Issue: 2016 July 1
July 1, 2016
 
One of the Best Places to Live in America
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This e-newsletter is brought to you by the Hillsborough Township Committee 
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Mayor 
Frank DelCore
Deputy Mayor
Carl Suraci
Committeeman 
Greg Burchette
Committeewoman 
Gloria McCauley
Committeeman 
Doug Tomson


 
Library Closed on 4th of July



All SCLSNJ Library branches will be closed on Monday, July 4th for the holiday. All branches will open for regular business hours on Tuesday, July 5th.



July is National Parks and Recreation Month



At the June 28th Township Committee Meeting, Mayor Frank DelCore and the Township Committee recognized July as Parks and Recreation Month in Hillsborough Township.


Pictured: Committeeman Doug Tomson, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Griffin Dunne, Parks and Recreation Assistant Frank Strauss, Mayor Frank DelCore, Parks and Recreation Director Bob Wagner, Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Brian VanDongen, and Committeewoman Gloria McCauley
Parks and recreation programs are an integral part of communities throughout this country, including Hillsborough Township.  Our parks and recreation are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our communities, ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and region.


Programs designed by our Parks and Recreation department help to foster a healthy, active community that aids in the prevention of chronic disease, provides therapeutic recreation services for those who are mentally or physically disabled, and also improves the mental and emotional health of all citizens.


Hillsborough Township has been recognized as a Playful City USA community for the town's efforts in promoting play at parks through recreation programming and facility improvements.


Hillsborough Township's 2016 Independence Day Fireworks Draws Record Crowd



The Township's Independence Day celebration  was held on Saturday, June 25th.  In addition to the spectacular fireworks display, residents celebrated their patriotism at the annual event that included food, amusements and entertainment.




Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. However, they are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of burns and eye injuries each year. People can enjoy fireworks safely if they follow a few simple safety tips:
  • If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts.
  • Do not use consumer fireworks.
  • Keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are used.
Fireworks Facts:
  • In 2013, fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires, including 1,400 total structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 30 civilian injuries and $21 million in direct property damage.
  • In 2014, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks related injuries; 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2014 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Demar Granados.
  • The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 5-9, followed by children 10-19.
  • More than one-quarter (28%) of fires started by fireworks in 2009-2013 were reported on July 4th. Almost half (47%) of the reported fires on the Fourth of July were started by fireworks.
For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association's page on Fireworks 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 July deals of the month, click here... 
To view a full list of participating merchants and the discounts they offer, click  here...
Township Dog Canvass (Census) in Full Swing




The Dog Canvass (Census), which is required by New Jersey Statute, has begun in Hillsborough Township. The Township has authorized Animal Control Officers from St. Hubert's Giralda to conduct the canvass.  These individuals have passed a background check and are carrying appropriate identification.


The canvassers are knocking on doors across the Township, checking for unlicensed dogs.  Each resident with an unlicensed dog is given information about why the canvass and dog licensing are necessary, and that they must license their dog within 10 days of the visit or face a summons to Municipal Court.  A door hanger bag with this information inside is left at each home where a dog is barking and there is no license on record.  Presently, the fine is $50 per incident, with a mandatory court appearance.
   
Dog licenses in Hillsborough must be renewed annual in January.  


Annual dog licensing is a reminder to update your dog's rabies vaccination. Also, if the dog is lost, a Good Samaritan is more likely to hold onto the dog and call the owner if they see a license on the dog.  
The cost of a license for a spayed or neutered dog is $21 and if not spayed or neutered the cost is $24.  All dogs must have a rabies vaccination that is current for at least 10 months of the licensing year, up until November 1, 2016.  


To apply for a dog license, go to the Township website at www.hillsborough-nj.org and click on eGov, form center, then scroll to the Health Department, where you will see "New Dog Application" and click on the link.  Send the completed form to Hillsborough Township, Animal Licensing, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ  08844, along with the payment and proof of rabies vaccination (current through November 1) and spay / neutering.


For questions and additional information, please call the Health Department at 908-369-5652.
Recreation Summer Activities Guide


The Summer Activities Guide is available online and programs are open for registration.  Look in the guide for information about summer youth and adult programs, tennis lessons, the Family Campout and Fishing Derby, and Fall Youth Soccer Leagues.


Inside this Activities Guide:
Independence Day Celebration

Family Campout

Fishing Derby

Summer Programs

Fall Youth Soccer Leagues

Summer Tennis Clinics
Key Dates:


August 5 Family Campout & Fishing Derby
July is Parks and Recreation Month.  Level up your super powers with FREE family fitness classes in our parks! 



Join us for boot camp and yoga classes. 
While these classes are free, we ask that participants pre-register at 


Superheroes (participants) should also bring their own gym mat to the classes, and be ready to level up their cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility powers!


To view the Activities Guide online, click here...
To Register for Activities, click here...
Public Works 2016 Clean Up Programs



2016 Annual Clean Up Program

The Public Works Department is now handing out passes for the 2016 Annual Clean Up ProgramThe purpose of clean-up day is to allow residents the opportunity to dispose of old furniture/toys/rugs/appliances/bicycles/yard clean-up brush/hot water tanks/old furnaces, etc.


For more information on the Annual Clean up Program, click here...



Grass Drop Off Program
Grass & leaf drop off is accepted one Friday each month at the Auten Road dump site (opposite of the Auten Road school next to the railroad tracks).  


For more information on the Grass Drop Off Program, click here...



Farmers Market Vouchers Available July 5



Starting Tuesday, July 5, eligible seniors can obtain $25 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 can stop by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, located at 27 Warren St., between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.


Eligible individuals must be age 60 or above and reside in Somerset County.  Income guidelines require that an individual's income not exceed $21,978 and a married couple's income not exceed $29,637.


All applicants must show proof of age and residency, such as a driver's license or other documentation, and proof of income, such as a current tax return or social security statement.  Office on Aging & Disability Services staff will be available to assist residents when they are applying for vouchers. 


For a full news account, click here...
Duke Farms - Farm to Table Market


Open Thursdays - 3 to 8 pm 
until November 17, 2016


Farmers and specialty vendors have partnered with Duke Farms to present an array of LOCAL products to offer you, the consumer. Please come out and support your local farmers!


For more information and vendor listings, click here...


LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week exercise program, offered at no cost, to help cancer survivors improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships and improve their quality of life. 


For more information, click here...
Duke Farms Firefly Festival July 8 & 9




Grab a flashlight, put on your walking shoes and head over to the Duke Farms' Firefly Festival to celebrate Nature's Natural Light Show - the Lightning Bug!


This year's festival will be held on FRIDAY, JULY 8 and SATURDAY, JULY 9. Each year Duke Farms presents a two-day event celebrating this extraordinary insect as they light up the evening. During this family-friendly event, attendees will meander nearly two miles of trails taking them through woodlands, meadows and along lakeshores to get a glimpse of fireflies in action. There will be activity stations along the way where visitors will learn to communicate with fireflies and learn what it takes to create a home for fireflies in their backyard. In addition, our weekly farmers' market will be open for business with over 20 vendors, and our caf� will be serving specialty items for visitors.


For more information and to register, click here...
Hillsborough UNICO Accepting Applications for Miss Unico 2016
 
Applicants must fit the following criteria:
  • The young woman must be at least 50% Italian
  • Must be a resident of Hillsborough, NJ
  • Must be continuing her education
  • Must be between the ages of 18 to 25 years old
  • Must be comfortable speaking in public
  • Must learn the Motto and purpose of UNICO
  • Must be able to: Attend John Basilone Parade in Raritan, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016
Applications must be received no later than July 4, 2016


For more information and to download an application, click here...


Ninth Annual Hillsborough Rotary Fair To Open Tuesday, August 16

Fireworks Display Scheduled for Friday Evening


The Hillsborough Rotary Club will hold its ninth annual Hillsborough Rotary Fair on Tuesday, August 16th through Sunday, August 21st, at the township field adjacent to the Lowes Hillsborough Promenade (315 Route 206 in Hillsborough).  The six-day carnival attracts approximately 15,000 people each year, and is one of the Township's largest and most popular annual community events. Fair proceeds go directly to support a variety of Hillsborough community organizations and projects.


"We look forward to the annual Rotary Fair all year," commented Rotary Club President, Abed Medawar. "It is our most important fundraiser of the year, and has become a Hillsborough community tradition."


The Rotary Fair will feature 21 amusement rides by Majestic Midway Amusements, games by Paladin Amusements, a DJ, a wide selection of food, various displays by area vendors and a petting zoo. Featured rides include the Himalayan, Bumper Cars, Ring of Fire, Super Shot, Sizzler, Zipper, Carousel, Kite Flyer and many more. This year, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday will be pay-one-price ($30) wristband nights. The Fair will also include nightly entertainment and special demonstrations.  


For a full news account, click here...
JCPL Transmission Lines - Aerial Inspections - Beginning July 1st 2016



Pictured: The helicopter that will be performing the inspections (black with tail number N502P)
Please be advised that Haverfield Aviation will be assisting JCP&L with the inspections of all JCP&L transmission lines. The inspections will begin on July 1, 2016 through Tuesday, July 5, 2016, weather permitting. 


The pilot will be in communication with any local airports, when in their air space. The helicopter will be flying at a speed of about 35-40 mph above or alongside the lines, and may circle around for a closer inspection. 



The helicopter is black with tail number N502P.



Please feel free to contact JCP&L with any questions. 





Hillsborough Memorial VFW Post #8371
Calling New Members



If you are an honorably discharged military veteran having served on an overseas deployment, we would like to meet with you and discuss the possibility of membership in our local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post.
 
Our membership committee would like to invite you to a meeting of prospective applicants in the near future. During this meeting we will discuss eligibility requirements in further detail and provide an overview of the VFW mission and organizational structure on a national, state, district, and local post level.
 
Our committee members will be there to answer any questions you may have and to share some local examples of how our post provides services to veterans in the Somerset County area. The meeting is informational only and there are no obligations on your part other than to listen, ask questions, evaluate and make a determination if you wish to join our service organization.
 
Should you be interested in attending a Post #8371 informational meeting, please provide the following contact information in order that we may schedule you to attend a mutually convenient meeting date and time. Our post headquarters is located at 339 South Branch Road, in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Membership Chair is Tom Cellilli (Phone) (908) 255-3669 or (Email) [email protected]


To learn more about becoming a member, click here... 
Event Flyers

Click on a Flyer to View Event Details
August 6: Somerville Street Strum
August 13 & 20: Sensory Friendly Art Time and Spreading Autism Awareness
Register for both programs here



I hope to see you at one of the Autism Awareness events I'll be presenting for my Gold Award! Thank you for your help!! - Anushka Khanna



Important Upcoming Meeting Dates





July


7         Planning Board                                    7:30 PM
12       Township Committee Meeting              7:30 PM
14       Planning Board                                    7:30 PM
20       Board of Adjustment                            7:30 PM
26       Township Committee Meeting            Canceled
28       Planning Board Business Meeting       7:30 PM


                     
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 2016 Summer 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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Township of Hillsborough | 379 South Branch Road | Hillsborough | NJ | 08844