Thursday, September 20, 2012

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.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

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...

The people...
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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.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

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.
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.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

HVFC #3 September 11th Ceremony

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

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

HVFC#2 September 11th Ceremony

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


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

Monday, September 10, 2012

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

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.
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.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

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...

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

Friday, September 7, 2012

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...

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

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:



Thursday, September 6, 2012

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!




Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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..."

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

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.

Monday, September 3, 2012

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...