News from Township of Hillsborough

Issue: 2017 September 15

September 15, 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

Township Honors Eagle Scout Owen Szabo


	Pictured: Owen Szabo with his family, Mayor Carl Suraci and Committeeman Frank DelCore

Owen Szabo, a Senior at Hillsborough High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 156, was honored at the September 12th Township Committee Meeting for earning his Eagle Scout medal.

Owen's Eagle Scout Project consisted of installing three seating areas around the Hillsborough Municipal Complex and a wooden bench along the rain garden path at the Hillsborough Municipal Complex.

Additionally Owen has completed the Order of the Arrow, the Scout Honor society, was the recipient of the Scout-Scholar-Athlete Award and served as Senior Patrol Leader and is an active member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track teams at Hillsborough High School.

The Mayor and Hillsborough Township Committee recognize that Owen serves as an example to the youth of Hillsborough Township through his high level of leadership and community service, and are very proud that he is a member of our community.

Hillsborough Rewards Credit Card Program Accepting Grant Applications

Hillsborough Based Non-Profit Groups Serving Youth and

Seniors Invited to Apply - Deadline is October 6th

"The Hillsborough Township Credit Card Advisory Committee will be accepting grant applications beginning September 12th for the second round of grants for 2017," announced Committeeman Doug Tomson Liaison to the Credit Card Advisory Committee.

"Applications will be made available on the Township website or can be picked up in the Administration Office for any Township based non-profit, senior or youth organizations to apply for grants up to $2,000 funded through the Hillsborough Rewards Credit Card Program," continued Committeeman Tomson.

Grant applications can be found on the Township website at www.hillsborough-nj.org or copies are available at the Administration Office. Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, October 6, 2017 to the Administration office to be considered for eligible grant funding.

Download Application

Hillsborough Ranked Among America's 30 Safest Cities to Raise a Child

Hillsborough Ranks 22nd


	Pictured: Police Chief Darren Powell, Mayor Carl Suraci, Officer Thomas Stout and Committeeman Frank DelCore

Hillsborough Township ranked in the top 30 "Safest Cities in America to Raise a Child", according to Mayor Carl Suraci at a recent Township Committee meeting.

"We are honored to announce that Hillsborough Township was ranked 22nd Safest City to Raise a child," stated Mayor Suraci.

The SafeWise Report released its "30 Safest Cities to Raise a Child" report on June 26, 2017. To compile this report, SafeWise reviewed reported sex offender concentration, state graduation rates, overall school quality ranking, and FBI violent crime data. Also, they eliminated all cities with fewer than 10,000 residents and those communities that did not report complete crime numbers to the FBI.

Clean Up Coupons Have All Been Distributed for 2017

The Department of Public Works will begin distributing coupons in the Spring for the 2018 season.

Township Job Line

Hillsborough Township is currently looking to fill the following position:

Executive Secretary to the Township Administrator / Mayor and Township Committee - Full Time
Assistant Building Subcode Official
Multi-Licensed UCC Inspector, Full Time
Department of Public Works Mechanic
Building Maintenance Part time

More information | Download an application

Attention Organizations or Individuals Seeking Service Hours

Are you or your group or organization looking for service hours? Hillsborough Township often has volunteer/service opportunities and is now maintaining a list of individuals, organizations and groups looking to give back to the community.

The purpose of this initiative is to link those individuals or groups in need of completing service hours with the organizations who have service opportunities.

If you are not able to access the registration form, please call the Mayor's Office 908-369-3535.

Municipal Alliance Fall Parent Workshop Programs Announced


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F.U.N.

Family Unity Night is a free 7 week program for 10-14 year olds and their parents/caregivers. Sessions run from 6:30pm - 8:30pm and will include a free light dinner. Topics covered will include Communication Skills, Stress Management, Family Fun, and Problem Solving.

For more information, or to pre-register for the program, contact:

September 27th - November 15th, 2017
Dinner is from 6:10PM-6:30PM
Session runs from 6:30PM-8:30PM


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P.L.C.

An enlightening program to help you h ave meaningful conversations with your kids and s tay up-to-date about youth alcohol/drug trends & technology safety.

Pre-registration (recommended): $15.00 per person OR $20.00 per couple (spouse or friend!)

At door (space permitting): $25.00 per person

Dates & Location:

Tuesdays - October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Route 206

Contact:

Minda Maggio

District Life Skills Coordinator

[email protected]

(908) 431-6600 x 2809

Rutgers Cooperative Extension To Host Community Education And Outreach Event

Hillsborough Township has partnered with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension on a grant that was awarded by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to improve water quality and reduce flooding in the Royce Brook Watershed. Hunt Club Road Pond, a retention pond located on Township Open Space property in the Fox Chase Estates residential development has been selected as a project site. The work will focus on re-establishing native vegetation along the northern shoreline, between the walking path and the pond. The vegetation has been selected to improve the ecological health of the pond and create a more inviting and engaging habitat for residents to enjoy. There will be a community education and outreach session hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension on Monday, September 25th at 7:00 PM in the rear multi-purpose room at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex. Details will be given about Hunt Club Road Pond Restoration Project and to inform Hillsborough residents of an opportunity to participate in the Rain Garden Rebate Program. A rain garden is a landscape shallow depression that allows water to absorb slowly into the ground, preventing stormwater runoff from carrying pollution to our drinking water resources. An initial meeting was held on June 7th.

Other News From Around Town

HHS Field Hockey Partnering with Jr Raiders

The Hillsborough High School Field Hockey Team paired up with the Junior Raiders Field Hockey Program for a 4-day evening field hockey camp at the Marshall Fields on Amwell Road the week of August 28, 2017. According to HHS Head Coach Jennifer Puritz and HHS Field Hockey Booster Club President Janene Kozimbo, 'this camp was a wonderful way to connect our HHS players with the younger players on the Junior Raiders Field Hockey Team and a nice way to reinforce the skills the players are continuing to strengthen as a team. This is the first time we have pulled together the two programs and look forward to doing so in the future.' Tara Romano, head of the Junior Raiders Field Hockey Program, said that 'it is fantastic for the younger players to get a feel for the game and figure out whether they enjoy the sport in a local venue. The field hockey program is a newer sports program for the Junior Raiders and it is fantastic to see so many players come out for it'.

Girl Scout to Give Pollinator Garden Talk

Ambassador Girl Scout Brynne Briegs has created a pollinator garden at the Hillsborough Municipal Building to expand the feeding and breeding area of bees and butterflies. This project was done in order for Brynne to obtain her Gold Award and her effect is visible; over fifty monarch caterpillars already call this garden home! Come learn how you can help out our pollinators during Brynne's Pollinator Talk with the Two Cool Bee Dudes and other experts at Bountiful Gardens on Route 206 in Hillsborough.

RSVP

September is National Preparedness Month

This week's theme is " Practice and Build Out Your Plans"

Complete an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK)
Maintain emergency savings for use in case of an emergency
Participate in an emergency drill
Know how to access community resources (e.g., shelters, food banks)

Visit ready.gov/make-a-plan for more information

Hints to Prevent Falls

September 22, 2017 is the 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day. The theme for this year is "10 Years Standing Together To Prevent Falls". I am sure you have all seen the lady that says "help I have fallen and can't get up" don't let it be you!!!

There are some signs of balance problems such as holding onto walls, furniture or someone when walking or getting up; a trained physical therapist can help improve balance, gait and strength Steps to prevent a fall:

Find a good balance and exercise program: as we age most of us lose some coordination, flexibility and balance primarily through inactivity; program examples are: Healthy Bones, Matter of Balance, Yoga, Tai Chi. Talk to your health care providers for a risk for falls assessment; make sure you are wearing proper footwear
Regularly review your meds include prescription and over the counter drugs with your physician or pharmacist: take only as prescribed, some can cause dizziness, dehydration, or drug interactions leading to falls; be aware of meds that have PM in the name as they can lead to balance issues and dizziness; talk to your doctor if you are having sleep problems; DO NOT swap medications with your friends
Have vision and hearing checked annually; in aging eyes less light reaches the retina, which makes contrasting edges, tripping hazards and obstacles harder to see; tint changing lenses can be hazardous when going from bright light to a darkened area-need time to adjust to light change; bifocals are problematic on stairs and when driving; ear problems can directly affect balance
Environment-most seniors have lived in the same home for years and have not thought about simple modifications. Keep your home safe-remove tripping hazards i.e. scatter rugs, cords across the floor and cluttered pathways; increase lighting especially at top and bottom of stairs; install grab bars in tub/shower and near toilet, use a shower chair and hand held shower head; and stair railings on both sides of stairs; have adequate lighting during the night (Bathroom visits).

Hillsborough Township to Host Annual Senior

Olympics Tuesday, September 19th


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(Rain date September 26th)

The Hillsborough Township Senior Olympics will be held on Tuesday, September 19th, with a rain date of the following Tuesday the 26th at the Ann Van Middlesworth Park. The Olympics will commence from 9am until 2pm with sign in beginning at 8:30 am. This Township sponsored event is open to all Hillsborough Senior Citizens of all fitness levels.

The participation fee is $10.00 per senior, which includes the Olympic games and a commemorative t-shirt. All pre registered participants will receive participation in all games as well as a BBQ lunch. Pre-registration to participate in the Olympics is required. Seniors are invited to contact Social Services at 908-369-3880 to register for this fun filled day.

CANCER CALLOUT VII 2017

Sunday, September 24th 12pm - 8pm @ Woods Road Firehouse

The 7th Annual Nick Magos Cancer Callout will be held on Sunday, September 24th at the Woods Road Firehouse. The Cancer Callout raises money throughout the year with their main event being "The CALLOUT." Each year, the event, named after Nick Magos, one of the founders of the Somerset County SWAT Team who passed away from cancer, is run by SWAT Team members and is designe d to benefit families who are in need of assistance due to their battle with cancer and or other life threatening illnesses.

More Info

Join the Steps Together Team at Steeplechase Distance Walk & Run on September 24th


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The Steps Together team will participate in the Steeplechase Distance Walk & Run on September 24th in Hillsborough. The team will be raising funds for local families impacted by a medical crisis while also supporting the Cancer Center at RWJ-Somerset by participating in their race. Event options include a 2 Mile Walk, 5K, 10K or Sprints for Kids 2 to 11.

By joining the Steps Together team, you will automatically be registered to participate in the 2017 Steeplechase Distance Run/Walk. Team members will receive weekly emails with training tips, suggested workouts, invites to group training and fundraising advice. In addition, all team members will receive a shirt to wear race day highlighting beneficiaries and sponsors.

New in 2017, the Steeplechase Distance Run/Walk added special pricing for those 15 and under across all events. This has allowed Steps Together to reduce the team price for those 15 and under to $25.

HRC Fitness to host 4th Annual 5K Run, Walk, Dash for Down Syndrome and Fall Festival


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In keeping with their commitment to serve the community, HRC Fitness will be hosting the 4th annual Charity 5K event on Sunday, October 1st in Hillsborough. The primary beneficiary of the event is GiGi's Playhouse Hillsborough which opened its doors in January 2015 to provide therapeutic programs for individuals with Down syndrome.

This event provides an opportunity to bring together many local businesses in support of GiGi's Playhouse and it's participants. This year, HRC expanded its charitable efforts by including the ability for other organizations to create teams for the purpose of raising money and awareness for their cause. One such organization that has taken advantage of this opportunity is the Joseph D Hernandez Foundation. Foundation members created a race team at the event in support of the foundation, whose mission is to raise funds to purchase and distribute used and new sports equipment for underprivileged boys and girls that want to play organized sports but lack the financial resources to do so. To find out more about the Joseph D Hernandez Foundation, visit JosephDHernandezFoundation on Facebook.

Following the 5K run and walk, GiGi's Playhouse Hillsborough will co-host a Fall Festival along with their 4th annual Dash for Down syndrome to raise awareness and acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. The Fall Festival is open to the public and will include food, face painting, a balloon artist, games, fitness class demonstrations, a DJ, photo booth, and more, with something for every member of the family.

Read More | Register Now

Duke Farms Farm Market Now Open

Sundays 12 pm to 5 pm

The Farm to Table Market at Duke Farms is now open for the season. The Market features several vendors offering a variety of local produce, meats, cheeses, crafts and wine.

More Information | Meet the Vendors

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

Medicare & Medications Made Affordable

Freeholder Brian D. Levine invites Somerset County residents age 60 and above, adults with disabilities and their caregivers to attend a free program titled, "Medicare and Medications Made Affordable."

The presentation by community educator Laurie Roome of the county Office on Aging & Disability Services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 19, starting at 6 p.m. at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater, located at 876 E. Main St., next to the ballpark.

Leadership Somerset is Offering Two Open House Events

Get Answers to Your Questions and Apply for the Class of 2018

Adults who live or work in Somerset County are invited to apply for the Leadership Somerset Class of 2018. The application deadline is October 31. Benefits of the program include networking with community leaders, discovering Somerset County resources, exploring capacities of positive leadership, enhancing team and leadership skills and making an impact in the community. Apply today.

Want to find out more? Stop by one of our Open House events in the Freeholders Meeting Room, located on the third floor of the county Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville, NJ 08876. Morning and afternoon sessions will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27 and on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The hours will be 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. each day. RSVP.

Leadership Somerset meets once a month, on a week day, starting in January. Sessions are full days, starting about 8:30 a.m. and ending by 5 p.m. Visit our web page for more information.

Somerset County Freeholder Patricia Walsh invites girls in grades seven and eight to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women's second annual STEM program.

It will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School on Vogt Drive. Lunch will be provided. The day also will include science games and prizes.

The free event is open to Somerset County residents only and is limited to 90 girls. Pre-registration is required. Register by Sept. 30 by completing and emailing the form to [email protected]

Volunteers Needed for Fall Leaf Clean-up

Would you like to help an elderly or disabled person get his or her yard ready for the winter months?

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. 18. However, anyone who would like to help but cannot make it on Nov. 18 is welcome to schedule an alternative date and time. For information and to sign up as a volunteer, call the Office of Volunteer Services at (908) 541-5715.