NFL Sponsored Flag Football
Coming To Somerset Valley YMCA 2 Green Street And Hillsborough Center
Locations This Spring
Are you ready for some football? Flag football leagues are forming
at the Somerset Valley YMCA this spring and will be sponsored
by the NFL. Four leagues are forming for ages 6-8 (co-ed), 9-11
(co-ed) and 12-14 (one league for boys and one for girls). All
supplies including flag belt, two flags, jersey and two footballs
per ten person team are included in the $75 participant fee. A
Somerset Valley YMCA membership is not necessary, but registration
is required.
Registration will begin on Saturday, February 12 at the SVYMCA
2 Green Street, Somerville location and the Hillsborough Center
location and will be on-going until March 12th. Late registrations
will be not accepted for any reason due to ordering of supplies.
The program will run on Saturdays and Sundays with times to be
determined. The League starts on April 16th and will end June
4th.
Volunteer coaches are needed for this program. If you'd like become
a volunteer coach for our flag football program or if you need
additional information, contact Health and Wellness Director,
Dan Petrillo at (908) 722-4567. You may also register on-line
at www.ymcasomersetvalley.org. As part of the nation's largest
community service organization for over 100 years, the Somerset
Valley YMCA is proud to be Partnering for a Healthy Community.
Spring Registration Set To
Start At The Somerset Valley YMCA
Spring is in the air at the Somerset Valley YMCA. Spring I registration
begins Monday, February 7th for full facility members and Monday
February 14th for program members. Classes will run 2/28 - 4/23.
Spring II registration is scheduled for Monday, April 4th for
full facility members and Monday, April 11th for program members.
Spring II session will run 4/25 - 6/18. In addition to our nationally-recognized
fitness and aquatic programs, the Somerset Valley YMCA is proud
to offer the following programs:
If you're looking to get in top running form or if you just looking
for an activity that you and your child can do together, the Hillsborough
Hop may be just what you've been looking for. An orientation is
scheduled for Monday, March 28th from 5 - 6 pm for kids and 6
- 7 pm for adults. In all, twenty classes are scheduled (counting
the orientation) for Mondays and Wednesdays. An informal Sunday
morning social run beginning at 8:00 am is also planned. Fees
for the Running Clinic are: Adult Full Privilege: $74, Basic:
$90, Guest: $106; and Youth Full Privilege: $62, Basic: $77, Youth
Guest: $93. After your 10-week training is complete, the next
stop is "The Hillsborough Hop". This 5K (3.1 mile) course
is USATF sanctioned and certified, as well as a 500 point USATF-NJ
Grand Prix event. All paid, participating runners will receive
a t-shirt and a goodie bag as part of the registration fee. Fees
for the Hillsborough Hop are Adults: $18 (ages 15 and over) before
May 21, Youth: $10 (ages 6-14) before May 21 and ages 5 and under
FREE with a registered adult. Applications for the Hillsborough
Hop are available at all of our three facilities. Save time and
money if you register at www.active.com or visit our website www.ymcasomersetvalley.org
for more race information.
Are you ready for some football? Flag football leagues are forming
at the Somerset Valley YMCA this spring at Somerville and the
Hillsborough Center and will be sponsored by the NFL. Four leagues
are forming for ages 6-8 (coed), 9-11 (coed) and 12-14 (one league
for boys and one for girls). All supplies including flag belt,
two flags, jersey and two footballs per ten person team are included
in the $75 participant fee. A Somerset Valley YMCA membership
is not necessary, but registration is required. Registration will
begin on Saturday, February 12 at the SVYMCA 2 Green Street, Somerville
location and the Hillsborough Center location and will be on-going
until March 12th. Late registrations will be not accepted for
any reason due to ordering of supplies. The program will run on
Saturdays and Sundays with times to be determined. The League
starts on April 16th and will end June 4th. Call Dan Petrillo
at (908) 722-4567 for more information. You may also register
on-line at www.ymcasomersetvalley.org.
American Red Cross Life guarding Today is scheduled at our Hillsborough
Center and Somerville locations. This program equips lifeguards
with skills and knowledge necessary to keep patrons of aquatic
facilities safe in and around the water. It includes the lifeguard-training
course with aquatic specific first aid and CPR. The course fee
includes the book and a resuscitation mask. All Students must
be 15 by the last day of the course. No exceptions will be made.
Attendance at all classes is required for certification. A $10
non-refundable deposit is required to register for the pre-test.
The remaining balance is due after completing the pre-test, and
before the first class. Successful completion of the pre-test
is required to participate in the course. The Pre-Test is scheduled
for Sunday, April 24th (Hillsborough) from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and
Sunday, March 6th (Somerville) from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Another
pre-test is scheduled for Somerville on Saturday, May 7th from
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Fees for American Red Cross Life guarding Today
are - Full Privilege: $220, Basic: $240, Guest: $265.
In Hillsborough and Bridgewater, a CPR for the Professional Rescuer
Challenge Course is planned for those people who have been previously
certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and need to re-certify.
This course covers adult, infant and child CPR, as well as, BVM's,
2-rescuer CPR and resuscitation masks. All participants should
review the material prior to attending class. In Hillsborough,
classes are scheduled for Saturday, April 23rd, Saturday, May
21st and Saturday, June 11th. All classes will take place from
8 - 11:00 a.m. In Bridgewater, classes are scheduled for Wednesday,
June 1st and Wednesday, June 8th. Both classes will run from 5:00
- 9:00 p.m. Fees are $30 for members and $35 for guests.
Another challenge course, American Red Cross Life Guarding Challenge
is planned for Hillsborough and Somerville. This Challenge course
is for students previously certified in life guarding who wish
to re-certify. This program includes the lifeguard training course
with aquatic specific First Aid and CPR. Students must bring a
resuscitation mask to class. A $10 deposit is required to register
for the pretest. The remaining balance is due after completing
the pretest. In Hillsborough, the pretest and class will take
place on Saturday, May 21st and Saturday, June 11th. Both classes
will take place from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (bring a lunch). In
Somerville, the pretest and class is scheduled for Saturday, April
30th from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (bring a lunch). Fees for this
Challenge course are $130 for members and $160 for guests.
Also in Hillsborough and Somerville is an Oxygen Administration
classes where participants will learn to administer supplemental
oxygen, open a closed airway and administer suctioning techniques.
Fees are $30 for members and $35 for guests.
In Somerville, tee-ball classes have been added to the spring
schedule for Spring II only. Children will have a blast learning
the basics of this sport. The tee takes away the frustration of
having to hit a pitched ball. Children get a great sense of accomplishment
from hitting the ball and running the bases. Fees are $62 for
full facility members, $77 for program members and $93 for guests.
Somerville will also have Wiffle-Ball classes this spring. Once
children are ready for the challenge of a pitched ball, nothing
beats Wiffle-Ball. Children learn how to swing, hit, throw and
catch while they are learning basics they can use later in baseball.
Fees are $62 for full facility members, $77 for program members
and $93 for guests.
Indoor Lacrosse also takes place in Somerville. Kids practice
their lacrosse skills through pick up games. Enjoy honing your
skills before the season starts. Fees are $62 for full facility
members, $77 for program members and $93 for guests.
As always, the Somerset Valley YMCA is proud to present these
and other fine programs as we fulfill our commitment to build
strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. At the Somerset
Valley YMCA, we're Partnering for Healthy Community. For questions
and/or registration information, please call the Somerset Valley
YMCA in Bridgewater at (908) 526-0688, in Hillsborough at (908)
369-0490, and in Somerville at (908) 722-4567 or visit www.ymcasomersetvalley.org.
Theatre at RVCC to Present Heros
& Vaudevillians, Part Duh
The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in North
Branch will present Tomas Kubinek, Jim Jackson and Murph in Heroes
& Vaudevillians, Part Duh, Saturday, February, 26, at 7 p.m.
The production is part of the Theatre’s Family Series, a
brand new initiative for the 2004-2005 season that is specially
designed for families with older children. The new series, recommended
for families with children ages eight and older, features performances
ranging from magical illusion, to acrobatics, to physical comedy,
to musical drama and puppetry.
Phys•i•cal co•me•di•an (fiz’ i-kel
ke-me’de-en) n. 1. One who takes the stage in fast-paced,
reckless abandon. 2. A professional who appears to lack appreciation
for the sanctity of his own body (pratfalls), all the while making
the observer (audience) howl with laughter. Multiply this by three
and you have an idea of what these masters of comedy have in store
in Heroes & Vaudevillians, Part Duh.
Tickets cost $20 each.
The Theatre at RVCC was voted “Best Playhouse/Theatre in
2004” by the Courier News Best of the Best. Each season,
the Theatre presents the Major Artists Series; The Merck Series,
made possible by a grant from The Merck Company Foundation; School-Time
Performances, a series for teachers and their students; the Family
Series, a series of events designed specially for families with
older children; and the Sunday Sampler Series, a series of transformational
events for children and their families.
Subscribers’ packages are available for all series. To purchase
tickets or for more information, call the Theatre Box Office,
908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccarts.org. Group discounts
are also available.
CCE at RVCC to Offer Youth
Science Programs
The Corporate & Continuing Education (CCE) division at Raritan
Valley Community College (RVCC) in North Branch is offering a
variety of science programs this spring for children ages 7-17.
Eating in Space: Living in Microgravity: Students ages 7-12 and
their parents investigate how astronauts eat, drink, sleep, exercise
and more in space. Video simulation of astronaut activity is included.
The class will be held Sunday, February 27, from 1-4 p.m. The
fee is $30.
The International Space Station: Students ages 7-12 and their
parents fly a simulated video mission to Mars aboard one of NASA’s
Mars Exploration Rovers—Spirit and Opportunity. Participants
examine the surface features of the red planet in 3D, make “Mars
soil,” participate in an exploration activity and investigate
two toy Martian Rovers. The class will be held Sunday, April 10,
from 1-4 p.m. The fee is $30.
The Talking Clock: Students ages 7-12 learn about gears and circuits
as they build their own working clock. The class will be held
Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee is $96.
Survival! Predators & Prey: Students ages 7-12 investigate
the wonders of nature. The workshop will include an owl pellet
dissection, discovering how and what an owl eats, and creating
plaster molds of a favorite animal’s feet. The class will
be held Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $48.
Telecommunication Activity Project (TAP): Students ages 13-17
build a working telegraph key and discover the importance of coding
and decoding in communication. Participants also design their
own code and learn about famous codes of history. The class will
be held Saturdays, March 5, 12 and 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. The
fee is $154.
Spectacular Spectrum: Students ages 13-17 explore the mysteries
of light and the science of optics. Participants will discover
light that cannot be seen and design and carry out their own scientific
experiments. The class will be held Saturdays, April 9, 16 and
23, from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $154.
Light Voyages: Students ages 13-17 learn how to manipulate light
rays to perform desired tasks. Participants will use innovative
equipment to mold and measure light from a real laser. The class
will be held Saturdays, April 30 to May 14, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The fee is $154.
For more information, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8235, or e-mail
cce@rvcc.raritanval.edu. Youth program brochures also can be picked
up at the CCE office, located in the lower level of RVCC’s
College Center, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Theatre at RVCC to Present Frog
and His Friends
The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in North
Branch will stage Theatre Terra’s production of Frog and
His Friends, Sunday, February 20, at 1 and 3:30 p.m.
The performance is part of the Theatre’s Sunday Sampler
Series. The series, recommended for youngsters age four and older,
features events for children and their families.
Little Max is about to move to a new house and he’s afraid
of starting at a new school and making new friends. Max conquers
his fears with help of Frog, his storybook friend. Frog, along
with his mates, guides Max through the beloved Max Velthuijs stories,
including “Frog is Frightened,” “Frog in Winter”
and “Frog and the Stranger,” showing him the true meaning
of friendship. A beloved company in its native Netherlands, Theatre
Terra last appeared in the Theatre’s Sunday Sampler Series
with the funny and touching Circus.
Tickets cost $10 each. Subscription discounts are available.
The Theatre at RVCC was voted “Best Playhouse/Theatre in
2004” by the Courier News Best of the Best. Each season,
the Theatre presents the Major Artists Series; The Merck Series,
made possible by a grant from The Merck Company Foundation; School-Time
Performances, a series for teachers and their students; the Family
Series, a series of events designed specially for families with
older children; and the Sunday Sampler Series, a series of transformational
events for children and their families.
A variety of subscribers’ packages are available for all
series. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the
Theatre Box Office, 908-725-3420, fax your order to 908-526-7890,
or order online at www.rvccarts.org. Senior citizen, student and
group discounts are also available.
RVCC Plans Events For Black
History Month
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) will celebrate Black
History Month with two special events in February.
Maxwell Kofi Donkor, an internationally known master drummer
and sculptor, will perform as part of the celebration’s opening
event on Tuesday, February 1, at noon, in the Sculpture Garden
on the College’s North Branch campus.
Filmmaker Lawrence Walker will present “The Gate Keeper
– Voices from the Past,” which will offer information
about the historic Lamington Black Cemetery, on Thursday, February
3, at noon. The history of the Lamington Black Cemetery comes
to life in this one-man show in which Walker portrays a slave
named “Caesar,” the Revolutionary War soldier. The event
will be held in RVCC’s Robeson Institute, located in the
Evelyn S. Field Library.
Donkor has been drumming and performing for more than 30 years.
He directs the African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Sankofa, which
in the Twi language of his native Asante Kingdom in Ghana means
“going back to the roots.”
Donkor’s lectures, performances, drum circles and traditional
African Ananse (spider) stories promote diversity in various cultures.
Audience members often take part in the programs. He has been
involved in a number of arts-in-education programs, from teaching
special needs children to use potter’s wheels, kilns and
woodworking tools, to elementary, secondary and university-level
school programs in the areas of African dance, sculpture, drumming
and storytelling.
Donkor is the recipient of numerous awards for his sculptures
and residencies, including the 1985 Best Sculpture Award at the
Gifex International Trade Fair in Ghana, West Africa; the 1999
Fellowship in Folk and Traditional Arts by the Pennsylvania Council
on the Arts; and the 1994 “Gift of Time” Award from
the American Family Association in Pennsylvania.
The Lamington Black Cemetery was purchased in 1857 by the Lamington
Presbyterian Church. At the time, it was not considered important
to record the lives of members of the Black community. The church
bought the land for the cemetery from Martin Kline’s 81.74-acre
property in 1857 for $55. There are a minimum of 97 graves in
the cemetery, 36 known and 61 unmarked. The surnames of slaves
and their descendants – Traphagen, Field, Lane Kennedy –
match surnames of members of the original slave-holding families
who are buried in the old churchyard across from Lamington Presbyterian
Church and in the Bedminster Cemetery. Some of those buried in
the cemetery were Civil War veterans.
Both programs are open to the public. Black History Month at
RVCC will also include programs that celebrate the arts, especially
films and literature. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu
or contact Student Activities, 908-526-1200, ext. 8274.
Wedding Ceremony/Photo Reservations
Accepted at Somerset County Parks
The Horticulture Department of the Somerset County
Park Commission is accepting reservations for wedding ceremonies
and photos for the Perennial Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Colonial
Park Arboretum. The fee for each site is $50.00 per hour.
The facilities are located in Colonial Park, East Millstone,
Somerset, New Jersey
Reservations can be made by calling 732 873-2459, ext. 22, or
NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.
The reservation line is available Monday through Friday (except
holidays) from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
During 2004, 120 permits were issued for wedding pictures and
ceremonies at Colonial Park.
The Rose Garden is an accredited All-America Rose Selections
display garden, comprising one acre of plantings with more than
3000 roses in more than 325 varieties. The Garden is at its peak
of color and fragrance from late spring into fall.
The Perennial Garden is a beautiful 5-acre garden with a gazebo
that provides year-round interest and color from its collection
of flowering shrubs, bulbs, perennials, and annuals.
Wishes Come True at Matheny
Members of the Peapack-Gladstone Woman’s Club
recently delivered "Wish Tree" presents for residents
of the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack.
Matheny is a facility for children and adults with developmental
disabilities. The Woman’s Club placed the "Wish Tree"
in the Gladstone Post Office for the benefit of residents of both
Matheny and the Bryan Manor residential health care facility.
Members of the community could participate in the giving program
by selecting a wish request from the tree and then returning with
the item gift-wrapped for pickup. The Woman’s Club was especially
appreciative of the help it received from postal workers and also
expressed its thanks to all those who participated, "for
making the holidays brighter for those who will not be home to
celebrate with families and friends."
January
Press Releases
Somersert County United Way Seeks
New President / CPO
Posted: 1/21/05
Somerset County United Way Bridgewater, NJ
Description: Somerset County United Way is seeking candidates for the position
of Chief Professional Officer / President. The ideal candidate
for this Metro I A United Way will have a demonstrable record
of success in resource development, marketing, public relations,
strategic planning, volunteer services and organization operations.
This position is responsible for promoting United Way and building
relationships within the donor and volunteer community. They will
serve as Chief spokesperson for the organization and principal
resource to the Board. The President has overall accountability
for ensuring that policies and procedures are followed, i.e.,
administration and management of the organizational operations,
including staff, budget and programs.
Position requires frequent travel within Somerset County and
surrounding area and occasional travel to conferences or meetings
throughout the Northeast Region.
Requirements:
Education: Bachelor's Degree. Master's preferred
Experience: 8-10 years relevant work experience
Proven ability to measure and document success
Send letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to:
CPO Search Committee PO Box 6835 Bridgewater, NJ 08807
or via email to: resume@uwscty.org
Jewish LIFE Sponsors Programs
About The Hassidic Journey, Klezmer Music, And The State Of The
Jewish World Today
Programs on Hassidism, klezmer music and the state
of the Jewish world today are the topics of upcoming Jewish LIFE
programs in January and February. Jewish LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone)
is a collaborative adult education program that serves residents
of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. All programs will be
held at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, 775
Talamini Road in Bridgewater.
Rabbi Moshe Herson, Dean of the Rabbinical College of America,
will present "The Hassidic Journey: From the Baal Shem Tov
to the Lubavitch" at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 23. The fee
for the program, which includes a bagel breakfast, is $10/Jewish
LIFE members and $15/guests.
Seth Rogovoy, who has been called "a missionary for klezmer,"
will present "Rockin' the Shtetl: A Multimedia Musical Journey"
at 10 a.m. (Please note new time.) on Sunday, February 6. Mr.
Rogovoy is a music critic and author of the critically acclaimed
The Essential Klezmer: A Music Lover's Guide to Jewish Roots and
Soul Music. The cost is $7 for Jewish LIFE members and $10 for
guests.
Steven Schwager, Executive Vice President of the American Jewish
Joint Distribution Committee, will present "An Update on
the Jewish World" at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 27. The
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, known as "The
Joint," has been the overseas arm of the American Jewish
community since 1914. It specializes in the relief, rescue and
renewal of Jews and Jewish communities worldwide. The fee for
the program, which includes a bagel breakfast, is $10 for Jewish
LIFE members and $15 for guests.
To register or to receive further information about Jewish LIFE
programs, please contact Laura Friedman, JCC Assistant Executive
Director, at 908-725-6994 x213, or e-mail LFriedman@ssbjcc.org.
Visit the JCC website at www.ssbjcc.org and go to the Jewish LIFE
page. Participating Jewish LIFE agencies and synagogues include:
Chabad Jewish Center of Somerset County; Congregation B'nai Israel,
Basking Ridge; Flemington Jewish Community Center; Jewish Community
Center of Belle Mead; Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon
and Warren Counties; Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon
and Warren Counties; Or Chadash - The Reform Temple of Hunterdon
County, Flemington; Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community
Center, Bridgewater; Temple Beth El, Hillsborough; Temple Beth
El, Somerset; and Temple Sholom, Bridgewater.
Lord Stirling Stable
Winter Open House
The Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable has
scheduled a Winter Open House on Saturday, February 5, 2005, from
10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple
Avenue in Basking Ridge.
Visitors will enjoy a tour of the Stable and the opportunity
to observe riding lessons and ask questions of both students and
instructors. Adult classes will be held hourly from 9:00 am to
1:00 PM and Junior classes may be observed from 1:00 PM to 5:00
PM.
In addition to English style riding lessons, information will
be available about Lead Line, Hacking, Pony Parties, Introductory
Rides, Horse Shows, and the various other events that are held
throughout the year.
Representatives of the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable will also
be available to answer questions about the events that the group
organizes for the benefit of the Park Commission facility. This
dedicated group of volunteers provides support and financial assistance
for many programs at the Stable. Activities include Driving Events,
Hunter Paces, Weekly Dog Walks, Dog Days, Salute to Horsepower
Car & Motorcycle Show, Mother's and Father's Day Trail Rides,
Nature Rides, Dressage Shows, and various clinics.
Light refreshments will be served.
For additional information call the Stable Office at 908-766-5955
or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.
TSANJ Accepting Scholarship
Applications
The Board of Directors of Tourette Syndrome Association of New
Jersey has announced that they are accepting applications for
the 2005 TSANJ Scholarship Award.
The scholarship award will be presented to a resident of New
Jersey who is a public or private high school senior, who has
been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, and who will be attending
college or trade school in the fall.
The scholarship recognizes a student with TS who has a proven
record of accomplishment and achievement despite the disorder.
The recipient will be selected based on academic record, recommendations,
and a written essay or audio or video tape demonstrating the individual's
talents. The winner will be announced at the TSANJ annual dinner
in May of 2005.
Students interested in applying for the scholarship should call
the TSANJ office at 908-575-7350 or visit the website at www.tsanj.org.
Applications are due by April 30, 2005.
The 2005 Scholarship has been funded through the generosity of
TSANJ supporters. The award is presented annually. Individuals
interested in supporting the scholarship should forward the contribution
to Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey, Inc., 50 Division
Street, Suite 205, Somerville, NJ 08876. Checks should note that
the contribution is to be made to the scholarship fund.
Backgrounder:
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder that
is manifested in involuntary physical and vocal tics. Symptoms
generally appear before an individual is 18 years old. TS affects
people of all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times more
frequently than females.
It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have full blown TS and
that as many as 1 in 200 show a partial expression of the disorder.
There is no cure for TS.
The mission of TSANJ is to support the needs of families with
TS, to advocate for individuals with TS, and to educate the public
and professionals on TS. TSANJ has a membership of 2,500 families
and medical professionals. The organization relies completely
on its membership, corporations, government, and foundations to
fund its mission.
Somerset Valley YMCA Announces
Summer Camp Lineup For 2005
The Somerset Valley YMCA has an exciting summer camp
lineup for 2005. Old favorites are back along with exciting new
additions. From traditional day camp, specialty camps and sports,
the Somerset Valley YMCA has what it takes to make this summer the
best ever for your child. The Y will be running camps at all three
Y facilities (Somerville, Hillsborough Center and Bridgewater Aquatic
Center). Registration for all camps is scheduled for Saturday, February
5th at both our Somerville and Hillsborough locations from 8:00
- 11:00 am. Call the Hillsborough Center at (908) 369-0490 or our
Somerville location at (908) 722-4567 for more information.
Here's a sampling of what will be offered:
Traditional Day Camp
Each week, campers are divided into groups based on grade. Explorer,
Adventurer, Trooper and Pioneer Camp is focused on an exciting
theme and is highlighted by trips to fun, local destinations.
The other days, campers are on-site with a variety of activities
to choose from including recreational swim and swimming lessons,
crafts, games and sports. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Fees for camp are $255/week.
Specialty Camps
These camps are designed to give campers specialized experience
or instruction in specific areas. Campers will have a recreational
swim each day. The remainder of the day incorporates traditional
camp activities. To ensure program quality, specialty camps have
limited enrollment. Hillsborough camp runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00
p.m. Somerville camp will take place from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
All Specialty Camps will be held in both Somerville and Hillsborough.
Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Survivor - Wilderness Style for kids entering grades 3 - 8 Kids
will learn to improvise with what they have available and learn
what is important and what is not necessary for survival. Camp
will be held the week of June 27th.
Arts Camp for kids entering grades 3 - 8 Kids can stay cool and
crafty as they create their own "masterpieces". Different
forms/artists will be reviewed. Projects will be geared for both
older and younger campers. Camp will be held in both Somerville
and Hillsborough the week of July 5th.
Flight Camp for kids entering grades 3 - 8 Kids will explore the
fundamentals of flight and the concepts of aerodynamics. Camp
will be held in both Somerville and Hillsborough the week of July
11th.
Dance Camp for kids entering grades 2 - 8 Kids will be offered
a unique opportunity to experience different styles of dance from
ballet to musical theatre to hip hop. Camp will be held in both
Somerville and Hillsborough the week of July 18th.
Science Adventure Camp for kids entering grades 2 - 6 Campers
will experience a hands-on, interactive science program that will
provide opportunity for experimentation and problem solving. Camp
will be held the week of July 25th.
Brain Games Camp for kids entering grades 3 - 8 Campers will learn
strategies of playing popular board games such as chess, checkers
and backgammon, as well as games from around the world. Camp takes
place the week of August 1st.
Percussion Paradise for kids entering grades 3 - 8 Kids will learn
the fundamentals of rhythm and keeping the beat. Camp takes place
the week of August 8th.
Mystery Camp for kids entering grades 3 - 8 Campers will learn
how to problem solve and use clues to find the answers. Camp takes
place the week of August 15th.
Scrap booking Camp for kids entering grades 4 - 8 Campers will
learn how to preserve memories from a favorite trip or summer
experience. Camp takes place week of August 22nd.
Y-Sports Camps
The YMCA is a community leader in offering healthy competitive
sports with an emphasis on character development. Summer Sports
camps are sport specific and age specific and will be a fun and
challenging way to experience sports. Focus is on developing skills,
self-esteem, teamwork, character values and a fun approach to
competition. A portion of the day will be devoted to the special
camp; the remainder of the day will be spent participating in
general sports camp activities. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. -
6:30 p.m. Y-Sports Camps include:
Bowling Camp for kids entering grades K- 8 Campers will learn
the basics of bowling, score-keeping and good sportsmanship. Camp
is offered in both Somerville and Hillsborough the week of July
11th and August 8th.
Gymnastics Camp for kids entering grades 1 - 6 Campers will enjoy
a 90-minute lesson each day by SVYMCA staff at our Somerville
location. Camp will take place week of
July 25th.
Ice Skating Camp for kids entering grades 4 - 8 Kids will receive
ice-skating instruction and enjoy open skate time to practice
what they have learned. Camp takes place in both Somerville and
Hillsborough during the week of July 18th.
Soccer Camp for kids entering grades K - 7 The SVYMCA and U.K.
Elite will be running soccer camp. U.K. Elite Soccer provides
the best educational environment for your child and the highest
level of soccer experience. Camp takes places in both Somerville
and Hillsborough during the week of August 1st.
Splash Camp for kids entering grades 2 - 8 Campers will sample
a multitude of sports from the aquatics arena for at least three
hours a day. Sports include water polo and synchronized swimming.
Camp takes place in Hillsborough only the week of August 15.
The Somerset Valley YMCA also offers the following summer programs:
preschool and youth aquatics, gymnastics, open gym and recreational
swimming. For more information on summer camp or any of our nationally
recognized YMCA programs, contact the Hillsborough Center at (908)
369-0490 or the Somerville location at (908) 722-4567 or log onto
www.ymcasomersetvalley.org. At the Somerset Valley YMCA, we're
Partnering for a Healthy Community. Come and be a part of it!
County Golf Registration Opens
With Discount Offer
The Somerset County Park Commission has announced that 2005 registration
for play at the five county-run golf courses is available seven
days a week at Spooky Brook Golf Course on New Brunswick Road
in Somerset and Neshanic Valley Golf Course on South Branch Road
in Branchburg only. Only Spooky Brook is open for play.
Annual registration rates for 2005 are $35 for in-county adults;
$25 for in-county seniors (60 years of age and older); $25 for
in-county Juniors (18 years of age and under); and $45 for out-of-county
residents.
Golfers registering up to Sunday, April 3, 2005, will enjoy a
$5.00 discount off the registration fee.
All Somerset County golf courses will be open for play on Saturday,
March 12, 2005.
Maple Sugaring Continues At
Environmental Education Center
Free programs - weekends in January and February
Continuing a tradition in the Northeast United States that was
begun centuries ago by Native Americans and colonists, the Somerset
County Park Commission invites children and adults to witness
how Maple Trees are tapped, learn about sap collecting methods
of both the past and present, and experience the boiling process
that produces delicious New Jersey Maple Syrup.
The maple sugaring facility run by the Somerset County Park Commission
Naturalists is a one-half mile walk through the forest from the
Environmental Education Center building at 190 Lord Stirling Road.
Visitors will find the sugar house where the sap is boiled down
to syrup. Along the way, visitors will witness the Great Swamp
in a setting that summer visitors never see. Trails are well marked
and easy to follow. The site is accessible to mobility impaired
individuals with forty-eight hours notice providing that weather
and ground conditions permit.
Rich Hoffman, coordinator of the program stated, "Not only
do people learn about the manufacture of maple syrup, but they
also learn about history, technology, food production, trees,
and wildlife. But, what I like most about the program is that
it is fun to be in the winter woods, smelling the sweetness coming
from the sugar house and being near the warmth of the fire."
Free public programs take place at the sugar house on weekends,
January 22 & 23; January 29 & 30; February 5 & 6:
February 12 & 13; February 19 & 20; and February 26 &
27 at 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 2:00 PM. Participants should allow
at least twenty minutes to walk from the Center to the sugar house.
Organized groups may schedule weekday demonstrations by contacting
the EEC at 908-766-2489, ext. 332.
Information and trail conditions may be obtained by calling 908-766-2489.
Individuals with hearing impairments may call NJ Relay at 711.
Theatre At RVCC To Present
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers
The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in North
Branch will present Windwood Productions' presentation of Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers, Friday, February 4, at 8 p.m.
The production is part of the Theatre's 2004-2005 Merck Series,
made possible by a grant from the Merck Company Foundation. Tickets
cost $34 and $39.
"Goin' courting" has never been as much fun as in this
rip-roaring stage version of the popular MGM movie, adapted by
Lawrence Kasha and David Landay. Millie is a young bride living
in the 1850s Oregon wilderness whose plan to civilize and marry
off her six rowdy brothers-in-law backfires when the brothers,
in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town
to be their brides. Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the
original film, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers harkens back to
the glory days of the movie musical.
The Theatre at RVCC was voted "Best Playhouse/Theatre in
2004" by the Courier News Best of the Best. Each season,
the Theatre presents the Major Artists Series; The Merck Series,
made possible by a grant from The Merck Company Foundation; School-Time
Performances, a series for teachers and their students; the Family
Series, a series of events designed specially for families with
older children; and the Sunday Sampler Series, a series of transformational
events for children and their families.
Theatre At RVCC To Present The
Really Good And Funny Show
The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in North
Branch will stage Child's Play Touring Theatre's production of
The Really Good and Funny Show, Sunday, January 30, at 1 and 3:30
p.m.
The performance is part of the Theatre's Sunday Sampler Series.
The series, recommended for youngsters age four and older, features
events for children and their families.
Child's Play delights audiences with favorite songs, plays and
dances from its vast repertoire of stories and poems written by
children across the country over the past two decades. The delightful
audience-participation show will carry everyone along from curtain
up to curtain call.
Tickets cost $10 each. Subscription discounts are available.
The Theatre at RVCC was voted "Best Playhouse/Theatre in
2004" by the Courier News Best of the Best. Each season,
the Theatre presents the Major Artists Series; The Merck Series,
made possible by a grant from The Merck Company Foundation; School-Time
Performances, a series for teachers and their students; the Family
Series, a series of events designed specially for families with
older children; and the Sunday Sampler Series, a series of transformational
events for children and their families.
A variety of subscribers' packages are available for all series.
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Theatre
Box Office, 908-725-3420, fax your order to 908-526-7890, or order
online at www.rvccarts.org. Senior citizen, student and group
discounts are also available.
The Somerset Hills YMCA Kicks
Off the New Year with CLICK Night
Every month over 300 middle school students from the Somerset
Hills area enjoy a party every participant and parent can be proud
to be a part of - the Somerset Hills YMCA's CLICK Night. This
special event, held once a month on a Saturday evening, ensures
a secure and enjoyable environment for youth to come together
to socialize and have a good time. The Y hosted the first CLICK
Night of 2005 on January 8th to great success.
For more than five years, the Somerset Hills YMCA has been holding
CLICK Nights in an effort to encourage youth in the area to pursue
safe and fun social activities after school and on the weekends.
CLICK stands for the questions that the YMCA hopes that students
will ask themselves when making a decision: C - what are the consequences
of my decision? L - Is it legal? I - is this the image I want
to present? C - does this decision fit with my family's culture?
K - does it leave a knot in my stomach?
"CLICK Nights are a positive way for kids to spend social
time together. It shows them that they can go out on a Saturday
night, have fun with their friends and meet new people, without
relying on drugs and alcohol to have a good time," stated
Carolyn Vasquez, Community Outreach Director at the Somerset Hills
YMCA. "CLICK Night brings together kids from different parts
of the community and different schools and exposes them to the
CLICK model of decision making through posters and literature."
Y staff, volunteer chaperones and a law enforcement officer are
on hand to ensure the safety of attendees who gather to dance,
watch a movie, climb the rock wall and socialize with one another.
At this month's event, two high school students from the area,
one a past CLICK attendee and one whose younger sister attends
CLICK events, will volunteer their time and talents to DJ. There
will also be an information table set up with materials regarding
substance abuse prevention. CLICK night is held on one Saturday
night each month from 7p.m. through 10p.m. There is a $5 admission
charge, and pizza and other refreshments are sold by the YMCA
Dance Squad at an additional cost. All attendees are required
to bring a Y CLICK identification card in order to attend the
event and new attendees may acquire a card at the Y member services
desk beginning at 7p.m.on the night of the event. There is a $5
fee for the identification card and a parent or guardian must
be present.
The next CLICK night will take place on February 12 and the Somerset
Hills YMCA is always looking for volunteers to help to chaperone
or help with set-up and clean-up.
For more information on attending CLICK Night, contact Carolyn
Vasquez at 908-766-4755 x34. To learn more about volunteering
for CLICK night or at the Y please contact Sylvia Velez at 908-630-3530.
Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
A Caring Community Responds
January 2004
As we begin a new year, I want to take this opportunity to thank
the greater Somerset County community for their many gifts of
caring in 2004.
Donations to the Somerset County United Way Community Care Fund
made it possible for our organization to provide critical financial
support for 94 health and human services programs through our
55 affiliated agencies in 2004. Thousands of individuals and families
received nourishing food, had access to legal assistance or received
help in finding or maintaining housing for themselves and their
families. At-risk teens and those recovering from substance abuse
received supportive counseling. And, hundreds of seniors were
able to remain in their homes and avoid institutionalized care.
These are just some of the ways that lives that been changed for
the better thanks to your gift to United Way.
Your support has also enabled Somerset County United Way to reach
out to the community in new and innovative ways.
The John G. Locke DDS Pediatric Dental program, a partnership
between United Way and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County,
debuted in 2004. This program works to identify and provide dental
care to young children of low-income families.
United Way’s youth mini grant program has helped to enrich
the lives of students throughout the county. Thirty-four P.E.A.C.E.
grants were awarded to 22 schools in 14 school districts and 21
mini grants of up to $1,000 each were awarded to youth organizations.
These grants made possible programs that encouraged artistic pursuit,
allowed students to interact with and learn from senior citizens,
offered the opportunity to experience other cultures and encouraged
young people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Each grant included
a service component, requiring the students to undertake a project
that would give back to the community.
And, United Way’s community programs broke new records in
2004, not just in the number of recipients as we continue to see
an increase in need, but also in the number of donors, volunteers,
businesses and service organizations that provided support year
’round.
More than 5,300 baby care items, such as blankets, clothing,
formula, diapers and more, were collected and distributed to low-income
new and expectant mothers in our area through the Baby Bundles
program.
In April, 445 volunteers assisted 26 conservation, environmental
education, animal welfare and other nonprofit agencies with 38
projects in observance of Earth Day.
During the summer months, more than 25,800 new school supplies
and items of clothing, worth an estimated $61,765, were collected
and distributed to 3,600 elementary and middle school children
of low-income families at 39 schools throughout Somerset County.
At United Way’s Day of Caring in September, more than 1,770
volunteers turned out to help 81 nonprofit agencies with 163 different
projects. This was followed in October by more than 100 youth
volunteers who helped eight local agencies for Youth Make a Difference
Day.
In November, families took center stage, with more than 350 volunteers
of all ages who spent a Sunday afternoon helping with 19 projects
at National Family Volunteer Day.
Students and youth groups did their part by collecting more than
5,000 winter coats through the Wrapped in Love program.
And, most recently, our Gifts of the Season program broke all
previous records. In its 14th year, this partnership between United
Way, the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the Somerset
County Board of Social Services, provided holiday gifts to more
than 4,770 low-income families and individuals. More than 10,000
gifts were donated by employees and members of 102 local businesses
and service organizations.
This ability to design programs and build partnerships to address
the specific needs of our community is what makes United Way unique.
But throughout this process, our most important resource remains
the same - you.
Thanks to our volunteers and an effective use of resources, more
than 88 cents of every dollar donated to this United Way supports
programs that provide food and shelter, quality child and elder
care, emergency services, youth development, healthcare services
and more. Thanks to you, Somerset County United Way remains an
effective and vital catalyst for change. For additional information
on how you can help your community through United Way or one of
our 55 affiliated agencies, or call (908) 725-6640.
On behalf of the thousands of people who were helped in 2004
by your financial gift or your gift of volunteer service, the
entire Somerset County United Way Board of Trustees and the dedicated
United Way staff wish to offer our sincere thanks. I am proud
to live in such a caring community - Somerset County, a great
place to live, work and volunteer!
Sincerely,
John Graf Jr. Acting CPO
Somerset County United Way
Honoring Dr. King's Legacy
The youth leadership organization, Do Something, has issued its
annual resources and contest encouraging students to perform acts
of kindness and justice in tribute to the spirit and memory of
Dr. Martin Luther King. New Jersey schools have traditionally
registered thousands of acts through this program, which is a
meaningful addition to other service learning and community service
programs. The Do Something website includes access to curriculum
materials appropriate for students different grade levels at:
http://www.dosomething.org/challenges/kj/
Bush picks Chertoff to head
homeland security
By Steve Holland
WASHINGTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Tuesday
nominated U.S. Appeals Court Judge Michael Chertoff, an architect
of the Justice Department's anti-terror response after the Sept.
11, 2001, attacks, to become secretary of homeland security.
After the debacle involving the nomination of former New York
police commissioner Bernard Kerik, who abruptly withdrew his name
from consideration a month ago, Chertoff appeared to be a safe
choice. Bush pointed out he has already been confirmed for previous
jobs three times by the Senate.
"In all of his roles, Mike has shown a deep commitment to
the cause of justice and an unwavering determination to protect
the American people. Mike has also been a key leader in the war
on terror," Bush said in a White House ceremony with the
balding, gaunt Chertoff at his side.
Chertoff, 51, of New Jersey, is a former assistant attorney general
at the Justice Department and in the mid-1990s was a special counsel
for the U.S. Senate's committee that investigated the Whitewater
affair involving former President Bill Clinton, according to a
Justice Department resume.
Bush said Chertoff already has experience in efforts to protect
the United States from attack.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Chertoff was managing the Justice Department's
800-strong criminal division.
"In the days after Sept. 11, Mike helped trace the terrorist
attacks to the al Qaeda network. He understood immediately that
the strategy in the war on terror is to prevent attacks before
they occur," Bush said.
Chertoff found early support from Senate Democrat Charles Schumer
who is on the Judiciary Committee that will consider the nomination.
Schumer of New York said Chertoff has an "understanding of
New York's and America's neglected homeland security needs"
and "at the outset, he appears to be a strong choice."
The nomination of Chertoff comes nine days before Bush is inaugurated
for his second four-year term and leaves the president with one
last big job to fill, that of director of national intelligence.
One candidate for that position is retired Gen. Tommy Franks,
the former Central Command chief who led the invasion of Iraq
and the war in Afghanistan.
Chertoff has been an appeals court judge for the 3rd Circuit
since June 2003.
"He's faced countless challenging decisions and has helped
to protect his fellow Americans while protecting their civil liberties,"
Bush said.
Chertoff would replace Tom Ridge, who was the first secretary
of the Homeland Security Department, which was created in the
wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.
He said if confirmed, he would "devote all my energy to
promoting our homeland security and, as important, to preserving
our fundamental liberties."
"If confirmed as secretary, I will be proud to stand again
with the men and women who form our front line against terror,"
Chertoff said at the ceremony.
"Their job is law enforcement and much more. They secure
our ports and our airways, our borders and our buildings, our
computers and our public utilities. They respond to natural and
man-made disasters in our hours of greatest need," he said.
Kerik was nominated with great fanfare to head the department
but withdrew his name due to what he said were questions over
the immigration status of a housekeeper and nanny he employed.
Michael Chertoff is the husband of Meryl Chertoff who resides
on the Board of Trustees for Somerset County United Way.
December
Press Releases
Board Member Needed for
Franklin Township Food Bank
Description:
Franklin Township Food Bank is seeking motivated, energetic, community
minded individuals for the Board. This is a working Board that
meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Food Bank building..
Trustees are expected to serve on one standing committee.
Population(s) Served:
Gay/Lesbian/
Bisexual/Transgender
Ethnic Groups
Immigrants/Refugees
Low Income/Public
Assistance Recipients
Racial Groups
Infants/Toddlers
Children
Adolescents
Young Adults
Adults
Older Adults
Male
Female
Social Issue(s) Addressed: Employment
Work
Hunger/Nutrition
Record-Breaking Year
For United Way's Gifts Of The Season
A Caring Community Responds
"It was an incredible response," said Lisa Galonardo
of this year's Gifts of the Season program. "We were able
to provide gifts to more than 4,700 people this year, thanks to
the outpouring of support from thousands of community members."
In its 14th year, Gifts of the Season is an annual program of
Somerset County United Way run in partnership with the Food Bank
Network of Somerset County, the Franklin Township Food Bank and
the Somerset County Board of Social Services. The program offers
an opportunity for people to provide gifts for local individuals
and families in need during the holiday season.
"Unfortunately, the number of people in financial need in
Somerset County continued to grow this year," said Galonardo,
AVP of volunteer services for United Way. "But it is heartening
to know that the community responded to this increase in need
by increasing their support. We collected more than 10,000 gifts
that were donated by people, corporations, businesses, schools,
faith-based and service organizations. This is by far the largest
number of gifts that we have ever received through this program."
Participants in Gifts of the Season receive tags from United
Way with information about a person in need and their wish list.
They may then choose the item(s) they would like to purchase and
donate. The donated gifts were delivered, unwrapped, to a warehouse
in Bound Brook where they were sorted and prepared for distribution
by more than 220 volunteers. The majority of the gifts were distributed
on December 18. A total of 102 companies and organizations participated
by collecting or donating gifts.
"Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able
to provide a gift for everyone who was enrolled in the program,"
said Marie Scannell, executive director of the Food Bank Network
of Somerset County. "The community really came through. I
want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated a
gift or helped with the program. It was a very good year."
"People really appreciate receiving a gift that was chosen
for them," said Irene Natale, mgr. of volunteer services
at United Way. "For some, this may be the only gift that
they will receive this year. And, perhaps even more important
than the gift is the message that it sends to someone facing hard
times. It sends the message that other people care."
At the same time, another United Way program, Wrapped in Love,
offered schools, youth organizations and businesses the opportunity
to help local people in need collecting winter coats that were
also distributed last week. "More than 5,000 coats and other
items of winter apparel were collected," said Yvette Choma,
assoc. mgr. of volunteer services for United Way. "This is
only the second year that we've sponsored the Wrapped in Love
program, and more than 50 schools, youth groups, churches and
local businesses got involved. The kids did a phenomenal job.
Their hard work has helped so many people in our community. They
should be proud of what they have accomplished."
For more information on upcoming United Way programs or to view
photos from Gifts of the Season or Wrapped in Love, visit our
Year-Round programs page.
The Somerset County Park Commission will hold their 15th Annual
Cross Country Ski and Winter Activities Trip to Lapland Lake, New
York in the Adirondack Mountains.
Trip participants depart from the Environmental Education Center,
190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey on Thursday,
February 10 and return Sunday, February 13, 2005. Limited spaces
are still available for individuals 12 years of age and older.
A pre-trip meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 3, 2005,
from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Lapland Lakes has over 50 miles of trails ranging from beginner
to expert. Lodging will be in rustic cottages called "tupas"
with both electric heat and wood burning stoves. The trip includes
two full and two half day ski trail access, a beginner lesson,
a guided natural history walk, use of snow shoes, and use of a
Finnish sauna. Additional activities include a Saturday night
ski, ice skating, movies, and lessons.
Cost of the trip is $450 per person. The fee includes three nights
accommodations, all van transportation, four Continental breakfasts
and three dinners.
For information, call the Environmental Education Center at 908-766-2489
or NJ Relay 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.
Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission
activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org
TSANJ Support Group
Workshops Scheduled For 2005
The Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey (TSANJ) has announced
the dates for early 2005 Support Group Workshop Sessions for individuals,
family, and friends of those impacted by Tourette Syndrome (TS).
Bergen/Passaic Family Support Group
Valley Hospital, 223 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ
Wednesday, February 9 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Burlington/Camden County Family Support Group
West Jersey Hospital, 100 Townsend Avenue, Berlin, NJ
Monday, February 7 from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Middlesex/Union/Monmouth County Family Support Group
JFK Neuroscience Institute, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ
Thursday, January 13 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren/Mercer Counties Support Group
Somerset Medical Center, 100 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ
Monday, January 24 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Parents, teachers, and medical professionals are invited to attend.
Many of the Support Group meeting feature speakers with experience
in the treatment of Tourette Syndrome and related disorders. Call
TSANJ at 908-575-7350 for details and directions. There is no
charge to attend.
Backgrounder:
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder that
is manifested in involuntary physical and vocal tics. Symptoms
generally appear before an individual is 18 years old. TS affects
people of all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times more
frequently than females. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans
have full blown TS and that as many as 1 in 200 show a partial
expression of the disorder. There is no cure for TS.
The mission of TSANJ is to support the needs of families with
TS, to advocate for individuals with TS, and to educate the public
and professionals on TS. TSANJ has a membership of 2,500 families
and medical professionals. The organization relies completely
on its membership, corporations, government, and foundations to
fund its mission.
Currently TSANJ operates 10 support groups at regional medical
centers across New Jersey; conducts awareness training for teachers,
school nurses, students and community leaders; manages a TS help
line for disseminating information about TS to parents, teachers,
doctors, and others; sponsors a state-wide Family Contact Program;
and works with Rutgers University at the nation's only student
clinician TS clinic, developing support programs and treatments
for families dealing with TS.
Winter Session Begins January
9th At Shimon And Sara Birnbaum JCC In Bridgewater
The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center (JCC) located
at 775 Talamini Road in Bridgewater, is now accepting registerations
for the Winter Session of classes and programs. The Winter Session
begins January 9th and runs through April 8th .The Winter Program
Guide is available at the JCC office and on the JCC's website:
www.ssbjcc.org.
The Winter Session includes an extensive lineup of classes and
programs including aquatics, fitness, sports, recreational, educational
and cultural programs. Fitness Classes include: Family Karate;
Belly dancing; Body Sculpting; Cardio Blast Workout; Cardio Kickboxing;
Fit-Abs, (new!) "KIDZ" Fit Program; Pilates - The Mat
Workout; Interval Step & Sculpt; (new!) "Krav Maga"
Israeli self defense class; Dance Extravaganza (adults 21+); Strength
Training for Women; Teen Dance Explosion; Teen Introduction to
Weights & Fitness; Water Works; Water Works II Intermediate;
Fitness Yoga & Relaxtion (Beginner, Intermediate and All Fitness
Levels); and Yoga/Pilates Workout.
Early Childhood Enrichment Classes include Moon Beans & Stars
(Mommy and Me); Tot Shabbat; Imagine That!; ABC's &123's;
Dizney Days; No "Cook" Cooking; and Karate. Early Childhood
Sports classes include: Jungle "Jim" Gym; Soft Foam
Hockey; Gym & Swim; Slam Dunk Basketball; Kinder Basketball;
All Sorts of Sports, Sports & Games for 2's & 3's; Gymnastics
Skills; Intermediate Gymnastics; and Advanced Gymnastic Skills.
Youth Sports Classes include: Pee-Wee Jr. NBA Basketball; Soccer;
Youth Tennis Level II; NHL "Street Hockey I" and "Street
Hockey II; and 3rd & 4th Grade Basketball. Adult Sports classes
include: Men's Spring Basketball League; Men's Street Hockey;
Co-ed Open Adult Basketball; and Blue Plate Special (Co-ed Open
Adult Basketball, Tuesday and Fridays 12Noon-2 p.m.). The JCC
Plate Special (Co-ed Open Adult Basketball, Tuesday and Fridays
12Noon-2 p.m.). The JCC Dance School, offering a variety of dance
classes for children in pre-school through grade 2 including Pre-Ballet,
Ballet, and Hip Hop Jazz.
The JCC runs the American Red Cross learn to swim program, Levels
1-7.A wide range of swim classes for individuals of all ages are
offered, and private and semi-private swim lesson are also available.
For further information please call the Aquatics Department at
908-725-6994 x230.
Vacation Day Programs are scheduled for kids in grades K-6 on
February 21, March 25, 28, and 29. (Please call the JCC office
for details and fees.) The Youth & Teen Department will be
sponsoring teen tips this winter including: ski trip to Camelback
Resort (Sunday, February 13), College Caravan to University of
Maryland, George Washington University and American University
(February 20-21); Harlem Globetrotters at Continental Airlines
Arena (February 21) and Broadway trip to see Hairspray (February
27). Please contact Youth & Teen Director Paige Maderer 908-725-6994
x207; PMaderer@ssbjcc.org for details/fees.
The JCC offers a wide variety of activities to seniors 60 years
and older. This non-sectarian program also includes weekly discussions
and presentations. Hot lunches are served on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Senior fitness classes include "Healthy Bones" (Mondays
at 10:30 a.m.), "Joints in Motion" (aquatics class offered
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.); and "Sit & Be Fit" (low
impact exercise program offered Wednesdays at 10:45a.m.). The
GrandFriends Intergenerational program meets 3 times/month (Tuesdays
at 1 p.m.) bringing our adults and seniors together with our pre-school
children to celebrate holidays and participate in a variety of
activities. The JCC is pleased to present the continuing "Mason
Gross at the JCC" free concert series, featuring students
from the Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts. Concerts
are free and are scheduled on Tuesday, January 18, Tuesday, February
15 and Tuesday, March 15. All performances begin at 1:30 p.m.
and the community is invited to attend. To RSVP for adult programs,
please contact Adult Program Director Jan Smith at 908-725-6994
x206; JSmith@ssbjcc.org.
For membership information -- including corporate memberships
-- to register for classes, or for additional information including
class fees, please call the JCC office at 908-725-6994, e-mail
Info@ssbjcc.org, or visit
the JCC website at www.ssbjcc.org.
Park Commission To Recycle
Christmas Trees
The Somerset County Park Commission will be accepting natural
Christmas trees for recycling from Sunday, December 26, 2004 through
Monday, January 31, 2005.
Somerset County residents may bring their tree to Colonial Park,
Parking Lot F, 156 Mettlers Road in East Millstone or to North
Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater at the northern
end of the parking lot near the lighted ballfield. Both facilities
will accept trees from 8:00am to 4:00pm, seven days a week.
Each family is limited to one tree that must be free of all ornaments,
wires, netting, and tinsel. Only natural trees will be accepted.
Wreaths and garland will not be accepted as these items cannot
be recycled. Deliveries from groups or dealers will be rejected.
Following these guidelines is necessary to maintain a manageable
recycling program.
Trees will be chopped into wood chips which will be used throughout
the park system to mulch plantings. Chips will also be made available
to the public at the drop-off sites at no cost.
For information, call the Somerset County Park Commission Horticulture
Department as 732 873-2459, ext. 22 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals
with hearing impairments, Monday to Friday (except holidays) from
8:30am to 3:30pm. Information on Somerset County Park Commission
activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org
A Special New Year's Dog
Walk On The Trails At Lord Stirling Stable
The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable have announced that a special
"2005 New Year's Dog Walk" is scheduled for Saturday,
January 1, 2005, along the equestrian trails of the Somerset County
Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable at 256 South Maple Avenue
in Basking Ridge. Check in time for this special event is between
1:00 P.M. and 1:30 P.M. with the Walk scheduled for 1:30 P.M.
to 2:30 P.M.
Regularly scheduled "Saturday Dog Walks" will continue
on January 8, 2005, with check in time between 10:00 A.M. and
10:30 A.M. and the Walk from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
The "New Year's Dog Walk" will provide owners and pets
an opportunity to walk off some of the holiday cheer on a tour
of the beautiful trails at Lord Stirling Stable at a relaxed pace.
Registration is $3.00 per dog and all pets must be leashed and
kept under control at all times. Humans are invited free of charge.
The Friends ask participants to bring an unopened dry or canned
puppy/dog or kitten/cat food for donation to the Mt. Pleasant
Animal Shelter. For more information, call Martha at 973-635-8672.
County Golf Registration
Opens With Discount Offer
The Somerset County Park Commission has announced that 2005 registration
for play at the five county-run golf courses will begin on Sunday,
January 2, 2005. Registration will be open seven days a week at
Spooky Brook Golf Course in Somerset and Neshanic Valley Golf
Course in Branchburg only. Only Spooky Brook is open for play.
Annual registration rates for 2005 are $35 for in-county adults;
$25 for in-county seniors (60 years of age and older); $25 for
in-county Juniors (18 years of age and under); and $45 for out-of-county
residents.
Golfers registering up to Sunday, April 3, 2005 will enjoy a
$5.00 discount off the registration fee. All Somerset County golf
courses will be open for play on Saturday, March 12, 2005.
Somerset County United Way
President Steps Down
Allen Reese to resign effective February 6, 2005
The Board of Trustees of Somerset County United Way (SCUW) has
accepted the resignation of its president/CEO, Allen Reese, effective
February 6, 2005. Reese announced that he will be leaving the
nonprofit organization to pursue new professional opportunities
more closely aligned with his academic background in health policy
and health care reform.
Assuming the role of acting CEO will be current Somerset County
United Way Board Chairperson John Graf, Jr. of Bedminster Township.
Graf will be serving in the interim position as a volunteer and
work with the SCUW senior management team during the next few
months to keep the organization thriving. A Search Committee for
the new leader will be established in the next month to fill the
position by March 1.
"We have an excellent staff working for United Way and the
senior managers will be the day-to-day point people handling the
work load until we find a new leader," said Graf. "The
Board has total confidence that this dynamic group of employees
will continue to build on the successes that they have developed
during Mr. Reese's term. They are a tight-knit family that have
been working together with thousands of countywide volunteers
from the community to better the quality of life for our Somerset
County residents."
Under Reese's leadership, SCUW has brought in approximately $30
million in campaign contributions for health and human services
programs serving people who live and work in Somerset County and
the greater Tri-State region. The 2004-2005 campaign is expected
to bring in another $10 million. During his tenure, Reese also
led the organization in expanding funding to include United Way
mini-grants to encourage young people to become involved in community
service. More than $150,000 has been granted in the last three
years to public schools, community youth, environmental and arts
organizations to promote this specific activity.
"We were very fortunate to have someone with Allen's background
and experience. Since his hiring in February 2001, he was a major
asset to the organization," said Graf. "His record of
accomplishments brought our organization to a whole new level,
which saw SCUW climb to one of the largest United Ways in New
Jersey and to the top 10 percent of the approximate 1,400 local
United Ways in the nation."
During his tenure, Reese introduced the concept of year-round
community service programs, including Baby Bundles, Earth Day
of Caring, Make A Difference Day, National Family Volunteer Day,
Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner, Wrapped in Love, Women's Initiative
Breakfast, Community Celebration as well as the introduction of
Somerset County public school P.E.A.C.E., Youth organization and
VIP grants. His latest accomplishment was the establishment of
the John Locke DDS Pediatric Dental Program that serves low-income
children with free dental services. The latter program is a partnership
with the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and is coordinated
with the assistance of Dr. Locke's widow, Jeanne Locke, of Montgomery
Township.
"It was a real pleasure to work with Allen and the Food
Bank Network on this long awaited dental program," said Locke.
"Through the volunteer services of dozens of local dentists,
this program is off and running and will eventually assist thousands
of needy families who would not have been able to provide for
their children without this program."
Reese also was very involved in establishing a marketing campaign
to increase visibility of United Way in Somerset County. He coined
the phrase, "Somerset County United Way Works Here,"
and the agency has distributed street and lobby signage at the
55 United Way-affiliated agencies, mini-grant recipient locations,
as well as public and corporate partner locations. He led the
agency to develop a new web site, "Somerset Online,"
and established a weekly e-mail digest sent to nearly 1,000 subscribers
throughout the region.
Prior to joining Somerset County United Way, Reese served as
president of AIDS Delaware and as director of the New Beginnings
Program, a nonprofit incubator based in Philadelphia. He holds
a master's degree in public policy from Rutgers University and
has experience in the nonprofit, public and private sectors. In
1996, Reese received an achievement award from the New Jersey
Lesbian and Gay Coalition for his leadership in organizing the
gay community in Southern New Jersey and for his work in helping
to add sexual orientation as a protected class under New Jersey
state law. Upon graduation from Rutgers in 1993, he was the recipient
of the Walter Rand Award for his academic research into health
care reform. He was also awarded a Presidential Management Internship
upon graduation from Rutgers.
An independent nonprofit organization that acts as a catalyst
for positive change, Somerset County United Way supports health
and human services providers by raising funds and effectively
investing them, developing volunteer resources and building community
collaboratives and partnerships. Somerset County United Way currently
provides funding for 94 critical health and human services programs
through 55 affiliated agencies. More than 88 cents of every dollar
donated supports programs that provide food and shelter, quality
child and elder care, emergency services, youth development, healthcare
services and more.
Matheny Choir to Sing
at Legislative Reception Celebrating 30th Anniversary of ASAH
The Matheny Medical and Educational Center Choir will perform
at the 30th anniversary celebration of ASAH, the association for
the private special education community in New Jersey, Monday,
December 13, at a legislative reception and children's concert
here. The concert will also include a performance by students
from The Phoenix Center in Nutley. The reception will be held
fromn 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the 4th floor of the State House Annex
in Committee Room #16.
Matheny, located in Peapack, is a facility for children and adults
with developmental disabilities. Its special education school
serves children from age 3 to 21. The choir is part of the music
therapy program, which provides musical experiences designed to
promote particpants' growth in cognitive, behavioral, physical,
emotional, creative, social and leisure skills.
Environmental Education
Center Recipient Of Six Eagle Scout Projects In 2004
The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center
at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge has welcomed the participation
of 6 Eagle Scouts in the completion of their improvement projects
at the EEC.
Phillip Hume Nesting boxes on Red and Unmarked Trails July 2004
Phillip Hume of Basking Ridge, Troup 351, built 3 red headed woodpecker,
3 kestrel, and 3 prothonotary warbler boxes for the EEC trails
and placed them in habitats conducive to nesting activity.
Scott Olesen Steps and railing for Maple Sugar trail August 2004
Scott Olesen of Millington, Troop 56, built steps and a railing
leading to the EEC Maple Sugar Shack. This trail is heavily trafficked
during the winter for Maple Sugaring demonstrations. The trail
will provide easier access as a result of Scott's efforts.
Jake Shuster Boardwalk on Blue Trail October 2004
Jake Shuster of Basking Ridge, Troop 555, built a new section
of boardwalk on the Blue Trail in an area that is extremely wet
and muddy in the winter and spring. The new boardwalk will protect
against visitors walking off the trail and will make walking on
the Blue Trail a safer and more pleasant experience for our visitors.
Harry Kohl Invasive plant removal & native plant replacement
October 2004
Harry Kohl of Basking Ridge Troop 555, removed large rose and
autumn olive bushes that are non-native and aggressive in their
growth. He replaced the non-native plants with bushes and ferns
indigenous to the area. These native plants will provide food
and shelter for native insects, birds and other animals.
Scott Lucas Trail maps for Red and unmarked trails November 2004
Scott Lucas of Basking Ridge, Troop 555, created and placed trail
maps and map-stands indicating the location at every intersection
along the Red Trail and the unmarked trails at the farthest part
of the Lord Stirling Park.
Mike McGuire Nesting boxes for Special Use Trail November 2004
Mike McGuire of Morris Plains, Troop 34, built and placed nesting
boxes along the SUT. The nesting boxes are for educational purposes
to show visitors what type of boxes are appropriate for different
birds, bats, and other small mammals. Mike will provide plans
for the boxes that visitors may use to build their own boxes.
"The Park Commission is grateful to these Scouts for their
commitment to Scouting and to the environment," stated Cathy
Schrein, Director of the EEC. "It is a pleasure to work with
these young men, our future leaders."
Somerset Patriots To Host
Toy Drive With The United States Marine Corp Reserve Toys For Tots
Program And The United Way
Special Guests Sparky Lyle And Emiliano Escandon
The Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional
Baseball, along with The United States Marine Corp Reserve Toys
For Tots program and The United Way, will host a toy drive at
Commerce Bank Ballpark on Saturday, December 11th from 10:00 am
to 4:00 pm.
