On or about Monday, June 15th through July 10th, NJDOT will begin night paving on portions of Route 206 in both directions north of Brooks Blvd.  Expect delays through the area. 

After a stormy Saturday, the Township's Independence Day celebration  was held on Sunday. In addition to the spectacular fireworks display, residents celebrated their patriotism at the annual event that included food, amusements and entertainment. 

Richard Norz, owner of the preserved Norz Hill Farm in Hillsborough Township and president of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, recently hosted the state Agriculture Board monthly meeting at his farm. The event began with a tour, followed by lunch.  On the menu were foods prepared from meat and crops grown on the farm. The meal was enhanced by the wonderful view of the farm and surrounding area. 
 

Pictured (L-R): Douglas Fisher, N.J. Secretary of Agriculture; Rich Norz; Debbie Norz; Gloria McCauley, Hillsborough Township Committeewoman; and Freeholder Peter S. Palmer, Somerset County Agriculture Development Board liaison.

Mayor Tomson announced at the June 9th Hillsborough Township Committee meeting, that the New Jersey Racing Commission advised Hillsborough Township that the application filed by the NJ Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Inc, regarding the initial license for the planned off-track waging facility in Hillsborough New Jersey is now complete.

If there are no legal issues identified or new documents that need to be submitted that would render the application incomplete, N.J.S.A. 5:5-132 requires the NJ Racing Commission to schedule a public hearing within 45 days in Hillsborough.  As such, the New Jersey Racing Commission has scheduled a Public Hearing for Wednesday, July 22nd starting at 7pm at the Hillsborough High School Auditorium.

Due to the fact that the application is still under review by the NJ Racing Commission, information such as the application is not available until the NJ Racing Commission has completed its review.

The appropriate time to address any and all questions would be during the public hearing on July 22nd.  

Starting Monday, July 6, eligible seniors can obtain $20 worth of vouchers to buy New Jersey fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and herbs.  These free vouchers can be used at participating farmer's markets in Somerset County until Nov. 30. 

People interested in applying may visit the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, located in the Human Services Building at 27 Warren Street, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first served basis while supplies last.

Eligible individuals must be residents of Somerset County and be at least 60 years old.  Income guidelines require that an individual's annual income not exceed $21,775, and a married couple's annual income not exceed $29,471.

Applicants are requested to show proof of age and residency such as a driver's license or other documentation.  To be automatically eligible, an applicant can provide a Medicaid or SSI card or show proof of participation in a food stamp program.  Otherwise, individuals will be asked to sign a Self-Declaration of Income Statement, which lists monthly or annual income, address and phone number.  Office on Aging & Disability Services staff will be available to assist residents when they apply for their vouchers.

If seniors are unable to visit the Office on Aging & Disability Services to apply for and receive vouchers, they may send a representative, who is at least 16 years old, has personal identification and the identification items listed above for the eligible senior.  The representative must provide a proxy statement or letter that is signed and dated by the eligible senior, which states that the proxy is authorized to pick up the vouchers.  A proxy form can be obtained in advance by contacting the Office on Aging & Disability Services at 1-888-747-1122.

Participating farm markets include Ripple Hill Farms, Basking Ridge; Bernardsville Farmers Market, Bernardsville; Branchburg Farmers Market, Branchburg; Linda's Farm Market, Bridgewater; Sunhaven Farms, Hillsborough; Norz-Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough; Manville Farmers Market, Manville; Montgomery Farmers Market, Montgomery; North Plainfield Farmers Market, North Plainfield; and Somerville Farmers Market, Somerville.

For more information, including the closest voucher distribution location, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services toll free at 1-888-747-1122.

FirstEnergy Transmission Vegetation Management is currently conducting our Annual Vegetation Management Aerial Patrol.  We are scheduled to complete this patrol in the JCP&L region between July 6 and July 10, 2015. 

Our patrols consist of two Transmission Forestry personnel that accompanies the pilot in order to identify any conditions warranting further inspection from the ground or corrective action and/or effectiveness of prior year's herbicide application. 

Please be advised that the Haverfield Aviation will be the helicopter company assisting in the inspections. 

The pilot will be in communication with any local Airports, when in their airspace. The helicopter color is black with a tail # N5027P. It will be flying at a speed of about 35-40 mph above or alongside the lines, and may circle around for a closer inspection of an area of interest. 

As always, poor weather and emergency patrols/repairs elsewhere may cause re-scheduling and/or delays.  Please contact your local Area Manager at JCP&L should you have any questions or concerns.