News from Township of Hillsborough

Issue: 2015 May 29

May 29, 2015

Hillsborough Adopts 2015 Municipal Budget

Maintains Budget Under Cap Levy for 5th Consecutive Year - Saves Taxpayers over $140,000

Hillsborough Township adopted the 2015 municipal budget at Tuesday's Township Committee meeting, which as discussed when introduced, came in under the 2% levy cap for the 5th consecutive year. Maintaining a budget under the cap saves Hillsborough taxpayers over $140,000 for 2015.

"As indicated when we introduced the 2015 budget, our fiscally responsible budget has come in below the 2% tax levy, which has been our practice since the 2011 introduction of the 2% levy cap and this measure saves our Hillsborough taxpayers over $140,000," stated Mayor Doug Tomson during his opening remarks regarding the budget.

The $28,182,103 municipal budget results in a municipal tax rate change of $0.003 per $100 of assessed property value. The tax increase is approximately $10 on a home assessed at $350,000.

For full news account, click here...

Veterans Way - Officially Dedicated

Under the picture perfect skies of Saturday, May 23rd, following the Annual Memorial Day Parade the Hillsborough Township Committee along with the 2015 Parade Grand Marshal Leo J. Hornsby officially cut the ribbon on Veterans Way. Last fall the roadway was dedicated as Veterans Way and the final work including a brick and granite monument were completed in advance of the Memorial Day Commemoration Program.

"I am of the opinion we can never do enough to recognize and honor our Veterans; those men and women who selflessly dedicated their lives to serve our Nation," stated Mayor Doug Tomson prior to the Ribbon Cutting.

"Let this monument memorialize our gratitude and our appreciation to our Veterans and their many sacrifices," continued Mayor Tomson.

Pictured above: Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, Assemblywoman Donna Simon, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Rotarian Corrinne Fender, Rotarian and Veteran Ken Genco, Congressman Leonard Lance, Rotarian and former Mayor Bob Wagner, Mayor Doug Tomson, 2015 Grand Marshal Leo J. Hornsby, Sandro, Eleni and Luca Iannella, Rotarian Amrik Sahota, Rotarian Joe Horner, Rotarian Tricia Marciano, Committeeman Frank DelCore, Rotarian Jeff Weil, Committeeman Carl Suraci and Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette

Pictured Above: Committeeman Frank DelCore, Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette, Riverside Rod and Gun Club Member Joe Markiewicz, Mayor Doug Tomson, Riverside Rod and Gun Club Member Gary Lavoie, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Committeeman Carl Suraci, Assemblywoman Donna Simon and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli

Hillsborough Township Committee Joins Branchburg to Honor Memorial Day at the Neshanic Parade

Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and members of the Hillsborough and Branchburg Township Committees joined together to honor all Veterans at the Neshanic Memorial Day Parade this past Monday.

Pictured above: Branchburg Township Committeeman James Schworn, Branchburg Deputy Mayor Patti Rees, Hillsborough Township Committeeman Frank DelCore, Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette, Mayor Doug Tomson, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli

Township Committee Honors Outstanding Woman of the Year - "Hometown Hero" Courtney

Newman

The Hillsborough Township Committee honored Somerset County's Commission on the Status of Women "Hometown Hero" recipient, Courtney Newman with a proclamation. Ms. Newman was recognized as President and founding member of Steps Together, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the community to pay their blessings forward by supporting families facing a medical crisis.

Pictured: Mayor Doug Tomson, Courtney Newman, Mike Newman, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley and twins Lauren and Kaitlyn Couto

Avolios Honored at Township Business Event

The Hillsborough Township's Economic & Business Development Commission (EBDC) held its 2015 Spring Networking event on Monday evening, May 4th, at the Polish Falcons of America Club at 140 Falcon Road. Close to 120 persons attended the event at which the EBDC presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Avolio Family, owners of United Rent-All, on Route 206. The Avolios, their daughter Kristen, son Michael, and two granddaughters were all at the event to accept the honor.

EBDC member Stephen Bearse (Regional Sales VP, Valley National Bank) presented the award, and spoke about how Michael and Marie Avolio first opened the doors to United Rent-All in 1971 in the Finderne section of Bridgewater. Marie continued commuting to Nutley High School where she was a teacher, while Michael operated the store. As the business grew and they needed more space, Michael designed and built the current location on Route 206, where they have been ever since, close to 30 years.

Ken Hesthag (VP, Bank of America Merrill Lynch), EBDC Chairman, opened the event by welcoming everyone, introducing the current EBDC members, and providing updates on recent EBDC initiatives, which were a direct result of the Business Satisfaction Survey they released to Township businesses last summer. The initiative updates included enhancements to the Township Hillsborough Business Association (HBA) website, creation of a new Quarterly HBA Newsletter, and a "Welcome To Hillsborough" presentation designed to attract new businesses. A pdf of the presentation is available on the HBA page on the Township website.

Mike Dudzinski, (Owner, Audio Café on Route 206), EBDC Vice-Chair, then navigated those in attendance through the rest of the evening, beginning with introductions of Mayor Doug Tomson, Township Committeemen Frank DelCore and Greg Burchette, and senior Township personnel, who attended the event.

The presentation to the Avolio Family was next, followed by the event's guest speakers, who included Don Newman, Director of Small Business Advocacy, New Jersey Business Action Center and Monika Athwal, Business Development Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Mr. Newman and Miss Athwal presented 'An Overview of NJ's Economic Development Resources', covering areas such as financing and business incentives, and what state resources are available to retain, attract and grow New Jersey businesses.

But the hi-lite of the evening was definitely the Lifetime Achievement Award to the Avolios, which drew a standing ovation for the long-time Hillsborough business owners. According to the Avolios - 'it's been a wonderful journey as many of their customers have become friends and they've loved being a valued member of the community. They look forward with their next generations to continue servicing and serving Hillsborough'.

The EBDC is already planning its next event, tentatively scheduled for late September/October. For information on Hillsborough Township business related matters, you can contact Gene Strupinsky, Business Advocate, at gstrupinsky@hillsborough-nj.org.

Hillsborough Emergency Services
Partners for a River Clean-Up Day - Sunday, May 31st from 9am - 2pm, Dukes Parkway Park in Manville

Live River Rescue Demonstration at 1pm

All Township residents are invited to attend and participate in the Raritan River Clean-Up Day on Sunday, May 31st from 9am until 2pm at Dukes Parkway Park in Manville, announced Committeewoman Gloria McCauley at Tuesday's Township Committee meeting.

Supplies and instruction for the clean-up will be provided by the Central Jersey Stream Team.

"This collaborative effort between Hillsborough, Manville, Franklin and Somerville, is a testament to the dedication of the safety of all area residents," added Committeewoman McCauley.

For full news account, click here...

Before Heading to the Polls on Primary Day - Use Sample Ballot for Polling Location

Primary Election is Tuesday, June 2nd - Polls Open 6am Bring Your Sample Ballot to the Polls

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Polls are open from 6a.m. to 8p.m., in accordance with New Jersey State Law.

Please utilize your sample ballot that is mailed to you in advance of the Election to determine your polling location and voting district. This information is printed on the front cover of the sample ballot. Polling locations do have multiple voting districts, so it is important to know your voting district. To expedite your voting experience bring your sample ballot to the polls with you on Election Day.

Summer Camp - Registration Remains Open

Camps are returning to Auten Road and Amsterdam Schools for children ages 5 (who have finished Kindergarten) to 11, and the Middle School Camp is for children ages 12 to 14. Tiny Camp is a half day camp with weekly themes and activities for children ages 4 and 5.

Camps begins on June 22nd and continues through August 14th; they are open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.

Extended Camp will be August 17 to 28.

To register online, click here...

Hillsborough Township's 2015 Green Living and Wellness Fair Set for Wednesday, June 17th,

2-5pm at the Municipal Complex

RWJ-Somerset to Sponsor Blood Drive

Hillsborough Township will hold its second "Green Living and Wellness Fair" on Wednesday, June 17th from 2-5pm.

Participating local businesses will have informative presentations, displays and demonstrations to raise awareness of the many facets of living a healthy lifestyle, including making sound nutritional choices, making long-term life planning decisions, choosing a green lifestyle as well as many health screenings.

Robert Wood Johnson - Somerset will also be conducting a Blood Drive in the Senior Activity Center.

For full news account, click here...

Clean Up Coupons Still Available for Select Dates:

Coupons for access to the Auten Road Facility are still available for the following dates:

August 1st, 29th
September 12th, 26th
October 3rd, 31st

Please visit the Department of Public Works between the hours of 7am until 3pm to obtain a coupon for any of the above dates.

Senior Curbside pickup has been completed.

For more information, please click here...

SCLSNJ Hillsborough Library - Your Music Spot

History of Rock 'n' Roll -Saturday, May 30 at 1:30 p.m. in Program Room B

Relive the first ten years of rock 'n' roll as community musician John Fitzpatrick, director of The Coffee House Project, a community music organization, guides you through a musical movement that changed teen culture forever and created 'the generation gap'. Through a combination of words, images and live music, John and fellow musician, Becca revisit the most important artists and songs of rock's first decade including Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Sign up on our website www.sclsnj.org!

Senior Center Events This Week

HILLSBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER
339 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
(908) 369-8700

Open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

______________________________________________

Caram - Daily (East Indian Game Similar to Billiards)

Fit & Flex with Rose - Every Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. (Please check monthly calendar for schedule updates.)

Game Room - Open Daily

Stretching - Available Daily

Zumba Gold - Monday, 1 p.m. Advance registration is required. The cost is $40 for eight classes, which begin June 10. Forms are available at the Hillsborough Senior Center. Zumba is an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance. There are several benefits of Zumba such as strengthening of the cardiovascular system and bones, improving range of motion and good posture.)

June 1, 8 & 15 - "Take Control of Your Health: Chronic Disease Self-Management" by Faye Dolan & Marilyn O'Regan, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (This Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a highly interactive workshop designed to give people with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, etc., and/or their caregivers the knowledge and the skills needed to take a more active role in their health care. Participants gain confidence and motivation to manage their health and feel more positive about life. The program is supported, in part by grant number 90CS0042-02-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington D.C., 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinion do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy).

June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 - Mahjong Mornings, 10:00 am (Have you always wanted to learn how to play Mahjong? Have you played before but can't find people to play with? Tuesday mornings are Mahjong mornings. Lessons and refreshers will be available).

June 2 - FREE Derma Scan Health Screenings with the Saint Peter's University Medical Center Mobile Unit, 10:00-11:30 am (Call (908) 369-8700 in advance to schedule your screening).

June 3 - Jingo (Enjoy this twist on the traditional bingo game).

June 3, 10 & 17 - "Drawing 101" by Discovery Jersey Arts, 12:30-1:30 pm (Anyone can draw! Did you stop drawing years ago? Do you think you can't draw but would like to? This class is for you. Review or start anew with the basics of drawing. Learn warm up exercises that encourage you to explore the pencil line on paper. Demonstrations and one-on-one instruction will be provided. Discover your inner artist in a safe, non-competitive environment. Limited to 15 participants, who must attend all 3 workshops. This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program).

June 5 - "All About Sugar" by Nancy Rosa Mejias, Program Coordinator, Family and Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Join Nancy as she educates us on finding the hidden sources of sugar and how much of it we are actually consuming. This interactive program features label reading, safe guidelines and sugar alternatives).

Amsterdam School and Home Association's (ASHA's)

largest Annual Fundraiser.

June 5th at Amsterdam Elementary School.

Doors open at 6:00 pm.

First winning ticket will be called at 8:15 pm.

For more information, click here...

PURPLE PURSE BINGO - Friday, June 5th

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE RESOURCE CENTER OF SOMERSET Providing services and programs to domestic violence victims and their children for 36 years.

EVERY ROUND HAS A SPECIAL DESIGNER PURSE AS THE PRIZE!

Date: Friday, June 5, 2015

Location: Somerville Elks Lodge Address: 375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

6:00pm Registration 7:00pm Let the games begin!

Tickets $35 (Includes 12 games of Bingo!) (Additional cards can be purchased) Advance registration suggested due to limited space availability.

Fruit and cheese, crudité, pita and hummus / Cash bar Additional chances to win with the basket raffle and 50/50 raffle.

Some of the basket raffle prizes are purses! Register at www.resourcecenterofsomerset.org

SPONSOR A PURSE! Have your company name prominently displayed with the purse and announced during the round with that purse.

For more information contact Veronica Finlay, 908-359-0003 Ext. 223

WHEN: Sunday. June 14th. 1:00pm - 6:00pm.

WHERE: SPRING REINS of LIFE (501c3) @ Foxx Creek Farm (Hillsborough, NJ)

WHAT: 2nd Annual Spring Festival Open House - COME MEET THE HERD!

Family Friendly Event. Horse Demos LIVE @ 2:00pm, 3:30pm & 5:00pm!

No horse experience needed to participate.

DETAILS: RAIN or SHINE (Indoor Arena). Catering Truck, Parking / Restroom, Crafts, PRIZES

CONTACT: RSVP/ Tickets are FREE (Tax Deductible Donations Welcome)

Face-Painting, Bake Sale, Live Music, Games & More Fun!
Online: www.srol-june14event-2015.eventbrite.com
Call: 347-886-2798 / Email: info@springreinsoflife.org
Website: www.SpringReinsofLife.org

Spring Reins of Life (SRoL) is a volunteer run 501c3 nonprofit whose mission
is to serve trauma survivors in NJ with the assistance of Horses.

Veterans ~ At-risk/Hi-risk Youth Teens ~ Bereaved Children

SRoL is currently the only program in NJ to earn the EAGALA Military Services Provider Certificate.

Most trauma survivors either do not want to or simply cannot "talk about it"...

Horses HELP to heal without saying a single word!

For more information, click here...

3rd Annual Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Outing

The Knights of Columbus - Somerville Council #1432, Charity Golf Outing will take place on June 22, 2015 at the Heron Glenn Golf Course. All money raised will be used to support local charities in our area. In order to meet this goal we are asking for sponsorships from local businesses and individuals.

By giving to this event you'll be supporting the Raritan Pregnancy Aid Center in Raritan, NJ, and the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program in Somerville (SHIPS) as well as help the Knights of Columbus provide assistance to those in our communities. The Raritan Pregnancy Aid Center provides much needed assistance to unwed mothers in the local area while, SHIPS provides a network of food pantries that supply food staples to families of low income. Any remaining funds the Knights of Columbus will use for supplementing any assistance programs already in place.

It is a 1 PM shotgun start with lunch, dinner, prizes, and loads of fun included.

Cost per golfer is $130, and Please make all check payable to: Knights of Columbus - Council # 1432.

For a $150 donation, you can sponsor a hole. "Golf Hole" sponsorship will entitle you to have your name highlighted at the Tee Box of the hole you are sponsoring.

If you have any questions or need more information feel free to contact
Bob Stutz at 908-369-8696 or Kevin Henry at 908-421-2412.

For more information, click here...

To register online, click here...

1/2 PRICE SALE - ARIS/HMS 2014-2015 Discount Cards Only $5.00

ARIS/HMS 2014-2015 Discount Cards are being sold for ½ price, now at a cost only $5.00 each, with all proceeds going to ARIS and HMS school programs and teacher grants. The card includes reusable discounts shown below from 37 local businesses; valid through 9/30/15.

Special Promotion: Buy 5 cards, get 1 card free!

If you would like to purchase a discount card, please email Wendy Holt, HSA Discount Card Committee Chairperson, at wenholt@aol.com.

Purchases will be redeemed quickly upon receipt of payment (payment via checks only please).

To view participating businesses, click here...

Important Dates To Remember

June 3