Monty Rec Still Accepting Registrations for Spring Classes
For children, space is still available in the following classes:
Video Animation: Thursdays, April 15 - June 3 $120.00 includes all materials.
Acting Classes for grades K - 2: Weds. April 14 - June 2 $120.00
Acting Classes for grades 3 & 4:Fri. April 16 - June 4 $120.00
Kangaroo Kickers for 4 & 5 year olds:Thurs. April 15 - June 3 $130.00 includes uniform & shirt
Karate for beginners: Thurs. April 15 - May 6 $50.00
Fencing: Thurs. April 15 - June 3 $240.00 if you need equipment. $210.00 if you have set.
For adults, space is still available in the following classes:
Dog Obedience: Mon & Weds. April 19 - May 5 $72.00
Ballroom Dance:Weds. April 14 - May 12 $120.00 per couple
Mah Jongg: Weds. April 14, 21 & 28. $75.00 includes card.
Please call the Recreation Department at 609-466-3023 if you have any questions about any of our programs. Further descriptions of above programs may also be found on township website in the spring recreation newsletter - Spring Programs & Summer Camps Details.
You may fill out the registration form on-line but the form must be printed and form and fee must be mailed or dropped off to Montgomery Recreation Dept., Otto Kaufman Community Center, 356 Skillman Rd., Skillman, NJ 08558. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. M-F. Thank you.
JOANNE LISCOVITZ TO HOST GARAGE SALE FOR DANCE FOR THE CURE ORGANIZATION
Agent co-founded organization to raise money for local families
impacted by breast cancer and other serious illnesses
HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. – (Apr 9, 2010) – Sales Associate Joanne Liscovitz with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Hillsborough will host a Garage Sale on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 from 8:00am – 2:00pm at 17 Kilmer Avenue in Hillsborough to raise funds for Dance for a Cure, an organization committed to the prevention and cure of breast cancer through the celebration of dance.
A tap instructor for 26 years, Liscovitz’s Dance for the Cure organization performs educational and entertaining programs at a wide variety of community and corporate events, with proceeds going to local families impacted by breast cancer and other serious illnesses. Their innovative program features medical overviews by a women’s health care physician, personal survivor stories, performances that reinforce the group’s mission and concludes with spirited audience participation. Its annual Ribbons of Hope fundraiser is held in October.
To make a donation to the garage sale, items can be dropped off at 17 Kilmer Avenue on Tuesday, April 20, Wednesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 22 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Items such as gently used furniture, housewares, toys, clothes, shoes and handbags, as well as working electronics are welcomed. You can also bring monetary donations made payable to Dance for the Cure.
For more information, contact Joanne Liscovtiz at (908) 904-6840 or email jliscovtiz@danceforthecure.org. Dance for the Cure is a 501c3 not for profit organization.
Lenape Swim Club – A Gem from Another Era
Drive down the short lane to Lenape Swim Club and you find yourself in one of the last public outposts of “old Montgomery.” An old brick silo (circa 1960) stands as a reminder of Pine Brae Country Club, Lenape’s first incarnation. Walk through the breezeway between the parking lot and the pool area and you’ll feel that you’ve returned to a simpler time.
The club is tucked among cornfields, giving it a quiet and lazy feel reminiscent of the childhoods of earlier generations. Dozens of umbrella’d tables are scattered over the lawn and under a huge old oak tree. Friends new and old sit in lawn chairs, chatting, sharing picnics, and reading. Parents can relax, knowing their children are safe under the watchful eyes of the Lenape lifeguards, many of whom spent their own childhood summers in the pool.
Lenape has two pools: The large ell-shaped pool has a shallow area of 3-ft depth and a graduated depth section with a 10-ft diving well and lanes specifically designated for lap swimmers. There is also a guarded kiddy pool for children under the age of 7. Swim lessons are available at a modest extra charge
Lenape Swim Club offers a low-key swim team experience for children ages 5 through 18. The season runs from mid June through the end of July. Swimmers compete with local pools from the Princeton area, but the focus is on fun and friendship. Supportive young coaches encourage every child to do their personal best.
There are three annual holiday picnics: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Members and their guests can enjoy the holidays close to home and without fighting traffic to a vacation location. Additional social events are being planned for the 2010 season for teens, adults, and families to enjoy.
Lenape Swim Club, located on Pine Brae Court just off Route 518 in the heart of Montgomery Township, offers reasonably-priced family, couple, single, and swim-team-only memberships to residents of Montgomery Twp. and the surrounding area. Limited memberships ensure that the pool is never overcrowded. Membership applications for the 2010 season are currently being accepted. To find out more about Lenape Swim Club, log onto www.lenapeswimclub.com or call 1-609-924-6404 and someone will be happy to assist you.
Come visit Lenape Swim Club and find out why it’s where Montg
Somerset County Prescription Program Approaches $1 Million in Member Savings
Membership in Somerset County’s Resident Prescription Savings Program, now in its seventh year, has resulted in close to $1 million in savings for participants, Freeholder Director Jack M. Ciattarelli announced this week.
According to Garden State Pharmacy Owners Providers Services (GSPOPS) Corp., which administers the program at no charge to the county, savings on 43,469 claims filed since the program’s inception in June 2003 total $972,048.10, for an average savings per claim of $22.36.
There were 234 members enrolled in Somerset County’s program as of Dec. 31, 2009. During 2009, the average savings per prescription for members filing claims was $49.49. An average of 64 members filed claims during each quarter of the year. In total, those members enjoyed overall savings of $99,352 on 2,007 prescription claims filed during 2009. The average savings per utilizing member in 2009 was $385.
Freeholder Director Ciattarelli noted that, unlike some other prescription savings plans, including Medicare Part D, Somerset County's program is open to all ages. "It was our intent to make this available not only to seniors but all residents who may not have prescription coverage or whose coverage may be inadequate," he said. "While this program is not funded by the county budget, the real benefit is that it's very inexpensive for citizens who sign up to participate."
GSPOPS charges $20 per household per year for its Prescription Savings Card. A three-year membership is available for $40 per household. The card is accepted throughout an extensive network of over 1,900 participating chain and independent pharmacies in New Jersey and over 58,000 nationwide.
The Prescription Savings Card is a discount savings card and not a managed care or supplemental insurance program. The card cannot be used in combination with other programs for the same prescription purchase. The GSPOPS membership fee is non-refundable.
For more information and a membership application, visit the Somerset County website at www.co.somerset.nj.us and click on Prescription Savings Program under Health & Safety. Or, call the GSPOPS toll-free customer-service number at 1-800-633-0037.
Jack
The Old Gardener - To Fail - failure Part of Speech: noun Definition: lack of success
Many trees were pushed past their limits this year; their failure litters the ground and claws at power lines. And yet these are not random events, they can be anticipated or even forestalled.
In many ways we were lucky, the only trees “under full sail” were the evergreens and - the silver lining - this winter's storms had already brought down most of the rotten branches. If this had been hurricane season the results would have been much more horrendous.
The first condition that set us up for failure was soil saturated from record rainfalls. The trees that can take that are still standing. Willows are usually the first to snap, and yet there were very few casualties in that group, nor have I seen sweet gum, tulip tree or sycamore topple. The evergreens were vulnerable, since they usually inhabit slopes and mountains and have anchoring roots that rot in wet soil. The exceptions that prove that rule are the NJ pines of the Barrens and the southern red pines of the sand flats. That much sand = drainage, they go over for other reasons.
The next factor were the nor'easters that did the damage; nor'easters do happen, but our prevailing winds are from the west and our trees have all buttressed themselves against those forces. That's right, trees are stronger on their east side (just like bones getting stronger with exercise) and a push from the northeast attacks the trees weakest point. Therefore: pines and spruces to the north east of the house can be a liability.
These evergreens are usually classified as softwoods of varying degree, the softest being the pines, then spruces and finally hemlock. I have been told that hemlock is so flexible and strong that it was once used as bridge supports; unfortunately it has other, major issues. As we could expect the majority of damage was done to pines, fewer spruces and no hemlocks that I could see.
Beyond the horrified gasps at the total mess, on closer examination I saw, almost invariably, what went over were the trees that were planted too close together. I'm sure it made a lovely screen at the time, but nothing but trouble down the road.
Trees need maintenance, big trees near a house or power lines need careful maintenance, new trees need good pruning to develop a stable form. Hey, it is worth it – they save money over time. But.... a tree that has been poorly kept or the wrong tree in the wrong place is an accident waiting to happen.
When all these conditions have been met the tree has been set up for catastrophic failure – hopefully not right on your house.
Even if only some of the conditions have been met what we are left with is a cascading system failure (plant nuts come in geek flavor too). Wet roots that aren't as strong or as deep as they ought to be, older trees so closely planted that never have been able to get their share of sunlight and nutrients and limbs with an unstable join to the trunk. Lions, tigers and bears, oh my.
Prevention is more easily prescribed than accomplished. No big trees close to the house or power lines! If you already have a few like that maintain them as if they were vintage Rolls Royces. If you have the opportunity to plant more trees around your house use the naturally smaller ones like dogwoods, cherries, magnolias and crepe myrtles. There are a ton of good trees that don't want to be giants and even more great shrubs.
Perhaps next month I can do the successes: how trees can save money and energy, the good stuff.
Local H1N1 Vaccine Clinics’ Success in Averting Pandemic Celebrated
On April 6, the Greater Somerset Public Health Partnership (GSPHP) commended its members - local Health Department employees, nurses, and volunteers - for their efforts which resulted in the administration of 28,000 novel H1N1 influenza vaccinations to area residents. Stephanie Carey, Montgomery Township Health Officer and Immediate Past President of the GSPHP, told the group “You have helped make history and save lives.” She noted that it was the first pandemic ever to be broken by vaccination. Carey received an award for leading the vaccination initiative locally by directing a mock vaccine at schools to gather information; a“Shotline” that handled thousands of H1N1vaccine related calls; and the first H1N1 clinic in the area; all in Montgomery.
H1N1 is a distant relation of the deadly Spanish influenza that first appeared in 1918, grew into a worldwide pandemic, and finally disappeared in 1957 according to Somerset County epidemiologist Paul Masaba. H1N1 made its first appearance one year ago in Mexico and by July outbreaks had occurred in schools and long term care facilities. The numbers became so overwhelming that only hospitalized cases were tracked. Last August GSPHP estimated that 160,000 people in the area needed vaccinations. According to Carey, fear, confusion, and even panic complicated the situation, as did the lack of nurses at municipal health departments.
At the celebration, Carey quoted the words of John Barry, who dealt with the Spanish influenza and recounted his experience in his book “The Great Influenza”: “Uncertainty makes one tentative, and tentative steps may not overcome significant obstacles. To be a scientist requires the courage to accept—indeed, embrace—uncertainty; to move forcefully and aggressively even while uncertain.” She truly lived those words, noting “H1N1 is the biggest public health challenge in decades."
Carey knew appointments for the vaccinations were needed to reduce uncertainty and prevent panic. Since H1N1 infects young people in greater numbers, online registration, twitter, and e-bulletins were all employed. The GSPHP website received 32,000 hits and 26,000 appointments were scheduled using it. The Shotline, for those without internet access, received 1,000 calls in its first days and nearly shut down phone lines at Montgomery Township’s municipal building. Red Cross workers spent several days returning those calls. In total the Shotline received 12,000 calls. Clinics had to be scheduled in advance, before GSPHP knew how much vaccine it would receive.
The group agreed to share vaccine, ignoring geographic boundaries. A traveling team that went from town to town was formed. Pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems were targeted first.
11,000 people were vaccinated in November, with some clinics servicing as many as 1,000 people in four hours; in December, 9,500 were vaccinated, followed by 5,000 in January and 2,000 in February. Clinics held in Montgomery provided 3,642 inoculations.
250 volunteers and staff manned the clinics. School nurses, including Maureen Lintott from Montgomery Upper Middle School, Ann Messineo from Village Elementary School, and Pamela Schrum from Orchard Hill Elementary School, participated, in addition to volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps, Emergency Medical Services, Red Cross, and personnel from eight local health departments. Marcie Tyson, Health Educator for Montgomery Township laughed as she told the group, “I never worked so hard in my life.” Lucy Forgione, Bernards Township Health Officer, noted “This was an exciting time in public health. Because of our vaccinations, the pandemic was kept under control.” One nurse quipped, “We were so glad these were shots that went into the arm.”
The workers had to counteract much misinformation and fear. Some pregnant women were afraid of the preservative thimerosal, and some elderly people felt they were being wrongly excluded from the vaccines. Lisa Carlisle, who helped manage the Shotline, says her “experience in handling frightened people” as a former police dispatcher for Montgomery was helpful.
Online surveys conducted in December showed that 88% of those vaccinated by GSPHP thought the clinics were ‘very well organized’; 98% thought their questions were answered; and 98% would recommend the clinics to another person. One person responded “If the pandemic does not affect Americans adversely it is because of your efforts.”
The GSPHP has been recognized by the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) for its response to H1N1. Carey will be part of the team that presents "Collaborative Leadership to Assure Uniform Application of Best Practices During H1N1 Immunizations" to public health professionals at NACCHO's National Conference in Memphis in July in Memphis. Carey admits "We didn't start out to do a 'quality improvement' project.” She says that planning, and soliciting and evaluating feedback to continually make improvements contributed to the success of the program. “With knowledge gained in a real life event, we can apply the same team approach and quality improvement method for other health challenges."
The celebration was held during National Public Health Week. The Week’s theme of “A Healthy America One Community at a Time” was exemplified by GSPHP’s approach to H1N1, said Vice President Kevin Sumner. He noted that New Jersey State Health Commissioner Poonam Alaigh also praised GSPHP’s work.
145 confirmed cases (probably hospitalized) of H1N1 have occurred in the County; 60% of these were minors and 40% were adults. In New Jersey, 3% of these cases resulted in death; countywide the number was 1%. H1N1 has affected young people disproportionally. The mean age of its victims is 18 years while the median age is 19 years. No one above age 63 in Somerset County has contracted the disease.
Nationwide, 60 million people have contracted H1N1 while 80 million have been vaccinated against it. It continues to occur locally at low levels. However, Carey warns that the influenza virus first gained momentum a year ago as the weather warmed up. “With about half the population still unprotected, there is plenty of potential for outbreaks, misery, hospitalization and death.” Flu pandemics usually come in three waves; H1N1has had only two waves so far. Areas where fewer people were vaccinated have seen higher and more frequent spikes in occurrence.
The seasonal flu vaccine for the fall is expected to contain H1N1. The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization will make this decision soon, since six months are needed to manufacture and distribute this vaccine.
The Montgomery Health Department is offering free H1N1 vaccinations through June: Every Wednesday, 10 am to 12pm, Otto Kaufman Community Center, Skillman Road Every Sunday (except 5/30), 9am to 11 am, Princeton Elks Lodge Flea Market, Route 518 Wednesday, May12, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Montgomery Municipal Court Room, Route 206
Montgomery Students Get Hands-on Look at Robotic Surgery Device
During ‘Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® Day’
Dr. Isaac Yi Kim of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Highlights System at Lower Middle School
New Brunswick, N.J., April 20, 2010 - Many children will visit the workplace of their parents later this week during “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® Day.” However not all occupations are designed for youngsters to see mom or dad in action. This certainly holds true for most surgical procedures. That is why a robotic surgeon at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is bringing a form of his work to his daughter and her classmates at Montgomery Township Lower Middle School. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Isaac Yi Kim, MD, PhD, chief of CINJ’s Section of Urologic Oncology and associate professor of surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is an accomplished surgeon in the area of robotic prostatectomy. As part of his work, Dr. Kim sits at a console and peers through a magnified set of goggles, which enhances his view of the targeted surgical area on the patient. With his hands he then moves special joystick devices that control the “arms” of a robotic apparatus across the room. This separate device holds surgical instruments with tips the size of a dime, which make small incisions into the patient.
Kim, who is also the executive director of CINJ’s Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center, will be presenting the robotic device and sharing the technological advances of the robot itself with the school’s 6th graders this Thursday (April 22nd). The students will learn how the system is used and how it compares to contemporary video gaming systems. Some students also will be given the opportunity to interact firsthand with the robot. In keeping with the spirit of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, Kim also will give insight into his profession and the education needed to become a surgeon.
“This is a generation that has grown up with access to technology like the Wii, so it will be interesting for these youngsters to see how a similar technology is being used to help people and enhance the field of surgery,” Kim noted.
Montgomery Township Lower Middle School Principal Michael Richards is pleased that the students will have an opportunity to participate in such a unique experience. “While our teachers do a tremendous job in bringing education to life for our youngsters on a daily basis, it is a real treat for the students to hear from other community professionals so that they can gain a true hands-on perspective as to the career opportunities available to them. We are grateful to Dr. Kim and to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey for helping to educate our student body in this way,” he noted.
About The Cancer Institute of New Jersey The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. CINJ’s physician-scientists engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support CINJ, call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinjfoundation.org. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The CINJ Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides a mechanism to rapidly disseminate important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Major Clinical Research Affiliate Hospitals: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital, Cooper University Hospital and Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Affiliate Hospitals: Bayshore Community Hospital, CentraState Healthcare System, JFK Medical Center, Mountainside Hospital, Raritan Bay Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton (CINJ at Hamilton), Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Somerset Medical Center, Southern Ocean County Hospital, The University Hospital/UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School*, and University Medical Center at Princeton. *Academic Affiliate
Free Yoga Classes for New Visitors andA Wide Selection of Workshops Offered at Local Yoga Center
Princeton Center for Yoga & Health Kicks off Spring and Summer with Excitement for Everyone
(April 26, 2010: Skillman, New Jersey) Princeton Center for Yoga & Health (PCYH) opens the New Year with a new class schedule and a long list of workshops, continuing the tradition of making sure there is something for everyone at PCYH! The Center is located at the Montgomery Professional Center, 50 Vreeland Drive, Suite 506, in Skillman, just off 518 West and one half mile from Route 206. For more details, call 609/924-7294 or visit www.princetonyoga.com.
From Monday, May 10 through Sunday, May 16, first-time visitors may attend and choose from among nearly 50 classes for free. Returning students may sample classes for a drop-in rate of $17 for most classes (Hot Yoga, $18), or take a free class if they bring a friend new to the Center.
PCYH will also be offering some goodies for Moms on Mother’s Day and Dads on Father’s Day this year: bring your mom to class free on Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 9. She’ll also receive a free relaxation CD. Same for dads – bring them in on Sunday, June 20, and they’ll enjoy class for free and walk out with a free relaxation CD. A great way to thank them for all they’ve done for you!
PCYH offers the largest variety of classes in the area, including therapeutically oriented programs, traditional and popular daily classes, including Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Easy Flow, Gentle Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Yoga for Kids and Hot Slow Flow Yoga.
Free Program for Renters and Potential Tenants offers Savings Match
“Rental Realities” is a tenant education program being offered by local non-profit, the Somerset County Coalition on Affordable Housing (SCCOAH). Anyone thinking of renting an apartment or already paying rent will benefit from this course. “Rental Realities is designed to help potential renters avoid confrontations and understand their rights and responsibilities,” states Executive Director Sharon Clark. “We also know that many clients are struggling to save for their first month’s rent or security deposit. SCCOAH has received funding to add a new savings match component that helps make saving easier. Attending the three-hour group counseling course is a pre-requisite to qualify for the savings match component. For every dollar deposited in the approved participants savings account SCCOAH will provide matching funds at a rate of 4:1. We are especially excited about this new offering. This pilot program will be offered to the first ten participants that register and meet savings match qualifications.”
The three-hour group counseling course is designed to assist participants by providing practical information that will teach them how to be a successful tenant. Guest speakers will cover topics such as “How to Find and Apply for Rental Housing in New Jersey”, “Tenant’s Responsibilities”, Landlord’s Responsibilities”, “Fair Housing Laws”, and “State and Federal Rental Programs”.
Rental Realities is being offered through the generous funding of the Hunterdon County Department of Human Services, Johnson & Johnson Somerset County Companies, Somerset County Human Services, Somerset County United Way, Somerset Savings Bank, SLA, and US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The program is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, 2010 and will be held at the Somerset County Complex, 27 Warren Street, Somerville, NJ. The seminar begins promptly at 5:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm and will include a light dinner. Pre-registration to attend and participate in the savings match program is mandatory and space is limited. To register and find out if you qualify for the savings program, contact SCCOAH at (908) 704-9649, press 2 if you reach the voicemail. Please leave your name and daytime phone number so a SCCOAH staff member can contact you to complete the registration process. You can also go to www.sccoah.org for additional information.
Since 1987, SCCOAH has offered free educational programs and individual housing counseling services. SCCOAH is a HUD approved housing counseling agency that helps people with buying their first home, finding an affordable rental, and providing credit education and foreclosure/delinquency help.
Cherry Valley and the Van Zandt Farm
While it is well established that Cherry Valley was carved out of the Hobler dairy farm Wood Acres, mention should also be made of the Cherry Valley acreage bordering along Route 518, once the terraced croplands of the 270-acre van Zandt dairy/poultry farm Broad View. Now the site of fairway play and back-yard barbecues, this hillside once produced hay, alfalfa and other forage for the herds of Albert and J. Percy van Zandt. Their farmhouses, the silo, some ancillary structures and the barn (now home to the Princeton Elks) still stand along the north side of 518 across from the golf course and Cherry Valley residences. The windmill that pumped water for the farm for seventy years was donated by the family to the NJ Museum of Agriculture in 2005.
As recently as 1950 Broad View made national news when in a special to the New York Times it was reported that on May 6 of that year a conservation task force 100 strong “threw up diversion terraces, plowed contours, cleaned woodlots and limed soil” – the first major demonstration of conservation in the state. Tractors with plows, bulldozers and other mechanized farm equipment did in a day what would normally take three years by ordinary methods.
The event, sponsored by the van Zandts in cooperation with the Mid-Jersey Soil Conservation District, drew an estimated 6000 onlookers, many from other Mid-Atlantic and New England states. Farmers and other guests were buoyed up by the carnival atmosphere of concessionaires, food vendors, films, drawings, speeches and award presentations and traffic lined the roads as groups gathered to watch “spectacular irrigation sprays and earth sprays sent up by terracers along the 131 acres of cropland.”
Two years later an assessment of the day’s activities proclaimed the “one-day face-lift” a success and the farm restored to full production. Naysayers, of whom there had been many, were proven wrong as the farm became a paradigm for good farming practices and a demonstration and training center for high school and college groups. “Never before, nor since, has Jersey seen anything like that done on one farm in one day,” quoted the reporter in the 1952 update.
While the landscape has changed to fit the needs of the golf course, it is still possible to stand on the 6th tee or lounge in a neighboring back yard and envision this important footnote to New Jersey agricultural history.
Track the cases of the flu
Want to see the course of the latest flu pandemic? Google Flu Tracker www.google.org/flutrends/
Food For Thought - May 2010
Provence
Provence (pro-vawns) is the southeastern region of France on the Mediterranean Sea. Bordered by Italy on the east, Provence's diverse topography is characterized by mountains, valleys, beautiful beaches and salt marshes. Originally a Greek colony, Provence was part of the Roman Empire and eventually became incorporated into France in the 15th century.
As with every section of France, the culinary profile of Provence is influenced by its climate, geography, and proximity to neighboring cultural influences. The warm weather, coastal location, and impact of other Mediterranean culinary forces produce a cuisine at odds with the stereotypical conception of French food. For example, the lipid of choice is not butter or cream, but olive oil. Moreover, there is greater reliance on fresh vegetables, herbs, and seafood, (particularly cod and anchovies), than most other parts of France. Although the Greek influences are evident, Provence's gastronomy is more akin to neighboring Italy than the rest of France. Tomatoes, garlic, herbs, eggplant, artichokes, and almonds are just some of the cast of regulars.
There are a number of dishes that Provence is famous for. Bouillabaisse is their classic seafood stew made with an assortment of fish and shellfish, tomatoes, garlic, saffron, herbs, wine and olive oil. Bourride is similar to bouillabaisse except that it does not have tomato and is thickened with aioli, a garlic mayonnaise, and another traditional Provencal concoction. Pistou is the Provencal equivalent of pesto and used as a sauce, condiment and as a flavoring agent in soupe au pistou, Provence's version of Minestrone. Another famous appareil is tapenade, a ground mixture of olives, anchovies, capers, olive oil and lemon juice. In the fall and winter, a variety of daubs, or stews are produced from various meats and wild game. "Herbes de Provence" is an assortment of herbs containing some combination of thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, lavender, savory, fennel seed, marjoram, tarragon, oregano, and bay leaf.
With the possible exception of certain southern Rhone wines within its borders, Provence is not as famous for wine as other areas of France. Cotes de Provence is the largest wine appellation and produces reds and whites of varying quality. The star of the area is Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a southern Rhone appellation partially within Provence. Red Chateauneuf-du-Pape is made primarily from the Grenache grape but with others mixed in. It is a rich, full bodied, age-worthy, and spicy wine that lends itself well to heartier fare.
Aioli
1 whole bulb of garlic
1 cup extra virgin olive oil, more if needed
Salt to taste
Lemon juice, to taste, (optional).
Traditional aioli is made only with olive oil and garlic via a mortar and pestle but you can use a food processor. Peel the garlic cloves and puree them in the processor. Then add the oil in a very thin stream until a smooth paste is achieved. Season with salt and lemon juice if you like. Modern versions puree the garlic with two egg yolks to make a thicker and more America-grocery-store mayonnaise. Either way Aioli can be used as an accompaniment to meat, fish or vegetables, served on toasted bread, or used as a flavoring agent.
Tapenade
8 oz. black, pitted olives
2 oz. capers
1 can (2 oz.), anchovies, drained
5 cloves garlic
Juice of half a lemon
Olive oil as needed
Puree all the ingredients in a food processor except the olive oil first. Then add the olive oil in a thin stream until a spreadable paste is achieved. Other additions to the tapenade include sun-dried tomatoes and various herbs. Like aioli, it is served with meat, fish, vegetables, or on toasted bread. Tapenade can also be used as a filling. Take a paillard, (a thin slice of meat), such as a cutlet or a chicken breast that you've pounded thin, roll it with a tapenade stuffing and then sauté.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a Provencal vegetable stew that is popular all along the Mediterranean coast. It is a summer dish, best when the vegetables are in season and at their peak.
1 red and 1 green bell pepper, roasted, skins and seeds removed.
4 tomatoes, blanched, skins and seeds removed.
1 medium eggplant, cut into large dice
3 small zucchini, cut into half inch slices
1 large onion, roughly chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil as needed
Assorted herbs, chopped, to taste
Slice the peppers into half-inch strips and roughly chop the tomatoes. In a large Dutch oven sauté the onions, peppers, zucchini, and eggplant separately, in olive oil until each vegetable browns. If you do them all at once the pan will be overcrowded and they will not sauté, they will steam and not brown. After all the vegetables are browed, combine them in the Dutch oven, add the tomatoes and garlic, a squirt or two of olive oil, salt and pepper. Cover and cook over low to medium heat for 30 minutes or until very tender. Add the herbs at the end and check for additional salt and pepper. You can use any combination of herbes de Provence but basil, thyme, oregano, and marjoram are common selections.
Busy Beavers - They're Back!!!
Beavers have made reappearance in local woods, along with the American Bald Eagle, coyote, black bear, and some would say, the American Cougar. This furry, reclusive, sharp-toothed aquatic mammal had been hunted out and nearly exterminated during the 17th and 18th centuries for their fur. But as a consequence of clean water and bans on trapping, they have worked their way back.
One result has been the flooded road, Laurel Avenue, connecting Rocky Hill and Rt. 518 with Kingston. This roadway, which had been built in recent years by Kingston Trap Rock, runs parallel to the Delaware and Raritan Canal. The drainage for the roadway runs through a pipe under the road and the decorative berm on the south side of the road, and drains into the canal.
However, beavers, who do what beavers do, have dropped dozens of trees along the edge of the canal, between the canal and the road. The result is that something has blocked the drainage from Laurel Avenue, resulting in a flooded and closed roadway since the March 13 storm. It was still closed on April 7.
Although Laurel Avenue is in Franklin Township, it is a maintained by the Somerset County Road Dept. A Road Dept. spokesperson says that the flooding is due to continued runoff from the hill into the quarry, but seemed at a loss to explain why it is still flooded, or when it would re-open. Even during Hurricane Floyd, which brought record rainfall and endless misery, this road had been open.
Fans of nature can see for themselves by parking at the D & R Canal parking lot on Rt. 518 at the Canal. Walk across Rt. 518 toward Kingston, on the lesser-used pathway between the Canal and Laurel Avenue. After a few hundred feet, you should start to see downed trees, the largest of which is about a foot thick.
With few if any natural predators it looks like beavers – and their engineering projects – will be with us for a long time to come. See photos on our Facebook Page!
Census May Leave Some Uncounted
I've been reading about the Census for some time, as well as the April 1 reporting date. My family has lived in NJ and appeared on census reports since 1790. I'd love to participate, however, we never received the forms. Come to think of it, we didn't receive the forms in 2000 or in 1990. Nor were we ever interviewed. That's odd. Hmmm.
But I think I have an answer: we have lived in Rocky Hill, NJ since 1981, and one particularity of Rocky Hill, as it is for some other small towns, is that anyone living within 1/4 mile of the Post Office (100 yards from my home) doesn't get mail delivered. Instead, we pick it up at the Post Office. At first this seemed annoying, but over time, we've come to prefer it. It's the town center and we see everyone there at one point or another during the week.
How were we missed by the Census, you ask? The Post Office is the source of all maps in the US used by digital mapping services, such as the one used by the GPS system on my dashboard, UPS, Fedex, and I suspect, the Census. The Post Office delivery man notes active deliveries (occupied homes) to the local postmaster. Unoccupied homes, homes under construction, and homes not delivered to, such as my home in Rocky Hill., are noted as "inactive." The local postmaster reports all active and inactive homes and businesses to a central office in Tennessee. That office prepares the information used to burn a master DVD with a listing of all active home addressed in the country. Their maps only show deliveries to homes, not to Post Office boxes.
As a consequence our home on a cul-de-sac, doesn't show on the maps - hence, not only do UPS and Fedex have trouble finding our home (I wish I had a dollar for every time they lost a package), but as far as the Census is concerned, we don't exist at all. There seems to be no way to fix it, and we've been unable to get Census forms. Not ever.
I’m not sure how our Congressmen and Senators have gotten the reputation for fixing simple problems, but it’s way overrated. So far, none of these three – Lance, Lautenburg, Menendez - were able to get me a census form.
So, on April 7, a week after the official due date for mailing the forms (the government will have its little joke), I went to the secret office on Rt. 518, the old Princeton Gamma Tech building, marked only by a paper sign on one of the glass doors, and found a receptionist behind a bulletproof glass window, who communicated with the outside word – me – through an intercom.
“I’d like one of the forms,” I said.
“What forms?” she asked.
“The Census forms,” I said.
“In English?” she asked. For a moment, I thought I'd fallen into the Twilight Zone.
“Of course English,” I said.
After some delay, a very nice lady came out from the inner office with a clipboard and told me they didn’t have the Census forms, but maybe she could help. She took my name. I told her I had to run errands and didn’t have time to fill out a form then, but simply wanted the form to fill out at home. After much back and forth, and only as I was leaving the office empty handed, someone else came out and handed me one.
I took it home, filled it out and mailed it, wondering why they would expect anyone else to go through this nonsense: complaints to Rocky Hill Borough Council, calls to my Congressman and both Senators, and Census Dept. voicemail hell, and so on, got me nowhere. If I hadn’t known where their secret office with its unlisted phone number is located I never would have been counted at all.
Recent stories in other papers indicate they “lost” an entire development in Lambertville, of some 125 families.
So, when you read a Census report in a few months, with statistics and so forth, take it with a grain of salt.
Ginger's Story - Ivermectin may be toxic to your dog
Ginger was a happy, healthy, and energetic six-year-old dog. She is half Australian Shepherd and half Golden Retriever. One day we noticed some rashes on her stomach and took her to the vet. The vet gave her a cortizone shot for itching and put her on antibiotics. When the rash didn’t get better we took her back to the vet on February 15th and the vet diagnosed the rash as fox mites and gave her an Ivermectin shot and give us Revolution (like frontline) that we applied on her that night.
On the evening of 2/19, we noticed her back legs slipping and dragging when walking. The next morning it got worse and we took her back to the vet. The vet said it looks like Ivermectin toxicity but was not sure, mentioning that usually it happens within 24-48 hours and only to the collie breeds. The vet said Ginger should be okay in a couple of days and we took her back home.
Monday morning (2/22) she couldn’t walk at all. She was drooling a lot, twitching, clingy, and was disoriented loosing directional ability. When called my vet, asked me to bring her right away. They admitted her and gave her fluids because she was dehydrated from drooling. Our vet did not seem to know much about this, so we decided to do some research ourselves.
We looked online and found that Ivermectin could be deadly to any herding breeds not just collies and should not be used to treat them. Our research led us to the Washington State University (WSU) http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/vcpl. When called, WSU asked me to get in touch with Dr. Katrina Mealey. She was god sent, she knew all about this and volunteered to work with our vet and confirmed that this is indeed Ivermectin toxicity. Per her advice, we started giving her activated Charcoal in addition to fluids. On 2/23 when I visited her she couldn’t stand up at all, could not eat or drink, tired, no movements other than breathing, and continue drooling. The next couple of days were bad, seeing her like this was hard for us, but Dr. Mealey assured that almost all dogs will come out of this with out any side effects but it could take several weeks. The doctors and staff at the vet worked with Dr. Mealey, gave her fluids three times daily, hand fed prescription food mixed with the charcoal, and gave her the best care possible.
Dr. Mealey at WSU recommended that we do a test to confirm the Gene Mutation that causes this toxicity. Our vet sent Ginger’s blood to WSU Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Lab (VCPL). Drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the Multi-Drug Resistance gene (MDR1). This gene encodes a protein, P-glycoprotein that is responsible for pumping many drugs and other toxins out of the brain. Dogs with this mutant gene cannot pump some drugs out of the brain as a normal dog would, which may result in abnormal neurological signs. The result may be an illness requiring an extended hospital stay - or even death.
On Friday March 5, we were visiting Ginger and our vet came in and told us our MDR1 test results came in with double mutant. We were surprised because she had only half herding dog in her (Australian Shepherd) and the other half is Golden Retriever. Because of the double mutant gene she got such a severe reaction to Ivermectin.
On Saturday March 6, we were at the vet, going to take Ginger home for the weekend. The vet informed us that this morning she had started drinking water and started eating on her own. Along with our vet, we thought that it is better for us to take her home.
On Sunday March 7, we carried her to our porch, after a few minutes she got up and walked a few steps. She still cannot hold her head up and falls down after walking a few steps. She is improving slowly. She is still tired and sleeps most of the time.
We want everyone to be aware of what happened to Ginger, that it takes time to recover from Ivermectin toxicity, and that be aware not to give Ivermectin to herding dogs even if they are mutts. You can check the WSU web site for the breeds affected and other medicine, which is toxic to those breeds. Hopefully by the time this article is published she will be running around and chasing deer in our backyard.
We also wanted to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Katrina Mealey at WSU for all her advice and encouragement.
Batteries No Longer Accepted Curbside Starting January 2010
The Somerset County Recycling Center has announced that starting Jan. 1, 2010 it no longer will accept batteries with curbside collection of recyclables.
Due to regulatory changes and less hazardous battery compositions, alkaline batteries now fall below federal and state hazardous-waste standards and can be disposed of in the regular trash.
Household battery manufacturers of alkaline batteries no longer add mercury and have reduced the amount of mercury added to other batteries as a result of the New Jersey Dry Cell Battery Management Act of 1991 and the federal Mercury- Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996.
Batteries have a label on them that indicates whether they are rechargeable or alkaline. Alkaline batteries can be thrown out in the regular trash.
Rechargeable batteries still need to be recycled. Rechargeable batteries are found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders and remote-control toys.
Most button-cell batteries must be recycled because they still contain mercury.
Somerset County will accept rechargeable and button-cell batteries at Household Hazardous Waste and First Saturday of the Month (with electronics) events.
Rechargeable batteries also can be recycled at participating retail locations, including Radio Shack, Best Buy, Staples, Target, Office Max, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, Walmart and Verizon Wireless.
Batteries must be properly prepared before drop off due to new federal regulations that prevent short circuiting of batteries during transport. Residents must bag each battery individually or tape each of the terminal ends prior to recycling.
Registration Begins for 2010 Montgomery Softball
The Montgomery Girls Softball League is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the 2010 Recreational Softball season. League brackets include the Instructional League for kindergarten and 1st grade girls with no prior experience, the Minor League for girls in the 1st and 2nd grades, the Junior League for girls in the 3rd and 4th grades, the Senior League for girls in 5th and 6th grades, and the Major League for girls in grades 7 through 10
The League's travel program, the Montgomery Mavericks, fields teams at the 10-and-under, 12-and-under, 14-and-under, 16-and-under, and 18-and-under age levels. Teams compete in the Mid-State Girls Softball League and play in tournaments throughout the summer. Additional information about the Mavericks can be found at www.montgomerymavericks.com.
The 2010 season will begin in April and conclude with Championship Sunday in June. For more information and to register, please visit www.montgomerysoftball.com.
PET ADOPTION DAYS at Montgomery Animal Shelter
Second Saturdays: April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; Weather permitting. Sponsored by Montgomery Twp Animal Control in partnership with Animal Alliance. For more info, call 908-359-4308
Montgomery Animal Shelter is located behind the Municipal Building at 2261 Route 206.
Reduced cost spay/neuter certificates will also be available. You can see more Animal Alliance pets at “Utopia for Pets”, Princeton North Shopping Center, 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 12 to 3pm.
UMCP KIDS MARATHON Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the Princeton HealthCare KIDS MARATHON – a 26.2-mile run completed over 10 weeks, culminating in a final, festive sprint on the Princeton University Campus.
The marathon, presented by the Auxiliary of University Medical Center of Princeton, encourages children to tackle 2.5 miles each week starting March 20 – the first day of spring – leading up to the big event: a final, 1.2-mile “Fun Run” June 6 at Princeton University.
Participants are offered a variety of ways to go the distance – jogging, playing youth sports like baseball and soccer, walking to school, and more. Children with disabilities are also encouraged to enter. Participants also receive small prizes every two weeks that mark each five miles conquered, and encourage them onward to their goal.
“The Kids Marathon is designed to promote good health and help children incorporate fitness into their daily routines,” said event co-chair Amy Rabner. “We all know that obesity is a growing problem among school-aged children with serious and life-long consequences. The time to start building healthy habits is now.”
Participants are also helping to raise funds for the Pediatric Clinic at University Medical Center at Princeton. Each child is encouraged to find 10 sponsors to contribute $1 per-mile (a $26 pledge).
The KIDS MARATHON is open to kindergarteners to eighth graders. A $25 registration fee includes a t-shirt, a commemorative medal, prizes for every five miles logged, as well as goodie bags, snacks and Mylar blankets – the shiny, metallic wrapping typically given to marathon runners after a race.
To register, and for more information, visit the event’s web site at http://www.princetonkidsmarathon.org/ or call the auxiliary at (609) 497-4069.
Pothole Reporting Hotline
Got a favorite pothole? Report it to the Township Pothole Hotline, 908-874-8947. Pothole reports are monitored every week day. If it is a weekend and an emergency, notify the Township Police Dept, at 908-359-3222.
Fire Safety News
As we go into the new year with our new Chief, Bill Ballinger, our fire company is hoping for a quiet year with few and small fires. You can help.
First, please remember to open the flue before lighting a fireplace or woodstove. Start a draft in the chimney if necessary. Neglecting to do so will fill your house with smoke, and when we come to blow all the smoke out, your house will be chilly for a while.
Please also remember when using your fireplace that you should never use a flammable liquid to start your fire, use adequate screening to keep the sparks in the fireplace, and never burn wood or manufactured logs in gas-fired fireplaces. It's a good idea to get your chimney cleaned regularly if you are using a fireplace or woodstove often.
Some other winter safety tips: never bring a propane grill indoors to cook with as the carbon monoxide thrown off could sicken or kill you. For similar reasons, never use kerosene heaters indoors. Use caution when burning candles; a romantic Valentine's night could be ruined by the arrival of our fire company.
You can also help us by joining our fire company. Our website has been revised to make it easier to see how to join. Go to 46fire.com for more information.
Finally, our Commissioners elections are on Feb 20, 9am-2pm at the fire house. Claude Lewis is running for reelection. Denis Cummings is running for the seat left open when Bill Balliinger stepped down January 1.
CASA SHaW Seeks Advocates in Somerset County
Every year there are more than 100,000 reports of child abuse or neglect in New Jersey. Of these children, nearly 9,000 are removed from their homes annually because of safety concerns. As of December 31, 2009, 389 of these 9,000 children were removed from their parents’ care in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. In an effort to address these children’s many needs, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) recruits, screens, trains, and supervises community volunteers to act as advocates in court for children in foster care.
CASA volunteers are appointed by a family court judge to discover the best possible outcome for an abused or neglected child’s future as well as make recommendations that support the child’s current needs. These advocates conduct an independent fact-finding investigation, reviewing records, researching information and talking to everyone involved – social workers, attorneys, parents, teachers, family members and, of course, the children themselves. The volunteers receive support and supervision from a trained social worker with the CASA organization throughout the duration of their cases.
The qualifications to become a CASA volunteer are straight forward: over 21 years of age, no criminal or child abuse history, positive references, and an abundance of common sense and a desire to help children in need. CASA volunteers undergo 30-hours of training from professionals in the legal and social service fields and participate in 4-hours of court observation. CASA SHaW is currently seeking volunteers in Somerset County and will be offering information sessions throughout the month of February for volunteers interested in serving children in foster care. If you are interested in finding out more information about becoming a CASA advocate, please call Susan Hayes at 908-689-5515 or via email at susan@casashaw.org. The CASA SHaW website is www.casashaw.org.
Deer Hunting Program on Certain Public Lands
As part of a comprehensive deer management plan for the purpose of reducing the Township’s white-tailed deer population, the Township Committee allows limited hunting in certain open spaces for the purpose of culling white-tailed deer only. This program has successfully culled deer populations for a number of years.
Montgomery Township's Deer Management Program runs from September 11th through February 19th. All public properties where hunting is allowed as part of this program are posted. Hunting of any sort is not conducted on Sundays by local ordinance. Please go to the Deer Management Program page for details and maps of the properties and limits included in the program.
No Dog Left Behind - Annual Dog Census
Montgomery Animal Control is conducting its annual dog census, as required by New Jersey statute. Local Animal Control officials will be out in the community this summer canvassing neighborhoods for dogs that may not yet be licensed. Licensing your dog helps assure that the community is protected against rabies, and helps you be reunited with your dog should it get lost. Surveys may be curbside or door to door.
If you have questions about the dog census, contact Montgomery Animal Control at 908-359-8211, x 247 or health@twp.montgomery.nj.us
RVCC PLANETARIUM TO OFFER Summer STAR SHOWS, LASER CONCERTS
The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in Branchburg will present a variety of star shows and laser concerts this summer for all ages to enjoy. The following shows will be offered:
“Attack of the Space Pirates”: Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 8-August 26, 2 p.m.
An alien technology so powerful that it threatens the very galaxy itself is hidden somewhere in the vast reaches of space. A gang of rogue pirates will stop at nothing to find that technology and unleash its awesome power against the rest of the universe. It’s a race against time for one valiant ship—the Starship Intrepid—as it seeks to find the alien technology first while defending itself against the space pirates. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
“The Little Star that Could”: Tuesdays, July 13-August 24, 3 p.m.
Join Little Star, an average yellow star, as he meets other colorful stars in our galaxy during his quest for a name and a planet to call his own. After the story, participants will discover some of the stars and constellations that are visible in tonight’s sky. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
“Rockin’ Rocket Ride”: Wednesdays, July 14-August 25, 2 p.m.
Put on your space suit and blast off into outer space. Catchy songs teach us about the planets and moon rocks. We’ll also discover what stars are visible in tonight’s sky. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
“Tycho to the Moon”: Wednesdays, July 14-August 25, 3 p.m.
Meet Tycho, a dog who doesn’t just howl at the Moon, he wants to go there. Learn about night and day, space travel, the phases of the Moon, and features of the lunar surface. Take a close-up look at the Sun, watch the effects of gravity, see the Earth from space, and watch meteors shoot across the sky. (Recommended for ages 5-10)
“Laser Kids 2”: Thursdays, July 8-August 26, 3 p.m.
Listen to songs such as “Twist & Shout” by the Beatles and “Fireflies” by Owl City while lasers draw pictures on the dome overhead. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
“Summer Skies”: Fridays, July 9-August 27, 7:30 p.m.
The Summer Triangle dominates the evening skies this season. Join us on Friday evenings throughout the summer to learn what stars, constellations and planets are visible—including Saturn—and hear about current events in astronomy.
Laser Concerts:
A variety of laser concerts will be offered this summer on the following evenings at 8:30 p.m.:
Pink Floyd’s The Wall (July 9)
Laser Coldplay (July 16)
Dark Side of the Moon (July 23)
ELO (July 30)
Led Zeppelin (August 6)
The Beatles (August 13)
U2 (August 20)
Dark Side of the Moon (August 27)
Volunteering At Morris Hall - It's Just Like Selling Lemonade
Do you remember what fun it was when you were a kid and you sold lemonade to your family and friends on a hot summer day?
If you're available several hours a month, you can re-live that fun by volunteering to sell gifts and books to residents, visitors, and staff at Saints' Corner Boutique,. the gift shop of Morris Hall in Lawrenceville.
Morris Hall is located in the heart of Lawrenceville on Rt. 206. Its 175 residents delight in making purchases at the gift shop, which is an integral part of the social fabric of the facility.
As a volunteer, you and Morris Hall's Volunteer Coordinator would work out a schedule that would meet your needs. Some volunteers work weekly, some monthly, and others fill-in when regular volunteers are unavailable.
The shop is open from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily. Early evening volunteers are especially welcome. Morris Hall also is currently looking for volunteers to entertain, teach, and visit residents, as well as assist with activities.
Celebrating its centennial in 2004, Morris Hall consists of St. Mary's Assisted & Residential Living, and St. Joseph's Skilled Nursing Center. St. Mary's was the first licensed assisted living facility in Mercer County and residents are able to "age in place", so that as their needs increase, they receive more care and may transition to St. Joseph's, as needed.
For further information on volunteering, please call Elle Wilson at Morris Hall at 609-896-0006, Ext. 2610.
Donated School Supplies Sought for Food Bank Families
The Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women (SCCSW) has launched its annual “Project First Class” school-supplies collection. Children of families served by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County will benefit from the donations this year.
Although any types of new school supplies will be welcome, the children are most in need of backpacks, notebooks, three-ring binders, highlighters, markers and reference books on CD-ROM, including dictionaries, thesauruses and atlases.
Donations may be dropped off to the Somerset County Freeholders’ Office on the third floor of the county administration building at 20 Grove St., Somerville, now through Aug. 16. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except July 5. Free parking is available in the adjacent Bernie Field Parking Deck off East High Street.
“This is an opportunity to help kids who might otherwise have no way of getting the necessary supplies for the new school year,” said Freeholder Director Jack M. Ciattarelli, commission liaison. “This is critical in the current economy, when families are struggling to meet their basic needs. For this reason, we are especially appreciative of the Commission’s efforts in carrying out this important annual event.”
The SCCSW serves as an advisory board to the Board of Chosen Freeholders to address present and potential needs of women and to develop a greater public awareness of women’s issues.
Project First Class co-chairs are Commission members Paula Marasco and Dawn Guttschall. For more information, contact Paula Marasco at (908) 953-0791.
The Old Gardener- Three Improbable Things Before Breakfast
A problem is just an opportunity in an ugly package; as it was in ancient Egypt where the annual flood of the Nile provided enriched soil for farming. Increasing shade can become a moss garden and a new stone wall has opened a garden world I could only dream of.
Some might say, since I am a collector by nature, I have it all. Not so. There are certain things that I crave that are just not possible in New Jersey. Although, with added research perhaps some of these things are merely improbable or even just a challenge.
My challenge, this year, was an herb garden. Herb garden? Easy peasy, you say. Ha!
A well grown herb garden in New Jersey is improbable. Our soil is too wet, too acid and too heavy.
Let us start with the right plant in the right place elements. Many herbs are native to the Mediterranean region: limy cliffs, moderate temperatures, dry summers. What can we offer that might make herbs happy? Bright sun, raised gravelly beds (the closest we can come to cliffs) and extra lime or marble chips in the soil.....oh yes, no fertilizer.
I am the proud owner of a new stone wall with cement in the crevices (read lime) and raised beds. The stone will not only provide extra lime but will act as a heat sink keeping the below ground temperatures more moderate. Moderated temperatures mean that I can try plants that ordinarily freeze out or even prefer a cooler climate. It helps on both ends of the thermometer.
The problem: any kind of foundation on the bright side of your house. The solution: a raised bed filled with Mediterranean aromatic herbs.
The problem: an area now darkened by shade and devoid of summer flowers – the opportunity: an oriental style moss garden enlivened with ferns and golden hostas, don't forget the snowdrops for early spring sparkle. The only care needed would be a fall cleanup and mulching.
The problem: you want to have plants from your child hood or from a favorite book but it seems as though that plant will not take the winter here. The solution is two pronged. First, take advantage of the research done by the National Arboretum and others on hardy varieties; the work done there is why crepe myrtles have become a common landscaping feature. Secondly anything placed near the foundation of a house can take advantage of the heat conducted through the wall. Even planting something near a large rock will give those roots an advantage. This is what gardeners call pushing the zone, global warming is also giving us a leg up with this. This year I am trying jasmine, the hardiest variety named 'Pride of Augusta'; so abandon delphiniums and try jasmine!
My response to global warming - the problem- is to plant more unusual trees – the opportunity. Perhaps one of these trees will prove resistant to climate change and grant not only an opportunity but part of the solution.
To read all the Old Gardener articles go to http://sagegardeners.com/blog.
Free Discount Prescription Card Offered
Tremendous Response to Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Discount Prescription Card
The Mercer regional Chamber of Commerce to Provide Prescription Assistance Cards
MERCERVILLE, NJ— The Free Discount Prescription Card is being offered to all residents compliments of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce’s prescription assistance program. The program was launched to help residents and Chamber members offset the rising prices of prescription drugs.
The Mercer Regional Rx Card was launched in February 2010 to help uninsured and underinsured residents. It can also help those with health insurance coverage but no prescription benefits. The card can also be used for your pet medication if purchased through the pharmacy, if discount applies. The card is free to all Mercer County and surrounding area residents. The card provides discounted prescriptions, not free prescriptions, which are made available directly through the pharmaceutical company. The savings of using this card average around 30 percent.
The Mercer Regional Rx Card has no restrictions to membership, no income or age limitations, and residents are not required to fill out an application or provide personal information to obtain a free card. In most cases a phone number is required. It is pre-activated and does not expire. Cards can be picked up at the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce office at 1A Quakerbridge Plaza Drive, Suite 2, Mercerville, NJ 08619, M-F, 8:30 – 4:30. Many local Senior Centers also have a supply. Interested residents can also download a card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies at www.mercerchamber.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS - SOMERSET COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Entertaining & Educational Activities for All Ages
June 28 through July 4
BASKING RIDGE, NJ - The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge has scheduled the following Naturalist-led programs to help children and adults enjoy the wonder and the beauty of nature as summer arrives in Somerset County. The Environmental Education Center provides many entertaining and educational programs for children and adults year around.
Cool Colors – NEW
Tuesday, June 29 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Children ages 4 to 6 will search the gardens and trails with a Naturalist for
Unique colors in nature following by a the opportunity to paint a most colorful picture.
Fee is $14 per person.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489.
Advance payment required.
Creative Chameleon
Wednesday, June 30 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent meet with a Naturalist to discover the
secrets to the chameleon’s changing colors.
Fee is $10 per pair and $5 per additional child.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489.
Advance payment required.
Get Into Shapes
Thursday, July 1 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent will explore the Great Swamp to
discover the shapes of nature in flowers, trees and in the sky.
Fee is $10 per pair & $5 per additional child.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489.
Advance payment required.
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.
MONTGOMERY FARMERS MARKET 2010
We had a great opening day at the market last week. Special thanks to our opening day band, Shikantaza, for putting on a great show!! If you missed it, come out this week to take advantage of the latest crop of seasonal fruits and veggies. Put off the grocery shopping until you've had a chance to stock up on nutrient-rich, local foods. We'll continue to have great offerings from our farmers and vendors: C&M Produce, Griggstown Farms, Orchard Farm Organics, Suydam Farms, Tree-licious Orchards and Bakery, bread from Witherspoon Bakery, plus a few new faces as the season progresses.
There are lots of great things in season, including salad greens, berries, radishes, kale, and Swiss chard. For a list of what's in season, check out the Natural Resources Defense Council web site. We'll also have fresh breads and baked goods along with some local honey and other non-perishables to get you through the coming summer.
Barbecue and Bubbly Will Be on the Menu at the Rocky Hill
Every Tuesday and Wednesday
ROCKY HILL, NJ, June 1---What’s better than a Cold One with a bold barbecue dish hot off the grill? At the Rocky Hill Eatery & Tavern, it’s a sparkling wine or even a glass of Champagne.
June is Bubbly Q Month at the historic Rocky Hill Inn. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, starting June 1, Chef Evan Blomgren will present a special barbecue dish with a selection of sparkling wines and Champagne. Entrees will be available at lunch and dinner, priced at $20.10.
Beer is the traditional quaff for summer barbecues, but Chef Blomgren notes, “The effervescence and flavor of sparkling wine and Champagne make them great matches for the smoky, spicy flavors of grilled foods.”
Dishes of chicken, fish, beef and pork will be offered each week, with a recommended sparkling wine. For example, for Summer Grilled Talapia which is offered with a salad of black beans, red pepper, red onions and celery in a light vinaigrette, Chef Blomgren suggests either a sweet Processco or a dry Korbel.
According to noted wine authority, Karen MacNeil, most any food that goes well with beer also pairs with sparkling wine. “Both are served cold, making them refreshing; both have bubbles, which energize the mouth; and both are dry and crisp on the palate.”
And for those who still prefer a beer with their barbecue, the Rocky Hill Inn offers an outstanding selection of craft beers on tap to accompany any grilled dish. Choose Allagash, a light, summery beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or the darker and heavier Spaten.
For more information about the Rocky Hill Inn’s Bubbly Q, go to www.rockyhilltavern.com or find us on Facebook at Rocky Hill Inn.
EAGLE SCOUT TYLER BLAKEMORE♦ TURNS OVER THE KEYS TO LEARN & SERVE AMERICA GRANT PROJECT AT SOURLAND MOUNTAIN PARK PRESERVE
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission has accepted the keys to the lock that protects the information inside the new information kiosk created as part of the “Learn & Serve America” grant project constructed by Eagle Scout Tyler Blakemore of Belle Mead, New Jersey. The kiosk is located at the entrance to the trail off the main Sourland Mountain Park Preserve parking lot on East Mountain Road in Hillsborough, New Jersey The kiosk houses information on migratory bird species prepared by the Scout.
The project was an initiative of the Montgomery Township Upper Middle School and teacher Margaret Weinberger who served as Project Manager.
“The Park Commission seeks opportunities to partner with local schools, Scouts, and other community organizations as we continue to strive to find new and creative ways to maximize a direct benefit to the residents of Somerset County,” commented Ray Brown, Director of the Park Commission.
Learn and Serve America supports and encourages service-learning throughout the United States, and enables over one million students to make meaningful contributions to their community while building their academic and civic skills. By engaging our nation’s young people in service-learning, Learn and Serve America instills an ethic of lifelong community service.
Learn and Serve America is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation.
Girl Scout Troop 543 - “Helping Us, Helping Others” Service project
The fourth grade girls from Troop 543 in Montgomery have been busy this Spring conducting two big service projects to help our community. The first part of their campaign was to collect handbags for the Mercer County Dress For Success Boutique. The girls wrote personal messages to friends and family to solicit donations and over 80 bags were placed on the boutique shelves!
Their second effort was to help Homefront by collecting gently used linens which were then package and labeled by size for delivery. The girls delivered 150 sets of linens and towels to Homefront!
Hats off to Kiera Croland, Hannah Csontos, Katie Fitzgerald, Nicole Foxx, Samantha Holondinski, Madison Jakubowski, Kate Linnehan, Angela Masessa, Amanda Morrison, Tara Sipos and their inspiring group leader Adrienne Jakubowski. What will the girls do next year?
FREE AND REDUCED COST PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS
At the Montgomery Health Department, our goal is to prevent illness and protect the health of our residents.
To reach that goal, we have arranged to make preventive health services available for our residents. While these services are not meant to take the place of your family doctor, they can supplement or help get needed screenings for the uninsured.
Are you uninsured? Laid-off? Lost your health insurance coverage? Get low-cost health insurance for your kids (up to age 18) through NJ FamilyCare. Your family income (with three kids) can be as high as $86,000 a year and still qualify for the subsidy. Below $49,000, parents can be insured, too. For enrollment information, call 1-800-701-0710 or go to njfamilycare.org. Need help with the application? Montgomery Health Department is an authorized Application Assistance Center. Call 908-359-8211, x 245 for help with enrollment.
Free Blood Pressure monitoring is offered at Otto Kaufman Community Center on the second Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m. This life-saving service is offered by Montgomery EMS volunteers. No appointment needed!
Child Health well-baby care and immunizations are offered through the Hillsborough Health Department. The program is available for children age 6 years or under who do not have health insurance. School age immunizations are also available. Call 908-725-9355 for an appointment to the "Child Health Conference".
Women's Health gynecological services are available through the Women's Health and Counseling Center in Somerville. Cancer screenings, pregnancytesting, and STD testing. Call 908-526-2335 to schedule an appointment.
Adolescent Health Services are available for youth ages 12-25 through HiTOPS, Inc. Their Princeton facility offers confidential services at a reduced fee/sliding scale. Call 609-683-5155 for an appointment
Senior Citizens' Immunization Clinics are offered each fall to protect against influenza and pneumonia. Clinic dates and location will be announced in September, or call the Health Department at 908-359-8211 x 227.
Sliding Scale Clinics for the Uninsured are available at Somerset Family Practice in Somerville (908-685-2900) and through Princeton Healthcare Systems (609-497-3045)
Blawenburg Band Summer Concert Series
July 5, July 26, and August 2
7:30pm in front of the Hopewell Train Station on Railroad Place Hopewell, NJ Free Website www.Blawenburgband.com
Summer Courtyard Concert Series
The Arts Council of Princeton, in partnership with the Princeton Shopping Center, presents the Summer Courtyard Concert Series every Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm at the Princeton Shopping Center at 301 North Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ. Concerts start on Thursday, June 17 and run every week through Thursday, August 12, 2010. This summer’s performers include Swingadelic, The Klez Dispensers, The Blawenburg Band, Alex Mitnick and the Kaleidoscope Band, Celtic Crossroad, Eco Del Sur, Alfred James Band, Thursday Jazz, and Sarah Donner. These concerts are free to the public. Ample parking is available at the Princeton Shopping Center. For more information, visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or call 609-924-8777.
Curry-Bryan Becomes Eagle Scout
On February 17, 2010, David Elisha Curry-Bryan earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 15, one of the youngest individuals to attain such an accomplishment. David will be honored in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 10 am at the Christian Community Chapel, 211 U.S. Highway 206 North, Hillsborough, NJ 08844. This former Edison Township resident now resides in Belle Mead, Montgomery Township, New Jersey.
For his Eagle Scout Project, David decided to construct a lakeside wooden park bench and split rail fencing to be placed alongside a hiking trail within the Cheesequake State Park located in Matawan, New Jersey. The project was completed in November 2009.
Before the project began, he created a draft of his plans to be presented to the park's project representative. Once given the approval to begin, the first phase was to construct the park bench. He organized and led a group of scouts and parents in constructing the bench.
The next phase of the project included constructing over 100 feet of split rail fencing to be placed along the park's Red Trail. This phase was completed with the help of 33 volunteers, who completed over 301 hours assisting with David's project. To complete the project, donations were given to David from Home Depot, Pride Landscaping, Suburban Fencing, National Fence Systems, Inc., AKA, Inc., Walmart, Dunkin' Donuts, Stop & Shop, and ShopRite.
During David's 10-year scouting career, he has earned numerous achievements such as Cub Scout pins with belt loops, the Arrow of Light Award, 44 merit badges, and the Bronze Eagle Palm Rank Award. David is currently a member of the Order of the Arrow Boy Scout Honor Society, and as the Senior Patrol Leader in July 2009, was the first to earn the Honor Patrol Award for the Kittatinny Mountain Scout Reservation's Provisional Super Troop. David's other scouting achievements include the Honor Camper of the Week Award in 2006, the Civil War Historic Camporee Award, and he is a member of the Order of the Arrow Ceremony Team.
In addition to David's scouting achievements, he has received awards in academics and athletics.
Two very notable academic recognitions include his Who's Who Registry of Academic Excellence Award achieved in 2007, and the National Society of High School Scholars.
As a sophomore at Montgomery High School, he is a member of the Symphonic Band as an alto saxophone player, is a member of the Student Government Association, and is a member of Future Business Leader's of America. His future career goal includes working in the healthcare field.
For more information about David's Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony, please contact The Eagle Scout Court of Honor Planning Team at DavidCBEagleHonorCourt@gmail.com.
Keeping Learning Alive this Summer
You can take advantage of learning opportunities each and every day this summer. Summer learning doesn’t have to involve textbooks. In fact, it is well researched that hands-on or experiential learning helps move concepts from the abstract to the concrete.
“Summer is the perfect time to solidify learning by helping children make connections between what they have learned in the classroom and real-world examples” says Susan Buck, Owner/Managing Director at College Nannies & Tutors of Princeton. “This is what our tutors do in each and every tutoring session. Students might have learned the basic physics principles behind how airplanes fly, but why not put together a wooden airplane to demonstrate the concept?”
Trip to the park? Bring a field guide, and have fun identifying different tree types. Collect fallen leaves and bark and talk about similarities and differences. Trip to the beach? During snack time, talk about how waves are formed. Looking for something to do on a rainy day? Museums commonly have free days or times each week. Visit local museums several times in the summer to build upon the previous visit and deepen learning.
These examples illustrate the point that summer learning at home does not have to involve a lesson plan. It does involve planning; however, the good news is that there are a multitude of educational websites designed to give you ideas, activities, and information. Parents and caregivers can spend 30 minutes at the beginning of the week printing off something fun and unique for the week ahead.
College Nannies and College Tutors are impacting children’s summer learning each and every day. College Nannies are trained to engage children in learning opportunities wherever possible.
“I love having activities for the children every day! It gives us something to look forward to that day and the kids always want to know what I have planned for them when I walk in the door!” says Amanda, College Nanny of 3 years.
College Tutors work one-on-one with elementary, middle, and high-school students to bridge the gap between one school year and the next, strengthen reading skills, get a jump start on a challenging math or science course.
“It was so great to be able to walk into the first day of AP Calculus with confidence in the material, thanks to my summer tutoring sessions with John,” says Amy, a 12th grader.
Here are a few of College Nannies & Tutors’ favorite summer learning practices:
1. Read 20 minutes per day. Why discontinue something that students are required to do each day during the school year? Help children appreciate reading as a lifelong activity. This is also a great way to incorporate some much-needed down time into an active summer day.
2. Get outside and explore. Air, water, grass, or city park, teach children to ask questions about their environment and seek answers.
3. Learn by doing. Baking, gardening, arts and crafts, constructing – children are wired for hands-on learning. This is the easiest mode of learning and the most fun for everyone!
4. Teach by example. Don’t expect students to sit still for a carefully crafted lesson in the summer while you watch hands-off. Engage in activities and learning opportunities with them, showing your interest and leading them in exploration.
5. Make connections to the classroom. Visit local historical sites to help your child visualize the history lessons learned in the classroom. Ask your children for their math expertise: counting change, measuring for your small home improvement project, or estimating how long a car trip will take.
Parents, caregivers, and tutors have a responsibility year-round, but especially in summer, to take an active role in educating children. A summer of learning will translate into a lifetime desire to learn! What a great gift to give our children! Are you ready to take the Summer Learning Challenge?
Food For Thought - Summer Salads IV
As I relaxed sipping my vodka martini, the waitress returned to take my order. Upon informing her of my choice of entree, she queried if I'd like a salad to begin my meal. I lifted the cocktail skewer from my martini glass so as to bring the three impaled olives into view and replied: "I already have a salad."
As is readily apparent from my whimsical introduction, I'm not a huge salad fan. But as ardent a carnivore as I am, don't ever let it be said that I don't take care of my plant-munching friends. With no further ado allow me to welcome you to the fourth edition of Summer Salads, a yearly compilation of botanical fare designed to keep your summer light and cool. Or at the very least, give you an excuse to have an extra martini since you're saving so many calories on the salad.
Celery Root Salad
3 celery roots
2 oz. red cabbage, finely julienned
1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 oz.), Champagne or white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
9 tablespoons (4 1/2 oz.) olive oil
Chopped parsley, to taste
Peel the celery roots and slice them into a fine julienne, (1/16th of an inch). What's most crucial is not their actual size but that they are all the same size. Place the julienned celery root into a large pot of salted water at a full boil. Briefly boil them so they are still a little firm, about 2 minutes, and then submerge in ice water to stop the cooking. Drain the celery root thoroughly and dry on paper towels. When dry, combine with cabbage and onion.
In a separate bowl begin the dressing by mixing the mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper, and then drizzle in the oil until a smooth consistency is achieved. Mix the dressing into the salad incrementally, (you may not need it all), and finish with the chopped parsley.
Spinach Salad With Pear Vinaigrette
This recipe comes from Chef Faith Alahverdian, Executive Chef of Shoprite Supermarkets Culinary Program.
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
1/4 cup pear nectar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 shallot, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 tablespoons walnut oil
1 bag baby spinach
2 pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted
Make the vinaigrette by combining the vinegar, pear nectar, mustard, shallot, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the oils until a smooth consistency is formed. Combine the spinach, pears and walnuts. (Do not slice the pears until you are ready to dress the salad to prevent them from turning brown). Re-whisk the dressing if necessary and combine with the salad.
Seafood Orzo Salad
This recipe comes from www.reluctantgourmet.com.
4 cups water
2 cups clam juice
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound orzo pasta
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 yellow peppers, julienned
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 pound bay scallops
1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
Combine the water, claim juice, and a pinch of salt in a large pot and bring to boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (about 12 minutes). Drain into a large bowl, retaining about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. As the pasta is cooking, sauté onion in olive oil over med-high heat in a sauté pan for 3-4 minutes. Add peppers, cover and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until peppers are cooked but not soft. Add chicken stock and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Add the scallops. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the shrimp. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until shrimp and scallops are cooked to your liking. Add cilantro, parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine with the orzo, mix, refrigerate and serve chilled.
Chorizo Salad
This recipe comes from Chef Ann Hall Every, CCP. Check out her website at www.cookwithaloha.com
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
10 fresh basil leaves, stacked and cut into thin slivers
2 oz. Spanish chorizo sausage, sliced into thin rounds
1 head Romaine lettuce, washed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
2 vine ripened tomatoes, cut into thin wedges, seeds removed
For the dressing:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons small capers
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Freshly ground pepper to taste
In a non-stick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion slices and basil until onion is wilted and beginning to brown. Remove onion mixture and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chorizo slices, and brown on both sides. Remove sausage onto paper towels and press out as much oil as possible from the sausage. Cut or crumble the chorizo into small pieces and reserve. Place the lettuce, tomato, onion and chorizo in a large shallow bowl. Make the dressing by first combining all of the ingredients except the oil. Then, slowly pour in the oil, constantly whisking, until a smooth consistency is achieved. Pour over the salad and serve.
The Montgomery Guide" & New Resident Packets
The Montgomery Guide gives an overview of Montgomery government and community. It is now posted for viewing or download on the township website at www.montgomery.nj.us. It contains key contacts and info on our leadership and each department of the municipal offices. It also has info on emergency and fire services, voting and elections, recreational and cultural opportunities, County resources, senior services, hotlines and much more. The Guide can be picked up at the front reception desk of the municipal building, 2261 Rt. 206, or the Otto Kaufman Community Center, 356 Skillman Rd., M-F, 8-4:30.
If you are a new resident we also have a welcome packet for you! The New Resident Packet includes the above-described Montgomery Guide and is also packed with helpful brochures and flyers on need-to-know topics for new residents. Recycling schedule, sewer or septic care, voter registration forms, dog license forms, maps of township parks – these are some items in the new resident packet. (Available for free at the reception desk of the municipal building, 2261 Rt. 206, where new households can also pick up their recycling bucket.)
6 Montgomery Girl Scouts Receive Top Honor
Six Montgomery High School seniors were recognized recently for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. Courtney Cytryn, Christina Fakes, Annie Herman, Marisa Iati, Ana Peterhans and Lindsey Rosenthal, all members of Girl Scout Heart of New Jersey Troop 60624, celebrated their achievement at a special troop ceremony held on May 18 at Blawenberg Reformed Church in Blawenberg. The girls also bridged to Adult Level Girl Scouts during the ceremony, along with fellow troop member and Montgomery High School senior Rachel Kolb.
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouting and requires the completion of leadership development, career exploration, and community service projects. The final component is a 65-hour leadership project that each girl plans and executes to benefit her community.
Cytyrn organized health and hygiene kits for distribution by the Diocese of Metuchen during a medical mission to Santa Rosa, Guatemala. She collected supplies from local community groups and Girl Scout troops and created a Spanish-language health and hygiene brochure that was distributed along with the kits. Gloria Grabois, a community volunteer and resident of South Orange, served as Cytryn's project advisor.
Crawford House in Skillman served as the setting for Fakes' project. She completed a makeover of the Crawford House Resource Room. Fakes painted the room, hung window treatments, and updated artwork and bulletin boards. She also researched valuable information on topics important to residents and past Crawford House graduates such as transportation, housing, and credit counseling. Nancy Curtis, a community volunteer and Skillman resident, served as Fakes' project advisor. Linda Leyhane, Crawford House Executive Director, provided additional project support.
Herman launched a Teen Mentor Program for the Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. The program matches local teens with children with special needs and their families. Mentors visit children in their homes and spend valuable time working on social skills development. Herman served as a mentor to a local family, recruited other teen mentors, and led monthly mentor workshops. Ruth Edelman, JFS Family Mentor Program Coordinator, served as Herman's project advisor. Suzanne Martin, JFS Family Mentor Program Specialist, provided additional project support.
Enable, Inc.'s Princeton Junction group home served as the site for much of Iati's project. She made frequent summer visits to the group home where she played board games and shared baked goods with the residents. These visits also provided Iati the opportunity to interview three group home residents and write and publish their biographies. These biographies were presented to the residents during a special ceremony attended by residents' family members and Enable staff. Iati also drafted a biography-writing guide for future volunteers and authored several press releases for Enable publications and local newspapers. Kirsten Yard, Community Engagement Coordinator at Enable, Inc. served as project advisor.
Peterhans collected over three thousand books from local Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill residents. She sorted the books and transported them to Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in Trenton where they were distributed to pupils and teachers during a three-day book fair. During the book fair Peterhans took time to read to the younger classes and to talk to students about their book selections. Tamera Matteo, a community volunteer and resident of Princeton, served as Peterhans' project advisor.
Providing additional resources for teens diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes was the goal of Rosenthal's project. She compiled, published, and distributed more than one hundred copies of her book written to provide advice and insight to diabetic teens. Entitled "The Highs and the Lows," Rosenthal's publication is a compilation of humorous, compelling, and supportive insights written with newly diagnosed teens in mind. Karen Merritt, Montgomery Upper Middle School Teacher and Elizabeth Giardina-Preston, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Mid Jersey Chapter Executive Director served as joint advisors for Rosenthal's project.
Arts Council of Princeton’s Summer Arts & Drama Camps Registration
Registration for the Arts Council of Princeton’s Summer Arts & Drama Camps at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts and the Princeton Junior School is now open. Camps for ages 4-16 begin the week of June 21, 2010 and run through August 27, 2010. The Arts Council of Princeton’s ten-week summer camp program allows campers to create their own works of art and participate in special workshops based on each week’s unique theme. The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is located 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ across from the Princeton Public Library in downtown Princeton. The Princeton Junior School is located at 90 Fackler Road, Lawrence, NJ. For a full description of camps and to register, visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or call 609-924-8777.
DUKE ISLAND WALKERS
A weekly walking group will meet every Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. at the Duke Island Visitor’s Center for a healthy walk through Duke Island Park along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 226.
Duke Island Park is located off Old York Road in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The walk is free of charge. Walks continue through the winter months as weather permits.
Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org
Meet Tom Spain - Interview
Documentary Film Maker and Resident of Skillman
When I first met up with Tom Spain it was at the Bagel Barn on a wintery February morning: he was the man seated at a window corner table, happily munching away on a bagel and coffee. I thought, that had to be him, and he nodded in my direction.
Over the next hour, I learned that Tom and his wife, Linda Starr Spain have been making documentary films for more than thirty five years .Working out of a converted garage in Skillman, New Jersey, mostly with a group of free lance artists, their documentaries, broadcast as prime time specials have won for them broadcasting and journalism awards with Linda as senior editor and Tom as director, cinematographer and writer. Yet, the man sitting across from me that morning seemed very modest - almost understated about his lifetime of achievements. He says, "Someone described me as an amiable goof from somewhere in Jersey who lucked." Spain puts it differently: "Been places and done things quite wonderful." But how and where did it all begin?
He recalls: "I wanted to be in radio - working in a station in the 1950's, but not good at it. Married early - had a family - looking for a job. A man offered me a job writing industrial films." Reluctantly, he went into films "just as a way to make a buck." He adds, "In the sixties, film became 'cool'; I made a good choice."
Yet, Spain describes those early years in film as, "Ten years of making industrial 'dogs'." He recalls titles like, Harvest of Convenience, and Glass and You,"Sort of pre-cursors to commercials."
At this point, as a more experienced film maker, he began to move up in the world: Spain says, "Got a job at CBS News - wanted to make documentaries. Film editor at a program called, 'Twentieth Century': Duke Ellington, Isaac Stern, space program." In the 1970's, Spain decided to go free lance for the networks. "I set up here to live in Rocky Hill and Skillman." He set up the business together with his wife, Linda, a film editor whom he had met at CBS while she was working on educational films. He recalls, "She worked on basic education in Newark - worked for the Consumers' Union - then TV reports in the early 70's."
Spain continues his story in his characteristically cryptic style of speaking: "In CBS - you're in 1968 - Walrus migration in Alaska - adventurous. Steered clear of politics - didn't like to be part of the crowd - liked to do my own thing. In Washington there's a 'pack mentality' and deadline driven. (You) didn't have time to discover things."
By now, coming into the 1980's, a friend called Spain from CBS. He says, "Got Bill Moyers - need cinema style. Would you come and be our mentor." Spain adds, "Since it was Moyers - that's a good idea." The two men, Spain and Moyers did three or four films together. A one-hour segment, he recalled, caused a big stir: "Burning in the Bronx". Of this segment, he notes, "Thirty thousand buildings a year burning down. Tried to understand what it was like to live in that world - it won a prize. President Jimmy Carter showed it to his cabinet - John Glenn wrote arson legislation. It was a heavy thing." He recalls, "Put Bill Moyers there as a witness - 'we're taking you to the Bronx today, Bill.'" And Spain just kept right on working.
In the 90's, Spain completed a 3-hour PBS special titled, "America in the Forties." He says of his persona, "I'm a Dime Store Anthropologist." Now, into the 21st Century, Spain and company produced a short film on "FDR's Home in Hyde Park." For PBS, they've done a special on obesity. He says, "(There) aren't any easy answers. You deal with the stereotypes."
For the present, the filmmaker declares that he's basically retired. He says, "I go to writers' workshops in New York, play the tuba and bicycle locally." I ask him, Why the tuba?" And he answers, "I thought it would be easy." About his lifetime of filmmaking, he concludes: "I've always worked for the dollar." That seems difficult to accept given his years of achievement, but the point he seems to be making is that he has no particular axe to grind : he just want to make good quality films, and the record of thirty five years would speak for itself.
New Horizons Montessori to Hold Summer Camp
New Horizons Montessori in the Skillman area of Montgomery is conducting a Summer Camp as in the past years in July and August. The activities inside and outside the classrooms are conducted by their regular school teachers. Their Summer Fun Camp caters to children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years and the Academic Enrichment Camp serve children from the ages of 4 to 7 years. Parents have the option to combine the Fun Camp and Academic enrichment sessions.
Children will experience a wide variety of activities which include weekly themes, water play, mini sports and games. The camp organizes onsite visits from the Travelling Zoo which provides an opportunity for pony rides, magic shows and other such fun-filled activities which cater to the interest of the young child.
Enrichment classes in Math and Language are offered for children between the ages of 4 and 7 years, needing academic enhancement at three levels of skills, after their level has been evaluated, before the start of this program - Beginner, Medium and Advanced levels. Classes are conducted by their experienced Montessori school faculty. Parents can contact the office for more details at (609) 252-9696.
Dutch Total Soccer Camp at New Horizons Montessori in Montgomery
The Dutch Total Soccer club is conducting a weekly soccer camp in partnership with New Horizons Montessori for children between the ages of 4 and 12. It is open for enrollment for all children. This weekly camp runs from June 14 to August 20, right here in Montgomery at the New Horizons Montessori location in Skillman.
This camp is run in partnership with Dutch Total Soccer Club and is designed to individually challenge each child. All players will be able to reach soccer proficiency at their own pace. Children will learn fundamental soccer skills. The instructor will teach and review the techniques of dribbling, passing, throwing, running etc.
Dutch Total Soccer (DTS) trainers are highly qualified and trained to be "Teachers of the game". All DTS coaches are licensed by the KNVB, the Royal Dutch Soccer Association and have also a CIOS and/or ALO license. There are limited number of spaces available so, if you are interested please contact New Horizons Montessori campus office at 609-252-9696.
A Classic Cabaret Starring Ann Hampton Callaway
Hundreds of invitations were signed and sealed for the Princeton Symphony Orchestra's annual benefit gala, "A Classic Cabaret," to take place Saturday, April 17, at the Bedens Brook Country Club in Skillman. Pitching in on the paperwork at the Princeton home of PSO board member Deborah Lunder are, from left, Martha Vaughn, Peggy Hughes-Fulmer, Ruta Smithson, Deborah Lunder, Rachel Gray, Melanie Clarke and Lucy Anne S. Newman.
Singer, songwriter and pianist Ann Hampton Callaway, acclaimed for her performances in Manhattan nightclubs and on the Broadway stage, will entertain at the benefit, held annually as a fund-raiser for the BRAVO! education program and PSO's general operations. Each year, BRAVO! introduces live classical music to more than 10,000 schoolchildren throughout Central New Jersey.
As in previous years, the evening includes an auction of vacation stays in an array of elite private homes. Among the exclusive destinations are France, Ireland, Big Sky (Montana), Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Absentee bids are being accepted by Karen Klaverkamp at the PSO's offices, 609-497-0020.
The benefit begins at 6:30 p.m. For information, call the PSO at 609) 497-0020; e-mail info@princetonsymphony.org; or visit www.princetonsymphony.org. Ticket prices begin at $150 per guest, with various levels of premium sponsorships also available.
MFOS Plan For Farmer's Market And Elects New Officers
The Montgomery Farmer's Market will re-open in late spring in the same location as last year, the Village Shopper Shopping Center on Route 206 South, across from the Montgomery Theatre. The market will be open on Saturdays, from late spring to October, from 9 am to 1 pm. The Saturday morning time slot has proved to be much more convenient for local shoppers and fans of the market. New vendors are expected to participate this year.
The Farmer's Market is run by Montgomery Friends of Open Space, a non-profit, all volunteer organization founded in 2002. The organization's main purposes are to preserve remaining open land in Montgomery Township, support trail development and stewardship of the preserved land, and help sustain active farming, to help create a community more balanced between growth and preservation. Since its inception, Montgomery Friends has helped to preserve more than 300 acres in the township.
Other Montgomery Friends' events planned for this spring include:
- Booth at Montgomery Township's Earth Day Festivities on Sunday, April 25
- Participation in Run with Rotary on Sunday, April 25
- Spring Walk, tentatively set for Saturday, May 1
- Trail linkages with the preserved Drake Farm to surrounding lands
More details on the Farmer's Market opening date and the other spring events will be available on the Montgomery Friends' website: www.montgomeryfriends.org.
At the March 3 Annual Meeting of Montgomery Friends of Open Space, a new board of trustees was elected and outgoing members were recognized for their service. Sincere appreciation went to the following people for their volunteer service as trustees: Peter N. Rayner, President for the last two terms;
William Quinn, a founding board member and former Vice-President and Treasurer; Kim Rowe, Farmer's Market Manager; and Ann Wilson, Chairperson of Communications and Public Relations.
The officers for the coming year are: President: Mary Penney, Vice-President: Pete Rayner, Treasurer: Ted Thomas, and Secretary: Maxine Baicker. Eleanor Hoisington will become an advisor to Montgomery Friends, while Joann Stransky will continue as Recording Secretary.
Other current board members include: Dave McAlpin, a founding member and Nominating Committee Chair, and Mohammad Hafiz Sikder, Stewardship Committee Chair. Belle Mead resident, Lorette Pruden will continue to provide weekly management of the Farmer's Market.
Additionally, four new board of trustees members were welcomed to the 2010 Board of Trustees: Tori Jueds (Land Acquisition), Sara Noble Ramirez (Farmer's Market), Elise Murray (Farmer's Market), and Stephanie Grupe (Communications/Public Relations).
Montgomery Friends is appreciative of the several advisors to the organization, including Clem Fiori, Richard Hanson, Arthur Martin, and Loraine Otis (founder and a past president).
Montgomery Friends is currently working on several land acquisitions to add open space to existing greenways in the township, including the Cherry Valley Greenway and the emerging Rock Brook Greenway.
Monthly Board of Trustees meetings of Montgomery Friends of Open Space are held the first Wednesday of each month, and new volunteers are always welcome. Please call Mary Penney at 609-688-0282 for more information.
THE 2010 CENSUS IS HERE
Help move your community forward — Participate now!
NEW YORK, NY -- After an intense promotion and outreach campaign, the much-anticipated form is now arriving at 120 million households across the country. Lester A. Farthing, the U.S. Census Bureau’s New York regional director, urges everyone in the New York and New Jersey area to be counted. “When you receive the form, immediately fill it out and mail it back,” he says. “Your community is counting on you.” Farthing has a challenge for area residents: “Help your community exceed its 2000 mail response rates.” Response rates for communities will be tracked via an interactive “Take 10 Map” at www.2010census.gov.
The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in history, with just 10 questions taking about 10 minutes to answer. But the impact of those questions lasts for 10 years. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the once-a-decade count of people living in the United States determines the fair apportionment of congressional representation among the states. Census results are also used to redraw state and local legislative boundaries. And it doesn’t stop there. Each year, based on census data, more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments for health care, education, youth services and more.
Mailing back the questionnaire is the easiest and cheapest way to ensure a full and accurate count. “It’s a lot less expensive to get responses back by mail than it is to send census takers to knock on doors of households that failed to respond,” says Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves. Every one percent increase in the mail response rate saves about $85 million in operational costs.
Census answers are confidential. Strict federal laws prohibit the Census Bureau from sharing personally identifiable information with any other government agency or law enforcement. All census staff are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data.
For more information about the 2010 Census and the locations of Questionnaire Assistance Centers, Be Counted sites and language assistance visit www.2010census.gov. Telephone Questionnaire Assistance is available in English (1-866-872-6868), Spanish (1-866-928-2010), Chinese (1-866-935-2010), Vietnamese (1-866-945-2010), Korean (1-866-955-2010) and Russian (1-866-965-2010). If you or someone you know speaks another language not listed, please check out the Bureau’s language assistance guides also available in 60 languages online.
March 15-17: Mailing of 2010 Census form to most homes.
March 19 – April 19: Opening of Be Counted Sites / Questionnaire Assistance Centers in select neighborhood locations to provide extra forms and help to those who need it, as well as the nationwide Telephone Assistance Centers.
March 22-24: Mailing of reminder postcards.
March 29-31: Census workers count homeless people at shelters, soup kitchens/food vans, and selected outdoor locations.
April 1-10: Second mailing of 2010 Census form to many homes that have not returned first one.
April 1, 2010: Official Census Day
April - July 2010: Census workers visit households that have not mailed back their census form.
Dec. 31, 2010: Reporting of Census data to the President of the United States.
Monty's Biggest Loser Competition Starts April 7
This weight loss program is for Montgomery residents (adults 18 & older) who have lots of motivation ... but not much time. It is not a substitute for medical care or supervision, but a friendly competition to begin changing behaviors that will result in a healthier weight.
Body Mass Index, weight, and blood pressure will be measured at the beginning, mid-point and end of the program. Guest speakers, weekly E-Newsletters with nutrition and exercise guidance, a Biggest Loser members' on-line forum, and motivational tips will use education and support to help participants change behaviors in small ways that add up to ... The Biggest Loser!
Competition begins April 7th and ends June 9th.
Meeting Dates: Weds, April 7, May 5, and June 9
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: OKCC Senior Center
Cost: $95
Cash prize to the Biggest Loser (determined by number of participants)!
You may register in person or by mail to:
Montgomery Recreation
356 Skillman Road
Skillman NJ 08558.
We accept check only.
Off ice hours Monday - Friday 8am to 9pm. 609-466-3023
More Montgomery History: What’s in a Name? Camp Meeting Avenue
Camp Meeting Avenue is famous for the religious yearly event known as ‘Camp Meeting,’ of which the street is named. It is also home to the former Skillman train station, Skillman’s first two post offices and a general store.
The original Camp Meetings, also known as quarterlies and revival meetings held by the Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, began around 1850 while still in the Rock Mill district (Zion). Unfortunately those early meetings stopped all together as the church, more often than not, would fall prey to the vices of drunkenness that led to fights, rowdy behavior, and loud conversations during worship. Sometime in the1890s after the church’s relocation into Skillman the camp meetings resumed with the assistance of the Mount Bethel AME Church in Pennington this time with a more civilized congregation.
News of the yearly event was advertised by way of posters, announcements in churches and perhaps the most reliable method of all - word of mouth. They came by train, horse and wagon and on foot from as far away as Pennsylvania and New York, as nearby as Somerville, Belle Mead, Hopewell, Pennington, and Trenton as well as other places in between.
The religious social was held on the last two Sundays in July. In time the event would be expanded to the first two Sundays in August.
Once word of camp meeting spread much care was taken in its preparation. Boys and girls were dressed in their Sunday best. The women wore wide petticoats beneath fancy dresses, they put on their Sunday hair, or fancy wigs, and wore big hats while the men made sure their horses were well groomed and their buggies shined to perfection.
The morning of the camp meeting also meant hard work and serious preparation as the land, a cow pasture owned by Skillman farmer, Tom Brophy was cleared of debris so that the pulpit, organ, choir stand, seating, tables and food service stations could be set up.
Camp Meeting was a place where old friends who hadn’t seen each other in some time relaxed and shared memories, enjoyed the singing, and listened to some great preaching from visiting preachers – a different one each Sunday – who enthralled them with their fiery sermons. And of course there were the two well-known singers; George ‘Uncle Pete’ Blackwell and Archibald Campbell Seruby known as ‘Spader’ captivated them with several gospel songs – one favorite in particular called ‘They stole my Mother Away.’ In the words of that era, a ‘big time’ was had by all who attended.
With the advent of the automobile the need for transportation by train, horse and buggy, and that of walking great distances would quickly become a thing of the past as people now drove and were now being charged a parking fee. And the preparation that traditionally went into camp meeting had scaled down considerably; instead of hot home – cooked meals; sandwiches were now being served. Sadly by the 1930s people lost interest and the Skillman camp meetings ceased to exist.
In later years former AME church member and Skillman resident, Bessie Grover spearheaded an event called ‘Cousins’ Day’ because families and friends were getting together only for sad occasions. In the spirit and tradition of camp meeting everyone brings their favorite dish, hot or cold. Though the Skillman camp meetings bear a different name, and there is no preaching or singing old memories continue to be shared while new memories are made, and the stories of the past continue to be told even today.
Watering And Mulching Newly-Planted Trees
Watering is important during the first three years of newly-planted trees. A few minutes of watering (equaling 10 gallons) once a week, when there hasn't been a soaking rain (equaling about one inch) will ensure that your trees remain healthy. This is especially critical during the first season after planting. But do not overwater; that can be as stressful as drought for trees (beware particularly of automatic sprinkling systems that may be repeatedly watering your trees.)
Mulching is also critical for good tree health. Mulching prevents early new growth in spring, conserves moisture in summer, and delays freezing of the ground in winter. NOTE: Never pile mulch against bark! Mulch should be no more than four inches thick, and mulch "volcanoes" should be avoided by keeping mulch inches away from the tree trunk with a slight depression for water to sink in. Shredded hardwood bark and aged woodchips are the best mulches. Visit the Shade Tree Committee website for more information http://twp.montgomery.nj.us/twpcommittee/boards.asp#shade
Recycling Through the Generations
Lindsey Milich, Montgomery Township Girl Scout Gold Award candidate, has been educating the community – children, teens, adults, and seniors -- about the importance of recycling: “By reaching out and educating multiple people about recycling, I hope to spread the word about the importance of recycling. As a community, we can make a difference in the world simply by recycling.”
Lindsey’s Gold project is comprised of four different activities. At the Earth Day festival, young girls decorated old jeans, which Lindsey had refashioned into denim purses, with recycled materials; over 50 purses were decorated and distributed. Girls and their parents were surprised to see something so useful made from a commonly thrown out item.
Lindsey will be visiting the Senior Center on May 19th and will assist the seniors in making bird feeders out of recycled milk cartons.
In her efforts to educate teens, Lindsey is introducing her track team to the Nike “Reuse a Shoe” Program and encouraging the runners to donate shoes. Nike rips apart the used shoes and melts them down to form the components of new products.
The last piece of Lindsey’s project will be to educate the underprivileged girls at the Martin House in Trenton. Since the denim purses were such a hit at the Earth Day Festival, she plans to conduct the same activity with the Martin House girls.
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a girl can achieve in Scouting, with only about four percent of eligible girls earning their Gold Award. To be eligible, candidates must first complete approximately 150 hours of leadership, service, and learning activities. Projects must fulfill goals regarding education, leadership, and sustainability and must take no fewer than 65 hours to complete.
Lindsey will be recognized for her achievement at her troop’s Gold Award ceremony, to be held on June 6 at Trinity Church, Rocky Hill.
The Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
Though this former house of worship has been closed for quite some time with the most devoted of its congregants long gone, this little "church by the side of the road" is anything but forgotten. When making a left turn onto tree - lined Hollow Road from Camp Meeting Avenue one could easily drive past the church as it is covered by a large cluster of trees.
Mt. Zion AME Church - Hollow Road
Amid the peeling paint and patches of over - grown grass the Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church appears forsaken and lonely, yet in spite of its weathered condition and seemed abandonment this charming little church still maintains its rustic charm and history, a history that dates back to the 19th century where African Americans lived on Sourland Mountain in the villages of Rileyville and Minnietown, both of which disappeared sometime around the turn of the century after the few mountain businesses failed and the peach orchards were destroyed.
Mt. Zion was founded circa 1866 in the village of Zion originally located near Zion and Lindbergh Roads on the Somerset County side of Province Line evidence of which is noted as "African Church" on the 1850 Otley and Keily Map of Somerset County.
As the church has always been the cornerstone of the African-American community it was decided that the newly migrated black people would move their place of worship closer to them. Local legend and family history has it that both black and white banded together dismantled the structure and brought it down the mountain piece by piece by horse and wagon to its current Hollow Road location.
An inscription on the cornerstone of the church's foundation reads "Nov. 19, 1899." It is not clear if this is the relocation date or the date of reconstruction.
Inside, the church seems frozen in time and except for a fine coating of dust and a spider web here and there the sanctuary remains an orderly place. On one side of the one-room structure a hymnal board displays the page numbers of the hymns sung at a Women and Men's Day celebration in June 2004. The other side of the room a picture of the Last Supper makes one take notice of the rich wood paneling that line the walls and ceiling alike. Overlooking 13pews - now painted white - a bible lies open atop the pulpit as if in the middle of a sermon.
Pictures and plaques line the walls in honor of former members and clergy while bibles, hymnals and old fashioned fans remain neatly stacked at the edge of the pews as if waiting for the congregation to return in spite of the fact that the church has been closed for several years.
In earlier years when Mt. Zion's attendance began to dwindle member, Bessie Grover along with the assistance of Rev. Lawton James was instrumental in keeping its doors open, which remained so for some time to come with quite a succession of ministers in the early 1960s starting with Rev. Duvall from 1963 to 1965 followed by Pastor Suzy Titus and the Rev. John H. Ford, both of which served the Mt. Zion AME Church between 1965 and 1994.
Both Rev. Denzil Turton and Tom Hills would be the last to serve the church before it closed its doors for good in October 2004.
Obituary - Katherine Schwenker
Katherine Schwenker, 87, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 29, 2010, in Belle Mead, NJ, after a long, productive life. Born in New York City, she grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
She studied ballet for many years at the dance department of the National Academy of Stage Training, performing at events in Washington, D.C., held at the Willard and Mayflower Hotels and the National Theatre; she later studied with Ernest Carlos in New York. She also performed for the USO during WWII. She was a Virginia debutante. A graduate of Mary Washington College, she went on to work for the United States War Department as a cryptographer prior to her marriage to the late Robert F. Schwenker in 1943. After the war, she moved with her husband to Philadelphia where he studied at the University of Pennsylvania; they later moved to the Princeton area in 1948.
During the years when she devoted herself to raising a family, she undertook various volunteer efforts: she was a founder of Princeton’s Youth Employment Service which operated for over 25 years, providing jobs and experience to youth and support to local households and businesses; a trustee of the Van Harlingen Historical Society, advisor to the Planning Board in Montgomery Township, member of the Montgomery Bicentennial Committee, and a founding member of the Montgomery Women’s Club; a volunteer for the Boy Scouts and the American Red Cross; and she was active with the PTA and provided ongoing support to the local school system from teaching to helping with whatever service was needed. She was a longtime parishioner at St. Paul’s RC Church in Princeton and later at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church in Skillman, where she was a charter member of the church’s Women’s Club and a Eucharistic minister to the homebound.
Katherine is predeceased by her brother Joseph Resch and her sister Ann Zaleski. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law; Robert and Kathy Schwenker of Fresno, CA and Erich and Judy Schwenker of Milwaukee, WI, two daughters, Elsa Schwenker of Phoenix, AZ; and Gretchen Schwenker of Belle Mead, NJ, five grandchildren, her brother and sister-in-law John and Jacqueline Resch of Virginia Beach, VA, brother-in-law Eric Schwenker, sister-in-law Ginny Resch and many nieces and nephews.
Fundraiser at a Somerset Patriots Game
The Sayreville War Memorial High School (SWMHS) Class of 1988 is proud to announce a “Night out at the Ballpark” to raise money for the Michael Robert Damato Memorial Fund. Michael was just 12 years old when he passed away unexpectedly in January 2010. His parents, fellow SWMHS Class of 1988 graduates, have established a Memorial Fund in his name in hopes of recognizing deserving individuals through grants from this fund. The fund will support academic excellence, provide financial support for families in need, and fund community endeavors.
Please join us at TD Bank Ball Park in Somerset as the Somerset Patriots take on the Newark Bears on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 7:05pm. Tickets are $25 each, and include a lower-level seat ticket and $5 in “Diamond Dollars” that can be spent anywhere in the stadium. Contact MRDFUNDRAISER@GMAIL.COM for more information.
Congregation Kehilat Shalom Religious School
Religious school at Congregation Kehilat Shalom is more than just learning Jewish culture and Hebrew. There’s also plenty of time for fun.
“At CKS Religious School we are committed to teaching our children a love of Judaism. Our Religious School explores all aspects of Jewish culture, arts and spirituality by including activities such as music, cooking, art and special holiday celebrations for all of our students. Our goal is to provide both an educational and enjoyable experience,” explained Shari Rothstein, religious school principal.
A perfect example is the concluding class of the past school year where all students had a chance to perform in a drum orchestra. Visitors to the school frequently see students cooking, making crafts and singing, as well as learning Hebrew. Another unique aspect of the program at CKS is that school is held only on Sunday from 9 to 12 rather than other days within the week to facilitate a focused program that doesn’t take kids away from weekly activities. Rothstein plans to continue with ongoing improvements throughout the next school year.
There is also a separate program for post –b’nei mitzvah students called Kehi-Loft which also offers tremendous educational, social and community service opportunities.
Congregation Kehilat Shalom offers a family-friendly service at 7 pm on the first Friday of the month. Registration is now being accepted for the 2010/2011 academic year. For more information email principal@kehilatshalomnj.org or call 908-359-0420..
The Old Gardener - June 2010, Travellin' Shoes
If your garden is at its best in May and June, so is the rest of the tri-state area. I hereby give you the permission to take a break and check out other gardens.
My all time favorite is Chanticleer Gardens, it's not for everyone, but if you like extreme sports you might also like extreme gardening. Visiting seasoned gardeners spend much of the time muttering: oh my goodness I never thought of doing that! It is a lovely place, good for a leisurely stroll and a picnic for anyone, but still a challenge worthy of an expert.
On the other hand the National Arboretum http://www.usna.usda.gov/ was designed to have something for everyone. We visited at the end of April and I came away totally inspired by the Asian Woods and the Japanese and Chinese collections. This was not a teahouse movie set but thirteen acres of the real deal. Plant collectors spent decades amassing the material for these environments. What is there is found strictly in mainland China or the islands of Japan. It is a wonder I didn't fall down a cliff gaping at the Chinese redbud.
I was finally able to corner one of the curators and find out what it was. Instead of bare branches dotted with redbud blooms there were hangy-down blossoms almost like a miniature wisteria -except they were pink. Then the curator and I got to chatting and it was all over, just like two plantheads, until it started to rain.
If it hadn't rained I would have spent more time admiring the tree peonies, most especially “'Joseph Rock,” which is mind boggling, along with the last of the spring camellias. Everywhere you look there is something interesting: cool pathways that look almost like waterfalls, nice benches, twisty walks and glimpses of the Anacostia River.
We also walked through Fern Valley, which contained native American plants, and which had some nice paths, but the ferns weren't really as spectacular as they would have been later, mid May would have been perfect.
Even wearing my favorite walking shoes I was completely tuckered out before I got to the dwarf conifer (evergreens) collection. No matter, I had seen it ten years ago with my family. Early spring is an excellent time to view the conifers without distraction or go during mid-May when they are pushing pretty new growth.
The centerpiece of the National Arboretum's Conifer display is the Gotelli Collection, donated by William Gotelli, a gentleman from northern New Jersey, in 1962. What started as a huge group of dwarf conifers (like that cute little blue spruce planted near the front of your house) have continued to mature over the past forty-eight years. Granted, they grow slowly, but they grow, and grow, and grow. I do try to remind novices 'if it ain't dead, it is still growing'.
On the way to the exit we stopped to admire the crepe myrtles, since they were unnamed (without tags) I think that they may have been part of their ongoing research into hardy crepe myrtles. Bless 'em.
We glimpsed a giant beyond the crepes and found the biggest darn tree I had ever encountered on the East Coast. My son and I figured it was between nine and twelve feet in diameter at chest height, never mind the circumference. A willow oak, probably at the century mark, with its own set of lightning rods.
Of the whole tour that oak remains with me most vividly – I have read that the older the gardener the more they appreciate trees. Ya think?
Jack Connolly & Dan Moses Achieve Eagle Scout Awards
Jack Connolly and Dan Moses were recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor by Montgomery Township Boy Scout Troop 850 on April 11th at Montgomery United Methodist Church. To reach the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest level of Scouting achievement, a Boy Scout must satisfy all the rank requirements and complete an Eagle Scout service project prior to his 18th birthday. The project must benefit the community and demonstrate leadership skills.
Among those who honored Jack and Dan at the ceremony were Congressman Leonard Lance, who presented each of them with U.S. flags that had been flown over the United States Capitol Building and Assistant Scoutmaster Barry Wiegmann, who presented them with their Eagle Scout Awards. In addition, Rick Pottorf, former Scoutmaster of Troop 850, administered the Eagle Pledge to Jack and Dan. Rev. Dr. Anthony Godlefski of Montgomery United Methodist Church (the troop’s sponsor) gave the invocation and Monsignor Gregory Malovetz of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, gave the benediction. Many family members, friends, troop members and mentors attended to congratulate the new Eagle Scouts.
A fitting tribute known as “100 Scouts” was a highlight of the ceremony, presented by Dan’s grandfather, David Blair, also an Eagle Scout. It cited statistics that only about two scouts out of 100 achieve the Eagle rank and that many of those become leaders in corporate America and in public service.
The following is information on the Eagle Scout projects:
Jack Connolly – Restoration of Bridge Tender’s Station at the Delaware-Raritan Canal
Jack Connolly restored a small building in Griggstown known as "The Bridge Tender's Station” for his Eagle Scout Project. Once used to control barge traffic on the Delaware-Raritan Canal, The building was a vital part of our area's history and heritage. During the mid-nineteenth century, a watchman would sit inside the building and monitor barge progress, as well as telegraph for help in the event of an emergency. Over the years, its’ condition deteriorated. Recently, the Griggstown Historical Society had it partially restored and moved to its original location. Jack finished the restoration, added some elements to mimic its historical function, and landscaped the exterior.
The project benefitted both the D&R Canal Commission and the Griggstown Historical Society. Both organizations have expressed their appreciation. It was planned cooperatively with these two organizations, and was executed by about 15 scouts from the two Boy Scout troops in Montgomery Township. In total the project comprised about 200 man-hours of work.
Jack, who is a senior at Montgomery High School, will attend Lehigh University in the fall, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Entrepreneurship.
Dan Moses – Prayer Labyrinth & Meditation Garden
Dan Moses’ created a prayer labyrinth and a meditation garden at Montgomery United Methodist Church (MUMC) for his Eagle Scout Project. The purpose of the labyrinth and the garden is to provide a place for people to meditate, reflect and relieve the stress of our fast-paced world. The prayer labyrinth and meditation garden on the grounds of Montgomery United Methodist Church on Sunset Road are available for use by all community members.
After researching labyrinths and consulting landscape architects, Dan created his proposal and presented it to the MUMC Trustees and the MUMC Executive Council for approval. Because the materials for his project were expensive, Dan needed to fundraise to finance the project. He organized a pancake breakfast at MUMC and solicited donations that fully funded the project's cost. The fund raiser and the project were carried out by 18 scouts from Troop 850, and nine other volunteers. The prayer labyrinth project took around 220 man-hours of work to complete.
Dan is a junior at Montgomery high school. He plans to major in business or economics in college.
For more information on Troop 850, Boy Scouting or the Eagle Scout award, go to the troop’s website at www.bsatroop850.com.
Junior Girl Scout Troop 60949 Gives a Facelift to OKCC Landscape
Girl Scout Troop 60949 has planted a beautiful garden with many native perennials and shrubs in front of the Senior Center at OKCC. The girls of Troop 60949 planned thoroughly for their Bronze Award project. After exploring various ideas on making a difference to the immediate community they live in, they decided to give a new look to the OKCC landscape keeping our senior citizens in mind. The idea was to have a perennial garden consisting of evergreens and primarily flowering native plants to give year round appeal.
The girls visited the site, studied the landscape for location and sun exposure and planned a new design. They came up with a proposal and budget for this project and presented it to Karen Zimmerman, Recreation Director at OKCC, and John Snyder, Foreman of Montgomery Township's Parks Department. They also met and planned under the expertise and guidance of Larry Koplik of Montgomery Township's Shade Tree Committee. Larry and his wife, Sarah Roberts, shared their years of experience, educated the troop on the importance of native plants and helped to finalize the design. Larry was very instrumental in procuring plants and materials required for the project.
On the beautiful morning of April 1, the troop started their project. It wasn't an easy task. The girls prepared the plant bed by cleaning the area and removing the weeds. Then there was the hard work of digging and planting. Larry and family members of the girls gave them a hand in digging, planting, mulching and watering. By the end of the day, the front of OKCC was transformed from a barren piece of land to a green garden. Additional perennials were added at another work session in May. If you visit the OKCC now, you will see the fruits of all the hard work by Troop 60949. The shrubs have leafed out and the perennials are starting to bloom. The garden is young and some of the plants are still small, but it is sure to grow into full bloom in the coming years! A flowering crab apple tree will also be added to the garden later in May.
The troop is especially thankful to Larry for his help throughout this project. The troop also appreciates support from Karen Zimmerman and John Snyder. Special thanks to Robert Windish, President of "Fairway Green Inc", for a $200 gift certificate and weed control services. The troop is also grateful to the Belle Mead Co-Op, James Irish Tree Experts, Mapleton Nurseries, and Northern Nurseries for the discounts and donations they provided and to various township families for the donation of plants from their gardens.
Members of Troop 60949 are 5th graders at the Lower Middle School: Aayushi Doshi, Nikita Tripathi, Riya Patel, Nitya Talreja, Gurveen Singh, Pooja Jain and Viky Lu.
Health Dept Holds “Montgomery’s Biggest Loser” Program
The Montgomery Township Health Department started its version of the TV reality show “the Biggest Loser” on April 21with a different focus. The participants are primarily Township employees, since earlier registrations did not yield enough residents. The program is an employee wellness program which provides mutual support in making healthy choices through nutrition and physical activity. Rather than focus on the amount of weight participants need to lose, as the TV show does, the program gives them the tools they need to get there.
A flyer for the program describes it as “a friendly competition to begin changing behaviors that will result in a healthier weight.” The unique focus and format of the program stems from a mini-grant given to Montgomery and Woodbridge Townships according to Montgomery Health Officer Stephanie Carey. The grant is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and administered by the New Jersey Collaborative for Excellence in Public Health, which includes the New Jersey State Health Department, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Health Officers Association.
The program is studying ways to improve participation and success, and focus on prevention. The participants’ weight, blood pressure, and body mass index are measured at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the program. Weekly emails and a Google discussion group provide encouragement along the way, and a ‘yoga for stress management’ class will be held for the group on May 26. When the program ends June 25, a celebration featuring turkey burgers and Frisbee throwing will be held.
Marcie Tyson, Health Educator for Montgomery, says of the program, “We all know what we need to do to make healthier choices – the information is available everywhere. This program moves beyond sharing knowledge and facts to create a support structure so that the participants will use what they often already know to move towards a healthier lifestyle - which will, in turn, help them to move towards a healthier weight.”
This Township Pool Is Open For The members' Convenience
Have you ever driven by the sign and wondered about the mysterious pool club on the 518 side of the Province Line Road railroad tracks in the western part of the township? The Province Line Swim Club has been in existence since 1962 and has operated as a co-op swim club since it’s inception.
In an excerpt from the clubs’ web site, “ In the early 1960's, three local residents - Bill Terhune, Ken Dorey and Bob Karch - had an idea: why not get a group of people together and build a swimming pool and recreation area where we can all go and relax, have fun and beat the heat?"
Not much has changed from the original reason that these local residents combined their resources and built the pool that is still known today as the Province Line Swim Club. Unlike other pool clubs in the area, Province Line is an entirely member owned club and is operated as a co-op where members contribute to all aspects of operating and running the pool. Also setting this pool apart is the fact that there is no snack bar or a swim team. Guest fees are generously low and with yearly membership limited to a total of 40 families there is never any crowding.
At Province Line the pool is always open for members swimming pleasure. Since all members are owners of the pool they can swim when it is convenient for their schedule by simply letting themselves in and closing up when they are done swimming. As a current member states it, “It’s like having your own backyard pool and having 40 friends help maintain it” .
Memberships and lifeguard positions are available for the 2010 swim season. Please send inquiries to swim@plswim.com . Pool club information can be found online at Province Line’s website at www.plswim.com.
Monica Lange Wins Award For Autism DocumentaryFilm
On a warm spring morning, award-winning documentary filmmaker Monica Lange sips coffee and talks about her career. There’s a glint in her eyes, an excited cadence to her speech and animation in her gestures. She obviously loves her work.
“It’s the only thing I can imagine myself doing,” she says with smile.
Born and raised in New York, Lange lived in the city and worked in Princeton after college. It was here that she met the man who would become her husband. Eventually, she moved here, they bought the vintage house she still lives in today, and she has continued to work from here ever since.
The event having the greatest impact on her occurred in the 80s when she was hired to work with noted documentary filmmaker, Tom Spain. The project was for NBC Television’s acclaimed White Paper series and called NBC Reports: To Be a Doctor. The documentary presented a gritty, in-depth look at how young doctors were being trained in hospitals.
“I learned so much from him,” says Lange. “To this day, Tom’s words are still in my mind on any project I’m working on.”
The 80s and 90s brought a variety of projects and opportunities Lange’s way, along with the birth of her two daughters. She continued to freelance, while raising her children here, but always liked working in television best.
“No two months of my life have ever been the same; that’s what I like about TV.”
In 2001 and 2002, she worked with Tom Spain directing and producing another project, this time for PBS. The program, America’s First River: Bill Moyers On The Hudson – The Fight to Save the Hudson, aired in the spring of 2002. The two-part series focused on conservation of the river and the ongoing battle between the public and private sector over utilizing its natural powers and gifts
“It was one of the most interesting and fun projects I’ve ever worked on,” says Lange. “Bill really respects his producers and gives them a long leash and lots of logistical support. We had 18 months and lots of money to do it; that much time is almost unheard of.”
After the death of her husband in 2003, she left the business for several years, returning in 2007 to work on her first project for the Discovery Network, Autism x 6, which she wrote, directed and produced. The program aired in 2008 on the Discovery Health channel and chronicled the daily life and challenges of a family with six autistic children all under the age of 14.
While working on the project, embedded with this family for two months, Lange learned about research and therapies for autism. There wasn’t enough time to cover it all in that program, so she approached the network about doing another story utilizing this information. And that is how Unlocking Autism was born. Airing in 2009, it approached the subject of autism from both a scientific and human perspective.
Lange’s Unlocking Autism was honored at the Third Television Academy Honors on May 5, 2010. Created by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to pay tribute to “Television with a Conscience,” the Honors recognize achievements in programming that “present issues of concern to our society in a compelling, emotional and insightful way.”
Again, Lange credits her early work with Tom Spain, “what I learned back in the 80s really led to me getting that award.”
Lange worked with the Learning Channel writing, directing and producing two programs: Conjoined Twins: After Separation and Multitude of Multiples, both of which aired in 2009. The latter has sparked the idea for Lange’s latest project, a pilot she’s working on for TLC that will chronicle the family of the first Hispanic sextuplets in the United States.
“I love story-telling. These projects are basically a way of story-telling and I get to make movies at the same time. This is what I’ve always wanted to do, and when it all comes together in the editing room, it’s very gratifying.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Now thatn UMCP is moving to Plainsboro, we thought we would explore some of the alternatives that Montgomery residents will have for medical care. This is a profile on Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick.
To look at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick today, a 600-bed nationally-recognized academic medical center with over 1300 physicians on staff, it’s hard to picture that it all started in a small cottage in 1885. But that’s where it all began.
A group of civic-minded individuals saw the need for a hospital in New Brunswick and then went about having it built. As the time went by, the small hospital was transformed into a major academic medical center with national recognition for providing top medical services. Over the years, the name changed from John Wells Memorial Hospital to Middlesex General Hospital to its current name, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, to honor General Robert Wood Johnson, a man who made a great impact on healthcare, as well as being a founder of Johnson & Johnson Corporation.
The building of the Robert Wood Johnson Tower in 1973 signaled a key moment in the hospital’s growth, as did its affiliation, four years later, with the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Rutgers Medical School.
Today, RWJUH celebrates its 125th year and offers patients state-of-the-art care in a full range of medical and surgical services. The hospital continues to win national and regional awards and special recognition in many departments. In 2009, RWJUH was recognized for the third year in a row by U.S. News and World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for heart and heart surgery, cancer care and respiratory disorders. NJBIZ named it “Hospital of the Year.”
In addition to heart transplants, RWJUH’s renowned cardiac department provides all aspects of cardiac diagnosis, care, treatment and surgery. It is one of only four hospitals in the country who can offer patients too sick to undergo surgery or a heart transplant the option of an artificial heart.
The partnership of RWJUH’s cancer hospital and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey brought comprehensive cancer care to central New Jersey. RWJUH is the flagship hospital of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and is known for its innovative and compassionate cancer care. It is the only hospital in New Jersey to be designated by U.S. News and World Report to be one of the nation’s best cancer programs.
Later this year, RWJUH will bring the first proton beam radiation treatment center to the New Jersey/New York area. This is a significant advancement in radiation oncology because, unlike traditional forms of radiation, it is able to target just the cancerous tumor without affecting the surrounding tissues and organs.
The hospital has a Level 1 Trauma center designation by the American College of Surgeons Trauma Committee and one of only three designated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. A Level 1 center is the highest designation a hospital can receive and recognizes “dedication to providing exceptional care to critically injured patients.”
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at RWJUH provides many services and specialties in all areas of pediatrics, including neurosurgery, oncology, orthopedic surgery, rheumatology and metabolic diseases, and cardiology and cardiac surgery.
For more information about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, its services and programs, visit www.rwjuh.edu or call 732-828-3000.
BOATING SAFETY STRESSED BY LOCAL POWER SQUADRON
National Safe Boating Week each year is the first full week before Memorial Day weekend, and this year it will be observed May 22-28. The Somerset Sail and Power Squadron (SSPS), a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, can help boaters, as well as those who are thinking of buying a boat, to “think safety.”
The slogan of the national organization and of SSPS is “Boating Is Fun…We’ll Show You How!” During Safe Boating Week, SSPS will launch a series of seminars that are open to both members and nonmembers on topics that should be of great interest to boaters. All of these seminars will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hillsborough YMCA (19 East Mountain Road).
The topics are as follows: May 25, “Using VHF and VHF/DSC Marine Radio”; June 8, “Using GPS”; June 15, “How to Use a Chart,” and June 29, “Basic Coastal Navigation.” The fee is $35 for the first three seminars and $40 for the last one. Those who wish to register should call the Y at 908-369-0490.
SSPS also offers a public boating class in the spring and in the fall. This 8-hour course satisfies the requirement that everyone operating a boat in the state of New Jersey must pass a course and receive a certificate.
Melissa Jorda of Flemington, SSPS’ newly elected commander, explained: “It used to be that those who wished to join a squadron had to take the public boating course first. Now, however, that requirement is waived, and those who join SSPS can take advantage of the other benefits of squadron membership from the get-go.”
These benefits include bimonthly dinner meetings that provide an opportunity to socialize with other boaters and to hear speakers on marine topics. The squadron also schedules summer “rendezvous” and “raft-ups” on the water where members get to know each other better. SSPS publishes a quarterly newsletter with news and views on boating. And in addition to the seminars and the public boating class, the local squadron offers advanced-grade courses and electives, all taught by fellow members.
“Although our squadron members live in Somerset and Hunterdon counties, some keep their boats along Raritan Bay, others on Barnegat Bay and still others on Chesapeake Bay,” Ms. Jorda continued. “We also have members who do not presently own boats but did in the past or hope to in the future, and who just want to share their love of the water with fellow squadron members.”
For more information on SSPS’ seminars and courses, contact George Jorda, squadron education officer, at 908-788-6808 or at gon2blzs@att.net. For information on joining SSPS, contact Don Roeske, membership chair, at 732-828-8632 or at droeske15@aol.com.
To Our Readers
The Montgomery News, circulation 20,400, is mailed for free into every home in Montgomery Township and the Borough of Rocky Hill. If you have not been getting a copy, please let us know by calling 908-874-0020, or sending an email to editor@montynews.com and don’t forget to include your address!
Extra copies are available for free at boxes scattered around the Township, including at the Village Shopper Shopping Center, the Montgomery Shopping Center, and the Princeton North Shopping Center, as well as at the Mary Jacobs Library, Orpha’s Coffee Shop, Buy the Cup Coffee Shop, and from our office at 2106 Rte 206 (across from the red barn).
Many of you have come to rely on our advertiser-supported website, www.montynews.com, where we post late breaking news and calendar events. We have been getting more tha 3,000 hits per day since April, many of them from readers who come back for more.
Advertisers can post a display ad with a link to their site for as little as $45 a month.
Some Answers About Closing a Wine Bottle
There are many solutions besides putting your thumb in it
One of the questions people often ask me when they hear I’ve written books about wine is what is happening with all the different ways that wine bottles are now being closed. It used to be so simple. Cheap wines or jug wines, as they are called, had screw caps that you just turned and they were off. Better quality wines had corks, and seemingly have had corks for centuries. Now you also see a lot of plastic corks. So what’s up and what does it all mean?
Wine containers for more than 2,000 years have been closed with cork, which is a very convenient way to do it, as long as you have a corkscrew nearby. In addition to the problem of needing an instrument to get cork out of the bottle, cork has always had an occasional problem called cork taint. Some bottles with a cork have a funky smell and taste that experts compared to the odor of wet newspapers in your basement. Random bottles can often give off the offensive smell and taste, which basically ruined the wine. It was only in the 1980s that a Swiss researcher discovered the cause of cork taint, and then years later the cork industry decided to do something about it.
At about that same time, clever people started looking for an alternative to cork. The first one to come along was the plastic cork. It was inexpensive and solved the smell problem, but had its own troubles. The seal on a bottle with a plastic cork was not as good as if it was closed with a natural cork, which is tighter. Unwanted air can get into the bottle, which over time could spoil the wine.
And there was also the problem of getting the plastic corks back in, if you didn’t want to finish a bottle at one sitting. As one wine critic said, plastic corks were difficult to get out of the bottle and impossible to get back in. Plastic corks, though, found their market and continue to be widely used, especially on inexpensive wines.
In the meantime, cork producers were getting their act together and making better corks. So today, you can choose between natural cork, plastic cork, and screwcaps. I have all three in my wine cellar, and they all serve a different purpose. Plastic corks are good for inexpensive wines that will be drunk soon.
Screwcaps are convenient and can be used on better wines, but not ones you are going to store for a long time. Natural cork is better than it used to be, and is good for all kinds of wine. So the closure should match the wine. And don’t forget that the wine in the bottle is more important than how the bottle is sealed.
George M. Taber is the author of three wine books: Judgment of Paris, To Cork or Not to Cork, and In Search of Bacchus.
Upcoming Child Safety Seat Inspection Events
The Montgomery Township Police Department and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety are hosting two child safety seat inspection events at the follow location:
Saturday June 05, 2010 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Station 45 Fire House on Griggstown Rd (CR 630) in Montgomery Township
Saturday August 21, 2010 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Station 45 Fire House on Griggstown Rd (CR 630) in Montgomery Township
No appointments are necessary and the inspections are free of charge. The child safety seats will be inspected by certified child safety seat technicians. This event will be held rain or shine. Please call Officer Andrew Perry at (908) 533-9197 or Sgt. Robert Mitchell at (908) 533-9196 with any questions.
PARK COMMISSION ANNOUNCES YOUTH FISHING DERBY
Registration now open for June 5, 2010 Event
BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Somerset County Park Commission is accepting registrations for its Annual Youth Fishing Derby scheduled for Saturday, June 5, 2010. The event will take place at the Sourland Mountain Preserve, East Mountain Road, Hillsborough, New Jersey from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon.
The Fishing Derby is held in conjunction with Rogue Bass, a Somerset County-based fishing club and is co-sponsored by ATON Computing, Inc.
The Derby is open to both novice and experienced fishermen and fisherwomen ages 5 to 14 and is divided into age groups: Pee Wee - 5 & 6 Years; Junior – 7 to 10 years; Senior – 11 to 14 years. Prizes will be awarded for total weight of fish caught and for the largest catch.
Contestants must sign in between 9:00 A.M. and 9:45 A.M.
Thanks to additional donations by ATON Computing and Rogue Bass, the ponds normally stocked by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, will provide ample opportunities for the anglers. Donations of prizes and awards have been received from area businesses.
A $7.00 registration fee is requested and will be donated to the Somerset County Park Commission’s Therapeutic Recreation Department that provides specialized recreation opportunities to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Pre-registration is required and must be received by Friday, May 28, 2010. No on-site registration will be accepted. Space is limited and registration will be on a first-come first-served basis. Applications and information may be obtained online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-526-5650 or NJ Relay Service at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.
NJ’S CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM™ HELPS RESIDENTS SAVE MONEY BY RECYCLING OLD REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS
Customers receive $50 plus free pick up of old refrigerators and freezers - New Jersey benefits from reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy efficiency
NEWARK, N.J. – Refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 1990 can use up to three times more electricity than newer appliances and can cost a typical household $150 a year to run. The removal and recycling of an old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer will help homeowners save money by lowering their electric use, while helping to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Since 2001, federal energy efficiency standards have resulted in new refrigerators and freezers that consume less energy. Current models use about 450 kWh annually, compared to older units that consume up to 1,500 kWh per year.
New Jersey residents can now receive $50 for turning in older, inefficient refrigerators and freezers, a $20 increase from the original incentive offered by the Refrigerator/ Freezer Recycling through New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU) Clean Energy Program (CEP). In addition to the $50 incentive and the free, in-home pick up service, customers will also experience significant energy cost savings. More than 6,000 refrigerators and freezers in New Jersey were recycled in 2009 which is equivalent to more than $7.2 million in lifetime energy cost savings. The total number of refrigerators and freezers picked up through the program now exceeds 12,000.
The Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling program is not a traditional rebate program since purchase of a new appliance is not necessary. To receive the $50, New Jersey customers only have to schedule a pick up to have their old, working refrigerator or freezer removed. The process is simple and convenient for consumers. Appliance recycler, JACO Environmental will then take the old unit to its recycling plant in East Brunswick, NJ. There, refrigerators and freezers are recycled through a process that returns 95 percent of their materials back to manufacturing. The recycling process also safely extracts various toxic components that are found inside refrigerators, including contaminated oils, mercury and CFCs, which may deplete the ozone layer.
DUKE ISLAND WALKERS
BRIDGEWATER, NJ - A weekly walking group will meet every Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. at the Duke Island Visitor’s Center for a healthy walk through Duke Island Park along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 226.
Duke Island Park is located off Old York Road in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The walk is free of charge. Walks continue through the winter months as weather permits.
Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org
Somerset County Seeks to Identify Centenarians In Celebration of Older Americans Month
Respond by May 12
In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the county Office on Aging will honor centenarians in May.
Any county resident who will be age 100 or older this year, or anyone with a relative or friend in that age group living in Somerset County, is asked to contact the county Office on Aging by Wednesday, May 12, at (908) 704-6341 or OfficeAgin@co.somerset.nj.us.
“We ask residents to join us in honoring older adults, especially centenarians, in May and throughout the year,” said Freeholder Pat Walsh, county human services liaison. “Centenarians are our living links to the past and have contributed greatly to our communities.”
Each centenarian will receive flowers and a certificate from the Somerset County Board of Freeholders.
For more information, contact RoseMary Wills, Somerset County Office on Aging, at (908) 704-6341.
Jack
The Elks Lodge Transformed
The next time you stop in the Elks Lodge, take note of the recent upgrades to the facilities. This summer, The Princeton Elks Lodge on Route 518 in Blawenburg underwent renovations. The improvements include fresh paint, new carpets, and more.
Mike Arons, a former District Deputy and former Exalted Ruler of the Lodge, estimated that it had been approximately 20 years since the last set of renovations to the Lodge. Current Exalted Ruler, Robert Rubin, agreed that the changes were long overdue. The decor “was so 1960's. It was outdated and it needed some sprucing up.”
The Lodge is used not only by the Elks, but also by the public for weddings, community meetings, and other events. About 40 events per year are held at the Lodge. The improvements at the Lodge may enhance its appeal to the public for events.
Catering for such events is changing as well. The Elks previously had a full time chef. However, with business down in the current economy, the Elks could no longer afford to keep a chef on staff. Rubin stressed that this was a very difficult decision for the Elks, as the chef had worked with them for many years. Without the chef, members are now contributing their time and energy to cook the Elk's Friday night dinners. The Elks are currently talking with catering companies for use at other events. The Lodge will be creating a list of four or five catering companies that they will work with. Anyone using the Lodge will be able to select a caterer from that list.
Events held at the Lodge can generate revenue for the Elks, enabling them to continue their work, such as their annual children's breakfast with Santa. Upgrading the facilities was imperative to this. “Charity begins at home,” said Rubin. “If you don't have a home, you don't have charity to give out.”
To obtain more information about holding your event at the Lodge, contact the Elks at 609-466-9813.
Local Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
(Subject to change)
www.nnjaa.org
www.24-club.org
SUNDAY
8:30am, 24 Club (located behind Vespias/Goodyear at the Princeton North Shopping Center, Rts 518 and 206), 5:30pm, 24 Club
7:30pm, Rocky Hill Reformed Church, Rt 518
MONDAY
7:15am, 24 Club, Rocky Hill
12noon, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
7pm, 24 Club
8pm, Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Rt 206 and Homestead Rd
TUESDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12noon, RH Reformed Church
5pm, 24 Club
7pm, Double Trouble, 24 Club
WEDNESDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12:15pm, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
7:30pm, RH Reformed Church
8 pm, Mens Meeting, 24 Club
8pm, Hillsborough Presb. Church
8 pm, Men’s Meeting, 24 Club
THURSDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12:15 pm, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
7 pm, Women’s Meeting,
24 Club
7:30pm Carrier Clinic, Main
Building, Garden Cafe
FRIDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
12:15pm, 24 Club
3pm, Carrier Clinic Outpatient Building
5:30pm, 24 Club
8pm, Hopewell United. Meth. Church.
SATURDAY
7:15am, 24 Club
5:30pm, 24 Club
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their common experience and help each other to recover from alcoholism.
Rotary Club of Montgomery/Rocky Hill
About our Club
Since its founding in 1990, Montgomery-Rocky Hill Rotarians have offered their personal time to people in need and for projects in Montgomery and Rocky Hill and have raised hundreds of thousands for worthwhile causes. Our Club has supported many local, regional and international service projects: Our service is generally behind the scenes and always with the goal of making a difference in the lives of others.
For example, we are proud to say we helped start and fund all the shelving and storage bins at the Montgomery Food Pantry and we continue to offer support for the 27 families that currently need its help.
We are the single largest contributor to the Montgomery High School United Scholarship program.
We increased our support this year for the Career Development Award Scholarships for students going to technical or two-year schools.
Whenever disasters strike our fellow community members, like fires, or sickness, we're there to lend support and a hand.
Whenever disasters strike worldwide, Rotary is there within 2 to 3 days with ShelterBoxes to help the victims survive until the rest of the world arrives with relief.
Rotary provides clean water systems and education for children in Central America to help eliminate preventable water-borne diseases.
Each year Rotary sends Ambassadorial scholars around the world to promote goodwill and understanding. Last year our club sent MHS alumnus, Carrie Shannon, to a jungle clinic on the Burmese / Thailand border.
We continue our sponsorship of 3 INTERACT Clubs in the Upper and Lower Middle schools and in the High School. We sent Club officers to District Leadership training and two High School members to the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program (RYLA).
In partnership with the Montgomery High School Interact Club, Montgomery/Rocky Hill Rotary supports the "Gift of Life" program, which brings severely disadvantaged children from a third world country to the U.S. to receive life-saving surgery.
As part of our Rotary International charter, Montgomery/Rocky Hill Rotary supports youth exchange and group study programs that promote international understanding and fellowship.
The Montgomery Rocky Hill Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at 7:30am at the Cherry Valley Country Club Hobler House. www.montgomeryrotary.org
Gain Job Search Skills Through JobSeekers
Are you looking for a job? If so, JobSeekers can help. Since 1982, Trinity Church in Princeton has been hosting the JobSeekers program. This free program meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm.
Participants gain skills and practice in networking, resume writing, interviewing and more.
The meetings alternate between workshops and open discussion. “Twice a month, it's a special speaker who might come on resume skills or interview skills” stated Reverend Paul Jeanes II, the Rector at Trinity Church. Guest speakers include consultants experienced in job searches, people who have made career changes, and those, such as the Princeton Public Library, who offer job search services to the public. On the open discussion weeks, facilitators ensure that each attendee has the chance to share their situation, express concerns, and ask questions.
There are about five volunteer facilitators for the JobSeekers meetings. John Pollock, who is a parishioner of Trinity Church and the Chair of Communication Studies at The College of New Jersey, has been facilitating for six years. JobSeekers provides him with the opportunity to use his teaching skills outside of the classroom- to be able to understand the participants and address their needs. Of the facilitators, Pollock states “for us, it's a chance to volunteer.” He also said that “JobSeekers is so close to my heart, I just think it's wonderful.”
For more information on JobSeekers, contact Trinity Church at 609-924-2277. The program is free and open to anyone, not just Trinity Church members or the unemployed; anyone looking for a job or in transition is welcome to attend. The program helps participants to gain confidence and practice in job searching, while gaining the support of others.
Princeton Elks To Hold Weekly Sunday Flea Market
Starting Oct. 18, a weekly indoor/outdoor Flea Market presented by Princeton Elks, Rt. 518, Blawenburg, Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm (set up 7:30 – 9 am). Inside space is space with a table $15, outside space, bring your own table $10. For info and reservations call Lou 908-359-5652 or John 609-924-5897.
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