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Issue: 2015 December 18
| December 18, 2015 |
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Mayor
Doug Tomson
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Deputy Mayor
Greg Burchette
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Committeeman
Frank DelCore
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Committeewoman
Gloria McCauley
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Committeeman
Carl Suraci
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HHS Marching Band Honored With Proclamation
At the December 15th Township Committee Meeting, the Mayor and Township Committee presented the 2015 Hillsborough High School Marching Band with a proclamation for their very successful season. The Marching Band competed in the N.J. State Marching Band Championships held at Rutgers University; scoring 95.638 and were named 2015 U.S. Band Group V Open Champions and was also awarded Caption Awards for Best Music, Best Color Guard, and Best Overall Effect.
Pictured: Mayor Doug Tomson, Committeeman Carl Suraci, Band Director Julie Haran, Associate Director Nicholas Clipperton, Visual & Performing Arts Supervisor Michael Callahan with member of the Hillsborough High School Marching Band
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NJ Devils' "My Town Series" Features Hillsborough Township
At the December 11th NJ Devils Hockey Game Hillsborough Township was featured in the "My Town Series". Nearly 250 Hillsborough fans helped cheer on the Devils to an overtime victory over the Red Wings. The Hillsborough High School Marching Band performed for spectators at the end of the first period and the Mayor and Township Committee were recognized.
Pictured: Associate Director Nicholas Clipperton, Band Director Julie Haran, Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette, Mayor Doug Tomson, Committeeman Carl Suraci and the Hillsborough High School Marching Band as they prepare to perform.
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Senior Chapter "B" Swears in Two New Officers
Township Clerk Pamela Borek conducted the swearing in ceremony earlier this month for two new Officers for Senior Chapter "B". Welcome and best of luck Chapter "B". Committeewoman Gloria McCauley joined the ceremony to wish the group well in 2014.
Pictured (L-R): Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera, Chapter B President Tony Fusco, Newly Elected Officers Pat Famula & Phil Gentile, and Committeewoman Gloria McCauley.
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Hillsborough Township's FREE Rabies Clinic
Saturday, January 23rd 10am - noon, DPW Garage 21 East Mountain Road
"Hillsborough Township will once again offer a FREE Rabies Clinic on Saturday, January 23rd at the Department of Public Works Garage, located at 21 East Mountain Road, from 10 am until noon," announced Committeeman Frank DelCore, Board of Health Liaison. Hillsborough Township's Health Department offers the annual rabies clinic for New Jersey cats and dogs, FREE of charge. The rabies clinics are held at the Department of Public Works Facility, located at 21 East Mountain Road. Cats must be in a secure box or carrier and dogs must be leashed. "Two of our area veterinarians, Dr. Schwirck of Red Bank Animal Hospital, and Dr. Martin of Belle Mead Animal Hospital have volunteered once again for this clinic," added Committeeman DelCore.
For a full news account, click here... |
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Hillsborough Township Achieves Sustainable Jersey'sŪ Highest Certification Level: Silver
One of 10 Towns in 2015 & One of 33 Towns Overall to Achieve Silver
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Pictured: Chris Gibson, Jeff Cowan David Kois, Ann Harris, Mayor Doug Tomson, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Chris Obropta, Harry Skeele, and Sam Conard
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Sustainable Jersey representatives announced earlier this month that Hillsborough Township has once again met the rigorous requirements to achieve its fourth Sustainable Jersey certification. Hillsborough Township is one of only 10 New Jersey municipalities to have attained certification at the silver-level in 2015 and 33 overall. The three previous certifications for Hillsborough have been at the bronze-level. "Hillsborough Township began sustainable initiatives in 2006. Sustainability and planning has been ongoing with the focus being to plan for the future to ensure our community has balanced economic, environmental and social objectives, developed with public input," stated Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Liaison to Sustainable Hillsborough Steering Committee. "Thanks to the efforts of our Deputy Planning Director / Zoning Official, David Kois, who once again, spearheaded the submission along with the volunteers of the Sustainable Hillsborough Steering Committee and Employees from our Municipal Departments, we are extremely proud of this achievement," stated Mayor Doug Tomson.
Pictured: Sustainable Jersey Co-Director Randall Solomon, Hillsborough Township Deputy Director Planning/Zoning Official David Kois, Sustainable Jersey Board of Trustees Chairperson Richard Dovey, Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera, JCP&L Area Manager Kieran Tintle, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, and Sustainable Jersey Co-Director Donna Drewes
For a full news account, click here...
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Leaf Drop Off and Pick Up Program
Township Leaf Drop Off and Pick Up Program is Underway
Residents are reminded NOT to rake leaves into the roadway
Leaf Collection Update for the week of 12/21
Please keep in mind that weather, staff and maintenance are all major factors in leaf collection. This is a tentative schedule.
- Stagecoach Way
- Riverview Terrace Area
- Meadowbrook Drive
- Flemming Drive
- Wesley Rd
- Van Zandt Dr.
- Green Hills Development
- Brooks Blvd.
Leaf drop off is available for the following Saturdays from 7 am until 3 pm at the Auten Road Facility:
- Saturday, December 12th
- Friday, December 18th
- Saturday, December 19th
- Only leaves will be accepted, no brush, yard waste or other debris
- If leaves are bagged, please dump the leaves and take the bag(s) with you
- Proof of residency is required
For more information, click here...
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Engineering Department Cautions Residents About Accepting Soil
The Engineering Department is advising residents to be cautious about accepting soil for their property. Many residents and property owners want to improve their property by adding or removing soil. Some have accepted soil from locations, which could contain debris, rubble or contaminants. In one insistence, a Township resident accepted free soil which ended up being contaminated with construction debris. The homeowner then had to pay to have the contaminated soil removed. The "free" soil turned out to be very expensive. It is recommended that soil be purchased from an approved soil supplier or one that is certified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency.
Hillsborough Township has a soil permit ordinance designed to protect residents against this. Please reach out to the engineering department with any questions or for more information.
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Deadline Extended to Jan. 11 for Outstanding Women Nominations
The annual awards are presented by the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women during Women's History Month in March. Print a nomination form and guidelines by clicking here or call Commission Chair Janice Fields at 908-599-1637. Nominations must be received by Jan. 11. Email submissions are preferred. Send a scanned copy of the completed and signed nomination form, along with any supporting documentation, to SCCSWomen@gmail.com Entries also may be mailed to the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women, Attn: Janice M. Fields, Chair, 36 Darren Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Nominees must be women who live in Somerset County. All nominations will be reviewed by the commission's selection committee. Categories are arts/entertainment/sports; business/entrepreneur/information technology; education; environmental initiatives; government/public/social service; Hometown Hero; journalism/media/law; medicine/health services; and volunteerism. Nominations should be as specific as possible, citing the ways the nominee has demonstrated outstanding performance or dedication in her job or community. Awards will be presented March 18 at the commission's annual Women's History Month celebration and dinner at The Imperia in Franklin. |
Department Of Environmental Protection Recommends Best Practices For Wood Burning During Colder Months
Tips Can Help Reduce Air Pollution, Potentially Harmful Health Impacts
With colder weather on the way, the Department of Environmental Protection is reminding New Jersey residents to take steps to reduce their impact on air quality when burning wood for heat, whether in fireplaces, wood stoves, or outdoor wood boilers.
"As winter approaches, more homeowners turn to wood-burning fireplaces or wood stoves to heat their homes and save on heating costs," said John Giordano, Assistant Commissioner for Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability. "With simple precautions and care, there's much that can be done to minimize wood-burning emissions that impact the environment and the health of you and your neighbors."
The DEP recommends following these guidelines for burning wood at home: -
Allow wood to season before burning it. Seasoning entails allowing the wood to sit outdoors for at least six months. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when smacked against another piece of wood.
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Use a wood moisture meter to test the moisture content of wood. Wood burns most efficiently when its moisture content is below 20 percent.
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Stack wood neatly off the ground with the top covered to protect the wood from rain and snow.
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Start fires with newspaper and dry kindling. Keep fires burning hot.
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Regularly remove ashes to ensure proper airflow.
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Never burn garbage, cardboard, plastics, wrapping materials, painted materials or pressure-treated wood in your stove or fireplace.
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Keep anything flammable - including drapes, furniture, newspapers and books - far away from any wood-burning appliance. Keep an accessible and recently inspected fire extinguisher nearby.
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Consider using an indoor air HEPA filter in the same room as a stove or fireplace. A study by the University of British Columbia indicates these filters can reduce indoor particle pollution by 60 percent.
State regulations and some municipal ordinances prohibit the emission of visible smoke from outdoor wood boilers. Wood boilers heat a fluid that is circulated in homes and buildings for heating purposes. Under state regulations, these boilers may only emit visible smoke for three minutes every half-hour to allow for start-up.
In deciding how to heat your home this winter and reduce your exposure to fine particles from wood smoke, DEP recommends upgrading to a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified wood stove or fireplace insert. The newer equipment will reduce air pollution and is much more energy efficient.
For more information on wood burning in New Jersey, click here...
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SCLSNJ introduces Second Chance Library Card
Special card for teens ages 13-18 offers opportunity to access some library materials
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey has announced Second Chance Library Cards available for teens ages 13-18, effective immediately. The Second Chance Library Card will allow teen patrons who previously could not check out items from the library due to unpaid fines above the allowable threshold ($20) to check out books, ebooks and audiobooks on a limited library cardholder account. "It broke my heart, really, to have to tell some of our teen patrons that they couldn't take home books they really wanted to read because of fines that they could not afford to pay - and likely fines that were incurred by other family members or because of extenuating circumstances," said Beth Bouwman, young adult librarian at SCLSNJ's Bound Brook Memorial Library branch and co-author of the Second Chance Library Card proposal that was brought to the Somerset County Commissioners on May 6, 2015 for approval. "With the Second Chance Library Card, these teens now have the ability to check items out - it's just limited to what items and how many at one time. But it gives them a chance to be active library cardholders again."
For a full news account, click here...
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Special Event @ SCSLNJ Hillsborough Library: Lizard Guys
Special Event @ SCSLNJ Hillsborough Library: Lizard Guys - Ages 5 and up - December 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Take a break from holiday activities and stop by the Hillsborough Library this Saturday to see the Lizard Guys! Explore the world of reptiles and amphibians by seeing them, up close and personal!
To register, click here...
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Duke Farms Holiday Market
Saturday December 19th
10 am - 3 pm
Wreaths * Herbs * Jams * Baked Goods * Free Range Meats * Artisan Crafts
Support Local Farmers & Artisans:
Cherry Grove Farm * Dogwood Farms * Green Duchess * Griggstown Farm
Hot Sauce 4 Good * Wolgast Tree Farm
and more!
For additional information, click here...
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Winter Holiday Safety Tips
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Holiday decorating - Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday Entertaining
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
For more information, click here...
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Holiday Lighting Safety Reminder from JCP&L
The holiday season is the most popular time for home decoration, and JCP&L hopes everyone will enjoy this festive season while also remembering a few tips to help ensure the holidays remain safe. Outdoor Lighting Safety - Check all lights for frayed wires or areas where insulation has pulled away from plugs or sockets. Discard and replace any damaged light strings.
- Ensure that tacks or nails used to hold light strings do not pierce any insulation on wires or light sockets.
- Use only extension cords that are approved for outdoor use. These cords must meet rigorous safety standards that indoor cords may not meet.
- Outdoor lights, inflatables and other decorations should be plugged into outlets protected by ground fault interrupters.
- Place outdoor lights on a timer or turn them off before you go to bed.
Indoor Lighting Safety
- Inspect all light strings and cords for any damage, including frayed wires or insulation that has pulled away from light sockets or plugs. Also check for chewing or scratching damage if you have pets in the house. Discard and replace any damaged light strings.
- Live trees should be kept well-watered.
- No more than three strings of standard indoor lights should be connected to any extension cord.
- Make sure cords are placed where they won't be stepped on, kinked or pose a tripping hazard.
- Lights should not be permitted to touch drapes, furniture or carpeting.
- Lights should be turned off overnight and when no one is home.
Additional holiday safety information is available here. For more details about keeping safe around electricity, local groups can request a presentation through the FirstEnergy Speakers Bureau. For more information, contact speakersbureau@firstenergycorp.com.
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Municipal Complex is Celebrating 25 Years
Hillsborough Residents and Hillsborough Based Businesses are
Invited to Design the Commemorative Logo - Due December 21st
"Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex will celebrate a Silver Anniversary during 2016," announced Mayor Doug Tomson at Tuesday's Township Committee meeting. "As part of the festivities, we are having a contest to design a commemorative logo which will be used for a banner and letterhead for the year as well as other festivities during the year," added Mayor Tomson. The Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex, originally dedicated on January 14, 1991, was the vision of then Mayor Peter J. Biondi. The building was later dedicated to the late politician who later became a Somerset County Freeholder and ultimately a member of the New Jersey Assembly before his untimely passing in 2011.
For a full news account, click here..
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Recreation Update
The 2016 Winter Activities Guide is now available. Included in this activities guide is youth programs, adult programs, Christmas Tree Lighting, Spring Soccer Leagues, Spring Girls Softball Leagues, and the Run Around the Park. Registration for all programs in the activities guide is now open.
To view the Activities Guide online, click here...
To Register for Activities, click here...
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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.
To view December deals of the month, click here...
To view a full list of participating merchants and the discounts they offer, click here... |
View "Hillsborough - The Good Life!" on YouTube
All episodes of "Hillsborough - The Good Life!" can be viewed on the Township YouTube channel by clicking here...
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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... |
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Event Flyers
Click on a Flyer to View Event Details
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December 19: Duke Farms Holiday Market
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January 10 - February 14: Special Olympics Developmental Basketball Skills Program
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April 9: Hillsborough Joes vs. NFL Pros Scoring Points for Kids Charity Basketball Game
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Important Upcoming Meeting Dates
December
24 & 25 **** Municipal Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas
29 7:30 pm Township Committee Meeting
January
1 **** Municipal Offices Closed in Observance of New Years Day
5 7:00 pm 2016 Township Reorganization Meeting
6 7:30 pm Board of Adjustment Meeting
7 7:30 pm Planning Board Meeting
12 7:30 pm Township Committee Meeting
14 7:30 pm Planning Board Meeting
26 7:30 pm Township Committee Meeting
To post your event online, click here...
For Hillsborough Public Library Events, click here...
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Previous Headlines
To view more news from Hillsborough Township, click here...
To view the E-Newsletter Archive, click here... |
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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 Winter 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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