Issue: 2015 October 23         
October 23, 2015
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This e-newsletter is brought to you by the Hillsborough Township Committee 
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Mayor 
Doug Tomson
Deputy Mayor
Greg Burchette
Committeeman 
Frank DelCore
Committeewoman 
Gloria McCauley
Committeeman 
Carl Suraci

 
Traffic Advisory:

Evening paving on East Mountain Road between South Branch Road and Amwell Road will take place on October 27th and October 28th between the hours of 8 pm and 5:30 am.  Expect delays and exercise caution when traveling through the area.

Township Recognizes October as Down's Syndrome Awareness Month

At a recent Township Committee Meeting, the Mayor and Township Committee presented a proclamation recognizing National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and commending GiGi's Playhouse for the work they have done in our community to support families affected by Down's Syndrome.  
Approximately one in every 691 children are born with Down Syndrome, representing an estimated 5,000 births per year in the United States.

GiGi's Playhouse is a national Down Syndrome Achievement Center serving children and adults of all ages, providing educational and therapeutic programs at no charge in a format that individuals with Down Syndrome learn best, and their mission is to change the way the world sees Down Syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Pictured: Mayor Doug Tomson and Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette with members of the Morris Family, representing GiGi's Playhouse
October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week

Pictured: Committeeman Carl Suraci and Mayor Doug Tomson with members of Hillsborough's Municipal Alliance
The Mayor and Township Committee recently presented a proclamation recognizing October 23-31, 2015 as "Red Ribbon Week". 

The National Family Partnership for Drug Free Youth and the District Life Skills Committee are sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign offering citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug free lifestyles.

The Township of Hillsborough further commits its resources to ensure the success of the Red Ribbon Campaign and its theme, 
"RESPECT YOURSELF.  BE DRUG FREE!"

Pictured: Minda Maggio, Rebecca Balaguer, Pam Borek, Committeeman Frank DelCore, Committeeman Carl Suraci, Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera, Mayor Doug Tomson, Officer Russ Wilde and Cathy Faerber
Hillsborough Township Continues to Recognize Long Time Businesses

Hillsborough based businesses and organizations with over 25 years of operation within Hillsborough Township are being recognized at Township Committee meetings.  Businesses recognized earlier this year include:
  • Mailbox Business Center
  • Angelo's Pizza
Pictured: Committeeman Frank DelCore, Matthew Schorr and Mayor Doug Tomson
Pictured: Committeeman Frank DelCore, Enrico Tantillo, Angelo Vitale and Mayor Doug Tomson

Baseball Field Named in Honor of Sam Van Nest

Pictured: Donald Van Nest, Beth Van Nest and Peter Van Nest with some of Hillsborough's young baseball players
This past Tuesday evening, as the sun set on Country Classics Park, a field naming ceremony took place designating the baseball field at the Country Classic Park "Samuel Van Nest Field".  Members of Mr. Van Nest's family were on hand along with Mayor Doug Tomson and Township Committee Members to honor a man who truly made a difference for the people of Hillsborough.

Sam Van Nest, a long time resident of Hillsborough Township and devoted community member, served the residents of Hillsborough through his dedicated tenure on the Hillsborough Township Planning Board for twenty-one years, from July 1980 to December 2001.  During that time, Samuel Van Nests served as Chairman from 1983 to 1988 and Vice-Chairman from 1992 to 1998.

The Samuel Van Nest Field at Country Classic Park will be enjoyed by future generations as a testament to Mr. Van Nest's service and dedication to Hillsborough Township.  


Pictured: Peter Van Nest, Beth  Van Nest, Donald Van Nest , Mayor Doug Tomson, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Committeeman Frank DelCore, Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera, and Parks and Recreation Director Ron Skobo

Recycling Agreement with County Renewed
No Rate Increase for 15th Consecutive Year

Hillsborough's Township Committee passed a resolution authorizing an agreement between Somerset County and Hillsborough Township for residential recycling pick-up representing no increase in the per household rate for the 15th consecutive year. 

"Once again, the Freeholders have kept the per-household rate for recycling pickup at $23.85 for the 15th consecutive year," stated Mayor Doug Tomson, upon the consideration of the resolution during the meeting. 

"The Township's participation in the County recycling program reduces waste being added to landfills which is good for the environment and keeps the Township is compliance with the mandatory State requirements", added Mayor Tomson.

For a full news account, click here...
Beware of Scammers Targeting Utility Customers

JCP&L
JCP&L has received increased reports of scammers targeting utility customers.  In the latest scam, a telephone caller poses as an electric utility company employee and threatens to shut off the customer's power unless an immediate payment is made.  In many cases, the customer is told to pay using a pre-paid debit card, such as a Green Dot/MoneyPak card, a money transfer service like Money Gram or Western Union, or in person at a physical location. 

For more information from JCP&L about potential scams, click here..

PSE&G
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey's largest utility, is urging its customers to be alert to a scam that is increasingly targeting small businesses. In the scam individuals misrepresenting themselves as PSE&G employees threaten to turn off electric and gas service if payment is not made that day with a pre-paid card. When in doubt or if suspicious in any way, PSE&G urges customers to call the number listed on their bill: 1-800-436-7734.

For a full news account, click here...
My Town Night With The New Jersey Devils

NEW JERSEY DEVILS VS. DETROIT RED WINGS
Friday, December 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
Group Package Includes:
  • Hillsborough High School Band performance
  • Group photo at center ice following the game
  • Group seating at the game
  • Specially priced group ticket
  • Devils group gift (redeem night of game across from section 18)
TO ORDER GO TO:
USE SPECIAL CODE: MYTOWNHILLS

For groups of 10 or more, please call Jason Cohen at 973-757-6428 or email Cohen@newjerseydevils.com

For more information and to download a flyer, click here...
View Episode 2 of "Hillsborough - The Good Life!" 

Hillsborough Township has released the second episode of "Hillsborough the Good Life" to be aired on Hillsborough's hometown channel TV 29 as well as on the Township website.  This episode features highlights from the Engineering Department, Finance Department and the Business Advocate, as well as updates from  Committeeman Carl Suraci and Deputy Mayor Burchette.
 
If you missed the first episode, watch it by clicking here...
 
The latest episode of "Hillsborough - The Good Life!" can be viewed now on the Township YouTube channel by clicking here...
Shop Hillsborough


The Shop Hillsborough Reward program continues to promote local shopping while allowing card holders the opportunity to reduce their property tax bill.

If you don't have a Shop Hillsborough card, be sure to stop by the Administration office in the Municipal Building to pick one up.  Free registration is required. Additional cards may be obtained for each member in a household with the same block and lot.  All household spending will be applied against your property tax bill. 
 
Register your card at www.propertytaxcard.com to start earning a discount on your property tax bill.

To view October deals of the month, click here... 
To view a full list of participating merchants and the discounts they offer, click  here...
Leaf Drop Off and Pick Up Program

The leaf pick up program is scheduled to begin on November 2nd and weather permitting, will run through December.  Leaves must be raked to the curb or to the ditch line.  Please do not put leaves in the roadway or ditches.  All areas in town will receive two (2) passes during the program (weather permitting). Leaves can be placed in a homemade bin with stakes and wire fence to contain in one area (no higher than 36 inches at the curb).  Bagged leaves will not be accepted.  Leaf piles with sticks, branches, grass clippings or anything other than leaves will not be picked up.

Leaves may also be dropped off on any Saturday starting November 7th through Saturday December 19th, from 7am until 3pm.  This free leaf drop off program is open to all Hillsborough residents.  Only leaves will be accepted, no brush, yard waste or other debris.
Recreation Department Updates

Children's Halloween Party
October 29 4:00 PM- 6:30 PM at the Municipal 
Building
 
Join us for a fun filled afternoon of Halloween fun!  Take a hayride to our pumpkin patch and walk through our haunted house.  Don't forget to wear your costume!  The fee is $5 per child, and pre-registration is required.

Haunted House 4:00 - 6:30
Hayride and Pumpkin Picking 4:00 - 5:30

Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest
October 31 at the Ann Van Middlesworth Dog Park 

The first annual Howl-O-Ween will feature a dog parade and costume contest.

Costume Contest Categories Include:
  • Best Costume Small Dog
  • Best Costume Large Dog
  • Best Dog/Owner Costumer Combo
  • Most Creative
  • Funniest Costume
  • Scariest Costume
  • Best Group Costume
Registration is free and begins at 10:00am on October 31.  The parade will begin at 10:30am at the pavilion.  There will be vendors, prizes, and fun for all!  For more information, call the Recreation Department (908) 369-4832

Click here for the Fall Recreation brochure
Click here for the website
Rx Drive-Thru Medicine Drop-off to Be Held Oct. 24 in Hillsborough

Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano invites county residents to take advantage of the last Rx Mission Drive-in/Drop-Off in 2015 on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the South County Public Works Garage, located at 410 Roycefield Road in Hillsborough to safely dispose of unwanted or outdated prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. 

The Rx Mission Drive-in/Drop-Off is a medicine-collection program sponsored by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, the Somerset County Solid Waste Management Division and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA). The program is held in conjunction with all scheduled Somerset County Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events. This is a rain or shine event. 

"The focus of this ongoing program is to protect the environment and get rid of unwanted, unused and outdated medicine, especially potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals," said Sheriff Provenzano.

For a full news account, click here...
Notice of Changes in Mail-In Ballot Law


Jerry L. Midgette, Somerset County's Election Board Administrator and President of the New Jersey Association of Election Officials, has announced that changes have been made to the New Jersey Mail-In Ballot Law that have the potential to affect voters who seek to cast mail-in ballots in the Nov. 3 general election.
 
"In an effort to minimize confusion to those voters who choose to utilize the mail-in ballot to vote in this general election, I am strongly urging voters and persons delivering a ballot for another voter to follow the guidance as set forth in this announcement for returning a mail-in ballot to the Board of Elections," said Midgette.
 
"Somerset County voters are reminded that ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by the close of polls on Election Day at 8 p.m.," he said.  "Even ballots that are postmarked by Nov. 3 will not be counted if they are received late."

For the rules for returning a mail-in ballot and a list  of do's and don'ts, visit the Election Board's website by clicking here...
DEP's Division of Fish And Wildlife Reminds Motorists To Be Alert For Deer As Fall Rutting Season Begins

The Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds motorists to be alert for white-tailed deer with the arrival of the fall breeding season, a time of year when deer may unexpectedly dart onto roads and cause accidents.

Motorists are urged to be especially attentive during morning and evening commutes when visibility may be poor. Deer are involved in thousands of collisions in New Jersey every year, with as many as half coming during the fall mating season, known as the rutting season. An adult male deer can weigh 150 pounds or more.

"At this time of year, deer can suddenly run onto any type of roadway, from busy highways to country roads," said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda. "A moment of inattentiveness behind the wheel at the wrong time can lead to serious consequences."

For a full news account, click here...
Hillsborough School District Seeking Substitute Teachers

Are you looking for employment that provides for a flexible schedule?  Have you always wanted to get more involved in the school community?  Do you want to get your "foot in the door" to see what opportunities are available in our public schools?  If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, then please consider becoming a substitute in our high-performing and high-achieving school district!

Becoming a substitute teacher is a great way to get yourself involved in the school community as well as the most realistic "proving ground" for anyone who may be looking for full-time employment someday.  Many of our current employees first worked as substitutes and are now enjoying contracted employment in the high-achieving and high-performing school district that Hillsborough indeed is!
    
Whether you are looking for that "proving ground" leading to potential full time employment some day or if you are simply interested in the flexibility and experiences in being a day-to-day substitute, you, as a substitute teacher, could become one of the most vital parts of our school system.  It would be extremely difficult for us to operate our schools on a satisfactory basis without all persons such as yourself serving as substitute teachers.

The first step in becoming a substitute teacher is to complete the paperwork available for download on the district website.  All of this paperwork, including the criminal history check, fingerprinting, and getting your substitute certificate must be completed before you contact the Human Resources office to be interviewed.  Should you have any questions about the paperwork, please contact Pinky Nielsen at (908) 431-6600 x 2999.  However, there is a cover sheet which hopefully can answer most of your questions.  Also, be sure to apply for this position on line.

Thank you for your interest.  We look forward to meeting with you soon!

Raconteur Radio Returns to SCLSNJ This Fall

Unique stage performances are back at SCLSNJ by popular demand

Somerset County Library System of New Jersey is proud to announce thee upcoming performances from Raconteur Radio this fall.

Radio Raconteur presents Hitchhiker at SCLSNJ's Hillsborough Library branch, 379 South Branch Road on November 7, 3-4 pm.  This program is appropriate for children ages 7+ and adults.

Ronald Adams is driving cross-country from Brooklyn to California. On the morning he leaves New York he sees a man on the Brooklyn Bridge, apparently waiting for a lift. At several points along his journey Adams repeatedly sees the same hitchhiker, despite the fact that, logically, there is no possible way the mysterious man could get ahead of him. This production is adapted from a play by Lucille Fletcher. Registration is required. To register visit the Children's Desk, call 369-2200 ext. 14 or register online here.
 
For a full news account, click here...
ARIS/HMS Discount Card 2015-2016 
On Sale Now!!

ARIS/HMS 2015-2016 Discount Cards are on sale now at a cost of $10.00 each, with all proceeds going to ARIS and HMS school programs and staff grants.    The card includes reusable discounts from 36 local businesses; valid through 9/30/16

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

If you would like to purchase a discount card, please email Wendy Holt at wenholt@aol.com.  Purchases will be redeemed quickly upon receipt of payment (checks only please).  

Thank you for your support!
For more information, click here...
Event Flyers
Click on a Flyer to View Event Details

October 29: Children's Halloween Party
4:00-6:30 at the Municipal Building.  Cost is $5 per child. Pre-registration is required. hillsboroughnjrecreation.org
 
October 31: Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest at the Dog Park
The first annual Howl-O-Ween at the Ann Van Middlesworth Park Dog Park will feature a dog parade and costume contest.  Registration is free and begins at 10:00am on October 31.  The parade will begin at 10:30am at the pavilion.  There will be vendors, prizes, and fun for all!  
December 11: Hillsborough's My Town Night with the New Jersey Devils

Important Upcoming Meeting Dates

October          
27                       7:30 PM       Township Committee Meeting

November    
4                         7:30 PM       Township Board of Adjustment Meeting
10                       7:30 PM       Township Committee Meeting
11                          ****            Municipal Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day
12                       7:30 PM       Township Planning Board Meeting
19                       7:30 PM       Township Planning Board Meeting
24                       7:30 PM       Township Committee Meeting
26 & 27                 ****             Municipal Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving


To post your event online, click here...
For Hillsborough Public Library Events, click here...
Previous Headlines

To view more news from Hillsborough Township, click here...
To view the E-Newsletter Archive, click here...

MUNICIPAL BUILDING EVENING OFFICE HOURS

CLERK'S OFFICE 
2nd & 4th Tuesdays until 7pm

HEALTH DEPARTMENT 
2nd Tuesday until 7pm

BUILDING DEPARTMENT  
Tuesdays until 7pm
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For information regarding Online Payment and Tax Notices, please click here...
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Recreation 2015 Fall Activities Guide
 
Registration now ongoing 
 
To download/view the brochure, click here...  
To register for programs online, click here... 
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 LINKS 
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