The last of a series, this Meet the Illustrator event welcomes Santiago Cohen, who will read from "Home for Navidad" and "Yiddish Fish" on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. A fun art project, inspired by the books, immediately follows.

Spend an afternoon with an award-winning book artist and participate in a family-fun project at the Hunterdon Art Museum's Meet the Illustrator workshop.

The last of a series, this Meet the Illustrator event welcomes Santiago Cohen, who will read from "Home for Navidad" and "Yiddish Fish" on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. A fun art project, inspired by the books, immediately follows.

Cohen is an illustrator and animator whose work is regularly published in major magazines and newspapers. He has designed animations for HBO, the Cartoon Network and PBS.

He was the design director for Troubles the Cat, a 24-episode series that was part of the Cartoon Network program Big Bag. He has received numerous awards, including an Emmy for How Do You Spell God?, and Emmy and Peabody awards for his work on the HBO special Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales.

Cohen's work, including several animated videos, is now on display in ArtZone. In 2013, Cohen's art was featured in a solo exhibition at the museum.

All ages are welcome. The program is $5 per child to cover the cost of materials.

Registration is required: Visit the museum website or call 908-735-8415.

Many of the books that will be read at the workshops are available for purchase at the Clinton Book Shop, 12 East Main St. The book shop is donating a portion of the purchase price of the books to the museum.

Programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust, Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, The Wolf Kahn and Emily Mason Foundation, Investors Bank, The Large Foundation, the Bunbury Company, and corporations, foundations, and individuals.

The Hunterdon Art Museum is a wheelchair accessible space. Publications are available in large print. Patrons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may contact the museum through the New Jersey Relay Service at (TTY) 1-800-852-7899

The Scarlet Knights won the season opener with solid defense, nice passing, and some timely shooting.

The Scarlet Knights beat the Hokies 18-5 in the third/fourth grade girls division of the Flemington-Raritan Youth Basketball league.

The Scarlet Knights won the season opener with solid defense, nice passing, and some timely shooting.

The offense was led by Madison Sei (8 points), Emily Mraz (6), Abigail Gemma (2) and Maggie Scally (2). Hailey Pellegrini, Laila Salgado, Sara Czarnecki, Natalia Phelan and Marissa Migliorino contributed to the strong defensive effort.

The Califon United Methodist Church, located at 15 River Road in Califon, is a church that brings together people of all generations to worship and serve in the borough of Califon and the surrounding communities.

All are welcome to join Califon United Methodist Church this Advent and Christmas season on Saturday, Dec. 12 for the annual cookie walk sale beginning at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Then, at 4 p.m., come to the sanctuary, where the story of the birth of Jesus will be brought to life with real actors and real animals.

On Dec. 24, all are invited to a Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons and Carols beginning at 5:30 p.m. Come relive the story of Jesus' birth through the reading of Scripture, the singing of carols, and the celebration of Holy Communion. At each event, a collection of non-perishable foods will be takes for the Loaves of Love food pantry in Lebanon.

The Califon United Methodist Church, located at 15 River Road in Califon, is a church that brings together people of all generations to worship and serve in the borough of Califon and the surrounding communities. The congregation is growing and exploring a deeper sense of who they are in Jesus Christ. All are invited to come and experience God's love with them.

Sunday worship and school are held at 10 a.m. To keep updated with all the happenings at the church and to find out more on what the church has to offer, visit www.califonumc.org.

The game turned the corner for the Cats when the ball started finding the bottom of the net. Brianna Mastriano 10 points, Lucia Capone 6 points, Kelly Pawlikoski 3 points, Ella Rowinski and Eila Holland with 2 points each, took the opportunities that the defense created and capitalized on it with a good offensive effort.

The Wildcats (1-0) and Tigers met this Saturday to kick off the 2015-16 girls recreational season. This was a real cat fight early on with the Wildcats pulling off their first win over a very strong opponent 23-11.

The Wildcats played great defense as a team led by Emily Culton, Ava Cupo, Nadia Kandil, and Bella Pisoia, pulling down more than their fair share of rebounds and creating timely turnovers.

The game turned the corner for the Cats when the ball started finding the bottom of the net. Brianna Mastriano 10 points, Lucia Capone 6 points, Kelly Pawlikoski 3 points, Ella Rowinski and Eila Holland with 2 points each, took the opportunities that the defense created and capitalized on it with a good offensive effort.

The Wildcats will do their best to keep the positive momentum going as they face a strong Knights team next Saturday, Dec. 12.

The entire community is invited to celebrate Hanukkah during our Shabbat service on Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., as we join in a community candlelighting (you are invited to bring a menorah), sing songs, participate in Israeli dancing and fun activities with dance teacher Elyse Litt, create edible dreidels, injectable sufganiyot (donuts), and sample many latke and applesauce recipes from our community of cooks.

The entire community is invited to celebrate Hanukkah during our Shabbat service on Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., as we join in a community candle lighting (attendees are invited to bring a menorah), sing songs, participate in Israeli dancing and fun activities with dance teacher Elyse Litt, create edible dreidels, injectable sufganiyot (donuts), and sample many latke and applesauce recipes from our community of cooks.

Or Chadash is located at 149 Foothill Road, Flemington, visit www.orchadash-nj.org, call 908-806-2122. All are welcome.

Mike Atzert, pastor, noted that this has been a difficult year for many in our congregation. Some are sad this year because of the death of someone they love; other are coping with illness or depression; going through divorce or separation; or facing an uncertain and frightening future.

This Christmas season is not joyous for everyone. Some people are facing the holiday season with more grief than happiness. To help them cope, Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church in Ringoes is holding a special "Blue Christmas" service on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m.

Mike Atzert, pastor, noted that this has been a difficult year for many in our congregation. Some are sad this year because of the death of someone they love; other are coping with illness or depression; going through divorce or separation; or facing an uncertain and frightening future. This service attempts to help those who are dealing with difficult times. The service is open to all.

The church is at 37 John Ringo Road (behind Mom's Restaurant). For more information, call the church office at 908-782-1177 or visit http://www.kirkpatrickchurch.org

A one-of-a-kind, hand-painted, Victorian-style ceramic village will be on display. Enjoy a miniature depiction of a joyous Christmas celebration, frozen in time.

Samuel Fleming House Museum & Gardens announces a special holiday display on from Dec. 12, 1-4 p.m.

A one-of-a-kind, hand-painted, Victorian-style ceramic village will be on display. Enjoy a miniature depiction of a joyous Christmas celebration, frozen in time.

Festive refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit fleminghousemusuem.org or call the museum at 908-782-4607.

Jerry wants all the human affection he can get his paws on, and he enjoys frolicking with his kitty cohorts. These brothers do not have to be adopted together, but each would of course adore having another cat his own age to play with in his new forever home.

Adopt Jerry at Tabby's Place in Ringoes. (courtesy photo)

Jerry is one of two 8-month-old orange tabby brothers who recently arrived at Tabby's Place. Jerry has a deeper orange swirled coat than his brother Kramer, and both boys have gorgeous amber eyes.

Jerry wants all the human affection he can get his paws on, and he enjoys frolicking with his kitty cohorts. These brothers do not have to be adopted together, but each would of course adore having another cat his own age to play with in his new forever home.

Visit them and all the cats available for adoption at Tabby's Place, 1100 U.S. Highway 202, Ringoes, any day from 12-5 p.m., or call 908-237-5300.

Singer Kevin Gray from Hampton, and the 78 West Jazz Quintet have been performing locally for over ten years supporting fund raising events with organizations such the Hunterdon Hospice, Good News Home for Women, the Veteran's Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Association.

Something new and old is happening in Hunterdon County on Friday, Dec. 11. Classic Productions is presenting two shows celebrating Sinatra's 100th Birthday with local performer's Kevin Gray and the 78 West Jazz Quintet at the Starlight Room located in the Flemington Raritan Diner. The first show is already sold out.

Singer Kevin Gray from Hampton, and the 78 West Jazz Quintet have been performing locally for over ten years supporting fund raising events with organizations such the Hunterdon Hospice, Good News Home for Women, the Veteran's Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Association. The group's mission has always been to give back to the community and the Sinatra Tribute is another way of giving back by bringing quality entertainment to the community at a reasonable cost.

Kevin Gray sings locally at the Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale and has also been an actor and singer with regional theatre for more than 25 years. His performances have earned him recognition and praise including winning the coveted Avy Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role of Nick in "Baby" and his role as Narrator in "Blood Brothers" helped the show win the Perry Award for Best Musical.

78 West Jazz Quintet members include Chris Boyce on Piano (Flemington), Mike Wolf on Bass (Flemington), Ed Ronco on sax/clarinet (Union), Guy Verrastro on drums (Bethlehem) and John Harrity on Guitar (Somerville).

Two Shows - One Night Only! The 8 p.m. Dinner Show is sold out but there are still $20 tickets available for the 10 p.m. BYOB show. Doors open at 9:45 p.m. Performances are in the Starlight Room located at the Flemington/Raritan Diner in Flemington. For ticket information, visit www.kevin-j-gray.com or call 908-419-9878.

The next group will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, from 7-9 p.m., at JFS, 150-A West High St., Somerville.

Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties is offering a Job Seekers Support Group for active job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed or seeking a career change.

The next group will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, from 7-9 p.m., at JFS, 150-A West High St., Somerville.

The topic for this session is "Secrets from a Former Head of HR: What they don't tell you about the Job Search Process" presented by Allan Weisberg, co-president, Next Chapter Coaching and Consulting.

This group is offered free of charge and is open to the entire community. Funding for this program is provided by grants from The United Way of Hunterdon County, The Arnold A. Schwartz Foundation and Magyar Bank.

To register or for information about Career Counseling Services, contact Elise Prezant at 908-725-7799, ext. 108 or eprezant@JewishFamilySvc.org.

One-day total already close to take in all of 2014 Watch video

FREDON -- A total of 216 bears were taken during the first day of the state's controversial hunt Monday, a day when both hunters and animals alike were likely more active due to relatively warm temperatures and clear conditions, according to preliminary figures released late Monday night by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The vast majority of bears hunted were in Sussex County, where 138 animals were weighed in, followed by 41 in Warren, 20 in Passaic, 15 in Morris and two in Bergen. No animals were harvested in Hunterdon, Somerset and Mercer counties, the other areas where the hunt, which ends Saturday, is taking place.

As of 5 p.m., when figures were still being compiled, the largest bear taken weighed 658.5 lbs and was hunted at Allamuchy State Park, a DEP spokesman, Bob Considine, said.

Monday's total is already close to the 272 animals hunted in all of the 2014 season, which was marked by days of bitter cold. The first day of last year's season also saw the highest take that year by far, with 124 bears harvested -- far less than the number of animals taken Monday. 

Black bear hunting season again coincides with deer firearms season, as it has every year since the bear hunt was reintroduced in New Jersey five years ago to rein in populations that wildlife officials say are leading to more, and potentially dangerous, encounters with humans.

As in years past, the hunt drew protesters who said killing the animals was inhumane and did little to solve the underlying problem -- two populations, human and ursine, moving in on each other's turf.

"When New Jersey said we needed a hunt it was to protect public safety and to get rid of aggressive bears. After five years of a hunt just the opposite has happened; we have seen aggressive bear incidents increase. The Sierra Club has been advocating for an effective bear management plan that would actually reduce these incidents," said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey chapter of the group. 

Tittel said an ideal plan "would include public education on how to deal with bears and bear proofing properties, reducing food sources especially garbage, and other non-lethal methods such as bear aversion therapy."

"Whether we have a hunt or not we need to have a proper management plan."

For more information on the hunt, click here.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook

Staff writer Justin Zaremba contributed to this report

Law enforcement officials say Isadore Heath Campbell will have to turn himself in before his fiancee's claim can be considered.

HOLLAND TWP. -- A local woman claims she lied when she told police that her fiancee, Isadore Heath Campbell, known to many as "Nazi dad," assaulted her.

Bethanie Zito said Friday that she's tried to retract her statements and have the charges against Campbell dropped, but officials won't let her.

"They are refusing to allow me to drop the charges even though I admitted I lied," Zito said. "I'm trying to drop the lie that was put on him."

Holland Township Police issued a warrant for Campbell's arrest on an aggravated assault charge in late October, after investigating a report filed by Zito.

"An officer from the department interviewed her, and based on her injuries and her statements, the officer called a judge and got a warrant," said Holland Police Sgt. Sean Gutsick.

Zito said the injuries weren't inflicted by Campbell as she originally claimed. Rather, she says, he left after an argument and she was mad at him so she went to work in a shed. While in there she was throwing things around, and a shelf held up by a few nails fell on her, cutting her face, Zito said.

She said she called police and claimed Campbell struck her during their argument, doing so because she was angry at him.

Gutsick said Monday that Campbell will remain wanted until he turns himself in or gets caught. "We have to get his side of the story," Gutsick said. "And we have to be convinced that she wasn't coerced into saying this now."

Campbell is listed on the Hunterdon Country Prosecutor's Office's website as among Hunterdon's Most Wanted, and Paul Approvato of the Prosecutor's Office confirmed Monday that Zito also went to the Prosecutor's Office asking that charges against Campbell be dropped.

She was told "when the court case comes up, you're going to have to tell the judge you lied," Approvato said, and accept the consequences that go with filing a false police report.

Zito said on Friday she's more than willing to do that. "They read me my rights and said they were going to arrest me," she said. "I said, 'I don't care.' I'm not going to send an innocent man to jail."

Zito said Campbell's in California now, and she wants him to feel free to come home. "I want to put it out there that he's innocent. He did not do this. He does not deserve to be in prison."

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

RVCC graduates are guaranteed admission to Howard if they meet certain requirements.

BRANCHBURG -- Howard University, one of the most prestigious historically-black colleges and universities in the nation, has entered into an agreement with Raritan Valley Community College that will guarantee graduates admission if they meet certain requirements, RVCC announced Monday.

RVCC graduates will also be eligible for Howard University transfer scholarships and other scholarships based on academic achievement and financial need.

"The new partnership with Howard University offers tremendous opportunities for our students, guaranteeing them admission to an esteemed university with a highly selective admissions process," said Raritan Valley Community College President Michael J. McDonough. "Students who excel at RVCC may also be rewarded with a generous scholarship from Howard to help them reach their educational goals."

RVCC has approximately 90 different transfer agreements with schools across the county and internationally, said Paul Michaud, Raritan Valley Community College's Director of Transfer and Career Services.

But, Michaud said, rarely does a school with competitive admissions enter into an agreement with another institution that guarantees admission of their graduates provided they meet certain requirements.

According to the agreement, students who receive an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from Raritan Valley Community College will be guaranteed admission to Howard University providing they meet all admission conditions such as fulfilling prerequisite course requirements and maintaining the requisite grade point average.

Raritan Valley Community College graduates with a minimum GPA of at least 3.25 also may be eligible for $10,000 Howard University Transfer Scholarships as well as Trustee Scholarships determined by academic achievement and financial need.

"At a time when our college is investing in new science facilities and enrollment in science and engineering majors is growing, this agreement takes on special significance because of Howard's highly regarded science programs," said  McDonough.

"It should encourage even more students to start their college education at RVCC and pursue careers in the in-demand fields of science, engineering and technology."

The agreement, signed on Dec. 3 at Howard's Washington, D.C. campus, stipulates that Raritan Valley Community College graduates transferring to Howard may transfer a maximum of 60 credit hours, 45 or more of which should be from RVCC. Students who transfer from RVCC will be required to complete the last 30 semester credit hours at Howard University in order to be eligible for a degree from the university.

The agreement also ensures that the credits students earn for all of their lower division general education requirements at Raritan Valley Community College will be accepted at Howard.
 
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.

Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 30 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.

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

The menorah lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m., on the corner of Bridge and Harrison street. During the Hanukkah celebration, Chabad will hold a drawing for Hanukkah giveaways.

This Hanukkah, there will be no shortage of celebration for the festival of lights in Frenchtown. Chabad is set to host a Community Menorah Lightings on Tuesday, Dec. 8. The community is invited to attend and to participate.

Hot latkes, Donuts, Gelt, Hanukkah Crafts, Free Menorah Kits, Dreidels, The world famous Dreidel Man and more will provide Chanukah flavor and fun for the whole community. The Mayor of Frenchtown, Warren Cooper, will attend the ceremony and will assist in kindling the lights of Hanukkah.

The menorah lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m., on the corner of Bridge and Harrison street. During the Hanukkah celebration, Chabad will hold a drawing for Hanukkah giveaways. An assortment of gift cards and beautiful items that were generously donated will be included from Blue Fish, Two Buttons Importers, the Book Garden, and the Bridge Cafe.

Hanukkah, a celebration for all time, is highlighted by the kindling of the Menorah each night of the holiday. "It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition," said Rabbi Eli Kornfeld, director of Chabad of Hunterdon County. "In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place." Hanukkah also provides a universal message that ultimately good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression, and light over darkness.

As part of the Hanukkah outreach campaign, Chabad of Hunterdon County joins thousands of Chabad Centers across the globe that stage similar public displays of the Menorah and its symbolic lights. From Australia to Africa, Columbia to Hong Kong, New York City's Ground Zero to the White House Lawn, hundreds of thousands will experience the joy of Hanukkah with Chabad. Won't you join, too?

For more information and a complete list of Hanukkah events throughout Hunterdon County contact Chabad of Hunterdon County at 908-238-9002 or log on to www.JewishHunterdon.com.

The inn's common space will be festively-festooned with live greens, twinkling lights plus an array of Christmas collectibles. Old-world snowbabies, Lefton holiday angels and antique snowmen and Santa Clauses will surely make visitors smile.

Visit Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast for the inn's annual Christmas Tour on Sunday, Dec. 20. Ken and Donna Arold, owners of this 1901 Victorian Manor House invite visitors to tour the inn and enjoy their collections of Christmas memorabilia, some items dating back to the 1920s. This year the inn will be open to visitors the Sunday before Christmas from 3-6 p.m.

The inn's common space will be festively-festooned with live greens, twinkling lights plus an array of Christmas collectibles. Old-world snowbabies, Lefton holiday angels and antique snowmen and Santa Clauses will surely make visitors smile. The formal dining room, set for tea with china and choice colorful depression glassware will give a glimpse of the attention to detail the Victorians displayed.

The live evergreen trees feature collections of glass ornaments, vintage toys and noisemakers collected over generations. A themed tree in the library reflects the innkeeper's love affair with animals, most specifically Labradors.

This year will be the Arold's 11th consecutive year hosting this informal holiday house tour. A donation of $10 per person will allow visitors to tour the inn in a self-guided fashion, enjoy holiday music, and partake of refreshments and holiday treats.

This year's tour donations will support the Kimi Goetz Olympic Fund, to aid Olympic hopeful and Flemington hometown hero, Kimi Goetz in pursuing her dream. Kimi now lives and trains in Salt Lake City -- when she is not out touring the world distinguishing herself in speed skating. Earlier this year, she was one of only two American women who earned the right to compete in the World Championships in Moscow with her eye on making it to the South Korea Olympics in 2018, and the Arolds are all-inn supporting her efforts.

The innkeepers will be on hand to answer questions about the inn's history, their personal Christmas collections and to converse with visitors. The inn's owners ask that children be kept in tow and that one adult accompany each child. There is no reservation required for attending the tour and there is on-street and on-site parking available.

Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast is at 194 Main S. in Flemington, 908-782-4928.

Hugh Warnock will be the guest speaker at the Tuesday, Dec. 15 meeting. Warnock was raised to believe that debt was something to avoid. Many times he was told "If you can't afford to pay cash, you can't have it."

The Small Biz Networking Meetup group has more than 320 members now, and was started by Julie Parker more thanb 3 years ago. They meet at the Flemington Raritan Diner, Rte. 31, (next to Healthquest) in the Banquet room, every third Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A $17 charge covers a complete lunch, and special guest speakers are invited each month to speak to the business owners present.

Hugh Warnock will be the guest speaker at the Tuesday, Dec. 15 meeting. Warnock
was raised to believe that debt was something to avoid. Many times he was told "If you can't afford to pay cash, you can't have it." Shortly after his 18th birthday Warnock struck out on his own and proceeded to completely ignore his parent's advise. For many years he struggled with debt, credit, and finances in general. Destroying his credit score in the process.

Years later he decided to dig him self out of the hole he was in and begin again on a cash basis. With much hard work he reached his goal of being debt free.

In 2012 Warnock was introduced to the Money Merge Account from maCapital Resources and realized that this tool could help many other people eliminate their debt. Soon he became something of an evangelist for the cause. Helping people to reach zero debt. Then build wealth with the money that once went to their creditors.

RSVP for the Small Biz Networking Meetup at www.meetup.com/small-biz-networking. Any questions, call Julie Parker at 908-310-8098.

Topics this year included, Reunification (lifecycle of a lockdown based on actual incidents) and various other school safety topics from the national to local level including the impact of social media during an incident and crisis communications.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, and Chief of Detectives John Kuczynski announced that the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office and the Clinton Township School District hosted the 4th Annual Safe Campus Initiative School Safety Symposium on Monday, Dec. 7, at the Clinton Township Middle School.

Topics this year included, Reunification (lifecycle of a lockdown based on actual incidents) and various other school safety topics from the national to local level including the impact of social media during an incident and crisis communications.

The symposium was attended by more than 200 attendees that included Educators/Administrators, First Responders including Police, Fire, EMS, OEM Officials, SWAT and Bomb Squad personnel, Dispatchers, Mental Health Professionals and Victim Advocates.

John-Michael Keyes, Executive Director of the "I Love U Guys" Foundation, who lost his daughter at the hands of a gunman at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colorado in September 2006, discussed the Standard Response Protocol and parent reunification procedures. The Foundation has produced a common language safety program known as the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and is rapidly accomplishing the goal of creating national awareness and adoption of the universal language and action program for use in schools and throughout communities. The Standard Response Protocol is currently being used in more than 10,000 schools across the country.

Frank DeAngelis, retired principal, Columbine High School, shared Columbine High School's recovery and the role school climate and culture plays in that process for both students, and the community at large. Other guest at this year's symposium included Arapahoe County Deputy James Englert, who discussed his experiences from the Arapahoe High School shooting in Centennial, Colorado on Dec. 13, 2013. Also speaking was Pat Hamilton, executive director of Operations for Adam 12 Five Star Schools. Hamilton presented on Crisis Communications and social media considerations.

According to Prosecutor Kearns, "We continue to work closely with local law enforcement, dispatchers, teachers, administrators, and school staff to keep our children safe. The Special Operations Unit works tirelessly to provide school safety and active shooter trainings to public and private schools, first responders, dispatchers and local businesses Today's presentation gave us an opportunity to learn from experts who have all personally been involved in active shooter incidents and are nationally recognized in the field of school safety and emergency management."

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010 or by going to www.crimestoppershunterdon.com, or text messaging "HCTIPS" plus your tip message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters can also download the free mobile app "Tipsubmit" and select Hunterdon County to submit anonymous tips via text messaging. All tips are anonymous and kept confidential.

For current events on the go, follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/HunterdonCoPros

The creation was entered in an annual gingerbread competition, sponsored by the Hunterdon County Library and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce.

Copper Hill School, students in Brittney Johnson's class created a gingerbread scene from the children's book 'Snowman at Night,' and is entered in the Hunterdon County Library and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce gingerbread competition. Pictured are: (top) Norah Feddersen and Mark Plucchino; (bottom, from left) Lucas Gilio, Mihir Kumar, Christopher Mahler. Not pictured: John Pavlica. (courtesy photo)

At Copper Hill School, students in Brittney Johnson's class created a gingerbread scene from the children's book "Snowman at Night."

The creation was entered in an annual gingerbread competition, sponsored by the Hunterdon County Library and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce.

The masterpiece is on display at the Hunterdon County Library all month long.

The wreathes were decorated by the Scouts and their parents to be distributed to some of those receiving hospice, families, and volunteers.

Boy Scouts from Troop 288 donated decorated holiday wreaths to the Hunterdon Hospice this holiday season. Pictured with Scouts Luke Fresolone (left) and Ryan Apgar are staff of Hunterdon Hospice (from left) - Margaret Doyle - Director, Janet Mc Culloch, Erin Nakahana, Betty Hogan, Jen Kennedy, Joann Gavin, and BJ Jacobson. Mark Fresolone, Luke's father, is in the back. (courtesy photo)

In the spirit of helping others at all times, a key tenet of the Scout oath, Boy Scouts from Troop 288 donated decorated holiday wreaths to the Hunterdon Hospice this holiday season.

The wreathes were decorated by the Scouts and their parents to be distributed to some of those receiving hospice, families, and volunteers. Community service is an important part of scouting and required of each Boy Scout.

Troop 288 of Annandale, part of the Washington Crossing Council, has been in existence for more than 40 years and meets at the Annandale Reformed Church every Tuesday evening. It is comprised of 45 active Boy Scouts and an equal number of adult leaders and volunteers. Troop 288 has had =more than 67 Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

For more information about Troop 288's community service activities or to join Troop 288, contact cgneighbor@comcast.net

Hunterdon Hospice, part of the Hunterdon Healthcare system, has been providing service in Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset and Mercer counties for more than 30 years. Its staff averages 20 years of experience in Hospice care aimed at supporting patients who are seriously ill and their families. To learn more about their services or how to help, contact 908-788-6600.

Good weather continues on the second day of the weeklong hunting season

FREDON -- The total number of bears harvested by the second day of the state's bear hunt reached 309, already exceeding by a considerable margin the number of animals taken in all of last year, according to preliminary figures from the state Department of Environmental Protection released Tuesday night. 

Ninety-three animals -- the large majority hunted in Sussex County, which usually leads among all counties for number of bears claimed -- were weighed on Tuesday, less than half the number of animals on the first day of the hunt Monday. 

The five-year-old firearms hunt was introduced to limit populations of black bears in New Jersey, especially in the northern part of the state. The hunt is permitted in parts of eight counties.