|
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
www.mendhamtownship.org
Town Hall (
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Mon.-Fri.)....(973)543-4555
Stephen
P.
Mountain
, Administrator
Penny Newell, Clerk
Public Works/Road
Department ......(973)543-4509
Construction &
Zoning Office ....…..(973)543-7464
Municipal Court
.................………..(973)543-7526
Police Dept. (Non-emergency
only)..(973)543-2581
EMERGENCY ONLY......
9-1-1
Township Committee
Robert D.
Pierson, Mayor
(973)543-5606
Santé D'Emidio,
Deputy Mayor
(973)543-8590
Richard H. Krieg
(973)543-6755
Brian J. Phelan
(973)895-3031
Jack Schrier
(973)543-2447
===
Vote “Yes” for
Mendham
Township
On Tuesday, November 4th
On
Election Day, Tuesday November 4, you will see a public question on the ballot
which has a great impact on the future of our town – and only
our town. Your “Yes” vote will keep our present Open Space Preservation
Program going, by removing a “sunset” clause that would
eliminate the program. Our Open Space Program has not only been successful to
maintain the special character of
Mendham
Township
, it has become a model for other towns. There is a
related article with more detail in this newsletter. Suffice to say, your
“Yes” vote is critically important.
Vote
“Yes” on November 4th and keep our Open Space Program alive and growing.
Please
note that your “Yes” vote WILL NOT change the open space tax.
Tuesday November 4 Is Election
Day --
Your Vote Will Count!
IN THIS ISSUE
·
Vote “Yes” on November 4th
·
Photography Contest for Everyone
·
Keep Your Septic Flowing
·
Library Unveils 17 New Programs
·
Vietnam War Veteran Receive Medals
·
They’re Your Trails, So Walk ‘Em!
·
Historic Committee Awards Brooksiders
·
Fall Brush Pick-Up, HazMat Disposal Dates
·
Mayor's Report: "xxxWhat a
Wonderful
Town
!"
... and more
Published by Your Township Committee
Printed on Recycled Paper
Vol. XII, No. 2
AUTUMN 2003
OUR
254th YEAR
Letter from the Mayor
xxxxxThank you, for
this wonderful town!
xxxxx
Dear Friends:
xxDespite the extreme heat I hope you all enjoyed a
relaxing, pleasurable time this past summer.
xxDrought
xx wrote to you last Spring about the lack of rainfall and
the drought conditions. Well, here it is October and we have experienced one of
the driest summers on record. Our groundwater levels have diminished by at least
14 inches. Watering restrictions were imposed on the entire state in March.
After some refreshing
====
ATTENTION
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS OF ALL AGES:
MENDHAM
TOWNSHIP
OPEN SPACE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
Mendham
Township
invites all amateur photographers living in
Mendham
Township
or Borough to enter your photographs of Mendham Township Open Space properties
(see list below). This contest is to
encourage awareness and enjoyment of our open space areas, have some fun, and
create great photographs of open space for the Township.
You are eligible if you are:
·
A resident of Mendham Borough or
Mendham
Township
·
Any age: Age group 14 and younger, or age group 15 and older/adult
·
Not an employee of or committee member for
Mendham
Township
Take photographs of certain
Township open space properties (see list below) between now and
December 31, 2003
(this autumn and winter). Photos
can be
·
Film or digital
·
Color or black and white
Photos should be as taken by the
camera and not enhanced other than cropping if desired. Enter as many photos as
you like and submit to
Mendham
Township
,
Municipal
Building
,
2 Cherry Lane
,
Brookside
, by
January 9, 2004
. All photos will be placed on
display to the public. Winners will
receive additional recognition and prizes. Photos
will be judged in the two age groups.
The eligible open space properties to photograph are:
- India
Brook Natural Area /
India
Brook Park
/
Buttermilk
Falls
Natural Area
- Dismal
Harmony
- Cold
Hill Preserve
-
Meadowood
Park
- Ralston
Fields / Wysong Field
- Burnett
Brook Natural Area
-
Tempe
Wick Reserve
No other open space properties or parks are eligible
subjects. (For locations, check with town hall.)
Photos should capture the essence, beauty, and character of
the open space. Composition may show
views, streams, ponds, trees, fall foliage, flowers, animals, birds, insects, or
other natural attributes. Pictures
may include people using and enjoying the open space or recreational activities,
or historical features. Use your
imagination to create different perspectives and stories, this is your contest!
Entry submittals must include a print (5x7 or 8x10 inches
[8x10 preferred]), the “original” (negative, slide, or a disk with a digital
image file [preferably TIFF, JPEG acceptable]), and a brief narrative
identifying the photographer, equipment and media used, property photographed,
and any interesting notes about the photo.
All entered materials and all
rights to their use will become the property of
Mendham
Township
. No entry materials
(prints, etc.) will be returned.
For more
information, contact
Steve
Mountain
, Township Administrator, 973-543-4555.
====
In 1998, when township voters approved a second funding
referendum for our municipal open space program, included for the first time was
a so-called “sunset” provision. That meant, unless voters decided otherwise,
the town’s open space program would be ended altogether in 2008.
Because we believe you do not want that to happen, we are
seeking your approval for a public question on the ballot next month, asking you
to repeal the sunset clause. A
simple “Yes” vote will do it.
The exact language you will see on your ballot is:
[ ]
Yes
[ ]
No
Shall the sunset provision in
the Township’s 1998 Open
Space referendum be repealed
so as to allow the Township’s
Open Space tax to continue
beyond
December 31, 2008
?
Sunset provisions are included in some government programs
so the programs will not be thoughtlessly continued long after their goal has
been achieved. In the case of open space in
Mendham
Township
, however, that goal is far from fulfilled. And because our open space trust
fund is also paying off costs for properties already acquired, that funding
source needs to be sustained.
The important benefits of open space
Our open space serves us many ways: as simple land
preservation to give us more “elbow room” than most other towns have; to
provide protection against excessive property taxes; and by setting aside
property for additional recreational opportunities.
A successful open space program is best be attained with a
regular source of funding like the one now in place.
Voting “Yes” on the public question permits the town to continue
paying down existing and future open space projects -- without an impact on the
annual budget.
·
“Yes” means
Mendham
Township
remains eligible for open space matching funds from the state and county.
·
“Yes” ensures that we will continue to be able to set aside
land for recreation, help control our property tax rate by limiting development,
and strengthen our individual property values.
·
“Yes” allows the town to help preserve our coveted municipal
character.
·
“Yes” on the referendum will not change any tax,
including the present open space tax.
You can help ensure that
Mendham
Township
continues to safeguard and enrich our high quality of life with open space.
Just say “Yes” to a simple public question, and repeal the sunset clause on
November 4th.
(Thanks to KB, JS)
====
Open Space Committee
Our Great Open Spaces: How Much Are You Enjoying?
You’ve heard of studies showing that we use only a small
portion of our total brainpower. But how much of our wonderful open space
properties are you using?
Recently, in the small parking lot for our Buttermilk Falls
Natural Area on
Calais Road
, a jogger stopped and asked what was “in there,” and were there any hiking
or jogging trails? She mentioned
that she had lived just up the road for over a year but had never been inside.
“Inside” - - as if it were some deep dark forest from The Lord of the
Rings where one goes in and never comes out. I gave her my trail map and noted
that yes, there are miles of beautiful trails, most of them very easy and all of
them interesting and beautiful. I
started thinking what a shame it is that we have these magnificent public
resources -- and how few of our residents are using them!
More recently at a Township meeting, proposals were made
for using the former Seeing Eye property which the town now owns and has renamed
“India Brook Park.” Someone asked why we would spend money to create more
facilities when only a tiny percentage of our residents has ever set foot inside
our existing open spaces -- and so few are using only a fraction of our 54-miles
of existing trails (yes 54 miles)!
Considering the many plusses that walking/hiking our open
space areas offer – relief from stress, the chance to lower blood pressure,
scenic beauty that most towns can’t even come close to matching, the
indescribable sensation of breathing real country-fresh air, it’s sad to not
see more of us on our trails. “Our” trails, because they’re right in town,
and no more than about ten minutes away from wherever you live here. While there
are a few that have hills to climb or rocky footing that might not be for
everyone, by far most of our trails are clearly marked, quite effortless to
walk, and a good, safe, rewarding outdoor activity for the whole family.
Everyone from small children to seasoned citizens will
benefit from the simple physical joy of experiencing these trails, taking in the
beautiful surroundings and splendid views, interesting historical features,
captivating streams, waterfalls, and pools. Indeed, our right-around-the-corner
trails demonstrate what “recreation” literally means, as in being
“re-created” or renewed.
We encourage you to visit at least one of our town’s open
space properties this fall but surely before next spring. Wander around a
little, explore aimlessly, just have fun. Take along our excellent trail maps
available in the Township Library and in town hall, or check the maps posted at
most entrances. You’ve already made the investment, now reap the reward.
Which of our Open Spaces to try?
There are no bad choices, but the following are recommended:
Buttermilk
Falls
Natural Area: Northwest part of town, entrances on
Calais Road
and
Combs Hollow Road
. The wide wood-chip trail will take
you to some ponds and wetlands, or take the falls trail into the forest to see
India Brook and
Buttermilk
Falls
as well as the remains of a colonial earthen dam and other historic features.
Contiguous with India Brook (below), essentially one large property.
India Brook Natural Area: Northwest part of town,
entrance on
Mountainside Avenue
(near
Ironia Road
, parking on the opposite side of the road from the trail entrance).
Forest
and stream. Contiguous with
Buttermilk
Falls
(above).
Dismal Harmony: In the
Brookside
section of town, entrances on
East Main Street
,
Tingley Road
(by
Washington Valley Road
), and Woodland Terrace (off
Woodland Road
, just below the reservoir). This was not only the township’s first open space
acquisition; it is the first open space in
New Jersey
bought with the help of state Green Acres funding! Beautiful forest hiking,
some optional trails up and down hills. One
of the most scenic forest and stream environments, bring your camera.
Burnett Brook Natural Area: On the west side of town
on Mt. Paul Road (an unpaved road off Route 24/Cty 510/Mendham Road West, across
from Westmont Montessori school). Parking
area is immediately on your left. This
is mostly wetland with a rushing stream and a small pond, and sometimes the
ground is wet and soft. Lush
vegetation, wild flowers, and varied wildlife await some easy hiking.
There is also an “upland” section farther down the road.
Schiff Nature Preserve: Southwest side of town, main
entrance on
Pleasant Valley Road
(plus trails connections and hiking access between other areas, such as
Ralston
Park
). This is not Mendham Township-
owned property, it is owned and operated by the private Schiff Natural Lands
Trust but is a community jewel located in
Mendham
Township
that welcomes responsible users. Schiff offers a variety of terrain, including
forest and meadow.
So, go. Bring friends and family. Enjoy yourself, and
discover a major reason why
Mendham
Township
is considered a uniquely great place to live. As former Mayor Katie Porter has
often said, “It’s your town. Be part of it!”
(Thanks to BGB)
-----
Environmental Commission
Volunteers
Needed to
Help
Maintain our Trails
The
Commission would like to establish a list of people interested in combining the
joy of walking our trails with a willingness to help maintain them.
If you can spare an occasional hour for this project, please call
Environmental Commission member George LaRoza at 973-543-7141.
When a need for trail maintenance occurs, you will be called and offered
an assignment. The Commission will supply basic information on the maintenance
required.
The
Township Environmental Commission has assumed the responsibility for planning,
constructing and maintaining the well-trod hiking trails in our town parks. This
is light work; any heavy activities that need to be done, such as removing
fallen trees or putting down wood chips, is done by Dave Read and his as
dependable Public Works Department. However, constant maintenance like trimming
and removing branches and invasives that block the trails, needs the attention
of volunteers. The work requires
only an occasional hour or so, and small hand tools such as pruners/clippers,
lopping shears or small hand saws.
Please
consider joining our trail maintenance volunteers!
(Thanks to SDL)
Historic
Preservation Committee Awards Brooksiders
-------
Septic systems are not sewers!
Managing Septic Systems for Clean Water
By
Abbie Fair, ANJEC Water Resources Director
Sewage and wastewater. We flush
them underground and put them out of our thoughts. Unfortunately, “out of
sight, out of mind” can get us into real trouble with septic systems.
If not used and maintained
properly, septic systems will fail,
create unpleasant problems in our homes and contaminate the groundwater that
feeds drinking wells and nearby lakes and streams.
Repairing or replacing failing systems is expensive. Septic users need to
be vigilant and conscientious. Remember:
we all share the water.
About 1.2 million NJ residents
in 417 municipalities rely on septic systems, where wastewater from sinks, tubs,
toilets and washing machines runs into a large underground tank near the house.
Solids settle to the bottom of the tank and liquids, called “effluent,”
eventually run out into a system of perforated pipes in a drain or leaching
field, and seeps down to the groundwater through several feet of soil. If the
system is working right, natural filtering processes make the water drinkable,
once again. It’s quite simple.
Septic Management Makes Good $ and
Environmental Sense
Municipalities that require
septic management are doing their residents a favor.
Environmental commissions can work with their municipalities to inform
first-time homeowners about proper septic system care and use.
An essential part of residential infrastructure, properly
functioning systems add to property values.
Lending institutions usually require proof of a working septic system
before approving a mortgage. Too
often, homeowners are unaware of problems with their septics until there is a
crisis – overflow or back up for example. It is especially important to
maintain older systems since their location and design may pose serious threats
to ground and surface water quality
The
Care and Feeding of A Septic System
Some warning signs of septic
system problems include foul odors; slow draining toilets or drains; backups;
ponding or unusually lush, green growth over the drainfield. With any of these
conditions, call a septic maintenance professional immediately. Postponing
action will only increase the likelihood of groundwater pollution, expensive
repairs and nasty cleanups.
The National Small Flows
Clearinghouse and the NJDEP recommend the following approaches for homeowners
who want to insure proper operation of their septic system:
·
Have
the system inspected every 1-2 years by a professional.
Follow the inspector’s advice on pumping out the tank or other
maintenance. The schedule will vary
depending on tank capacity, number of people living in the home and level of
water use. Generally, tanks should
be pumped at least once every three years.
·
Learn
about your system:
age, capacity, and location and size of drainfield.
·
Practice
water conservation.
Too much water does not allow time for settling and bacterial action, and
overloads the drainfield. Try not to
operate several water-using appliances at once. Spread laundry washing through
the week.
·
Don’t
pour fats, oils, oil-based paint, paint thinners, insecticides, toxics of any
kind down the drain; minimize use of harsh cleaning products.
These substances interfere with the systems’ bacterial process. Try baking
soda to clean toilets and sinks.
·
Don’t
flush non-degradable items
like diapers, sanitary napkins, cigarettes, cat litter, or paper towels.
·
Don’t
use a garbage disposal
since it tends to overload the system.
·
Don’t
use septic tank additives/treatments.
These products are not necessary and may harm the system.
·
Keep
the drainfield clear to allow it to function fully.
Paving
deprives the drainfield of the air it needs to function.
Driving and parking over or near it will compact the soil.
Trees can clog the pipes. And
downspouts flowing over the drainfield can overload the system.
Reprinted
from the ANJEC Report, quarterly
newsletter of the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions, www.anjec.org.
====
Our
very own …
Mendham
Township
Library
The Little Library with Big Ideas
Beginning September 4 and
continuing through the end of the year you are invited to join us for a variety
of compelling programs. Unless otherwise noted, the programs begin at
7:30
and will
be held in the Library. If you wish
to attend a program, please register at the Library in person or by telephone
(973) 543-4018. Programs are offered free; donations are appreciated.
September
4
Bird Photography; Getting It Right, Doug Godell
11
You Too Can Run a
Marathon
, James Button, who has run 20 marathons, including the Boston Marathon.
18
Journalism as a Career; Getting Your Foot in the Door, Cathy Meis, former
editor and writer for Forbes, Inc.
23
The
Cruelest Mile authors Gay and Laney Salisbury will discuss their book, a
tale of men and dogs racing to fight diphtheria in
Alaska
in 1925.
25
Leadership Roles for Women; Making Changes Through Volunteerism, Lisa
Werner, Leadership by Design
October
2
Protecting Your Children, Alan J. Robinson, C.S.E., Project
ALERT,
National
Center
for Missing and Exploited Children
(
7-9 p.m.
)
9
Painter Annette Cyr will present and discuss a retrospective of her work.
16
Needlework (knitting, cross-stitch and needlepoint) demonstrations by
Megan Sager, Ann Marek, and Diane
Tolley.
23
Water Issues in
New Jersey
, with Robert Hennelly, award-winning environmental journalist. This is a joint
program sponsored by the Township and Borough Libraries, underwritten by the
Michael Simon Steinberg Foundation (program will be held in the Municipal
Building Courtroom).
30
Open Space, Protecting Our Communities’ Natural, Historic and
Agricultural Character, Michael
Catania
November
6
Introduction to Yoga and Meditation, Gigi Gillem, Morning Light Yoga
13
Overview of Cardiovascular Diagnostic Testing,
Stanley
T. Ort,
Morristown
Memorial
Hospital
20
Traveling to
Mexico
, Helpful Hints to Get You Further with Language and Customs, Paola Stoll
December
11
The Peace Project, an intergenerational violence prevention and mentoring
program, presentation facilitated by Robin Fried Steinberg and
Mendham
High School
students.
Children’s Programs
Preschool Programs
2-3 year olds—Matisse to
Picasso,
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, September 16-October 7, with Catherine Nussbaum
4-5 year olds—Trains,
10-11 a.m.
Thursdays, October 30-November 20, with Elizabeth Peters
Programs for
School-age Children
Lewis and Clark Expedition – October 2, ages 8-11
Architectural History—December 4, ages 10-12
Programs presented by Elizabeth
Peters
Harry Potter Dinner
October 24 and 25th
6:30 p.m.
–
Brookside
Community Club
Contacts:
Janet Wheeler, Director,
Mendham
Township
Library 973.543.4018
Joy Smith, Trustee,
Mendham
Township
Library/Library of the Mendhams 973.543.0131
====
Wildlife
Management
Township Continues Addressing Deer Problem
For the past two years the
township has responded to the many complaints received concerning the
over-population of white-tailed within deer in our borders.
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife experts recommend a maximum of 20 deer
per square mile as a sustainable number, allowing the animals to roam away from
heavily traveled roadways and densely populated areas and to feed on
naturally-occurring vegetation.
Mendham
Township
now harbors a deer population that exceeds that limit
by a large margin. Residents have expressed distress when their costly and
well-nurtured plantings are subjected to deer “browse” damage, and by the
dangers that deer pose to all who drive on our roads.
The Freeholders have placed
reflectors at strategic locations along two county roads in the township. The
reflectors work to reduce the number of deer-vehicle collisions here, but that
is not enough. The reflectors only are effective at night when headlights are
on, and they are not perfect. This year the county will add additional
reflectors to fill in some notable gaps along the roads.
The most effective method of deer
population reduction has been achieved through our controlled hunting program
that has significantly thinned deer numbers on township-owned properties over
the past two years. Following a recommendation by our local volunteer Wildlife
Management Committee, that program will be implemented again this season in
Meadowood
Park
, Burnett Brook Natural Area, the former Seeing Eye
property, and Cold Hill Preserve.
Notices will be posted at the entrances to these properties
listing the dates and times they will be closed to the public to allow hunting
to take place. All other public Open
Space and Parks owned by
Mendham
Township
will continue to be available for public use.
Licensed hunters wishing to hunt on our public land must register with
the police, pay a special permit fee, and pass a
qualifying test. Applications for township hunting permits may be obtained at
police headquarters.
(Thanks to RDP)
====
Let’s live with our bears
Bear Facts
Black bears are the largest land mammal in the
Garden
State
. They live in forested areas throughout northern New Jersey, which is he most
densely populated state in the nation, meaning that black bears are thriving in
close proximity to people. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is native to the
state. But, as land was cleared for settlements, timber, and farms, bears were
killed indiscriminately and their numbers decreased to almost nil. The state’s
black bear population recovered under protection by the state while their
habitat improved as forests matured. Today, 33 years since the last black bear
hunting season,
New Jersey
's black bear population is increasing and expanding – along with the number
of conflicts between humans and bears.
In an effort to reduce those conflicts, the NJ Division of
Fish & Wildlife will conduct a black bear hunt from December 8 through
December 13, 2003
. The Division will make 10,000 permits available at no charge to licensed
hunters who must attend a safety seminar. In addition, the Division has
conducted an extensive education program and produced award-winning educational
and informational materials about living in "bear country".
The following information is available on-line at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/index.htm
--
Questions
and Answers About New Jersey's Bears - Factual answers to the most commonly
asked questions about NJ black bears.
Living
In Bear Country - A brochure with information about bears in the state.
Includes steps to take to minimize the likelihood of bear/human conflict for
those living in bear habitat, and what to do if you encounter a bear. (In PDF
format*, 370kb).
You
Are In Bear Country - A brochure developed for those camping, hiking or
fishing in bear country. Includes bear facts, how to minimize the likelihood of
a bear entering a campground and what to do if you encounter a bear. (In PDF
format*, 292kb).
"Garbage
Guidelines" - A flyer distributed to residents of "bear
country".
On-line brochures are in black & white to avoid large
file size and lengthy download time. To receive the four-color print version of
the "Living In Bear Country" brochure, or to request bulk quantities,
please contact the Division at 908-637-4125 or njbearedu@nac.net.
Division staff is also available to provide presentations
on "Living in Bear Country" to large groups. E-mail njbearedu@nac.net
or call 908-637-4125 for more information or to schedule a program.
* PDF files are viewable with the Adobe Acrobat Reader,
available free from the Adobe
Web site.
(Thanks to JS)
====
Another
reminder to be alert!!
Hear that siren? See that flashing light?
Those are signals for you to pull over --
immediately. It’s the law, and in Mendham Township our police will enforce it.
If it’s a blue flashing light chances are it’s a firefighter or one
of our dedicated First Aid Squad members, rushing to a call. Please pull over
and give them a clear path.
Imagine someone you love – your child, or spouse –
waiting for that help to arrive. Or in an ambulance rushing to the hospital and
the ambulance is delayed because traffic ignores the “pull over” law. A
delay of even a few seconds could have very sad consequences.
Here’s the rule -- When emergency vehicles are
approaching, drivers on the road shall:
·
Yield the right of way by pulling over to the side of the
road, as close to the right hand edge or curb as possible
·
Remain stopped until the emergency vehicles have passed.
(Note: there may be other emergency vehicles following, police cars, MICU,
personal emergency vehicles.)
·
If in an intersection continue through the intersection and
stop, and remain stopped, until all emergency vehicles have passed.
·
Do not follow any emergency vehicle responding to an call
closer than 300 feet
·
Do not park within 200 feet of fire apparatus stopped to
answer a fire alarm
·
Yield the right of way to First Aid and fire personnel
displaying a blue light in response to an emergency call
For the sake of all of us – pay attention at all
times, remember these regulations, and obey the law. Give First Aid Squad
members and firefighters the courtesy and attention they deserve when responding
to a call. Their timely response literally can make the difference between life
and death.
(Thanks to SAS,
PO
and RDP)
Crutches, Wheelchairs, Other Equipment Available to
Residents
The Mendham Township First Aid Squad has medical support
equipment available to lend. Our supply consists mainly of crutches, canes (one
four-legged ), walkers, commodes and toilet risers.
Occasionally, a wheelchair is available. The Squad also welcomes
donations of wheelchairs and any clean, usable equipment of this type. For a
loan or to make a donation, call Linda Brusco at Town Hall (973)543-4555 or at
home (973)543-2830.
====
Brush Collection
Tires, Batteries and Oil Disposal
Submitted by David
H. Read, Sr., Superintendent of Public Works
Fall Brush Pick-up
Tuesday -
October 14, 2003
Fall Tire, Battery,
Oil Recycling - 8am – 12 noon
Saturday - October 18 2003
Please ensure that brush is at the side of the road by
7:00 AM
, with the ends facing the roadway.
ALL BRUSH BUNDLES MUST
BE TIED WITH STRING, NOT WIRE.
BRUSH WILL NOT
BE PICKED UP IF IT IS NOT TIED.
Brush bundles should be
less than 12” in diameter and less than 6’ in length. No stumps and no
logs over 6’ in length or over 6” in diameter will be picked up. All
material must fit through the chipper.
BRUSH ALSO WILL NOT BE PICKED UP if lots or wooded
areas are cleared either by the homeowner or a contractor. Homeowners and/or
contractors must dispose of cleared wood themselves. Town brush pickup is
intended for the clearing of brush that has fallen during storms.
It is crucial NOT
to include in your bundles any material other than branches, scrub or brush.
When wire or metal rods are tucked inside the bundle this damages township
equipment, which must then be repaired or replaced with your tax dollars. MOST
IMPORTANT, improperly prepared bundles can easily cause serious injury
to our workers as the material passes through the chipper.
The Fall Tire, Battery and Oil Collection will be
held on
Saturday, October 18, 2003
.
Location: DPW Garage, 40 Mt. Pleasant Road.
Hours: 8:00 AM until noon.
Charges are: tires--$2 ea., tires with rims--$6. ea.,
batteries--$1.ea., oil--no charge.
The township is pleased to continue providing these
environmentally important services to residents and we appreciate your
cooperation in helping to ensure safety. If
you have any questions please telephone the Dept. of Public Works at (973) 543-4509.
=====
Recycling is the law
Recycling Every Other Monday, Townwide
Have
Your Containers & Bundled Newspapers at Curbside by
6 a.m.
Recycling is
required by law. Recycling also lets you reduce the weight of trash you put
out for weekly collection, thereby saving you money on your per-bag trash
collection costs!*
How to Prepare Newspapers for Recycling
To properly prepare newspapers for curbside collection,
bundle them and tie the bundles with string or twine. Keep newspapers
separate from all other paper, and do not place them in plastic bags. It is
OK to include coupon flyers, glossy special sections and all paper that actually
comes with the newspaper.
Pick up an
illustrated flyer at town hall that describes all recyclable materials, with
information on our simplified recycling collection procedure.
* (You pay only for
the weight of trash you put out for collection, 65c for one 15lb. bag.
For example, one 15 lb. bag of trash per week means that a full year of trash
collection is a mere $31.20! Stickers are available at Mendham Apothecary as a
convenience to residents. To learn more about our bargain trash collection
service, call Sue at town hall – 973-543-4555.)
=====
Building/Construction
Dept.
Improving Our Town
Construction
in
Mendham
Township
has been
extremely active this year with all the projects that contractors and residents
have undertaken. The Construction Department thanks you for staying on top of
your project. This makes our inspections -- and your approvals -- go faster and
smoother, from footing inspection up through the final Certificate of Approval.
This
is a good time to double check on your permit status by making sure you have
received all of your final inspections along with a complete Certificate of
Approval. As a follow up to our
previous newsletter article, we remind you that when you call for inspections
please be ready and have your dog restrained. Most inspectors will not
even go to the front door when a dog is at large.
Once
again, thank you for your help. If you require any permit, inspection or
information, remember we are only a telephone call away at 973-543-4555.
You are not a bother – you are our job.
P.S.
“Fall Backward” – and Replace Your Smoke Alarm Batteries. Take
a walk through your home and check all smoke detectors today. You should have
detectors on each floor level and in each bedroom. Devise an escape plan for
your family and practice it monthly so it become second nature. Test your units
monthly. If batteries are more than six months old, replace them. Be prepared
… to save your family!
(Thanks to RH)
=====
Run, run, run…
Attention
Mendham Road
Runners
On
October 5, 2003
the second annual Mendham 10K Run for
Patriots and 1-Mile Family Fun Run will take place to raise money for
charitable causes in the Mendham-Chester area. This year’s designated
charities are the Ralston, Mendham Borough and Brookside Fire Companies. The
event organizers hope to raise awareness of the historical value of Patriots
Path while supporting the local community.
The event is named for the portion of the run that takes
place on a section of Patriot’s Path from the Ralston Fire House to
Sunrise
Lake
. But the name seems more fitting as a result of the surge in patriotism since
the terrorist attacks of 9/11, 2001. There is a partnership between the run
organizers and the Michael Simon Steinberg Foundation to run this event yearly. The
Michael Steinberg Foundation develops and sponsors educational, social, and
athletic programs for all ages and is working to create a recreation/cultural
center where these programs can be administered to serve the
Mendham/Chester communities.
ENCOURAGE YOUR FAMILY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EXCITING
EVENT
Free T-shirt to all participants, plus “Fall Festival”
with food, fun, and games for all ages.
REGISTRATION STARTS AT
11:30 AM
FAMILY FUN RUN: 1
mile around Doe Meadow, Lewis Morris Park
TIME:
2:30 PM
ENTRY FEE: $10
for children under 10, $15 for all others
RUN FOR PATRIOTS: 10K
(6.2-MILES) Ralston Firehouse to Doe Meadow, Lewis Morris Park
(Park at near Doe Meadow, there will be a shuttle bus to
the starting line in Ralston)
TIME:
1:00PM
START: Ralston Firehouse
ENTRY FEE: $15
early registration; $20 day of race
Questions? Phone 732-381-0318; E-mail mzrace@OYMP.net;
Internet www.OYMP.net
Find recreation info at www.mendhamtownship.org and
in the Observer Tribune. The Recreation Commission also suggests that you
encourage your children to bring home the flyers they get in school.
This is an excellent way to keep informed about upcoming activities and
programs, and of course you can always contact the township Recreation Dept. at
973-543-7301.
====
Freeholders honor
Vietnam
Vets
Do You Know a Vietnam War Veteran?
The Morris County Freeholders have commissioned a new
two-sided commemorative medal for presentation to County residents who served on
active duty during the Vietnam War era. For the past two years the Freeholders
presented similar medals to WWII veterans and Korean War veterans.
Several of our Vietnam Veterans received medals at the
Brookside
4th of July parade. Each medal is about an inch-and-a-half in
diameter and 1/8-inch thick, and beautifully finished in rich enamel. It is
suspended on an accompanying red and gold ribbon, the same colors as battle
ribbons issued by the military for that conflict.
Included in the presentation is a Certificate from the County and a
miniature version of the medal, to be worn as a lapel pin.
To receive a medal, the veteran or someone acting on his or
her behalf completes a simple form available in town hall, or from Mendham’s
own Freeholder Jack Schrier. The form asks for the veteran‘s name and address,
the branch and dates of service, and a copy of the service record and
certificate of discharge or separation. The Morris County Department of Human
Services will verify eligibility
If you served during the Vietnam War era or you know
someone who did, help to honor these gallant men and women. Our gratitude for
their service in the cause of freedom is long overdue. Stop in at town hall for
a copy of the eligibility form, ask our Clerk, Penny Newell, or phone Jack
Schrier at 973-543-2447.
=====
Letters to the Editor
Thank you for your letters and
comments to the Township Newsletter. We also welcome your photos and article
ideas for future issues. Write to: Newsletter Editor,
Box 520
,
Brookside
,
NJ
07926
.
====
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