October 2023 www.branchburgnews.com By Kristin Herman On a Sunday in mid-October, over the past eight years, Clover Court residents put up a scarecrow display that follows a theme and then walk from display to display in the neighborhood to admire the creativity. The neighbors end the evening at one of the neighbors’ houses, enjoying appetizers and good company. The kids absolutely love seeing the scarecrows every year. Famous Villains was the theme for the 8th Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest in 2022. Each household decided which villain they would depict as a scarecrow, and secretly prepared until it was time for the reveal day. Scarecrows included Gru from Despicable Me, the Joker, and a spotted lanternfly. Look for photos of the Branchburg Country Fair in our next issue! The evil spotted lanternfly was a creative take on the villain theme. The Joker was crafted by Pat and Maggie Morrison. Among the neighborhood scarecrow makers are Kristin, Gary, Kai and Sydney Herman; Pat and Maggie Morrison; Jill, Eric, Brianna, Matthew, Sean and Ryan Hannum. Year after year, more and more people walk or drive by to see the fantastic creations. It is a great addition to the Halloween season in Branchburg. Stop by the neighborhood in mid-October to see this year’s theme. Drive slowly; kids are usually out playing. Branchburg’s Clover Court Neighbors Put the Scare in Scarecrow The Branchburg Township Committee adopted an ordinance Sept. 11 authorizing the $20 million purchase of 31.79 acres from Advance at Branchburg II located at 3020 Route 22 West (the intersection of Route 22 and Station Road.) The move is another attempt to thwart overdevelopment. Earlier this year the township agreed to buy a 10-acre property at the intersection of Route 28 and Raritan Valley College Drive owned by KSP Investments for $8 million. That purchase will be funded through bonds. Township officials have not determined how the Advance acquisition will be funded. But if the township has to bond for the $28 million to buy two properties in the Route 22 corridor, the municipal tax rate could reportedly rise by 12% to 13%. Officials are considering using a mix of bonds and the township’s Open Space Fund to pay for the Advance property. The township has already agreed to bond $7.695 million for the KSP property and has authorized an emergency appropriation for the down payment. If the township uses the Open Space Fund for the Advance property, that property would have to remain open space. The township’s bond counsel will weigh in on all the financing options. Township Attorney William Willard began negotiations with Advance after township voters approved a nonbinding referendum on the November 2022 election ballot asking whether the township should spend $25 million to buy land in the Route 22/28 corridor to prevent warehouse development. The actual purchase will not be finalized until the first quarter of 2024, when the 5% or $1 million down payment will be made. Besides stopping the warehouse development, the purchase of the land would settle two lawsuits Advance had brought Branchburg Township to Purchase Route 22 Acreage Continued on Page 3
2 The Branchburg News • October 2023 Editors & Publishers: Bill Haduch, Monita Casey Haduch Advertising Manager: Heather Sanchez Writer/Ad Sales: Karen C. Muller Design & Layout: Jacki Hasko Web Manager: Steve Skladany Mailing Services: Mike Sanchez Art: Kevin Gora, Cathy Zehr, Megan Clewell The Branchburg News is mailed monthly, free-of-charge to every mailing address in Branchburg Township. Free copies are also available for distribution in places of business, schools, and municipal offices. DEADLINES FOR NEXT ISSUE NOVEMBER 2023 October 15 for Ads and News The Branchburg News is not liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical errors, or errors in publication, unless, in our judgment, the error materially affects the content and advertising value of the ad. Compensation will not exceed the cost of the space in which an error occurs. The Branchburg News has the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason, and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. We ask our readers to keep us informed of any misleading advertisements. Phone: Editorial 908-285-2847 Advertising 908-963-2680 Email: [email protected] Mailing address: P.O. Box 5351 Branchburg, NJ 08876 Web: www.branchburgnews.com A Creative Resources/ Town Media Newspaper ©2023 Creative Resources/ Town Media, All Rights Reserved TO ADVERTISE CALLAD MANAGER HEATHER SANCHEZ AT 908-963-2680 More info at www.branchburgnews.com, click on “How to Advertise.” TO SEND NEWS & PHOTOS Email items to [email protected] We like your text as a simple email message, with your photo simply attached as a JPG. For more info, visit www. branchburgnews.com, click on “How to Send News & Photos.” 908.782.2705 FLEMINGTON • Live Music • Local Brewery • Our own Food Truck and other Food Vendors • Corn Maize • Hay Maze • Feed Farm Animals • Corn Cannon • Farm Stand with Pumpkins • Mums • Corn Stalks • and more! FARM of HORRORS Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday night starting September 29th Visit farmofhorrors.com and Follow us on Facebook! Hayrides to the Pumpkin Fields Every Saturday and Sunday Starting September 23rd - October 29th 11am-4pm Upcoming Events Motorcycle Run Oct. 1 Branchburg Rotary Club will hold its 7th Annual Motorcycle Run to benefit veterans. Registration is at 9 a.m. at Raritan Valley Community College. Cost is $20 per person. Kickstands up at 11. Food, beverages, music, 50/50, and festivities follow at noon at Central Jersey Airport. A cash raffle drawing is at 3 p.m. For more information, reach out to [email protected]. Free Concert Oct. 6 The Friends of the Bridgewater Library are sponsoring a free concert at the Bridgewater Library, 1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Greg Giannascoli, a Grammy-nominated marimba and percussion artist will perform with pianist Ron Stabinsky in a celebration of the music of George Gershwin and Fritz Kreisler. All are welcome. Flea Market Oct. 7 & 8 The Branchburg Historical Society will host a Flea Market at the Andrew Ten Eyck House, 671 Old York Rd., during the Somerset County Journey Through the Past event. (See article on page 5.) Readington River Medieval Fair & Market Oct. 7 The Readington River Buffalo Farm in collaboration with Stanton Reformed Church will hold a festival with a magical, medieval flair from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 21. The festival will include a 4-acre corn maze, hayrides, pony and unicorn rides, food court, a saloon serving craft beer and hard seltzer, live music, and craft vendors. A medieval castle will include a mysterious forest walkway, fencing demonstrations, hair braiding, stone painting, and a photo booth with costumes. Entrance for parking is at 42 Woodschurch Road, Flemington, 08822, about 1 mile off Route 523. Parking is $3 per car. For more information contact njbison@icloud. com. Blessing of Animals Oct. 8 The Neshanic United Methodist Church, 301 Maple Ave. in Neshanic Station, will hold a Blessing of the Animals outdoor worship service at 10:30 a.m. The community is invited to bring their pets to the worship service for each animal to receive an individual blessing offered by the Rev. Gwiseok Lee. Refreshments will be served during the coffee hour following the service. For further info, call 908-369- 3838. All are welcome to attend. Midland Open House Oct. 12 The Midland School is off and running for its 64th year and will host an Open House from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Take a tour and learn about the lifelong continuum of services Midland provides to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To register, call Maureen at 908- 800-9961 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit www.midlandnj.org. Oktoberfest Oct. 14 The 2nd Annual Branchburg Firemen’s Oktoberfest will be held at White Oak Park from 1 to 10
October 2023 • The Branchburg News 3 This Month’s Recycling: Oct. 2, 16 & 30 For info call 732-469-3363 or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle 1036 Route 202 Branchburg, NJ 08876 applesbooks.com • 908-429-4275 Infant - Toddler - Preschool Full & Part-Time Programs Before & After School Care 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM APPLES and BOOKS Learning Center Excellence in Early Learning Since 1995 VAN DOREN VAN DOREN OIL CO. OIL CO. • Pre Buy Heating Oil • Ceiling Cap Heating Oil • One Million Gallon Storage • Gasoline • Diesel Fuel • Emergency Service 413 U.S. Highway 22 Whitehouse, NJ 08888 908-534-2125 • vandorenoil.com Family Owned & Operated Family Owned & Operated Branchburg Township’s Leaf Pick Up will begin around Oct. 9, weather permitting, and continue through Dec. 8. There will be a minimum of two pickups in your area. Rake leaves to the curb area, not into the road, drainage ditch or within 10’ of a catch basin. Leaves can be taken to the Dumpster Facility by residents on normal days of operation. As an alternative solution to disposing of your yard waste, please consider composting or mulching. Leaf Pick Up Begins Oct. 9 p.m. The event will feature a beer truck serving Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen, Strongbow Apple Cider, and Michelob Ultra. Live music will be provided by Big Hix (3-5 p.m.) and Mush Mouth (6-8 p.m.) Food options will include bratwurst, pretzels, chicken fingers, and fries. Additional entertainment includes axe throwing, face painting, and balloon animal making. Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner Oct. 14 The South Branch Reformed Church will hold a Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner at the church, 870 River Rd. in Hillsborough, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The sides are Noodles Romanoff, Braised Red Cabbage, Dill and Cucumber Salad, fruit cup, rolls, butter, assorted desserts and beverages. Dine in or take out. (Bring your own takeout bag.) Call 908-369- 4956 for reservations. The cost is $20. Walk-ins are welcome. Classic Rock Oct. 21 Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus, Council 6930, Whitehouse Station, presents Rock’N The Fall Classic Rock from the 60’s to the 90’s with the Original Blend 94 Proof Band at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 390 County Road 523, Whitehouse Station. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner is at 6:30; and show time is 7:30. Cost of $50 per person includes show, dinner, dessert, wine and beer. For tickets email ollkoc6930@gmail. com. Craft Show Nov. 4 The Readington Reformed Church Women’s Ministries will host from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. at the church, 124 Readington Rd., Readington. Original crafts, knitted items, jewelry and quilted items will be featured along with a bake sale and tricky tray. Upcoming Events continued against Branchburg, challenging zoning regulations that restricted warehouse development. Earlier this year, the township bought 9.1 acres for $6 million off South Branch Road and Crestwood Avenue. The township will fund that purchase through a $1 million grant from Somerset County, $75,000 from the township’s Open Space Trust Fund and the remainder through the issuance of bonds. Branchburg Township to Purchase Route 22 Acreage Continued from Page 1
4 The Branchburg News • October 2023 Deer Resistant Screening Trees Green Giant Arborvitae Grown in our Branchburg Nursery 6-7’ installed $240 10 tree minimum Time to Update Your Landscape? Call Us For Your Renovation Quote Today! Landscape Design and Planting • Patios • Walkways • Lighting • Retaining Walls • Poolscapes and Fencing • Irrigation Systems 908-369-5899 See our Portfolio at WWW.CAVLAND.NET HIC 13VH02113100 • Irrig. Lic. 0021230 CAVAGNARO LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION LLC Over 40 908-369-5899 Years in Business Before After Good Food, Good Times & It Always Feels Like Home! Now open for dinner Friday & Saturday 4pm-7pm! Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day Daily Specials & Kids Menu Available Hours: Tuesday-Friday 6am-3pm Sat 6am-2pm, Sun 7am-2pm Dinner Fri & Sat 4pm-7pm Follow us for fun! @branchburgsbest phone: 908-255-4075 1165 US-202 North Branchburg, NJ 08853 branchburgsbest.com “The Friendly Store of Value” 118 W. Main Street Somerville, NJ 08876 908-725-1566 [email protected] Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat. 8am - 5pm | Closed Sunday 20% off all paint and wallpaper supplies and all top line interior/exterior paints and stains! Spooky Savings! Elly May Tom and Leonard Grand, Leo and Grace Don’t be scared...mention this ad! Fall Festival– Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center will be hosting a family event on Friday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 1047 Route 28, Branchburg. Bring the family in costume and enjoy our Trunk or Treat, fall crafts, games, and pumpkin decorating display. The event will kick off a food drive, so visitors are asked to bring a can of food for the food bank. Pictured are Kangaroo Kids staff members, from left, Executive Director Kathy Feigley, Jackie Russano Weiss, Director Lisa Mirra, Bonnie Farber, and Fatima Morin Pidany. For information about Kangaroo Kids, call 908-231-7800 or email [email protected]. –Submitted by Kathy Feigley
October 2023 • The Branchburg News 5 Bras 32 AA to 50 K BRA SIZED SW IMW EAR & SPORT BRAS Nursing Bras Lingerie S to 4X www.personallyyourslingerie.com EST. 1 974 BACK TO SCHOOL? EXPERT BRA FITTING Tue - Fri 10am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm Personally Yours Lingerie 315 Main St. • Bedminster, NJ 07921 908-234-1444 A, B, C, or D? Let us check and see! Cup sizes available up to K REVAMP YOUR FALL LANDSCAPE REVAMP YOUR FALL LANDSCAPE Live Edge Slabs Live Edge Slabs route202landscapesupply.com route202landscapesupply.com Topsoil Mulch Gifts Statues Topsoil Mulch Gifts Statues Cacti Clean Stone (Bulk) Deer Corn Rough-Cut Lumber Cacti Clean Stone (Bulk) Deer Corn Rough-Cut Lumber Chimeneas Wood Pellet Horse Bedding Flowers Chimeneas Wood Pellet Horse Bedding Flowers Nasto's Desserts Nasto's Desserts SHOP ONLINE 24/7 SHOP ONLINE 24/7 (908) 396 2284 (908) 396 2284 Bulk Material Bulk Material BOYLE TUTORING Services BILL BOYLE +1 (908) 419-7771 www.boyletutoring.com TEXT ME: Prep now for the new ’24 SAT Digital Format and AP English ONE-ON-ONE English Tutoring SAT, ACT, AP English Literature & Language SPACES NOW AVAILABLE By Bill Schleicher The Branchburg Historical Society was founded in 1990 by local residents interested in the history of Branchburg, who wanted to save the Andrew Ten Eyck house from demolition. The Federal style brick house, built around 1790, contains an enclosed Dutch staircase, not typical of a Federal house. The builders, of Dutch descent, although willing to build a new style of structure, were not ready to give up all their Dutch traditions. In 1914 a frame addition was added to the home. When the Historical Society acquired the house it had been vacant for some time and had been vandalized and stripped of some moldings and fixtures. The house needed a lot of work to return it to usable condition. At times it was like a scavenger hunt to find and replace the missing features. Over the years and thanks to Somerset County historic preservation grants and the support of the Township, The Historical Society has been able to restore and preserve this important slice of Branchburg history as a museum. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Come see the house, take a tour and step back into Branchburg’s rich history. The house is open the third Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. The Andrew Ten Eyck house in 1990 when the Branchburg Historical Society set to work to preserve the 1790 structure. The Andrew Ten Eyck house as it looks today, thanks to the tender loving care of the Branchburg Historical Society. Tour this historic gem the third Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. Andrew Ten Eyck House Restored and Preserved Branchburg’s Historical Society will host an outdoor Flea Market at the Andrew Ten Eyck House, 671 Old York Road, during the Somerset County Journey Through the Past event Oct. 7 and 8. Members of the public are invited to sell at this event; lots are $20 for the weekend. Contact Sue Winter 908-369-2027. Sellers must bring their own tables and remove any unsold items. A good crowd usually attends this annual county event. Also on that day are tours of the Ten Eyck House and the annual Historical Society Antique Sale. Branchburg Historical Society Flea Market Oct. 7 & 8 Raritan Valley Community College’s Arts & Design department will present a performance by the Copland String Quartet, Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. The event, part of the MOZAIKA Concert Series’ current season, will be held in the Welpe Theatre at the Branchburg campus. The performance will feature music by Mozart and Ravel. Tickets cost $15 each; admission is free for seniors and students. For advance tickets, call 908-725-3420. RVCC to Present Copland String Quartet
6 The Branchburg News • October 2023 Christian Based Programs 908-725-2326 • www.nbrc.com • [email protected] 203 Route 28, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Little Lambs IntroductIon to Preschool Ages 21/2 - 31/2 yrs old • Adult stays with child classes available thursdays from 9:00-10:00am & 10:30-11:30am 2,3 & 5 Day Programs offered for children ages 21/2 to 6 yrs old Call today for details! Branchburg’s Local Fence Dealer Voted “Best of the Best” for over Twenty-Five Years SALES • INSTALLATION • REPAIRS • DO-IT-YOURSELF COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • WHOLESALE • RETAIL YEAR ROUND INVENTORY WE’RE NOT JUST FENCING, WE’RE: • Gazebos & Sheds • Flags & Poles • PVC Fence • Deer Fencing • Garden Fences • Custom Wood • Tennis Courts • Farm Fence • Pool Fence • Dog Houses & Runs • Estate Fencing • Electric Fencing • Guard Rails • Backstops • Arbors • Aluminum Fence Over 50 Years Experience FULLY INSURED 3220 Route 22 W. • Branchburg www.eaglefence.com • Email:[email protected] NJ License # 13VH02435000 1-800-262-EAGLE 2 ½ Acre Location (3245) EAGLE FENCE & SUPPLY FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FREE ESTIMATES UNITED WE STAND 10% OFF all flags & flagpoles FREE USE OF FENCE TOOLS! By Venkat Kottala and Naveen Kottala Boy Scout Troop 1776 of Neshanic Station remained busy all summer long with community service projects including grass cutting at the Neshanic Reformed Church and Mill Lane Cemetery, local Eagle Scout projects, and most recently our Annual Blood Drive. This was our 16th Annual Blood Drive in memory of a past scout parent, Silvano G. Zobele, who passed away 16 years ago. After taking a Covid-19 pause, our Troop resumed its work in 2022 with the Blood Center of New York, which also supports New Jersey Blood Services. The blood drive was conducted at the Neshanic Reformed Church on Amwell Road in Hillsborough, which is the Troop’s sponsor organization. This blood drive was a true community event with volunteer blood donors from all over the local area including Hillsborough, Neshanic Station, Branchburg, and Flemington, to name a few towns. The Troop organized the event, promoted it locally with posters, flyers, and word of mouth and also used social media to get the word out about this important event. They even made their own Blood Drop costume to encourage passersby to stop in, and it worked. The Blood Center was able to collect 37 units of blood in just a few hours and looks forward to coming back and working with us next year for another great event. By donating blood, you can potentially save three lives. You help others selflessly and all blood types are always needed. Please consider donating in the future, there is always a blood drive somewhere close. You can call the New York Blood Center to find a local drive at 1-800-933-2566. Scouts Run Successful Blood Drive Pictured is the Boy Scout Troop 1776 Blood Drive team.
October 2023 • The Branchburg News 7 TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG Municipal Building News | in print and online at www.branchburg.nj.us ‘Our Work is Your Play’ *** Recreation News*** Check out all the great activities this month with Recreation! Fall programs are underway! Online registration for Fall programs can be found on: https://register.communitypass.net/ Branchburg Check out the fall guide on the township website. ~ FALL FAMILY FUN ~ 10/14 - Branchburg Oktoberfest@ WOP : 1:00 to 8:00pm 10/27 - Halloween Movie in the Park WOP pavilion 6:30pm featuring: HALLOWEENTOWN 10/29 - Trick or Treat Trail @ WOP field #17, 1:30 to 4pm ~ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 12/5 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular Bus leaves White Oak Park entrance at 1pm for a 5pm show. Tickets $128, bus & show. Follow Branchburg Recreation on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranchburgRec 908-526-1300 x187 or 188 GENERAL ELECTION GUIDELINES – The 2023 GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – The last day to register to vote for the General Election is October 17, 2023. To register or to see if your registration status is up to date, visit: https://nj.gov/state/elections/voter-registration.shtml. Voting Options – In-person voting Ǧ All polling locations in Branchburg Township will be open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Your polling location will be noted on your sample ballot. A list of polling locations can also be found on the Branchburg Township website at www.branchburg.nj.us, in the Document Center under Election Information. In-person Early Voting Ǧ Somerset County will have six locations open from October 28 to November 5. These locations will operate on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and all other days from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Early voting is considered a completed vote and cannot be amended later. Early Voting locations will be located at: BERNARDS TOWNSHIP Ǧ Bernards Township Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Ave, Basking Ridge. BRIDGEWATER Ǧ Municipal Court, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater. FRANKLIN Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane, Somerset. HILLSBOROUGH Ǧ Municipal Building, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough. MONTGOMERY Ǧ Municipal Building, 2261 Route 206, Belle Mead. NORTH PLAINFIELD Ǧ North Plainfield Community Center, 614 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield. Voters also have the option to Vote-By-Mail. If you have opted into VoteǦByǦ Mail for all future elections, you will automatically receive a VoteǦByǦMail ballot. If you require a VoteǦByǦMail application, they can be found on the Township’s website at www.branchburg.nj.us in the Document Center under Election Information. Please note the instructions listed on the application. A Ballot Drop Box is located outside the main entrance of the Municipal Building for the receipt of VoteǦByǦMail Ballots up to 8:00 PM on Election Day. This box will be monitored with 24/7 surveillance. If you do not have access to a printer and need an application or require additional information, please call the Clerk’s Office at 908Ǧ526Ǧ1300 ext. 104. For information on all voting options, visit the Somerset County Clerk's website at: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/residents/electionǦguidelines.
8 The Branchburg News • October 2023 Childrens Corner BUMC Preschool and Kindergarten Serving the community for over 25 years. All are welcome! Full and Half Day Programs Hours: 6:45 to 6 daily (M-F) Children 2 to 6 years of age Director: Jeanne Alusik 651 Country Club Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 [email protected] 908-526-9596 • Business Packages • Retail / Wholesale • Contractors • Professional Offices • Homeowners • Auto • Flood Insurance James T. Rick, Jr. • Michael A. McCurry, Jr • Local • Responsive • Accountable • Trustworthy 908-725-9400 Or email us: [email protected] www.lafontaineandbudd.com 126 West End Avenue Somerville COMMERCIAL & PERSONAL INSURANCE SPECIALISTS Grand Opening– Branchburg has a new family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant. Pictured at the Grand Opening celebration of Mr. Cactus on July 30 are owners Sergio and Adriana Jimenez and their children Dulce, Angie and Gustavo. They have had great success with their first restaurant in Hillsborough and are happy to be able to bring their delicious cuisine to Branchburg. Mr. Cactus Mexican Restaurant is located at 1010 Route 202. –Submitted by Shavaun Gliksman By Kate Sarles The Branchburg Woman’s Club will meet on Oct. 18 at Whiton Hills Community Center at 7 p.m. (Scheduling conflicts caused the date change.) The evening’s topic will be “Climate Change or Extreme Weather Overview and What You Can Do to Save the Environment,” presented by Joseph Chiarell, a chemical engineer with green building certification. He is a member of the Nature Conservancy which is preserving green areas and wildlife habitats. Operation Yellow Ribbon will be one of our focuses in October. Members gather personal care items, snacks, puzzles and games to help offduty servicewomen fill their time. It’s coming back! This November BWC is again selling Double Good Gourmet Popcorn. Many different flavors are offered each season. Order on our Facebook page in late October or early November. This fundraiser lasts only four days and is completely virtual. Proceeds will support the club’s many programs including grants for Somerville High School and Branchburg Central Middle School students and Branchburg Emergency Services. Call us at 908-866-1938 or email [email protected]. Branchburg Woman’s Club Meets Oct. 18
October 2023 • The Branchburg News 9 Flemington • Annandale • Bridgewater www.loewandpatelorthodontics.com Specializing in Braces & Invisalign for Children, Teens & Adults COMPLIMENTARY NEW PATIENT EXAM NJ Lic. #41YS00282300 191 Church Road • Bridgewater, NJ 08807 • 908-578-0825 [email protected] • www.baylesfamilyspeechcenter.com Since 2010! New Online Training! “Help Me Help My Kids” See my website for more! What They Went For 442 Route 202/206, Bedminster, NJ 07921 908-658-9000 Proudly serving Somerset, Hunterdon and Morris Counties Lisa Middleton Kimberley Dabrowski Realtors, SFR, ABR, ASP 908-872-4027 (Lisa) 908-309-1849 (Kim) [email protected] ur2agents.com @ur2agents Serving the Branchburg Community Since 2007 11 Forty Oaks, Readington CLOSED $16,000 OVER ASKING SOLD 5 Fawn Run, Branchburg REPRESENTED BUYER SOLD REPRESENTED BUYER 3 Beaver Creek, Raritan Township SOLD REPRESENTED BUYER SOLD 2339 S. Branch, Branchburg AVAILABLE 2232 Brookside, Martinsville NEW BRIDGEWATER LISTING AVAILABLE 2226 Brookside, Martinsville NEW BRIDGEWATER LISTING LAND COMING SOON NEW BRANCHBURG LISTING • Top 25 Small Teams 2018 - 2022 • NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence 2017 - 2022 • International Sterling Society 2021 • NJAR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club 2007 - 2022 • Certified Relocation Specialists 26 Clearbrook, Raritan Twp. NEW FLEMINGTON LISTING 14 Cascades Terrace $750K 3 Cheyenne Trail $410K 968 Concord Way $550K 5 Heritage Court $1,199,000 609 Highview Court $787K 38 Kenbury Road $420K 19 Lunde Lane $500K 12 Mohave Path $540K 12 Mohawk Trail $548,147 571 Old York Road $405K 217 Pearl Street $605K 144 Preakness Circle $990K 403 Readington Road $450K 507 Red Crest Lane $340K 251 Ronan Way $1,010,000 13 Shoshoni Way $650K 2339 South Branch Road $640K 28 Sternadori Road #904 $449,401 40 Sternadori Road #1002 $641,333 44 Sternadori Road $683,350 45 Sternadori Road #1005 $554,990 48 Sternadori Road #1006 $629K 52 Sternadori Road #1008 $500,922 54 Sternadori Road #1009 $543,553 56 Sternadori Road $656,992 58 Sternadori Road #1011 $699,990 60 Sternadori Road #1012 $528,870 62 Sternadori Road #1013 $520,706 106 Stony Brook Road $600K 147 Stony Brook Road $602K 610 Sunrise Way $836K 145 Vollers Drive $866K 33 Windy Willow Way $450K 156 Windy Willow Way $700K Recent property sales reported in Branchburg Township: The Branchburg News invites candidates for Township Committee and the Board of Education to submit a statement and a photo for our November issue to help voters make their choices in the Nov. 7 General Election. Submissions must be sent to [email protected] by Oct. 15. The questions: 1. What is your occupation? 2. How long have you lived in Branchburg? 3. If you are an incumbent, how many years have you served? 4. What is your candidate statement, that is, why should residents vote for you? (Please limit this section to 80 words maximum.) Township Committee and Board of Ed Candidates Invited to Submit Statements To Advertise in The Branchburg News 908-963-2680 or [email protected]
10 The Branchburg News • October 2023 COUNTRYSIDE FUNERAL HOME ~ Let the Zalewski Family of Branchburg serve you in your time of need ~ www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com • Serving all Faiths & Denominations • Pre-Planning & Pre-Funding • Cremation Services • Out of State & Worldwide Services • Honoring Pre-Arrangements made Elsewhere 908-782-2121 724 Route 202 North PO Box 431 Three Bridges, NJ 08887 Serving: FLEMINGTON, BRANCHBURG, HILLSBOROUGH & READINGTON TOWNSHIP & Surrounding Areas Sharon Ann Zalewski, Director NJ Lie. # 4003 George Rocco Seminara. Jr., Director NJ Lie.# 4927 John R. Zalewski, Owner/Manager NJ Lie.# 2820 John R. Zalewski, Jr., Director NJ Lie.# 4703 JARRETT DEWELDE, CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional [email protected] Tel: (732) 384-9192 R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC 50 Division Street Suite 501 Somerville, NJ 08876 Traditional Brokerage Equity Investments Education Planning Fixed-income Investments Investments: Asset Allocation Retirement Planning Annuities Financial Strategies: Life Insurance Disability Income Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Risk Management: wealth management CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Securities offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC. R.I.C.H. Planning Group is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or its affiliates. PPG-158949(2/21)(exp 2/23) Need some direction for your financial future? I can help. Guidance you can trust starts with a conversation. Interactive parent/child music classes for infants through preschoolers. Small Group Classes in Branchburg Area CALL NOW! 908-907-1095 [email protected] www.KidsMusicRound.com www.whitehousevet.net 274 Main Street Whitehouse Station, NJ Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital Dr. Karan Oberhansley • Dr. Brett Newton • Dr. Nick Sakitis MEDICAL CARE • SURGICAL CARE • DENTAL CARE 908-534-4121 An abstract portrait of autumn’s essence presents as a smudge of crimson, shedding specks of scarlet, melting into amorphous white smoke, laid over a background of yellow and orange shadows. Autumn begins in late September as a child of summer, whose green cheeks blush with heated color. Gradually the lush green turns into a conflagration of fluorescent flame. Yellow foliage dominates the early fall landscape to accentuate the blazing red and flaming orange. It is the height of seasonal color which characterizes autumn and defines it reputation, though it endures well into December cold, and expresses itself with snow and ice. Autumn is in a unique position, as it bridges two of the most extreme seasons and incorporates them into its own identity. Late September and early October produce warm sunny days suitable to wade in the ocean’s warm water while late December, still owned by autumn, welcomes snow flurries and ice. September 23 is the first day of fall, initiated at the moment of the autumnal equinox, when for a moment, 2:50 a.m., day length and night are perfectly balanced. Darkness now dominates as day length shrinks, its pall is short lived, however, and as soon as autumn turns to winter, day length begins to increase. Aside from providing a brilliant blast of color to mitigate the loss of day length, autumn delivers us to the moment of the winter solstice, December 21, 10:27 p.m., and birth of light. In that way autumn is a kindness bestowed by nature to make our journey through the darkness to the light more tolerable. September 25, the eastern horizon turned the river mist purple in the pre-dawn light. An animated display of ever-changing pastel colors filled the space between the earth and sky, stirred by the wind, warmed by the rising sun, the orange, violet, yellow and rose tints blended in perfect proportion to create a brilliant, azure blue sky. The North Branch ran clear from an infusion of water released from a nearby impoundment, the water level artificially higher than would have been expected. I set the Kevlar Jensen hull on the foot deep water near midstream. The gentle current flowed with purpose, which required the canoe be perfectly aligned with the direction of the flowing water to avoid being turned sideways. I stowed the spare paddle, tied my gear to the aft thwart, and carefully stepped aboard to settle into the graphite tractor seat. I hesitated to take the first paddle stroke just to sit motionless and feel the energy of the river, enlivened by gravity, acting on gradient. This was as close to a magic carpet ride as one could get. I expended no energy as I floated above the ground, carried like a fallen yellow leaf on a downstream journey. The perfect weather and conditions were a gift of early autumn. October 22, the mature woods, dominated by yellow poplar and scattered beech groves, held the humidity of last night’s rain under a partially bare yellow canopy. The lingering gray sky and low clouds added to the darkness, brightened somewhat by a carpet of fresh fallen yellow leaves. The air was heavy with moisture and held a thick odor of decaying vegetation. A cold front and frost were forecast to follow, and the last remnants of fall color would soon be a memory. Sentinel trees in the middle of mowed lawns, would leave frosty impressions of their profile on the grass, as the rising sun dueled with shadow, to force their retreat. December 19, ice lines the shoreline of quiet inlets along the river. Muddy tracks decorate the thin ice to give witness to the nightly travels of mink and muskrat. The snow flurry that coated the ground two days before, lingers in shaded areas, the ground heaved from the cold and crunches with each footstep, sounding a warning of more cold to come. The trademark of the fall season remains the explosion of brilliant color that lifts the spirit and fires the imagination. The journey of autumn, from summer to winter, is a comprehensive summary of seasons fused together in a furnace fueled by fiery colors. The kaleidoscope of fall color is the dressing that brightens the dark path leading to the birth of light, autumn’s legacy to life on earth. Essence of Autumn Pictured left, autumn lights the path through the growing darkness, to the birth of light. (Contact jjmish57@ msn.com. See more articles and additional photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com.)
October 2023 • The Branchburg News 11 Request a Complimentary In-Home Consultation 908-648-DOGS | [email protected] | doggieetiquette.com Bonded and Insured , LLC Training YOUR dog in YOUR home! Robert J. Incao Trusted | Respected | Recommended Real Estate & Home Staging Professional 908Ͳ528Ͳ0580 SOLD 320 Walnut St., Middlesex FOR RENT—2BR, 1BA 437 Bartine St., Somerville NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award, 2019—2022, Silver Weichert Ambassador Club Maximum home values realized while tailoring & personalizing real estate services to meet customer needs. Weichert, Realtors Route 22 West Branchburg, NJ 08876 908Ͳ526Ͳ5444 TOP CLOSED LISTING & REVENUE AGENT—2021 & 2022 B r a n c h b u r g / B r i d g e w a t e r O ffi c e Text or call Robert at 908 Ͳ528Ͳ0580 Let him put his expertise to work for you. UNDER CONTRACT 488 Steele Gap Rd., Bridgewater Looking for similar results? Top 3% of All Weichert Agents YTD This Month In Branchburg History Preschool Programs 2 Day, 3 Day, 5 Day, & Extended Day Programs 9:00amǦ12:00am & 9:00Ǧ 2:30 (4 & 5 year olds only) Early Beginnings (2 yr old Mommy & Me) CALL OR EMAIL TO SCHEDULE A VISIT South Branch Reformed Church Preschool 870 River Road Hillsborough, NJ 08844 Email: [email protected] (908) 369-7885 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.SBRCPRESCHOOL.ORG Now Registering One year ago, Oct. 2022: Roche Molecular Systems, located on Route 202 for more than 30 years, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a 185,000 sq. ft. expansion that would grow its workforce in the township by several hundred jobs. Five years ago, Oct. 2018: Bright red signs warning “Stop Advance Warehouse in Branchburg” popped up all over the north end of town alerting the populace about talk of a 225,000 square foot warehouse and other buildings at the intersection of Station Road and Route 28. Ten years ago, Oct. 2013: Somerville High School’s Marching Band was busy at MetLife Stadium this month. The band won the US Bands Yamaha Cup competition on Oct.5, and was then invited to perform at the NY Giants-Minn. Vikings game on Oct.21. 20 years ago, Oct. 2003: The Neshanic Volunteer Fire Co. celebrated its 75th anniversary on Oct. 11 with a parade through Neshanic Station Village and a picnic at the Fireman’s Meadow near the Elm Street Bridge. Headlining the entertainment was The David Christopher Orchestra. 50 years ago, Oct. 1973: National Child Health Day, originally observed annually on May 1, had been changed during the early days of the John Kennedy presidency, to the first Monday in October. So in 1973, that would be Oct. 1, with promotions to go for a walk, play in a park, do some yard work or participate in activities to promote child health.
12 The Branchburg News • October 2023 LarkenAssociates.com 908.874.8686 Immediate Occupancy Brokers Protected • Turn-key medical & professional office suites available • Small offices available, perfect for start-ups • Private entrance, bathroom, kitchenette & separate utilities for each suite • On-site day care • Dedicated HVAC system 3322 Route 22 West | Branchburg | Somerset County No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made to the accuracy of the information contained herein & same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, withdrawal without notice & to any special listing conditions, imposed by our principals & clients. BRANCHBURG COMMONS OFFICE & MEDICAL SPACE FOR LEASE 552 PARKING SPACES VERIZON FIOS AVAILABLE SUITES AVAILABLE: 1194 UP TO 5448 SF (+/-) Building 6 Suite 605 1654 sf (+/-) CLOSET WAITING AREA 11’-7¾” 8’-6” EXAM 10’ 10’-1½” 17’-4½” 4’-3½” 8’-6 14’-6¾ ” ” 11’ 101 104 BRIDGEWATER YMCA SOMERVILLE YMCA Branches of Greater Somerset County YMCA FIND WHAT MOVES YOU. FIND YOUR Y. At the Y, you’ll find all the fitness facilities and classes you want with none of the pressure. So you can stay in shape, stay true to you, and stay in your community. That’s a win win win. Troops 185 B and G took a trip to Boston in May, camping at BSA’s New England Base Camp, and walked the historical Freedom Trail through the city (pictured left). In June, the troop camped at Swartswood Lake for fun on the water, including swimming, fishing, boating, and learning water safety skills. The scout year wrapped up with the Court of Honor picnic, recognizing the scouts for accomplishments in front of their families. Over the summer, the troop got together on multiple occasions, including a weeklong summer camp trip to Resica Falls in Pennsylvania in July. Throughout the course of our busy week, we earned several merit badges, ranging from pioneering and wildlife study to STEM activities and fun in the pool. Later, scouts, parents, and leaders alike worked a busy cheesesteak booth among the bustling activity of Somerset County’s 4-H Fair. The scouts also served up delicious cheesesteaks at the Branchburg Country Fair in September. Troop 185 is extremely thankful for all of the support and dedication from the Scoutmasters, Committee members and their families. If you are interested in joining a great organization and learning more awesome skills, reach out to [email protected]. –Submitted by Ash Bolink, Troop 185G Scribe Troops 185 B&G Traveled, Camped, Cooked
October 2023 • The Branchburg News 13 RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL REMODELING REPAIRS INSTALLATIONS Providing Quality Service for Over 50 Years Family Owned & Operated N.J. MASTER PLUMBERS LIC. 13548 Household Repairs Water Heat Hydronic Heating Water Pumps Fixtures Sump Pumps Water Conditioning Water Tanks Emergency Service ROBERT WALKER PLUMBING & HEATING INC. www.RobertWalkerPlumbing.com 629 RT SOUTH, WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. SALES & SERVICE • NO JOB TOO SMALL Bonded & Insured (908) 534-4313 Afraid to Sell Your Home with Nowhere to Go? Contact me for SOLUTIONS. Put my 20 years of experience and expertise to work for you. Cell: 908-247-0869 (preferred) Office: 609-303-3456 [email protected] BestofBranchburg.com 1378 Route 206, Suite 202, Skillman, NJ Roberta "Bobbie" Bruskin 3210 US Rt 22, Branchburg NJ • 908-722-2700 • ColonialmotorsofNJ.com A Family Business Since 1957 Pre-owned Autos & Trucks • Service and Parts Towing • Truck Rental Fleet Accounts Welcomed! Job Opportunities Available! The Flemington Woman’s Club will host a Lunch and Bingo Charity Fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at noon at 43 Park Ave. in Flemington. Cost is $25 and includes lunch and dessert, 10 Bingo cards. No extra cards will be sold. Gift cards are prizes. A limited number of tickets are available and must be purchased by Friday, Oct. 13. Call Sue at 609-737- 2373. All net profits will be donated to Operation Chillout, Safe Harbor and Flemington Food Pantry. Lunch and Bingo will be provided by Rolling Hills Healthcare and Hunterdon Care Center. If you are interested in community service opportunities, meeting new people, expanding your knowledge base, and looking to have fun, then the Flemington Woman’s Club may be the right place for you. The club meets September through May, the second Wednesday of the month, Flemington Woman’s Club Plans Lunch & Bingo Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Members help many charities in the surrounding area, primarily that support woman and children. Different departments and committees allow you to find projects that fit your schedule and interests. All women are invited. Not all members live in Flemington. Many live in surrounding towns. The next meeting is on Oct. 11. Tabby’s Place Cat Sanctuary in Ringoes will be the topic of discussion. Sheila Smith will discuss the workings of the cat sanctuary. Donations of canned and bagged cat food and cat toys are requested. Visit www.flemingtonwomansclub.org or Flemingtonwomansclub on Facebook. To contact the club, email [email protected] or call 908-782- 1237 and leave a message. –Submitted by Marian Rice 1010 Hwy. 202, Branchburg, NJ 08876 908-842-8572 • 908-842-8573 www.mrcactusmexicangrill.com Mon-Sun 10:30am to 9:30pm Authentic, Fresh & Delicious Tuesdays & Thursdays are for TACOS Authentic recipes from Mexico BYOB • Gift cards available! We are grateful for the warm welcome here in Branchburg! Monday - Friday Lunch Specials: 11 am-2pm Monday and Wednesday Dinner Special: Any burritos - $10 15% return of sales for School, Sports Teams & Organization fundraisers are available!
14 The Branchburg News • October 2023 Ruff n’ Ready Dog Walkers & Pet Care LLC Serving Branchburg and surrounding area for over 15 years Call or Text Barbie at 908-442-4027 for more information [email protected] www.ruffnreadypetcare.com Insured & Bonded – Pet First-aid & CPR trained • Dog Walking • Potty Breaks • Trips to the Dog Park • Pet Taxi and more • Vacation Visits: Most pets do best staying in their own home • Cat Care • Chicken Care • Fish • Exotic Pets House Sitting • Plants Watered, Trash/Recycling to curb, mail Pets are given the same loving care we give our own. The Branchburg Rotary Would Like To Thank the Companies and Organizations That Made the Touch-A-Truck Event Possible Mike’s Towing Recovery Raritan Valley Community. Col. Nick Porchetta Construction Co. Local 825 Operating Engineers Branchburg Rescue Squad Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Somerset Co. HAZMAT Team Junk in the Trunk Trash Paul Fiedler Rich Stinson Macaro Iron Works Vollers Excavating Furino and Son Neshanic Vol Fire Co. Look for Touch-a-Truck 2024 next June Friday October 27th from 5:00-6:30 Trunk or Treat Pumpkin Display Come in Costume Games $100 ofi for new enrollments! Bring a can of food for the Food Drive Enroll Now! Fall Festival Open House Awarded #1 Child Care Center in America For Ages 2-8 Years 1047 Route 28, Branchburg, NJ www.kangarookidschildcare.com (908) 231-7800 Open to the Community! By Audrey Henry Assistant Director, Branchburg Recreation The Seniors returned in September after a great summer, with lunch provided by Bridgeway Care at Home. They gave the members an overview of their services, such as in-home physical, occupational, and speech therapy and then followed with prize Bingo. The Fall Picnic followed on the second meeting of the month, the 21st, with over 70 members in attendance. As of this writing, the Silver Birches trip has not yet taken place but we are hoping for a stellar weather day as this trip is sold out. We had lined up several exercise classes for seniors, however there was very low interest at registration time, so we will try again later this fall or start in the new year. Details of the classes are posted on the Branchburg Township website. If you are a senior citizen here in Branchburg 55+ and interested in joining the Senior Program, give us a call in Recreation and we will be happy to sign you up. The Branchburg Seniors meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Whiton Hills Community Room. Here is our upcoming schedule of events: Oct. 28 - Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Sold Out. Nov. 16 - Meeting and Thanksgiving Luncheon Dec. 5 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular - Not just for seniors! Open to all residents and non-residents. Tickets $128 per person covers admission and coach bus transportation. Dec. 14 - The Brownstone - Dinner and Holiday Show with the Jersey Dreamers. Call Recreation for ticket price. Dec. 21 - Meeting and Holiday Luncheon. To register for Rec programs, see Community Pass at https:// register.communitypass.net/ Branchburg or call 908-526- 1300 x 187 or 188. Autumn Trips Popular with Branchburg Senior Citizen Group
October 2023 • The Branchburg News 15 • Moldings • Honey Do Lists • All Repairs/ Projects And more... Call me! No job too small. Free Estimates! 25 Years Experience Call/Text 551-265-5989 Lic./Insured 13VH09287500 • Painting • Wall Repair/Installs • Door Repair/Installs Harry the Handyman, LLC Autumn After School Yoga Teen Tuesdays • 5:30pm Thursdays Youth Yoga 3:45pm littles • 4:45pm young • 5:45pm preteens 908.334.7286 www.freedOM-Yoga-Studio.com By LuAnn Wright The Branchburg Library celebrated the culmination of our “All Together Now” reading challenge with a pizza party complete with ice cream and prizes. Nearly 30 area children participated in the program and logged over 18,000 minutes. Bravo to our book and story lovers! Thank you to all of our parents, grandparents, and guardians who made it possible for the children to participate. Save the dates for our annual Book Sale in October. The sale runs Saturday, Oct. 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Station House next door to the library. We are looking for volunteers to help set up and break down for the sale. Email Branchburglibrary@ gmail.com for more information. Reading, Pizza, Ice Cream, Prizes We will be hosting a “Starry Night at the Library” on Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. for Branchburg first- to thirdgrade students. Be on the lookout for more information on our Facebook page and Instagram. Pictured is the Summer Reading Celebration at the Branchburg Library. Providing stress-free junk removal and moving services in Somerset, Hunterdon and Middlesex counties since 2009. 908-842-0858 Provide this coupon for: Offers cannot be combined. Offers do not apply to minimums. Expires 12/31/2023 Moving Services junk pickup of more than ½ truck junk pickup of ½ truck or less $50off $45off $25off Support Our Advertisers! They Make The Branchburg News Possible!
16 The Branchburg News • October 2023 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID New Brunswick, NJ Permit No. 1757 ECRWSS Residential Customer CLASSIFIED ADS TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Type your ad exactly as you want it to appear. Ads are limited to 30 words (phone numbers count as one word). Mail your ad along with a check for $25 made payable to “The Branchburg News” to The Branchburg News, PO Box 5351, Branchburg, NJ 08876 Superior Handyman Services 100% of all Home Repairs Free Estimates Call 908-966-0662 www.superiorhandymanservices-nj.com Licensed, Insured CALL TODAY for your free consultation! 908-439-3532 [email protected] • www.TopQualityPetSitting.com Best Kennel Alternative Why Put Your Pet in a Kennel? BONDED INSURED VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED! Serving Hunterdon and Somerset Counties! Daily Dog Walks, Vacation Visits, and More Experience with Diabetic and Special Needs Animals Over 25 Years Pet Sitting Experience Experience with Domestic, Exotic, and Farm Animals $5 OFF First Pet Sitting! 452 Hwy. 28 West, Bridgewater (1.5 miles west of the Somerville Circle) Open: Tuesday - Saturday Tues. & Wed. 9-6, Thurs. 9-7, Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 Oktoberfest!! We’re the Best!! Get On Our Email List! Weekly Specials Call 908-722-6393 Telephone Orders Welcome Doesn’t Your Family Deserve the BEST? Quality Meats & Seafood German Specialties Landjaeger Weisswurst Franks Smearwurst Leberkase Veal Loaf Head Cheese Bratwurst Kassler Rippchen Knockwurst Sauerbraten Cervelate Spaetzles ...and many more! Hind & Fore Inc. Celebrating our 61st Anniversary Branchburg CORN What do you need when a pesky chipmunk chews a hole in your porch jack-o-lantern? A pumpkin patch... When should high school football players wear armor? When they play knight games! Which football player wears the biggest helmet? The one with the biggest head! What do you call an adult who paces back and forth screaming one minute, and then weeping uncontrollably the next? A football coach. What should you give a dog that has a fever? Mustard... It’s the best thing for a hot dog! There’s some kooky talk out there about simplifying the October holidays by combining Columbus Day and Halloween. The new name: Ghoulumbus Day! FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Selling firewood for over 30 years. All seasoned hardwood $200 a cord. $125 a half cord. Delivery is available. Call Mike @ 908-642-8566 EXPERT HANDYMAN: All home repairs, carpentry, masonry, kitchens, painting, powerwash, doors, windows ... Call Johnny 908-240-0301... 24/7... leave message, free estimates. Window Screen Repairs - Good quality Fiberglass screens for your windows and patio doors. Pick-up and delivery available. George & Son’s 908-392-2677. RITTER BROTHERS PAINTING, Readington, NJ. Interior & Exterior. Lic#13VH10329300. Business: 908- 233-8904, Home: 908-534-9390. FD MASON CONTRACTOR - Over 30 years of experience. Brick, block, stone, concrete. No job too large or small. Fully insured & licensed. Free estimates. 908-385-5701. Lic#13VH05475900. SELLING YOUR HOME? Call for complimentary market analysis. I also buy homes. George Pantozzi, Broker/Associate, Berkshire Hathaway NJ Properties, 908-392-2677 MUSIC LESSONS: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Harmonica, Keyboard at my Branchburg home studio. Degreed with over 25 years teaching/performing experience. Youngsters, adults, retired folks. Call Sig 908-231-0492. Leave message. Send your News Items & Photos to: branchburgnews @gmail.com