Readington News - November 2022

All Four Readington Schools Achieve Top Honors from Sustainable Jersey for Schools

Three Bridges Elementary School recently received the Best in New Jersey Farm to School Award. Pictured are NJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA) Farm to School Coordinator Nicole Broadwater, NJDA Secretary Douglas Fisher, NJDA Food and Nutrition Division Director Rose Chamberlain, Three Bridges El ementary School Acting Principal Anthony Tumolo, Three Bridges Elementary School Physical Education Teacher Ed Dubroski, and USDA Mid-Atlantic Re gional Administrator Dr. Patty Bennett.

By Betsy Freeman, Coordinator of Green Initiatives and Sustainability

This month Readington School District – and all four of its schools – will be honored at the New Jersey School Boards Association annual meeting for achieving Sustainable Jersey for Schools Silver, the highest certification level that Sustainable Jersey awards to schools.

Readington is one of only three districts in the state to have achieved silver status across all of its schools. The district is recognized as a lead ing example of sustainability ex cellence, providing outstanding learning opportunities for students.

Randall Solomon, Executive Direc tor of Sustainable Jersey, notes that

certified schools, like Readington’s, serve as learning labs for students, staff, and schools across the state. More than 1,000 schools participate in the Sustainable Jersey program.

Sustainable Jersey measures ac tions that capture school sustain ability efforts to reduce waste, save energy, improve health and wellness, enhance school culture and climate, educate for sustainability, and build community partnerships. The ben efits for certified schools are plenty, ranging from a comprehensive road map for sustainability, professional development, partnership opportuni ties, and extensive grant funding and resources.

As Sustainable Jersey points out, our schools’ Silver Certifications

are a direct result of district-wide efforts to improve human and envi ronmental health, integrate sustain ability into student learning, boost recycling efforts, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve digital learning and equity. Solomon further observes that Sustainable Jersey cer tified schools serve as national lead ers in implementing solutions to key sustainability challenges while pro actively providing the next genera tion with the tools they need to help their communities be more resilient and better able to adapt to a changing environment. In addition to each of our school’s unique achievements, all four schools have been honored nationally as U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.

Why does sustainability mat ter? Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jonathan Hart, points to its natural integration with our district mission which embraces inquiry learning, partnerships, and social awareness, noting that the achievement of our Silver Awards from Sustainable Jer sey exemplifies the interaction of all three goals. It starts with the need for our community to be aware of one self, others, and the environment. From there, we ask difficult questions and partner with others to engage in projects that make our community a more environmentally friendly place. He adds, “We could not be more proud of this achievement. All four of our schools achieved silver certification, the highest level of cer tification offered by Sustainable Jer sey for Schools. This is a testament

Autumn Splendor– Perfect weather awaited the monthly Open Space Walk group on Sunday, Oct. 16, on the Pleasant Run Greenway and Arman’s Trail. Fifteen hikers traveled through woods and along field edges, enjoying views of the fall foliage. Readington’s Open Space Walks are held on the third Sunday of every month. The walks give Readington residents a chance to get to know the amazing network of hiking trails in the open spaces in our township. Upcoming walks are advertised monthly in the “Upcoming Events” section of The Readington News and on the township’s website. - Submitted by Julia Allen

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RVCC Honors College

Info Session Nov. 9

Local high school students inter ested in learning more about Rari tan Valley Community College’s Honors College are invited to at tend an Information Session at 6 p.m. The program will be held in the Event Center at the Branchburg campus. To register for the session, visit www.raritanval.edu/ visit.

THS Covered Dish Supper Nov. 13

Tewksbury Historical Society hosts a Covered Dish Supper and Meeting at the Zion Lu theran Church Christian Educa tion Building, 18 Miller Ave., Oldwick, at 5 p.m. The event is open to the public free of charge. Bring a covered dish to share. A guest speaker, to be announced, will follow supper at 6:15. Call 908-832-6734 to make a reserva tion; leave your name and phone number for information or direc tions. For society info, visit www. tewksburyhistory.net.

Basket Bingo Nov. 18

The 8th Annual “Ladies Night Out” Basket Bingo to benefit the Kevin Gilbert Scholarship Fund will be held at the Readington Middle School cafeteria. Doors open at 6 p.m. Games start at 7. Tickets cost $35 per person pur chased by Nov. 6. ($45 at door). Make checks payable to Kevin Gilbert Scholarship Fund and

Upcoming Events

mail to Amy Malzone, 14 Abra ham Rd., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889. (Maximum 8 people per table - specify group name.) Prize raffles will be available.

Quilting Guild Nov. 18

Hunterdon County Quilting Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Read ington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd. Sue Hurley will

discuss ”Ruler Quilting.” New members welcome. Visit https:// hcquiltingguild.wixsite.com// hcquiltingguild for a schedule of meetings and events or email hunterdoncountyquiltingguild@ gmail.com.

Open Space Walk Nov. 20

Enjoy a brisk autumn Sunday afternoon hike on the trails of

the Lazy Brook Greenway. Tra versing through wide grasslands, streams and forest patches, with panoramic views, we will walk about two hours. Meet at Summer Road Park at 1 p.m. Your pooch on a leash is welcome. To sign up, or for questions, email Read ington Twp Open Space & Trails, trails@readingtontwp-nj.org, or leave a message at 908-782-6452.

SAT/PSAT/ACT & MORE

N.J. Certi ed • Over 35 Years of Experience Grades 7-12 • Reasonable Rates 8 Arapaho Trail, Branchburg

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Community Grant Supports Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

Casting Call for Readington Community Theatre Production of “Guys and Dolls”

Secret Santas Needed

Pictured are Elizabeth Bracco, CEA Fundraising Manager, and Natalia Malagon, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager – Pluckemin

-

courtesy of Investors Bank,

The Center for Educational Advancement (CEA) recently re ceived a community grant from Investors Bank in Three Bridges.

more than 50 years, CEA has helped individuals with dis abilities and their families. CEA

provides services and programs that support community employment for approximately

Bridges

and adults with dis

and donations

local businesses allow on going programs primarily across Hunterdon, Somerset, and Mid dlesex counties.

include evaluation, training, tran sition, and pre- employment for students.

Readington Community Theatre will hold auditions for the next musi cal production, “Guys and Dolls,” at the Rockaway Reformed Church, 115 Main St. in Whitehouse Station, on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 2-5 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Show dates are Feb. 10-12 and 17-19, 2023.

For further information, go to rctnj.org/auditions.

Candidates can pre-register at the website and download both the mu sic and “sides” that will be used at auditions.

- Submitted by Rob Nonni for RC Theatre

Make someone’s holiday special this year by participating in the Holiday Gift Match Program run by the Readington Township Social Services Office. Gifts must be returned by Dec. 2. Volunteer to adopt a local family, child, senior or individual in need. You may donate as much or as little as you wish. You may be surprised to know most requests are for food, clothing, or a warm coat. You can help grant a wish and make this holiday season one to remember. Contact the Social Services Office at 908-534-0974 for details or to request a holiday match. Also, if you know a family or individual in need this holiday season, call the office so that they can be assisted.

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

Proud To Be Your Readington Realtors

Readington Community Theatre will present “Guys and Dolls.”

to our district mission and vision of ensuring our community leads pur poseful lives with integrity and de veloping an awareness of self, oth ers, and the environment.”

Longtime sustainability champi on, Board Member, and Chair of the District Green Committee, Eric Zw erling said, “Not only have we dra matically reduced the environmental footprint of the district’s operations, with the promise of more to come, we’ve also saved hundreds of thou sands of dollars, and taught hundreds of children to be environmentally mindful.” Zwerling also thanked the board for prioritizing and set ting related board and district goals: “Writing new policies, supporting green initiatives, and unleashing and empowering the creative efforts of the administration, faculty, and staff to scrutinize every aspect of the dis trict’s operations from their unique ground-level perspectives.”

Integral to our success, Facili ties Manager Don Race, tracks the impact of our school buildings and district infrastructure from natural gas and electricity usage to vehicle mileage and fuel use to environmen tally friendly cleaning practices in our schools to ensure allergy- and asthma-safe learning environments.

While Business Administrator Jason Bohm keeps an eye on our spending and aims for economically sound and eco-friendly purchasing and contracting from recycled paper and energy efficient equipment to pro viding fresh, locally grown produce for students and staff.

Three Bridges Schools was pre sented with the “Best in New Jersey Farm to School Award” by New Jer sey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher in October. Principal Dr. Kris ten Higgins and TBS staff were rec ognized for their exceptional efforts in connecting students with local produce. Secretary Fisher highlight

ed “their incredible outdoor garden, commitment to sourcing local pro duce from local farms, highlighting harvest of the month in the school cafeteria, and using an indoor vertical growing system, as all key com ponents of a high-quality Farm to School program.” TBS staff weave mindfulness and a connection to na ture in student learning throughout the day. Special thanks to SEL Su pervisor Anthony Tumolo for help ing all to cultivate learning environ ments that are supportive, culturally responsive, and focused on building relationships and community.

In addition to their own expan sive connection to nature, National School of Character, Whitehouse School, was further recognized by Sustainable Jersey, with one of only 13 Digital Stars awarded this year. Digital Star schools embrace the mindful implementation of effective digital learning and communication tools, resources and practices. Star

schools document their successful digital learning strategies in the ac tion areas of leadership, learning practices, technology access, school culture and climate, and student learning. Sherry Krial, Supervisor of Staff Development and Technol ogy, driver of our district’s commit ment to digital learning along with district IT coordinator, Jim Belske, worked in tandem with Principal Dr. Ann DeRosa and her staff to ensure Whitehouse School practiced good digital citizenship.

How does where we learn impact how we learn? At Holland Brook School, the study of how all living things are connected evolves as HBS students explore interconnected eco logical systems on the South Branch of the Raritan River. Designated as the first River Friendly School in the state by the New Jersey Wa ter Supply Authority, HBS students discover firsthand the importance of protecting our environment and how human activities impact water qual ity, which in turn impacts vegetation, wildlife, and ultimately humans, too.

How does where we live impact how we learn? EcoAmbassadors at Readington Middle School were recognized this year for their Ex cellence in Watershed Science and Technological Innovation for their place-based storytelling and GIS work related to United Nations Sus tainable Development Goal 14 Life

Below Water, as they tracked and researched the impact of school caf eteria waste in our waterways and oceans. Building on their HBS ex periences on the south branch of the Raritan River, RMS students partner with Trout Unlimited and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife Division as they raise trout from eggs in the fall and release the juvenile trout in the spring, testing and documenting the importance of healthy water for healthy life.

We thank our local and global partners from the Readington Town ship Environmental Commission to Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development to Rutgers Master Gardeners to the US Green Building Council’s Green Schools Program to Raritan Headwaters As sociation to the UN-SDN Global Schools Program to Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation to the national Empowered Schools Pro gram to The College of New Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools and to our many volunteers in Read ington for their continued commit ment, generously sharing their time, resources, and expertise with our stu dents, staff, and school community. Together, we inquire, aspire, teach, learn, and collaborate for a sustain able and prosperous future for all, starting in our K-8 schools.

General Election Nov. 8

Readington Township voters will elect a Township Commit tee member and three Board of Education members in the Gen eral Election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Also on the ballot are Hunt erdon County Commissioner seats, sheriff, and a member of U.S. Congress.

Vincent Panico, Republican, and Alan Harwick, Democrat, are competing for a three-year term on the Township Commit tee.

Eight candidates are running for three seats on the Board of Education. Seeking the threeyear terms are Justina C. Ryan, Michele Mencer, Christina M. Napoli, Carolyn Podgorski, Lisa Santangelo, David Rizza, Tiffiny Bishop, and David P. Nader. Many school elections in New Jersey are contested this year because of new NJ student learning standards that include controversial sex ed instruction

and diversity, equity and inclu sion education, sometimes re ferred to as CRT or critical race theory.

Republican Thomas H. Kean Jr. is running against incumbent Democrat Tom Malinowski for a two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Incumbent Sheriff Frederick W. Brown is opposed by Demo crat Dominick Puzio for a threeyear term. Democrats Hope Cohen and Donald Becker are challenging incumbent Republi cans John E. Lanza and Zachary T. Rich for three-year terms on the Board of County Commis sioners. Vying for a two-year unexpired term are Republican Jeff Kuhl and Democrat Justin Balunsat.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. For voter information, call the County Clerk at 908-788-1214.

Generous Donations for ARC, Special Olympics

The Mother Seton Council #15540 of the Knights of Columbus recently held a fundraising collection at the ShopRite of Flemington. The Council (www.kofc15540.org) collected donations totaling more than $2,200. The funds will be distributed in their entirety to ARC of Hunterdon County and to Special Olympics. The knights regularly meet at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges. Pictured (from left) are Brother Anthony Pasquarelli, Grand Knight Rick Dool and Past Grand Knight Tim Glackin. -Submitted by Ron Foster, Trustee, Mother Seton Council #15540

Concert

Back

Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea

Free Breast Screening at Hunterdon

Women’s Imaging

A free breast screening will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hunterdon Wom en’s Imaging Center, 121 Route 31 South, Suite 1100 in Flemington. This screening includes a mammo gram and an exam. Routine screening can help prevent cancers and/ or provide early detection when treatment is often less intensive and more successful. Early detection saves lives.

This program is open to women who are uninsured or underinsured and brought to you by: Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, Hunter don Women’s Imaging Center, NJ CEED and the Hunterdon/Mercer Chronic Disease Coalition.

To schedule an appointment, call 908-237-5409.

By Dr. Stacey Brown, Supervisor of Humanities, and Sarah Pauch, Supervisor of Math, Science & Technology

The Readington Board of Education reviewed 2021-22 student assessment results dur ing the Oct. 11 public meeting. District supervisors provided data from the spring admin istration of the NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning As sessment) assessments, writing benchmarks, iReady results, and special education learning results. While each assessment measures different components of students’ academic growth, the overall news is that Read ington students are surpassing state norms.

The NJSLA test is an online

test that matches the rigorous content and skills outlined in the New Jersey Student Learn ing Standards. These tests mea sure more complex, real-world skills such as critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving.

The NJSLA assessment uses five performance levels that delineate the knowledge, skills, and practices students are able to demonstrate, with Levels 4 and 5 considered to be passing: Level 1 – Did not meet expectations; Level 2 – Partially met expectations; Level 3 – Approached expecta tions; Level 4 – Met expecta tions; Level 5 – Exceeded ex pectations.

Our other assessment re sults show equally strong per formance among Readington

students. iReady reading and math indicate that students showed tremendous growth over the school year. Interven tion programs are in place for those needing support. Ses sions during the school day and after school are available for those students who qualify. Finally, Dynamic Learning Maps ® (DLM ® ) assessments are administered to students with the most significant cog nitive disabilities for whom general state assessments are not appropriate. DLM assess ments offer these students a way to show what they know and can do in mathematics, English language arts, and science. Results from DLM assessments support interpre tations about what students know and can do.

If a student did not meet ex pectations on any of these as sessments, this does not mean your child did not learn or lost skills. Scores can be affected

by things like stress and dis traction. No one assessment can provide the full picture of your child’s learning. Teachers take this into account and use multiple data points as one of many tools to understand your child’s unique needs and prog ress. It is essential that instruc tion meets students where they are in order to help them grow academically.

Recovering from the disrupt ed instruction caused by COV ID-19 over the past two years will be a multi-year process. The Readington community can be assured that the inter ventions the district has put in place continue to be successful and will be offered to qualify ing students in the upcoming school year. A full presentation of the district’s assessment re sults for the 2021-22 school year is available on the district website under the Curriculum tab. www.readington.k12.nj.us

Township of Readington

Market to Affordable Program Update

As part of Readington’s Affordable Housing agreement with the State, the Township committed to providing 25 units for its Market to Affordable program over the next five (5) years. The way it works is the Township searches for existing residences that are for sale, purchases them using funds in its Affordable Housing fund and resells them at a lower cost with a deed restriction that they are to be occupied by those who qualify for Affordable Housing. This method helps Readington to meet its mandate without allowing for new construction and more housing stock in town.

The Township Committee approved the sale of the 7th Market to Affordable unit for 2022 at its October 17th meeting. The Township’s goal is to complete five (5) of these per year, so we are ahead of the curve for this year.

Readington will continue to take creative steps to meet Affordable Housing mandates that minimize impacts to the community while providing quality housing to those in need.

or email: mrfixit@co.hunterdon.nj.us

News from Readington PD

At the October 17th meeting, the Township Committee passed resolutions promoting two Readington Township Police officers to the rank of Sergeant.

Corporal Jack Mazellan and Detective Jason Phares were both promoted to their new roles unanimously.

The Township thanks them for their dedicated service to our community and looks forward to their leadership in the future.

Municipal Offices will be CLOSED Friday, November 11

In Observance of Veterans Day

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED

Readington Township Board of Education Seats Hotly Contested

Eight candidates are running for three seats on the Readington Town ship Board of Education in the Nov. 8 General Election. Seeking the threeyear terms are Justina C. Ryan, Mi chele Mencer, Christina M. Napoli, Carolyn Podgorski, Lisa Santangelo, David Rizza, Tiffiny Bishop, and Da vid P. Nader.

Below are candidate statements sent to The Readington News, edited for space.

Lisa Santangelo and David Rizza, residents for four years, are running as a team. Rizza is employed as a Direc tor, Project Management, and Santan gelo is employed in Residential Reno vations.

They both wrote, “I believe the school board should be accountable, truthful, and transparent to the parents, children, teachers and community. I will ensure transparency by making the curriculum and lesson plans avail able online so busy parents can see what their children are learning. I sup port responsible budget planning and spending. I support restoring parental rights within the school system and school policies, strong family values and a back-to-basics approach. I be lieve the school board should ensure our kids receive a quality education.”

Michele Mencer, Carolyn Podgorski and Tiffiny Bishop have joined together in their candidacy using the slogan “Right for Readington.”

Podgorski, a 32-year Readington resident, has been a member of the School Board since 2019 and is seeking a second term. Her children are gradu ates of Readington and Hunterdon Cen tral schools. Podgorski currently serves as Chair of the Personnel Committee and is a member of the Ed/Tech and Negotiations Committees bringing her experience and talents in the corporate world to the board. “A great commu nity is made better with strong public schools that help all students discover and develop their passions, curiosity, and voice in the 21st century world we live in. I plan to focus the board’s col lective energy and resources to support the mission of Readington Schools to empower members of our community to lead purposeful lives with integrity, to cultivate a spirit of discovery, and to embrace connections in our diverse, global society.”

Mencer is a long-time resident of

Hunterdon County and came to Read ington, in part, because of the high quality school system. Mencer has two children in the school district. “My 20+ year business background in finance, public health and health policy will con tribute to balanced decision-making as I seek to find solutions that represent the majority of key stakeholders while ensuring student education and over all well-being remain in focus. I have a long-standing history of community involvement previously serving in the Readington Township HSA organiza tion, Boy Scouts of America and the Raritan Township Board of Public Health. With a 20+ year career in phar maceuticals across a variety of business disciplines, I am uniquely qualified to bring a balanced and pragmatic ap proach to find solutions to seemingly intractable issues facing the district”. Tiffiny Bishop is the mom of one child just entering Readington schools.

Bishop works for Chubb Insurance. “As the mother of a young child in the school district, I recognize the important role the school plays in our lives and in our community. I want to make sure all of our children are receiving the best education possible and the community, the teachers, and the parents all work to gether to provide a positive and stimu lating learning environment for every one. I believe I can be a moderating voice to help us achieve those goals.”

The team “supports district poli cies that equitably support all students’ needs, an environment where students and staff feel safe and respected, placing a Readington Township Police Officer full-time at each of our four schools, re maining fiscally responsible to the tax payers of Readington, and continuing practices and policies that have earned all four Readington Schools the Sustain able NJ Silver Certificate.”

Justina C. Ryan moved to Reading ton 8 years ago with her husband and 2 daughters. For the past few years Jus tina worked as a substitute teacher in Readington and “saw first hand what a wonderful school district Readington is. I taught throughout the pandemic knowing how important it was to keep our children in school. I became very involved by attending BOE meetings this past year and advocated for the stu dents to be unmasked and to re-instate the after school activities and sports... I support resources for students with a loss of learning due to the pandemic, awareness of the mental health of our students, thorough research of curricu lum changes and increase in school se curity... I will make decisions based on what is morally and ethically right for the students, staff and our community.”

NOW HIRING!

Justina C. Ryan

Tiffiny Bishop

Michele Mencer

Carolyn Podgorski

Whitehouse Rescue Squad Offers Ride-Along Program

Hunterdon County 4H fair, the Tewksbury Harvest Day, 9/11 memorial tribute, Saucetober fest at Schaeffer’s Farm, the Three Bridges Fire Company open house, church events, school events, and many more. Our members are always happy to show off the equipment and answer questions, in addition to expressing gratitude for the sup port we receive from the com munity.

Veteran’s Recognition Medal Ceremony Nov. 1

The annual Hunterdon County Veteran’s Recognition Medal Cer emony is scheduled for Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m., and will be held in person after two years, welcoming back veterans to par ticipate in the award ceremony, and will also be livestreamed.

By Nancy Olds

The Whitehouse Rescue Squad announces the newly re vamped ride-along program. Have you ever thought about joining an emergency services team, but didn’t know if it was right for you? Have you won dered just what Emergency Medical Technicians actually do? This program is a great op portunity for you to find out. The ride-along program provides lo cal residents the opportunity to learn what a typical day in the life of an EMT is all about. This program encourages community involvement in the squad, in creases communication between the squad and citizens, and edu cates the public in the duties of EMTs and other squad members. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to accom pany the ambulance crew during their tour of duty and will gain a better understanding of what it means to be a First Responder. If you are interested in seeing first-hand what we are about and you are 16 years old or older, please email us at join@whitehouserescue.com or call 908534-2509 and ask for the On boarding Coordinator.

In addition to responding to emergency calls, the White house Rescue Squad has par ticipated in many local events recently. These included the

The squad always welcomes new members and offers many types of memberships, from First Responders (EMTs and Rescue personnel) to non-responder ad ministrative positions. Please visit us on Facebook or at our website whitehouserescue.com for more information.

The ceremony will take place at the county’s Route 12 Complex, in order to accommodate all of the veteran recipients and one guest. Communications will be sent out to each medal recipient with information about attending the medal presentation and also how it can be viewed online on Nov. 11. For more information about the virtual medal ceremony, contact Hunterdon County Veteran Ser vice’s Officer (VSO), Rich Booth, rbooth@co.hunterdon.nj.us or veterans@co.hunterdon.nj.us.

Pictured is the Whitehouse Rescue Squad heavy rescue vehicle. - Photo courtesy of WHRS

Readington Township Among 13 Municipalities to File COAH Lawsuit

Thirteen municipalities in New Jersey have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Phil Murphy alleg ing he failed in his obligation to appoint members to the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) per the Fair Housing Act.

Readington Township Mayor Juergen Huelsebusch released a statement in October in re sponse to the legal action: “The court papers filed show that the legislature intended to have a bipartisan and specialized board with competing voices provid ing a balanced decision-making process to implement the FHA. Instead, 15 judges - without COAH’s institutional knowl edge and experience - have been forced to try to figure out what COAH would have done and to

rule in that way.

“When Gov. Christie sought to abolish COAH by absorbing the agency into the Department of Community Affairs, the Su preme Court ruled that the citizens of New Jersey have a right to a balanced board with mem bers that represent different in terests; and that Gov. Christie had no right to abolish COAH and, thereby, deprive New Jer seyans of this right.

“If Gov. Murphy continues to fail to appoint the members to the COAH Board, the result is identical: New Jerseyans will lose the benefit of a balanced, diverse board to adopt regula tions that implement the poli cies the legislature established and to process applications for

approvals of affordable housing plans that comply with those regulations.

“Under the New Jersey Con stitution and the legislation adopted to establish the afford able housing policies of our State, there is no question that the governor must fulfill the obligations the legislature com manded the governor to make. We certainly hope the governor does so without the need for a court to state the obvious,” Huelsebusch said.

COAH was established in 1985 to ensure all 566 towns within the state provided a fair amount of low and moderate-in come housing. It was dissolved in 2015 by the state Supreme Court because it had failed to update its quotas and rules for towns to follow for more than 15 years, according to docu mentation from the court case.

The municipalities that have signed on to the lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, Sept. 7, include Readington Township, Chatham Township, Beach Haven, Bor dentown, Cranford, East Ha nover, Egg Harbor, Fairfield,

Freehold, Jackson, Mahwah, Montvale and Sayreville.

In a letter sent to Gov. Mur phy’s office on June 10, Jef frey R. Surenian of Surenian, Edwards & Nolan LLC in Point Pleasant Beach said that with out COAH, the courts have been forced to play the role of activ ist which has, in turn, hurt tax payers and municipalities alike.

“Instead of having the benefit of the streamlined process the Legislature intended, we have court proceedings that can take far longer and be far more cost ly to taxpayers,” the document states.

Settlements reached under a municipality’s third round of affordable housing obligation protect them from builder’s remedy lawsuits through 2025. If granted, a builder’s remedy lawsuit allows developers to bypass the municipal approval process and build a project with an unlimited amount of marketrate units so long as at least 20 percent are set aside as afford able units.

An old man walks into a library and heads to the front desk for

The librarian smiles and says, “How may I help you today, sir?” The man clears his throat and says loudly, “I’ll have a cheeseburger, french fries and a small soda, please.”

The librarian narrows her eyes and replies sternly, “Sir, this is a library.” The old man shrugs and whispers, “I’ll have a cheeseburger, french fries and a small soda, please.”

What’s the biggest problem with political jokes? Too many of them get elected.

Thanksgiving shopper: “Do these frozen turkeys get any bigger?”

ShopRite worker: “Sorry, but they stopped growing...”

What is a turkey called on the day after Thanksgiving? Lucky!

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Discrimination Alleged

Three female township officials are suing Readington Township and the Township Administrator claiming they were victims of sex ual discrimination by getting paid less than their male colleagues.

Township Clerk Karen Parker, Recreation Director Gabrielle Bo larakis and Angela DeVoe, who served as construction official until Aug. 1, filed a lawsuit Sept. 22 in Superior Court in Hunter don County. Parker, Bolarakis and DeVoe were members of the Ex ecutive Staff but were paid “sub stantially lower” than the male members of the Executive Staff, the lawsuit states.

Township Attorney Sharon Dra gan responded that the township “intends to vigorously respond to this suit, while being mindful of the potential impacts and costs to the municipality and, ultimately, the taxpayers.”

Governor’s Educator of the Year Program Nominations

Each year, Readington Township School District participates in the New Jersey Department of Education Governor’s Educa tor of the Year Program. This program recognizes excellence in education, a direct result of the hard work of outstanding class room teachers and educational services professionals.

One of the most meaningful gestures to show appreciation to district staff would be to nominate them for the Governor’s Edu cator of the Year recognition. Visit www.readington.k12.nj.us for the 2022-2023 nomination form for this year’s program. To make a nomination, complete this form and return it to your building principal by Friday, Nov. 1.

A selection committee at each school will review the nomina tions and jointly decide each school’s honorees. At the end of the process, all nomination letters will be shared with the teachers and educational services professionals nominated.

County Road 523 $210K

Ditmar Boulevard $604K

Forestdale Drive $1,290,000

Hay Barrick Road $575K

Park Lane $515K

Railroad Avenue $164K

Violet Court $436K

Witherspoon Street $674K