After our first successful full year of operation at the Historic Joseph Turner House in 2015, the uncertainty the Union Forge Heritage Association faced in 2012 in relocating to Union Township is now but a distant memory.

By Michael Gronsky, Jr.

Union Township

The writer is president of the Union Forge Heritage Association

To the editor:

After our first successful full year of operation at the Historic Joseph Turner House in 2015, the uncertainty the Union Forge Heritage Association faced in 2012 in relocating to Union Township is now but a distant memory.

The encouragement and support we received from the very first day we started restoration work and setting up our successful and growing museum has been overwhelming.

While 2014 was a full year of hard work with restorations, projects and our Grand Opening in July, we hit the ground running in 2015 with a full calendar of projects, tours, fund raising and events. The UFHA is eager to expand our mission, become further integrated into our community and move forward with a multitude of newly developed proposals.

With the Turner House further restored and ready to welcome visitors, we opened the doors in May 2015 for the first of three major events.

Union Forge celebrates new home

Kicking off the season was a lecture by Master Gardener Ruth Claus about Colonial Kitchen Gardens followed by our annual Independence Day Celebration and picnic where we handed out our Volunteer Appreciation Awards.

During our Colonial Christmas Open House, we welcomed over 100 guests who came to enjoy our holiday decor, an assortment of food, and good cheer!

In total, we welcomed 236 guests for events alone and an additional 523 people during regular weekend tours.

During the county's Tercentennial Tour of Museums, we welcomed an additional 72 first time visitors to Turner House. Not to forget our roots, we gave a private museum tour to the High Bridge Alumni Association, as well as presenting the association's Legacy Award to a High Bridge Middle School eighth grade graduate who demonstrated excellence in history lessons.

Our Environmental Center, Community Garden and Meadow Restoration projects have made substantial progress in 2015, and more to come with pending grant awards.

Douglas Martin, whose family history dates back over 200 years in Union Township, became our first honorary board member in 2015. We are honored to have Doug as part of our family. Although in a new location, little has changed with the daily work associated with our non-profit organization. In 2015 alone, we logged a collective 2,412 volunteer hours related to business and outreach.

The success of the UFHA cannot just be measured by goals met and initiatives made. We have always believed that success is also measured by friendships made, and appreciating the dedication by all in our dedicated community of volunteers.

We say a special thank you to Shop-Rite of Clinton for its generous food donations for our Independence Day celebration. The work we are able to do is only made possible through the support and encouragement we receive from the volunteers and patrons who have been with us over the past 13 years.

Thank you for your support. Visit us at UnionForgeHeritage.org for the latest UFHA news and event information.

See which New Jersey counties had the highest and lowest average property tax bill in 2015

TRENTON -- Property tax burdens in New Jersey run the gamut, averaging more than $11,000 in some counties in northern New Jersey to just below $4,000 in counties down south.

No tax bill, measured as a countywide average, topped $11,000 in 2014. But two of the 21 counties, Bergen and Essex, crossed that threshold last year. Four others, including Union, Morris, Passaic and Somerset counties, also exceed $9,000, according to new statewide data.

Statewide, the average property tax bill rose 2.4 percent, or $191, from $8,161 in 2014 to $8,353 in 2015.

The state installed a 2 percent cap on property taxes five years ago that the Christie administration emphasized Friday, and Gov. Chris Christie boasts often, is preventing the single-year, 7 percent tax increases of the past.

Here's how much property taxes went up (again) in N.J. last year

Annual tax increases since the cap was aggressively tightened from 4 percent to 2 percent through a law that also reduced the exceptions municipalities could claim "have consistently lagged neighboring state and regional averages," state officials said.

In 2015, nine counties, mostly along the shore or in the southern part of the state, rang up below $7,000 per home. Cumberland County, which borders Delaware, has the distinction of the lowest average tax bill in the state, at $3,921, according to data released Friday by the state Department of Community Affairs.

Expressed as dollars, Essex County residents are, on average, paying the most and had to cough up the most year over year from 2014 to 2015. Their bill climbed $351. Burlington County had the largest percent increase, which cost them $236, on average.

In all, homeowners in eight counties had to dig deeper into their pockets than the average taxpayer statewide, who had to pay another $191.

But Atlantic County, where taxes rose 7.4 percent from 2013 to 2014, had the only countywide reduction from 2014 to 2015 -- down 1.3 percent, or $82 back in their pockets. The average tax bill also rose in a hurry from 2013 to 2014 in Hudson County, 7.6 percent, but property owners there last year saw only a 1.9 percent increase.

The smallest year-to-year bumps, by percent change, were in Sussex, Passaic and Mercer counties, while average tax bills bumped up higher than 3 percent in Salem, Essex, Cumberland, Ocean, Gloucester and Burlington counties. 

Here are the average 2014 and 2015 property tax bills for the Garden State's 21 counties:

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

During the four-day event, adoption fees for adult cats and dogs will be reduced.

 

LAMBERTVILLE -- Animal Alliance will host a "Happy Valen-tails" adoption event Friday, Feb. 12 to Monday, Feb. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at its Robert W. Curts Memorial Pet Adoption Center.

During the four-day event, adoption fees for adult cats will be reduced to $14. Dog adoption fees will be reduced more than one-third to $214. Adoption fees cover the cost of veterinary exams, vaccines, flea and tick treatment, spay/neuter services and microchipping.

The adoption center is located at 142 Route 179 north in Lambertville. All available adoptable pets can be seen by going to animalalliancenj.com.

Shelters interested in placing a pet in the Paw Print adoption column or submitting news should call 973-836-4922 or email somerset@starledger.com or hunterdon@starledger.com.

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

 

Kimi Goetz skates in her the final after hurting her ankle in the semifinal.

FLEMINGTON -- Kimi Goetz, a Flemington native whose skill in short-track speedskating has landed her on the U. S. Speedskating World Cup team, hit a new benchmark on Saturday racing in the  World Cup in Dresden, Germany.

It was her first-ever ISU World Cup A Final as an individual, and Goetz finished fourth in the women's 1000-meter A final, finishing in 1:35.474.

"She actually got taken down in the semifinals and hurt her ankle a bit," said U.S. Speedskating spokesman Matt Whewell, "so to come back in about an hour and race was a great statement."

Goetz now ranks 17th in the women's 1000-meter World Cup classification.

Another skater from the area, Chris Creveling, is also on the U.S. Speedskating World Cup team. He skates with the men's 5000-meter relay team, which advanced to Sunday's A final after placing second in the semifinal heat.

Sochi Olympics 2014: Creveling part of silver medal team

The relay team includes Creveling, Keith Carroll Jr., J.H. Krueger and Cole Krueger, and skated the semifinal race in 6:52.492.

Creveling, from Kintnersville, Pa., skated with the U.S. in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, bringing home silver in the men's 5000-meter relay.

World Cup racing in Dresden was continuing Sunday with 500-meter quarterfinals, semifinals and finals; the 1500-meter semifinals and finals; and the women's 3000-meter relay and the men's 5000-meter relay finals.

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

The car was stopped on Route 31 near Center Street, police said.

CLINTON TWP. -- Two Pennsylvania men face charges after their car was spotted driving in reverse on Route 31, police reported.

Irvyn Caesar, 28, of York, Pa., was backing a 2000 Chrysler Concorde up on Route 31 south near Center Street when an officer noticed and stopped the car, police said. The incident happened on Jan 30 at 10:50 p.m.

During the stop, the officer allegedly smelled marijuana and found that Caesar and his passenger, Juan Negron, 22, also of York, had a small amount of it, along with a pack of rolling papers.

Both men were charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Caesar was also charged with driving while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and backing in a street. They were both released.

In other recent incidents:

* Kevin Comerford, 50, of Jackon was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane and having unsafe tires following a stop on Jan. 31 at 1:10 a.m. Comerford's 2000 Jeep Cherokee was stopped on Route 63 near St. Mary's Hill Road for allegedly failing to stay in a lane. Comerford was released to the custody of a responsible adult and his Jeep was towed and impounded.

* Brandon Ridler, 24, of Langhorne, Pa., was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and failing to maintain lights after a stop on Jan. 31 at 9:25 p.m. Police said his 2002 Buick LeSabre was stopped on Route 31 south near Regional Road for having a light out.

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

The ramp was expected to be closed for several hours.

BETHLEHEM TWP. -- The entrance and exit ramps to Interstate 78 at Exit 7 westbound was closed after a tractor-trailer overturned Monday morning.

The accident happened around 10:40 a.m. as a tractor-trailer was getting off I-78 at Exit 7. It rolled over, ending up in the roadway of the entrance ramp to the highway. There were no reports of injuries.

Officials expected the entrance ramp to be closed for several hours while the accident was cleared.

Responding to the incident were New Jersey State Police from the Perryville station, Stewartsville Fire, Bloomsbury Fire, Greenwich Rescue Squad, Pattenburg Rescue Squad, and the state Department of Transportation.

The truck contained non-hazardous dry goods, according to a post on social media by the State Police.

State Police from Perryville are handling the investigation.

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

The 200 Club of Hunterdon County is currently accepting nominations for its 2015 Valor & Merit Awards program.

The 200 Club of Hunterdon County is accepting nominations for its annual Valor & Merit Awards program.

The Valor & Merit Awards Banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 11, at 6 p.m. at the Farmhouse at the Grand Colonial, Route 173, Hampton, according to a news release.

This annual event is held to recognize those Municipal police officers in Hunterdon County, members of the New Jersey State Police who serve Hunterdon County, Hunterdon County volunteer firefighters and first aid squad members, Hunterdon County Sheriff's officers, members of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's office and citizens of Hunterdon County who go above and beyond the call of duty in performing extraordinary service in risking their lives to save others.

Any Hunterdon resident, as well as police department, fire department or rescue squad or individual member of a department or squad, can nominate an individual or group of individuals. The event or incident for which the nominee is being nominated must have occurred between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the club's website -  www.200clubofhunterdon.org - or can be requested by sending an email to 200clubofhunterdon@gmail.com. Completed nomination forms must be submitted no later than March 15.

Over 50 years ago a Detroit businessman elicited generous responses when he asked 100 business friends to contribute $ 200 each to the family of a young local police officer who was fatally wounded in the line of duty. This selfless act was the beginning of the 200 Club.

The 200 Club of Hunterdon County was established in 1976 as a not-for-profit corporation to provide financial assistance to families of any police officer, fire, rescue and emergency management personnel providing such services to the citizens of Hunterdon County who have lost their lives or become disabled in the line of duty.

The club is governed by a 19 member board of trustees consisting of Hunterdon and Warren county residents who serve three-year terms. Officers of the club include President Peter DeLoria, Vice President Frank Fuzo, Secretary Richard Reiner and Treasurer Les Hall, Jr. The club currently has over 300 members.

Anyone interested in supporting and furthering the mission and goals of the 200 Club of Hunterdon County is eligible for membership. All prospective members must be sponsored by a member in good standing and have the approval of the 200 Club of Hunterdon County board of trustees. Initial dues are $200 per member and annual dues of $75.

Each member receives identification from the 200 Club of Hunterdon County establishing their membership. The club enjoys the full support and endorsement of police, fire and emergency service organizations in Hunterdon County and throughout the state, including the New Jersey State Police.

The 200 Club receives its income from dues, continuing annual support from its members, a NJ Devils ice hockey fundraiser and annual golf outing.

Hunterdon County during the American Revolution is the focus of a series of events taking place in the county throughout the year.

The Hunterdon 300th, formerly the Hunterdon Tricentennial Committee, has announced its 2016 program of events titled "Hunterdon During the American Revolution."

This year marks the 240th anniversary of the beginning of the War for Independence. The series includes lectures, tours, events, children's historical craft projects, Colonial Camp at the Red Mill Museum, music and even a Kitchen Hearth Luncheon in a 1758 home, all around the theme of Hunterdon in the 18th century, according to a news release.

In 1776, Hunterdon County included land reached all the way south to the Assumpink Creek in Trenton.

"When General George Washington crossed the Delaware, he crossed from Bucks County into Hunterdon County, and when he fought the Battle of Trenton, that was in Hunterdon County, too," said Marcia Karrow, chairperson of the Hunterdon 300th committee.

Hunterdon Tricentennial time capsule buried

In June, the 300th explores both crossings of Washington - the famous one that is re-enacted every year on Christmas morning, and the not so famous second crossing at Coryell's Ferry in Lambertville.

Both Battles of Trenton are also on the lecture front, again, most people only are aware of the one that is re-enacted in early January.

Richard Patterson, the executive director of the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, will be giving the lecture on both crossings and both battles on June 7 and the following Saturday, June 11, Patterson and County Historian Stephanie Stevens will be leading a tour around the historic areas of Trenton as "bus docents."

That trip includes stops at the Old Barracks, the Trent House, and throughout the city to visit important Revolutionary War sites. The bus will make a special stop to see the location of the original Hunterdon County Courthouse in Trenton, long gone, where the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time on July 8, 1776.

Some of the highlights of the year's 30-plus events include:

• a walking tour of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Washington Crossing State Parks with park expert and author Larry Kidder on May 21
• two fashion shows: one of ladies 18th century clothing on October 18 and another of men's military uniforms and armaments on March 29
• a tell all lecture about daily life in the 18th century titled "What Was 18th Century's Charmin? And More Answers to Questions You Never Asked!" on April 19
• tours of Revolutionary War soldiers' graves and a re-enactment of the Skirmish at Geary's Ridge tentatively scheduled for Dec. 10.

Special lectures include:

• new research by Delaware Township Historian Emerita, Marfy Goodspeed, on Revolutionary War pension records on Oct. 23
• a lecture about the flags of the American Revolution by American Flag expert Richard Pierce on Flag Day, June 14
• a fanciful, historical lecture by historians Dan and Marty Campanelli about the historic taverns of colonial Hunterdon County on Nov. 1.

Dan Campanelli, a renowned watercolorist known for his beautiful paintings of many of Hunterdon's stone houses and farms, has used his artistic talent in interpreting what the tavern signs might have looked like.

The kickoff lecture is on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Main Branch of the Hunterdon County Library on Route 12 in Raritan Township at 7 p.m.

In honor of Black History Month, Fredric Minus, an African-American historian and re-enactor, will give the lecture "Black Slaves and Soldiers of the American Revolution." A total of 22 slaves and 12 "free men of color" aided General Washington as he crossed the Delaware from Pennsylvania to Hunterdon County.

Minus, a frequent lecturer, volunteer and re-enactor at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, grew up and was educated in Delaware. His interest in the Civil War peaked when he discovered that he had two great-great grandfathers that served in the Civil War. Minus joined the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops out of Philadelphia, one of the regiments started out of Camp William Penn of which his great, great, grandfathers were a part. He founded a Civil War re-enactment group in Trenton, the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops.

Minus' awards include recognition proclamations by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly as well as The Mercer County Executives. Certificates of appreciation from Camp Olden, Philadelphia American Revolution and Thomas Middleton Round Tables; Junteenth Hero Award; The NAACP, and the Outstanding Service Award from fellow Camp Mifflin Re-enactors.

For reservations to the Black History lecture on Feb. 16, as well as events in  March, or for further information on the entire Revolutionary War series, visit the 300th's website, www.hunterdon300th.org, or 908-788-2030.

Raritan Valley Community College Global Game Jam participants created games that can be downloaded.

BRANCHBURG - Raritan Valley Community College's Computer Science Department and Game Creation Club recently hosted a location for the annual Global Game Jam, a worldwide festival of creativity, art and technology.

The goal of the Global Game Jam is for participants to produce tabletop and video games around a common theme across all participating sites -- in just 48 hours.

The 59 jammers at RVCC included members of the college's Computer Science Department and Game Creation Club, other Raritan Valley students and alumni, students and alumni from Rutgers University and local high-tech and game development professionals, according to a press release.

N.J. college holds benefit wine tasting

In total, the group at RVCC's Branchburg Campus created 20 games inspired by this year's theme, the word "Ritual."

Worldwide, the event drew more than 36,000 people at 636 sites in 93 countries. The largest site was in Egypt with over 2,500 participants. More than 6,800 games were made during the total Jam period. All games are available to download at no cost at www.globalgamejam.org. Games created at RVCC's site can also be found online.

The Global Game Jam will return to Raritan Valley Community College from Jan. 20-22, 2017.

Raritan Valley Community College's main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg and serves residents of Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

By suspending BID board elections in November, the board violated its own bylaws and ultimately tainted any subsequent actions, leaving the board open to lawsuits. See what readers had to say.

FLEMINGTON -- Following the discovery that it is in violation of its own bylaws, consultants last week recommended the board governing the Flemington Business Improvement District dissolve itself and be replaced with a new organization. 

The process begins with the Flemington Borough Council approving an ordinance that would close the district management corporation created when the Business Improvement District was formed, starting a new corporation and working to create a new board.

That ordinance is expected to be introduced by the council at a meeting being held Monday, and board liaison Councilwoman Michelle Oberst said during last week's BID board meeting that she plans on supporting the recommendation.

"We were surprised as the board is to hear this," Oberst said. "We adamantly agreed we want to keep a BID and council wants the BID to be successful."

Here's what NJ.com readers had to say about the possible change.

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

QuickChek, based in Whitehouse Station, has once again been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State.

Whitehouse Station-based QuickChek Corporation has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for the fourth consecutive year.

The convenience market chain was recognized by The New York State Society for Human Resources Management and Best Companies Group, an independent firm managing Best Places to Work programs around the country, QuickChek announed Monday. Survey components include employee satisfaction and engagement.

QuickChek has been honored in both New York and New Jersey, having been named one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey for five consecutive years by NJBIZ magazine.

"We are committed to being a great place to work, a great place to shop, and a great place to invest," said QuickChek Chief Executive Officer Dean Durling. "We strive to create a positive experience and fun environment where core values are nurtured, hard work is rewarded and leadership is cultivated.

"As a privately-held company, we can move at our pace and implement programs to ensure we attract, retain and develop the best people as well as empowering them to be successful."

Family-owned QuickChek employs more than 3,700 team members at its 143 retail locations throughout New Jersey, New York's Hudson Valley and Long Island. 

"When you come into any of our stores, the store leader manages that store as if it is their own," Durling said. "This helps them connect with our customers on a personal level, to create that neighborhood shopping experience, and provide the outstanding customer service for which we are known."

The company's starting pay has been above the New Jersey and New York state minimums for the past eight years, according to QuickChek. All of the company's district leaders and most of its vice presidents began their careers working in a local store.

Full-time employees are offered medical, dental and vision to life insurance, a 401k savings plan, fitness center reimbursement and even pet insurance, it was stated in a press release.

QuickChek opened five new stores in 2015. The company states each new store creates between 40-50 new local jobs and generates approximately $1 million in tax revenue. Additional new locations are planned for 2016.

The statewide Best Companies to Work for in New York State survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment whose practices benefit the State's businesses, economy, and workforce.

QuickChek will be honored at an awards dinner recognizing the 2016 Best Companies to Work for in New York State on May 3 at the Albany Marriott.

The modified ordinance terminates the current management corporation known as the Flemington Business Improvement District and establishes the new management corporation of the Flemington Improvement District.

FLEMINGTON -- Borough Council is expected to introduce an amendment to the 2011 ordinance that created a special improvement district at its meeting Monday, according to a revised agenda released Monday.

The modified ordinance terminates the current management corporation known as the Flemington Business Improvement District and establishes a new management corporation to be known as the Flemington Improvement District.

What we know about the proposal to reboot Flemington BID board

The name change is not meant to change the scope of non-profit organization, Mayor Phil Greiner said, and is simply following the recommendation of the hired consultants from Administrative Resources, Inc.

"The whole point of council going this route, is they are 'dedesignating' the current business improvement district management corporation, terminating it and starting over," he said.

Through this process, Greiner said council took the opportunity to make other small changes and clarifications including stating that all residential properties in the commercial areas in the special district will be excluded from the district assessment, and that taxes will be assessed based on property value rather than the dollar amount of the improvement district budget.

Readers react to Flemington BID reboot | Your comments

Once the amended ordinance is introduced, it will move to a second reading and public hearing on Monday, Feb. 22. If approved, council will then be able to appoint three people whole will serve as incorporators of the new Flemington Improvement District.

Those individuals would then appoint a board of 10 people, with one council liaison, and Greiner said the board should still be made up of mostly business and property owners.

The Flemington Business Improvement District, which has a 19-member board, has yet to officially terminate itself, and Chair Susan Peterson said at the Wednesday, Feb. 3, meeting that the board would reconvene to vote on the issue soon.

The consultants have asked the existing BID board and executive director to create an operating budget for four months in order to meet existing obligations, such as event sponsorship and rent, because it would take until at least June 1 for a new board to be put into place.

Monday night's meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at the Flemington municipal office located at 38 Park Avenue.

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

A pre-construction informational session is set for Feb. 18 in Flemington Borough Hall.

FLEMINGTON -- Construction will start Thursday on improvements to the Route 202-31 circle.

That's if the weather cooperates and utility lines are relocated in time, said state Department of Transportation spokesman Daniel Triana.

"For the duration of the project, motorists will experience temporary lane closures resulting in traffic shifts, but no detours are anticipated," he said on Monday.

The state DOT is holding an information session on Thursday, Feb. 18, 5-7 p.m., to discuss what's going to happen. Comments are welcome then, or can be sent by mail or email.

The meeting will be in the style of a Public Information Center, where people can stop in at their convenience to review exhibits, ask questions and discuss the project with representatives of the state DOT and the design consultant.

It will be held at Flemington Borough Hall, 38 Park Ave.

"There is an important need for safety improvements at the Flemington Circle due to the extremely high number of crashes on an annual basis," the DOT stated in announcing the work. "The purpose of the project is to improve safety along the roadway approaches to the circle (Route 202 and Routes 12 and 31) and within the circle itself."

Redo of big Flemington traffic circle on track

The work will include:

• Adding two bypass lanes along Route 202 northbound to separate Route 202 northbound motorists from the circle. Route 202 northbound motorists destined for Route 31 or Route 12 will be directed into the circle, and the two-lane approach will be deflected to reduce travel speeds.
• Route 202 southbound will be a two-lane, free-flow condition entering the circle.
• The Route 31 southbound approach will be striped as two lanes and will be realigned to provide more deflection to reduce travel speeds entering the circle. A bypass lane from Route 31 southbound to Route 12 westbound is also proposed.
• The Route 12 eastbound approach will be striped as two lanes and realigned to provide more deflection and reduce travel speeds.
• With the exception of Route 202 southbound, all vehicles entering the circle will yield to circulating traffic.

The estimated project schedule has work starting this month and finishing in January 2018.

To submit comments or for more information, contact Meredith Hammond, Office of Community & Constituent Relations, New Jersey Department of Transportation, PO Box 600, 1035 Parkway Ave., Trenton 08625-0600; phone 609-530-2110; fax 609-530-2536 or email Meredith.Hammond@dot.nj.gov.

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

Three people were injured in a four-car crash that happened on Route 523 in Readington Township.

Three people were injured in a four-car crash that happened on Route 523 on Friday, Readington Township police report.

The accident happened at 4:12 p.m. Friday on Route 523 near Route 629. Police said three people complained of injuries.

According to police, the crash was caused by a pickup truck failing to slow down as traffic in front stopped. The pickup struck the rear of a stopped vehicle, which then struck the vehicle in front of it. That vehicle was also forced forward and struck a fourth, police said.

Hunterdon County heroes wanted for awards

All of the vehicles had to be towed and one lane of Route 523 was closed. The Whitehouse Rescue Squad transported the three injured drivers to the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township, police said.

The accident is under investigation and no charges have been filed as of Monday.

Hunterdon County 4-H volunteers were lauded for the service during the 2014-15 4-H year at the annual Leaders Appreciation night on Jan. 21. Presidents of each 4-H club made either a main dish or a chocolate dessert. The leaders tasted each dish and voted for their favorites. Several special awards were given out. The Hunterdon County 4-H Leader of...

Hunterdon County 4-H volunteers were lauded for the service during the 2014-15 4-H year at the annual Leaders Appreciation night on Jan. 21.

Presidents of each 4-H club made either a main dish or a chocolate dessert. The leaders tasted each dish and voted for their favorites.

Several special awards were given out.

Jackie Majorossy receives the Hunterdon County 4-H Leader of the Year award from Hunterdon County 4-H Ambassador, Kevin Sievers at the 2016 4-H Leaders Appreciation night on Jan. 21. 

The Hunterdon County 4-H Leader of the Year honor went to Jackie Majorossy.

Majorossy has been a vital part of the Family Consumer Science program for four years. She has assisted on a club and county level. She is superintendent of the Foods Judging events and active part of the Youth Council. She has planned and taught multiple educational workshops. Majorossy is always brainstorming on how to keep youth educated in gardening techniques, and food science and safety. She works hard during fair week maintaining the Ramsburg building, providing service activities for fair goers and putting together the food booth.

Hunterdon County 4-H Ambassador, Kay Gardiner presents the First Pioneer Farm Credit Service Award to her mother, Dee Gardiner at the 2016 4-H Leaders Appreciation night on Jan. 21. 

The First Pioneer Farm Credit Service Award was presented to Dee Gardiner. Gardiner started her 4-H volunteering 15 years ago as a leader of the 4-H Animal Cloverbud Club. Today she is still a vital part of the 4-H Cloverbud program, she is always willing to assist to with the "Eggstravaganza" and doorswag events.

Aside from the Cloverbud Program; Gardiner introduced the 4-H mounted drill team to Hunterdon County. She dedicates many hours working with the team members, teaching riding safety, drills and instilling commitment in the youth. She graciously leases her horses to those who do not have a horse for drill team.

The 4-H Alumni award recipient was Chris Weisenbacher.

Weisenbacher was recognized tonight for his leadership and involvement of the Hunterdon County 4-H Junior Leaders Club for the past four years. He is continuously encouraging teens to attend winter camp, apply for ambassador and encourages them to participate in service activities. For the past few years Weisenbacher has served on the NJTC Planning committee and has volunteered to chaperone the event. He is a behind the scenes worker at the fair and offers help to manage the fair 4-H office. He has shared his expertise by judging presentations. The teens enjoy his personality and look up to him.

Other leaders recognized were: Louisa Cole, 54 years; Ruth Crommelin, of Stanton, 51, years; Susan Miller of Raritan Township, 42 years; Bonnie Seeley of High Bridge, 32 years; Charlotte Prosics of Lebanon, 27 years; Diane Cooper of Lambertville, 25 years; Lillian Shupe of Lower Mount Bethel, Pa. and Mary Strauss of Stockton, 23 years; Barri-Lynn Everitt of Ringoes and Betty Jane Hunt of West Amwell Township, 22 years; Martha Castenschiold of Glen Gardner, 20 years; Robert Riccioni of Pittstown and Teri Stanton, 17 years; Sherrie Peterson of Flemington, 16 years; Dee Gardiner of Flemington, 15 years; Peg Forte of Flemington, 13 years; Marie Heyduke, 12 years; Matt Peterson of Flemington, 11 years; Nancy Mendonca of Frenchtown and Carol Weisenbacher of Union Township, 10 years; Wendi Freedman of Milford and Kristin Burkhardt of Flemington, nine years; Rachel Laritz and Debbie Scheblein, of the Flemington area, Amanda Kovacs of Milford and Duane Young and Kathy Young of Holland Township and Anita Christman, of Raritan Township, eight years; Treacy Everitt Weeks of East Amwell Township, seven years; Michelle Bolanowski, Readington Township, Karen Mallea, Flemington, Kathy Piparo, Franklin Township and Sally Stacy, Pittstown, Kim Rountree, six years; Mark Brubaker of Flemington, Marianne Sievers of Delaware Township, Jared Weeks of Ringoes, Kristina Wengryn of West Amwell Township, Kyle Young of Holland Township, Amy Whitmore, five years; Barry Bacorn, Trista Bond, Marlene Leuenberger, Jackie Majorossy Mary Nucci, Sheree Rust, Jamie Young, Chris Weisenbacher and Marian Wasitowski, four years; Chelsea Ditzel, Ringoes; Richard Hollabaugh, Lebanon; Holly Smith, Washington; George Wengryn and Jennifer Wengryn, Ringoes, three years; Sheryl Brown, Danielle Coppola, Sandra Dabb, Cali Haggerty, Kerry Millan, Cindy Razzano, Derrick Rowe, Karen Tovi-Jones, Kristen Urmston, and Cynthia Zidzik, two years; Vincent Bivona, Chris Brown, Emma Hillman, Beth Kelly, Joann Kernan, Joyce Kohanski, Melissa Seip, Emily Sigle, one year.

New leaders welcomed were Laura Bonacorsi, Andrea Freeman, John Ingling, Katherine Mendonca, Marjorie Moore, Kim Rodgers, Steve Schaefer, James Wedeking and Christina Wilson.

For more information about the Hunterdon County 4-H program see www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/rutgers/4H.htm

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

Hunterdon Thrive, an emerging, holistic approach taken by a cross-section of community leaders, offers support to who are interested in improving their financial outlook.

Hunterdon Thrive, an emerging, holistic approach taken by a cross-section of community leaders, offers support to who are interested in improving their financial outlook.

The size of this collaboration brings challenges, but the desire to build upon Hunterdon County's community goal of improving the financial stability of 10,000 residents in the next five years proves it an effort worth taking on.

Whether it was economic recession; a recent family illness, a loss of employment, or some other bump in the road, sometimes we all need a little guidance. And so this initiative was born, to help our neighbors to not only survive, but to Thrive.

The community partners leading Hunterdon Thrive are Anderson House; Family Promise; Family Success Center; Fisherman's Mark; Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren; Hunterdon County YMCA; Hunterdon Helpline, Legal Services of Northwest Jersey; NJ211; NORWESCAP, and United Way of Hunterdon County.

Hunterdon Thrive was created to reach Alice (individuals who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, yet Employed), and connect him/her with appropriate resources to reach his/her goals- save money, buy a new vehicle, reduce debt - whatever personal financial goals they set for themselves. Getting ahead isn't easy for Alice in Hunterdon County, where it costs a family of 4 more than $76,000 and an individual $27,500 annually just to get by. And, more than 20-percent of households in Hunterdon County fall into the Alice demographic.

Hunterdon Thrive brings together public and private sectors to assist Alice families and individuals to find solutions to various financial challenges.

The Hunterdon Thrive coach works with individuals to set goals, provide system navigation, connections to community resources and long-term support, while also increasing awareness among potential Thrivers and those who refer them.

Hunterdon Thrive is more than halfway to its goal of engaging and surveying 100 clients in its pilot year (2015-16); of those "Thrivers," 32 have set financial goals or are identifying goals.

In the words of one client who was referred by Anderson House, "Thrive is showing me how to support myself. It's helped me make progress towards goals that I might have thought about but would never have acted on.  It helps me put things into practice and see the value of budgeting -- where I might be wasteful and how I can save. Claire makes herself available whenever I need her and is an excellent sounding board for me. I can bounce things off of her -- she has insight I don't have and she inspires me to follow through because she always follows through and prompts me to keep moving forward. That is so important for me. Now, I'm being more proactive. And everything is about what's suitable for me. I've explored my credit problems and learned how to go about correcting them. I've taken a computer class at NORWESCAP which has inspired me to learn more about computers. Claire even got me a bike, a brand new bike, so I can save time getting to work. I ride it everywhere and just love it!  More than anything, it's so wonderful and reassuring that there's someone I can reach out to anytime -- someone who cares, who has my best interest at heart and who can make me aware of things I'd never have known about. Thrive is helping me plant solid roots here where I want to stay and build a new life and it's helping me reach those goals."

Below is a roundup of how the partners collaborate to support Hunterdon Thrive. The coach accesses these and an array of other resources that might meet individuals' needs, including Raritan Valley Community College, One Stop Career Center, credit unions and banking institutions and many other organizations.

• Anderson House: Provides a residential program for women in recovery that provides the supports needed to return to the community as responsible, productive and sober individuals. Hunterdon Thrive offers a long-term support system to these women as they transition back into the community.
• Family Promise: Family Promise of Hunterdon County provides shelter for those who are temporarily homeless and is also dedicated to helping clients achieve long-term stability by offering clients a combination of accountability and cheerleading that is both motivating and highly effective. When someone on the path to stability knows that they have a "partner" to provide guidance, information, referrals, resources, motivation, and encouragement it helps immensely in gaining the traction needed to move forward. Their vast experience in case management exemplifies the value of their partnership and the value of all the Thrive partnerships.
• Family Success Center: Located in Flemington, The Family Success Center is a family oriented, neighborhood gathering place where all community residents can come to for support, information, programs and services.  The center is committed to not duplicating existing services already available in the county so referring to Thrive in order to assist people in reaching financial stability, is a natural referral source and compliments what they do well.  
• Fisherman's Mark: Located in Lambertville, Fisherman's Mark facilitates innovative, responsive programs and services that promote stability, health and wellness. Its Food Pantry and Childcare program (with reduced tuition for low-income working families) provide for basic need and its Social Service programs help individuals/families move out of crisis and become more self-sufficient. Because so many people struggle with making ends meet the Thrive program complements a treatment plan that moves people towards stability.
• Hunterdon County YMCA: The YMCA provides financial assistance to families, adults and children for programs and services they offer.  In 2016, the Hunterdon County YMCA provided over $450,000 in scholarships to Y programs to over 2,000 individuals in our community.  The level of assistance is dependent upon the size of family and household income.  It can vary from 10% up to 90% of the program cost. They expect that as the THRIVE initiative continues to grow and families become more stable, the availability of these resources will become vital to the health and well- being of the families being served.  Of particular interest will be child care, summer camp and Y membership.
• Hunterdon Helpline: Through its 24-7 First Assist program, Hunterdon Helpline assists clients toward financial success by assessing needs and identifying barriers, then linking to the programs and services of appropriate agencies, as well as its own services, such as WorkConnectivity and Literacy Services. When working with a Thrive client and the Thrive coach, Helpline's Community Resource Specialists can offer robust connections and follow-ups for a holistic approach to the client's short term and long-term goals.
• Jewish Family Service (JFS): Since 2002, JFS has been successfully offering Career Services to the entire community. The agency participates on area-wide professional advisory committees and is known throughout the local social service network for providing career services.
• Legal Services of Northwest Jersey (LSNWJ): LSNWJ operates a five-office law firm staffed by attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and support staff all working together to provide high-quality, comprehensive legal assistance to low-income and other vulnerable people in matters affecting essential basic needs - affordable housing, sustainable income, assets necessary for self-sufficiency and health care access.
• NORWESCAP: The NORWESCAP Career & Life Transitions Center for Women (CLTC) is available to support all THRIVE women on their path to self-sufficiency. By providing computer classes, career advising, case management, empowerment programs, job readiness and soft-skill programs, and other relevant workshops, the NORWESCAP CLTC focuses on providing quality services to women who have lost their primary source of income.
• NJ211: The NJ211 Partnership is the statewide 24/7 365 day a year help and referral call center. By simply calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.nj211.org those in need can be connected to health or human service resources in order to assist them or their family members in time of need. NJ211 connects people to a number of different services ranging from temporary financial assistance, transportation assistance, food assistance, utility assistance and many other services including Hunterdon Thrive and its partners.
• United Way of Hunterdon County.

"Hunterdon Thrive is unique because it acknowledges that it takes time for individuals to use the knowledge and information they gain from community resources in their daily lives, build on it and achieve and sustain financial stability," explains Thrive coach Claire Spenser. "In the near term, we have seen successes  -- clients opened savings accounts and have begun to save with a purpose, building an emergency fund or saving for an apartment rental deposit.

"Many clients meet with financial coaches to create and track household budgets or put plans in place to reduce debt and improve credit scores. Others have focused on exploring new jobs or careers.

"These are only the first steps on the road to financial stability, and in most cases financial stability will not be reached after one or two community connections or a few months in a program. It is a journey from surviving to financial stability. But Thrivers are committing time and effort to learn and practice smart money management and make the behavioral changes that will lead to financial stability.

"And Hunterdon Thrive is committed to supporting them for the whole of their journey--making community connections as needed to help clients follow their path to financial stability and engaging and tracking clients for the long term."

In addition to providing people with system navigation, coaching and goal setting, Hunterdon Thrive has engaged the Institute for Families, School of Social Work at Rutgers University to gather data that will help to identify system gaps and needs as well as areas of success that would benefit from increased support.

The initiative is currently being funded by Hunterdon County Division of Human Services and United Way of Hunterdon County. Additional grant and other funding opportunities are being sought to ensure the sustainability and expansion of Hunterdon Thrive.

For more information about Hunterdon Thrive, contact Claire Spencer at 908-303-4311 or Claire@uwhunterdon.org.

The accident was a rear-end collision.

CLINTON TWP. -- A woman in her 80s was reportedly injured while riding in a car involved in a crash on Route 22 west recently.

George Farley, 85, of Flagtown was driving on Route 22 west near Sand Hill Road on Jan. 31 around 2:35 p.m., when his 2006 Honda Accord hit the rear of a 2015 Jeep Grand  Cherokee, police said. The Cherokee was driven by Brian ONiell, 27, of Bedford, N.H.

The airbags in the Farley car deployed and a passenger, Marlene Farley, 84, of Flagtown was taken to Hunterdon Medical Center for treatment of apparently minor injuries, police said. Both vehicles had to be towed. No summonses were issued.

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

This has been the winter without the snow, cold and ice, creating many opportunities to get out and about.

By Al Warr

This time of year is known at my house as the Februaries. It's when the sky is overcast and dreary, biting winds blow, snow piles up and ice can cover everything.

Most years February is the time to hang around the house. It best suited for cozying up beside a roaring fire with a good new read and a good old brandy.

Not so this go round. The cold has been late in coming -- as has the snow. This winter is a time to get out and about.

* * *

"My classes are about a community of people," said John Fulwood. "We unwind a little and get away from stress. We develop friendships."

Fulwood was talking about his Spring Pottery Classes. He operates Kissimmee River Pottery at 50 Mine St. in Flemington.

Of course, he's all about making pottery. And his classes attract beginners as well as advanced students. "I don't separate beginners from experienced people," he explained.

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Everyone gets the benefit of Fulwood's 43 years of experience. The classes attract young and old alike, all learning the craft together and improving their skills by interacting.

Nighttime classes attract people who are otherwise busy during the day. But there are also classes during the day starting at 11 a.m. The classes begin March 14 and run for eight weeks. These are for age 16 and up.

Fulwood also offers pottery classes for youngsters accompanied by a parent. These are for ages 4 through 15, and they are held in the afternoon.

"You only need to bring an old towel and a sense of humor to class," he said. Everything else is furnished.

Registration for classes began on Feb. 1. For the full schedule and to register, go online to RiverPots.com or for more information call 908 237-0671.

In addition to making pots, Fulwood invented the Fulwood Measure. This is a device or tool used to assure same-size production of pottery. It's used to make certain that bowls, for example, come out the same size.

He's participating in the Flemington Health & Wellness event set for all day, Saturday, Mar. 5. It will be a good time to stop in and see his operation.

* * *

February is always a good time to look forward. The Flemington Health & Wellness event provides just the ticket. It includes a wide range of classes, programs, activities, and free events. It runs town wide, all day on Saturday, March 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This is an opportunity for people to get out and about, kick the Februaries, and learn what health and wellness practitioners have to offer.

Expect to delve into tai chi, yoga, nutrition, Reiki, chiropractic, acupuncture, Kung Fu, and more. Grab a bite at one of the cafes, or relax with a full meal at a restaurant.

For more information, check out DowntownFlemington.com.

* * *

Every Saturday year round in Flemington, the Stangl Factory Farmers Market brings all sorts of goodies to the Stangl complex. It's an indoor market at 50 Stangl Road at Mine Street. It's open 9 to 3.

"Farmers are continuing to bring greens especially," said Martha Mulford-Dreswick. "They are growing under hoops."

N.J. counties with the highest, lowest property taxes

She is the manager here. And she has corralled over 30 vendors to participate. In addition to local farmers, others bring a diverse selection of wares and offerings.

Browse through the complex for a wide selection of foods, including seasonal veggies and greens, lots of baked goods (including gluten free), fresh salads made daily, herbal teas, local honey, butter, cheese, BBQ, jellies and hot sauces, pasture raised pork, grass fed beef, free range chickens, and more. There is even a Polish deli.

In addition to foods, you'll find a wide selection of other products, much of it handmade and organic. The list includes artworks, hand-painted clothing, handmade jewelry, cards, notebooks and paper goods, products from alpaca farms, natural dog bones, soaps and personal products. Starting Mar. 5, bring your knives for a sharpening.

"There's music every Saturday," added Mulford-Dreswick. "And additional parking in back."

For more information, visit StanglFactory.com/Farmers-Market or you can call 908 963-8832.

* * *

Nina and Jonathan White operate the Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse near Milford. This is a very active farm with a farm store, and they regularly attend farm markets, including those in New York.

Nina is offering a bread-making class on Sunday afternoon, March 6. It is a four-hour class for both beginners and experienced bakers. You'll learn techniques to mix, knead, ferment, form and bake in the big wood-fired oven. And you go home with your bread.

Jonathan offers a cheese-making class in May. This class fills up early, so don't delay registering.

For more information, visit CowsOutside.com or call 908 864-7277. Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse is located at 369 Stamets Road.

* * *

Ian Knauer and Shelley Wiseman operate The Farm Cooking School, and they offer a wide-ranging menu of classes and events covering food preparation.

The offerings here are extensive. For the full listing, visit the website at TheFarmCookingSchool.com, or you can call Knauer at 516 840-4891 or call Wiseman at 646 236-0605.

Highlights on March 1 include kids cooking and cheesemaking, on March 2 it's knife skills and Italian cooking, on March 3 it's North African cuisine followed on March 4 with French cooking. Bread baking is on March 8. And on March 9 it's searing and deboning. Bacon and sausage making come up on March 15.

The Farm Cooking School is located at Tullamore Farms outside Stockton. The address is 1998 Daniel Bray Highway, but the GPS location is 1925.

Contact Al Warr at 610 253-0432 or AlWarr16@gmail.com.

Great Falls in Paterson, the east coast's second largest waterfall, is threatened by a proposed apartment complex atop the ridge overlooking the historic district and falls, environmental activists say.

The State We're In

By Michele S. Byers

Executive Director

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Only 15 miles from downtown Manhattan, New Jersey's newest national park - the Great Falls National Historic Park in the city of Paterson - is unique in its juxtaposition of stunning natural beauty with gritty industrial development.

Its most iconic view is of the roaring waters of the 77-foot Great Falls, framed by an arched iron bridge and historic redbrick mills once powered by the falls and the three-tiered raceway system.

Great Falls is the east coast's second largest waterfall, behind Niagara Falls, and many in Paterson are counting on the falls and historic district to draw visitors and tourism dollars.

That's why park advocates were aghast in November when the city's Planning Board approved a 156-unit apartment complex atop the ridge overlooking the historic district and falls.

To those who worked for the national historic park designation in 2009 - and who see the park as the centerpiece of the city's redevelopment - it makes no sense to place an obtrusive apartment complex where it would detract from the park's beauty.

Steps forward and back for N.J.

The National Park Service, in a letter to Paterson Mayor Jose Torres, said the condo project poses a "significant threat" to the character of the national park and surrounding historic district.

"We understand that Paterson is in critical need of additional tax ratables, but we also believe that the long-term success of the National Park will be one off the strongest selling points for a revitalized Paterson," the letter stated.

Parallels between the Great Falls in Paterson and the Palisades in Englewood Cliffs are easy to see. LG Electronics received local approval to build a 143-foot headquarters, which would have towered above the Hudson River Palisades, altering an iconic vista that has been a landmark and an artistic inspiration for centuries.

Residents and citizens near and far challenged the LG approval. Fortunately, a win-win compromise was reached last summer when LG Electronics agreed to lower the building's profile so it wouldn't be visible above the tree line of Palisades Interstate Park. The size of the building stays the same, the town gets the ratables and an historic view is spared.

Conservation trailblazer: Don Kirchhoffer

If such a compromise can be made in the Palisades, why not in Paterson, the "Silk City" with a fascinating history as the birthplace of American's Industrial Resolution?

It was founding father Alexander Hamilton - the current subject of a hip-hop Broadway musical bearing his name - who first imagined how the Great Falls could power industrial development. Hamilton visited the falls in 1778, in the midst of the Revolutionary War, and shared his vision with George Washington and General Lafayette.

After the war, as U.S. treasury secretary, Hamilton selected Paterson to become the nation's first planned industrial city. The water-powered mills produced silk, locomotives and guns, including the first Colt .45 pistols.

The area was named a National Natural Landmark in 1967, a National Historic Landmark District in 1976, and it became a national park more than three decades later.

Later this month, Mayor Torres will host a three-day planning session to review the apartment plans. The gathering will include Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. - who has urged compromise - the developer, representatives from New Jersey Institute of Technology's architecture school, the New Jersey Regional Planning Association, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Montclair State University's business school, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the nonprofit Hamilton Partnership for Paterson.

Hamilton was a visionary, and we hope his visionary spirit is still alive in Paterson, a city he built. A world-class national park can revitalize Paterson and turn it into a visitor destination.  It would be shortsighted and a great loss should Paterson forfeit its promising future by letting development intrude on the park.

To learn more about Great Falls National Historic Park, go to the National Park Service website at or visit the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson website.

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

Hunterdon County kids talk about the hardest thing about sports.

Hunterdon County kids talk about the hardest thing about sports:

The most difficult thing about playing a sport is definitely getting hurt. I cheer, and even though majority of people don't consider cheerleading a sport, injuries still occur from it. In fact, I recently fell on my face at cheer and now my face looks as if it was mauled by a cat. Not only do injuries hurt, they also take time to heal. If the injury is really bad, you could have to sit out during practice for months. All in all, sports are difficult to begin with, and getting hurt only makes it harder!

Samantha Schaub

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The most difficult thing about playing a sport is definitely the will and effort that has to be contributed by each person on a team. You need to be reliable on all of your teammates in just about every sport, but you also have to be responsible for your individual actions. On the HealthQuest Hammerheads Swim Team, I have to try my hardest to improve and reach goals that my coach Jean sets for us. If I don't feel like trying, then there's no point in showing up for a practice or meet if I won't improve. Another difficult aspect of swim or any sport is remembering the proper techniques, my coach calls it muscle memory. Good techniques need to become a habit eventually. Those are aspects of swim that cannot be mistaken for "easy."

Katie Quinn

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The most difficult thing about playing a sports is that when you get tackled you can get injured and that may be a risk because there are people who have died in their favorite sport. When you tackle wrong you can get a foul or a red card and means that you can't play this day and the other day. In all sports you have to play as a team because if not your team will never win and that is not good for you and your team.  The key to success is teamwork and communication. so do not say that you are good in a sport if you don't know about teamwork and communication. and also something else people like Messi and Lebron James are not good because they're good they practice every day and that is not something that everybody can handle. So in conclusion sports are not easy.

Ivan Vasques

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The most difficult thing about playing a sport is teamwork. Wait isn't teamwork what a team is about, yes, the only thing is keeping the team together to have no conflict which is a lot of work. You must know that you have to be reliable on your teammates or be responsible for the individual actions. The conflict happens when the action is accused on others who didn't have anything to do with it, but not every team is perfect. Even though having conflict will cause a team to fall, and having conflict can make you stronger and you will see the side in all you teammates that will have you know them better. You'll grow and learn to stay strong while facing bumps in the road. After all you have a team keep it that way and take the fall for what you do. After all there is no I in team. I would say after being on a sports team since I was six I have been thorough all the bumps and I say that the hardest thing about playing sports is conflict for when there is, it shows weakness in a game.

Cheyenne Gurak

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The most difficult part thing about playing a sport is the mental part of it. Most people think being a great athlete is about being a leader, fit, and having talent, but I can argue otherwise. How someone thinks mentally can change the outcome in sports, especially wrestling. There will be times in a match where it is the second period and you're down in points and still end up winning. If you're determined enough and hungry for the win you can pin your opponent and win the match. Matches like that you don't forget and it shows others in wrestling that there is always a way out or another solution.

Jack Rieche

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The most difficult part of playing a sport is creating time for that sport. Many kids these days do not have enough time for sports. They do not have enough time to practice. This can set them behind all the other players.

Valentino Stuppiello

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The difficult part about playing sports is working together as a team. This is important for a team. You as an individual must work hard to improve, but you still need t communicate well, knew each other's play styles, and work together, to win games. No lacrosse player, not even the best lacrosse player in the world, can go up against 11 other players, and still manage to win. If he had a team though, he could work the ball around the field to his teammates, and hopefully get open for a shot. The reason why working together is so hard is because sometimes you may feel that you could do better or you want to be the best. Your team i like your family tough and you don't want to put anyone down. Even though working together is hard, it is the most important part of sports.

Vikram Vijan

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is... to not give up. Though doing the actual sport is hard and painful, I think not giving up is the most difficult part. I do cross country, and I often feel the urge to give up, and just not do it anymore. But instead of always thinking I can't, You have to tell yourself that you can. You have to realize that no matter how hard it is, if you try, you will always accomplish your goal. When I run a race, I get really discouraged in the middle when I'm exhausted, but I always think that in the end, I will cross the finish line, with victory. You have to keep your head up, and keep going. If you absolutely love what you do, you will know that there is no benefit in giving up. Always finish your goal with a purpose. With a desire.

Cassie Quinn

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

The worst thing about playing sports is my parents because they cheer for me  and it is really embarrassing. One time I yelled at my dad for cheering for me because i didn't like it, but what i didn't know is that he wants to be there for me because his dad never was.  Even now I still don't like it, but I deal with it and I realized that it isn't that bad because he is my dad and he is cheering for me, but what I really don't like is when he tells me what to do and I told him that I should be able to do what I want to do so long as it is working.

Sal Uvenio

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

Sports have always been difficult for kids and teenagers alike. While some kids may be physically gifted making the athletic part of sports easier for them all of that goes to waste if the athlete is not mentally able to compete. Although some may argue that physically sports are more difficult, the more accurate answer is that the most challenging part of sports is the mental aspect of the activity. You could be the strongest, or the fastest, even the best at the sport you play, but if you get frustrated and start getting inside your own head you'll ultimately lose because it will start affecting the physical side of your sport, and you may think your opponent beat you, but really, you just beat yourself.

Justin Rodriguez

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

You always need to have your head in the game if you want to play well. But trying to clear your head for the big game is not always easy. Sometimes something happened in school and your mind keeps on going back to it. Somethings you just can't help but think about. I when I step onto the tennis court or stand at the starting line, I know that I need to focus on winning.

Katelyn Deridder

Grade 8

Readington Middle School

What I think is the hardest in sports is not getting injured. Well, I play airsoft and it's kinda hard to not get hit by one of the bb's. Everyday when you go out to play sports ask yourself, "Do I have enough protection?" If you don't, then you have a slight chance of ending up in a bad injury. Keeping safe is better than an injury and everyone can agree on that! Stay safe everyone!

Andrew Frezza

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

"Hi." My name is Peyton Guercio and I know what's hard about sports. First of all, I am on a soccer team that is still undefeated. And you know what's hard about that is you have to try and keep the title. Undefeated is not an easy word to come by when you are playing sports, I'll tell you that! You don't just go to your first day of soccer and the coach says "Ok team we are still undefeated let's keep this title!' And this isn't all of them there are way more right around the corner.

Peyton Guercio

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

I'm a cheerleader who is a flyer which gets thrown around all the time, so what I think is hard is that if you get injured they change the grips so you don't re-injure yourself. If they do that you have to get used to the different grips.

Melody Kessler

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

Something hard about all sports would have to be either getting hurt or losing. Getting hurt is in all the sports. Football getting tackled so bad you can't move. Soccer, getting hit in the face with the ball like Scott Sterling. Baseball, once again getting hit line drive right in the face. Track, falling off of the Poll Volt. Cheerleading, if you are the flyer and your back spotter does not catch you, you will break an arm. I have a friend who broke her arm doing it. And one thing more you can get  hurt ESPECIALLY when you are not paying attention.

Dominick Desire

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

I think the most frustrating part of soccer, is trying to get the team to agree with you. It gets under your nerves, because they never listen to you. I mean really, if you say "Pass the ball!" guess what they do. They just shoot the ball right in the goal. Even if the coach says "Frank, pass the ball to George!" They would probably just do the opposite, and kick it right down the middle (my coach always says to NOT kick it right down the middle, so that's why I used that as an example). Usually they do hear you, but they just ignore you. It just makes you want to scream so loud that the people on the International Space Station can hear you from space. YAHHHH!!!  

Nate Schwartz

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

The hardest thing in sports in my opinion is knowing what to do. The whole game of sports is based off of knowing what to do. In basketball and soccer you have to know which goal/basket to shoot on. In football you have to know which route to run, and in baseball you have to know to stay on the base or not. Also in tennis and ping pong you have to hit the ball in the right direction. These are just a few examples, but I guarantee  you in every sport you have to know what to do. That is the hardest thing in sports in my opinion.

Ian Carlson

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

One this that is hard about sports is that I am not good at them. In soccer I try so many times to make a goal and it doesn't work! In basketball I make a shot and it just won't work.I think I proved I am Bad at sports.    

Emily Riordan

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

I am a cheerleader. We work many times a week and work really hard. I think the hardest thing about being a cheerleader is practicing every week, four times a week. We practice so hard. I know it's so we are really good. My coach even says "only PERFECT practice makes perfect." She is right but I think that we can cut down our practices to only three times a week. She says to get enough sleep, but we are working so hard. Still, even today, I do the routine even though cheer is over for the season. I am just so used to the practices, dances, and tumbling. I love cheerleading and I understand that we want to practice so we can win, but I think we would be a lot better if we had one less practice so we could get more sleep. So, my answer to this question to something difficult about playing sports is, practicing every week as hard as possible.

Nina Hagan

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

Boom smash ouch, you are about to meet one hard part about sports. Sports is amazing but there is so much of sports that is dangerous. The one way I am going to tell you about is getting injured from basketball.   

It's fun, but it can be dangerous. You might try to block, they might have a charging foul and you bang your head, you do and you do not want to go back in. It is hard you're hurt but you might let the team down.

At this point I would get up walk to the bench and go back in in a minute. This happend to me but instead of blocking it was a push and I was on the ground. But I did not let my team down I got up and played. I was brave and it was hard. This is only one hard way about sports.

Alex Kinsky

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

What I think is hard is hard about the sport cheer is that you have to get over the fear of a big crowd.Also you have to learn about having makeup on and not wipe it off. And don't complain about hair spray bothering you.

Ainsley Hart

Grade 4

High Bridge Elementary School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is running.

George Bey

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is....I have to do homework.

Mikayla Connelly

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is... football is because you have to throw far. The second thing is to catch far away.

Stanley Dombroski

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about playing sport is when someone does something against the rules and a referee doesn't see it.

Alex Fiscor  

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about sports is you have to know how to play the game and there is no time for homework.

David Fulper

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about playing a sport is working together and not making it so hard for other people.

Emory Krongold   

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing is trying to score and get a point for your team.

Christopher Luenos-Banos           

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about playing  a sport is trying not to get hurt.

Conner Monus          

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing is playing with a team.And it is hard  because the people covering you.

Brian Nicholson

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about sports is getting all of your homework done before you have to leave to go to a practice or game and it's also  difficult to play as a team and work together.

Christian Osborne

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult  thing about playing sports is it is lots of practice and is hard work.

Olivia Ostrander

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing in sports is to learn how to do the actions. Another thing is do physical stuff

Jacob Pursell   

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about sports is that you have to stretch and it really hurts sometimes.

Maia Ricci   

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about sports is doing your homework before sports. And also practicing. And also working and being a team.

Bradley Romano   

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about sports is when you are in cross country and you forget your running shoes it is terrible i am not joking it has happened!!!!!!!!

Tierney Rzasa           

Grade 3

East Amwell School

I think the hardest thing about sports is running.

Emily Van Cleef   

Grade 3

East Amwell School

I think the most difficult thing about sports is catching the ball, seriously you could DIE!  And running, it's very tiring, some people even faint!!!

Hayley Williard         

Grade 3

East Amwell School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is learning how to play them. I chose this point because say, if you never played basketball before, you would be bad and it would be difficult to play. Also if you are in softball and you never played before, it would be hard to bat and catch the ball. If you are in a soccer game and it is your first game, you can keep on accidentally passing it to the other players and you are still learning how to pass. It can still be tricky and hard for you. Another reason is say you were great at basketball, but you never played point guard, you would have to learn to play point guard and that might be hard for you. Lastly I chose this point because learning can't always be easy for a sport.

Molly Radano

Grade 5

Milford Public School

The most difficult thing in sports is getting hit so when you play football somebody will tackle you! It could heart you really bad.

Brian Barndt

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is that you have to go a long time without water and you have to keep up your energy or you might lose a game which will make you very sad.

Anaya Barnwell

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about sports is letting your team down because all your team mates get mad at you and sometimes don't forgive you. I've done it before and it made me feel horrible.

Caelyn Bartley

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about sports is you getting a injury.

Kofi Campbell

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about sports is getting hurt in practice and games.

Penelope Harding

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is when you do a move wrong especially if you worked really hard at it and somebody laughs at you or gets mad at you. That is why sports are hard sometimes.

Elizabeth Hitchcock

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing breaking a bone. because if someone broke a bone that person might mite not be able to play for that tem for a long time.

Dylan Horne

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about tennis is dodging and moving at the same time.

Lucas Kathiari

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is losing .I think that when I lose I am letting down people who cheer for me. That's why it's difficult playing sports for me.

Lauren Krongold

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about soccer is having enough energy. And to use soccer skills. Then try to shoot on a goalie and score. Also getting hurt. Or getting a red card when you get a red card you can't play. and blocking shots.

Michal Lukaszewski

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about soccer is scoring a goal and blocking a goal in level four of soccer.

Dominic Mandatta

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is getting hurt because I always fall getting ran over by my school mates my legs getting tired getting out in games feelings getting hurt and hurting my ankles. These are my few reasons why sports are difficult I hope you like the others.

Kirsten Murphy

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is trying to not to get hurt or trying to catch a ball like for example a baseball, basketball and a softball. Also. don't hurt your ankles. The most difficult thing about sports is trying your best.

Reese Robbins

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about playing a sport is getting hit with something for example a baseball,or a hockey stick,or something like that.Sports are a little hard when you get started but after a while it gets fun and easy. These are a few of my reasons I feel sports are hard for me.

Karl Yurcik

East Amwell Township School

The most difficult thing about all sports is controlling yourself because someone can push or hit you. Most people get worked up and can not control themselves. Then when that happens, a big fight usually breaks out! So that is why I think that is the most difficult thing in all sports.   

Matt Roman

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I do not think any of the sports I play have anything difficult in them, but for other people I think it could be doing all the homework might be one of the most difficult things in sports. I think that doing all the homework on the same day as the sport is the most difficult thing about playing sports. I love sports, and on Monday in the winter, I go from school right to boxing, and right after that I go to basketball. When I get home, it's about time for bed. When I think of this, I wonder how I get it all done, but I do it. This is why I think for some people might think doing their homework is one of the most difficult thing in sports.

Harry Gale

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is how to get there on time with all the homework and meeting with all your friends.  Parents are afraid that their kid can get hurt. Now you know some difficulties of sports.

Austin Aycock

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

They most difficult thing about playing sports is you can get hurt very badly. Why? Because if you play tackle football when you're running, you can get hit in the ribs. Also you can get a concussion, and go to the hospital like me or maybe sometimes death.

Kevin Roman

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

Basketball is the most difficult sport in the world. Why you ask? Well, I do nothing but stand there because nobody passes me the stupid ball. I mean C'MON PASS ME THE DANG BALL ALREADY! Okay, so there ya go, the hardest sport EVER!

Colten Ryley Aguilar

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is you can break a bone or get a concussion.  For example, in basketball the ball can come down from the net and bounce on your head. I know this because that happened to me. I think this is the most difficult thing about playing sports.

Angelina Miller

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is that you play against some players/teams that aren't fair. This is difficult because they can make you really mad, but if you do something back, it probably wouldn't be fair either. This happens all the time, but if you just ignore it you might not even notice they are. As you can see, an unfair person can be difficult to tolerate.

Natalie Detample

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is how competitive you have to be. This is  the most difficult thing because I am nice and when I have to be competitive,  it is hard to transition into it.  For example when we play basketball games i,t always takes me about five minutes to get into competitive mode.

Abigail Kuster

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

I think the most difficult thing about playing sports is  you have to fit it in with your schedule. You can have a lot to do because May have siblings that have to go places, but you have to fit it in.

Katie Moschberger

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is running, running, and running. Why? Because when you play sports for a long time, you get tired. When you take a breath, sometimes it will start to hurt.

Drake Errico

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is trying to keep up with the other team's aggressive players because they can be faster then you, taller then you, and stronger then you. So that's why I play as hard as I can when I play sports. That is what I think is difficult, but the best thing to do is never give up. My family always says ," No quitters in this house."

Nicholas Mauro

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sports is that you could play against older players that could  hurt you, and they may have more experience which makes it harder to play against them.  Each sport has its own set of rules and depending on the sport, some are hard to follow.  

Emma Liskowacki

Grade 4

Kingwood Township School

The most difficult thing about playing sport are understanding the game and practices. First,  understanding the game football can be confusing. Sometimes people don't understand the game. Also, practices cut into time with friends. I have to do homework. Finally, I miss out on other things. Understanding the game and practices are the most difficult things about playing sports.

Andrew Bozzi

Grade 5

Round Valley School

The most difficult things about playing sports are understanding  the game   and having so many practices. It is hard to understand the game. Soccer can be confusing. Im not always sure that I am doing the right thing. Having so many practices makes me miss out on other things. When I get home I still have homework to do but Im really tired. Understanding the game and all the practices are the most difficult things about playing sports.      

Wyatt Petto

Grade 5

Round Valley School

What's so hard about playing a sport? One thing is making time for practice because it's hard to get your homework done at a reasonable time. Sometimes you're up till 11:00 p.m. and then you might not get enough sleep for school. Another difficult thing about playing a sport is getting good at the sport. It takes a long time to get good at catching the ball in lacrosse, shooting in soccer, hitting in baseball. So if you want to get good at sport, practice as much as you can and make sure you get enough sleep for school.

Alexander Larsen

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

The most difficult things about doing gymnastics is not landing a skill and getting a rip. First it is annoying not to land a skill. When you are in a competition, and you do not land a skill, like a front handspring your coaches might change your routine up.Second when you are on the bars and you are doing a lot of work, you get a rip. A rip is a blister. Then a lady from the office has to wrap it up. Finally gymnastics is fun but it is hard when you do not land a skill, or when you get a rip.

Sophie Goodacre

Grade 6

Round Valley School

To be sure the most difficult things about playing baseball are striking out and catching line drives to the head. First when I strikeout I get mad. In baseball when I strikeout  it feels like I'm letting my team down. When you have 2 strikes on you, you get scared, because if you get 1 more strike you're out of there.

Second of all sometimes there are line drives and they are coming really fast at you. Once I got hit in the head and I had to go to the ER.  As a result the two worst things about playing baseball

are getting struck out and line drives to the head.

Justin Henn

Grade 6

Round Valley School

First, people talking during wrestling practice is so difficult. When people talk in practice we need to run a lot because the coaches are trying to get everyone to stop talking. Even if you aren't talking you have to run. Also when they talk sometimes we need to do a lot of push ups too. Also it is rude to the of people that are trying to learn.

Second, losing is another difficult thing to deal with, because people sometimes feel sad when they lose a match. Sometimes people are not happy when the ref calls pin, but it really is not a pin. This causes the wrestler and the audience to get frustrated. In conclusion wrestling is fun but can be difficult when stuff happens.

Liam Akers

Grade 6

Round Valley School

I play alot of sports and none of them are easy. What I think is the hardest is the pressure.  For example, I  am very good  at soccer and my team's 2nd leading scorer and when I shoot I either miss or score. The same thing in golf but a little different because you have to have the right distance and angle to get it close to the hole. There are a lot things that are hard about sports but I think  the pressure is the hardest.

JD Koplowitz

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

I think the hardest part about sports is the skill. For example: I am a swimmer and my most challenging stroke is breaststroke but for some people it is their best stroke. Like in basketball it's getting a dunk and in tennis it's hitting the ball to the other person repeatedly. For me in swimming my best stroke is freestyle. and for some people, like I said, they just don't have it.            

Aydin Crook

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

Sports is sometimes the best and sometimes not. The most difficult thing about sports is if you're not an athletic person it's hard for some people. Like if you don't like doing a certain sport like baseball it's hard. Sports is like your dream food to me.

Lucy Bulosan

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

Playing sports is like getting a C on your math test. The hardest thing is probably getting there on time. It always gives me pressure when you're five minutes away and you have seven minutes till your practice starts! It's very very stress related! Another hard thing about sports is actually being athletic. You can get embarrassed because you don't want people to see how you have a different body. Nothing is bad about your body it's just you. Be proud of your body but still keep trying! Playing sports is very hard for some people.

Georgia Davidson

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

Sometimes the most difficult thing about sports is... you have to be strong and athletic. But for me there is not anything in sports that is difficult. I like to go to practices and get better but you may not not want to go to practices and just stay home and relax or play games. Sports are fun for me because i like to move around and get exercise to be strong and athletic.That's what I think is the most difficult thing about sports.

Skylar Koeppe

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

Sports can be easy for people to learn but sometimes it takes a lot of practice and there difficult to learn. What is difficult about playing a sport is that you have to concentrate and try as hard as you can to get about any sport right and you will also learn the basics before you can move on to the harder stuff. As you move on stuff will get trickier and trickier but you can keep trying and you will get better at it. If you want to try a sport you have to be ready for a challenge.    

Elsa Huelsbergen

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

Sports are really hard for a lot of people. I think that sports are hard for me, and I am sure that other kids think that to. For example, if you  play baseball, you have to be really fast, plus you have to learn when it's homebase. Which is really hard and will take you a couple of years to figure out. also swimming is very difficult too. If you are on a swim team, all of the strokes and moves are going to get harder. Maybe your coach of a your swim team or basketball coach is really strict and he wants you to learn a move in a week or two. Plus the move might be really hard. So maybe you don't like your coach. But honestly the hardest part is learning new things and persevering. You might just want to give up quit and be the saddest person ever because you quit doing your favorite sport. In conclusion, sports are going to be a challenge no matter how hard you try you  just have to persevere, and you will make it through the hard sport times.

Angeliki Manis

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

I think that the most difficult thing about playing sports is probably skill at the sport. Like basketball would be dribbling and shooting, soccer would be tricks and shooting, tennis would be hitting and moving, bowling would be strategy and aim, etc. Although some sports like olympic sports are really hard and take more skill, I would still like to do olympic javelin tossing. That would probably take strength and aim. In conclusion, sports are not really my thing, even though I do like some of them.

Cort Forstner

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

Honestly the hardest thing about sports in my opinion is The pure pressure at competitions or at games of at anything where people have their eyes on you like on the court.  Llet's say college scouts are staring at you, you're definitely going to feel a lot of pressure this game is your future. Now in cheer it is a different story they are usually looking at you, yet also how you help the team in basketball they might just look at you. That is definitely the hardest things in sports.

Abby Urbanski

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

I like to do sports but sometimes they can be hard, I think one of the hardest things about doing a sport is probably learning it. Even though some sports are easy to learn they can still be had to learn because you have to pay attention to who has has the ball or where everybody is. That is the hardest thing about sports!

Emma Thorp

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School

The hardest thing about sports for me is when you play on a team because I am very competitive and I can make it seem like I am playing against the team. I hope I can get better and not as competitive  :-) I used to do horseback riding but I was not on a team so there was no problems with that type of sport.

Alexa Woodard

Grade 4

Tewksbury Elementary School