December 2020 www.readingtonnews.com
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Historic Churches to Host “Holy Trail”
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Three Bridges Reformed Church. “This year we are excited to collaborate on telling bits of the story across six county churchyards.” Each church will dramatize a different aspect of the birth of Jesus. Cars will receive stickers to populate a paper nativity scene which serves as a passport to all six churches. Driving the route takes 1 hour, and each stop may take 5 to 15 minutes, for a total of 2.5 hours for the full string—but people may wish to visit only a few churches. While the Hunterdon Holy Trail is free, visitors are asked to bring canned goods for local food pantries and/or monetary donations for Family Promise of Hunterdon County, a homeless shelter for families, also called the Interfaith Hospitality Network. “For 27 years, our churches have worked with Family Promise to end homelessness,” said Rev. Liz Estes, pastor of Readington Reformed Church. “Our churches supply meals and cozy rooms for sleeping but rely on Family Promise to guide homeless families to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Especially during the pandemic, Family Promise is the perfect charity for Christmas in Hunterdon.” Drive-ins are welcome at all locations, some churches may encourage visitors to park and explore further outdoors. Details are: Stanton Reformed Church, est. 1833, 1 Stanton Mountain Rd., Stanton, 08885. Angel Gabriel delivers the message to Mary, Elizabeth and Mary encourage one another, as the blessed family travels to Bethlehem. Three Bridges Reformed Church, est. 1873, 470 Main St., Three Bridges, 08887. God’s angels visit in the dreams of Joseph,
the father of Jesus, and Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, foretelling Christ’s birth in nativity scenes. Readington Reformed Church, est. 1719, 124 Readington Rd., Whitehouse Station. John’s gospel tells how the Word was made flesh to bring light to the world. Shepherds hear the good news from a choir of angels. Rockaway Reformed Church, est. 1792, 115 Main St., Whitehouse Station, 08889. Three very musical wise men get word of the special birth and set out singing on a long journey following the star of wonder. Annandale Reformed Church, est. 1866, 2 West St., Annandale, 08801. The Prophet Isaiah proclaims to us a child is born, a son is given, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. High Bridge Reformed, est. 1869, 23 Church St., High Bridge, 08829. It’s a family affair! Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds and so many animals celebrate baby Jesus’ arrival.
Readington Twp. Re-Elects Albanese and Heller
Readington News A Community Newspaper
Local Dutch Reformed Churches to host “The Hunterdon Holy Trail.”
By Sue Sohl There is something magical and hopeful about lighting up the year’s darkest nights in the spirit of the two-thousand-year-old tale at the center of the holiday season. This year, we all need to find new ways to enliven our holidays. That is why, for the first time in Hunterdon County’s 300 years, a string of historic churches is illuminating our rural by-ways to retell the Christmas story from the Bible —in both English and Spanish— through a series of drive-in vignettes called The Hunterdon Holy Trail, on Sunday evening, Dec. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. Participating churches are Readington Reformed Church, Rockaway Reformed Church, Three Bridges Reformed Church, Stanton Reformed Church, Annandale Reformed Church, and High Bridge Reformed Church. Members of the general public are invited to drive to churchyards
decked with holiday lights and populated by biblical characters. Visitors can start from any church and visit the churches in any order. All information, addresses and podcasts will be available online at www.thehunterdonholytrail.com. The idea was inspired by the 58year legacy of the Stanton Holly Trail that celebrated its final year last December. “People loved visiting Stanton Holly Trail’s historic homes,” Rev. Beth Scibienski, pastor of Stanton Reformed Church, said. Last year, fifteen hundred people traveled the trail, contributing $60,000 for community causes. “We’re keeping that spirit alive, in a socially distanced way that still enables us to celebrate God’s good news as a caring community throughout the region.” Six churches whose heritage dates back to the county’s Dutch settlers in 1719 are collaborating on the project. “In Three Bridges, our tradition is to host a live nativity,” said Linda Santa Lucia, an elder at
In the November General Election, Readington Township voters re-elected Republican incumbents John Albanese, with 6,570 votes, and Mayor Jonathan Heller, 6,282 votes, to three-year terms on the Township Committee. Democratic challengers Rene Rao and Alan Harwick received 3,924 and 3,621 votes respectively. Results are unofficial. Because this year’s election was primarily done through vote-by-mail due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Hunterdon County Clerk’s Office had until Nov. 23 (after The Readington News deadline) to certify the results. Lisa Hughes was elected to a three-year term on the Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education tallying 8,399 votes. Winning three-year terms on the Readington Township Board of Education are Carol Hample, 7,779 votes; Ray Egbert, 7,683; and Elizabeth Fiore, 7,750.
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The Readington News • December 2020
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Girl Scout Hosts Puppy Yoga Event 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 January 2021
December 10 For Ad Materials December 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
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By Liv Meier It’s no secret that yoga can be used to reduce stress levels; but when you combine that with puppies, it makes for the ultimate relaxation experience. Relaxing puppy yoga was a great tool for Gold Award Girl Scout Delania Wallace to spread awareness about puppy mills and promote the importance of adoption. Delania, a senior at Hunterdon Central Regional High School, dedicated her Gold Award project to addressing animal welfare issues after growing up with a very special rescue of her own, her dad’s police dog. “My dad’s work dog was saved when he was rescued and he went on to do some incredible things in service,” she said. “So, I decided that I wanted to give more dogs the opportunity to be rescued by teaching people the importance of the phrase, ‘adopt, don’t shop.’” At her dog yoga event, where she partnered with local nonprofits and rescues, Delania also presented important materials regarding backyard breeders and reputable rescues, all while puppies romped around on the yoga mats. “I figured that presenting this information in a friendly and dog-oriented environment would be the easiest way to educate people,” she added.
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Delania, who has been a part of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) Troop 32082 for 12 years, said that her Gold Award project allowed her to discover qualities in herself that she will treasure forever. “I knew that by sticking with Girl Scouts, I would have incredible learning opportunities like my Gold Award project. I’ve learned so much about myself and the world around me on this journey,” she said. “Girl Scouts has given me skills and taught me lessons that I would never be able to learn anywhere else.” “The Gold Award project provides our Girl Scouts with the unique opportunity to focus on something that is close to their heart and it is clear that animal welfare is Delania’s passion,” said GSHNJ CEO Natasha Hemmings. “Her project not only spread the word regarding the importance of adoption but also provided a stress-relieving activity to her community.”
Readington Gold Award Girl Scout Delania Wallace combined puppies and yoga for a unique event. - Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
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By Jason Bohm Business Administrator The Readington Township School District is thrilled to share several facility projects that have been recently completed in our 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. Budget efficiencies and fiscal discipline over the years has allowed for the district to maintain a capital reserve. At Readington Middle School, the district replaced all classroom interactive whiteboards to upgrade our technology and allow for more optimal student instruction. Further, the district purchased all Grade 6 and 7 students new Chromebook devices and replaced certain backend IT equipment to allow for more consistency in our IT network. Due to the need for remote instruction as a result of COVID-19, these upgrades have proved to be a tremendously worthwhile investment
to enhance our ability to interact with students both in and outside the classroom simultaneously. A supplementary project at Readington Middle School enriched the stage audio in the cafeteria utilized for performances and concerts that hopefully shall benefit students and audiences for years to come. At Three Bridges School, two new energy efficient boilers were installed replacing units that were nearing their end-of-life. It is hoped these units shall provide energy savings while also producing additional comfort and warmth in the building. As we encourage classrooms and offices to open windows for increased outside airflow per guidelines established by the State of New Jersey to help combat COVID-19, we are glad to be able to provide a suitable environment for student learning while maintaining utmost safety. Additionally, the district replaced and refreshed the main entrance doors to the school. At Holland Brook School, a
large section of an aging roof was replaced with a multi-layered system above the library and surrounding, primary hallway corridors. This necessary improvement will reduce leaks and provide better drainage, preventing poor indoor air quality or potential hazardous conditions. The district continued its commitment to sustainability by converting all lighting fixtures to LED at both Whitehouse School and Three Bridges School, as well as in the Readington Middle School cafeteria. The district sought and was awarded grant funding through a New Jersey Office of Clean Energy’s Direct Install Program saving local taxpayers approximately $217,110, or approximately 80% of the cost of the total eligible project. The consultant for the project estimated the district shall save potentially $41,536 annually in avoided energy costs due to its modernization efforts. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge all the hard work of our staff in the Facilities Department since the start of the pandemic. Their diligence not only allowed for the execution of the above mentioned projects, but also the outfitting of district-wide safety precautions to protect staff and students from COVID-19 to successfully allow for in-person instruction.
Eagle Scout Honors Friend with Trail Project
Jason Linz recently achieved Eagle Scout rank. Jason Linz of Readington Township, a junior at Hunterdon Central High School, was presented with his Eagle Scout rank along with 4 Eagle Palms at a Court of Honor held at the Readington River Buffalo Farm on Sept. 29. An Eagle Palm is awarded after earning an additional 5 merit badges above and beyond what is required for Eagle. Linz earned 41 merit badges in total and has been involved in scouting for over 10 years. Linz’s Eagle Project, sponsored by the Readington Open
Space Advisory, was the creation of a new 3/4-mile-long trail in Readington Township. The trail starts near the beginning of Van Neste Road and meanders along a stream which the trail crosses multiple times. The trail increases in elevation and then borders the fields of Profetta Farms with great views. It passes another trailhead at the end of Van Neste Road and eventually connects to the existing red trail in the Pleasant Run Greenway trail system. Linz blazed and marked the new blue trail and at the 2 trailheads along Van Neste Road, he built and installed a kiosk along with cedar trail name sign “Arman’s Trail.” He and the town dedicated the trail to Arman Roy who was a fellow scout at Troop 186 and Linz’s friend for over 10 years. Arman lived near the trailhead on Van Neste Road and passed away unexpectedly in 2019. 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, OASB members, his family and many of Arman’s family members. -Submitted by Brigette Barnes, Troop 186 Publicity
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The Readington News • December 2020
Readington Township School District Completes Facility and Tech Upgrades
The Readington News • December 2020
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Readington Community Theatre Wins Award for “Outstanding Direction of a Play”
Subaru Supports Meals on Wheels The Meals on Wheels network is once again participating in the Subaru “Share the Love” event. Over the past 12 years, Subaru and its retailers have helped Meals on Wheels to deliver more than 2.3 million meals nationwide to seniors in need. Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon will receive a share of the donation. Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from Nov. 19, 2020, through Jan. 4, 2021, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved hometown charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered hometown charities. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by Jan. 15. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit Subaru. com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America Inc. - Submitted by Mary Faust, Flemington Site Director, Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon Inc.
Master Pilot – The late Thor On Oct. 25, the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters (NJACT) conducted its 2020 Perry Award ceremony virtually. These awards are considered the equivalent of the Tony Awards for NJ Community Theater. For the 2020 season, Readington Community Theatre received 9 Perry Award nominations for its January 2020 production of the Ken Ludwig comedy “Lend Me a Tenor.” The prestigious NJACT Perry Award for “Outstanding Direction of a Play” was won by Rob and Lona Nonni, (pictured) the co-directors of this production performed at the Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club. The acceptance speech by the directors will be available for viewing on the Readington Community Theatre website at rctnj.org and on the RC Theatre Facebook page. - Submitted by RC Theatre
Solberg was posthumously awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Oct. 22. The prestigious award is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as a Master Pilot. Marilyn Solberg remarked of her husband’s honor, “It was a great day and the family is so proud.” Thor Solberg was one of the owners of Solberg Airport, a family business located at 39 Thor Solberg Rd., Whitehouse Station.
Gift and Tag Sale
The Tewksbury Historical Society will hold its Annual Holiday Gift Sale at the Oldwick Carriage House, 5 James St., Oldwick, on Dec. 12 (snow date Dec. 13) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among the items for sale are Tewksbury afghans in Cranberry Red, Hunter Green and Navy Blue, Tewksbury Church notecards and postcards depicting original historic scenes, Tewksbury Auto-tour Books and Tewksbury Art Show TShirts. Also available are hardcover and paperback editions of Historic Notes on Fairmount, NJ, by Freeman Leigh, signed and unsigned prints of “Tewksbury, A River Runs Through It,” by Elizabeth “Lib” Ryman and both unmatted and matted (while supplies last) prints depicting scenes in Mountainville, Pottersville and Califon by Linda Jean. Select Mountainville prints are also signed by longtime resident Charles Burrell.
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DECEMBER 2020
News from the Municipal Building
FIND MORE MUNICIPAL INFO ON THE TOWNSHIP WEBSITE: READINGTONTWPNJ.GOV
Board Approves Tower Replacement
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Plans
The Township is busy planning to keep the tradition of our holiday tree lighting this season. However, considering the public health crisis we all face, things will be different this year.
The tree the Township always lights (near the entrance of the Municipal Building) will be lit this year as part of a small gathering led by the Township Committee, Recreation Department, Beautification Committee, and local scout leadership. Normally, the Municipal Building is open during the event for refreshments and a visit from Santa. Unfortunately, we must make alternate plans this year. The event will be recorded and photographed so it can be shared with the community.
The Board of Adjustment recently approved the application of PSE&G for the Roseland to Pleasant Valley project, which will replace the older lattice transmission towers with new y-frame monopole towers between Lambertville and Roseland. Several of these towers are located in the southwest corner of Readington. Of special concern is a tower in Three Bridges which houses a Bald Eagles’ nest. Working with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, PSE&G designed a nest platform to be placed on the new tower. The existing nest will be removed and shrink wrapped for safekeeping, then replaced on the new nest platform when construction is completed. This will encourage the eagles to return to the nest, which they have occupied since 2014. All construction will be done outside of the eagles’ breeding season. In addition, at the request of the Board members, PSE&G has agreed to install a webcam at the site so that residents can watch the eagles nest and hatch their young. PSE&G will support this webcam for five (5) years. It will be fun and educational to watch these valued residents.
Home Energy Assistance The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help lowincome families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs. This year, the application period is October 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. To apply for LIHEAP, you can apply online at www.energyassistance.nj.gov or contact Readington Township Social Service Office at 908-534-0974. To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent, and have gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Persons who live in public housing and/or receive rental assistance are not eligible for assistance unless they pay for their own heating costs directly to the fuel supplier. The amount of the LIHEAP heating benefit is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and heating region.
READINGTON AREA STARFISH FOOD PANTRY Are you struggling to put food on the table? Let us help! Our Emergency Food Pantry provides emergency food yearround. Emergency food is provided as needed and available through the Township Social Services office (908-534-0974) or by contacting local clergy. Our goal is to help families and individuals in crisis and assist them to locate resources to resolve their situation.
Route 523 & Stanton Village Traffic Safety Improvements Deputy Mayor Juergen Huelsebusch has been leading efforts with the Township Committee and County officials to address traffic safety concerns in Readington on Route 523 and in Stanton Village. County officials proposed construction of a roundabout at the 523 / 629 intersection at a public meeting in 2019. The Township Committee and residents advocated to implement simpler safety improvements such as speed reductions and increasing enforcement before any permanent road construction might begin. The measures are having a positive and visible effect on driving behaviors and may lead to an agreed upon alternative approach to a roundabout. As part of discussions with Hunterdon County, speed limits in Stanton village have been decreased from 40mph to 30 mph and this is leading to safer conditions in the intersection and through the village. The Township will continue to work for additional traffic calming and safety measures in other Readington locations that are of concerns to our residents.
The Readington News • December 2020
Township of Readington
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Christmas Masses
Scout Leads RMS Courtyard Makeover on Road to Eagle
The Readington News • December 2020
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Troop 1969’s JT Wieder cuts the ribbon on his Eagle Scout courtyard makeover project at Readington Middle School as Scoutmaster Bill Wallace looks on.
On a sunny Friday afternoon Oct. 9, JT Wieder, a Life Scout with Troop 1969, reflected on his Eagle Project journey. As he stood in front of Readington Middle School (RMS) administration and faculty, he explained his project from inception to completion. It was after an RMS wrestling match last February when JT pitched his idea for an Eagle Project to Dr. Jonathan Moss - Vice Principal, RMS.
“I wanted to give the courtyard a makeover. I wanted to make it more inviting for students and teachers to share conversation and good times,” JT explained. Dr. Moss encouraged JT to continue developing his idea. After receiving ad-
ministration approval from Dr. Jonathan Hart, Superintendent, Readington Township Schools, and Mrs. Sharon Moffat, Principal, RMS, JT routed his Eagle Project Proposal for review and approval by his troop and council leaders. Then COVID-19 hit. JT’s first challenge was routing the proposal for comments and approval through email, mail and video calls during the lockdown. The project was approved in April with a planned completion in June, just prior to JT’s RMS 8th grade graduation. Unfortunately, the school closed and it took four months for him to gain access to the courtyard. Once he had access, JT led 27 scouts and adults in a series of safe and COVID-compliant workdays to complete the project in five weeks.
The courtyard makeover started with the removal of the “COVID jungle” – five months of overgrowth and weeds that took two full workdays to remove. Next, the tree beds were edged with pavers and freshened with mulch. The volunteers also repaired the shed roof, installed a seasonal hose bib and power washed the stone pavers and picnic benches. Then the picnic benches got a facelift with two coats of paint. The finishing touches were added with new umbrellas and stands for tables. Over 150 safe work hours were executed under JT’s leadership. On a good note, the pandemic delay did allow JT to be thrifty with the donations received from 19 family, friends and church members. The move to fall allowed additional seasonal discounts at Lowes Flemington, Sahara Pools Lebanon and Walmart.com.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 390 County Road, Whitehouse Station, will be offering Mass on Christmas Eve at 2, 4:30, 7 and 10 p.m, and Christmas Day at 9 and 11 a.m. Reservations are required by registering at www. ollwhs.org. Click on the “Christmas Mass Reservation” link. Space is limited; sign up early. Due to state-mandated capacity restrictions, no one may attend without a reservation. For more information, contact the church office 908-534-2319.
Hunterdon Healthcare COVID-19 Hotline
Hunterdon Healthcare operates a hotline for the community to call in with questions regarding COVID-19. The Hunterdon Healthcare COVID-19 Hotline can be reached by calling 908-788-6440. The hotline will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information on COVID-19, visit www.Hunterdonhealthcare.org.
Send your News Items & Photos to: readingtonnews@ gmail.com
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The Readington News • December 2020
Bishop Edward T. Hughes Knights of Columbus Council 15540 on Oct. 29 donated 48 new winter coats to Readington Township Housing and Social Services in support of Coats for Kids. Pictured at the Readington Township Municipal Building (from left, first row) are Hunter Tregoning, Social Services; Christine Dey, Social Services; and Karin Parker, Municipal Clerk, (second row) Tom Monroe – KoC Council #15540 Treasurer; Tim Glackin – KoC Council #15540 Grand Knight; Jonathan Heller, Mayor; and Rich Sheola, Administrator.
Holiday Festivities in Tewksbury
The Readington News • December 2020
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What They Went For Recent property sales reported in Readington. Data from Njpropertyrecords.com: 264 Aray Dr. $545K 24 Bobwhite Rd. $568K 6 Bohlander Ct. $680K 17 Case Ave. $359K 27 Clearview Rd. $931K 35 Daisy Ct. $370K 68 Dreahook Rd. $720K
15 Fernwood Ct. $368K 10 Fieldstone Way $588,500 1207 Foothill Way $1,275,000 7 John Reading Rd. $615K 8 Lake Dr. $250K 260 Laurel Ct. $260K 340 Phoebe Ct. $172K 3 Quimby Ln. $630K 11 Rowlands Rd. $590K 2 School Rd. $220K 2 School Rd. $155K 13 Sophie St. $330K 40 Van Cleef Dr. $576,742 97 Van Cleef Dr. $659,388 105 Van Cleef Dr. $805K 3 Winterberry Ct. $917,500
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Winnewald Day Camp, Clinton Twp., is now hiring for the 2021 summer season. Camp counselors, lifeguards, arts and crafts. Part-time, light maintenance position. Ideal for retirees. Call 908-735-8336 or email winneday@ptd.net.
Ralphie: Where do snowmen keep their money? Randy: Beats me. Ralphie: In a snowbank!
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.
Schwartz: Knock, knock. Scut: Who’s there? Schwartz: Pizza. Scut: Pizza, who? Schwartz: Pizza on earth, good will toward men!
RITTER BROTHERS PAINTING, Readington, NJ. Interior & Exterior. Lic#13VH10329300. Business: 908-233-8904, Home: 908-534-9390.
Hind & Fore Inc. Celebrating Anniversary CelebratingOur our 50th 58 Anniversary th
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.
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