May 2022 www.readingtonnews.com
The
Readington News A Community Newspaper
Contested Readington Township GOP Primary Race
The
Serving All of Readington Township, NJ
Earth Day is Every Day in Readington Schools
By Betsy Freeman, Green Initiatives Coordinator and Eric Zwerling, Green Committee Chair
This year more than a billion people around the world celebrated Earth Day, and in Readington, Earth Day is every day, especially in our schools. All four schools in the district are US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Awardees, and are certified as Sustainable Jersey Schools. So what does that mean? Green schools aim to create optimal, healthy learning environments and save money, energy, and resources too. In Readington Schools, educators integrate social emotional learning, inquiry, academic rigor, and sustainability - in context while forging community partnerships to prepare learners to become engaged, productive, and environmentally conscious global citizens. At Readington Middle School (RMS), EcoAmbassadors work with schools around the world to support the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development as they identify problems in their environment and work with local and global experts and school administrators to investigate issues like plastic pollution and cafeteria waste, and propose and develop solutions together. This year, RMS students presented their work globally, regionally, and locally at the International Conference for Sustainable Development, NJ Climate Education Summit, and to partners at Readington WaterWatch. Exploring life on land, each year the entire 7th grade class teams with community leaders for an annual Walk in the Woods to build a deeper understanding of and appreciation
for the protected natural beauty of our community and the ecosystem services it affords for all. In Holland Brook School (HBS), students and teachers actively investigate the condition of our natural world, donning waders with experts from Raritan Headwaters as they hone skills in scientific observation and data collection to analyze water levels, water flows, and currents in the South Branch of the Raritan River to understand their impact on erosion. They test water quality, examine organisms, and determine levels of pollution as they evaluate how surrounding land contributes to the quality of our water, important skills for stewardship in a community where the majority of homes are supplied by well water. In turn, our district administrators,
board members, and green committee work in concert with our township environmental commission to help tackle local water pollution by reducing run-off and improving groundwater charging. Green infrastructure projects like the stormwater retention basin between RMS and HBS is an approach to water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle as it filters sediment and pollutants out using native plant materials that also serve as habitat for wildlife. In planning now is restoration of a bioswale at Three Bridges School (TBS) which will provide cleaner water and air and provide added value for the community through flood protection, diverse habitat, and a
Readington News
Readington Township Committeewoman Betty Ann Fort
Vinny Panico, former Board of Education member
Readington Township Committeewoman Betty Ann Fort has announced that she will seek reelection to the Readington Township Committee. In the June 7 Primary Election, she is being challenged by Vinny Panico of Readington. Panico served on the Readington Township Board of Education 2012 through 2015 and on the Hunterdon Central Regional High School BOE 2015 through 2022. From 2018 through 2022, Panico served as President of the Board of Education. He recently ran for State Assembly but was defeated. Fort is completing her third term on the Committee. She has received the endorsements of both the Hunterdon County Republican Committee and the Readington Township Republican Committee. “I thoroughly enjoy working with the residents of Readington to keep Readington a great and safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” Fort said. “My experience has given me a full
understanding of the challenges facing Readington and how to meet them. I am currently working on several issues that I would like to see through to completion. Among these are satisfying the court-mandated affordable housing obligation while minimizing the impact to the Township, continuing to work with the State DOT to enhance safety on Route 22 median openings, updating zoning along Route 22 to attract desirable businesses, supporting our current businesses, continuing improvements to Township parks and playgrounds, supporting Open Space preservation, and continuing to lower Township debt while keeping taxes stable.” During Fort’s time on the Committee, Township debt has been reduced by nearly one third, and all litigation with Solberg Airport has been resolved. Additionally, she was instrumental in establishing the initial speed limit reduc-
A Community Newspaper
continued on page 8
Serving All of Readington Township, NJ
continued on page 7
“I am the first step when it comes to purchasing or refinancing a home. Call me and lets start the conversation.”
(908)547-7798 Jason Moore NMLS# 1785692 jmoore@jerseymortgage.com NJ, PA, NY, CT, & FL Jersey Mortgage Company of New Jersey, Inc. (Jersey Mortgage) 511 South Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016. 800342-6597. NMLS No. 2761. Licensed by the New Jersey of Banking & Insurance. Licensed Mortgage Banker -- NYS Banking Department Services. Jersey Mortgage is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Residential mortgage loans/home equity lines of credit are subject to the underwriting standards and independent approval of Jersey Mortgage. Rates, terms, and programs are subject to change without notice. Residential mortgage loans/home equity lines of credit may not be available in all states. Other restrictions may apply. Not an offer or commitment to lend.