The 23-year-old was arrested Sunday in Lambertville

LAMBERTVILLE -- A Philadelphia man who sold stolen merchandise on craigslist was arrested Sunday in Lambertville, authorities said.

A man was who allegedly sold stolen goods on craigslist was arrested Sunday in Lambertville.NJ.com file photo 

Johnny Martell Jr., 23, was charged with theft by deception and receiving stolen property, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release.

Martell was taken to the Somerset County jail where he was held on $15,000 bail. 

The release provided no other information about what was stolen or how many people might have been victimized by responding to an ad on the classified advertising website. A call to the prosecutor's office wasn't immediately returned. 

Police in Lambertville and Philadelphia assisted the State Police and the prosecutor's office in the investigation.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Mickey 'Dean Ween' Melchiondo has described the guitar as 'irreplaceable'

NEW HOPE, Pa. -- The guitarist for the alternative rock group Ween has issued a plea for the return of a rare vintage guitar he says was stolen from a show in New Hope last week, according to reports.

Ween guitarist Mickey "Dean Ween" Melchiondo, shown here in 2013 at his New Hope home, reported his rare 1961 Fender Stratocaster stolen after a show last week. (Saed Hindash/The Star-Ledger)

Mickey "Dean Ween" Melchiondo discovered his 1961 Fender Stratocaster with a 1961 Jazzmaster neck had been stolen Wednesday while he was loading gear into his truck after a show at John and Peter's, PhillyVoice.com reports.

The report cites a post on a private Facebook group in which Melchiondo described the guitar -- which has a Brazilian Slab rosewood neck that went out of production in 1962 -- as "irreplaceable."

Melchiondo has asked anyone with information about the guitar, which bears serial number 61936, to email him at vealmarsala@gmail.com, the report says.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

The opening of the Halloween attraction comes amid an increase in "creepy clown" sightings and threats

ALEXANDRIA -- Every weekend this month, clowns will be roaming a 125-acre farm in Hunterdon County, lurking in the shadows and scaring people as they make their way through a cornfield and forest.

But the costumed actors are not out to do harm or cause unnecessary alarm. They're part of a new haunted attraction, "NJ Clown Farm."

Despite the timing -- its opening comes amid a rash of reports in a number of states of "creepy clown" sightings and threats -- the attraction has been in the works for three years.

It's still too early to tell if the hysteria surrounding the clowns will help or hurt business, but Joe Burger wants to reassure the public that they're not trying to terrorize people with a publicity stunt.

"We're not trying to scare or spook anyone to that level," he said. "It's a controlled secure environment where people can come experience the clowns."

NJ Clown Farm made its debut over the weekend, drawing a crowd of 200-plus even with the damp weather. The attraction lasts about two hours and includes a hayride and a walk through a corn maze and wooded trail with costumed clowns and special effects.

For Burger, who owns Sharper Image Lawn Care, the idea first came about three years ago.

"I already own the farm so I have tractors, I have wagons, I have fields and ... after visiting other attractions, I thought I could make mine a little bit better and something that's unique," he said.

He said that clowns, unlike other haunted houses that feature characters like zombies and witches, give guests a more realistic experience.

"Everyone knows zombies aren't real," Burger said. "But clowns are real. People dress up as clowns as we're seeing. You know it's a person with makeup or costume. It gives it that dynamic real effect versus a witch or zombie."

A fall 2016 opening was planned long before the first reports surfaced in late August in South Carolina with stories that clowns were trying to lure children into the woods with money.

Burger planted the cornfield last spring and, over the past year, designed it and figured out what would or wouldn't work.

As clown sightings and threats multiplied and moved closer to home, Burger paid a visit to the State Police's Kingwood barracks and described his plans, giving them permission to inspect the attraction.

"They were fine with it," he said. "I haven't had any phone calls or issues. We nipped it in the bud ahead of time."

Burger said they are also taking steps to prevent any outside threats, including making sure that nobody comes in already dressed as a clown.

"Everyone (the volunteer actors) has to get ready in front of us so we can identify who's who to their outfit and persona and what spot they're going to be on the tour," he said.

Some friends of his who are retired police officers are also part of the security team, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Burger said the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive -- both over the weekend and when the clowns have made appearances at community events and other places to spread the word.

"If we're able to walk through the mall and security doesn't kick us out, we're not doing anything bad," Burger said.

The attraction is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is $30 at the door. There is a $5 coupon available online at njclownfarm.com.

The farm is located at 297 County Road 513, Frenchtown.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Many small businesses take advantage of big events. They set up tables and tents at town-wide festivals, and they participate in other events to build their brand.

Business owners spend lots of time and effort keeping their operations in the public's mind. Both advertising and social media help. So can special events.

Many small businesses take advantage of big events. They set up tables and tents at town-wide festivals, and they participate in other events to build their brand.

Other business owners don't wait for someone else to organize a festival. These businesses set events of their own. Or they band together with other businesses to set up an event that brings them the public attention they need.

***

The courtyard at 29 Race St. in Frenchtown has a display of metal sculptures that attracts visitors and causes them to linger. As people explore the artworks. they discover several unique businesses located there.

Three shops have joined together to offer an Oktoberfest event, set for Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 to 5 p.m. The shops holding the event include Latifa's Boutique, Artful Collector, and Freedom Art & Music.

They will be offering hot apple cider, zucchini and pumpkin breads, along with all sorts of crafts and other attractions. In case of bad weather, the event will move inside.

***

"We wanted to attract people," said Latifa Davis-Diop. "So we sat down and talked about it." The result is the upcoming event hosted by the three shops.

Davis-Diop owns Latifa's Boutique. She opened her shop in August, offering a diversity of products, many of them handmade. The list includes clothing and scarves, purses and handbags, hats and wallets, unique jewelry, many bath and body products using all natural oils.

"I create handmade customized jewelry," she said. The jewelry here includes sterling silver earrings, bracelets and necklaces with genuine pearls and stones.

Customers get special attention and they can place special orders. she explained. This has included a person who orders fresh oatmeal soap with poppy seed exfoliant, and another who orders fresh brown sugar scrub.

Orders can be picked up at the shop or she will ship. And she has just added SkypeShop - make an appointment, shop the store, and she sends out your order.

For the Oktoberfest events, she is making special pumpkin spice bath bombs - along with showing how to make them. She will be holding workshops in the future. Or choose black soap, lavender body butter and various body washes.

For more information, call 908-996-9899 or visit LatifasBoutique.com. Also Facebook.

***

Laura Greco runs the Freedom Art & Music Gallery. She opened here Nov. 1, 2014.

"I knew lots of local artists who had no place to show their works, and we bring in bands," said Greco. She furnishes the space, and they supply their creations.

This gallery in now filled with works by more than two dozen artists, including Erica Rachel, Jocelyn Danna, Stephen Flood, Brian Hewitt, Paula Cooper, Daniel Nydick, and more.

"For more than 25 years, I've been a picture framer," she explained. She worked at her studio on Jugtown Mountain before opening the gallery two years ago.

For more information, call 908-619-6478 or visit FreedomArtAndMusic.com. Also find on Facebook.

***

Rita Romanova Gekht operates the Artful Collector. She opened her studio here a year ago. On display are designer-created furniture, jewelry, art glass, fine art, fabrics including vintage clothing from the 1940s - and tapestries.

Gekht is a weaver of fine tapestries. She uses only wools and cottons in creating works of art that can take months to complete.

"Right now, I'm working on a tapestry started in January and it will be completed by the end of October," she said. "I call it Ruins In The Moonlight. It's a one-of-a-kind piece of an old textile mill in New Hope. I work from a 1988 photograph. When it's done, we'll have a big celebration with music, champagne and food."

Gekht has been creating tapestries since 1984, and she is open to giving classes. "It's a process," she said. "Doing weaving is meditative." This studio is open noon to 6, Friday to Sunday, or call for anytime private showings.

"For our Oktoberfest, I'll be doing crafts and assisting with lanterns, pumpkin painting, and runners for tables," she added.

For more information, call 267-907-2629 or visit ArtfulCollector.com. Also Facebook.

***

Other local businesses occupy a very large space. Events here can be an ongoing schedule of attractions bringing in the public.

American Spirits Roadhouse is a big place, located at 1090 Route 173 atop Jugtown Mountain. It's a full service restaurant and bar. Live bands entertain every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

"On Saturday, Oct. 15, we're holding our Rocktoberfest," said Marie D'Costa, owner. "We're featuring five bands that day, starting at 2 p.m." The musicians include Darren DeMarco, The Gully Hubbards, Run A Muck, The Receptors and Gypsy Rose.

You don't have to wait for Rocktoberfest to get with the music. Tonight (Thursday, Oct. 6) it's Michael Long. Tomorrow night (Friday, Oct. 7) at 6:30 it's Now & Then, followed at 9 by The Prizms Band. Saturday (Oct. 8) Ted Lyons will open at 6:30, followed by Shandango at 9.

For the full schedule through October, see AmericanSpiritsRoadhouse.com. And check out daily events held here--the three pool leagues on Mondays and open mic on Wednesdays.

Al Warr can be reached at 610-253-0432 and AlWarr16@gmail.com.

A Superior Court judge has thrown out a zoning ordinance adopted by the Readington Township Committee in 2007 that limited aviation activities at Solberg Airport to the 102 acres that have long been used for aviation.

READINGTON -- A Superior Court judge has thrown out a zoning ordinance adopted by the Readington Township Committee in 2007 that limited aviation activities at Solberg Airport to the 102 acres that have long been used for aviation.

The decision by Judge Thomas Miller in Flemington echoed a ruling issued in a separate lawsuit by another Superior Court judge, Paul Armstrong, who a year ago threw out the township's 2007 move to condemn the airport property and take it over by eminent domain.

The township had tried to take over the 624 acres at the airport not used for aviation and also took the development rights to the 102 aviation acres.

In the zoning case, Miller allowed the Solberg family's motion for summary judgment and declared the zoning ordinance "null" and "void," saying it violated a state policy because the state had licensed the area for airport purposes.

Larry Orloff, attorney for the Solberg family, who own the airport, said the family is "very pleased" with Judge Miller's "correct" decision.

Orloff said the family is looking to "expand and modernize" the airport, but "They don't want to make it another LaGuardia. The Solbergs are not looking to make this a monstrously large airport."

Orloff acknowleged, however, that the expansion won't come anytime soon. The township is appealing Armstrong's decision in the eminent domain case but briefs haven't even been filed yet, Orloff said, noting the expansion can't take place until the appeal is decided. 

Readington Mayor Betty Ann Fort had a mixed reaction to the ruling.

Although the ruling went against the township, "It's probably a good thing because it means we do not have to spend a lot of money on a trial right now," she said.

But the township may not be completely out of the woods as far as paying in the zoning case, warned Orloff, the Solbergs' attorney. He said family members intend to file papers seeking to have the township reimburse them for their legal fees in the zoning case.

Fort said township officials haven't decided whether to appeal Miller's decision, but they are pursuing their appeal of Armstrong's decision in the eminent domain case. Armstrong "went a little bit rogue on the whole thing," Fort said.

In that decision, Armstrong called the township's condemnation effort "a manifest abuse of the power of eminent domain."

Airport condemnation ruling to be appealed

In the zoning ordinance, which the township committee adopted in 2007 shortly after taking the eminent domain action, the township zoned the 102 acres used for aviation as a "historic district sub-area."

Under that ordinance, the township prohibited airport or aviation-related activities on any of the 726 acres beyond the 102 acres.

In his 133-page ruling in the zoning case, Miller repeatedly cited Armstrong's ruling in the eminent domain case. Miller pointed out that Armstrong had concluded that the condemnation of the 726 acres was "improper" and "comprised an unconstitutional and illegal taking of the Solberg property, and invalidated the taking in its entirety," with the title to the entire property reverting to the Solbergs.

As far as zoning is concerned, Miller ruled, Armstrong's decision means that the zoning ordinance cannot stand because "the entirety" of the Solberg Airport is licensed by the state for airport purposes, so it "must be zoned to allow airport-related activity."

The restrictions in the zoning ordinance are "contrary to state public policy" and are therefore "invalid," Miller said.

Orloff, the Solbergs' attorney, pointed out that while all the airplanes and runways operate within the 102-acre area, some other activities do occur outside that area, including the launching of blimps and the airport's annual balloon festival.

Orloff said the dispute evolved from a 1983-passed state law, the Air Safety and Zoning Act, which required municipalities with airports to provide public safety features around runways and other airport facilities.

It took Readington more than 20 years to enact those measures, and when it did, it not only passed the safety rules, but also improperly condemned the airport property and changed its zoning, Orloff said.

The Empty Bowls luncheon will take place Friday, Oct.14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Flemington United Methodist Church. Tickets are $25 at the door.

In and of itself, an empty bowl is little but a vacuum: There is nothing inside to eat, no source of nourishment for those who are hungry.

But for the 1,300 families served by the Flemington Area Food Pantry, that empty bowl has another meaning.

It signifies that with its 20th annual fundraiser coming up this month, the nonprofit stands ready to act as a safety net in times of financial distress.

This is an event with a twist. Participants in the pantry's Empty Bowl luncheon, this year on Oct. 14, receive a bowl of soup made by area chefs, along with bread, salad and dessert. They also get to take home an artisan bowl created by a local potter.

But the real winners are members of the community who look to the pantry for the groceries to help them get them from paycheck to paycheck.

The pantry depends heavily on volunteer energy to keep this popular event going, from those who handcraft the bowls to those who lovingly ladle out the soup during the course of the day.

This year, Mackenzie Quick, now a freshman at Savannah College of Art and Design, provided the striking logo the pantry is using to publicize the fundraiser via posters and a colorful banner welcoming visitors to Flemington's Main Street.

As a senior at Delaware Regional High School, Quick accepted the challenge to compete in a competition to design the logo, donating numerous hours outside the classroom to finish the assignment.

The Pantry organizers fell in love with the young artist's vibrant fall hues, and her colorful bowls stacked and waiting to be filled. They're hoping potential Empty Bowl participants will share their delight.

On the menu for this year's event are soups from Teaberry's Tea Room, Matt's Red Rooster Grill, Chive and Thyme Cafe, Basil Bandwagon, Metropolitan Seafood Company, the Amwell Church of the Brethren and the kitchens of ShopRite of Hunterdon County.

While attendees agree that the luncheon is great fun, its true value lies in raising awareness that even in a relatively prosperous region such as Hunterdon County, many residents grapple with the effects of hunger every day.

We hope you'll come out and enjoy camaraderie and a warm bowl of soup as the leaves around us turn red and orange. You'll leave knowing you'll also be warming the hearts of others, people for whom organizations such as the Flemington Food Pantry are a necessary barrier between themselves and total despair.

The Empty Bowls luncheon will take place Friday, Oct.14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Flemington United Methodist Church. Tickets are $25 at the door.

This week's Hunterdon County Fugitive of the Week is Scott A. Montefusco, 29, whose last known address is Flemington.

This week's Hunterdon County Fugitive of the Week is Scott A. Montefusco, 29, whose last known address is Flemington.

Scott A. Montefusco

Montefusco was charged with burglary in Hunterdon County and failed to appear in court. An arrest warrant was issued on Sept. 23. He is described as 5-feet, 9-inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Montefusco was indicted by a Hunterdon County Grand Jury on April 14 on burglary, theft and drug possession following an incident in Flemington on Feb. 8. He allegedly entered someone's locked room at a residence on Blackberry Court and took three Lorazepam pills.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Mike Nugent, Detective Sgt. Ed DeFilippis, Detective Frank Modaffare or Detective Lamont Garnes of The Joint Hunterdon County Fugitive Task Force at 908-788-1129, or the local police department.

Information can also be left at online at Crime Stoppers of Hunterdon County. 

Report a tip in four ways for cash rewards:

• call the tip line at 800-321-0010 (The line has no recording device)
• text HCTIPS plus your tip to: 274637 (CRIMES)
• submit online at www.crimestoppershunterdon.com by clicking on the Submit link to fill out the online form (form also in Espanol)
• download free app "Tipsubmit" by Public Engines; select Hunterdon County, submit your tip.

Two men are facing drug charges after police found a vehicle in the Home Depot parking lot off Routes 202-31 with the driver's side door open and no one nearby on Sept. 21, 2016.

RARITAN TWP. - Two men are facing drug charges after police found a vehicle in the Home Depot parking lot off Routes 202-31 with the driver's side door open and no one nearby.

Sgt. Matthew Lawrence reported finding the vehicle at 1:18 a.m. on Sept. 21. He found two men, Andres Garcia, 23, of Newark, and Dylan K. Brown, 18, of Bergenfield, nearby. Both were arrested and charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, police said

Garcia was also charged with possession of a grinder, police said. Both were released pending a court hearing.

A couple is being sought after stealing a diamond engagement ring from Vecere Jeweler's on Bridge Street, police said.

LAMBERTVILLE - A couple is being sought after stealing a diamond engagement ring from Vecere Jeweler's on Bridge Street, police said.

The couple entered the store on Sunday reportedly to shop for an engagement ring.

The owner, who showed them several diamonds, briefly left them to assist another customer. During this time the woman placed a diamond ring worth $3,500 in her left coat pocket at that time, police said. The theft was recorded on surveillance cameras.

Lt. Robert Brown is investigating the theft.

Boys and girls records at N.J.'s championship XC courses

Downtown Flemington has been named one of the 11 most-endangered places in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

FLEMINGTON - Downtown Flemington has been named one of the 11 most-endangered places in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This year the National Trust focused on urban areas, and Flemington's historic Union Hotel is a key reason the borough was added to the list. The hotel, which opened in its current form in 1878, is to be torn down as part of a proposed redevelopment project.

"As a testament to Flemington's proud history as a county seat and home of the Trial of the Century, the Union Hotel and its adjacent historic buildings should be an integral part of Flemington's future," said National Trust President and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Meeks.

Friends of Historic Flemington, along with two citizens, recently filed two lawsuits challenging the redevelopment agreement between the borough and Jack Cust, Jr.

The latest redevelopment plans include construction of a new 100-room hotel, 250 housing units and a 900-car parking garage, along with restaurants, retail stores and a college.

Past vs. future at center of battle | Di Ionno

The plans have divided the community. While some business leaders and the Borough Council support it, a grassroots movement made up of area residents and historic societies have opposed the plans. More than 1,500 have signed an online petition opposing the project.

In May, the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission named the Union Hotel, along with four other borough buildings, to its annual list of Most Endangered Historic Historic Sites in Hunterdon County.

Also in May, the Union Hotel was placed at the top of Preservation New Jersey's most endangered historic sites list.

According to the National Trust, the borough "has a wealth of 19th-century architecture, and is thought to be the second-largest historic district in the state."

The Union Hotel is most well-known for serving hundreds of journalists, attorneys, jurors and the curious during the 1935 Lindbergh baby kidnapping and murder trial, which took place across the street in the preserved historic Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse.

The hotel also has murals of Hunterdon County's past that were produced by Carl Ritz with help from Kurt Wiese, an illustrator famous for his work on illustrations for Felix Salten's "Bambi" in 1929, and then "Pinocchio." He drew illustrations for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book."

Craig Turpin may be reached at cturpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @NJeditor. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The driver of a pick-up truck hauling a seal-coating tank was given eight tickets after an accident on Monday resulted in a spill that left Route 12 closed for much of the evening on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016.

RARITAN TWP. - The driver of a pick-up truck hauling a seal-coating tank was given eight tickets after an accident on Monday resulted in a spill that left Route 12 closed for much of the evening, police said.

According to police, Jason T. Narbonne, 38, of Frenchtown, was driving a 2006 Ford F-250 hauling a seal-coating tank west on Route 12 at approximately 4:42 p.m. when he approaching a red light at the intersection with Dayton and Old Croton roads.

Narbonne apparently failed to stop for the red light and his pick-up truck was struck by a 2008 Mazda driven by an 18-year-old Raritan Township man, who was crossing through the intersection on a green traffic light, police said.

The seal-coating tank on the trailer overturned, spilling between 50 and 100 gallons of water-based driveway sealant onto the roadway, according to police. Route 12 was closed, with traffic being detoured to Everitts Hill Road, until 8:58 p.m.

Narbonne was issued motor-vehicle summonses for failure to observe traffic signal, careless driving, failure to exhibit documents, unclear plates, unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle, loading as to spill and using unapproved equipment, police said.

Narbonne did not report any injuries. Soldano complained of neck pain, but signed off refusing medical assistance from the Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene. 

Responding to the accident were the Raritan Township Fire Marshall's Office, the Raritan Township Fire Company, the Hunterdon County Haz-Mat Response Team, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the New Jersey State Police.

The accident was investigated by Officer Brett Szatkowski.

An envelope marked "Anthrax" was found at the Chubb Corporation Campus on Halls Mill Road on Oct. 5, 2016, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office announced.

READINGTON TWP. - An envelope marked "Anthrax" was found at the Chubb Corporation Campus on Halls Mill Road on Wednesday, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office announced.

"The Hunterdon County Hazmat Team responded and subsequently determined that the letter was not a threat and removed it from the scene," Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III said. "The letter was turned over to the FBI for further testing at the New Jersey State Police Laboratory."

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation's Newark office, Hunterdon County Health Department personnel, Whitehouse Rescue Squad and Whitehouse Fire Company assisted with the investigation.

"I commend the professional response and multi-agency teamwork by all those involved," Kearns said.

The prosecutor's office said they intend to file third-degree terroristic threat charges against those involved. If convicted, the penalty is up to five years in state prison.

Those with information that can assist with the investigation can call the Readington Police Department at 908-534-4031 or the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office at 908-788-1129.

Chubb employees some 900 at its Hunterdon County complex, according to information from The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board.

A woman was arrested and charged with shoplifting after police found $679.99 worth of clothing, perfumes and chocolates in her purse on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016.

RARITAN TWP. - A woman was arrested and charged with shoplifting after police found $679.99 worth of clothing, perfumes and chocolates in her purse on Tuesday, police said.

Officer William Cialone arrested Shoma Dutta, 37, of Warren Township at approximately 12:34 p.m. after a loss prevention employee at Kohl's reported seeing her place the merchandise in her purse, police said.

Dutta was released from police headquarters with a pending court date after being charged with shoplifting, police said.

NJTA claims its owns the colors green and yellow and the silhouette of shape of the state, lawsuit alleges.

RINGOES - A small New Jersey winery has filed a lawsuit in Hunterdon County Superior Court seeking a judgement declaring that it has not infringed upon a New Jersey Turnpike Authority trademark.

The authority claims that the "What Exit Wines" logo, which the Old York Cellars winery said was created as a symbol of New Jersey pride, has infringed on the Garden State Parkway logo. The winery previously altered the logo at NJTA's request, but the authority wasn't satisfied with the changes, according to the complaint.

The authority is threatening legal action if the winery, located in the Sourland Mountains, doesn't change its logo, it was stated in the complaint.

"They are basically saying they own the colors green and yellow and the shape of the state, for the sole purpose of competing with local taxpaying businesses in order to market the Parkway logo," said David Wolin, owner of Old York Cellars. "The government should not be in the business of competing with its taxpaying small businesses."

In July 2015, Old York Cellars received a letter from the authority asserting that it had infringed on the trademark "Garden State Parkway" logo in its marketing and sale of "What Exit Wines," according to the complaint. The Authority said it has owned the Garden State Parkway trademark since 1956.

Thomas Feeney, a Turnpike Authority spokesman, said the agency has been working with the winemaker for more than a year in an effort to reach a fair and amicable resolution to the matter and regrets that it has decided to take the matter to court.

The complaint, filed on Sept. 30 in Hunterdon County Superior Court, states that the New Jersey Turnpike Act, which defines and limits what the authority governs, prohibits agency activity which is not "directly or indirectly related to the use of a transportation project."

Therefore, the complaint alleges, that the authority can't engage in a commercial business involving the use and licensing of intellectual property. The authority mark is "a sign used to regulate, warn or guide traffic, place one, over, or adjacent to a highway," the complaint said.

Even if authority owns a valid trademark registration, which the winery concedes it does, there is no likelihood of confusion cause by the use of the mark, according to the complaint.

"Although we tried to avoid a costly battle with the authority, we will not be bullied by bureaucrats and their outside law firm," said Wolin.

NJTA, Florida restaurant spar over logo

Feeney said when the Turnpike Authority first raised an objection to the logo, the winemaker agreed to do a "complete rebranding" to reduce the likelihood that consumers would mistakenly believe their wine was "associated with or endorsed by" the agency.

"Their effort fell far short of what they promised," said Feeney.

The green and yellow colors are the same colors found on countless highway signs throughout the country, according to the complaint.

In 2015, the NJTA ushered in a new initiative sponsored by former New Jersey Transportation Commissioner James Simpson to hire a licensing agent and market the authority's trademarks to generate more non-toll revenue, the complaint said.

Old York Cellars claims in its complaint that the NJTA lost an infringement case against Jersey Boardwalk Pizza in Homestead, Fla., but Feeney said that case had a change in venue and is being tried by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The NJTA claims that the winemaker's labels and its entire branding and marketing scheme is "designed to invoke the Garden State Parkway," according to the complaint, but the winemaker countered that it is invoking "Jersey Pride," according to the complaint.

NJTA also alleges that Old York Cellar's use of the colors green and yellow is infringing, according to the complaint. The winemaker said that the colors green and yellow are used nation-wide because they're widely recognized colors for traffic control devices.

"We find it hard to believe that anyone would confuse our new or original logos with that of the Garden State Parkway," said Wolin. "Nobody expects to buy wine at the Driscoll Bridge Toll Plaza and there are no EZ Pass lanes at Old York Cellars."

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A 16-year-old girl from Annandale was charged with possession of marijuana while at Union Forge Park, police said.

HIGH BRIDGE - A 16-year-old girl from Annandale was charged with possession of marijuana while at Union Forge Park, police said.

The teen was taken into protective custody on Sept. 3 by Sgt. Jared Skobo when she was reportedly found with less than 50 grams of marijuana, police said. She was a passenger in a vehicle parked at Union Forge Park.

She was released to a parent pending a court hearing, police said.

High Bridge Police also reported a second marijuana arrest, as well as a warrant arrest, in September.

Started in 1980 at the same Methodist Church, the pantry initially served 140 clients but now serves more than 5,000, Holmes said.

As the Flemington Area Food Pantry prepares for its 20th annual Empty Bowl fundraiser, it expects to build on a record that has seen the luncheon's proceeds for the area's hungry grow from an initial $3,000 to $24,000 last year.

The volunteer in charge of the Oct. 14 event, Karen Holmes, says much of the credit for the success should go to one person -- the original organizer, Nancy Schultz, who is now 91.

Schultz, then 70, hadn't gone to college and had been a stay-at-home mother, but she "had a thing about hunger" and learned about an Empty Bowl fundraiser held in Minnesota, Holmes said.

"She decided we should do it here," Holmes said in an interview.

In a time when the Internet was still in its infancy, Schultz "opened the phone book" and with help from a local potter, Lynn Maszur, they "contacted potters from all around the county" to contribute their works.

In the fundraiser, potters donate their homemade bowls to a luncheon that provides soup contributed by area chefs and restaurants, along with bread, salad and dessert. 

Empty Bowl fundraiser turns 20

For the $25 ticket, a patron gets to take home the artisan bowl, in addition to getting lunch. The Oct. 14 luncheon at the Flemington United Methodist Church takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Schultz, who was unable to participate in the interview because of a health issue, was "indefatigable" for the event's first 18 years as she organized the event and helped expand it, Holmes said.

"She's a diminutive little person, but she has the town's respect and she was able to get people to donate to the pantry," Holmes said. "She's proof that you're never too old to make a huge difference."

The growth of the Empty Bowl parallels the growth of the food pantry itself.

Started in 1980 at the same Methodist Church, the pantry initially served 140 clients but now serves more than 5,000, Holmes said.

The pantry has moved several times, including one move that was necessitated by a devastating fire in 1994 at its newly acquired distribution building on Route 31.

Today, the pantry is housed in spacious quarters in a building behind the Wal-Mart on Route 31 just outside Flemington in Raritan Township and has ample refrigerator and freezer space along with shelves full of canned and boxed foods.

Because of Hunterdon County's wealth, the pantry is not eligible for state or federal funds and depends entirely on contributions, Holmes said.

And even though there are plenty of affluent people in Hunterdon, there is also a significant contingent of people who "fall through the cracks" and don't have enough money to pay for food, she pointed out.

They include divorced people who may not be getting enough income to support a household, disabled people who are unable to work, veterans with psychological problems and people who are working but "are not making a living wage," Holmes said.

Clients are allowed two trips a month to the food pantry, where a full range of groceries are available.

"For many people, it's temporary and they move on," Holmes said. "These are not people who intended to be here."

For the Oct. 14 event, some 50 potters are expected to contribute their bowls, Holmes said.

Food will be provided by Teaberry's Tea Room, Matt's Red Rooster Grill, Basil Bandwagon, Chive and Thyme Cafe, Metropolitan Seafood Co., the Amwell Church of the Brethren and the kitchens of ShopRite of Hunterdon County. 

Two from High Bridge were arrested and charged with heroin possession following a motor-vehicle stop in Clinton on Sept. 22, 2016.

CLINTON - Two from High Bridge were arrested and charged with heroin possession following a motor-vehicle stop, police said.

Patrolman Anthony Robbins stopped a vehicle driven by Drew Hartrum, 50, of High Bridge, on Halstead Street for improper passing at 10:50 a.m. Sept. 22, police said.

Robbins reportedly saw signs that the passenger, James Summers, 50, of High Bridge, was in possession of heroin, police said. Summers was arrested and charged with possession of heroin.

Hartrum was issued a summons for careless driving.

The people and events that shaped Garden State history.

Welcome to the October installment of "This Month in N.J. History."

The gallery, which supplements our regular vintage photo galleries, is intended to offer a look at some dates that have historical significance in New Jersey.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

We will highlight topics such as politics, music, literature, sports, crime, entertainment and weather that made national news. Also, look for stories that made local news and the birthdays of New Jerseyans who made an impact in the arts, the military and space exploration.

If there are dates you don't see on our timeline but believe should be remembered, let us know in the comments section.

And, be sure to enable captions for the gallery so you can read all the information associated with each day in New Jersey history.

Here are links to previous "This month in N.J. history" galleries:

September       August       July

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

We asked kids who is the most famous person they've taken a selfie with.

We asked kids who is the most famous person they've taken a selfie with.

The most famous person I have taken a selfie with is my dad. We were at the beach in the morning. Every morning when we go to Myrtle Beach we go to the beach early and spend time together. It is a thing me and my dad do.

Shalini Varma

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous person I've ever taken a selfie with is Stephanie Greenhalgh. She's a great author and a great aunt. I love my Aunt Steph because we always brainstorm together for her books. We love hanging out with her dogs, Mulligan and Divot, going to my grandparent's pool. My aunt understands me and I understand her.

Ally Amster

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

I was at Seaside with my grandma and we were at the Park Bakery. As we were walking in we saw Governor Chris Christie walking out and we asked him to take a picture, and he had no bodyguards with him and he was wearing his bathing suit.

Vanessa Pagano

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous person I've ever taken a picture with is my uncle. Sure he isn't a celebrity, but he has been in the Army for as long as I can remember.  In my mind, anyone who risks their life just so America is safe is, or should be, famous.

Kara Scotti

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

I was playing for a 15 u baseball travel team at the time and I was only in 6th grade. In the last day of our season Ricky Porcello, the starting pitcher of the Boston Red Sox and the batting coach came in. His younger cousin Sam Porcello was on the team so as a treat they got him to come in. So that was a great experience for me.

Maxwell Freed

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous person I have taken a selfie with is my sister. Even though my sister isn't a "famous" person, she is famous to me.  Brittany my sister is 12 years older than me. She  is finished with college and she has a great job, she is a great role model for me and, I am glad that she is my sister and I love her so much. So every time I see her I make the most of it. She is the best sister ever and the most famous person to me.

Briley Heider

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

During the summer I went to a concert with my friend and a famous you tuber was there. When we left to from the parking lot we saw Cameron Dallas and I took a picture of him but not with him.

Ana Macal

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous person I have ever met is Greg Olsen. He is currently the starting tight end of the Carolina Panthers. He is one the best tight ends currently in the NFL, and personally my favorite. I have taken many pictures with him, but no selfies. That is the most famous person I have ever met

Lucas Shoemaker

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

Out of all the famous people I have fortunately met, my favorite and most memorable is the Impractical Jokers. For people who don't know who they are, they have a comedy show on Tru TV. I went to two of their live shows and met them and their parents twice! The latest time I met them I was partying at a restaurant eating the 100th episode cake. Those are the most famous people I have taken a selfie with.

Bianca Centamore

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous people i have ever taken a selfie with was, Usher, Katy Perri, Alisha Keys, Jennifer Laurence, Robin Willims, Bruce Willis, Donald Trump, Jennifer Anniston and others. Too bad they were made of wax from a wax museum in New York City.

Christa Bojczak

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

A selfie I took  with a famous person is with my cat Paisley. Paisley died on October 27, 2015 at 6:47 p.m., but I like the selfie I took with him. He had climbed into my lap and laid down. Paisley looked so comfortable and cute so I took a selfie with him. Paisley had even looked at the camera for the picture. Paisley then proceeded to cuddle with me on the couch for a few more minutes then got up and left.

Becca Bowser

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous person I've met is Beyonce. However, It wasn't actually her. It was at Madame  Tussaud's Wax Museum In New York City. Although, I didn't actually meet Beyonce it was like I actually did because it looked so real!

Natalie Gerstein

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous person I have ever met was Jimmy Fallon, in New York, at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum...but he looked do real!

Grace Iervolino

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

When I was about eight,  I met Derek Jeter at the Penn State baseball stadium. Derek  was signing people's shirts but instead I took a pic and got him to sign my shirt.

Bianca Colaluca

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous person I took a selfie with was Jojo Siwa from the hit lifetime show dance moms.  It was one of the best moments of my life and she was so nice and fun to meet, and I even got to take a picture with her mom.

Alexandra George

Grade 7

Readington Middle School

The most famous animal I took a selfie with my dog. Of course, I took a selfie with my dog. We were on the couch and I was wearing a pair of blue pajama pants and I was happy. This took place over the weekend and that is the time I took a selfie with the most famous animal I know.

Sara Orlans

Grade 5

Round Valley School

The most famous person I took a selfie with Justin Bieber. l'm sure, I took a picture with Justin Bieber and he did a backflip on the trampoline while on stage at a concert. This was a time when I took a selfie with Justin Bieber.

Willem Vos

Grade 4

Round Valley School

The most famous person I took a selfie with was my dad. I took a selfie with my dad and we were smiling. This picture took place on a airplane. We were chilling. This is the time I took a selfie with my dad.

William Whitesell

Grade 5

Round Valley School

The most famous cat I took a selfie with is my cat Luna . To be sure, I took a selfie with my cat Luna in my house. I was I was wearing blue and white.  That was a time that I took a picture with the most famous cat.

Evan Ambrosio

Grade 4

Round Valley School

I have not have a selfie with a famous person, but I would like to take it with the mechanical shark in Jaws. Jaws is my favorite movie.

Christopher diem

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I would like to take a selfi with Chris Kyle. He was an American hero.

Jack Oldenburg

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I have not ever taken a selfie with a famous person, but if I did then it would be Ellen because then we can dance and take millions of selfies.

Ember Hensal

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I would take a selfie with the creator of Ulcruman because he stops evil monsters.

Mountain Ryan

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I have never met someone famous before,but I would like to take a picture with Ariana Grande because I like her songs.

Amaya Joassainte

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I have never taken a selfie with someone famous, but if I could,it would be with Russell Wilson because he is a famous quarterback.

Owen Neiber

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I've never taken a selfie with a famous person, but if I could I would take it with Shawn Mendes. He is my favorite singer.

Adriana D'Angelo Romeo

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I have not taken a selfie with someone famous, but if I could I would take a selfie with Alex Morgan. Alex Morgan plays on the USA Women's Soccer team and because I love soccer.

Elana Falkenstein

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I have taken a selfie with Shawn Mendes. It happened at Hershey Park! I was so excited  because that was my first concert, and we were sitting  in the front row! He was on stage singing my favorite song so I turned around and took  the photo!   

Ella Davis

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I know I am supposed to write about a famous person that I took a selfie with, but I didn't have a selfie with anyone super famous. So, because of that reason, I am going to write about someone I would like to have a selfie with and that person is Taylor Swift.  I would love to have a selfie with Taylor Swift  because she loves to sing and I like to sing. She also likes to act, and I like to act. It would be really cool to have a selfie with her.

Madilyn Thompson

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I have never taken a selfie with a famous person. I would like to take a picture with Ryan Dungey. He is a famous dirt bike rider. I would like to take a picture with him because I love to ride dirt bikes and he is a professional.

Noah Hladky

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I have never taken a selfie with a famous person. If I could, I would take a picture with the famous basketball player Stephen Curry.  I would choose him because I like basketball.  Stephen Curry is also my favorite basketball, and he is on my favorite team. He has inspired me to play basketball and to be as good as him.

Joey Edwards

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I have never taken a selfie with a famous person, but if I could I would take a selfie with Paul Mccartney. I would take a picture with him because he is a musician. He makes the best songs I have ever heard. My favorite is "The Yellow Submarine."  Paul Mccartney is an awesome musician.

Ned Scannell

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I haven't taken a selfie with a famous person, but I'd like to take a selfie with Cam Newton, a famous football player. He was in Super Bowl 50. I like to watch the Super Bowl with my friends. I'd like to take a selfie with him because he is a very famous sports player. That is who I'd like to take a selfie with if I got the opportunity.

Ben Huebscher

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I took a selfie with a famous astronaut from Brazil. My family and I were at NASA in Florida. I was so happy.  It was the first astronaut that I had met in person. I got to shake his hand and everything.  My family and I finally got to take a selfie with him!  It was the coolest picture ever!

Joshua Evans

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I've never taken a selfie with a famous person before so I am going to tell you a famous person I would take a selfie with if I could. I would take the selfie with Katy Perry because then I could make a meme that says the two Katies.  We also have the same last name initial. The only difference is that they are spelled differently: Katy and Katie.

Katie Piotrowski

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I have never taken a selfie with a famous person. If I could I would take it with Snoopy from The Peanuts Movie. I like Snoopy because he is very funny and cute. I also love dogs, and he is one of my favorites.  This is who I would take a selfie with.

Sabrina May

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I have not had a chance to take a selfie with a famous person so I would like to take a selfie with Alex Morgan. Alex is my favorite soccer player. I love to play soccer and watch her. I read her books and watched about her life growing up. I would really like to got to the Olympics in 2020, because I will be graduating middle school in that year. I was so sad when the women's team went home without a medal. It was the first time in history that happened. In 2020, you will see me with a selfie wit Alex Morgan.

Delara Cama

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

I have never had the opportunity to take a selfie with a famous person, but if I did, I wouldn't take it with just one person, I'd take it with multiple people.  Can you guess who? I'd take it with the Olympic gymnastics team!  Their names are Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and, Madison Kocian.  I love the Olympic gymnasts! They are so good!   I am a gymnast myself and I always look up to those girls!  It would be so cool to take a selfie with them!  You never know... that could happen any day, and I hope it does!

Danielle DiEsso

Grade 5

Franklin Township School

A famous person that I took a selfie with was a United States soccer player called Clint  Dempsey.  My family and I were VIPs  to a soccer game for the New York Red Bulls Soccer team. It was my first time being a VIP to a game.  It was first class at the stadium. The food I had there was great.  I had some mac and cheese and water and got ready for the game.

When I was going to the bathroom I saw Clint Dempsey, so I wanted to take a selfie. That was the first time I took a selfie with a famous person. Then my dad and I went back to our VIP lounge. I had a large smile on my face.  It was not a bad game for Clint.  He got two goals. It was a day I will never forget

Aaron Lonoff

Grade 5

Franklin Township School