Megan Jones-Holt and the Flemington BID, supporters of the new station from concept, officiated at the ribbon cutting.

Jersey Talk Radio at 127 Main St. in Flemington held a grand opening ribbon cutting on Dec 14. Pictured (from left) are Freeholder Matt Holt, Richard Gerstner, Bruce Pearson, Megan Jones-Holt, Director Flemington Bid and Roseanna Di Marzio,The Grill Shack. (courtesy photo)

On Dec. 14, more than 65 guests squeezed into The Flemington Car and Truck Country Broadcast Center, the home of Jersey Talk Radio at 127 Main St. in Flemington for a ribbon cutting and Grand Opening Celebration.

Megan Jones-Holt and the Flemington BID, supporters of the new station from concept, officiated at the ribbon cutting.

Janet Maddalena and Maddelena Catering provided extraordinary food including a "Hot Pasta" station.

Bruce Pearson and Richard Gerstner created Jersey Talk Radio, "Radio Worth Watching." It is the first internet radio/TV station in New Jersey.

"We have the technology" said Bruce, "This is the time to use it. We are radio of the future and we have many plans to implement as we move forward."

"All shows are streamed live on You Tube and archived there." said Richard, "My question is why just listen to radio when you can watch?"

Jersey Talk Radio will have a diverse program schedule from local news, sports and politics to national shows. Jersey Talk Radio broadcasts from their bay window studio and you can watch live shows at 127 Main St. in Flemington. Or watch from their website http://www.jerseytalkradio.com.

For more information about Jersey Talk Radio, contact Bruce Pearson email bruce@jerseytalkmedia.com or contact Richard Gerstner email richard@jerseytalkmedia.com.

His essay 'My Vision for America' was the top post entry for 2015.

(courtesy photo)

Lambertville VFW Commander Georg Hambach presents the Voice of Democracy scholarship award to Tristan Semenza of South Hunterdon High School.

His essay 'My Vision for America' was the top post entry for 2015.

AKC Obedience Classic - Four obedience dogs and their owners – one dog/handler team in each of the four classes – were crowned at the AKC Obedience Classic, which brought together 217 dogs from across the country and beyond.

TOP DOGS CROWNED AT AKC OBEDIENCE CLASSIC AND AKC AGILITY INVITATIONAL
The 2015 AKC Obedience Classic and the AKC Agility Invitational took place December 12-13, in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, demonstrating the highest level of training and teamwork between dog and handler. Obedience and agility competitions for junior handlers were held for the fifth year, and an AKC Rally Junior competition was held for the second year.

On-demand coverage of agility and obedience is available at live.eukanuba.com.

AKC Obedience Classic - Four obedience dogs and their owners - one dog/handler team in each of the four classes - were crowned at the AKC Obedience Classic, which brought together 217 dogs from across the country and beyond.

Local winner: Placing first in Open class was Katwalk Extra Special CDX BN, a Border Collie owned by Kathleen Walker of Flemington.

Forty-five volunteers from the company's headquarters in Whitehouse Station and various stores sorted 450 boxes of food equaling 10,125 pounds of food to be distributed during a 2.5 hour shift on Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside.

Forty-five team members from QuickChek's corporate headquarters in Whitehouse Station and individual stores volunteered to help sort food at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside on Thursday, Dec. 17, aiding thousands of area families and individuals in need during the holiday season. (photo courtesy Russ Mensch/Mensch & Company, Inc.)

Taking their commitment to the community and their ability to feed people another step further, QuickChek team members are aiding thousands of families in need this holiday season.

Forty-five volunteers from the company's headquarters in Whitehouse Station and various stores sorted 450 boxes of food equaling 10,125 pounds of food to be distributed during a 2.5 hour shift on Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside.

It was the third time this year that QuickChek team members volunteered at the Community Food Bank, which distributes 43 million pounds of food each year to more than 1,000 nonprofit programs to feed 900,000 hungry people in 18 New Jersey counties.

QuickChek is also a campaign partner of Check-Out Hunger, an annual fundraiser by the Community FoodBank of New Jersey that takes place every autumn at most major supermarkets and convenience stores throughout New Jersey. Shoppers at each of QuickChek's 143 stores can help feed hungry families in their communities by donating $1, $3 or $5 coupons at check-out counters during the campaign which runs through Saturday, Dec. 19, providing food, help and hope to those in need.

QuickChek raised $125,000 during the 2014 Check-Out Hunger campaign and launched this year's 25th annual drive with a Check-Out Hunger balloon at the 33rd annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC Bank in July.

"Being in the food business, partnering with community food banks where we have stores was a natural fit when we were looking for new ways to get further involved with our local communities," said QuickChek CEO Dean Durling, whose family-owned company has been named one of the most generous in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine.

A leader in the fresh convenience industry with an exceptional fresh food and coffee program, QuickChek has 143 locations throughout New Jersey, New York's Hudson Valley and Long Island. The company has raised millions of dollars for a variety of causes that benefit children, families, and military veterans.

For additional information, visit www.quickchek.com or www.cfbnj.org.

Led by Marie Newell, project coordinator for New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the hike is dog-friendly and will cover about 1.5 miles of hilly terrain. At the top of the hill, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Start the New Year right with a hike to burn off those holiday treats.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation will sponsor a free New Year's Hike on Sunday, Jan. 3, from 1-3 p.m., at the Hill & Dale Preserve in Tewksbury Township.

Led by Marie Newell, project coordinator for New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the hike is dog-friendly and will cover about 1.5 miles of hilly terrain. At the top of the hill, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Dr. Rosina Dixon, who serves on NJ Conservation Foundation's board of trustees, will speak to hikers about the physical and mental health benefits of exercising outdoors in nature. Refreshments will be served after the hike.

Advance registration is requested for planning purposes, but not required. To register online, go to https://donate.njconservation.org/2016-new-years-hike. For more information, contact Marie Newell at marie@njconservation.org or 908-997-0714.

Hikers should wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Dogs must be leashed.

Established in 2011, the 192-acre Hill & Dale Preserve begins in the Rockaway Creek valley and climbs the steep Hell Mountain hillside. It is used for both recreation and farming.

To get to the Hill & Dale Preserve, take Route 517 north from Oldwick. Turn left onto Hill & Dale Road, go 1.5 miles and turn right onto Parsonage Lot Road. Travel 800 feet up the hill (past the house on the corner) and pull into the parking lot on the right, just before the forested area. (GPS address is 11 Parsonage Lot Road, Lebanon, NJ, 08833.)

Based in Far Hills, 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).

During her appearance on CNN, Hashem said she showed the video because she felt Yousafzai was a role model for her students, and because it was part of her job, when students have questions about current events, to discuss it in her classroom.

RARITAN TWP. -- The Hunterdon Central Regional High School teacher who filed a lawsuit claiming she was fired from the school because of her race and religion appeared on CNN Friday night.

Hunterdon Central High School in a file photo.

While making an appearance on CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, Sireen Hashem, an Arab and Palestinian Muslim, spoke about the discrimination she faced, including after showing a video of Malala Yousafzai, a young girl who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban following her advocacy of education for girls.

According to the suit filed in Monday in federal District Court in Newark, the same video had been shown by another teacher earlier in the day, and at that teacher's suggestion, was shown by Hashem.

During her appearance on CNN, Hashem said she showed the video because she felt Yousafzai was a role model for her students, and because it was part of her job, when students have questions about current events, to discuss it in her classroom.

A couple of parents complained that she was bringing too much of her culture into the classroom, Hashem said. "How this administration handled that issue, handled the parent, instead of discussing it with one or two parents of 122 students ... they attacked me," Hashem said. "I was asked to be changed."

Hashem, who said "I'm a Muslim, I'm a Palestinian, I'm an Arab and I'm a proud American," said the administration discriminated against her for who she was. She told Lemon it is her duty "as an American and as a Muslim" to explain misconceptions.

After being asked by Lemon how this has impacted her life, Hashem said, "It's really been so stressful."

She described the FBI's appearance at her door in July in response to a report that she told school board members "they would be sorry" if they didn't reconsider the decision not to renew her contract as she made a plea to keep her job in June.

"July 17 was one of the hardest days of my life," she told Lemon. It was the last day of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer. It's end is a time of celebration and connection with loved ones. "I could not talk to my family overseas. I spent it crying, upset."

Joining Hashem on CNN was her attorney, Omar Mohammedi, who is also an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School.

Current and former students at Hunterdon Central have taken to Twitter using the hashtag #fightforhashem to express their support.

The only statement released so far by the district in response to the lawsuit came Thursday from Superintendent Christina Steffner: "I respect the personnel confidentiality rights of all employees, and it would be inappropriate for me to publicly comment about job performance or personnel matters.

"However, I want to very clearly state that Ms. Hashem's allegations against me are untrue. I have never made a personnel decision based on any improper purpose. The statements attributed to me are factually wrong, and may even be defamatory. It is unfortunate that the district and I will have to defend this case, but will do so vigorously, so that the real facts may be presented in court. After an appropriate review of the allegations, further comments may be provided."

B.W. Furlong & Associates Veterinarians will hold their annual Healthy Horse seminar on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Beaver Brook Country Club in Annandale, N.J. Registration begins at 8:30, lectures begin at 9. There will be a variety of new topics this year: Lyme Disease, Dentistry, Reproduction, Emergency Medicine, Lameness, Biosecurity and more. All lectures will be presented by veterinarians...

B.W. Furlong & Associates Veterinarians will hold their annual Healthy Horse seminar on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Beaver Brook Country Club in Annandale, N.J.

Registration begins at 8:30, lectures begin at 9.

There will be a variety of new topics this year: Lyme Disease, Dentistry, Reproduction, Emergency Medicine, Lameness, Biosecurity and more. All lectures will be presented by veterinarians and written materials will be provided. There will be time for questions.

Registration is $35 if made before Feb. 12 and $45 after that date.

Find more seminar information see bwfurlongnj.com/events.html or call for details 908-439-2821.

For current equestrian news see Horse News or check out the online version of the print edition.

Horse News covers everything equestrian in the mid-Atlantic area and can be reached at horsenews@hcdemocrat.com Find Horse News on Facebook

According to those at the scene, first responders found a bag of heating stove pellets on fire.

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in a residence on Overlook Drive in High Bridge early Saturday morning.

According to those at the scene, first responders found a bag of heating stove pellets on fire. The house was filled with smoke. The High Bridge Rescue Squad treated one resident was treated on scene for smoke inhalation.

Those responding to the 5:45 a.m. call included the High Bridge Police, along with several fire companies, including High Bridge Fire Department, Lebanon Township Fire Department, Clinton Fire Department, and High Bridge Rescue Squad, Lebanon Township Fire Department EMS and paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center.

The scene was cleared around 6:35 a.m.

For the past two years members of Country Garden Club of the High Bridge and Hampton area have organized a local gathering and invited the local American Legion, the community and Cub Scouts to join this day of remembrance.

Thousands across the country and in many parts of the world honored our deceased veterans by placing wreaths on their graves in an event known as Wreaths Across America.

For the past two years members of Country Garden Club of the High Bridge and Hampton area have organized a local gathering and invited the local American Legion, the community and Cub Scouts to join this day of remembrance.

Cub Scouts from Pack 199 salute during the Wreaths Across America ceremony. (courtesy photo)

Members of American Legion Post 88 and husbands of club members, who are also veterans, placed a wreaths on the monuments representing each of the military services: Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Merchant Marines monument at Veterans Memorial Park in High Bridge. The Cub Scouts placed a wreath at the Missing In Action monument. From there the group proceeded to St. Ann's Cemetery in Hampton where an additional 110 wreaths were distributed.

Started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester of Maine his goal of placing a wreath on every veteran's grave in the country and beyond is becoming a reality with over 100,000 wreaths placed by over 60,000 volunteers.

Following the placement, Tom Carpenter told the history of the cemetery and of a few of the better known deceased buried in the cemetery including US Army Brigadier Frank Leo Howley.

According to the Hampton Junction Telegraph, "In 1940, Frank entered active duty in the Army as a Captain in the Calvary. Four years later, he participated in the landing at Normandy and then became the Military Governor of Cherbourg and Paris, France. Between 1945 and 1949, Frank served as the Military Governor of Berlin at the start of the Cold War and during the Berlin Blockade. He founded the Free University in Berlin which later awarded him an honorary degree for his role in seeing that milk was available to the babies of 2.5 million Berliners dependent on the airlift during the Blockade. Frank was a prize-winning horseman and received many military and civilian honors and awards, including Distinguished Service Award for his role in Berlin. He was married to Edith Jenkins Cadwaller, and they had three sons and a daughter. Brigadier General Frank Leo Howley died July 30, 1993. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Hampton and is buried in the family plot in the Church Cemetery."

Tom Carpenter speaks during the Wreaths Across America ceremony. (courtesy photo)

He was also named vice chancellor of New York University, and served in that capacity between 1950 and 1969.

The Country Garden Club thanked Christine Yates and John Moskway for planning and organizing the event where veterans from Hunterdon County will be recognized for their service.

Nearly 500 bears have been killed in this year's hunt as of Friday but still the rate is below what biologists say is needed to keep the black bear population stable — and to stop it from pushing out further. Watch video

Nearly 500 bears have been killed in this year's hunt as of Friday but still the rate is below what state biologists say is needed to keep the black bear population stable -- and to stop bears from expanding their range throughout the state.

Reintroduced in 2010, the aim of the annual bear hunt, according to the Department of Environmental Protection, is to keep the black bear population in check by balancing out the number of cubs born every year, known as "recruitment." Animal-rights activists and environmental groups have regularly protested the hunt, saying killing the animals is neither humane nor an effective long-term solution.

"We have a very productive bear population that on average has a litter of two or three cubs (each year), but sometimes as many as four or five," said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna. "More bears are being born than are being lost."'

The goal, Hajna said, is to cull between 20 to 30 percent of the 133 bears tagged by the Division of Fish and Wildlife -- a range of between 26 to 40 tagged bears. After the first week of the hunt fell short of that figure despite a greater harvest than the past two years, the season was extended by four days.

Jeff Tittel, president of the N.J. Sierra Club, however, has criticized the harvest as a "trophy hunt" that has little to do with effective wildlife management.

"New Jersey Sierra Club believes, just as we did with the very first hunt, that the hunt is unwarranted, unfounded, and will not help to manage bears in the state of New Jersey," Tittel said. "This is a recreational hunt that will lead to a large loss of the New Jersey black bear population, but will not do anything to deal with nuisance bears...Unless New Jersey deals with protection of habitats, garbage, and educating people in bear country, the hunt is meaningless."

472 bears killed across N.J.; officials opt to extend annual hunt

The DEP estimates that there are as many as three bears per square mile in certain northwestern portions of the state.

"Other states with black bear populations have densities in the range of one bear per three square miles," said DEP spokesman Bob Considine.

"The consequence of too many bears in one area are increased competition for food and dispersal into areas with lower bear densities -- which is why we are now seeing bears throughout all of New Jersey," Considine said.

John Rogalo, a hunter and the board chairman of the N.J. State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, said part of the reason hunters haven't hit the DEP's 20- to 30-percent range of tagged bears is the timing of the hunt. Bears are more likely to den up during the winter, but in the fall they're more likely to be active, he said.

"We have by far the densest black bear population in all of North America and we fail to control it," said Rogalo, who also has a background in wildlife management and forestry.

How to track and kill a bear: N.J. hunter gives tips

"I don't put the blame on the Division of Fish and Wildlife," he said. "It's rather on the emotional people protesting the sound management of a natural resource. This is the real world not Disney. Bears are a magnificent animal but when you have too many you reduce them to vermin."

Unlike deer that only live a few years, "(bears) don't die, they live 20 years. What we harvested isn't even a dent in this year's cub crop," he said.

The abundance of garbage created by humans helps support the black bear population, and, according to Rogalo, "bear-proofing" garbage cans and limiting possible food sources only goes so far.

"Bears are strong and they're not stupid," Rogalo said. "If there's food they're going to find a way to get it."

Crime Stoppers of Hunterdon County provides a way for people to obtain cash awards for anonymously reporting crimes.

Retired Superior Court Judge Stephen B. Rubin and Crime Stoppers of Hunterdon County Board member Robert Stephenson were recently honored at the Crime Stoppers of Hunterdon County annual gala at the Grand Colonial in Hampton.

Crime Stoppers of Hunterdon County Board Member Frank Fuzo and Honoree Robert Stephenson. (courtesy photo)

Crime Stoppers of Hunterdon County provides a way for people to obtain cash awards for anonymously reporting crimes. Since its inception three years ago, tips have led to the apprehension of persons involved in crimes such as sexual assault, burglaries, narcotics distribution, criminal mischief and criminal assaults.

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

This week, they presented the Wounded Warrior Project with a Christmas check for $19,000.

The employees of Lentini Auto Salvage and Premium Recycled Parts North East in in the Ringoes section of East Amwell are supporting injured service members through the Wounded Warrior Project.

This week, Team PRP North East presented the Wounded Warrior Project with a Christmas check for $19,000.

Danny Botero and Quinn Rudnitsky were both in the U.S. Army. Danny, a Ringoes resident, was a recipient of the Wounded Warrior's services after an injury while stationed in Afghanistan. Representatives of Wounded Warriors said they are grateful to these two young men for their service and for accepting this donation on behalf of the Wounded Warriors.  

More than 50,000 servicemen and women have been injured in the recent military conflicts. In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with the visible wounds of war, including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic brain injury while on deployment. To date, the Wound Warriors Project has served over 95,000 service persons and their families.

Team PRP North East is a network of 14 auto recyclers who work together as partners to provide overnight service and auto parts to body shops, mechanical repairers, dealerships and the general public. Lentini Auto Salvage is a member of Team PRP-NE.

The Terriers have had much better ball movement in the preseason.

DELAWARE VALLEY

Conference: Skyland, Valey Division

2014-15 record: 8-16 overall, 2-8 division

Players to watch: Sr. C Jake Brogan; Sr. F Lake Cole (4.5 ppg); Jr. G Kevin Scanlan (5.9 ppg); Sr. F CJ Schaible; Jr. G Alex Ferrara; Jr. F Brian Godown; So. G/F Christian Hlinka; Fr. PG Joey Cansfield

Outlook: The Terriers have lots of scoring and rebounding to replace with the graduation of frontcourt stars Josh Christ and Joe Giordano. Brogan and Scanlon are returning starters from last season and Cole also has a lot of varsity experience. Look for Del Val to employ more of an up-tempo offense this year.

From coach Anthony Culcasi: “I feel like our practices are going a lot faster this year. This team really loves to hustle. We’ve been moving the ball around well and finding open shots. Last year the offense was centered around Christ and Giordano. This year we’ve had much more ball movement.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BOYS BASKETBALL PAGE

Tom Hinkel may be reached at thinkel@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHinkelLV. Find Lehigh Valley high sool sports on Facebook

The Terriers have had much better ball movement in the preseason.

DELAWARE VALLEY

Conference: Skyland, Valey Division

2014-15 record: 8-16 overall, 2-8 division

Players to watch: Sr. C Jake Brogan; Sr. F Lake Cole (4.5 ppg); Jr. G Kevin Scanlan (5.9 ppg); Sr. F CJ Schaible; Jr. G Alex Ferrara; Jr. F Brian Godown; So. G/F Christian Hlinka; Fr. PG Joey Cansfield

Outlook: The Terriers have lots of scoring and rebounding to replace with the graduation of frontcourt stars Josh Christ and Joe Giordano. Brogan and Scanlon are returning starters from last season and Cole also has a lot of varsity experience. Look for Del Val to employ more of an up-tempo offense this year.

From coach Anthony Culcasi: “I feel like our practices are going a lot faster this year. This team really loves to hustle. We’ve been moving the ball around well and finding open shots. Last year the offense was centered around Christ and Giordano. This year we’ve had much more ball movement.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BOYS BASKETBALL PAGE

Tom Hinkel may be reached at thinkel@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHinkelLV. Find Lehigh Valley high sool sports on Facebook

WiiU, Super Smash Brothers, Super Mario 3D World, Super Mario Maker, Xbox, Fox Kuniegel.

What are 5 things on your holiday list?

WiiU
Super Smash Brothers
Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario Maker
Xbox
Fox Kuniegel

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Luke Strober

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Grade 1

Spruce Run School

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Christian Koscuik

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

A Football
A Stuffey
A Basketball
A Bat and
A Ball
Justin Annese

First Grade

Spruce Run School

First Grade

Spruce Run School

Talking Mission Chase
BB-8
A baby chair
A dog
A Christmas wish
Chase Skinner

First Grade

Spruce Run School

A Paw Patroller
A Paw Patrol Lookout
A brown stuffed goat
A black stuffed goat
A game watch
Alex Hsu

First Grade

Spruce Run School

Lego Star Wars over bike set
Pop the pig
Headbandz
A Minions Mega black set
a 2016 calendar
Gavin Lynch

First Grade

Spruce Run School

Hot Wheels cars
Hot Wheels tracks
Lego sets
Books
Toy lightsaber
Anderson Jessop

First Grade

Spruce Run School

X box
Estes rockets
Wii
Beanie Boos
Iphone
Andersen Eide

First Grade

Spruce Run School

Trash packs
Science kits
Drone
Pogostick
Star Wars bedding
Harrison McDonald

First Grade

Spruce Run School

Monster High Doll
Monster High School
Peace on Earth
Chocolate
Elsa Castle
Sofia Emery-Reed

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Indominus rex
Mighty T-Rex
Minecraft
Lego
Bow and arrow
Adrian Angeles

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Nummy Yummy's
Dork Diaries 2 and 3
Baby doll wagon
Baby doll toilet
Baby doll crib
Abigail M. Jenkin

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

A phone
An iPad
a toy baby
A pet Dog
and a fish
Nia Bush

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Stuffed Animal "Chicken"
Lego Sets
Venom Action Figure
Spiderman figures
One of "Santa's" Reindeer
Matthew Barone

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

A Gift card
Skylanders Trap Team
Nintendo 3DS
A new stocking
Star Wars figures
Andy Bielenberg

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

American Girl Doll
Elsa Castle
Christmas Telephone
Wagon
Table for my room
Allison Kiefer

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Getting lots of presents
Helping people in need with presents
Visiting my cousins
Reading a lot of books
Helping my family being nice and polite
Arben Husenaj

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

I want Lego Dimensions.
I want to see my cousins.
I want the Flash toy.
I want to eat cookies.
I want to watch "Harry Potter."
Luka Terranova

First Grade

Spruce Run School

Kindergarten

Spruce Run School

Just ahead of Christmas, The Hunterdon Land Trust celebrated the opening of its Winter Market's fourth season Sunday inside the newly renovated rustic classroom that was once a wagon shed on the Dvoor Farm.

RARITAN TWP. -- Just ahead of Christmas, The Hunterdon Land Trust celebrated the opening of its Winter Market's fourth season Sunday inside the newly renovated rustic classroom that was once a wagon shed on the Dvoor Farm.

Locals flock to year-round farmers' market in Flemington

Winter market dates for 2016 will be: Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 20 and April 17.

If inclement weather occurs on the third Sunday, the market will be rescheduled for the following week. However, if the March 20 market is canceled, there will be no market that month since March 27 is Easter Sunday.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dvoor Farm, 111 Mine St. off the Route 12 circle.

Roof 'raising' at Dvoor Farm

Winter Market vendors

• Apple Ridge Farm - artisan breads and pastries
• Comeback Farm - organic vegetables
• Farmstead Foods - Prepared foods using local farm-fresh ingredients
• Fieldstone Coffee Roasters - Coffee, teas and more
• Fired Up Flatbread Co. food truck - pizza, pastries and beverages
• Fulper Farms - cheese and yogurt
• Griggstown Farm - eggs, poultry and poultry products
• Locktown Farm - sour pickles, dill pickles, dilly beans, pickled jalapenos and salsa
• Milford Farms - eggs, beef and pork
• Purely Farm - eggs, pastured pork and turkey
• Sandbrook Meadow Farm - organic vegetables
• Toadshade Wildflower Farm - native plant seeds, teas and nuts
• WoodsEdge Wools Farm - llama and alpaca products

For more information on the Hunterdon Land Trust and the Winter Farmers' Market, visit www.hunterdonlandtrust.org or call 908-237-4582.

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

Many pets throughout New Jersey won't be receiving any gifts this holiday season because they don't have homes.

According to thenoseprint.com, a pet-focused online hub for major pet product brands, New Jersey is the most generous state in the U.S. when it comes to buying gifts for their dogs.

The 2015 survey of how much dog owners will spend on their pets this Christmas shows Garden State dog lovers coming in first at $30.01. New York ($29.55) and Pennsylvania ($28.75) came in second and third, making the tri-state area a good place to be a dog. The national average, by the way, is $23.10.

The survey went on to note that the top five reasons dog owners say they spoil their pets:

* "to express love to my dog"
* "because it's fun for me"
* "to help my dog feel included like a family member"
* "to give my dog a moment of happiness"
* and, "to feel closer and bond with my dog"

Many pets throughout New Jersey won't be receiving any gifts this holiday season, though, because they don't have homes. Here's a gallery of homeless pets from northern and central New Jersey. Make sure captions are enabled to see all the information needed to adopt one of these pets.

More animals in need of adoption can be seen here and here.

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

Offering baked goods, lunch items, handmade jewelry, soaps and home decor, Greensleves has a little bit of everything while benefiting programs for individuals with special needs.

FLEMINGTON-- Director Geri Lordi calls Greensleeves the best kept secret in Hunterdon, but to keep it a secret is a shame.

Offering baked goods, lunch items, handmade jewelry, soaps and home decor, the shop has a little bit of everything, but the most important aspect is one that takes place behind the scenes.

Family Success Center hosts Farm to Fork dinner

As an initiative of Allies, Inc. a nonprofit organization providing support services to children and adults with disabilities, Greensleeves serves individuals with developmental or physical disabilities through its day program, vocational training and environmental stewardship education.

Some of this training includes learning to cut and roll dough, as well as other cooking principles with the store's pastry chef, and cafe style serving to customers all while focusing on sustainability.

The "charming green boutique" also consigns items of small businesses with a percentage of their sales benefiting Allies.

This year, Greensleeves collected letters to Santa Claus which were answered by people with special needs to foster a connection with the community.

Abilities partners with Edible Garden to teach hydroponic farming

"We really try to change the way you look at things," Lordi said of the shop.

Looking for a last minute Christmas gift or tasty desserts for a family gathering? Stop by Greensleeves on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

The squad is one of the first agencies in the region to offer this newly approved scope of practice, the chief said.

CLINTON -- The ambulances of the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad now carry devices that can help patients with breathing problems.

"Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad now carries an oxygen delivery system proven to decrease Intensive Care Unit admissions as well as hospital lengths of stay," Stephen Vetrano, D.O., medical director with the squad, said in an announcement of the new equipment.

"This can be better for the patient care overall," Vetrano said of the device, which involves the use of continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, for patients who are experiencing breathing problems and pulse oximeters to help guide the care being provided by Emergency Medical Technicians on the ambulances.

These interventions were previously only provided in the field setting by Mobile Intensive Care Units that cover larger territories.

"With the addition of the units, it increases the level of care delivered by our providers on every emergency call," said Chief Frank Setnicky. "We are one of the first agencies in the region to offer this newly approved scope of practice announced earlier this year by the New Jersey Department of Health for rescue squads like ours."

The rollout of CPAP as an additional skill for the squad's professional rescuers continues the squad's effort "to strive for the highest level of care available to our communities" said Deputy Chief of EMS H. Bucky Buchanan.

"Earlier this year we rolled out additional tools to assist patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, adding to other recent expansions such as the use of naloxone (Narcan) to help reverse the effects of certain overdoses."

All of this was made possible by expanded state protocols of the skills allowed to be delivered by the squad's members, he said.

Training for members will continue through the end of the year. Setnicky said that "through the continued training and advancements being completed by our Emergency Medical Technicians, our agency continues to offer the highest level of professional care available to our patients, something we will continue to strive for into the New Year."

Clinton squad hosts Future Stars of EMS competition

The Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad provides basic life support and rescue services (vehicle extrication, water rescue, collapse, trench, rope and confined-space rescue) to the Town of Clinton, a majority of Clinton Township, all of Lebanon Borough, and portions of Franklin and Union townships.

With a coverage area of approximately 52 square miles and a call volume that exceeds 2,600 calls per year, the squad uses a combination of volunteer and supplemental paid personnel to ensure in-house staffing around the clock.

The squad operates five ambulances, a rescue truck, a special services vehicle, off-road ambulance, three boats, two command vehicles and trailers for staging and support services, as well as technical rescue services. The squad relies heavily on donations, which can be made on its website at clintonems.org. Community members interested in volunteering with the squad can complete an application on the same website.

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

Six hundred of the nation's top High School football underclassmen will gather in San Antonio this January for this honored tradition, the U.S. Army National Combine, taking place at the Alamo Dome.

Christian Shaw of Hunterdon Central Regional High School has been invited to attend the U.S. Army National Combine in San Antonio on Jan. 7.

Six hundred of the nation's top High School football underclassmen will gather in San Antonio this January for this honored tradition, the U.S. Army National Combine, taking place at the Alamo Dome.

Shaw was invited by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee, which consists of All American Games, 247Sports and XOS Digital.

The U.S. Army National Combine, focuses on measuring speed, strength, quickness, and football skill, while also provide educational seminars touching on the recruiting process, speed and strength improvement, and leadership. 

Held annually in association with the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, the U.S. Army National Combine is the first opportunity for the nation's top underclassmen to demonstrate their physical talent and compete against one another before high school and college football's top scouting organizations, including 247Sports and XOS Digital, as well as the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee.

The U.S. Army National Combine is specifically designed to highlight the football abilities and talents of today's rising underclassmen and tomorrow's high school, college, and NFL stars. U.S. Army National Combine alumni include Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs), LeSean McCoy (Buffalo Bills), DeMarco Murray (Philadelphia Eagles), Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers), Patrick Peterson (Arizona Cardinals) and CJ Mosley (Baltimore Ravens).

National sponsors of the U.S. Army National Combine include: the U.S. Army, adidas, American Family Insurance, Gatorade, 247Sports, XOS Digital, NCSA, Battle Sports Science, and Football University.

The meeting is set for 7-9 p.m. in the school's library.

RARITAN TWP. -- The Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education meets tonight for the first time since a lawsuit filed last week by a former teacher who claims she was fired because of her Muslim religion.

Sireen Hashem, an Arab and Palestinian Muslim, taught U. S. History in the Social Studies department at Central from 2013-15. Her suit, filed in U. S. District Court in Newark on Dec. 14, claims she was prevented from discussing topics covered by her colleagues and teaching the way her colleagues taught, and was retaliated against for questioning why she was being treated differently.

School Superintendent Christina Steffner released a statement on Thursday saying she hadn't been served with a complaint yet, but she'd read about some of Hashem's comments. "I want to very clearly state that Ms. Hashem's allegations against me are untrue. I have never made a personnel decision based on any improper purpose," Steffner said. 

The pending lawsuit is not on the public agenda for tonight's meeting. An executive (closed) session at the end of the public meeting is planned, to address "personnel, negotiations, and litigation."

The agenda for the public part of the meeting includes discussion of additions and changes to courses that will be offered in 2016-17.

Several agreements with the teachers' union covering this school year only are on the agenda, concerning sick leave and the teacher work year.

The board will also vote on awarding a contract for HVAC rooftop unit replacements.

Tonight's meeting is scheduled to be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the instructional media center.

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