, Priests for the Diocese of Metuchen and Paterson, numerous parishioners who date back to his pastorate [October 30, 1984 March 3, 1997] and others who returned ‘home’ for this ‘homecoming’ of SEAS’ first Pastor.

Father Kearns was born on February 26, 1936 in Paterson, New Jersey, to Edward A. Kearns Sr and Jean (Fuscaldo) Kearns. He attended Seton Hall University and Immaculate Conception Seminary, completing his undergraduate work in 1963 and earning a Masters of Divinity degree (M.Div.) in 1970. He was ordained a Priest on May 25, 1963 by Bishop James J. Navagh, in the Diocese of Paterson. Father Kearns served several parishes in New Jersey including St. Christopher’s, Parsippany; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Boonton; and St. Thomas the Apostle, Oak Ridge.

Even after Father Kearns’ ‘retirement’ in 1997, he remained active in ministry He retired’ to Florida, where he served as a part time associate at St. Thomas More in Sarasota , Florida and as Chaplain at the Spring Hill, Florida Correctional Institution.

Father Kearns was predeceased by his sister Jane and her husband Andrew Chiappara. He is survived by his sister Ellen and her husband Kurt Akersten, 4 nieces and nephews, and 14 grand nieces and nephews.

At Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Father Kearns literally built a new parish community from the ground up. During the early days, while the parish had to share worship space at Three Bridges Reformed Church, he earned the nickname “Fast Eddie” for his brief, but powerful, homilies. Even with all the challenges of building a new Parish Community and church building, Father Kearns always said that ‘SEAS’ remained the place where he was the happiest. Many parishioners felt the same about him. May he rest in peace. The Father Edward A. Kearns Memorial Fund has been established for those wishing to contribute to a memorial.

Donations should be marked ‘Restricted: Father Kearns Memorial’ and may be sent to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, NJ 08887.

Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida handled the arrangements, assisted by Countryside Funeral Home in Three Bridges, NJ A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.farleyfuneralhome.com

Nicholas Noor of Whitehouse Station (pictured, right) won New Jersey Senior Olympic medals in Javelin (Gold), 800m (Silver), and Triple Jump (Silver) in the 2022 games held in Woodbridge Sept. 9, 10, and 11. Noor has participated in the Senior Olympics since 2016 and over the years has taken home nine medals including a Bronze in 2016 for pingpong. (www.njseniorolympics.com)

CLASSIFIED ADS

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. Lic#13VH10329300. Business: 908-233-8904, Home: 908-534-9390.

FD MASON CONTRACTOR - Over 30 years of experience. Brick, block, stone, concrete. No job too large or small. Fully insured & licensed. Free estimates. 908-385-5701. Lic# 13VH05475900.

ROOMMATE WANTED - To share 4-bedroom house. Private room and bath. Full run of the house. $750.00 per month. Reduce rent if willing to clean. Annandale, NJ. 908-625-7980. Pets welcome.

Window Screen Repairs - Good quality Fiberglass screens for your windows and patio doors. Pick-up and delivery available. George & Son’s 908-392-2677.

PART-TIME Office Work - Flexible hours. No experience needed. Will train. At the #1271 Lebanon Plaza, Lebanon, NJ. For more information call 908-625-7980.

Support Our Advertisers… They Make The Readington News Possible!

Bishop James Checchio incenses the cremains of Rev. Edward Kearns

Senior Olympian Wins Gold and Silver

Township:

Barkelow Road $680K

Barkelow Road $705K

Berry Farm Road $375K

Brookview Road $265,237

Burdock Court $218K

Cornfield Lane $716K

County Road 523 $590K

Dreakhook Road $820K

Ebersohl Circle #E1 $535K

Ebersohl Circle $540K

4 Federal Lane $677K

5 Maple Lane $465K

276 Mountain Road $350K

27 Oakland Drive W. $580K

108 Old Farm Road $750K

10 Shepherds Lane $595K

205 Teasel Court $426K

24 Washington Drive $500K

414 Well Sweep Road $157,800