Happy New Year 2013

The HNJJ crew's traditional New Year's song - Mama Cass Elliot (1941-1974) performing New World Coming...

There's a New World Coming
And it's just around the bend
There's a new world coming
This one's coming to an end

There's a new voice calling
You can hear it if you try
And it's growing stronger
With each day that passes by

There's a brand new morning
Rising clear and sweet and free
There's a new day dawning
That belongs to you and me

Yes a new world's coming
The one we've had visions of
Coming in peace, coming in joy, coming in love

Santa Visits Hillsborough

Santa Claus visited Hillsborough's Municipal Building yesterday evening, arriving by fire truck, helping the mayor light the tree, and then settling into his house to listen to Christmas lists...

A Visit from St. Nick...

Over the last month-and-a-half, New Jersey residents have gotten used to events being rescheduled due to weather...So, Hillsborough's tree lighting ceremony and visit from Santa Claus (originally scheduled for last Friday), will be this evening:

According to the township, the following activities are planned:

•6:30 p.m. arrive and enjoy carols performed by members of the Hillsborough High School Choral •Fire barrels for marshmallow roasting
•Live animals from Norz Hill Farms
•Christmas Tree decorating by local organizations
•Hot Chocolate and Cookies to snack on
•7 p.m. Santa arrives to greet Hillsborough Township, followed by visits with him at the North Pole

 
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Photograph taken at the 2012 Hunterdon County Court House Quilters show.

Choosing Paint Colors...

The HNJJ post today is short and to the point because we had to spend a lot of time choosing the exact color that we want for some construction being done...

We picked Sahara Dunes Desert, number 1073.  Our contractor calls it "tan" or "beige".

Any homeowner doing any work on their house should watch Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.

Rutgers Environmental Steward Class Sign-up

Hillsborough residents are lucky that the central Jersey Rutgers Cooperative Extension's Environmental Steward classes are offered right here at Duke Farms.  Sign-up for the class of 2013 has now started.  From their press release:

Consider joining the 2013 class of Rutgers Cooperative Extension's Environmental Steward training which will be offered in Atlantic, Warren, and Somerset counties, from January to June.
The curriculum is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science underlying key environmental issues in the Garden State. Leading authorities from academia are joined by colleagues from government and the non-profit sector to share understanding and insights with the students. “Students do not only receive facts, but also are introduced to a network of expert individuals and organizations who can be of service to them in the future as they wrestle with solving local environmental problems” said Bruce Barbour, Extension Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the programs originator.

Recruitment has begun for the Rutgers Environmental Steward Class of 2013. To learn how you can become a Rutgers Environmental Steward contact the appropriate coordinator for your region.

Training is regional. Please direct any questions about registration or schedules to the coordinator of the region in which you expect to attend classes:

Central/Duke
Training Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, NJ
Normal Class Time: Tuesdays, January to May, 2013; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Cost: $250
Contact: Rosalie Kelly, rkelly@ddcf.org , Duke Farms Foundation, 80 Route 206, Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844 (908) 243-3602

More information including application forms and the current schedule for lectures can be found on the web at envirostewards.rutgers.edu .

Duke Farms Re-opened

According to the Duke Farms website, "Duke Farms fully opened!!!"

"We are thrilled to announce Duke Farms is fully open to the public for the first time since Hurricane Sandy! Our latest blog will get you to take a new look at trees when you visit."

2012 Holidays and Hurricane Sandy

Due to Hurricane Sandy much of New Jersey missed Halloween and there was the feeling that Thanksgiving was just a few days to finish cleaning up.

But the holiday shopping season has arrived and the HNJJ crew discovered that many of the items they wrapped to give as presents were chosen as a result of the hurricane.

Suddenly a nice Coleman camping lantern seems like a great family gift...accompanied by a few extra batteries. Classic board games.  Flannel nightgowns.  Firewood. A container-grown or balled-in-burlap evergreen, maybe with a few ornaments on it, is the perfect present to restart landscaping that has been decimated. Replacement outdoor furniture or birdhouses or birdfeeders.

If you really want to go for it...a nice portable generator. Throw in an extra shiny-red gas can.

On a more personal note, look closely at the photo and notice the broken grill that was blown over on the patio...

Merry Christmas from the ACLU Redux

Every year about his time many supposedly Christian Americans break their own Ninth Commandment by claiming that the ACLU is anti-Christmas. So a rerun from HNJJ 2011:

Christmas, the time of the year when anonymous forum posters around the United States mistakenly rant about the American Civil Liberties Union being anti-Christmas. These posters apparently pass around anti-ACLU emails filled with deliberately erroneous information and, without checking the facts, cut-and-paste them all over the Internet.

This year the HNJJ is going to be proactive, presenting only a handful of the many past ACLU cases that have supported the celebration of Christmas:

In 2003, the ACLU successfully defended the right of the members of a Massachusetts’ high school student Christian Bible Club to hand out candy canes with religious messages attached.

Five days before Christmas, 2006, Maui County, Hawaii, put up a Christmas tree after receiving a letter from the ACLU advising them they should get one.

The Rhode Island ACLU “…successfully interceded on behalf of an interdenominational group of carolers who were told they could not sing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve to inmates at the women’s prison in Cranston.”

While preempting the annual anti-ACLU Christmas posts, its also time to address the annual years-old “send a Christmas card to the ACLU” message which has been debunked by many fact checkers including Snopes and Urban Legend.

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As Hillsborough is located in Central Jersey, we couldn’t sign off without mentioning 2005's Turton, et al. v. Frenchtown Elementary School, et al. In this case, a second-grader was denied permission to perform the hymn Awesome God at an after-school talent show due to the religious content of the song. The ACLU participated amicus curiae, defending the child’s right to sing her chosen song.

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As a brief update, here are links to the ACLU article Celebrating Chistmas in America and further information on ACLU Defending Christmas.

Foxie and Bo

The HNJJ crew is proud to announce the addition of Foxie to our family...

In mid-October she was turned in as a stray to a West Virginia county shelter. According to her intake papers she weighed about 3-pounds and now weighs over 7-pounds. She was brought north by a NJ rescue group, spayed, cared for medically, groomed, and posted on Petfinder.

For the past two weeks Foxie and Miss Rose have been trying to work out the pecking order, but finally seem to have settled things without any bloodshed. Toonces the cat doesn't care...she knows she is top cat.
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To celebrate Foxie's adoption and the holidays, here is White House dog Bo checking out the White House holiday decorations. This is also in memory of HNJJ's favorite Portuguese Water Dog Yoko...

Hillsborough Hosts Santa

Rescheduled to next Friday, December 14th, due to weather.
Hillsborough Township is hosting Santa Claus at this evening's tree lighting ceremony at the Municipal Building starting at 6:30 p.m.

According to the Hillsborough eNews:

The events of the evening are as follows:
•6:30pm arrive and enjoy carols performed by members of the Hillsborough High School Chorale
•Fire barrels for marshmallow roasting
•Live animals from Norz Hill Farms
•Christmas Tree decorating by local organizations
•Hot Chocolate and Cookies to snack on
•7:00pm Santa arrives to light the Tree with the Mayor, followed by visits with Santa at the North Pole
•The Hillsborough High School Wind Ensemble will be performing in the Peter J. Biondi Building - multipurpose room

HTPB: Harding Corona Hearing Continued

This evening the Hillsborough Township Planning Board is scheduled to continue hearing the Harding Corona, LLC, application for an extended care facility on Route 206 at Old Somerville Road.

The 8.946-acre site is on the east side of Route 206 between Old Somerville Road and Doctor's Way, across from the historic Van der Veer-Harris House. This is also the proposed intersection of Route 206 and the Route 206 Bypass.


At the October hearing the applicant's experts included their engineer, environmental engineer, and architect.  Local residents asked questions regarding water, wildlife, noise, security, and fencing.

Local news sources wrote about this proposed project, NJ.com ran an article as did the Hillsborough Patch.  While both articles referred to the project as a drug rehab facility, the application and the agenda call it an extended care facility.

HNJJ previously wrote about this application.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Hillsborough Municipal Building.
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From this evening's HTPB agenda:

HARDING CORONA, LLC – File #12-PB-05-SR – Block 182, Lot 37 – 351 Route 206. Applicant seeking Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval with Waivers: 2-way parking lot aisle; parking lot rows; parking stall size; maximum front yard setback; pole lighting height; fencing; stream encroachment and an Economic Hardship Waiver requested to construct a 5 building extended care facility with medical and administrative offices totaling 34,115 SF in the HS District (EC: 09-24-12). Continued from October 04, 2012 without notice.

To view the video of the October 4th meeting go to approximately 20:00 hours here.

HDA Meeeting Tonight: Charlie Kratovil

With the decline of local newspaper coverage, it is easy for community news to go unreported and citizens to lose track of where their government is going.  In many towns hyperlocal bloggers and websites are filling this void.

This evening's Hillsborough Democratic Alliance monthly meeting will feature  guest speaker Charlie Kratovil, editor of the hyperlocal online news-site New Brunswick Today.  The HDA refers to Mr. Kratovil, a 2003 graduate of Hillsborough High School, as an "...Investigative reporter, community organizer, leader of successful citizen campaigns in city governance, public school governance, and the influence of money in politics, through the power of online journalism. ...".

The meeting is being held at Avalon Assisted Living, 393 Amwell Road, Hillsborough with refreshments at 6:45 p.m., a business meeting at  7 p.m., and Mr. Kratovil speaking at 7:30 p.m.

Please bring non-perishable food/toiletries/paper goods to be donated to the Somerset County Food Bank.  Feel free to bring a holiday snack to share to add to the holiday spirit.

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For more information about Mr. Kratovil go here.

Sourland Preserve and Hurricane Sandy

The Somerset County Park Commission Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough and Montgomery remains closed until further notice due to Hurricane Sandy storm damage.

For more information, including a complete list of closed county parks,  go to the SCPC website.

Duke Farms and Hurricane Sandy

Due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy on the Duke Farms property in Hillsborough (primarily downed and weakened trees) the main walking  and bicycling paths in the public area referred to as the "core" are still closed.  Only the Orientation Center and the nearby paths are open.

Additionally, Duke Farms' bald eagle nest suffered extensive damage. The tree in which it was located is down and the aerie broken up.  Duke Farms' Eagle Cam site has more information at the Post Hurricane Sandy Update including the optimistic comment, "... The timing of the storm is promising as it occurred prior to the nesting season, providing ample time for the pair of eagles to rebuild a nest. The State of New Jersey Fish and Wildlife and Duke Farms are eager to see if the pair will reconstruct their nest in the same location."

 According to baldeagleinfo.com, "...Even when a nest tree falls or a strong wind blows a nest down, the established pair usually rebuilds at or near the site ...".
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For more information and updates go to the Duke Farms website.
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Photograph of Orientation Center opening day courtesy of Susan Gulliford. Eagles' nest photo from Duke Farms online Eagle Cam 2011.

Miss Rose and the Christmas Lights

Miss Rose here doing another guest post.   I helped the humans find their Christmas lights and determined that the lights do light...now they expect me to untangle them???

What the heck would they do without me?

Operation Shoebox at Y Today

From  Hillsborough Rotary and Operation Shoebox NJ:

Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey staff pack gift boxes and send Christmas greetings to U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan at the Hillsborough YMCA  today.
The packing is being held in conjunction with members of the Hillsborough Rotary with volunteer registration beginning at 10 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies. The Y is located at 19 East Mountain Road.

Soldiers and Marines who were recipients of OPSHBX NJ gift packages during their overseas deployments are expected to attend and extend their thanks to the volunteers.

Volunteer packers are encouraged to donate personal care items for shipment, including snacks and toiletries. Check the shopping list on our website and bring along a bag of needed items.

The packages sent overseas will include a box of Girl Scout cookies donated by the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey council; bagged candy collected from 15 Walgreen stores donated by shoppers as well as Halloween candy donated by area dentist offices; cans of tuna, cans of fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, gum, candy, granola bars, powdered drink mixes, coffee, tea, oatmeal, hot chocolate, toothpaste, tooth brushes, ear swabs, moist wipes, sun block, eye drops, soap, shampoo, socks, stationary, envelopes, pens, batteries and other items.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sit down and write a short letter or Christmas card to the troops; all cards and letters will be inserted into the boxes. We'll also add stuffed animals and other gift items for the troops to hand out to young Iraqi and Afghan children

There will be raffles with hourly drawings for prizes and gifts. OPSHBX NJ will also be selling its 2013 gift calendar, filled with photographs of US troops overseas.

Since its founding in February, 2005, OPSHBX NJ volunteers have shipped over 59,000 personal care packages overseas.

Financial support is also needed to help pay the costs of shipping the packages. All donations are tax deductible. Volunteers are asked to sign up in advance on the OPSHBX NJ website.

Call Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information or check their website.

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Photo from a 2008 Operation Shoebox at Manville VFW.

Raritan Valley Symphonic Band 2012 Winter Concert

From the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band press release:

Bridgewater, N.J., November 18, 2012— The Raritan Valley Symphonic Band (RVSB) will present its annual winter concert on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 3:00 pm in the Bridgewater-Raritan High School auditorium. The school is located at 600 Garretson Road, Bridgewater, New Jersey. Admission is free and open to the public.

Under the musical direction of Lawrence C. Markiewicz, Director of Bands at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, the band will perform a concert titled, “Seasonal Sounds”. The band will kick off the holiday season during this program by performing “A Hanukkah Festival,” arranged by N.J. composer Chris M. Bernatos, as well as Leroy Andersons’ “Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride”. Featured songs will also include “Poet and the Peasant” by Viennese composer Franz Von Suppe and Henry Fillmore’s “The Footlifter March”.

For the first time the RVSB will feature its own talented musicians as soloists during 2012-2013 concert season. At the “Seasonal Sounds” concert, Basil Magro, principal tubist, will showcase his agility and highly refined technique as he performs “From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific” by Herbert L. Clarke.

This concert is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program. The Band is sponsored by the Jointure for Community Adult Education and by contributions from local businesses, corporations, foundations and private citizens. For more information about the concert, becoming a sponsor, to request assistance for persons with disabilities, or to inquire about joining the Band, consult the Band’s website at www.rvsb.org, or call 908-359-3136.

Please note -- We will again be selling ShopRite gift cards at this concert (cash/check only). This is a great way to support the RVSB. Just purchase the gift cards at face value ($20, $25, $50 or $100) and use them at any ShopRite. The band receives a percentage of all gift card purchases.

Also, TGI Friday's restaurant at the Somerville Circle in Bridgewater will be sponsoring a fundraiser for the RVSB on Tuesday, November 20th. Simply dine at the restaurant between 5PM and 10PM, and 10% of your check will be donated to the Band. No flyer needed!

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Photographs from the 2011 RVSB Holiday Concert courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

2012 Raider Marching Band Festival

Tomorrow's Hillsborough High School 2012 Raider Marching Band Festival is the perfect event for those who mainly go to football games to see the halftime show.

The show starts at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13,2012, with the first of the 19 competing bands stepping off at 2:40 p.m. The Hillsborough Raiders will end the evening at 9:15 with an exhibition performance of this year's show entitled The Edge.

The entrance fee is $10 per person, and $8 for students and seniors. Food is available for purchase.

For more information on the band and this year's show go here.
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Photograph from the 2011 show courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

Somerset County 2012 Weekend Journey Through the Past

SomCtyHistoryWkend - create a slideshow with music

The Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission is celebrating the 2012 Weekend Journey Through the Past on Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. and on Sunday, October 14, from noon to 4 p.m.

For complete information go here.
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The photographs are of historic sites included on the Journey and were taken at past Weekend Journeys.

Lord Stirling 1770s Festival Today

From the Somerset County Park Commission:

Colonial history lives at the Somerset County Park Commission's annual 1770s Festival when Lord Stirling's grand manor house and estate come to life in Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ. Colonial craftspeople ply their trades and a Revolutionary War military detachment camp on the former estate lawns and conduct maneuvers. The event promotes historical and environmental education by familiarizing people with the rich local history of Basking Ridge, highlighting an unsung Revolutionary War hero, demonstrating the colonial heritage of New Jersey, and recreating a typical autumn afternoon in 1770. In 2006, the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival won the Cultural and History Commission of Somerset County History Award for Education. Period re-enactors attired in replicas of 1770s clothing participate in the festival demonstrating their trades and crafts (no crafts are sold). These crafts people make articles such as buttons, rifles, brooms, furniture, lace, stained glass, redware pottery, and powder horns. Other trades and crafts include a blacksmith, tinsmith, wool spinning, decoy carving, and colonial herbs. Children of all ages enjoy the hayrides, clay crafts using Stirling clay, stenciling, and toy making. Visitors may try on colonial costumes and have their photograph taken while restrained to the Somerset Gaoler's wooden stock.
$4 per person suggested donation
Sunday, October 7, 2012, 10:30am - 4:30pm. Outside.

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Photographs from the 2007 festival when it was obviously much warmer, courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

Courthouse Quilter's 2012 Quilt Show

Tomorrow the Courthouse Quilters of Hunterdon County 2012 Quilts in the Mill show opens at Prallsville Mills on Route 29 in Stockton, NJ.

Over 200 quilts will be displayed on two floors of the historic mills. Additionally, there are vendors, door prizes, a raffle quilt, an art and handcraft boutique, a Kaffe Fassett book signing, and demonstrations.

Food is available for purchase with outdoor seating where you can appreciate the fall weather. If you prefer to bring along your own picnic lunch, there are tables near the river behind the mills.

The show runs for three days - Friday October 5th, Saturday 6th, and Sunday October 7th - from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7, but a $1 Off Admission Coupon is available here.

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For more information about the Courthouse Quilters of Hunterdon County go here.
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Photographs from the 2010 and 2004 shows courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

Hillsborough Library 2012 Book Sale

The Hillsborough Library 2012 Book Sale is Saturday, October 6th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Program Room A at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Building.

Have fun!

HTPB Hearing Extended Care Proposal

On Thursday, October 4th, the Hillsborough Township Planning Board will begin hearing the Harding Corona,LLC, application proposing the construction of a five-building extended care facility on Route 206 near Old Somerville Road.

The 8.946-acre site is on the east side of Route 206 between Old Somerville Road and Doctor's Way, across from the historic Van der Veer-Harris House. This is also the proposed intersection of Route 206 and the Route 206 Bypass.

According to the application, an existing house and garage would be demolished, to be replaced with a medical/administrative office, two residential buildings, a dining-recreation building, and an activities building. The two residential buildings would contain a total of 28 bedrooms housing 56 patients. The five buildings would total 34,115 square feet.

The waivers requested include parking lot aisle width, parking space size, and stream encroachment.

The stream encroachment involves an easterly-flowing tributary to the Royce Brook on the north side of the property. A report from the township's engineering firm points out that a portion of the proposed stormwater management facility, outfall, driveway, emergency driveway, utilities, and grading are within the 100-foot DRCC stream corridor buffer and/or Hillsborough's 150-foot stream corridor. The applicant also proposes planting some replacement trees within the DRCC buffer and conservation easements.

Harding Corona is also requesting an Economic Hardship Waiver from Hillsborough's Tree Mitigation ordinance which, if approved, would require only a $27,198 contribution by the applicant. The ordinance requires a $325-per-tree contribution. The construction would involve the removal of 189 6-to-12-inch trees, 23 13-to-24-inch trees, and two 25+-inch trees, and the planting of 160 replacement trees.

The center is also referred to as the GenPsych complex and is associated with Somerset psychiatrist Dr. Henry Odunlami. The property is owned by the Kulina Asset Management Trust.

The Planning Board meeting starts on October 4th, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. at the municipal building. In January, 2011 the planning Board heard the applicant's concept plan.

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From October 4th Hillsborough Township Planning Board agenda:

HARDING CORONA, LLC – File #12-PB-05-SR – Block 182, Lot 37 – 351 Route 206. Applicant seeking Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval with Waivers: 2-way parking lot aisle; parking lot rows; parking stall
size; maximum front yard setback; pole lighting height; fencing; stream encroachment and an Economic Hardship Waiver requested to construct a 5 building extended care facility with medical and administrative offices totaling 34,115SF in the HS District (EC: 09-24-12).

Sourlands Film Screening Thursday

From a Sourlands Planning Council press release. The HNJJ crew has seen this film and recommends it:

The Sourland Planning Council (SPC) will host a showing of Jared Flesher’s new documentary “Sourlands – Stories from the Fight for Sustainability” on Thursday, October 4th at 7 pm.

This film explores global environmental issues from a local perspective, with the focus on people working to make a difference in the Sourland Mountain region of western New Jersey. The Sourlands are home to the largest remaining forest in central New Jersey, which provides important wildlife habitat and water resources in the midst of one of the world’s most densely developed population centers.

“The natural world doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” says Sourlands director Jared Flesher, an award-winning journalist. “What happens in our forests, on our farms, and in our climate is all linked. In my film I look at this one green spot on the map, and tell a story about how if we want to save it — and green places everywhere — we need to start connecting the dots.”
The documentary tells the story of this green oasis from the perspective of its remarkable citizens – including biologists, farmers, hunters, engineers, and entrepreneurs – all fighting in their own ways to sustain the Sourlands and all it represents."

SPC hosted the sold-out premiere of the film this summer. “The crowd genuinely adored the film,” says SPC president Cliff Wilson. “We scheduled a second showing to give more people a chance to see it.” The film maker will be in attendance to speak and answer questions.

The upcoming showing will take place in the antique barn at Cashel, the home of SPC’s vice president at 145 Wertsville Rd. in Hillsborough. Light refreshments will be served starting at 7 pm and the film will begin at 7:30. A contribution of $20 is requested. Seating is limited so advance registration is recommended. Please register at www.sourland.org. More info on the film may be found at www.sourlands.com .
All ticket proceeds will benefit the host, The Sourland Planning Council (SPC), a local non-profit which works to protect the ecological integrity, historical resources and special character of the Sourland Mountain region through advocacy and education.

The More Things Change...

An open letter to the American television viewer:

"I know all of us as parents wish there was more good taste on television. Some nights our television sets literally seem to explode with violence, sudden death, brutality and an overemphasis on sex.

Just where does the responsibility for our programming lie? True, some of it lies with the television industry but television doesn't create a culture - it caters to a culture. If producers and the networks think this is what you want, this is what you're going to get.

We who have children realize what a tremendous influence television has on the young. From television, they often pick their heroes. How does this affect them if their hero solves his problems with violence? Or their favorite comedian gets a laugh by spitting out a mouthful of food?

We know the influence that [our show] has on children from the letters we get from parents...We get lots of letters from teachers - its one of the few shows they urge their pupils to watch.

To us, things like helping mother with the dishes, wearing a jacket or tie on a date...are more than just surface attributes - we think of them as symbols of respect

If a child doesn't respect his parents and his teachers, he'll end up respecting nothing, not even himself.

...As long as you and people like you pick out what is good in television, and let us know about it, the producers will be encouraged to give you more shows that respect good taste and moral values. It's up to you to change television before it changes you."

This letter was written in September 1960 by Hugh Beaumont who played Ward Cleaver on Leave it to Beaver.

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

Municipal Complex Renaming

The dedication ceremony marking the addition of the late Peter J. Biondi's name to the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex was held on Saturday, September 15, 2012.

The Dedication Ceremony...

Biondi Complex Naming - how to create a free slideshow

The people...

Biondi Naming People - how to create a free slideshow

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For a slideshow of photographs of Mr. Biondi, go here.
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Photographs of the Dedication Ceremony courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

Ash's Auction

With an opening bid of $5,000 and,a few minutes later, a closing bid of $15,000, this morning's auction of the remnants of Ash's Flower Farm of Hillsborough was over.

2012 Ashs Auction - Free Slideshow Maker

Located on Route 206 on part of the property formerly known as Packard's Market, the remaining inventory and property of Ash's Flower Farm of Hillsborough was seized and auctioned by the New Jersey Division of Taxation for unpaid state taxes.

According to an article in the Hillsborough Patch, the business owed $289,000 in sales and corporate taxes as far back as 2008.
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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

HVFC #3 September 11th Ceremony

Hillsborough Fire Company No. 3 held a September 11th memorial ceremony at the Woods Road firehouse yesterday evening...

2012WoodsRoadFC 9/11 - slideshow maker with music

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For more information on Hillsborough Fire Company No.3, go here.
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Photographs by Susan Gulliford with technical assistance by George Mariasz.

HVFC#2 September 11th Ceremony

Hillsborough Township Volunteer Company No.2 hosted a September 11th Remembrance Ceremony this morning at the firehouse:

2012HVFC#2 9/11 - flash slideshow

For more information on HVFC#2 go here.
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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

2012 Westchester Kennel Club Show Pix

The Four-Day Cluster at North Branch Park ended yesterday with the Westchester Kennel Club dog show.

Enjoy these pictures of the activities in the show rings...

2012WestchesterKC Ring - how to make a free slideshow

And all dogs love to pose - especially if they think there is a chance that the photographer may have a snack...

2012WestchesterKC Portrait - how to make a free slideshow

Junior Showmanship Competition
In these classes, dog handlers age 9-to-17-years - divided by age and experience - exhibit their handling skills, ability to follow the judges' directions, dog knowledge, and extraordinary composure.

2012WestchesterKC Juniors - how to create a free slideshow

For more information on AKC Junior Showmanship, start here.

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This Lost Dog poster was hung at the show for a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Tori lost in Raritan Township. There was more information on Facebook at The Ridgeback Register:

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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford...who is sorry that her new slideshow software keeps cutting off the right side of the pictures.

2012 Somerset Hills Kennel Club Show Pix

Today the HNJJ crew attended the Somerset Hills Kennel Club Show at North Branch Park in Bridgewater.

The obedience dogs were fun as always...

2012 SomersetHillsKC Obe - how to make a free slideshow

...and the breed dogs are always on show and ready to pose...

2012SomersetHillKCBreed - how to make a free slideshow

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The Four Day Cluster finishes tomorrow, Sunday, with the Westchester Kennel Club Show. Judging starts at 8:00 a.m. and finishes at 2:25 p.m. with Variety Groups and Best in Show. Be sure to watch for the Junior Showmanship Competition at 12:45 p.m., the Puppy Competition starting at 11:00 a.m., and the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Westchester Kennel Club's website is here.
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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

Ash's Flower Farm Inventory Auction Thursday

The New Jersey Division of Taxation has published a Notice of a Public Auction of Seized Property against Ash's Flower Farm on Route 206. This is apparently due to Ash's failure to pay New Jersey sales tax and corporate taxes:
New Jersey Division of Taxation
Public Auction of Seized Property
Under the authority granted in N.J.S.A., 54:49-13a, the property to be sold was seized for unpaid State taxes due from:
Ash’s Flower Farm of Hillsborough
135 Route 206, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

PROPERTY FOR SALE: Sheds, gazebo, carts, iron lawn decorations, flowers, trees and misc. property. For more information please contact Mid-Jersey Regional Office.

LOCATION OF SALE:
135 Route 206,
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

DATE AND TIME: Thursday September 13, 2012 at 10:00am
(Property may be inspected on date of sale, one half hour immediately preceding time of sale).

AUCTION TERMS & CONDITIONS
PAYMENT TERMS:
■Successful bidders must make a minimum deposit of 25% of respective bid IMMEDIATELY following their successful bid. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the bid.
■Payment must be in guaranteed funds such as cash, certified check, bank check or money order. No third party instruments will be accepted.
■Balance, also in guaranteed funds, due by 12 noon on at the NJ Division of Taxation’s Mid-Jersey Regional Office, 3600 Quakerbridge Plaza Drive, Quakerbridge Plaza Office Complex, Building #9, 3rd Floor or deposit monies will be forfeited. All items must be removed by 2:00 p.m., or deposit monies will be forfeited.
■Checks must be made payable to: New Jersey Division of Taxation
TERMS OF BIDDING:
1.Bulk bids get first consideration.
2.Lot bids get second.
3.Any remaining items will be auctioned separately.
OTHER CONDITIONS:
■This sale may be postponed or canceled at the discretion of the NJ Division of Taxation.
■The NJ Division of Taxation reserves the right to receive or reject bids or bidders.
■NJ Division of Taxation employees or any member of the employee’s immediate family may not participate in this public sale.
■This property is sold subject to any and all legal encumbrances.
■The property is sold "as is".
FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM:
Marita Sciarrotta, Regional Supervisor,(609)588-3731
New Jersey Division of Taxation,
3600 Quakerbridge Plaza Drive, Building 9 3rd Floor,
Mercerville, NJ 08619

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Hillsborough Patch also has an article regarding the auction.
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HNJJ has posted the flower picture at the beginning of this post for illustrative purposes only and has no idea if Ash's has this type of flower in their inventory.

2012 Tuxedo Park Kennel Club Show

Some members of the HNJJ crew took their cameras to the 2012 Tuxedo Park Kennel Club Show at North Branch Park in Bridgewater, NJ, and here are some of the results.

The Obedience competition always produces outstanding action shots...

2012 Tuxedo Prk KC Obedi - free slideshow maker with music

The All-Breed component shows off the glamour side...

2012 Tuxedo Prk Breed - free slideshow maker with music

This show is part of The North Branch Cluster which continues tomorrow, Saturday, with the Somerset Hills Kennel Club show.

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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford and George Mariasz...supervised by Miss Rose:

Sourland Spectacular Bike and Hike

From the Sourland Planning Council:
The Sourland Spectacular Bike & Hike should prove a unique and fun rally for outdoor enthusiasts on Saturday, September 8. The morning rides and guided hikes of this fundraiser will be followed by a gourmet lunch and other offerings.

The bicycling event will offer challenging road routes for serious cyclists, as well as shorter alternatives for more casual bikers. Routes of 37, 50 and 63 miles are planned, all of which include some climbing to reach the beautiful Sourland Mountain ridge. All routes begin and end at the Somerset County Sourland Mountain Preserve on East Mountain Road in Hillsborough Township.

“The bike routes traverse the large Sourland forest and adjacent picturesque farmland”, said SPC President Cliff Wilson. “They were carefully planned to include moderate climbs followed by exhilarating downhill stretches through open vistas.”

There will be coffee and snacks at registration, starting at 7 a.m. Designated rest stops along the biking routes will offer beverages, snacks and bathroom facilities. SAG services also will be provided.

Hikers also will meet at the Preserve for this first, ever hiker’s rally event. Naturalists will be on hand to guide hikes of varying lengths, times and difficulty levels from the parking area on the half-hour starting at 8 a.m. Hike offerings will include birding, photography, geocaching, geology, botany, history and plain healthy comradery and fun. For more details, go here.

While some people go cycling, others love to hike the Sourlands! Even if your family cannot agree, have the best of both worlds! Come enjoy a fantastic 5 hr. morning FULL of guided Sourland hiking options, all included with event registration!

“Families with diverse interests can go their own ways to cycle or hike. After burning all those carbs they can hook up again to share their stories over a fabulous lunch,” said Sourland Planning Director Tamara Garaffa, who is a trained naturalist.

Crispy thin-crust pizza – called the best pizza in New Jersey -- will be prepared on-site in the portable wood-burning oven of Nomad Pizza between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, included in registration. Dessert will be a homemade brownie sundae featuring premium ice cream and the Sourland Spectacular gourmet chocolate sauce.

The 90-square-mile Sourland region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. The sparsely populated area is home to an incredibly rich diversity of animal and plant species, many rare or endangered.

The registration fee is $35 per person, with $5 discount available for early on-line registration. The fee for children between the ages 7 to 17 is $20. No charge for children under 7. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Event will be held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for weather and bring a reusable water bottle.

Go to the registration table by parking lot first for event and lunch tickets. All hikes meet at Trail Head. You may sign up for as many hikes as you are able! (Keep anticipated return times in mind.) Participants who register in advance are guaranteed commemorative T-shirts.

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes/boots and bring a water bottle. Event is rain or shine, dress appropriately.

8:00 a.m. Hike to Roaring Rocks on Roaring Ridge Trail w/ birding stops, 3 hr., 4 mi., 300 foot gradual climb, ages 9 and up – Led by Naturalist/SPC Dir. Tamara Garaffa and a local birding expert. Bring binoculars if you’ve got them (optional).

9:00 a.m. Natural and Geologic History Hike to Devil’s Half Acre on Northern Ridge Rail, 2.5 to 3 hr., 3 to 4 mi., 300 ft. climb, ages 7 and up – Led by Stony Brook Millstone’s Naturalist Jeff Hoagland

9:30 a.m. Guided Geocaching Hikes (preceded by brief demo), learn how to do these fun treasure hunts, all ages, beginner to expert – choose from various length options – Leader/ Geocaching Expert Eric Lemon

10:00 a.m. Nature and Landscape Photography Hike by Legendary Open Space Advocate and Photographer Clem Fiori & SPC Trustee Joanna Fiori

11:00 a.m. Botanical Hike - learn about the native and invasive plants within the Sourlands, all ages – Led by Naturalist/SPC Trustee Jaed Rosenbaum, 1 hr., ~ 1 mi.

11:30 a.m. Geocaching Hikes (preceded by brief demo), learn how to do these fun treasure hunts, all ages, beginner to expert – choose from various length options – Led by Geocaching Expert Eric Lemon

12:00 p.m. Family-friendly Sourlands Hike, historic and botanical tour includes Legends and Tales of the Mountain 1 hr., ¾ mi. loop thru gently sloped woodlands, fields, all ages – Led by SPC Trustee Dr. Charlie Clark and SPC founder Andrea Bonette.

More info on Geocaching Hikes by Leader Eric Lemon:In addition to hiking, experienced geocachers will be on hand to provide geocaching demonstrations and small group "geohikes." Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices (bring your hand-held GPS or GPS enabled cell phone, if you have one. Not required). Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container of surprises such as swappable ‘swag’ or travel bugs) hidden at that location. Hundreds of thousands of geocaches can be found all over the world including your local park, at the end of a long hike, even underwater or on the side of a city street. You will be able to learn and appreciate this fun outdoor game with geocaches hidden within the Sourland Preserve.

More info on Natural and Geologic History Hike by Leader Jeff Hoagland:2.5 - 3 hour exploratory hike following the northern half of the ridge loop to Devils Half Acre boulder field, examining natural and geologic history. Appropriate for adults and families (7 years & up), distance - 3 to 4 miles and elevation change - 400 ft. Route on County Preserve map, from Trail Head > 1 > Devil's Half-Acre > 4 > 3 > 2 > 12 > 13.

Proceeds will benefit the Sourland Planning Council, a non-profit organization working to protect the ecological integrity, historical resources and special character of the Sourland Mountain region.

Meet other hikers and bikers - Join us for this Sourland rally!

The 2012 North Branch Cluster Dog Shows

Local dog lovers have an exciting weekend ahead with the four-day North Branch Cluster Dog Shows starting tomorrow and continuing through Sunday - the first day devoted to specialties followed by three days of major dog shows - all held at nearby North Branch Park at 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, NJ.

The weekend starts on Thursday, September 6th with Sporting, Hound and Non-Sporting group shows including the Big Apple Sporting society, the Central New Jersey Hound Association, and the Non-Sporting Group Club of the Garden State.

On Friday, September 7th, Tuxedo Park Kennel Club kicks off the first of the three all-breed shows with the judging of the 1,320 dogs entered starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending with Variety Group and Best in Show at 2:30 p.m.

The cluster’s cornerstone club has been Somerset Hills Kennel Club (SHKC) and this year will mark their 78th all-breed dog show. Their show will run from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday, September 8th. Lisa Warren, last year’s show chair for SHKC said, “This is a very special weekend for those in the dog fancy. A special attraction to this year’s cluster will be The American Kennel Club’s new Beginner Puppy Competition. Puppies from 4–6 months will compete for the title of Best Beginner Puppy in Show. It’s sure to be one of the most enjoyable events for spectators.”

The weekend winds up with Westchester Kennel Club on Sunday,September 9th, with judging starting at 8 a.m. The Variety Group winners and Best in Show judging starts at 2:15 p.m.

This year’s cluster will host another special event. Cupcakes from the famous Carlos Bakery in Hoboken, NJ will be on sale at the Saturday (Somerset Hills Kennel Club) and Sunday (Westchester Kennel Club) shows. Proceeds will benefit “Take The Lead” an organization that provides direct services, support and care for people in the sport of purebred dogs who suffer the devastation of life-threatening or terminal illness. On Saturday afternoon, Mauro Castano, head baker for Carlos Bakery will make a personal appearance in support of this effort. Mauro will be available to sign autographs and pose for photos. T-shirts commemorating the event will also be on sale.

There is no charge for admission or parking to the shows. Attendees can purchase food and a wide range of dog product vendors will be on-site. With all AKC breeds represented, it will be a great event for dog lovers and prospective puppy buyers will have an opportunity to see different breeds up close and speak with knowledgeable owners and breeders.

Paving Paradise

This evening the Hillsborough Township Board of Adjustment will be hearing four homeowner applications, each one a little different - replacing a garage, replacing a poolside walkway, retaining an expanded driveway, patio, and walkway, and adding a pole barn/garage, walkway and patio.

But each of these four applications has a common element: a request for relief from Maximum Impervious Coverage.

Some are relatively modest requests - an extra 48 square feet while replacing a garage. But another requests over 1,000 square feet involving additional parking.

Add them all up and it seems as though Hillsborough could put over 1,700 more square feet under impervious coverage.

Impervious coverage guidelines were designed with a purpose in mind, not just made up out of whole cloth. It involves rainwater infiltration, groundwater recharge, flooding, and so much more than can be explained here.

Take this evening's Board of Adjustment meeting and multiply it by all the meetings.
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Homework: Read the HNJJ post of April 18, 2007 entitled When It Rains, the Water Has to Go Somewhere.

This evening's HTBOA agenda can be viewed here.
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Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi -


"...They paved paradise and put up a parking lot ...Don't it always seem to go That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone...They took all the trees, and put em in a tree museum And they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them...Don't it always seem to go...That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone...They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot..."

Brick House: Jersey Shale

Hillsborough's Glen-Gery Brick Jersey Shale Plant, often referred to as "Shale Brick" by long-time Hillsborough residents, no longer exists. Those driving by its former Hamilton Road location will now see a field of rubble and, maybe, some pieces of building...

The History of Glen-Gery Brick, founded in 1890 in Pennsylvania, says that in 1988 "Glen-Gery purchased the New Jersey Shale Brick Manufacturing Corporation. Located in Somerville, Jersey Shale [was] the only brick plant in the Garden State."

Unfortunately this corporate story goes on to tell about updates in other factories - robotics, high manufacturing capacity, new kilns and packaging, state-of-the-art computer management - that left the old Shale Brick plant in the dust.

Labor Day - Honoring Dad

When my father died two years ago he was 94-years-old. Going through his wallet we found, amongst the papers that he considered most important, his Port Watchmens Union membership book...

Proudly posing - 1946/1947...

HHS 2012 Raider Marching Band: The Edge

The Hillsborough High School Raider Marching Band returned from band camp last night and presented their 2012 show: The Edge...

Raiders Band 083012 - free slideshow maker

For more information on this year's Raider show,go here.
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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford and George Mariasz.

SCPC Concert: Four Tops Tribute

The 2012 Somerset County Park Commission winds up the 2012 Summer Concert Series tomorrow with the tribute group Standing in the Shadows of the Four Tops...

According to the SCPC:

"Standing in The Shadows" is the ultimate tribute to the Four Tops. A long-time admirer of the Four Tops, group originator Dave Revels, formerly of the Drifters, gathered talented musicians and singers who have worked with various legends of rock and roll, soul, and Motown to create this incredible musical experience.

The Four Tops were a Motown group who performed such well-known chart-toppers as "Baby I Need Your Loving", "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch", "It's the Same Old Song", "Standing in the Shadows of Love", "Walk Away Renee", "Ain't No Woman Like the One I've Got", etc., etc. ...

The outdoor concert runs from 7-to-8:30 p.m., Sunday, August 26, at Duke Island Park. There is no admission fee. Bring you friends and family, chairs and blankets, pets, snacks, a few dollars for the ice-cream truck and your dancing shoes.

For more information on Standing in the Shadows.. go here.

If the weather looks questionable, call (908)722-1200 ext.7 to check for cancellation.
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The end of another outstanding SCPC concert season. Thanks to the sponsors and the county employees who work so hard to present such a great summer experience every year.

SCPC Concert: Country Fest

This Sunday's Somerset County Park Commission 2012 Summer Concert Series presents the Country Fest, another double-header featuring Beth Anne Clayton from 5:30-to-6:30 p.m.and Radio Nashville from 7-to-8:30 p.m....

The SCPC website says of Beth Anne Clayton:

A natural talent, Beth Anne can play just about any instrument that you hand her. But it's her love of singing that keeps her performing in the studios and out on the stage! She most often performs for thousands annually, going nationwide from her native New Jersey to Nashville, Tennessee with her band performing an energetic blend of original country and rock music. She also tours annually with Holiday Express, a non-profit organization at the Jersey Shore, performing a Christmas show during the holiday season.

And about Radio Nashville:

Radio Nashville says that every country song tells a story, and they do just that, with a Show that's one great party. This six-piece band performs the top modern country hits from Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, and Kenny Chesney. Come sing-along to all your favorite country songs.

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Take a chair or blanket, camera, snacks, the dog, and, maybe,a few dollars for the ice-cream truck.

Remember these are outdoor concerts, so if the weather looks questionable, telephone (908)722-1200 x 7 to check for cancellation.

2012 Hillsborough Rotary Fair: The Fun!

The rides...the games...the smiles...the lights...the fun...

2012 RotaryFair The Fun - how to create a free slideshow

And don't forget the food vendors, the businesses, and the organizations that support the fair...

2012 RotaryFair Business - how to create a free slideshow

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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

2012 Rotary Fair: The Volunteers

The 5th Annual Hillsborough Rotary Fair is running this week through Saturday, August 19th. Thanks to the Rotary members and their friends and family who volunteer their time to make this week possible...

2012 RotaryFair Vols. - how to create a free slideshow

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Photographs courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

Hillsborough Rotary Club Fair 2012

From the Rotary Club website:

The Hillsborough Rotary Club will be holding its Fifth Annual "Hillsborough Rotary Fair" August 14th to August 19th at the Lowes Promenade shopping center off Route 206. The six day carnival will feature spectacular rides from Majestic Midways, games, food vendors and tent vendors as well as nightly entertainment. The Rotary Fair attracts approximately 15000 patrons every year and has grown to one of the premier family fun events in Somerset County. The Rotary Fair runs nightly from 6 - 10pm.

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Photograph from the 2011 Fair courtesy of Susan Gulliford.

SCPC Concert: Annual Bayou Fest Tonight

Laissez les bon temps rouler!
The Somerset County Park Commission's popular Bayou Fest starts at 5:30 p.m.

This year's double-bill features The VooDUDES from 5:30-to-6:30 p.m. followed by Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys from 7:00-to-8:30 p.m.

According to the SCPC, about The VooDUDES...

New Jersey's own Mardi Gras Party Band, the VooDUDES will strut their musical stuff to kick off this year's Bayou Fest. A mixed bag of Creole Soul, Swamp Funk, and Bayou Boogie, the VooDUDES incorporate elements of R&B, boogie-woogie, Zydeco, Latin, honky-tonk gospel, southern folk, and island music into their own distinctive blend of what can only be described as Louisiana music with a New Jersey accent.

and about Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys...

Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys is a hot new band on the Zydeco scene. They deliver great renditions of Creole classics, as well as their own brand of contemporary Zydeco. Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys represent a new generation of Zydeco, presented with contemporary flair and expertise. They create incredible music with outstanding performances, inspiring new Creole zydeco fans.

Concertgoers who want to go all-in on the Bayou culture should bring a few dollars to try the Cajun and Creole food, catered by Touch Bayou Catering. To get your mouth watering, here is a 2009 menu:

There is no charge for the concert. Take a chair or blanket and a camera. Be prepared to dance. Have fun!
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To increase your appreciation of the concert, learn a little about zydeco music. According to the Zydeco Historical and Preservation Society "...the music draws upon French, Creole, West African, Cajun, Caribbean, and R & B musical traditions. Zydeco Music is characterized by the use of the accordion, spoons, scrubboard, fiddle and triangle...".

Wikipedia has an overview of zydeco music.
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For more information about this year's Somerset County Park Commission Summer
Concert Series go here.