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A Passage to Asia
FULL TEXT ARTICLES Saturday, May 28th, 2011 Mark your calendars for “A Passage To Asia,” a fun-filled extravaganza for the whole family. This community event, which is an exciting celebration of Asian culture, will be sponsored by the Montgomery High School students of the Asian Heritage Club and the Chinese Language Program. A large portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to aid earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. ~ 4pm - 5:30pm (In the MPAC) ~ Special performances include Wear your traditional attire Click the link below to reserve your tickets NOW! http://www.mtsd.k12.nj.us/646020223122253460/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=61995 4/28/11 Free Concert Sunday by Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra Montgomery Performing Arts Center May 1, 2011 – 3:00 PM Presented by the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra Free Admission Residents, Friends and Area neighbors of Montgomery Township Musical Program Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Symphony and Concert Orchestra Concerto Competition Winners Michelle Chun - Mendellsohn's Violin Concerto, Christina Cheng - Grieg's Piano Concerto. Come enjoy New Jersey’s longest continually operating youth orchestra providing training for the region’s highest talented school age concert musicians. Montgomery Performing Arts Center 4/27/11 PRINCETON ELKS LODGE UPCOMING EVENTS - APRIL & MAY PRINCETON ELKS LODGE, 354 Route 518, P.O. Box 217, Blawenburg, NJ 609-466-4945 Friday, April 29 – Veterans Memorial Fundraiser. Gather at Montgomery Park at 5 pm for the Official Groundbreaking, followed by a Reception at the Elks Lodge from 6 pm – 11 pm for a celebration and fundraiser. Blawenburg Dixieland Band is playing from 6:30-7:30 pm! Requested donation is $20/person, $50/family, cash or check at the door. Can’t attend? Pledge or donate online at: www.MontgomeryVeteransMemorial.org. Call Louise Wilson for more information at 609-466-4874. Saturday, April 30, 2011 – Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns Concert! 7 pm,$20 pp, Cash Bar, Food Available. Call 609-668-2210 or 609-466-4945 for more information and tickets. Bills Bridge Club – Join your fellow bridge players every Tuesday, 12-3 pm, $8 pp, at the Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman, NJ. Coffee and tea served. For more information, call Bill at 908-872-7927, or billsbridge@gmail.com Pizza Night - Tuesday, May 10, 6-8 pm. Join us for food & fun with family & friends at the Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman. Call 609-466-4945 for more information. Tuesday Night Dinners – Tuesday, May 24, 6-9 pm at the Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman. Join us every 4th Tuesday for a delicious, hot meal. $12 pp, $10 per Senior, $6 kids, kids menu, too! Call 609-466-4945 for more information. 4/27/11 Season of Hope Benefit Luncheon June 5th Sunday, June 5th , 12:30 p.m. - St. Charles Borromeo Church, 47 Skillman Rd., Skillman. Admission $25, includes lunch. Gift basket raffle. All proceeds go to the Center, an independent 501c (3) organization. Regardless of religious affiliation, The Center for Great Expectations provides housing and support for homeless, pregnant adolescents and their children, and adult women with substance use disorder and their children. For tickets or to donate a gift basket email mnnconnolly@aol.com or see INVITATION. 4/27/11 Cherry Valley Road Improvements - Neighborhood Mtg. May 3rd Road Improvements are planned for Cherry Valley Rd. between Billie Ellis Lane and Route 206 on the Montgomery Twp./Princeton Twp. border. Please see above letter. It is an invitation to any interested Montgomery or Princeton resident to attend a neighborhood meeting on May 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Main Meeting Room of the Princeton Township Municipal Building, 400 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ. 4/27/11 2011 Montgomery Roadwork Status This past winter has been one of the most challenging in years for our roads department. After record winter snowstorms, and hundreds of man-hours to salt and clear, we are now in the process of doing what it takes to bring township roads back to where they need to be. The freezing and thawing we saw all winter has left us with a lot of potholes and we are aggressively working to patch them temporarily until the weather is warm enough for more permanent repairs. We are also communicating with state and county officials about needed work on State Hwy. 206, Rt. 601, Rt. 518 and other county roads. Below is an update on the current plans for repairs and maintenance: The following road projects and road repairs are scheduled to occur in 2011. All work is pending final 2011 municipal budget approval. Roadway Reconstruction Project on Cherry Valley Road: Montgomery Township will undertake a major reconstruction project this year on Cherry Valley Road, from approximately the Woodsedge neighborhood entrance (Rutgers Lane) to Rt. 206. This project includes drainage, curbing and sidewalk. It is a joint project with Princeton and is partially funded with NJDOT local aid grant money. The project will go out to bid this spring. Pavement Repair Projects: Montgomery is undertaking pavement repair projects for 2011 on the following roads: Cherry Hill Road, Cherry Valley Road (the portion not being reconstructed), Hollow Road, Burnt Hill Road, Bridge Point Road, Green Avenue, and additional repairs throughout various housing development roads. Chip Seal Projects: Chip seal is a process by which an oil spray and small stone mix is placed and compacted and becomes an asphalt-like surface over time with further compaction from vehicular traffic. Chip-sealing resurfaces a road and is a cost-effective fix that lasts for approximately five years. Possible chip seal projects for 2011 include: Pin Oak Road, Dead Tree Run Road, Mountainview Road, East Mountain Road, and Staats Farm Road. Reporting Pot Holes & Maintenance Needs After the difficult weather this winter, Department of Public Works crews have been busy taking care of potholes throughout the Township. Residents may call the Pothole hotline # 908-874-8947 to report any maintenance issues on Township maintained public roads. Rt. 206 is under the authority of the New Jersey Department of Transportation. This includes the current reconstruction project for the CSX Railroad Bridge overpass. Somerset County is responsible for maintenance of County roads in town, including Dutchtown-Harlingen Rd. (Rt. 604), Belle Mead-Blawenburg Rd aka The Great Rd. (Rt. 601), Georgetown-Franklin Turnpike (Rt. 518), River Rd. (Rt. 533), and Kingston-River Rd. (Rt. 605). On the homepage of the Montgomery Township website there is a link to Pothole Reporting Forms & Contacts for NJDOT, Somerset County, and Montgomery Twp. Public Works. Please read the page first so that you contact the correct authority. 4/26/11 Montgomery EMS FAIR May 15th Offers Free KidCard ID Cards Visit Montgomery EMS as we Celebrate EMS Week on Sunday May 15th from 10am - 1pm. We will be holding an Open House/Health Fair at our headquarters at 8 Harlingen Road, Belle Mead, NJ There will be much happening at our fair, but one event we especially wanted to make all parents of children under 16 aware of is that the Montgomery Police Department will be offering a Kid Card ID free of charge from 10:30 AM to 1 PM. No appointment is necessary. The Kid Card is an identification card for parents and guardians that serves as a quick reference for lost or missing children. The card provides you with a laminated-photo identification card complete with your child's information. The Kid Card includes a child’s name, fingerprint, current photograph, date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color. There will be many other free activities also happening at the fair including: One Door Prize to be Awarded -- Free 3 Month Membership to Princeton Health and Wellness Center For the complete schedule of events visit our website at www.mems47.org or friend us on Facebook and we'll keep you up to date on all the Health Fair activities as well as other events in the future. Montgomery EMS is an all volunteer organization. We provide basic life support (BLS) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are not affiliated with any hospital nor are we a municipal entity. All services provided by Montgomery EMS are provided free of charge. If you would like to explore joining our organization, email us at info@mems47.org. We are "Neighbors helping Neighbors." 4/26/11 Montgomery Veterans Memorial Groundbreaking & Reception April 29th A public groundbreaking ceremony will be held Friday April 29th at 5 p.m. in Montgomery Park, Harlingen Rd. at the future site of the Montgomery Veterans Memorial. The memorial is designed to be a lasting and living tribute to Montgomery residents who have served our nation in times of war. Its location at the highest point of Montgomery Park, in a grove of trees near the sharp turn in Harlingen Road, will make the memorial suitable for quiet contemplation as well as for public gatherings and patriotic observances. Sufficient funds have been raised and contracts have been let to begin Stage One of the Montgomery Veterans Memorial. This community project is made possible entirely by private contributions from individuals and families. The Veterans Memorial Committee, with administrative support from the Princeton Area Community Foundation, is still raising the remaining $20,000 needed to complete Stage One construction: a central pentagram, five three-sided pillars engraved with the names of veterans and the war or wars in which they served, a small plaza connecting the granite pieces, three flagpoles, basic lighting and landscaping. An additional $110,000 is needed to complete Stage Two of the memorial: a full outer plaza, finished walkways, granite benches and enhanced landscaping details. Right now the Montgomery Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is offering to match all incoming contributions up to $2,500, so those who donate now essentially double their contribution. Hugh Dyer, chair of the Veterans Memorial Committee, feels the groundbreaking is a real cause for celebration. “Montgomery is a community of generous people who are eager to honor the service and sacrifices of war-time veterans,” said Dyer. “People have been waiting a long time for this memorial; hundreds of people donated years ago when the plan was more ambitious and the project more expensive. Recognizing the realities of today’s economy, we have adjusted the project to cut costs without changing the essence of Tom Lee’s design, which is outstanding.” Fundraising chairman Bill Hyncik agreed. “I feel very good about where we are and about our ability to get the project done.” “This is a great project, volunteer-driven, well-designed and well-managed. It has the full support of the current Township Committee as well as former township committee members,” said MVM Committee member and former Mayor Louise Wilson. Readers may visit the web site to view the list of veterans’ names. Donations can be made online through the Community Foundation web site (please designate Montgomery Veterans Memorial) or via check to Montgomery Veterans Memorial Fund / PACF and sent to: Montgomery Veterans Memorial / PACF Following the groundbreaking ceremony there will also be a benefit reception from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Blawenburg , NJ. Requested donation is $20 per person, or $50 for a family of three or more. Catering will be by Chez Alice, with cash bar and 50/50 raffle. The Blawenburg Dixieland Band, a Montgomery original, will be performing. For more information, contact: Louise Wilson: lwilson@hbts.com, 609-466-4874. Bill Hyncik: whyncik@poamd.com, 609-658-9632. 4/21/11 School Board Election Wed., April 27th In order to vote in an election, you must be a registered voter. The registration deadline is 21 days prior to the election. Voter registration forms are available through the Somerset County Clerks Office, the Montgomery Twp. Municipal Clerks Office or on-line on the Somerset County website (Election Forms) or the NJ Division of Elections website, which also has instructions and rules. The Somerset County Board of Elections office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Tuesday, May 17, the office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The office is located on the first floor of the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove St., Somerville. Free parking is available in the adjacent Bernie Field Parking Deck. For more information, contact the Board of Elections at (908) 231-7084 or electionbd@co.somerset.nj.us or contact the municipal clerk. Some election district boundary adjustments are being made. These changes will not yet be in effective for the School Board Election. All Montgomery voters will vote at their normal school board election location - either the Princeton Elks, 354 Rt. 518, Blawenburg or the Montgomery Evangelical Free Church, Belle Mead - Griggstown Road, Belle Mead. All Rocky Hill voters go to their municipal building on Montgomery Avenue, Rocky Hill. If you do not know which of the above school board voting locations is yours, it is based upon the number of your voting district, which is based on your residential address. Go to WHERE TO VOTE for help. District changes will first be in effect for the Primary Election. Be sure to read your sample ballot, received by mail the week before every election, prior to heading to the polls. Thank you. 4/21/11 Calling All Boys for Cub Scouts! Join us for Cub Scout Recruiting Night Monday May 9th – 7pm Orchard Hill Cafetorium Cub Scouting is GREAT! Parents and Boys will learn about Montgomery Cub Scouts including activities, projects, & events! Offering Camping, Hiking, Sports, Games, Trips & More! Cub Scouts try new things. Meet the Cubmasters: 4/15/11 Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony May 24th Montgomery Girl Scout Bridging 2011 Ceremony, Tues., May 24, 6:10-8:30pm, at the UMS Auditorium. For questions, please contact jcouch9132@aol.com. 4/14/11 Prevent Identity Theft by Shredding Documents The Somerset County Board of Freeholders and the county’s Consumer Protection and Records Management offices will be sponsoring 11 “Operation Secure Shred” events throughout the county in 2011. Residents from all 21 Somerset County municipalities are invited to have personal documents shredded at one or more of the free, on-site, mobile paper-shredding events. Residents will have an opportunity to attend the kick-off event, which will be hosted by Somerset County, and subsequent events, which will be hosted by various towns. Shredding events will begin in April and run through October. Residents do not have to reside in a town hosting an event to participate. Documents will be commercially shredded safely, privately and properly by trained, licensed and bonded document-destruction specialists. Staples and paperclips do not have to be removed. Residents may bring documents in any type of container, which will be returned after papers have been dumped. Participants may stay and watch the process, if they wish. “Properly disposing of personal documents is a necessary step in safeguarding and protecting your personal information and credit and preventing identify theft,” said Freeholder Peter S. Palmer, consumer protection liaison. The South County Public Works Garage can be reached from Route 206 to Dukes Parkway West, left to Roycefield Road. Directions are available at www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle/hazardouswastecollection%20dir.htmlShredding events will be held at various municipal locations as follows: Sat., April 23 at the Bridgewater Township Municipal Building, Sat. May 21 at the Bedminster Township Public Work Building, Sat., June 18 at the Auten Road Disposal Facility in Hillsborough, Sat., July 16 at the Montgomery Twp. Fire Co. No. 1, Belle-Mead Griggstown Rd., Sat., Sept.17 at the Commuter Parking Lot across from Dunkin Donuts in Bound Brook, Sat., Oct. 8 at the Bernards Township Engineering Services Building, Sat., Oct. 15 at the Branchburg Municipal Building, Sat., Oct. 22 at the Green Brook Municipal Building and Sat., Oct. 29 at the Franklin Township Municipal Building. All events will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. These dates are also posted on the Montgomery Community Calendar. For more information about the locations of the municipal shredding events, contact the towns directly. A listing of towns in Somerset County can be found on the county’s website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/towndir.html. A listing of the events and addresses is available at www.co.somerset.nj.us/spotlight.html. According to 2009 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) statistics, identity theft affects as many as 10 million people in the United States annually. This results in losses to financial and business organizations totaling $53 billion per year. For further information, contact the Somerset County Division of Consumer Protection at (908) 203-6080 or consumerprotection@co.somerset.nj.us. 3/4/11 County Offers Residents Additional Recycling Buckets The Somerset County Recycling Division is offering residents No registration is necessary, but proof of residency is required. For additional information, contact the Somerset County Recycling Division at Updated 4/28/11 Trinity Episcopal Church of Rocky Hill Annual Rummage Sale May 14 May 14th 9-2 bag sale 2-3 Crescent at Park Ave., Rocky Hill 4/11/11 Why NJ and Montgomery Are Attractive to Business- April 19th EDC Forum “Choose New Jersey” President and Chief Executive Officer Tracye McDaniel will be the speaker at the Montgomery Township Economic Development Commission's spring business forum on April 19th. This will be McDaniel's first speech in Somerset County since she was hired in December to head the public-private partnership aimed at attracting businesses to New Jersey. "We are delighted that Ms. McDaniel has agreed to speak at our business forum," said Montgomery Township EDC chair Ernest Willson. "Her insights on our competitiveness both as a state and a community will be immensely valuable for our business owners." “We are pleased and delighted with 1st Constitution’s support of our forum,” Willson said. “This is an important event for our merchants, and 1st Constitution’s sponsorship underlines its commitment to our community.” A Texas native, McDaniel was appointed to her post in December. As head of the non-profit “Choose New Jersey,” she works with the private and public sectors to make New Jersey more competitive and to attract and retain business for the state. She has more than 23 years of executive and senior management experience in economic development, destination marketing, public relations, tourism and international development. She comes to New Jersey from Houston, where she was Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Houston Partnership, a public-private initiative credited with attracting more than $3 billion in investment to that area since 2005. About the Montgomery Township EDC Go to EDC Webpages. Updated 4/11/11
Dtap & Meningitis Vaccination Clinics in May for Teens and Adults Go to our Montgomery Health Dept. webpage for details and to book an appointment. 4/7/11 Mary Jacobs Library 'Run With Rotary Team' Needs Your Support! Not a runner—there is a ramble! See details at www.RunWithRotary.org Not a runner or rambler—you can still get a t-shirt and show your support! T-shirts are available on-line at our web-site, or at the township’s Earth Day Event on April 10, 2011 at Montgomery High School. 4/11/11 Travelers Soccer Club Try-outs in May The Montgomery Travelers Soccer Club (MTSC) will conduct their annual try-outs for boys and girls, ages 9 to 13, interested in being part of the For detailed MTSC tryout information and registration visit www.montgomerysoccer.org. 4/5/11 MONTGOMERY FIREWORKS JUNE 30th - New Website, Donate Now! Donations are coming in for Montgomery’s 2011 Independence Day Celebration - Thursday, June 30th - but we need your help to reach the goal.See a list of corporate sponsors and join them by donating at MONTGOMERYFIREWORKS.COM . Thank you to all those individuals and businesses who have donated to date! Approximately 5,000 people typically attend this event from 6 to 9:30 p.m. - with games, food, rides, displays, music – culminating in an awe inspiring fireworks celebration. Just in case, there is a raindate of July 7th set too. The Fireworks Campaign, led by George Jarvis, Frank Drift, Matt Galvin, and Meg Helms are making good progress to raise the needed funds, estimated at $32,000 in total. They continue to reach out to major sponsors and are now accepting on-line donations at MONTGOMERYFIREWORKS.COM. There you can find details on becoming an individual or corporate event sponsor or tabling at the event. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. There is also a page where you can Reserve a Parking Pass for the event. This annual Montgomery tradition must be 100% supported by private and corporate donations to continue, due to necessary reductions in the municipal budget. Please support the Fireworks!! Residents and business persons willing to volunteer to assist with fundraising efforts, please send an email to fireworksfundraising@twp.montgomery.nj.us or call George Jarvis at 347-385-5578. Thank you! 4/4/11
May in Montgomery ... in June! May 19 Visit to Atlock's Farm Nursery with VHHS 4/6/11 Montgomery-Rocky Hill Rotary Club’s Central New Jersey’s Premier 5K Road Race New for 2011 - Team Ramble Challenge!! This year - for the first time - we are offering the opportunity for teams to enter the Ramble. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories to Team Ramble participants: “Ramble Recruiting Champs” for the Ramble Team with the most members Join the Fun! Sunday, May 1, 2011 Register On-Line 3/30/11 Whiskers In Wonderland May 7th "SAVE' the Date! 3/30/11 Employment Opportunites: Montgomery Township is looking for an organized person to coordinate and supervise our 6-week summer camp program. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to interviewing, hiring and supervising a staff of more than 50 counselors; planning daily trips to various locations; coordinating a staff orientation and addressing parents’ concerns. Strong organizational and communication skills a must. Prior to the start of camp, hours will vary as needed. 6-wk camp program begins late June and ends early August, with hours of 7:30a – 3:30 p, Monday thru Friday. For training purposes, hoping to hire and have new employee in place by May 15, 2011. Please forward resume and letter of interest to Susan Smith, Personnel Coordinator @ ssmith@twp.montgomery.nj.us or via mail to 2261 Rt 206, Belle Mead, NJ 08502. EOE. Posted 3/29/11 3/31/11
Afternoon Tea with Author Lauren B. Davis Saturday, May 14, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. $20 in Advance, Tickets will not be sold at the Door RSVP by May 8 to Ellen Parravano (609) 466-4903 or ellenp226@comcast.net 3/24/11 MONTGOMERY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3/24/11 Local Area Ride of Silence May 18 DATE: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 TIME: Ride Rolls at 7:00 pm sharp, please be there at least 15 minutes early DISTANCE: 10-12 miles WHERE: WEST WINDSOR: Mercer County Park Marina, Contact Kyle @ Advisor500@Gmail.com WHAT TO BRING: Please bring a bike in good riding condition, water bottle, spare tube, helmet, id, cell phone, any other necessities you require. WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST? On May 18, 2011, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to pay homage to cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after an endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured. Please go to www.RideofSilence.org to check if there is a Ride of Silence in your area or join the one of the two above. If there is not a ride planned in your area, please consider adding a ride. 3/24/11 Recycling Drop-off vs. Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off The Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater 08807 holds a First Saturday of the Month event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (See Community Calendar for all dates.) open to all Somerset County residents. However, No Household Hazardous Waste Items will be accepted (see below for HHW drop-off location.) For a complete listing of recyclable items, recycling events and much more, visit http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle.html or call the Somerset County Recycling Center at 732-469-3363.Some examples are any curbside recyclables, motor oil, anti-freeze, tires (up to 8), computers, computer peripherals, televisions, vcrs, cds, dvds, etc.
Canned goods and non-perishable food donations also can be brought to the First Saturday event. Items will be delivered to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Perishables and foods in glass containers are not accepted by food banks. Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Six times per year, Somerset County holds Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off events on certain Saturdays, from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. throughout the County. In 2011 the projected dates are March 26, April 30, June 18, August 6, Sept. 17, and Oct. 22. For date confirmation, locations, and link to list of acceptable materials for drop-off, go to : http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/planweb/hazwasteday.htm No registration is necessary, but proof of residency is required. The program is free to county residents. Potentially hazardous materials such as propane tanks, used motor oil, CFL and fluorescent light bulbs, antifreeze, old containers of pesticides and herbicides, oil based paints, rechargeable and button batteries, and wet-cell batteries are collected for proper disposal. No tires or electronics will be accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off. For more information on types or quantities of materials accepted, contact the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management at (908) 231-7031 or solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us or visit the Somerset County Web site at www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle.html for recycling programs and information.3/22/11 Fire District 1 & 2 Elections & Voting on Budgets - RESULTS Montgomery Fire District 1 - Budget passed 26 'yes' to 1 'no vote. Annual fire district elections and budget referenda will take place on February 19, 2011. Polls will be open from 2 to 9 pm at the Montgomery Township Fire District No. 1 firehouse at 35 Griggstown Road in Belle Mead and at the Montgomery Township Fire District No. 2 firehouse at 529 Route 518 in Blawenburg. Voters will be asked to approve a $795,029.00 budget for Fire District No. 1 in Belle Mead. The amount to be raised by taxation is $713,250, which represents a 1.9% decrease from last year, with a corresponding decrease in tax rate to 3.7 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value. For a home assessed at the township average of $505,600, the fire tax will be about $190.00.
Incumbent Thomas Karsay is running unopposed for the one three-year seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners. In Fire District No. 2 in Blawenburg, voters will be asked to approve a $833,279.00 budget. The amount to be raised by taxation is $766,800, a 7.3% decrease from last year. The proposed tax rate is 4.1 cents per hundred dollars assessed value. For a home assessed at $505,600, the tax will be roughly $209.00, a decrease of $18.00 from last year. Incumbent Leighton Laughlin, Jr. is running unopposed for the one three-year seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners. Neither fire district budget anticipates any capital expenditures in 2011. Please read the following notices on the budgets of each Fire Company: FIRE DISTRICT 1 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 1/26/11 Next Recycling Drop-off Day in Bridgewater April 2nd & More Recycling Info The Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater will be holding its next Saturday of the Month drop-off event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 2nd. For a complete listing of recyclable items, recycling events and much more, visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle.html or call the Somerset County Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363. For 2011 County Recycling Pick-up Schedule, go to Somerset County Recycling Schedule page. Canned goods and non-perishable food donations also can be brought to the First Saturday event. Items will be delivered to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Perishables and foods in glass containers are not accepted by food banks. 2/8/11 SPRING 2011 BASEBALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Montgomery Baseball's 2011 spring registration is now open! Don't wait, sign-up by 12/31/2010 and save $25.00 per child. If you have any registration-specific questions, please contact Joe Gerdes, President, at joegerdes@comcast.net. Register today at: www.montgomerybaseball.com . •Montgomery and Rocky Hill children, ages 5 to 15, are welcome
•Register prior to 12/31/2010 and receive a $25 per player discount
•Teams will be formed in February but don’t wait to register as space fills up quickly!
•Baseball activities run from March-June
•Depending on age there are 2 games and 1 practice per week
•Ages 5 – 7 play 1 game per week along with 1 practice
•Register now and play on the best town baseball facilities in Central Jersey!
Come join 700 of your closest Montgomery neighbors who participate in our favorite pastime! Family Night is tentatively set for the week of March 21st and Opening Day ceremonies are slated for April 3rd! 12/29/10 Spring 2011 Girls Softball Registration Open The Montgomery Girls Softball League (www.montgomerysoftball.com) is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the 2011 Recreational Softball season. Now in its 10th year, the Montgomery Girls Softball League was founded with the mission to help develop the character and self-esteem of girls and young women through athletic competition. The League is fully volunteer-run and is committed to providing the opportunity for girls in the Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill community to play fastpitch softball, regardless of skill or prior experience. Since the League’s founding in 2002, nearly 3,000 girls have participated in its programs. Each year the League fields 25-30 recreational teams for girls in kindergarten through tenth grade. Last season over 300 girls participated in the recreational and travel leagues. League brackets include the Instructional League for kindergarten and 1st grade girls with no prior experience, the Minor League for girls in the 1st and 2nd grades, the Junior League for girls in the 3rd and 4th grades, the Senior League for girls in 5th and 6th grades, and the Major League for girls in grades 7 through 10. In addition, the League runs numerous skills clinics and sponsors a Fall Ball program that is focused on fundamentals and skill building. The League’s travel program, the Montgomery Mavericks, has expended to include teams at the 8-and-under, 10-and-under, 12-and-under, 14-and-under, 16-and-under, and 18-and-under age levels. Teams compete in the Mid-State Girls Softball League and play in tournaments throughout the summer and fall. The Mavericks are one of the oldest and most successful programs in the state, with numerous travel league and tournament championships at the regional and state level. The Mavericks also host a sanctioned National Qualifier Tournament each year in Montgomery Park. Additional information about the Mavericks can be found at www.montgomerymavericks.com. Board of Directors for the upcoming season includes Jan Baldauf, Sam Bendinelli, Bill McGowan, Dan O’Connor, Mike Parise, Lisa Shea, Greg Swerdlow, Jeff Szczepanski, and Jen Yanovitch. The 2011 season will begin in April and conclude with Championship Sunday in June. For more information and to register, please visit www.montgomerysoftball.com. Montgomery Girls Softball – “Where the girls rule the diamond!” 12/20/10 Container Facility Open Saturday, April 9th Montgomery Twp. maintains a container facility for the convenience of its residents. As a general rule, it is open the SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Schedule and Rules for using the facility and what items can be brought there are available on the CONTAINER FACILITY PAGE. The Container Facility allows Montgomery Township residents to dispose of household items that are not recyclable, not hazardous waste and that cannot be collected by their trash hauler. A Montgomery Township Coupon is required of all Montgomery residents who wish to enter the facility. CONTAINER FACILITY COUPON Container
Facility coupons are available for sale Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the front reception desk of the Montgomery Twp.
municipal offices at 2261 Rt. 206, Belle Mead (908-359-8211). A four
trip coupon for households costs $40. Unused, unpunched trips on a
coupon do not expire. There is no limit on the number of coupons resident
households may purchase per year. The application form and fee may be brought or mailed to the Montgomery Township Municipal Building. Coupons are not available for purchase at the Container Facility. For further information about the Container Facility rules and scheduled days, contact Montgomery Dept. of Public Works at (908) 874-3144 1/20/11 County Joins Electronics Recycling Network Under the New Jersey Electronic Waste Management Act, starting Jan. 1, 2011, manufacturers of certain electronic products generated by households and small businesses and organizations are required to provide free and convenient recycling services. As a result, the cost of demanufacturing and recycling covered electronics will be billed to the electronic manufacturers rather than to the counties, as it had been done in the past. To comply with the new law, Somerset County will participate in the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company LLC (MRM) Collection Network for the operation of collection sites for the recycling of electronic products covered under the New Jersey Electronic Waste Management Act. In addition, as of Oct. 1, Somerset and Union counties entered a pilot to test the program’s performance. This is three months in advance of the state-mandated start-up date. The pilot is being funded by various manufacturers. As a participating partner in the MRM electronics network, Somerset County stands to save close to $71,000 in 2011, based on 2009 electronic-recycling poundage, in addition to savings realized over the three-month test period in 2010, according to Freeholder Deputy Director Robert Zaborowski, solid waste management liaison. The transition will be seamless for county residents who will continue to recycle electronics as they have done in the past, even though only certain electronics are considered covered under the law. Under the network, Somerset County will continue to use Newtech Recycling Inc. in Somerset as its approved processor of electronics for MRM. Residents can continue to recycle electronics at First Saturday of the Month Drop-off events at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater. Also, they can now drop off electronics at Newtech Recycling Inc., located at 600A Apgar Drive, Somerset 08873, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both drop-off opportunities are free. Acceptable electronics include computers (CPUs), servers, monitors/terminals/CRTs, televisions, printers, fax machines, copiers, computer/laptop peripherals, telephones, cellular phones, telephone mainframes, keyboards/mice, cables, wiring, circuit boards, modems, power supplies, laptop and docking stations, audio-visual equipment, typewriters, VCRs, mainframe equipment, controllers, camcorders, CDs, DVDs, computer disks, diskettes, videotapes, cassette tapes and rechargeable and button-cell batteries. For more information about the Electronic Waste Management Act and about the network, contact Solid Waste Management Division Manager Diana Vigilante at 908-231-7681 or solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us. 11/3/10 New Jersey Register Ready 10/22/10 EDC Fall Business Forum Recap: Economic Conditions Slowly Improving in NJ Central New Jersey, in particular Somerset County, is in a strong position to recover from the economic recession due to a trend of positive job growth and a housing market that appears to be slowly recovering. That was the message from Dr. Michael Lahr, who spoke at the Montgomery Township Economic Development Commission's Fall Business Forum on Oct. 19 in Skillman. More than 40 people attended the business forum, which was sponsored by PNC Bank's Skillman Branch. Lahr, of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, spoke as part of the Montgomery Economic Development Commission's semi-annual Business Forum series. His presentation was titled, “Blue Skies on the Horizon or Ready to Double Dip?” While New Jersey suffered job losses during the recession, employment growth is again trending upward for the state since bottoming out in November 2009. In 2010, private sector employment growth has been positive so far, and reached as high as 8,800 new jobs created in April, Lahr told attendees. Lahr acknowledged the problems facing the state, and the fact that many of the jobs that disappeared during the recession are not coming back. At the same time, he is an "optimist," given that home sales are rising, as are building permits. "Dr. Lahr's speech showed us what we all know - that Montgomery Township has tremendous competitive advantages, and is a great place to live and work," said Montgomery Township EDC Chairman Ernest Willson. "The EDC is committed to bringing engaging speakers such as Dr. Lahr to help support our businesses." In his speech, Lahr noted that Central New Jersey incomes are projected to grow 3.2% annually through 2020, with average annual income topping $75,000 that year. At the same time, New Jersey’s existing single-family home sales, which bottomed out at 112,400 in 2008, are recovering and topped the 129,000 through the second quarter of 2010. About the Montgomery Township EDC The Economic Development Commission was created to analyze the economic development of the region and to promote the sound development of the Township. Furthermore, the EDC is charged with mobilizing the potential resources of the Township for efficient, commercial, office and economic development uses. They are to conduct a thorough study of the basic economic advantages of the Township and promote the same so that a program for managed and selected growth of clean and environmentally desirable ratables may be realized. EDC next meets on November 23rd at 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Township municipal building. For further information or if interested in attending, please contact the EDC at 908-533-9328 or edc@twp.montgomery.nj.usUpdated 10/28/10 Somerset County Approves Purchase of Skillman Village: The Somerset County Board of Freeholders has approved the purchase of the Skillman Village property in Montgomery Township. The 265-acre site will be purchased from the township for $14,135,000. The funds will come from the county’s Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “This south-county land is an important addition to our open space program,” said Freeholder Director Jack M. Ciattarelli. “In partnership with Montgomery Township, we are looking forward to developing it as a passive-recreation destination.” Also known as the North Princeton Developmental Center (NPDC), the property was purchased by Montgomery Township from the State of New Jersey in 2007. Most of the remaining NPDC buildings on the property will be demolished by the county. Use and future development of the Skillman Village site will be limited to recreation, conservation, historic preservation or agricultural purposes, since funding is being provided through the trust fund dedicated to those purposes. The county has agreed not to consider any plans for a water park, pool, stadium, motorized-vehicle park, arcades or fixed overhead lighting for playing fields, unless approved at some future date by the Township Committee. Parcels not included in the sale include the six-acre Maplewood House property; the one-acre Pine Knoll site; a half-acre lot to be used to reconfigure the Village Elementary School driveway; and the portion of the property that lies within the Burnt Hill Road right-of-way. The county and township will establish a six-member advisory committee, with three members each appointed by the Freeholders and Township Committee, to develop a mutually satisfactory plan for the use, operation and maintenance of the property. The advisory committee will be convened within 45 days of the property closing date. 10/12/10
Electronics Recycling Now Available M-F 9-4 in Somerset for All County Residents Somerset County residents now can recycle electronics Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Newtech Recycling Inc., located at 600A Apgar Dr., Somerset 08873. “Starting this October, we expanded the electronics-waste program to allow residents to dispose of e-waste on weekdays, at their convenience. This is in addition to our usual First Saturday of the Month drop-off days at the county Recycling Center in Bridgewater,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Robert Zaborowski, recycling division liaison. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of unwanted equipment in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.” Somerset County has been working with Newtech Recycling Inc. to recycle computer and electronic waste since June 2009. Newtech is a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection permitted facility, which provides computer and electronic recycling and data destruction services. Newtech Recycling Inc. is located off Route 287 at Exit 12-Weston Canal Road. Take Weston Canal Road South to Apgar Drive to the loading dock around back. To learn more about Newtech Recycling Inc., visit www.newtechrecycling.com or call (732) 564-3110. For more information about this program, contact Recycling Coordinator Melissa Harvey at (908) 231-7109 or harvey@co.somerset.nj.us. 10/7/10 County Now Providing Recycling For Plastics #1 thru #7 As of Oct. 1, Somerset County will expand its curbside program to accept all plastic bottles and containers that are marked #1 through #7. Number designations are on the bottom of bottles and containers. Acceptable plastic bottles and containers within the #1 through #7 range include water, soda, milk, juice, soap, detergent, bleach, shampoo and cleaning-agent bottles. Also acceptable are peanut butter, yogurt, baby-wipes containers, margarine tubs and clear plastic clamshell containers from salad bars. According to the most recent data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Somerset County is falling behind other counties in recycling tonnage and citizen-participation rate. Recycling alone cannot solve New Jersey’s garbage problem, but recycling programs have a significant effect on reducing the volume of waste going to landfills and preserving natural resources. Recycling materials equates to savings for the county. Every time residents recycle designated materials, they help raise the participation rate and help offset the costs of the recycling program. The more residents recycle, the higher the recycling rate, and the less the program costs the taxpayer. To increase the recycling rate, residents must cooperate by recycling all designated materials curbside. Curbside recycling provides the most convenient means for households to recycle a variety of materials. Always recycle valuable materials such as glass bottles, aluminum and metal cans, corrugated cardboard, chipboard, newspapers, junk mail and magazines, as well as acceptable plastic bottles and containers marked #1 through #7. Do not recycle beer balls, plastic bags, cat litter containers, plastic toys, five- gallon containers and buckets, flower pots and plastic furniture. For further information, call the Somerset County Recycling Center at 9/30/10 Upcoming County-wide Mobile Paper Shredder Events Somerset County residents are invited to have personal documents shredded at free, on-site, mobile paper-shredding events. Documents will be commercially shredded safely, privately and properly by trained, licensed and bonded document-destruction specialists. Staples and paperclips do not have to be removed. Residents may bring documents in any type of container, which will be returned after papers have been dumped. Participants may stay and watch the process, if they wish. Somerset County has a number of shredding days at various locations open to all County residents in the next few months. For further information, contact the Somerset County Division of Consumer Protection at (908) 203-6080 or consumerprotection@co.somerset.nj.us. “Operation Secure Shred” is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is a courtesy of the Somerset County Division of Consumer Protection. Updated 11/28/10 Volunteers Sought to help Elderly with Fall Leaf Clean-Up The Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services is looking for volunteers for its annual fall leaf clean-up program. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves for elderly and disabled homeowners around the county who have no other means to do yard work. The annual leaf clean-up project will take place Saturday, Nov. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All participants are invited to lunch at the Office of Volunteer Services. Anyone who would like to help but cannot make it on Nov. 20 is welcome to schedule an alternative date and time by calling Laurie Beckhorn at the Office of Volunteer Services at (908) 541-5715. 9/17/10 Current Road Work and Detours in Montgomery Reconstruction of Route 206 Bridge over CSX Railroad A project to relocate the Route 206 bridge over the CSX railroad line (adjacent to Pike Run) began in mid August. All initial work and the majority of the project will be done off-road away from Rt. 206 and Rt. 601. NJDOT Rt. 206 Bridge Project Lay-out Drawing (1.65 MB Size File) Traffic patterns will NOT be impacted at this time. The NJ Department of Transportation will be posting construction signs. Some soil erosion control work will be taking place after the proposed starting date. The NJ DOT will inform the Township Engineer weeks in advance of any future traffic pattern changes and the public will be notified in advance, as well. This project is scheduled to finish in 15 months. Updated 9/13/10
School District Announces 2010-11 Budget On Tuesday, July 6th, the MTSD Board of Education announced that they have adopted a 2010-11 school budget of $77,294,716. The budget included $69.9M in general fund spending, $6.8M in debt service spending and $0.9M in grant spending. This new budget represents a $206K decrease over the 2009-10 school year and despite this decrease in spending, property taxes on the average home in Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill Borough will rise $271 and $49 respectively. To see more information on the 2010-2011 school budget, a message from Superintendent Earl Kim and a specific list of reductions approved for the coming school year, please go to the Montgomery Twp. School District website at www.mtsd.k12.nj.us . Updated 7/9/10 2010 Municipal Budget
Municipal services provided include public safety, road maintenance/repair and snow plowing, public health, animal control, parks and recreation, senior programs and services, code enforcement, engineering, planning and zoning, capital projects, emergency management, municipal court, recycling, and utility services such as street lights and fire hydrants. A property owner may calculate his or her municipal taxes for 2010 by multiplying the assessed value of the property by .003. Note: this does not include taxes for public schools, county services, fire district, county library system, or open space. Until the tax rate is certified by Somerset County, the percentage breakdown of a tax bill for the municipal portion versus the remainder of the property tax bill will not be determined. To give some idea of relative proportions, last year the municipal budget (2009) represented about 11.5% of the property tax bill. The remaining portion consists of school taxes (about 68.1% in 2009), county taxes (17.4% in 2009), fire district taxes (1.5% in 2009) and the open space tax (1.5% in 2009). updated 8/26/10 Flea
Market Every Sunday at Princeton Elks $10.00 per space if you provide table or $15.00 space with table. For additional information please call
Lou @ 908-359-5652 or email louvac13@gmail.com. School Tax Levy Review Process - Latest Steps A resolution which would have reduced the Montgomery Township School District 2009-2010 Tax Levy of $65,439,585 by $1,943,000, which was passed Monday night by the Rocky Hill Borough Council, was deadlocked 2 to 2 at the Montgomery Township Committee level and did not pass after much public comment at its Tuesday, May 18th meeting. Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer, of the five member Montgomery Township Committee, who is related to a district teacher, recused herself. Somerset County Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Trudy Doyle, has now made her recommendations report for a final reduced tax levy to the Commissioner of Education as of 6/1. That office must make a final determination by June 30th. Determining the manner in which allotted funds will be allocated to specific programs is the responsibility of the school district. For further information, please go to the Montgomery Twp. School District website at www.mtsd.k12.nj.us . Updated 6/4/10 (Earlier School Budget Announcement of 5/14) The School Budget Subcommittee has arrived at a consensus of recommended changes to the tax levy for the Montgomery Township Board of Education 2010-1011 school year budget. The subcommittee, consisting of representatives from both Montgomery Twp. and Rocky Hill, worked closely and collaboratively with the Board of Education and took its responsibility seriously regarding the defeated budget. Recommended reductions were selected which would have a minimal impact upon the classroom and the quality of educational instruction. Certain cuts were a function of the stabilizing district enrollment. The subcommittee members were guided by the principal that the Montgomery school system is and should continue to be a strong asset to our community. The Township Committee wishes to thank Superintendent Earl Kim, Business Administrator Tom Venanzi, and the members of the Board of Education for the many hours they spent helping us craft a meaningful tax reduction while protecting the central mission of our school system. Thank you also to those citizens who emailed helpful input. A total tax levy reduction of $1,952,000 has been determined, summarized as follows: Appropriation Reductions
The remaining difference of $235,000 consists of additional revenues of $200,000 from student activities and $35,000 from building rentals. The budget subcommittee had originally recommended a $200,000 reduction in the Fund Balance (Surplus), which was reported to be $2,362,368. However, after consultation with Superintendent Kim and the Board of Education, the BOE requested that the reduction be taken from curriculum development instead. The subcommittee acceded to their request. Under the defeated budget, the proposed total Local School Tax Levy was $65,439,585 which would have resulted in a property tax increase of 6% / $546 (including $52 for increased debt service as a result of the referendum passed in December 2009). If the Township Committee approves the recommendations of the sub-committee, the total Local Tax Levy will decrease to $63,487,585 and the resulting tax increase will be less than 2.5%. This would mean that the school tax increase would be $258.00 on the average value residence ($507,100). As noticed, a Montgomery Township public meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18th in the municipal courtroom at 7:30 p.m. and public comment will be invited. A copy of the resolution regarding the recommendations will be available at this public meeting. The Montgomery Township Committee will vote on the recommendations and certify the reduced tax levy at that time, which must, by law, be submitted to the Somerset County Board of Taxation by May 19th. Rocky Hill Borough will also be conducting a meeting and voting on the recommendations on the evening of May 17th. It is important to understand that the only item that the Board of Education is truly held to by law is the total tax levy established by the Township Committee. The list of specific reductions above is our recommendation to them, but it will ultimately be the decision of the Board of Education to determine how to craft their budget within the constraints of the dollars they have available. We know that the Board of Education will continue to welcome constructive input from the community as they do this important work. *NJEA = New Jersey Education Association 5/14/10 On-Line Credit Card or E-Check Payment Service
Now Available for Property Taxes or Sewer Fees Residents may choose from either of two electronic payment method options: MasterCard/Visa credit cards (debit cards are not accepted), which incurs a 2.99% convenience fee or by e-check (ACH debit) for which there is no convenience charge. This online service is one of the many steps that the Township of Montgomery is taking to make municipal services more readily available to its residents. We are committed to providing quality e-government service to our residents. To make a tax or sewer payment, go to “On-line Payment” page of this website in Finance Dept. subsection. Thank you. 4/05/10 Septic
Systems, Wells & Drinking Water in Event of Flooding 03/15/10 Township Newsletter Goes Electronic Read Ebulletin http://tinyurl.com/ygtya9b The Spring Montgomery Township newsletter is posted on the township website at www.twp.montgomery.nj.us/about/newsletter.asp . It includes Community/Gov't News, Recreation Offerings and the SchoolZone newsletter. Please remember to bookmark this newsletter page for future reference, as an important change have occurred.
As a cost-savings measure, this is the last newsletter issue which will also be received by regular mailing. The newsletter will continue on a quarterly basis, but it will be distributed electronically.
Please help us to let other residents know of this change.
Anyone who signs-up for e-bulletins will always receive notice when the newsletter is posted on the website. Sign-up is short and simple, enter email address in box by green envelope at www.montgomery.nj.us & follow prompts.
The Recreation Section includes program offerings for spring as well as summer camp info. Recreation will begin taking registrations on Monday, March 1st at 8am. Recreation office hours are Mon - Fri, 8am - 9pm. Their staff may be reached at 609-466-3023.
If you have questions about the newsletter itself, the township website or other communications, please call Community Information Officer Tammy Garaffa at 908-359-8211 ext. 207 8am to 1 pm M-F or email tgaraffa@twp.montgomery.nj.us.
Please also remember the on-line Community Calendar to get word out about your community event or to find out about events around town. Email announcements to above address.
We are now also "InMontgomeryNJ" on Twitter. Follow us at http://twitter.com/InMontgomeryNJ to receive occasional brief time-critical notices of interest to Montgomery residents.
Thank you.
2/25/10 Road & Bridge Closings/Openings & Weather Alerts Direct to Your Email or Cell Phone Here’s yet another e-alert system to subscribe to, but it’s a good one. Learn of road or bridge closures throughout Somerset County in time to avoid them! Get severe weather alerts. You can even get an email when the Griggstown Causeway Bridge is reopened after a storm. Get free Road Closings and/or Emergency Information bulletins directly as emails or text messages from Somerset County. 1/26/10 PSE&G's January 15th Question & Answer Memo On Pole Line Relocation Project Please follow this Link to PDF file of memo regarding the above project. 1/20/10 Flood Study Contractors from FEMA Conducting Ground Surveys Residents who are unsure of any individual(s) on or around their property are encouraged to call Montgomery Township Police Department at 908-359-3222 or dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. 12/21/09 Batteries No Longer Accepted Curbside The Somerset County Recycling Center has announced that starting Jan. 1, 2010 it no longer will accept batteries with curbside collection of recyclables. Due to regulatory changes and less hazardous battery compositions, alkaline batteries now fall below federal and state hazardous-waste standards and can be disposed of in the regular trash. Household battery manufacturers of alkaline batteries no longer add mercury and have reduced the amount of mercury added to other batteries as a result of the New Jersey Dry Cell Battery Management Act of 1991 and the federal Mercury- Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act of 1996. Batteries have a label on them that indicates whether they are rechargeable or alkaline. Alkaline batteries can be thrown out in the regular trash. Rechargeable batteries still need to be recycled. Rechargeable batteries are found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders and remote-control toys. Most button-cell batteries must be recycled because they still contain mercury. Somerset County will accept rechargeable and button-cell batteries at Household Hazardous Waste and First Saturday of the Month (with electronics) events. Rechargeable batteries also can be recycled at participating retail locations, including Radio Shack, Best Buy, Staples, Target, Office Max, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, Walmart and Verizon Wireless. Batteries must be properly prepared before drop off due to new federal regulations that prevent short circuiting of batteries during transport. Residents must bag each battery individually or tape each of the terminal ends prior to recycling. To find a retail-collection site, use the collection site locator at www.call2recycle.org or call the consumer helpline at 1-877-2-RECYCLE. 12/10/09 New On-line Business Directory A new Directory of Businesses is now on the Montgomery Twp. website, courtesy of Montgomery Economic Development Commission. Contact Township Planning Director Lori Savron to have your Montgomery business added to the directory at lsavron@twp.montgomery.nj.us or (908) 359-8211 ext. 206. 12/9/09 Applicants Wanted: Municipal Volunteer Board Positions/EMS/Fire Montgomery residents who would like to volunteer to serve on a municipal board, commission or committee for 2010 are encouraged to fill out a Municipal Volunteer Form. There is immediate openings on the Landmarks Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment. This form may also be used if interested in fire department or emergency medical response volunteerism. The form can be filled out several ways, for your convenience. It is an interactive form on-line which can be emailed. Go to 'forms' page of the municipal website. A paper version of form is also available through the Twp. Clerk. The form may be mailed or brought to the Township Clerk's Office, 2261 Van Horne Road, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 or emailed to clerk@montgomery.nj.us. 10/29/09 Effective Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, small businesses in Somerset County will be allowed to drop off materials at the Somerset County The types of materials that will be accepted at the Recycling Center are newspapers; cardboard and chipboard; commingled containers, which include glass bottles, plastics bottles (marked with a #1 or #2), and steel, bi-metal and aluminum The following items will not be accepted: electronic waste, scrap metal, tires, plastic bags, chemicals or hazardous materials. There will be no reimbursement for recyclable materials dropped off. For additional information, call the Recycling Center at 732-469-3363. 10/21/09
Verizon FiOS Availability & Cable TV Service Questions & Complaints The Township has received many reports from residents who live in the 609 area code that when they ask Verizon representatives why FiOS television is unavailable in their area, they are told that Montgomery Township is somehow standing in the way of FiOS service. This is not true. The Township has no role whatsoever in determining the availability of FiOs service. Mayor
Wilson has contacted Verizon a number of times to alert the
company that its representatives are misinforming township
residents, and to ask that the situation be corrected. She
also has asked Verizon to stop mailing FiOS solicitations
to households that have no access to the service. If you
are in the 609 area and would like to know when FiOS TV will
be available, Verizon asks residents to go to www.verizon.com/fios
and submit a request. These requests are kept on file with
Verizon and Verizon states that when the service is available,
you will be notified by e-mail. Written
letters may be sent to:
Cub
Scout Pack 850 Recruiting Boys For more information
or to have a registration form sent to you, please email us at
pack850cubscouts@hotmail.com.
N.J. Refrigerator Recycling Program Pays $30 Incentive Requirements for Program Participation: 1. Customer must be a residential electric customer of one of the following NJ utilities: Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, PSE&G, Rockland Electric Company. 2. Customers of municipal electric utilities do not qualify. 3. Appliance types include refrigerators and freezers. 4. Maximum 2 units per customer per year. 5. Valid for period from July 15, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Unit must be picked up within this time frame. 6. Refrigerator/Freezer size limited to 10 - 30 cu. ft. 7. Refrigerator/Freezer must be operational at time of pick up. 8. Refrigerator/Freezer unit must be owned by customer. 9. No age restriction. 10. Refrigerator/Freezer must have clear access path for removal. Why participation is important 1. Old refrigerators and freezers are not bio-degradable. This is why states like New Jersey, California and Illinois have laws that prohibit dumping these appliances into land fills. 2. Other recycling companies have to charge a fee to pick up and recycle your old appliances, because it is a thorough process. However, when you enroll in this program, we pick up and recycle your old refrigerator or freezer for free. Plus, you will receive a $30 cash incentive for participating. 3. Old refrigerators and freezers typically use two times more electricity than newer models. By everyone doing their part to conserve energy and recycle responsibly, New Jersey residents will reduce energy use and help protect the environment. 4. A cash incentive of $30 will be paid to you for your effort in recycling responsibly. If you have any questions about the recycling program, or if you would like to schedule your pickup date by phone; please feel free to contact our customer service center toll free at 877-270-3520. Interested parties should visit http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/refrigerator-freezer-recycling-program 8/24/09 Foreclosure
Help Available 8/24/09 Somerset
County Rental Assistance The Program can provide six months of rental arrears, twelve months of rental assistance, security deposit, utility payments, case management, tenant education and legal services. In order to qualify, you must have or enter into a formal lease and be within the following income limits: 1 Person - $35,063;
2 People - $40,063; Prospective applicants
should call the Somerset County Community Development Office Get Notice of Time-Critical Montgomery Ebulletins as "Tweets"
Through Twitter Police
Message to Community; Changes to Dispatch & New Phone Number Added The transfer will be complete on or about July 6, whereupon the Police Department will close its fullservice emergency communications center. Here is how the new system will work: 1.
All 9-1-1 telephone calls generated from any hard-wire telephone within
Montgomery Township 2.
The non-emergency (908) 359-3222 number will remain operational but
will be answered at 3. A police business
phone number, (908) 874-3333, will allow callers to contact the Police
Dept. 6/30/09 Girl
Scouts Girls Scouts is
the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all
girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build
character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership
with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will
serve them all their lives. In Girl Scouting, experiences like high
adventure trips, sports, leadership opportunities, community service
projects, and team building activities give girls opportunities to
discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Montgomery
Health Dept. offers Help for Residents in Tough Times
Visit the Health Department’s website for a complete listing of Helplines, Websites, and Prescription Medication Assistance Programs at www.twp.montgomery.nj.us/depts/health/index.asp. For more help
in tough times, Call 211—First Call for Help or visit http://www.nj211.org/hardtimes08.cfm
"The
Montgomery Guide" & New Resident Packets If you are a new resident we also have a welcome packet for you! The New Resident Packet includes the above-described Montgomery Guide and is also packed with helpful brochures and flyers on need-to-know topics for new residents. Recycling schedule, sewer or septic care, voter registration forms, dog license forms, maps of township parks – these are some items in the new resident packet. (Available for free at the reception desk of the municipal building, 2261 Rt. 206, where new households can also pick up their recycling bucket.) 03/20/09 Senior
Freeze Income Limits Raised The Division of Taxation is doing a special mailing of 2007 reimbursement applications to approximately 52,000 resident who may now be eligible because of the increase in the income limits. Applications can also be obtained in person at the Montgomery Township Tax Assessor's Office. If you did not receive a 2006 reimbursement, file a 2007 Form PTR-1. If you did receive a 2006 reimbursement, file a 2007 Form PTR-2. Form PTR-2 only is also available with instructions and further information on the State Department of Treasury website at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.shtml . Looking ahead, the income limits for 2008 are now raised to $70,000 for either a single person or married couple/civil union. 2008 applications will be available in the spring. The income limits for 2009 will be $80,000 for a single person or a married/civil union couple. updated
4/14/09 Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program LIHEAP intake began on November 1 and runs until April. If you know someone who may be eligible to apply, please encourage them to do so. For the first time since the program inception in 1983, The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is fully funded at $5.1 billion. In the 2007-2008 heating season, this federally- funded program provided over 195,000 income eligible New Jersey households with help with their winter heating bills. For the 2008-2009 heating season, New Jersey has received over $188 million, a 74% increase in LIHEAP funding. Because of this windfall, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has adjusted the income eligibility to include those households at 225% of the federal poverty level. This means that a family of four with a monthly income of $3,975 may be eligible for a benefit. DCA anticipates increased program participation of about 50,000 households. As this program only looks at the last four weeks of income, more households may be eligible as the economic slide continues. For more information visit the PSE&G Energy Assistance Outreach website, or view the LIHEAP FactSheet. Applications are available at PSE&G Customer Service Centers. To find the nearest customer service center location, click here or you can access an application directly from the state. Click Below for Adobe Acrobat Files of PSE&G Brochures: Brochure on Several Types of Heating Bill Assistance (English & Spanish) NJ Shares for Short-term Emergency Assistance LIHeap
Brochure Register Loved Ones: Project Lifesaver There is also a separate program called Project Lifesaver which can quickly help find lost persons with certain disabilities such as Alzheimer's disease or autism, BUT these residents must be registered ahead of time in the program. Local police assist with these searches. The program is run by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office and the County Office on Aging. Click here for more information. 12/18/08
Opportunities
Available
to Serve
on Municipal Boards & Committees You
can learn more about the work of municipal boards and committees here
on the township’s web site by clicking on Boards and Commissions
from header on the homepage. Please send the form as soon as possible
in December. Appointments are made in early January. Although it is
impossible to appoint every interested resident to a committee, submitted
forms are kept on file in the event that seats open up during the
course of the year. In addition, there may be special short-term volunteer
project opportunities available. For further info, call the Township
Clerk’s Office at 908-359-8211.
Montgomery Community Calendar To find the community calendar on the Township website, go to www.twp.montgomery.nj.us. From this homepage, select “Community Calendar” in the left sidebar menu. A link from this Bulletins page is also found on left sidebar. The calendar can also be found as “Montgomery Community Calendar” in Google’s public calendar lists on google.com, where its listings can be added to your own calendar. Please
note: If you have a Montgomery based event you would like included,
email the name, date, time, location, brief description and a contact
phone or email to Tammy Garaffa at tgaraffa@twp.montgomery.nj.us.
Submittal guidelines are the same as found at top of this page. Montgomery
Singles Dining Club Notice
Regarding Stream Sediment or Dust Problems Two
Volunteer Networks Offer House & Yard Help to Seniors & Disabled
Residents New volunteers, male and female, also are being recruited for the program. Boy and girl scouts of all ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by adult. No experience is required. Free training is provided. A "Thank You" luncheon will be held for volunteers. Scheduling of home repairs is flexible. For information about receiving services through the Handyman Program or about volunteering as a handyman or handywoman, call (908) 541-5715. Boy
Scout Leader Lou Vaccaro is organizing the "Scouts Help
Seniors" or SHS Program. Montgomery seniors, 65 and
older, needing help with simple yard and household chores, such as
leaf raking, clearing walks and computer fixes may enlist the assistance
of volunteer scouts. The program involves both boy and girl scout
volunteers. Seniors seeking to make arrangements may contact Montgomery
resident Lou Vaccaro at 908-359-5652. Participants/Volunteers
Wanted for Senior Center Activities The
Somerset County Office on Aging operates the Montgomery Senior Center
in partnership with Montgomery Township. Admission to center programs
and activities is free. The senior center offers a variety of educational,
recreational and entertaining activities for seniors, including wellness
programs and health screenings.
Updated
Color Montgomery Township Street Map Available Interactive
Maps of Montgomery Now Available On-line These maps are being hosted by Vertices LLC, a private consulting firm working on a voluntary basis with the Montgomery Township GIS Department. In addition to being a public resource, the interactive mapping system is geared toward student education and is being used in the Montgomery Township School System. The project founders, Montgomery Township GIS Director Robert Marmion and Vertices' President Dr. Wansoo Im, are looking for feedback from users for their research in order to obtain a Dodge Foundation Grant to take this pilot project to the next level. Email your feedback and suggestions to Dr. Im at wim@vertices.com. They would like to know what features were helpful to users and where improvements would be beneficial. For more on these and other related educational mapping programs by Vertices, LLC go to www.gis4kids.com. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system with computer software, hardware, data, and personnel in order to manipulate analyze and present information tied to spatial location. The data is tied to a spatial location via points, lines, or areas. The data can be point locations of planning priorities in the region. The lines can be linear priorities such as greenways or new transit lines. Areas can be parks, land uses, and zoning districts. GIS does not just have to be points, lines and polygons, images can be used as well. RPA for example, incorporates historic photos, remote sensing data, ortho-photography, aerial photos, and CADD drawings into its Geographic Database. The GIS software displays the information as layers of data. The layers are stacked on top of one another to create a map. The selection of layers needed for a project is determined by the analyst's planning needs. Most often maps and graphics are outputs of the GIS. Tabular data is a common result from conducting geographic analyses. Deer
Resistant & Invasive Plant Species Lists If you would like to find a rating of how vulnerable to deer appetites a certain plant species is, go to http://www.rce.rutgers.edu/deerresistance/. If you would like to know about invasive plant species to avoid in your landscaping plans, go to http://nps.gov/plants/alien/factmain.htm#pllists/ . An
"invasive species" is defined as a species that is: One study estimates that the total costs of invasive species in the United States amount to more than $100 billion each year. (Pimentel et al., 1999). Invasive species impact nearly half of the species currently listed as Threatened or Endangered under the U.S. Federal Endangered Species Act. New Jersey recently banned the planting of non-native species on state lands to help reduce the spread of invasive species that choke out New Jersey’s native flora and threaten wetlands and waterways. For more information on this problem in New Jersey, see report, “An Overview of Nonindigenous Plant Species in New Jersey” at the NJDEP’s website: http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/natural/heritage/InvasiveReport.pdf . Traffic
Circulation Element Amendment Document To view an Adobe Acrobat file of the Traffic Circulation Element report, click HERE . This will require Adobe Acrobat version 6.0 or higher. This file is 6 MB in size and may take several minutes to download by phone modem. A
copy of the Traffic Circulation Element can be viewed at the Montgomery
Township Planning Department at 2261 Rt. 206, Belle Mead between 8:00
am and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Blood Pressure Screening
- First Monday of Month: 9:45 a.m. Montgomery
Township Committee Adopts Zoning Changes Press
Release, 3/19/04, "Public Forums on Proposed Ordinance Changes"
(55.7 kb) 5/30/04
Affordable
Housing in Montgomery Township National
Emergency Information Link Traffic
Town Meetings, Hot Spots and Ideas This
document provides: Background
and topics of discussion (May 2003 Newsletter feature article).
Table
identifying intersections and bridges where improvements are needed
or planned.
Map
of Montgomery showing locations of intersections
and bridges being discussed (file size is 464k).
Send us an e-mail. Give us your ideas, comments, suggestions: traffic comments Top Concerns
About Low-Flying Aircraft Note:
The Township Committee has passed a resolution objecting to the new
flight pattern and calling on the FAA to test an ocean route that
would mitigate noise pollution suffered by so many New Jersey communities. Community
Survey Results The survey was intended to gather public opinion about assumptions that the Master Plan Committee was making in its approach to planning for the future of the area surrounding the intersection of Route 518 and State Highway 206. For example: 1.
That growth should be allowed in this area and reduced in the more rural
and environmentally sensitive parts of the township;
2.
That the township must deal with traffic problems before, or in conjunction
with, additional development;
3.
That pedestrian orientation (low signs, small parking lots, pedestrian
pathways and sidewalks, etc.) is desirable.
Here are some highlights: -Ninety
percent of respondents felt it is very important or somewhat important
to provide a cohesive and compact “town center” area that
contains a compatible mix of existing and proposed land uses.
-Ninety-nine
percent agreed that any new development should be comprehensively designed,
with assurance that the road network can support the development.
-Eighty
percent or more agreed that features that make it easier to get around
without a car should be incorporated into the study area: sidewalks,
bike paths, signage on a pedestrian scale, etc.
-Ninety-one
percent said it is important to include attractive civic spaces, greens
and park areas, creating a special sense of community identity.
About half of the 1022 respondents wrote answers to the survey’s open-ended question about what people would like to see in the study area. The most common answer was small retail stores such as a drug store, bakery or additional bookstore. Many people also suggested restaurants and outdoor recreation / leisure areas, and some suggested additional professional and office space. About seven percent of respondents suggested there should be no additional development permitted in this area. Here again, the primary concern related to creating and managing additional traffic. Not surprisingly, another concern was taxes, and the strong desire to make sure that additional development would help relieve – not contribute to – the tax burden on homeowners. To view complete survey results, click HERE.The file is an Adobe Acrobat file about 150 kilobytes in size. The Master Plan Committee thanks those of you who filled out surveys. Based on input and feedback from residents in six public planning sessions and via the 2002 Community Survey, and following a year of Master Plan Committee discussions, the Committee has at this stage concluded that the Bloomberg properties, including the Don Drake (Country Gentleman) farm on Route 518 that is being sold to Bloomberg, should be zoned for offices; the John Drake properties -- approximately 65 acres of farmland just east of the Don Drake farm -- should be preserved as farmland in accordance with the wishes of the farm’s owners, the John Drake family, and 47 acres of property north of the airport that is currently vacant should be developed with compact, mixed uses (mostly retail) and including the possibility of a small number of residential units or a small hotel. Other small tracts may also be rezoned. The Sharbell property, 138 acres that lie north of Rt. 518 and just west of the Village Shopper, was rezoned in December 2001; plans for an age-restricted community are making their way through the Planning Board process. The next step, before adopting changes to current zoning, is to evaluate different zoning scenarios to make sure that the Planning Board, Master Plan Committee and Township Committee understand as well as possible the long term impact of these zoning decisions on people, our economy and tax base, our natural resources, traffic, roads and other infrastructure. These evaluations will be done by our traffic consultant John Rea and by the Regional Planning Partnership (a non-profit organization that advocates sound planning and helps communities assess the regional impact of their decisions), in collaboration with the township's planning office. The results of these evaluations will be provided to the public via the township newsletter and web site, and to the Planning Board, Master Plan Committee and Township Committee to further inform them as they finalize the proposed zoning changes and developers' agreements.
Montgomery Township Municipal Offices
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