Issue: 2016 July 22
July 22, 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


 
Mayor DelCore Joins Assemblyman Ciattarelli at the 24th Annual Jack's Kids Softball Tournament


Jack's Kids is a non-profit organization that offers financial assistance to families dealing with serious childhood illnesses and/or serious disabilities so they can focus on their families.


On Saturday, July 9th Mayor Frank DelCore joined Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, this year's Honorary Chairman, for a day of Fun, honoring these children's strength and passion for life.


For more information about Jack's Kids, please visit their website at http://jackskids.org/.






Pictured at Right: Assemblyman Ciatterelli and Mayor Frank Delcore
Rain Garden Planted at Municipal Building



This newly installed rain garden is a green infrastructure project funded through a 319(h) Clean Water Act Grant from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Additional funding was provided by the NJ Agricultural experiment station, the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the national fish and wildlife service.


A rain garden is functional landscaping designed to capture storm water and reduce flooding. They are also designed to improve water quality by acting as a filter for pollutants. Rain gardens are beautiful, low maintenance, and inexpensive gardens you can install at your home.








Pictured Above: Municipal Employees helping to plant the rain garden

Pictured on Right: Mayor Frank DelCore in the newly planted Rain Garden




For information about the Hillsborough Rain Garden Rebate Program, click here...
Hillsborough Township, Purple Heart Community, to Hold Annual Ceremony on Monday, August 8th 

Ceremony Held Rain or Shine



"Hillsborough Township will hold the Annual Purple Heart Ceremony on Monday, August 8th at 6 pm at the Garden of Honor on the Grounds of the Municipal Complex," announced Mayor Frank DelCore at last Tuesday's Township Committee Meeting. 


The 6 pm ceremony will be held rain or shine. Light refreshments will follow the ceremony. 


"It is our distinctive honor to once again host this significant commemoration ceremony in honor of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. All Hillsborough residents are invited to attend the ceremony," added Mayor DelCore during his remarks at the meeting.


For a full news account, click here...
Suburban Transit / Coach USA Exploring Potential Express Bus Service from Hillsborough Township to New York City

Commuters Asked to Complete Online Survey



"Hillsborough Township is excited to announce that we are looking to bring express commuter service from Hillsborough to New York City. We are asking residents to participate in an online survey," announced Committeeman Greg Burchette at a recent Township Committee meeting. 


Suburban Transit Corporation, a Coach USA Company, is surveying the residents of Hillsborough Township to determine the level of interest in express commuter bus service to New York City. Suburban is prepared to initiate service this year if the survey shows that sufficient interest exists. 


"Express bus service to New York would be extremely helpful to many of our commuting residents," added Committeeman Burchette.



For a full news account, click here...
To fill out the survey on Suburban Transit's website, please click here...
Family Camp Out & Fishing Derby to be held on August 5th


The Township's Fishing Derby and Camp Out are set for Friday, August 5th at the Ann Van Middlesworth Park.



Bring your family and tent for the Annual Family Camp Out.  Don't forget to pack the fishing poles for the David L. Thomas, Sr. Memorial Fishing Derby, an event that has become a staple in many families' summer plans here in Hillsborough.


The events are held rain or shine. The Fishing Derby runs from  5-7 pm and the registration fee is $5.00 per child (pre-registration is required). The registration fee for the Camp Out is $5 per person or $10 per person with dinner. Additional information and registration is available on the Parks and Recreation website. 




To view the Activities Guide online, click here...
To Register for Activities, click here...
Township Job Line


Hillsborough Township currently looking to fill following positions:
  • Senior Transportation Bus Driver - Part Time
  • Office Assistant -  Part Time/Floater
  • Electrical Inspector - Part-time 
  • Electrical/Fire Inspector - Full Time
For position descriptions and qualifications, click here...
To download an Employment Application, click 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...
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...



Swimming Pool Permit Requirements




Generally speaking, pools, spas and hot tubs are categorized into three groups: in-ground; above/on-ground permanent; and above/on-ground temporary (seasonal), which include those that are portable or inflatable.


Are permits required for all pools, spas and hot tubs?  Maybe!  Here is a hint.....the STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, as a safety measure, requires that any pool, spa or hot tub, as defined by the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, New Jersey Edition, as any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that can hold more than twenty-four (24) inches in depth of water, requires the proper Construction permits.  In addition, ALL appropriate requirements of the Municipal Zoning & Engineering Codes must be met.   So before you take the "plunge" and purchase a pool, spa or hot tub keep in mind that a Construction permit along with other Municipal approvals may be necessary.  You, your family and the public's safety is everyone's primary concern!


The chart below illustrates what permits and approvals are needed for compliance:


CATEGORY
CONSTRUCTION
PERMIT
ZONING
APPROVAL
ENGINEERING
APPROVAL
In-Ground Pool
X
X
X
Above/On-Ground Pool - Permanent (capable of holding 24 or more inches of water)
X
X


Above/On-Ground - Temporary (capable of holding 24 or more inches of water)
X
X


Spas
X
X


Hot Tubs
X
X


Pools, spas or hot tubs not capable of holding over twenty-four (24) inches or more of water, do not require permits and other Municipal approvals.


For more details, click here...


Although Eastern Pacific and Atlantic hurricane seasons start on May 15 and June 1, destructive hurricanes are known to develop well before these dates. With the first storm of the season developing off the East Coast over the Memorial Day weekend, now is a good time to begin discussing hurricane risk and preparing for the tropical storm season that ends in late November. Be sure to have a plan, beinformed, be prepared for a power outage, and know your evacuation plan.
 
  1. Have a plan: You may not be with your loved ones when disaster strikes, so have a Family Emergency Communication Plan in place so you know how to reach each other and where to meet up when conditions are safe. 
  2. Be informed: Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.
  3. Be prepared for a power outageIf you or anyone in your household depends on medical devices that are powered by electricity, make those items a first priority. Talk to your medical equipment company to find out what will happen to your equipment during a power outage. FEMA recommends each person has at least a three-day supply of extra batteries for your flashlights, radios, and other devices run on battery power. Visit this webpage for information.
  4. Know your community's evacuation plansMany communities have designated "evacuation routes" and some even have evacuation zones. You will want to be familiar with these so that if your local authorities issue an evacuation order, you'll know exactly where to go.
America's PrepareAthon! is a year round, grassroots, community-based campaign to increase national preparedness. From now until May, America's PrepareAthon! and its broad range of partners, including DHS, will be promoting preparedness for specific hazards so that all of us can be better prepared for emergencies. 
 
Visit the America's PrepareAthon! webpage to read about preparedness stories, find events in your area, access customizable resources, and register your preparedness activities. Visit the DHS Office of Emergency Preparedness website  or FEMA's Ready.gov for more information on other hazards, family planning, emergency kits, and becoming involved in your community.


For Hurricane Safety Information in Spanish, click here...
JCP&L Prepared to Handle July Heat Wave


Company Offers Tips on How to Use Electricity Wisely During Summer Heat



FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) distribution and transmission systems are prepared to meet the anticipated increase in customer electricity usage associated with 90-degree temperatures expected across the company's service area later this week.


"Our comprehensive system maintenance program helps to ensure system reliability when temperatures climb and customers depend on us to stay comfortable," said Steven E. Strah, senior vice president of FirstEnergy and president of FirstEnergy Utilities. "From western Ohio to the New Jersey shore, our electric system is designed and maintained to operate effectively even in extreme weather conditions."
FirstEnergy's utilities offer some common-sense hot weather tips customers can follow to stay comfortable while using electricity wisely during this period of high demand:
  • Set thermostats as high as comfort will allow. Every degree a customer can increase the temperature in their home will result in using about 3 percent less energy during the hottest summer days.  
  • During sunny weather, close drapes or blinds on windows facing the sun to prevent direct radiant heating from impacting interior temperatures.  
  • Use fans - moving air cools skin faster, resulting in greater comfort on hot days.  
  • Use a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures higher when no one is home, and to reduce the temperature before arrival back home.
  • Only operate window air conditioners when someone is in the room.  
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers as full as possible. Frozen or cold items in the refrigerator help keep other items cool, reducing the amount of work the refrigerator has to do to maintain a lower temperature.  
  • Close rooms that aren't used regularly during the summer, and close the air conditioning vents in those rooms, as well.
  • Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours of the day. The less heat produced in the home, the less work the air conditioner will have to do.  
  • Consider investing in ENERGY STAR� appliances or heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. FirstEnergy's utilities may offer rebates on these purchases and tax deductions may apply, as well.  
  • Check air conditioner and furnace fan filters. Clogged filters waste energy and money by forcing HVAC systems to work harder than necessary.
Farmers Market Vouchers For Seniors



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...


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...
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 6: Bee Wise - Bee Surprised
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


26       Township Committee Meeting            Canceled
28       Planning Board Business Meeting    
Canceled


 
                     
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