Issue: 2017 October 20
October 20, 2017
 
One of the Best Places to Live in America
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This e-newsletter is brought to you by the Hillsborough Township Committee 
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Mayor 
Carl Suraci
Deputy Mayor
Gloria McCauley
Committeeman 
Greg Burchette
Committeeman 
Frank DelCore
Committeeman 
Doug Tomson

 

On 10/23/2017 at approximately 10:00am Montgomery Road between Amwell Road and Wertsville Road will be closed for bridge repairs. This closure is expected to last approximately 2 weeks. A detour route will be posted. Motorists should plan alternate routes and allow for additional travel time
Hillsborough Prepares to Celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 22nd - 30th

Pictured: Municipal Alliance member Pamela Borek, Committeeman Doug Tomson, Mayor Carl Suraci, District Life Skills Coordinator Minda Maggio, Anna Mahler, Kal Hirsch, Diane Handwerk, Jim Weidenfeller, and Deputy Mayor Gloria McCauley
The National Family Partnership for Drug Free Youth, the District Life Skills Committee and the Hillsborough/Millstone Municipal Alliance are sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign offering citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug free lifestyles.  The National Red Ribbon Campaign will be celebrated in every community in America during "Red Ribbon Week," October 23-31, 2017.

Because alcohol and other drug abuse in this nation has reached epidemic stages and  90% of Americans with a substance abuse problem started smoking, drinking or using other drugs before age 18, it is imperative that visible, unified prevention education efforts by community members be launched to reduce the demand for drugs.

Business, government, law enforcement, schools, religious institutions, service organizations, youth, physicians, senior citizens, military, sports teams and individuals will demonstrate their commitment to drug free, healthy lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons during this week long campaign.

The Township of Hillsborough further commits its resources to ensure the success of the Red Ribbon Campaign and its theme, "YOUR FUTURE IS KEY, SO STAY DRUG FREE!"

Shreeshruthi Raghavan Recognized for Gold Award

Pictured: Mayor Carl Suraci, Shreeshruthi Raghavan and Deputy Mayor Gloria McCauley
Shreeshruthi Raghavan, a senior at Hillsborough High School and member of Girl Scout Troop 60719, was recently honored at a Township Committee Meeting for earning her Gold Award.

For her Gold Award project, "Cognitive Skills"  Shreeshruthi worked with the recreation director at  Brookdale Assisted Living in Hillsborough to help seniors by running activities and group games to stimulate brain waves and improve memory function for the residents.

Shreeshruthi created her project based on research that showed playing "brain games" can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and delay cognitive dysfunction.

The Mayor and Township Committee congratulate Shreeshruthi for her achievement and recognize that she serves as an example to the youth of Hillsborough Township through her achievements, leadership, and community service, and we are very proud that Shreeshruthi is a member of our community.
Hillsborough Rocks

At the October 10th Township Committee Meeting, Hillsborough Rocks was recognized for their  positive impact on the community.

Hillsborough Rocks, an initiative started by Hillsborough's Lauren Franco to inspire residents to explore the community we live in, has grown by leaps and bounds since it began on July 4th of this year.  Their goal is to get people to paint rocks and place them throughout the community for others to find.

Pictured: Mayor Carl Suraci, Lauren Franco with Hillsborough Rocks representatives and Deupty Mayor Gloria McCauley
Local residences, businesses and even the Hillsborough Township Police Department have all gotten involved with hiding rocks throughout the Township of Hillsborough.  The rocks have encouraged people to get out and look around town, discovering parts of Hillsborough they haven't seen before.  

On the back of each rock is painted #HillsboroughRocks. When you find one you can take it home and replace it with your own painted rock. Put it back or hide it somewhere new. Locals are also encouraged to take photos of the rocks they find and post it in the Hillsborough Rocks! Facebook group.

Hillsborough Steps Up to Help 
Hurricane Maria Victims

Earlier this month, Gary and Annette Henderson provided Hillsborough residents with the opportunity to lend their support to those hit hard by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.  

The Hendersons, with the help of the Jr. Raider community, filled a 26 foot truck with much needed supplies  such as diapers, water, batteries, canned goods and clothes.  The truck has  been processed at a warehouse and transferred to a container ship which is  now heading to Puerto Rico.  

The truck made it's way to the Jr. Raiders Football games on Saturday September 30th and Jr Raiders Field Hockey practices on Sunday, October 1st and then to  Hillsborough Soccer Clubs practices on October 3rd, but the biggest collection  came  on Friday  night at the High School Football game.  

The incredible generosity of the town filled this truck  in one week



Pictured: Jayna Moore and Deputy Mayor Gloria McCauley
Hillsborough Township Police Department 
Helps Promote Annual  "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day"

Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on October 10, 2017, designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keep the State's roadways fatality free for one-day.

Known as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day , the national initiative was designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up, every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel. Our goal is to experience a day when all roadway users are extra vigilant and there are no fatalities on our roadways.

Halloween Curfew in Effect October 30th - November 1st From 10PM - 6AM
Hillsborough Police Chief Darren Powell reminds residents of his concern for the safety of all those who participate in Halloween festivities.

No persons under the age of 18 shall be permitted on any public place, public street, or public property in the Township of Hillsborough between the hours of 10pm - 6am, from October 30th thru November 1st, unless that person is in attendance at a program or function sponsored by the municipality, church, school or at a doctor's appointment or is accompanied by an adult over 21 years of age.

Halloween Safety Tips
Chief Powell would like to offer suggestions to parents of young children who "trick or treat" from door to door at this time.  The following precautions will hopefully lead to a safe and happy time for all our Township residents
  • Wear light - colored clothing that's short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of costume.
  • Make sure children can see well through face masks.  
  • Adults should accompany young children.
  • Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight if out during darkness.
  • Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know.
  • Watch for traffic.
  • Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
  • Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.
  • Keep costumed children away from pets' because the pets may react unexpectedly.
  • Carry a cell phone to report emergencies.
  • Please do not text while walking.
  • Motorists are urged to drive with caution during times of trick or treating.
Halloween Events Planned in Hillsborough Township

Children's Halloween Party
October 26th
Join us for a fun filled afternoon of Halloween fun!  Take a hayride to our pumpkin patch and walk through our haunted house.  Don't forget to wear your costume!  The fee is $5 per child, and pre-registration is required.

Click to enlarge
Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest at the Dog Park October 28th
The third annual Howl-O-Ween at the Ann Van Middlesworth Park Dog Park will feature a dog parade and costume contest.  Registration is free and begins at 8:30 am on October 28th.  The parade will begin at 9:00 am at the pavilion.  There will be vendors, prizes, and fun for all!  

Hillsborough The Good Life Season 3 Episode 2
Now Available for Viewing on Hillsborough's YouTube Channel


Township Job Line

Hillsborough Township is currently looking to fill the following position:
  • Assistant Building Subcode Official 
  • Multi-Licensed UCC Inspector, Full Time 
  • Building Maintenance Part time 
Cafe Brio Celebrates Grand Opening

On Saturday, September 30th, Cafe Brio, a brand new coffee shop in Hillsborough celebrated its Grand Opening. Several Township Officials including Mayor Carl Suraci, Deputy Mayor Gloria McCauley, Committeeman Tomson and David Kois, Business Advocate joined owners Orest Levytskyy and Sophia Levytska for the ribbon cutting.

"The urban dictionary definition of word Brio is: finesse, special talent, vivacity, brilliance, strength, energy. That is how we want our customers to feel after visiting our place and enjoying one of our hand crafted drinks or treats. I believe we created a fun and relaxing place for the local community."
~Orest Levytskyy
"So along with our unique atmosphere, we have brought high quality artisan coffee that is also locally roasted. All of our coffee beans are in season, and our espresso drinks are made skillfully with precision. For non-coffee drinkers we have a wide selection of teas, iced teas and bubble teas, as well as a variety of high quality pastries, freshly delivered daily."
~Sophia Levytska

Stop by Cafe Brio and try it for yourself.  

Cafe Brio
New Center Village Square (CVS)

Pictured: Deputy Mayor Gloria McCauley, Orest Levytskyy, Mayor Carl Suraci, Sophia Levytska, and Committeeman Doug Tomson

The Friends of the Hillsborough Library will host their annual used book and media sale at the Hillsborough Municipal Building. The huge selection includes recent used books for adults, children, and teens, as well as electronic media. Some of the categories of books for sale include: current fiction, sci-fi, romance, history, biography, sports, science, business, cooking, crafts, gardening, textbooks, reference, holiday, literature, self-help, and much more. There will be DVDs of movies and TV series for adults and children, as well as many music CDs, books on CD, and games. All proceeds of the sale support SCLSNJ's Hillsborough Library branch.

Operation Take Back
The Day to Dispose of your Unused, Unwanted, and Expired Household Medicine

Date:  Saturday, October 28, 2017
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location:  Hillsborough Municipal Complex near the Court Room

The Hillsborough Township Police Department is again participating in "Operation Take Back", a program from the Drug Enforcement Administration, for residents to safely dispose of their unused, unwanted, or expired household medicine.  If you have household medicine that you wish to dispose of, please come to the Municipal Complex between the listed hours.
Scrap U & Artistry Too Celebrates 1st Anniversary
Celebrate our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH US!  Free Event - Sat. Nov. 4 - 1:00 - 4:00 pm.    

Scrap U & Artistry Too opened their Hillsborough location on Clerico Lane a year ago.  To celebrate, they are holding a One Year Anniversary Event on Saturday November 4th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  All are invited to stop by this free event, which will include crafts, food, giveaways and more.  

Scrap U is a full service crafting studio featuring two classrooms. It is perfect for birthday parties, special events & more.  They have an extensive line up of events for children and adults. Kids & adults can attend their pre-set classes  OR create their own class/workshop with a few friends in the studio or have Scrap U come to you!  Their Kids Club meets when school's are closed from 9 am to 3 pm, with before and after care available.  Hire Scrap U to create decorations & centerpieces for ALL your special celebrations; tween room make overs; create custom mixed media/scrapbook albums and personalize gifts for all occasions. 

Second Annual Book Lovers Tea Hosted at SCLSNJ

Enjoy an afternoon of books and tea at your Library

SCLSNJ's Book Lovers Tea will be hosted at the Hillsborough branch located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough, November 4th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"My mom has been a voracious reader her entire life and is famous for finishing a book in a day. As I have been planning this year's tea, what continually comes to mind is a quote from author C.S. Lewis that my mom was known to recite: 'You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.' So famous for repeating that quote, we even had it written on her 70th birthday cake," said event coordinator Cathy DeBerry. "As the winter season begins, we should take advice from my mom and C.S. Lewis - nothing provides more comfort or more solace than a wonderful book and an endless cup of tea. On November 4, our patrons will get their fill of both!"

Listen as book maven Yvonne Selander, collection development supervisor for SCLSNJ, shares the best books of 2017 with a sneak peek into 2018 releases.

"There will be thrillers, mysteries, stories from the distant and the not-so distant past, even a touch of romance," said Selander. "Plus, some books which will be hitting SCLSNJ shelves in the next few months."

Explore the history of British tea culture and traditions, while tasting some favorite blends, brewed by Deborah Raab, certified tea specialist.

"There are few more rewarding times than those spent with a cup of tea and a great book. I am delighted to participate in the Somerset County Library's Book Lovers Tea as a guest and presenter. As a tea specialist, certified by the Specialty Institute, I am always grateful for opportunities to share tea and its rich history and culture with others. I look forward to meeting and sharing with other tea and book lovers at this event," said Raab.

Light refreshments will be served. Giveaways and door prizes will be available for participants. Registration is required.
ARIS/HMS Discount Card 2017-2018  On Sale Now!!

ARIS/HMS 2017-2018 Discount Cards are on sale now at a cost of $10.00 each, with all proceeds going to ARIS and HMS school programs and staff grants.  The card includes reusable discounts from 34 local businesses including ShopRite's $4.00 off $100.00 purchase, McDonald's, Super Sundaes, Lenny's, Philly Pretzel, Revival Barbershop, Olympia Sports and many more!!  Discounts are valid through 9/30/18.
Special Promotion:  Buy 5 cards, get 1 card free!

If you would like to purchase a discount card, please email [email protected] or stop by Super Sundaes (near the Post Office) and pick one up.

Thank you for your support!


News From Somerset County
Donate Children's Winter Clothing Through Oct. 31

The Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women is conducting its eighth annual "Project Warm Your Heart" collection of new or gently-used coats, mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for children only. Donations are requested by Oct. 31.

Children of families served by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and other organizations will benefit from this winter-clothing drive, which follows the commission's recent collection of school supplies held during the summer months.

Donations may be dropped off to the Somerset County Freeholders' Office on the third floor of the county administration building at 20 Grove St., Somerville, through Tuesday, Oct. 31. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the adjacent Bernie Field Parking Deck off East High Street.
Rental Assistance Available to Somerset County Residents

Somerset County Freeholder Patricia Walsh has announced that the Somerset County Rental Assistance Program is available to provide up to 15 months of rental assistance and monthly case management to eligible Somerset County residents. "The goal of this program is to help working families achieve financial stability," she said. 

The case management is provided by a trained volunteer and is intended to help clients set and achieve goals that promote long-term financial stability. The program provides a monthly subsidy to pay the difference between household rent and 30 percent of one's monthly income, up to a maximum of $300 per month.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will be able to afford their housing without rental assistance within 15 months.  In order to qualify, at least one adult in the household must be employed, working at least 30 hours per week. Any non-working adult must have a verifiable disability or be a caregiver for a member of the household.

In addition, applicants must have a formal lease at a rental rate that is less than the fair-market rent for the unit size, and must be within the following maximum income limits:
  • 1 Person - $51,500
  • 2 People - $58,800
  • 3 People - $66,200
  • 4 People - $73,500
  • 5 People - $79,400
  • 6 People - $85,300
Somerset County Conducting Online Auction Oct. 25-Nov. 1
An eclectic mix of items include vehicles, auto parts, lawn mowers, chairs, bicycles and more.

Somerset County Freeholder Mark Caliguire, purchasing division liaison, invites residents to take advantage of the upcoming Somerset County online auction of surplus property.  The auction will start at  9 a.m.  Wednesday, Oct. 25, and will begin to close at  7 p.m.  Wednesday, Nov. 1.

The eclectic mix of items to be sold includes pickups, buses and other vehicles; auto parts; lawn mowers; chairs; bicycles; and more.

A list of auction items, along with terms and conditions of sale, is available online. Photos of items are expected to be posted on the USGovBid website at  www.usgovbid.com by  Tuesday, Oct. 24.  

Inspection is strongly recommended. Items may be inspected  Friday, Oct. 27,from  8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday,  Oct. 28, from  7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South County Public Works Facility, located at  410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, N.J. 08844.

All property will be sold as-is, where-is. There is no buyer's premium; however, there is a one-time registration fee, charged by the auction company. Visit  www.usgovbid.com for details.



Recently Added Events
Visit the Community Events Calendar Page for More Information
Important Upcoming Meeting Dates


October
Board of Adjustment 10/18/2017 7:30 PM
Township Committee Meeting 10/24/2017 7:30 PM
Planning Board Business Meeting 10/26/2017 7:30 PM

 All Boards & Commissions Meeting DatesCommunity Events | Library events
 

MUNICIPAL BUILDING EVENING OFFICE HOURS

CLERK'S OFFICE 
2nd & 4th Tuesdays until 7pm

HEALTH DEPARTMENT 
2nd Tuesday until 7pm  (No Evening Hours January, February, and March)

BUILDING DEPARTMENT  
Tuesdays until 7pm
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Recreation 2017 Fall Activities Guide
 
Registration now ongoing 
 
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