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Leaf the Raking to Us
If you ever sat outside your house longing for a teenager to come along to help with a big household project that you finally decided to tackle, here is your big chance.
Beginning in October of this year, baseball players from Montgomery High School (MHS) will offer their services to local residents and businesses for leaf raking and other odd jobs. The program is called “Leaf the Raking to Us”. In exchange for a relatively cheap source of labor, the proceeds from a donation of $10/player/hour will be dedicated to improve Montgomery's varsity field.
This program is being organized by the Diamond Club, the fund-raising
booster organization that supports MHS baseball. The Diamond Club was reconstituted two years ago when it became clear that ongoing pressures on Montgomery’s school budget would prevent investment in critical field improvements for the foreseeable future. Since then, the Club has successfully replaced the backstop, infield dirt, and outfield fence at the varsity field, and has arranged a public/private partnership agreement to implement similar improvements in the future at the junior varsity field alongside the Upper Middle School.
According to MHS Head Coach Pete Mueller, “This is a win-win opportunity for both the Montgomery community and the high school baseball team. Community service is an important component in the development of a young man and this initiative is a way to reach out and help others. Also, the donations will enable us to continue to push the baseball program to new heights."
Beyond fund-raising, the basic goal of the new program is to increase involvement by the players. All too often, fund-raising for high school sports is predominantly a parent-driven exercise. This initiative requires the players to put more "skin in the game" while providing a valuable service.
The players will come armed with rakes. You only need to supply the leaf bags, a smile and, of course, a donation.
Further information is available at www.mhscougarbaseball.com or by calling (609) 497-9108.
Somerset County Resource Center highlighted in Someys Grand Prize Winning Video
Somerset County, NJ – And the winner is……...Mask Theatre. This group of students from Montgomery High School took home the Someys award in the High School Health and Wellness category as well as the grand prize for best overall video. The Judges “…loved the concept” and gave the video the highest scores for creativity and originality. The group was awarded $250 for their unique public service announcement on recognizing the signs of abuse and highlighting the Resource Center in Somerset County. The excitement continued when the Someys team also presented a surprise check for $250 to the Resource Center.
HeavensdooR, a rock band with members from Bridgewater Raritan, Manville and Monroe Township High Schools, started the evening with a concert. Emcee for the evening, singer and director Christina Cruz, opened the awards ceremony with an original song “We need a little Someys” written by Deb Cummins. Freeholder Director Robert Zaborowski congratulated and encouraged the winners. Freeholders Patrick Scaglione and Patricia Walsh participated in photos with the winners. Award Presenters included Sheila Breeding of Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company and Sparkee of the Somerset Patriots. Winners in each category walked the red carpet to receive their Someys trophy and award certificates. All participants received a special citation from the Somerset County Freeholders.
More than 50 kids throughout Somerset County participated in the contest, creating 15 public service announcements. Nonprofit agencies highlighted were Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls on the Run, Habitat for Humanity, Somerset County Animal Shelter, Operation Shoebox, Somerset County Parks Commission, Somerset County Library, Boy Scouts, and Middle Earth. The awards ceremony was held at Raritan Valley Community College on Saturday December 10th. More than 160 people attended the awards ceremony. Ribbons were sold at the event, raising $110, and donated to the United Way Hurricane Relief fund to assist those nonprofit agencies in Somerset County affected by Hurricane Irene.
The Someys team thank their sponsors, Raritan Valley Community College, Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, The Somerset Patriots, Advance Solar Products and Ethicon.
The Someys were created for a class project by Leadership Somerset County Class of 2011. The mission of the Someys was to increase awareness of Somerset County’s non-profit and government resources.
Elks Celebrate 50 Year Anniversary
On Saturday December 3 the Ladies Auxiliary of Princeton Elks Lodge #2129 celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a dinner dance held at the Lodge on Route 518, Blawenburg, NJ. They celebrated their 50 years of dedication and support to their Lodge by donating to various charities of the order.
President of the Ladies Auxiliary Lee Robotti, presented each representative of 5 charities with a check for $1,000 in honor of each 10 years the ladies dedicated their service to the lodge. The charities were: Elks National Foundation - presented to Millard Horner, Past State Vice President; Army of Hope - presented to Thomas Cavanaugh, Past Secretary of Princeton Lodge #2129; Elks Camp Moore - presented to Michael Arons, Past District Deputy of West Central District; Somerset Treatment Center - presented to Louis Possemato, Past State President; Princeton Elks Lodge Memorial Walk - presented to Wayne Rudolph, Past Exalted Ruler Of Princeton Lodge #2129
The Old Gardener - It takes time, not money - Jan 2012
'Round about this time of year I start to feel that I'm ready to glue my wallet shut. Enough! my inner Scotswoman screams. I know that come spring I will be yearning for every enticing green bauble that is on the market; but this is now, this is January, and I am so over it!
Spring will bring other necessities and temptations. It will be necessary to divide certain perennials and there will be the temptation to conquer blank space. At times the necessities and temptations collide and all the blank spaces have been filled with divided perennials leaving no room for new treasures. There is such a thing as too many peach colored Korean chrysanthemums. Hey, I'll share!
I'll explain how to do the easy ones first. Creepy crawlies like the mints are the simplest. Not just mint julep mint, there are all kinds in that family and a snap to recognize once you know the secret. Mints have square stems. That's all, just twiddle the stem between your fingers, and if it is square – you got it! Mints will increase all by themselves, to divide: dig up a bit and plotz it in its new home. Water and there it is. The only thing to remember is not to plant it in a sand dune. Pick a wet-ish spot and get out of the way. Monarda (Bee Balm) responds well to this.
If the plant is mint like, yet only has one main stem, it will probably respond to your Granny's glass of water treatment. Cut a stem off, strip the lower leaves, stick it in a glass of water placed in front of the kitchen window. After a month or so rootlets will work their way out from where the leaves were joined to the stem, as long as the leaves on top are still lively there are possibilities. I say put it in the kitchen because you are more likely to keep the water topped up if you can see it. When it has a good set of rootlets pot it up and keep it in the same spot to help it get over the shock of being in a soil-less medium. When baby starts pushing new leaves - you have a new plant.
There are other plants that are either mint family of have a similar habit. The type where lots of little stems come from the base, like spines from a hedgehog. Ornamental minty ones are catmint and calamint. Both catmint and calamint are pretty tightly matted into clumps. You may have to dig it up and slice or saw it into bits. As long as roots are attached and it doesn't dry out, that bit will grow.
Equally desirable are thyme, true geraniums (the red window box fillers are Pelargoniums -you can’t make this stuff up) , hosta, hellebore, some ferns, daylilies and phlox. If you are nervous about messing with one of these, dig out the clump, dump it onto some newspaper on a shaded picnic table or anywhere you can sit comfortably. The shade is to keep the plants from drying out and the newspaper is to keep you from losing sections. OK, look at what you've got, wiggle your fingers between the stems see if they want to come apart easily or need some persuasion. If your desire is great and the pieces are small you might want to pot them up for a couple of weeks for a chance to regain their strength. Else wise replant immediately and water vigilantly for at least a month, longer if it is high summer.
Grasses, large or small, are more of the same. The two major differences are: it should only be done in spring and after the big ones have been cut back. Not that it would hurt them...but it would be difficult. The other difference is that it can sometimes take big men and much violence to divide a large grass.
Then there are the small grass-like things sedge, lirope, and mondo grass. I have found both the sedges and lirope hard to divide. It is tough to even get them out of the ground to hack at them. Which is what makes them really, really good ground covers. Add to that that they are not touched by deer and never have to be mowed..... Watch out for Lirope spicata though, it is as aggressive as a salesman.
Last, but never least are the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae). They range from the tiny calico aster though the giant sunflowers. Not all are perennial, sadly sunflowers are not but asters are. Crouch down and examine the base of the plant, if there are tufts of greenery sprouting at the base you have a candidate for division. But wait! Only in the spring. I don't know exactly why but I do know you will be faced with a dis-aster if you try to move them at any other time.
Catch up with the Old Gardener articles you might have missed on http://sagegardeners.com/blog.
What Montgomery Residents Should Know About their Emergency Medical Service
This year will mark the 40th anniversary of Montgomery EMS (MEMS). The organization was formed in 1972 to provide emergency medical assistance to the residents of Montgomery Township. Did you know that the services provided by Montgomery EMS are free of charge? That this organization is made up entirely of volunteers and is not affiliated with any hospital or municipal entity? And, incredibly, that the support for this all-too-necessary organization comes entirely from voluntary donations.
A lot has changed in 40 years, especially in the overall growth of Montgomery. Since 1970 the population has grown 250% and over the past 10 years the population has increased 27%. This growth is evident in the rate of emergency calls received over the years. In 1987 the squad received 608 calls and then in 2000 that number had increased to nearly 1200 calls. But in 2011, Montgomery EMS responded to almost 1500 calls.
For anyone who has been touched by EMS services, the value is obvious. Montgomery has one of the few remaining volunteer organizations in the area. Hillsborough, Princeton, Hopewell, West Windsor and Plainsboro all have paid Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and bill for services rendered. As stated earlier, volunteers provide the EMS services in Montgomery. They devote a large chunk of personal time to this effort. Whenever there is an event in the township that attracts a large numbers of people, Montgomery EMS is there. Last year they provided stand-by service at school events and other large public events such as the fireworks. MEMS members also help educate the community via an Open House & Health Fair, through community CPR training and providing free blood pressure screenings for senior citizens and other times such as the flu immunization clinic.
You may also be interested to know, Montgomery EMS has an active Cadet program where interested and motivated High School Juniors are trained as EMTs to volunteer with them until they leave for College. Montgomery EMS is proud to note many return during breaks and summers to continue to donate their time to the community and quite a few have gone on to careers in Health related fields.
Every EMT must go through a rigorous training course to become certified. EMTs are asked to commit to being on call a minimum of 20 hours a month.
Today there are 61 EMTs and Drivers, 13 Cadets and 6 Associates. Anyone can volunteer. If you do not want to become an EMT, help is always needed in the office, maintaining the ambulances or becoming a Driver. If you want to help, there is something for you to do!
Mary and George Heffernan, longtime Montgomery residents and EMT’s for 25 years have retired from active service but remain Associates, along with Sally Piller, a founding member. They give their time assisting in the squad room, mailing surveys and providing inspiration to new members.
If anyone is interested in helping this vital organization that touches the lives and well being of the residents of Montgomery on a daily basis, you can download a membership application or make a donation at: http://www.mems47.org, or on facebook. You can also email MEMS at info@mems47.org, or call on (908)359-4112. They are "Neighbors helping Neighbors.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Unscrambling the Egg - Jan 2012
Which came first, the chicken or the egg, asks the ancient and proverbial question. Men have pondered this seemingly simplistic, yet intriguingly paradoxical query for time immemorial. Why? Because the real answer is neither, (assuming that “egg” refers only to chicken eggs). Chickens evolved from more primitive birds whose ancestral lineage emanates from the dinosaurs. There is no specific point in time hallmarked by the first chicken but rather a gradual evolution of wild fowl culminating with the modern chicken.
The egg is a complex, biological powerhouse of nutrients with innumerable culinary uses. One large egg contains 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, (of which only 1.6 grams are saturated), and at least 14 vitamins and minerals. Most of the nutrients and 45% of the protein are in the yolk. The white contains mostly protein. Egg protein is one of the highest quality proteins on the planet, second only to breast milk. And while one large egg contains 213 mg. of cholesterol, it is saturated fat consumption that is more related to serum cholesterol levels than actual cholesterol consumption itself. Thus, with only 1.6 grams of saturated fat, eggs are not as unhealthy for your heart as generally supposed.
Fast Facts: eggs are graded, in descending order, AA, A, and B. Grades are based on quality which is influenced by the egg’s freshness. Grade A is the most common grade found in supermarkets.
Brown eggs are no different than white eggs in terms of taste or nutrition. They merely signify a different breed of hen.
Store eggs in their carton. Eggshells are porous and absorb surrounding odors inside your fridge.
It is easier to separate the yolk from the white with a cold egg.
To whip egg whites to maximal volume, start with room temperature whites, ensure there is no yolk in them, and use a copper bowl. Copper bowls produce the most stable and voluminous whipped egg whites because of the interaction between copper ions and proteins.
To determine the freshness of an egg submerge it in water. Eggs have an air pocket that grows with time. Fresh eggs will lay flat on their side in water. As they age the one end will start to rise. If your egg floats, don’t eat it.
For scrambled eggs, heating the pan before adding the eggs will reduce sticking.
Egg whites lose their integrity with age. Thus, fresh eggs are best for poaching since the white will disperse less. Adding vinegar and/or salt to the water will further reduce its diffusion.
Older eggs are best for hard-cooked eggs. (Culinary professionals avoid the term hard-boiled since the eggs are not actually boiled). The higher pH of older eggs allows the shells to peel easier. Thus, don’t add vinegar to the water for hard-cooked eggs. Over cooking causes greenish blemishes, the result of a reaction from the iron in the yolk with the sulfur in the white. For perfectly hard-cooked eggs, warm the eggs in hot tap water. This reduces the chance of them cracking. Then place them in cold water and bring to a boil. The instant it boils remove them from the heat and allow them to steep, covered, for 12-13 minutes. Then submerge in cold water to stop the cooking.
Tired of the usual methods for preparing eggs? Try a frittata, i.e., an Italian omelet. Unlike a French omelet where the egg is folded over the ingredients, the ingredients are actually mixed into the eggs. This recipe comes from Lynne Kaplan, a chef who owns the Victoria House Bed & Breakfast in Spring Lake, NJ. For a gourmet B&B check them out at victoriahouse.net.
8 eggs
½ cup sour cream
1 cup milk
salt/pepper to taste
1 portobello mushroom, stem removed, sliced 1/4" thick
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
½ pound prosciutto, diced
2 plum tomatoes, diced, seeds removed
2 teaspoons chopped basil
1 teaspoons chopped oregano
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Vigorously whisk the eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper and set aside. Sauté the mushroom in two tablespoons of olive oil until browned and set aside. In a 10", non-stick, oven proof skillet, sweat the onions in two tablespoons of olive oil until softened but not brown. Add the ham and sauté two minutes. Arrange mushrooms on top on ham/onion mixture and then sprinkle with chopped tomatoes. Stir herbs into the egg mixture and pour it over everything in the pan. Cook on top of stove slowly, lifting the edges to let uncooked egg run under. Do not brown the bottom. When almost set, sprinkle on the cheese and place in oven until cheese melts and browns slightly. Remove from oven. Loosen around the edges and slide onto a serving platter. Serves 6-8.
WASHINGTON CROSSING AUDUBON EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2012
Washington Crossing Audubon Society announces the following events for Jan 2012:
Field Trips
· Jan 7 or Jan 14, 2012 (depending on weather)
Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) will host a birding field trip led by Mary Doscher to view Wintering Birds at Barnegat Light on Saturday, Jan 7 or Jan 14, depending on weather. Call the leader at (609) 586-3185 in the evening one or two days prior to the trip for date, time, and directions. There is no charge for this or any other WCAS-sponsored field trip.
· Jan 21, 2012
Washington Crossing Audubon Society (www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org) will host a birding field trip led by Brad Merritt, John Maret, and Lou Beck to Roebling Park, the Gateway to the Hamilton/Trenton Mark, at 10 AM on Saturday, January 21. Directions: Coming from Trenton on S. Broad St., turn left onto Sewell Ave. (watch for stop signs) and follow the dirt road to the left down the hill to parking area. For more information, or in case of inclement weather, contact Lou Beck at (609) 737-0070. There is no charge for this or any other WCAS-sponsored field trip.
Program
· Jan 16, 2012
On Monday, January 16, Washington Crossing Audubon Society will host a presentation by Jenn Rogers and Tyler Christensen entitled “Wildlife in the Bedroom.” Join us in exploring the bizarre and fascinating courting and mating behaviors of our native wildlife. Before the program, Ms. Rogers will provide a brief account of her experiences last summer as a WCAS Scholarship Recipient at the Hog Island Audubon Center in Muscongas Bay, Maine. This free program will be held in Stainton Hall on the campus of the Pennington School, 112 W. Delaware Ave., Pennington, NJ. Details can be found at: www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org. Refreshments are served at 7:30 PM and the program begins at 8:00 PM.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON WASHINGTON CROSSING AUDUBON SOCIETY
Washington Crossing Audubon Society has approximately 1300 members, mostly from the five counties of central New Jersey. Its monthly lectures and frequent field trips are free and open to the public.
More information about WCAS, including contacts, can be found at the Society’s web site: www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org.
Precautions To Take in Unlikely Encounter of a Coyote
On Sunday December 5, Police were called to a residence on Kilpatrick Lane in the Belle Mead section of the township regarding an animal incident. Upon arrival, the homeowner informed police she was raking leaves around 12:30 PM when she observed two coyotes in her rear yard. One of the coyotes approached the woman and she tried to scare off the animal. She reported the coyote then attempted to bite at her legs and she struck it several times with the rake before she was able to get inside her house. She described the coyote as yellow/tan in color and the size of a small German Shepherd. The woman was uninjured. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife was contacted and they advised they will attempt to capture the coyote.
While coyotes are native to our area, normally they are reclusive creatures that prefer to avoid human contact and are rarely seen. There is no problem with coyotes in open areas exhibiting typical behaviors, usually late at night.
If you see a bold coyote coming near human activity during the day, police should be notified. If unusual behavior patterns are identified, they will be able to notify wildlife officials and take appropriate action. Use caution with pets and explain to children. Experts encourage parents to show young children photos of coyotes to help them recognize the animals.
If you encounter a coyote, rather than run away, act aggressively by yelling, waving your arms, stamping your feet, or throwing stones until it leaves to let the coyote know it is unwelcome. Do not approach the animal but slowly return indoors until it leaves.
Coyotes should never be fed, even inadvertently by allowing access to pet food left outside or household refuse.
The above guidelines will discourage coyotes from becoming acclimated to unsuitable areas such as residential neighborhoods.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Police: 9-1-1- or 908-359-3222 for Emergency or Assistance
MHS Grad serves in AmeriCorps NCCC
Sacramento, Calif. – Eric Bachrach of Rocky Hill recently began 10-month terms of service in the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), an AmeriCorps program. Bachrach, based out of the AmeriCorps NCCC regional campus in Sacramento, began work on their first project the week of November 7.
Founded in 1994, AmeriCorps NCCC is a residential national service program that supports disaster relief, the environment, infrastructure improvement, energy conservation, and urban and rural development.
Bachrach arrived at their regional campus in October to begin a month of training. This training, which prepared them for 10 months of full-time service with AmeriCorps NCCC, emphasized teamwork, leadership development, communication, service learning, and certification by the American Red Cross.
As a Corps Member, Bachrach will be responsible for completing a series of six- to eight-week-long service projects as part of a 10- to 12-person team. Their first service projects will end on December 16, at which time their teams will break for the winter holidays and begin a new project in a new location in January.
Twenty eight teams composed of 300 Corps Members and Team Leaders began service projects in November throughout the Pacific region, based in Sacramento. Some of these projects include providing services to homeless clients at Sacramento Loaves and Fishes, and providing long-term disaster recovery in Musselshell, Mont., among others.
There are four additional NCCC campuses located in Denver, Colo., Perry Point, Md., Vinton, Iowa, and Vicksburg, Miss., each of which is a hub for its respective area of the country. These other campuses begin their 10-month cycles at different times of the year.
Before joining the NCCC, Bachrach attended Montgomery High School and graduated in 2006. Eric is the child of Stacey Bachrach.
AmeriCorps NCCC members, all 18 to 24 years old, complete at least 1,700 hours of service during the 10-month program. In exchange for their service, they receive $5,550 to help pay for college. Other benefits include a small living stipend, room and board, leadership development, team building skills, and the knowledge that, through active citizenship, they can indeed make a difference. AmeriCorps NCCC is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC, visit the website at www.americorps.gov/nccc.
Something Interesting in the Aisles of Wine Stores
Smart retailers are now promoting bottles that don’t cost a fortune
In my never-ending quest for wines that won’t break my slender bank account, I have noticed an encouraging new development in savvy wine shops. Realizing that a lot of people out there are just like me, stores are now promoting bargain wines and seem to be offering more of them. The top of the line wines may still be locked behind glass doors and cost $200 or more a bottle, but the bargain ones are now also proudly upfront. A good example is a wine store that I frequent in Rhode Island, where I live for six months of the year. It has two large bins, one for red and one for white, devoted to wines selling for $15 or less. The selection is very good and there are products from all over the world. Now I can pass on the more expensive ones and concentrate on selecting an interesting and inexpensive wine that I haven’t tried before. Discovery is one of the important side benefits of drinking wine.
When I was last in New Jersey, I noticed that the Wegman’s stores now have a whole line of $6 wines that they prominently promote. They seem to have at least 14 in that category. There has been a glut on the world wine market for several years, which is good for consumers because it forces producers to lower prices, and it looks like the Wegman’s people have been taking advantage of the situation by buying wines from all around the globe. The brands may not be familiar, but the wines are good. And at this price, you can try a few and see whether you like them. I did, and I do. I have tried seven. The Wegman’s Chardonnay, for example, is called SilverGum and comes from Australia. The Bodegas Molina Malbec comes from Argentina. The Le Altane Pinot Grigio is from Italy. I also liked the Shiraz, Chianti, and Montepulciano varieties. The Jaume Serra Cristalino Cava is a Champagne-like white from Spain. It was a delight. I’m a big fan of Torrontés, a dry wine with lots of fruit that is similar to Rhône whites, and I had great hopes for the Bodegas Molina Torrontés. Unfortunately, I was disappointed and it was flat and short on fruit. But, hey, six out of seven is not bad, especially at that price. I hope that other liquor stores will pick up on this trend. Who knows? People looking for bargain wines for these tough economic times might even start a revolution.
George M. Taber’s latest wine book is A Toast to Bargain Wines: How Innovators, Iconoclasts, and Winemaking Revolutionaries Are Changing the Way the World Drinks.
Volunteers Ready to Help Out This Tax Season Appointments Available Through April 15
Volunteer tax counselors have been trained to assist Somerset County residents in preparing their federal and New Jersey income tax returns.
After passing the IRS and AARP tests, these volunteers are ready to help low- and middle-income residents prepare their tax returns. Special emphasis is placed on helping senior citizens and residents with disabilities.
All volunteers have taken additional training in order to help county residents who wish to file their returns electronically. E-filing enables taxpayers to obtain a more rapid refund if they have money coming back to them.
Tax-preparation volunteers will be working at locations around the county. Six sites – in Hillsborough, Raritan, Manville, Bridgewater, Franklin and Green Brook – have been designated for e-filing.
In 2011, approximately 2,090 tax returns were filed with the assistance of county volunteers.
To take advantage of this free service this year, gather up all the required documents – W-2 forms, bank, broker and Social Security statements, medical and other expenses, and a copy of your last year’s returns – and call the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services at (908) 541-5710 for an appointment.
The program runs through April 15 and is by appointment only.
Latest Census Figures In
The US Census Bureau has released statistics from the 2010 Census. What has changed since 2000?
According to the Factfinder site on the Census website, Montgomery's population has grown from 17,481 in 2000, to 22,785. The White population has declined from 84.6% to 74.7% of the total, and the Asian population has grown from 11.5% to 20.1%. The African-American population has gone from 2.1% of the total in 2000 to 3.9% in 2009 (the year of the latest statistics). The Hispanic population has gone from 2.2% to 2.3% of the total. The median price of Township homes has gone from $348,500 in 2000, to $615,100 in 2009, a nearly 100% increase, which despite the recession, is nothing to sneeze at.
Township residents appear to be wealthier than they were ten years ago, though it may not seem like it: Median Household Income in 2000 was $118,850; Median Family income was $129,150, and Per Capita income was $48,699. In 2009, Median Household Income was $145,827, Median Family Income was $168,607, and Per Capita Income was $62,568.
Another way to look at it is that adjusted for inflation, per capita income had no change in ten years time. In fact, Median Household Income is below what it should if adjusted for inflation ($150,498.47).
The average Montgomeruy Township family size in 2000 was 3.33; in 2009 it was 3.52.
Income did not rise at nearly the same rate as the cost of real estate.
Rocky Hill real estate, however, is just about built-out, with little room to grow (COAH, please note). In 2000, there were 662 people living in 295 homes, with a median family size of 2.82. One note: in 2000, Rocky Hill had the largest percentage of persons over the age of 65 living alone in the state, some 14% or so. That population has declined, alas, replaced to some extent by families with children. In 2009, the Rocky Hill population had grown to 671, squeezed into 280 homes, with a Median Family size of 2.84. Not much of a change, but up a little. There were certainly more children in the schools - some 94 in 2010, but about 27 in 2003.
The average home, valued in 2000 at $271,400, had risen to $460,200 by 2009, again reflecting area real estate prices.
In 2000 the Median Household Income was $79,469, Median Family Income was $100,314, and Per Capita income, was $48,357 (not too different from Township residents in that year). In 2009, however, Median Household Income was $97,656, Median Family Income was$112,083, but Per Capita Income had fallen to $46,708, which may have been a reflection of the number of children in each home.
$48,357 in 2000 dollars, if adjusted for inflation should have been $61,233.95 in 2010. The Median Household Income of $79,469 in 2000 dollars should have been $100,630.74 in 2010. It wasn’t.
There was comparatively little change in the racial composition of Rocky Hill residents: in 2000, the White population was the same at 95.2%, African-American 1.4%, Asian 0.5%, and Hispanic 3.9%. In 2009, the White population was 91.4%, Asians were 1.5%, African-American was 2.4%, and the Hispanic population was 3.3%.
So - there are more of us, homes are worth more despite the recession, and some of us have far less to show for it.
For more information about inflation, www.
. For more information about the Census, www.census.gov.
County Prescription Drug Discount Card Available
Staggered by the extortionate prices of prescription drugs? The Somerset County Freeholders have a better idea. They've set up a prescription drug discount program, which, they say, will provide discounts of 10% to 50% off from the price of prescriptions for Somerset County residents.
Applicants must fill out a form, available online, provide proof of residency in Somerset County, and pay an annual fee of $20 per household, or $40 for three years. The card is a discount card, not a managed care card and cannot be used with other programs for the same prescription purchase.
For more information online, http://service.govdelivery.com/service/docs/NJSOMER/NJSOMER_38/NJSOMER_38_20030701_071500_en.pdf
Donations Sought for the Homeless Personal items and clothing requested
SOMERVILLE - The Somerset County Department of Human Services is seeking donations of personal and clothing items to be included in packages that will be distributed on Wednesday, Jan. 25, when the county conducts its annual Point-in-Time survey of homeless individuals and families in Somerset County.
“I want to thank the public for their generosity in the past,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Peter S. Palmer, human services liaison. “Given the difficult economy, individuals and families that are already vulnerable are finding it even more difficult to make ends meet, and any donation would be greatly appreciated.”
Donations may be dropped off by Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Somerset County Community Development Office, located on the second floor of the Human Services Building at 27 Warren St. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that county offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Requested personal items include shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, deodorant and lotion, and feminine hygiene products, as well as new blankets and towels. Clothing items include new hats, scarves and gloves or mittens; new socks, underwear, tee shirts, and sweatshirts/pants. Other items include bottled water and juice boxes; as well as individually wrapped snacks: granola bars, snack crackers, and nuts/trail mix.
Some parking may be available at 27 Warren St. Free parking also is available in the parking deck at 27 Warren St., on the third and fourth floors only. Additional free parking can be found about two blocks away in the Bernie Field Parking Deck on East High Street, adjacent to the county administration building. Exit the parking deck from the rear and cross Main Street. Metered parking also is available on Main Street.
Point-in-Time volunteers will interview the homeless as part of Project Homeless Connect, which will be hosted on the same day at the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP), located at 87 E. High St.
Social service organizations will be on hand to screen clients for relevant services and distribute donated items.
The survey is part of a statewide effort to obtain an accurate snapshot of New Jersey’s homeless population in response to a directive from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The data is also used by the county and local non-profit agencies when applying for grants to assist the homeless population.
Collecting baseline data is essential to understanding the causes of homelessness and designing effective responses. Somerset County is required to report the number of people who are homeless at particular intervals in order to apply for HUD Continuum-of-Care funding, which is a discretionary grant that provides housing and supportive services to people with special needs. Data collection at regular intervals also helps track progress toward reducing homelessness.
For more information, contact Jeremy Hirsch, Somerset County Community Development Office, at (908) 541-5756 or hirsch@co.somerset.nj.us.
Fal-Rooney Olymic Camp Raises $ For Trenton Soup Kitchen
Each winter, Johnny Rooney's Sports Camp Academy holds a two day Fal-Rooney Olympic Camp benefitting the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. For two days, Montgomery students participate in team & individual events, games competitions, obstacle relays and much more. A portion of the registration proceeds for this camp are traditionally used to purchase supplies needed to make lunches for over 200 of the Soup Kitchen's patrons. This year, the children who participated in the camp took their community service to a greater level. With the devastating fire that destroyed the Crisis Ministries Food Pantry the Friday before Christmas, the Fal-Rooney staff asked its campers to also bring additional donation items to help replenish the much needed panty items.
During the two day camp held at the Otto Kaufman Community Center, both children attending camp, as well as some community members who had heard about the collection, brought dozens of items slated to aid both the Food Pantry and the Soup Kitchen. By the end of the second day, donation bins were overflowing. Cans of tuna, boxes of pasta, jars peanut butter and cans of fruits and vegetables made their way to the Crisis Ministry. Washcloths, socks, hats, gloves & personal grooming products filled the bin dropped off at the Soup Kitchen along with the pre-made 250 brown bagged lunches.
Community interaction continued for the Fal-Rooney campers on the afternoon of the 30th. Partnered with the Montgomery Seniors, the campers celebrated an early New Year and sang Christmas Carols and shared in a cupcake and juice New Year's Eve Party. It was a wonderful time enjoyed across the generations!
JR's Sports Camps has already earmarked its April 5 One Day Fal-Rooney Camp to benefit the Montgomery Food Pantry. For more information and photos of the events, as well as links to the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantries, visit www.falrooney.com.
Stony Brook Garden Club New Members Win “Best Tree” at Morven Festival of Trees
Stony Brook Garden Club of Princeton was made proud this holiday season by its newest members who collaborated on a civic project and brought credit to the club. Visitors to the Festival of Trees at Morven, a museum and public garden showcasing the cultural heritage of New Jersey, voted their entry to be the best out of 14. Words cannot justly describe the spectacular tree designed by this team of five. Their tree’s theme is that of the famous painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware”, a fitting tribute to Morven’s exhibition on display— “The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit”, which features one hundred flags from The Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags.
The SBGC provisional members’ statement of intent guided all their design decisions:
Stars and Stripes - A Tribute to Our American Spirit
We look back at that Christmas night, December 25th 1776, when our American soldiers with George Washington at the helm crossed the icy Delaware River. It was a cold, blustery evening with a frozen river and snow-capped trees. Hundreds of soldiers were fighting without boots using mere burlap to cover their feet and sacrifice biting at their souls. Their password that evening was Victory or Death~their mission to legitimatize the country they loved so much. As we come to decorate and celebrate the holidays of 2011 we feel compelled to pay tribute to Washington's Crossing, for it was his armies endeavor and resilience on that treacherous cold night that demonstrated their patriotism and was a precedent for our soldiers bravery today as many continue to risk their lives for our country's freedom.
The tree symbolized this historic time. It was swathed in vintage revolutionary war ribbon as well as handcrafted paper garland featuring reproduction sketches of Revolutionary War scenes. Member and local artist Cindy Bessalaar designed the paper garland. It was given a sepia metallic glaze, burned and sealed with wax, providing an antique look. The tree was also adorned with hand crafted star ornaments accented with reproduction military buttons and red, white and blue ribbon. Parchment paper scrolls of The Declaration of Independence, frosted golden berries, glitter pine cones and red metallic ornaments were tucked into the pockets of the tree to add color and earthy texture. Twelve portraits are featured, each representing a soldier who supported George Washington and contributed to the success of The Crossing. The tree is topped with flags and a tricorn hat similar to the one George Washington wore on the day of the Crossing. The tree skirt is made of burlap referencing the soldiers (without shoes) who covered their feet with burlap to continue fighting.
Morven Museum’s annual fundraiser, The Festival of Trees, includes Christmas Trees decorated by many community groups and individuals. The trees were on display from November 30th to January 8th and visitors to the museum voted on their favorite entry. Not only did Stony Brook take first place, a visitor to the museum asked to purchase the tree!
Stony Brook GC is a member of The Garden Club of America. The purpose of GCA is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of education al meetings, conferences, correspondence, and publications, and to restore, improve and protect the quality of the environment through education programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement.
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.
The Old Gardener - It Takes Practice, Not Money - Feb 2012
Well, OK. It takes both Time and Practice. Fussing with plants takes time. Doing it well takes practice.
Practice means learning from your mistakes. If you mess up a thirty five dollar plant, it is about the same as taking your family out for pizza. Not cheap, but not the end of the world either.
Just make sure you've learned thirty five dollars worth, then it wasn’t money wasted.
Learning has gotten easier with the advent of the web. I spent the day poking around viewing what information was available, finding one clear choice: www.finegardening.com/how-to/videos/intro-dividing-perennials.aspx?nterms=74878. Although I would argue a few points with this one.
First I want to know where she is gardening – 'cause I'm going to move there. Looks like river bottom topsoil. Perfect, perfect consistency. Textbook perfect. Dug right up, no sullen lumps, no squooshy bits or slick patches. Screaming jealousy aside, the demonstrator had some really good techniques going, along with complete explanations of what and why she was doing.
My quibble arises from the fall anemones she gaily moved in full bloom. In our heavier soil we don't have a real good survival rate for those anemones, fifty to seventy five percent, maybe – and that only in the spring. They are worth it though, once established, they produce an amazing display on really tough long lived plants.
In one of the next videos a gentleman went on to discuss dividing big grasses; at which point (not being too fond of watching wrestling matches), I clicked back for a quick look at the other nine groups of videos. All worth watching. Fine Gardening, is trowel down, the best gardening how-to website out there.
Dave's Garden www.davesgarden.com/ is my go to site when looking for plants. Unfortunately I was very disappointed in the how-to videos. Not only are there advertisements, but the videos were produced by amateurs (all very well and good) waving at invisible areas off camera, where things may or may not be happening at some undetermined time in the future. If an advertiser wants my eyeballs for ten seconds I'd better get something in return. Yes, it made me grumpy.
Don't bother with Horticulture magazine. No freebies on their site.
Even Burpee, http://www.burpee.com/, had a little blip on dividing perennials. Meh. I just couldn't develop any faith in a gardener wearing a clean shirt.
Of course Burpee is best known for seeds, and many of us get our start with Burpee. But it is a wide world out there and many companies have much to offer the novice.
Eventually, you too will develop reliable favorites; mine is still Johnny's Selected Seeds http://www.johnnyseeds.com/. Unfortunately the videos available there are aimed at the professional grower. Of course there is nothing wrong with taking advantage and shopping where the big boys shop; their equipment is top notch.
Our guys at the Belle Mead Coop carry several different brands of seeds including one of my old favorites Renee's Garden www.reneesgarden.com/. Renee has tons of helpful articles and recipes. Yes recipes, the site is really aimed at cooks who like to garden, or gardeners who like to cook.
Cook's Garden was founded with a similar idea and was an excellent source of hardy winter lettuces and greens. Unfortunately it has since been purchased by Burpee and has lost much of its small business feel.
The Coop is also carrying High Mowing Seed www.highmowingseeds.com/ an independent organic outfit. If you decide to go that route, spend some time on their site to read about the varieties so you don't spend the afternoon staring at seed racks. You are supposed to be out in the garden.
Belle Mead also carries an extensive line of seed starting supplies and can offer plenty of advice on local conditions.
Montgomery Gardens also carries a selection of seeds and seed starting supplies. When it warms up a bit there will be table after table full of plants in four inch pots. Gorgeous selection of ornamentals too.
Make a list of perennials to be divided. Later, practice on some of those old fashioned green and white hostas. It is really hard to hurt a hosta.
Investigate on-line sites, decide what you want to grow.
Next month we'll put it on paper.
Catch up with the Old Gardener articles you might have missed on http://sagegardeners.com/blog.
Three Cheers for a Sparkling White Zinfandel
A surprising sparkler that turned out to be a lot better than its reputation
The most fashionable thing for supposed wine experts to do is knock White Zinfandel. Those wine snobs are always criticizing it for being sickly sweet and so pedestrian. It doesn’t matter than this is one of the best-selling wines around and has been since 1975, when Sutter Home in California accidently discovered it. The story has since become legendary. As you probably know, alcohol comes from the sugar in grape juice. Back in 1975, the winemaker at Sutter Home had a problem and all the sugar had not turned into alcohol, resulting in a slightly sweet wine. Not as sweet as a Sauternes or a Port, but still a little sugary. Rather than throw it away, the winery put it on the market as White Zinfandel. To everyone’s surprise, Americans loved it, and it was soon the top-selling wine in the country. The mass of Americans loved it, but the wine snobs, especially the critics, hated it. And for the past thirty-five years, they have not missed a chance to knock it.
I bought a lot of inexpensive wine to taste for my new book “A Toast to Bargain Wines.” Most of them I liked, but some I didn’t. One I hadn’t gotten around to trying was a Beringer White Zinfandel from California. It cost me less than $10. So here I am on the afternoon of New Year’s eve trying to decide what wine to serve with dinner. It had to be a bubbly for the occasion, and I had plenty from countries ranging from France to South Africa. My wife and I were home alone, so there was no need to impress guests. The bottle that caught my eye was the Beringer White Zinfandel Sparkling. Why not try it? I asked my wife if she minded, and she didn’t veto it. Nonetheless, I had a backup plan of opening a bottle of a Italian sparkling wine called Franciacorta, which I was sure was good because I had recently enjoyed it at home.
The White Zin looked a lot like a Champagne Rosé. The pink color in a clear bottle looked quite attractive. When I twisted off the cork and heard the always inspiring pop that can turn a regular meal into a feast, I felt even better. Then I tasted it, without pouring any at first for my wife. I still wanted to be able to yank the wine if it was bad and open the Italian one. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was not overly sweet. Just a touch, and that was a positive, not a negative. It went very well with the lamb chops my wife served. We downed the bottle, and both enjoyed it.
The moral of the story is don’t let the wine experts determine what you like. Keep trying new wines because you never know what you will get. Above all, trust yourself when it comes to wine.
George M. Taber’s latest wine book is A Toast to Bargain Wines: How Innovators, Iconoclasts, and Winemaking Revolutionaries Are Changing the Way the World Drinks.
Gibraltar Rock of Belle Mead Donates Holiday Turkeys to Montgomery Volunteer Fire Fighters
This season represents the third successive year for Gibraltar Rock to express their gratitude for the service volunteer fire fighters of Montgomery Township render to the community, by donating holiday turkeys to 80 members of the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Companies #1 & 2. Gibraltar Rock, a unit of the Silvi Group, began operating the old 3M quarry in 2009. Quarry Manager Aidan Kilcoyne was full of praise for the professionalism shown by the firefighters in responding to a recent fire incident at the quarry, saying “this is our way of saying thanks!”
To Our Readers
The Montgomery News, circulation 20,900, is mailed for free into every home in Montgomery Township and the Borough of Rocky Hill. We mail a total of 19,269 as of Jan 20, 2012. 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 than 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.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Unscrambling the Egg
Foodforthoughtonline.net
Which came first, the chicken or the egg, asks the ancient and proverbial question. Men have pondered this seemingly simplistic, yet intriguingly paradoxical query for time immemorial. Why? Because the real answer is neither, (assuming that “egg” refers only to chicken eggs). Chickens evolved from more primitive birds whose ancestral lineage emanates from the dinosaurs. There is no specific point in time hallmarked by the first chicken but rather a gradual evolution of wild fowl culminating with the modern chicken.
The egg is a complex, biological powerhouse of nutrients with innumerable culinary uses. One large egg contains 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, (of which only 1.6 grams are saturated), and at least 14 vitamins and minerals. Most of the nutrients and 45% of the protein are in the yolk. The white contains mostly protein. Egg protein is one of the highest quality proteins on the planet, second only to breast milk. And while one large egg contains 213 mg. of cholesterol, it is saturated fat consumption that is more related to serum cholesterol levels than actual cholesterol consumption itself. Thus, with only 1.6 grams of saturated fat, eggs are not as unhealthy for your heart as generally supposed.
Fast Facts:1) Eggs are graded, in descending order, AA, A, and B. Grades are based on quality which is influenced by the egg’s freshness. Grade A is the most common grade found in supermarkets.
2) Brown eggs are no different than white eggs in terms of taste or nutrition. They merely signify a different breed of hen.
3) Store eggs in their carton. Eggshells are porous and absorb surrounding odors inside your fridge.
4) It is easier to separate the yolk from the white with a cold egg.
5) To whip egg whites to maximal volume, start with room temperature whites, ensure there is no yolk in them, and use a copper bowl. Copper bowls produce the most stable and voluminous whipped egg whites because of the interaction between copper ions and proteins.
4) To determine the freshness of an egg submerge it in water. Eggs have an air pocket that grows with time. Fresh eggs will lay flat on their side in water. As they age the one end will start to rise. If your egg floats, don’t eat it.
5) For scrambled eggs, heating the pan before adding the eggs will reduce sticking.
6) Egg whites lose their integrity with age. Thus, fresh eggs are best for poaching since the white will disperse less. Adding vinegar and/or salt to the water will further reduce its diffusion.
7) Older eggs are best for hard-cooked eggs. (Culinary professionals avoid the term hard-boiled since the eggs are not actually boiled). The higher pH of older eggs allows the shells to peel easier. Thus, don’t add vinegar to the water for hard-cooked eggs. Over cooking causes greenish blemishes, the result of a reaction from the iron in the yolk with the sulfur in the white. For perfectly hard-cooked eggs, warm the eggs in hot tap water. This reduces the chance of them cracking. Then place them in cold water and bring to a boil. The instant it boils remove them from the heat and allow them to steep, covered, for 12-13 minutes. Then submerge in cold water to stop the cooking.
Tired of the usual methods for preparing eggs? Try a frittata, i.e., an Italian omelet. Unlike a French omelet where the egg is folded over the ingredients, the ingredients are actually mixed into the eggs. This recipe comes from Lynne Kaplan, a chef who owns the Victoria House Bed & Breakfast in Spring Lake, NJ. For a gourmet B&B check them out at victoriahouse.net.
8 eggs
½ cup sour cream
1 cup milk
salt/pepper to taste
1 portobello mushroom, stem removed, sliced 1/4" thick
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
½ pound prosciutto, diced
2 plum tomatoes, diced, seeds removed
2 teaspoons chopped basil
1 teaspoons chopped oregano
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Vigorously whisk the eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper and set aside. Sauté the mushroom in two tablespoons of olive oil until browned and set aside. In a 10", non-stick, oven proof skillet, sweat the onions in two tablespoons of olive oil until softened but not brown. Add the ham and sauté two minutes. Arrange mushrooms on top on ham/onion mixture and then sprinkle with chopped tomatoes. Stir herbs into the egg mixture and pour it over everything in the pan. Cook on top of stove slowly, lifting the edges to let uncooked egg run under. Do not brown the bottom. When almost set, sprinkle on the cheese and place in oven until cheese melts and browns slightly. Remove from oven. Loosen around the edges and slide onto a serving platter. Serves 6-8.
Reduced-Cost Radon Testing Kits Available
Radon exposure is estimated to cause 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually
SOMERVILLE – The Greater Somerset Public Health Partnership, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), is recognizing January as Radon Action Month in Somerset County.
One kit per household will be distributed to residents on a first-come, first-served basis for $7, at various locations throughout Somerset County, said Cinthia Weaver, GSPHP president.
Radon is a serious health risk. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in general. For smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased dramatically if they also are exposed to excess radon. According to the Somerset County Cancer Coalition, lung and bronchus cancers are the number-one cause of cancer-related fatalities in Somerset County.
Radon does not cause any immediate symptoms, such as asthma or respiratory problems. The risk of developing lung cancer is the only known health effect.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil. It is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in rock formations, and occurs in higher concentrations in certain areas of the state, including Somerset County.
NJDEP data indicates that numerous municipalities within the county have a high percentage of homes which exceed the radon action level of 4 picocuries per liter. According to County health department data, one out of every three homes in Somerset County tested during 2008 and 2009 exceeded the action level.
“In an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to radon gas, we encourage residents to have their homes tested, said Ms. Weaver. “It’s not uncommon to find that homes on the same block will have different test results. So even if your neighbor’s home is not affected by radon gas, it does not mean that your home is in an acceptable range.”
Residents may pick up kits at the following locations while supplies last:
- Bernards Township Health Department – 262 South Finley Avenue – Basking Ridge
- Branchburg Township Health Department – 34 Kenbury Road – Branchburg
- Bridgewater Township Health Department – 100 Commons Way - Bridgewater
- Montgomery Township Health Department – 2261 Route 206 – Belle Mead
- Somerset County Health Department – 27 Warren Street – Somerville
- Warren Township Municipal Bldg. – 46 Mountain Boulevard - Warren
Residents are strongly encouraged to call their preferred location beforehand to ensure the availability of kits. For more information about radon testing or mitigation, residents should contact their local health department. A listing of health department contacts is available at http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/health/localhealth.htm.
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.)
Newly Created Skillman Park Site of ‘Tree Trimming’ by 100 Arborists
Somerset County, the new owner of the 247-acre Skillman Park, already has plans to improve it. One hundred arborists will descend on the Park on December 3 to remove dead or diseased trees. The site has not been maintained for several decades, but County Freeholder Peter Palmer explained the County’s plans for the Park: “This will be our South County jewel.” Raymond Brown, Secretary-Director of the Somerset County Parks Commission (SCPC), concurred, “It was a beautiful site in its day and it needs some TLC.”
Once each year, members of the New Jersey Arborists Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (NJAISA), hold a Work Day on a site that they have chosen from applications. Brown explains, “We knew there was a huge cleanup involved [in Skillman Park]. It’s tremendously overgrown. We applied and we won.” The arborists will start at the eastern end of Main Boulevard and work their way westward, with an emphasis on cleaning up the roadway corridor.
In exchange for the work, the County is donating $17,000 to the NJAISA, which they will use as a grant for a member who is new to the field. The Work Day also serves as a training session for newer NJAISA members. The SCPC will provide lunch for all of the arborists in the Village Elementary School (VES) cafeteria on the day of the tree trimming. Says Brown, “We will make sure everybody gets a sandwich.”
According to Brown, the Park is similar to Natirar, the Peapack site that the SCPC purchased from the King of Morocco. “I see it as a South County complement.” Although a master plan for the Park has not yet been developed, he believes its internal roads could be adapted to a trail system, in keeping with the Park’s restriction to passive recreation.
On October 25, Skillman Village became Skillman Park when the Montgomery Township Committee turned ownership over to the Somerset County Freeholders. To mark the transition, Mayor Mark Caliguire gave the Freeholders one of the keys to a demolished building. Palmer noted, “The County can now move forward. The first step will be to develop a master plan.”
Freeholder Jack Ciattarelli said the Park was an “incredible addition” to the County’s open space. “Somerset County prides itself on being and remaining the greenest county in New Jersey. We’ve protected more open space than any other county – over 900 acres this year. We’re preventing sprawl, which exacerbates the property tax crisis.” He pointed out that VES’s location in the Park will allow its students to learn about open space.
The State of New Jersey, the land’s previous owners, initially considered selling it to developers, which could have resulted in the creation of 750 additional houses. Montgomery Open Space Coordinator Clem Fiori stated, “Any development was going to be a severe impact.” Ciattarelli recalls, “At one point the State was talking about putting a chain link fence around this.”
On the day of the purchase, Caliguire declared, “It’s a great result for Montgomery. We had a lot of dilapidated, deserted buildings. We could have had a lot of development. Instead there will be 247 acres of pristine parkland.” Of Skillman Village’s 256 acres, the Township retains ownership of Maplewood House on six acres, Pine Knoll Cottage on one acre, and the right of way along Burnt Hill Road.
Regarding the tree trimming, Brown says, “It’s certainly a great way to kick off our relationship with the folks down South.”
Montgomery EMS Previews Princeton Hospital
During the October Blizzard members of Montgomery EMS visited the new Princeton Hospital. The new hospital, formally known as the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro is located on Route One between Scudders Mill Road and Plainsboro Road.
At our visit we were told that construction of the new hospital remains on schedule. The facility, replacing University Medical Center at Princeton on Witherspoon Street in Princeton, will be ready in March 2012, with an anticipated opening date of May 22, 2012.
While there, Montgomery EMS (MEMS) members were able to walk through the new Emergency Department area which is much larger than the current ED. They have also made considerable improvements over the current ED some of which include specialty areas to better serve pediatric, behavioral health, elderly patient needs, as well as less acute care services and a rapid medical evaluation unit. We viewed the emergency ambulance entrance and dedicated ED reception which is separate from non-emergency transport and promises easy arrival and transfer to the ED.
As the new hospital is further away from Montgomery (compared to the current one) a concern of Montgomery EMS members continues to be access to the hospital. We were told that new signalization at the Harrison Street/Route One intersection will accommodate remote-control technology so the rescue squads can change the traffic signal at Route One and Harrison. If Harrison Street is not available to us an alternative access is on Route One via the Scudders Mill Road exit. We were promised a future meeting where ambulance access options will be discussed in more detail.
Montgomery EMS supports and honors resident’s requests to travel to the hospital of choice within our geographic area, except in the case where State protocol dictates we transport to a designated facility (for example, a primary cardiac catheterization center for heart attacks, a stroke center for acute CVA's or a Level I trauma center for severe injuries.) The University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP) and Somerset Medical Center (SMC) currently are our most frequent destinations, and these have both been designated as primary cardiac and stroke centers. Over the last 12 months, 71.4% of the patients we transport elect to go to UMCP, and 21.7% elect SMC. Additional destination options include: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (our region's only Level I trauma center) (4.4%), St. Peter's University Hospital (0.9%), Capital Health Regional Medical Center (Helene Fuld) (0.7%), and Hunterdon Medical Center (0.3%).
Montgomery EMS is not affiliated with any hospital nor are we a municipal entity. We are 100% volunteer and do not charge for our services. We rely solely on our volunteers and the donations we receive. If you wish to volunteer or to learn more about Montgomery EMS, visit us at our website: http://www.mems47.org, or find us on facebook. You can also email us at info@mems47.org, or call us at (908)359-4112. We are "Neighbors helping Neighbors.”
Linda M. Leyhane, CDA receives Judy Remington Award for Outstanding Advocacy in Addiction treatment from NJAMHAA
Skillman, N.J.---- Crawford House, a halfway house for women in early recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, is proud to announce that Linda M. Leyhane, Executive Director has received the 2011 Judy Remington Award for Outstanding Advocacy in Addiction Treatment from the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). In giving this award to Ms. Leyhane, Debra Wentz, Ph.D., CEO of NJAMHAA recognized her for being “a pioneer whose enthusiastic leadership has been essential to helping NJAMHAA successfully integrate the concerns of our state’s addiction treatment providers into our organization, particularly at the board level, while being a terrific ambassador for our organization.”
Honored to have been recognized for her ongoing efforts to sustain women in achieving life-long sobriety and drug-free living, Ms. Leyhane thanked NJAMHAA, “for helping people to obtain the lifestyle that we all strive for.” She added, “The need for women to receive addiction treatment is greater now than it has ever been, along with the need for funding and support.”
Crawford House in Skillman, NJ was established in 1978 to provide residential treatment to homeless and indigent women who are in early recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Based on the 12-step recovery model of Alcoholics Anonymous, the program is designed to facilitate physical, emotional and spiritual healing in a safe and mutually supportive community. For more information call, (908) 874-5153 or see, www.crawfordhouse.org.
Montgomery Travelers Soccer Club assists Elijah's Soup Kitchen
Thanksgiving morning, players of the U-14 Knights, representing the Montgomery Travelers Soccer Club (MTSC) made the trip to Elijah's Soup Kitchen in New Brunswick, NJ to deliver and donate over 50 pies from the club's annual Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser. Over 250 people were served a meal at the soup kitchen for Thanksgiving.
The annual fundraiser allowed funds to be raised for individual teams and supported the community by those who donated pies to a local charity. This year the club purchased over 500 pies from Terhune Orchards
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIONAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP AT NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE IN JUNE 2012
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission and the United States Golf Association (USGA) are seeking volunteers to support the 2012 U.S. Woman’s Amateur Public Links Championship that will be contested from Monday, June 18 to Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Neshanic Valley Golf Course, 2301 South Branch Road, Neshanic Station, New Jersey.
The U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship was inaugurated in 1977 as an opportunity for public-course players to compete for a national championship. It is open to female amateur golfers who are bona fide public-course players and who hold a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 18.4. Participants in the 2012 Championship will have qualified for play at sectional competition contested throughout the United States. It is one of only 13 national championships conducted by the USGA annually.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and are needed to serve as on-course marshals, support for scoring and transportation, and a variety of other functions throughout the six-day championship. Individuals volunteering are required to purchase official uniform shirts at $25.00 each or a shirt and hat for $30.00. The official shirt must be worn while on duty, matched with the individual’s own khaki slacks, Bermuda-style shorts, or skirts.
Volunteers who work a minimum of three 6-hour shifts during the course of the week will be invited to play in the “Supporters and Volunteers” outing that will take place at Neshanic Valley during the week following the Championship.
The mail-in Volunteer application is available on the Somerset County Park Commission web site at www.somersetcountyparks.org. The event code is “volunteer.”
Questions regarding the volunteer needs and procedures may be directed to Gary Wendorf, Green Knoll Golf Course 587 Garretson Road, Bridgewater, NJ, gwendorf@scparks.org or 908-722-1301.
Neshanic Valley Golf Course is the flagship facility of the five-course Somerset County Park Commission system. The 27-hole Championship Course, 9-hole Academy Course, Learning Center, and Callaway Golf Performance Center were designed to accommodate the needs of golfers of all abilities.
For more information visit www.somersetcountyparks.org
Montgomery Fundraising Night March 23, 2012
Last year, the MHS Band partnered with the New Jersey Devils for a unique fundraising opportunity. Over 100 band members accepted the Devils invitation to perform during the New Jersey Devils game at The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The large group attending allowed the Devils to offer significant ticket cost savings over the regular ticket price. A portion of the ticket cost went directly to the band for fundraising, allowing the MHS Band Parent's Association to raise over $1400 for the MHS band programs.
The Montgomery High School Band Parents Association (MHSBPA) has decided to share this opportunity for all Montgomery non-profit groups/organizations that join us. The band has once again partnered with the Devils and has secured some big saving over regular ticket prices. Montgomery Fundraising Night offers all Montgomery non-profit groups and organizations the opportunity to get together for a fun night out, enjoy some Montgomery Township Community Spirit and raise money for their organization at the same time. Warshafsky said, "The more Montgomery school district organizations that can benefit from this, the better! This is an opportunity for many of our school organizations to benefit from a fundraiser that is a win-win for everyone!"
The goal for Montgomery Fundraising Night is simple. Fill the Prudential Center seats with Montgomery groups/organizations having a fun night out enjoying the excitement and emotions of a NHL game, saving big over regular ticket prices, all while raising money for their organization.
Montgomery Fundraising Night is Friday, March 23 2012 7PM @ the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ when the NJ Devils take on the Toronto Maple Leafs
More information can be found on the MTSD school website. Go to www.MTSD.k12.nj.us. At the heading near the top of the page, select DEPARTMENTS and then MUSIC DEPARTMENT. Click on the heading MONTGOMERY FUNDRAISING NIGHT and get all the information on how your organization can get involved.
I Want to Toot the Horn of my Rescue Squad…
Nowadays you can’t drive down the road without seeing a parent driving a vehicle with bumpers stickers and signs bragging about their child’s activity or accomplishments (and you know who you are). Now it’s my turn. You may expect me to brag about my daughter’s involvement in our local Montgomery High School Color Guard, or my other daughter’s involvement in our local Sourland Hills Actors Guild. However, I really want to brag about my rescue squad. I am a member of Montgomery EMS(MEMS). You will even see my vehicle with a sign that say “Montgomery EMS”, and my license plate which reads, “My other vehicle is an ambulance”. Why am I so proud? Why do I want to brag?
MEMS was just nominated for Outstanding Volunteer EMS Agency. Additionally, Bev Glockler and our Captain, Rob Giguere, are among the nominees for EMS Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award and Outstanding Volunteer EMT-B respectively. The winners will be selected by the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services as part of this year’s New Jersey Statewide Conference on EMS to be held in November.
Last year, Montgomery EMS responded to 99.2% of all dispatched calls. If you consider how Emergency Services works, that is truly an impressive number. We have a crew on duty, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We respond to 100% of all of our first calls. When our duty crew is unavailable, and another request is made for 911, we rely on our backup crew. Our backup crew consists of any of the remaining 80 members who are available to respond to a call, regardless of day or time. It could be the neighbor sleeping in bed, waiting for the 6AM alarm to wake him/her to get to work, or the parent at home spending time with his/her children. Perhaps it's the person getting ready to sit down for dinner, or a parent outside in the yard throwing a ball around with their child. Maybe it is a member sitting down to watch the World Series, or someone who just sat down because they had 5 minutes to relax after a long day. Whenever emergencies arise, we are there to help.
We have three ambulances, which allow us to respond to 3 calls at the same time. When requested, we respond into neighboring towns, including Princeton, Hillsborough and Rocky Hill for Mutual Aid, and also provide support to other parts of Somerset County during county wide emergencies. Montgomery EMS consists of residents from Montgomery Township as well as those from Manville, Hopewell, Hillsborough, and Rocky Hill. With time being a major factor in the success of our job, many members have made arrangements with their employers to respond while they are working in Montgomery, while others will stay at our squad building during their shift. Having members located throughout our town ensures a quick response to the patient.
We are an all volunteer organization, so when we are asked to respond to a second or third call, we respond 99.2% of the time. That is a truly amazing statistic, which makes me very proud to say I volunteer for Montgomery EMS. Last year, we responded to 1,382 calls, and on average, it only took us 5.8 minutes to get to the patient. While we hope the need never arises, if you are hurt or not feeling well, call 911 with confidence.
We do not just respond to emergencies, we are also involved in community education and can often be seen standing by for local Montgomery Events. We visit the elementary schools, hold tours of the ambulances, and host an open house every year during EMS week. You have also seen us at many events including, July 4th, Run with Rotary, Steeplechase Run, and Community Block Parties. If you have children playing sports in Montgomery you have seen us on the fields at Montgomery High School Football, Pop Warner, Soccer Tournaments, and Skyland Football.
MEMS provides an active leadership to the township and works closely with the Health Department in preparation for events requiring interagency response or other large scale events. We also assist at flu and pandemic immunization clinics, and provide free B/P checks at the Senior Center. We provide fire rehab to the Fire Companies with our new Special Operations trailer.
To maintain our quality we send each patient a follow up survey to allow them to provide feedback. In 2010 we received overall composite scores of 91.5% Excellent and 7.9% Good. Montgomery EMS offers Non-emergency free transport for non-ambulatory patients (back from the hospital, to the nursing home, etc..) and short term medical equipment loan (wheelchair, walker, crutches, etc.).
If you would like to have bragging rights on your vehicle, join us. Become a hero. We are always looking for the next driver or EMT. If not, consider making a donation. We rely solely on our volunteers and the donations we receive. Visit us online at our website http://www.mems47.org, email us at info@mems47.org, or call us at 908.359.4112. We are "Neighbors helping Neighbors.”
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
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