Notes were affixed to a vehicle advising it shouldn't be parked in the space, and the vehicle's finish was damaged, police said.

Hunterdon Medical Center (courtesy photo)

RARITAN TWP. -- A dispute over a courtesy parking space at Hunterdon Medical Center led to a charge of criminal mischief recently.

Police arrested Vladimir Farber, 73, of Raritan Township on Sept. 1, at 11:36 a.m. 

The arrest followed an investigation that started on Aug. 23, when a hospital employee reported to police that someone attached notes to her vehicle on two separate occasions when she parked in a parking space marked "Boiler Operator Only."

The notes were affixed to the vehicle with some type of glue or epoxy, which damaged the vehicle's finish, and advised that she should not be parking there, police said.

"The spot in question is a courtesy parking space designated by the property owner," police said, adding, "Parking there if you are not the employee that the space is designated for is not a violation of NJ traffic law."

Investigation by detectives led to Farber, who was subsequently charged. The estimated cost to repair the damage to the vehicle is $2,088.82.

Patrol Officer Geoff Benz initiated the investigation, and it was followed up by Detetive Scott Iglay, who arrested Farber.

Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.

A growing body of evidence suggests that one of the things you can do for your brain is visiting a park or natural environment.

The State We're In column

By Michele S. Byers

Executive Director

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Want to do something nice for your brain? You could eat fish, the reputed "brain food," or try problem-solving, mend-bending exercises and puzzles.

Or you could step into a quiet green space and give your mind a mini-break.

A growing body of evidence suggests that one of the things you can do for your brain is visiting a park or natural environment. It's soothing and may even help you function more efficiently at work!

Gregory Bratman, a graduate student at Stanford University, conducted two recent studies designed to measure how spending time in green, natural spaces impacts our brains.

In the first study, Bratman and his colleagues found that volunteers who strolled through a quiet, leafy section of campus were happier and more attentive than those who walked for the same length of time near a loud, busy highway.

The second study aimed to find out why ... if and how spending time in nature actually changed the brain in some way. Bratman and his team examined what walking in a natural setting does to our tendency to brood or worry about our lives.

Known to scientists as "morbid rumination", this kind of brooding can lead to depression. It's associated with a part of the brain called the subgenual prefrontal cortex.

The study showed that a 90-minute walk in nature decreases rumination, as reported by participants, as well as neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex. A 90-minute walk in an urban setting, on the other hand, had no impact on rumination or neural activity.

According the authors, the study "suggests that accessible natural areas within urban contexts may be a critical resource for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world."

Another study, this one by Kate Lee of the University of Melbourne in Australia, found that even smaller bursts of exposure to nature make a difference.

In Lee's study, 150 students were tested in their ability to maintain focus and attention. They had to quickly tap or not tap a keyboard key in response to a series of numbers flashing by rapidly on their computer screens.

The students performed the so-called "Sustained Attention to Response Task" test twice, with a short break. During the break, half the students were shown an image of a cement building rooftop, while the other half were shown a building rooftop covered in grass and flowers.

The results? You guessed it! The students shown the pastoral green roof scene performed better on the task, showing less fluctuation in reaction time and making fewer errors. They also reported "restorative" feelings after seeing images of grass and flowers.

"Nature can provide cognitive benefits in much shorter timeframes, and in smaller amounts than previously demonstrated," the authors concluded.

For anybody who works on computers all day in an office - and that's a lot of us - the implications are clear. "Modern work drains attention throughout the day, so providing boosted 'green micro-breaks' may provide mental top-ups to offset declining attention," Lee told the Washington Post.

So do your brain a favor and get into nature.  You have few excuses to stay inside since there's no shortage of parks and preserves all over New Jersey where you can soothe your mind, increase your mental functions and get some exercise to boot.

For an online map of trails in New Jersey, visit these sites: http://www.njconservation.org/recreation.htm, njtrails.org and nynjtc.org.

And for more information about preserving New Jersey's land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org.

This happened to me again this week when I tried to initiate a telephone conversation.

To the editor:

Nobody asked me, but...

"Our agents are presently assisting other customers---please wait for the next available representative."  This happened to me again this week when I tried to initiate a telephone conversation.  The music(?) they play during this time is always terrible!

The most fun I often have is talking about the fun I used to have.

I'd make a terrible salesman.  I couldn't make a person buy something they really didn't want or didn't need.

What happens to you frequently that really irritates you?

Friday is "Patriots Day." God Bless America!

Here's a reminder:  Be particularly careful when you drive in or near a school zone.

Chick Cosover

Milford

This letter is in support of the re-election of Assemblywoman Donna Simon and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli.

To the editor:

This letter is in support of the re-election of Assemblywoman Donna Simon and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli.

In the past three years I have come to know Assemblyman Ciattarelli as a compassionate, generous, hard working and dedicated person. I first met Jack three years ago through my participation with the St. Baldrick's Foundation. When Jack was invited to the first event I organized at the Sergeantsville Fire House he immediately responded to the invitation with a personal phone call and then attended the event. He has supported this organization helping to fund childhood cancer research since that time.

Jack is always just a phone call or email away and truly listens to the voice of the people.

His compassion is evident in the fact that he will be among the shavees at our third annual St. Baldrick's Event in Sergeantsville on Sept. 27. I agree with Mr. Ciattarelli's stand on many key issues and I am certain he will continue to act in the best interests of the people of the 16^th District.

Linda Swackhamer
Sergeantsville

But one Hunterdon County freeholder has his doubts that counties should be in the links business in the first place.

There is a case to be made that owning and operating a golf course is a good investment of county funds.

Certainly, many of New Jersey's counties have found the practice lucrative, Essex and Somerset among them. Hudson County just celebrated the opening of its first public golf course: the nine-hole Skyway Golf Course in Lincoln Park West, five years in the planning.

But one Hunterdon County freeholder has his doubts that counties should be in the links business in the first place.

"This is not why governments were constituted, to subsidize golf for folks," Rob Walton said at a board meeting earlier this year. He scoffed at the whole idea of county taxpayers underwriting outings for Saturday duffers, calling it both offensive and wrong.

The outspoken official made his remarks after the board voted 4-1 to approve $148,893 to continue renovating bunkers at Heron Glen Golf Course in Ringoes. Not surprisingly, his was the lone vote against the deal.

Debate over the future of the county-owned course flared again last week, after Walton's colleagues approved a $22 million capital-improvement package that includes $425,000 for the sports complex - including funds to look into developing a permanent clubhouse on the grounds.

Walton, who stands firmly against the clubhouse, says the financial climate is less than ideal for such a move.

At a time when the county's ratables have shown a steady decline, he argues, shelling out $3 million for such a facility makes no fiscal sense. Better to focus on county residents' needs and programs mandated by the state and federal governments, Walton says.

He makes a valid point.

But like a long-established Facebook relationship, quitting Heron Glen is ... complicated.

Because Green Acres funds went into its original purchase, the county would either have to pay Green Acres back at four times the property's original sale price, or purchase two other open-space properties, Walton says.

His suggestion? Rent the course out to a private firm - perhaps KemperSports, which manages its day-to-day operations now.

It's certainly worth looking into whether this would be a fiscally viable option for the county to pursue, especially after doing due diligence to ensure none of the potential operators has ties to county officeholders.

At the very least, Walton has sparked a healthy conversation about how much income the golf facility actually generates, and whether taxpayers are throwing good money after bad if the county continues to sink money into it.

The man was reportedly a subcontractor working there.

RARITAN TWP. -- An East Brunswick man faces narcotics charges after police found him parked in the lot at Hunterdon County Polytech on Junction Road.

Mario A. Iannaccone, 47, of East Brunswick was arrested on Sept. 1 at 11:36 a.m.

Police were called to the area on a report of a man either overdosing or intoxicated in a vehicle there. Lt. Al Payne responded and found a vehicle matching the description provided, which was occupied by a man also matching the description provided.

The vehicle was parked illegally in the parking lot there, police said. Payne identified the man as Iannaccone, and learned he was a subcontractor working there.

Iannaccone allegedly exhibited signs of being under the influence of a narcotic and was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine and heroin), possession of drug paraphernalia (a crack pipe) and being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.

During the course of the investigation, police reportedly learned that Iannaccone had two active warrants for his arrest out of Irvington and Montgomery Township Municipal Courts, with bail set at $500 bail for each. Iannaccone was turned over to officers from the Montgomery Township Police Department.

More Hunterdon County news: NJ.com/hunterdon * HCD Facebook

Buildings that once housed chickens now host the furniture business, and also the Rosemont Post Office.

DELAWARE TWP. -- Cane Farm Furniture sits at the edge of Rosemont on 88 acres that comprise the Cane family farm. The family's third generation is involved in the business now, which is celebrating its 50th year.

"Phillip and Owen Cane are building custom pieces, as always, and the showroom of 3,500 square feet is filled with many interesting and unique items," said Carol Cane, who with her husband Phillip owns Cane Farm Furniture.

The business is housed in buildings that once served a very different purpose.

"The farm was purchased in 1927 by Charles Cane as a hatchery and poultry business," Carol Cane said. "In 1965 that operation was closed and the buildings converted to offices including the Rosemont Post Office." The post office is still located there.

Charles Cane had a hobby of building furniture, and when the chickens were moved out, Charles and his son Phillip expanded that hobby into the family business. Now Phillip and Carol Cane's son Owen works there too. 

Cane Farm Furniture produces early American-style furniture, but they also do a lot of custom work, as was the case for a home featured in the 2007 Thanksgiving in the Country tour. A side-table was created from a picture the homeowner provided.

More Hunterdon County news: NJ.com/hunterdon * HCD Facebook

BRANCHBURG TWP. — An accident with downed wires on U.S. Route 22 westbound east of County Route 673 has closed the road in that direction. As of 10:09 a.m., the road remain closed, prompting detours and a 10 to 15 minute delay, according to 511NJ.org. More Hunterdon County news: NJ.com/hunterdon • HCD Facebook

Justin Zaremba | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com 

BRANCHBURG TWP. -- An accident with downed wires on U.S. Route 22 westbound east of County Route 673 has closed the road in that direction.

As of 10:09 a.m., the road remain closed, prompting detours and a 10 to 15 minute delay, according to 511NJ.org.

More Hunterdon County news: NJ.com/hunterdon * HCD Facebook

Two opposition groups are calling a public meeting on 7 p.m. Sept. 15 in Pennington to discuss efforts in the next step of the process

PENNINGTON - Opponents of the proposed $1.2 billion PennEast pipeline are gearing up for the next stage of their fight against the bi-state natural gas conduit, planning a meeting later this month to coincide with the pipeline's anticipated formal federal application.

Two groups -- Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association and Hopewell Township Citizens Against the PennEast Pipeline - are calling a public meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Watershed Center for Environmental Advocacy, Science, and Education at Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road in Pennington.

Two speakers from the watershed association and one from the West Amwell Citizens Against the Pipeline are expected to discuss the federal pipeline approval process and how residents can formally object.

"Citizens need to know that PennEast can be stopped but it will continue to take their help," said Patty Cronheim of the Hopewell group. "To date, our efforts are having an impressive impact and only 30 percent of the proposed pipeline route has been surveyed.  We urge people to come out to the forum and hear about the important next steps to stop the pipeline."

RELATED: Federal energy commissioner concerned about pipeline critics

Patricia Kornick, spokeswoman for PennEast, on Tuesday said the company is on track to file its formal application with federal authorities in mid-September.

PennEast, a consortium of natural gas companies that includes all four New Jersey gas providers, wants to build a 110-mile, 36-inch pipeline stretching from Northeastern Pennsylvania to Hopewell Township. 

If approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee, the pipeline would begin construction in late 2017 and begin operation in early 2018, Kornick has said.

Opposition in New Jersey is unanimous. Every municipality that the proposed pipeline intends to traverse has passed resolutions against it.

Mercer County booted the company from its public lands earlier this year, followed by the N.J. Conservation Foundation and Hopewell Township.

The state Department of Environmental Protection in July said it lacked sufficient information to evaluate which permits PennEast would need because only about 30 percent of potentially affected properties had been surveyed by the company, a figure touted by the pipeline's detractors.

But Kornick has said the DEP's letter was just part of the process, and one that provided a provides a clear, constructive roadmap'' for the company.

Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

Offering paper boat river races, belly dancing and fireworks, Frenchtown's annual Riverfest Celebration was met with large crowds on Sunday.

FRENCHTOWN-- Offering paper boat river races, belly dancing and fireworks, Frenchtown's annual Riverfest Celebration was met with large crowds on Sunday.

Live music included The Saddletones, The Wallace Brothers, Vinyl Connection and more, while Eyes of the Wild showed off exotic animals like a baby alligator.

On the streets, local artists and vendors sold original works and handmade goods, and shops featured in-store entertainment and sales.

Riverfest is organized by the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association; and sponsored by TD Bank, Stem Brothers, Shenberger Insurance, H.J. Opdyke Lumber and River Mills at Frenchtown.

Visit the nj.com events page for more Hunterdon County entertainment.

Emily Cummins may be reached at ecummins@njadvancemedia.com Follow her on Twitter @EmilyACummins and Facebook. 

Following a fatal crash with a motorycycle on Sept. 3, a 94-year-old driver received summonses for careless and reckless driving.

ALEXANDRIA -- Following a crash that killed a Frenchtown motorcyclist on Sept. 3, a man from Pennsylvania has received summonses for reckless driving and careless driving.

The accident happened on the Thursday before Labor Day weekend.

Thomas Berkman, 55, of Frenchtown was riding his 1980 Honda motorcycle south on the Frenchtown-Milford Road (Route 619) at about 4:15 p.m. on Sept. 3 when the accident occurred.

State Police reported that a northbound 2009 white Mercury SUV driven by Theodore DeGroot, 94, of Pen Argyl, Pa., was trying to make a left-hand turn into Exotic Cars USA when DeGroot allegedly failed to yield the right of way to Berkman. The motorcycle hit the passenger side of DeGroot's SUV and Berkman was thrown off, police said.

Members of the Milford-Holland First Aid Squad began CPR and transported Berkman to the Frenchtown baseball field where a landing zone was established for a NorthSTAR medevac helicopter. However, Berkman was declared dead at the field.

State Police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Flynn said Tuesday that the investigation into the accident is still active, but "no criminal charges are pending at this time."

Funeral services for Berkman are planned for Thursday, Sept. 10, at Johnson-Walton Funeral Home in Holland Township.

Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.

Joseph DeFranco is the author of "Growing Up in the Butcher Shop" which is a delightful narrative about his great love for family, friends, Italian heritage and food.

The Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Grand Colonial Restaurant in Hampton, at 6:45 p.m.

Joseph DeFranco is the author of "Growing Up in the Butcher Shop" which is a delightful narrative about his great love for family, friends, Italian heritage and food. DeFranco shows us how he is keeping old customs alive and telling young people how life was in the sixties in a family butcher shop which is still in business today.

To make a reservation for the buffet ($29 per person) and to learn more about the club, call Rose DeSantis at 908-310 9844 or email desantis_rose@yahoo.com. All are welcome.

Participants will work on skills necessary to make and keep friends, and to interact with others in their daily lives. Social skills will be taught in an interactive and supportive atmosphere with a focus on having fun and making friends while learning.

Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties announces a Social Learning Group for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other social skills challenges. Youth ages 8-12 or 13-16 may enroll in the 10-week program which begins Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater.

Participants will work on skills necessary to make and keep friends, and to interact with others in their daily lives. Social skills will be taught in an interactive and supportive atmosphere with a focus on having fun and making friends while learning. Following brief lessons, the skills will be reinforced through the use of various recreational activities appropriate to each age range. The group is facilitated by a licensed social worker with expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The program is open to anyone, regardless of religious, ethnic, or financial background.
A limited number of scholarships are available for those unable to afford the full fee. An interview is required prior to placement in the group.

For more information or to enroll call 908-725-7799, ext. 123. Visit www.Jewishfamilysvc.org

Ten area high school bands are participating, and the event begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and students. Admission is free for children under the age of five. There is free parking for the event.

The Hunterdon Central Marching Red Devils Band will be holding their annual USBands marching band competition at Hunterdon Central on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Ten area high school bands are participating, and the event begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and students. Admission is free for children under the age of five. There is free parking for the event.

The USBand Competition is the Band Parent Association's biggest fundraiser of the season. The profit helps offset school costs for funding the band. Last year, the Band Parents purchased a new commercial instrument shelving system, new color guard uniforms, and donated money toward the purchase of new band uniforms, when needed.

The Band Parent Association also covers the costs of building props for the show, purchasing alternate parade shirts for new students, and provides snacks and drinks for the students.

he Paint Out is open to seasoned painters as well as the novice and is hosted in the spirit fun and friendship. Artists will meet in the morning at 13 N Union to pick up a map of the village highlighting suggested places to paint, public restrooms, and local favorite places for a quick snack.

Artist Kelly Sullivan will be hosting an Oil Painters of America "Paint Out" on Saturday Sept. 19, in Lambertville. The day will feature plein air painters from the region painting in and around the picturesque village.

The Paint Out is open to seasoned painters as well as the novice and is hosted in the spirit fun and friendship. Artists will meet in the morning at 13 N Union to pick up a map of the village highlighting suggested places to paint, public restrooms, and local favorite places for a quick snack. At 5 p.m., the public is invited to the gallery for a pop-up art show where artists can show their work from the day, have a glass of wine, and let collectors and guests peruse the paintings.

Participation gifts for painters who register in advance provided by PleinAir Magazine, Gamblin Paints, Jerry's Art-A-Rama of Lawrenceville, DeAnnas Restaurant, Grounds For Sculpture, McCarter Theatre, Lambertville Station, Old York Cellars and more.

There is no cost to participate, though artists are asked to register by emailing kelly@kellysullivanfineart.com.

Plein Air Paint Outs have been a tradition at Oil Painters of American since 2005. Paint Outs have experienced rave reviews from members and nonmembers alike who enjoy the benefits of camaraderie and developing their craft with fellow artists. Dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in representational art, Oil Painters of America's primary mission is to advance the cause of traditional, representational fine art by drawing attention to the lasting value of fine drawing, color, composition and the appreciation of light. Visit http://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/events/paintouts/paintouts.cfm

Kelly Sullivan is a fine art oil painter, and the creator of FingerSmears, Sullivan's signature method of collaborative painting that includes the participation of hundreds of people on one canvas. She working studio on the third floor of The Peoples Store in Lambertville, and her gallery is at 13 N Union St. in Lambertville. Visit www.KellySullivanFineArt.com

The cost is $50 per person; includes a hot buffet dinner and DJ. There will be a cash bar, dress is casual.

The Hunterdon Central High School Class of 1970s 45th Reunion will be held on Sept. 26, at the Flemington BPOE Elks 1928, 165 Route 31 South (across from old Flemington Fairgrounds) in Flemington from 4-10 p.m.

The cost is $50 per person; includes a hot buffet dinner and DJ. There will be a cash bar, dress is casual. RSVP with payment by Sept. 14, to: HCHS '70 Reunion 45-Barbara Funk Kuhlman-31 Surrey Lane-Flemington, NJ, 08822.

Reiki is like acupuncture without needles; it brings the body/mind into balance. It reduces stress and anxiety, relieves tension in tight muscles, and reduces anxiety. It returns the person to a state of balance, through relaxation, allowing healing to occur.

Be Here Now Yoga in downtown Flemington is offering Reiki to veterans under the direction of Usui Reiki Master Teacher Diana Davis.

There is growing awareness of the benefits of Reiki on post traumatic stress disorder and other healing injuries - most particularly in our veterans.

Reiki is like acupuncture without needles; it brings the body/mind into balance. It reduces stress and anxiety, relieves tension in tight muscles, and reduces anxiety. It returns the person to a state of balance, through relaxation, allowing healing to occur.

Rei means "universal" and ki (like chi) means "energy." Reiki is life-force energy. It flows through a person the way electricity flows through wires. This energy is often described by both the Reiki practitioner and the Reiki client as a tingly sensation that produces soothing warmth.

This new Community program is offering free 10-15 minute Reiki sessions to veterans in Hunterdon County to be facilitated by Diana Davis, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, her students and local practitioners. Register by going online to www.beherenowyoga108.com/great-special-events.

For more information on Reiki, visit Diana's website: www.nextlevelreiki.com/about.php

Be Here Now Yoga is owned and operated by Karen Walsh, a Flemington resident, local educator and active community volunteer for more than 25 years. Karen received her RYT-200 in March 2013 and will complete her RYT-500 2015. She is also certified in Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga as well as Prime of Life Yoga. Karen opened Be Here Now Yoga to bring her love of yoga to her community, make the practice of yoga more accessible through a flexible schedule of events, and offer packages affordable to all.

To learn more, visit www.beherenowyoga108.com or call 908-642-0989.

Gains across the field were made by Captain Seth Gould, RJ Hart, and Devon Falvo, who also kicked and punted the ball. Aaron Importico intercepted 2 passes and recovered a kick, and William Callejas caught and ran with a pass from Falvo.

The Flemington Pioneers JV team put up a fight against the Lambertville Ramblers in the opening game on Friday, Sept. 4 in a 19-0 loss.

Gains across the field were made by Captain Seth Gould, RJ Hart, and Devon Falvo, who also kicked and punted the ball. Aaron Importico intercepted 2 passes and recovered a kick, and William Callejas caught and ran with a pass from Falvo. QB Brian Dempsey and Center Ryan Winters kept the ball in play. Major tackles were made by Gould, Falvo, Hart, Importico, Nathan Myers, Zach Schultz, Nelson Melgar, and Brendan Morrison. Assisting on both offense and defense were Seth Leeds, Nick White, Jared Contaldi, and Kyle Goetz.

Tournament
The Flemington Pioneers JV team won their first pre-season tournament game against Belvidere 14-7. Touchdowns were made by Devon Falvo and Captain Seth Gould, who also scored on a safety. William Callejas received a pass from Falvo to gain large yardage. Major runs were also done by RJ Hart, who continued to run with opponents at his feet and Zach Schultz. Tackles by Brian Dempsey, Nick White, and Nelson Melgar helped stop the other team. Assisting in the win were Brendan Morrison, Seth Leeds, Jared Contaldi, Nathan Myers, Kyle Goetz, Aaron Importico, and Ryan Winters.

Friends and neighbors of this future Clinton Township Loyalist homestead museum have begun donating quality items from their homes, attics or garages for the "Confiscation" Auction.

The 1759 Vought House is planning a benefit auction on its grounds on Saturday, Oct. 24--and is hoping the community will want to participate, either as a donor of auctionable goods, or as an auction bidder on the big day--or both. Pictured, Janice Armstrong of Milford with the samplers, dating from 1823-1856, that she is donating to the 1759 Vought House auction. An avid collector, she now has too many for her walls. The quilts, framed hooked rug and toy are also in the auction. (courtesy photo)

The 1759 Vought House is planning a benefit auction on its grounds on Saturday, Oct. 24--and is hoping the community will want to participate, either as a donor of auctionable goods, or as an auction bidder on the big day--or both.

Friends and neighbors of this future Clinton Township Loyalist homestead museum have begun donating quality items from their homes, attics or garages for the "Confiscation" Auction. "We are looking for donations of clean, well-cared-for household items, old or new, that you would like to recycle from your home, garage or tool shed," said Kerry Cahill-Defuccio, chair of the event with Judith Novak.

The event is inspired by a real auction in 1778, when victorious American Patriots confiscated the goods and property of the defeated Vought family, who had remained loyal to the British king during the Revolution. So anything that could be in a rapidly-abandoned fully-working home (the unhappy Voughts fled and resettled in Nova Scotia) is fair game for this auction. This includes antique or contemporary furniture, china, quilts, hooked rugs, lighting, tools, and decorative objects. This is a wonderful opportunity to clean house--or to find treasures at the October auction.

The Oct. 24 auction will start at 9:30 a.m. (previews) and 10:30 a.m. (auction) at the 1759 Vought House, 34 Grayrock Road, Annandale (next to the Clinton Township Middle School). It will be presided over by auctioneer Michael J. Stasak, Jr., Antiques and Auction Service, Carpentersville, who is generously donating his expertise. To donate auction-ready items or to have them picked up, contact Kerry at 908-447-2006.

Some special items are already on the auction list, which can be viewed on the auctioneer's website: www.stasakauctions.com. Three antique 19th century samplers have been offered by collector Janice Armstrong, of Milford, who has moved and is downsizing her much-loved collection. Hand-quilted quilts from the home of Kay McGuire of Clinton and typical of her skilled craftsmanship, will also be auctioned. Also for sale: a leather-topped 19th century ladies desk, an antique cast-iron coffee grinder, hooked rugs...the list goes on.

All proceeds benefit the 1759 Vought House. Check our website: www.1759VoughtHouse.org

On Sept. 3, Raritan Township purchased the Kangas property, located on the south side of Plum Brook Road. The land adjoins existing township-preserved land and will be used for passive recreation such as hiking, picnicking and nature study. The land will also protect significant water supplies and natural resources.

A forested 44-acre property with the Plum Brook running through it has been permanently preserved by Raritan Township, in partnership with Hunterdon County, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the D&R Greenway Land Trust, NJ Water Supply Authority and the state Green Acres Program.

On Sept. 3, Raritan Township purchased the Kangas property, located on the south side of Plum Brook Road. The land adjoins existing township-preserved land and will be used for passive recreation such as hiking, picnicking and nature study. The land will also protect significant water supplies and natural resources.

According to Amy Greene, chair of Raritan Township's Open Space Committee, the property has some of the most intact, diverse native forest of any along the Plum Brook. Except for some recent minor logging, the forest does not appear to have been disturbed in the last 100 years.

The property includes high quality habitat for migratory birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. The habitat supports forest dwelling species like rose-breasted grosbeak, wood thrush, scarlet tanager, wood peewee and ovenbird. The diverse forest of oaks, tulip trees and black gum hosts many flowering shrubs and wildflowers.

"Residents will benefit from preservation of this significant forested property which adds to many other tracts of land protected in this rural part of Raritan Township," said Greene. "We are grateful to the Raritan Township Committee and our funding partners who recognized the natural resources and recreation value of this property. We appreciate Ted Kangas and Laurel Kerruish for making their property available for purchase."

The land was preserved using Raritan Township's funds from the state Green Acres Program, and grants from Hunterdon County to New Jersey Conservation Foundation and D&R Greenway Land Trust. NJ Water Supply Authority provided funding for required studies to facilitate the sale.

The parcel has an old dirt road running parallel to the Plum Brook, which offers access to the property for hiking and wildlife observation. It's part of a larger contiguous forest, including properties owned by Hunterdon County.

"Our residents continue to benefit from these coordinated efforts with Raritan Township and the New Jersey Water Supply Authority to protect and sustain the natural resources of our great County," said John King, Director of the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders. "Preservation measures that protect our stream corridors ensure water quality, now and for our future, safeguard the natural environment and provide opportunities for enjoyment to residents and visitors."

The Plum Brook is a pristine, Category 1 stream that flows into the Wickecheoke Creek, which in turn flows into the D&R Canal, a major water supply source for more than a million central New Jersey residents.

"We're very happy to help preserve this beautiful property," said Michele S. Byers, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. "New Jersey Conservation Foundation has preserved extensive lands along the Wickecheoke Creek and we're always looking to save additional properties that protect our precious water supply."

D&R Greenway Land Trust has also preserved lands along the Plum Brook, further downstream in Delaware Township. "This property along the Plum Brook is of high ecological value and expands on lands D&R Greenway and Raritan Township have protected along the waterway," says Linda J. Mead, D&R Greenway President & CEO. "We are pleased to join with our partners to preserve habitat for salamanders and birds like the rose-breasted grosbeak that has been heard singing in the woods."

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a private nonprofit that preserves land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all. Since 1960, New Jersey Conservation has protected 125,000 acres of open space - from the Highlands to the Pine Barrens to the Delaware Bayshore, from farms to forests to urban and suburban parks.

For more information about the Foundation's programs and preserves, go to www.njconservation.org or call 1-888-LAND-SAVE (1-888-526-3728).