Alsop named Teacher of the Year in Flemington-Raritan School District

Linda Alsop, the Gifted & Talented Math Teacher at Copper Hill School, has been selected as our district’s Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Mrs. Alsop has taught in the district for the last 20 years, both as an elementary classroom teacher and as a specialized math instructor. She also has taught at East Amwell School; Roberts School in New Providence; and at Tutu Elementary School in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Read more

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PNC Bank renews sponsorship of Quick Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

The 28th annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning once again will be sponsored by PNC Bank, the nation's fifth largest bank. A sponsor extension will make that relationship a decade-plus at its conclusion.

PNC marks the second major sponsor announcement for the Festival, following the township-based Quick Chek stores extension of its title sponsorship of the event, which will take place July 23 to 25 at Solberg Airport, also in Readington. The three-day event attracts more 175,000. PNC's sponsorship activation begins with its seventh annual PNC American Patriot Essay Contest. School children in grades 2 to 12 throughout the state are encouraged to write a short essay about "What the American Flag Means to Me.'' The winner will receive a visit by one of the festival's 75-foot-tall hot air balloons to their school in June. The winner also will receive VIP tickets and their very own hot air balloon ride at the festival in July. Other PNC balloon promotions include: "Grow Up Great,'' a school readiness program introduces ballooning to preschool children Flag Day, featuring the five-story PNC American Flag Balloon, the largest free-flying American flag in the world. For more information, visit www.pnc.com and www.balloonfestival.com. Tickets for the balloon festival can be ordered at 800-HOT-AIR9.

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PNC Bank renews sponsorship of Quick Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

The 28th annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning once again will be sponsored by PNC Bank, the nation's fifth largest bank. A sponsor extension will make that relationship a decade-plus at its conclusion.

PNC marks the second major sponsor announcement for the Festival, following the township-based Quick Chek stores extension of its title sponsorship of the event, which will take place July 23 to 25 at Solberg Airport, also in Readington. The three-day event attracts more 175,000. PNC's sponsorship activation begins with its seventh annual PNC American Patriot Essay Contest. School children in grades 2 to 12 throughout the state are encouraged to write a short essay about "What the American Flag Means to Me.'' The winner will receive a visit by one of the festival's 75-foot-tall hot air balloons to their school in June. The winner also will receive VIP tickets and their very own hot air balloon ride at the festival in July. Other PNC balloon promotions include: "Grow Up Great,'' a school readiness program introduces ballooning to preschool children Flag Day, featuring the five-story PNC American Flag Balloon, the largest free-flying American flag in the world. For more information, visit www.pnc.com and www.balloonfestival.com. Tickets for the balloon festival can be ordered at 800-HOT-AIR9.

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Readington police blotter

DISORDERLY CONDUCT, 5:30 p.m. March 12. Police were dispatched to McDonald's on Route 22 near after receiving a report of an intoxicated male harassing patrons. On arrival, officers found John Timko, 47, of the Whitehouse section, with an odor of an alcoholic beverage, swaying from side to side, and slurring his words. Police also said Timko was unreasonably loud and using offensive language. He was charged with disorderly conduct.

WARRANT ARREST, 9:38 a.m. March 13. Police were sent to Route 31 and West Woodschurch Road to investigate a motor vehicle crash. During the course of the investigation, police discovered a passenger in one of the vehicles was wanted by the Ocean County Sheriff's Department for failing to pay child support. Edwin Valerio, 37, of Malaga, was arrested and lodged in the Hunterdon County Jail in default of $41,362.94 in back child support. The crash was minor and no injuries were reported. MARIJUANA, 1:30 a.m. Feb. 28. Police stopped a car on on Cokesbury Road near Route 22 for erratic driving and faulty brake lights. Sgt. Christopher DeWire smelled burnt marijuana in the vehicle and a subsequent search uncovered marijuana and hashish, police said. Jeffrey Tell, 53, of Frenchtown, a passenger in the vehicle, was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of less then 5 grams of hashish, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on his own recognizance.

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Two arrested in Clinton Township awaiting extradition

Two people arrested after a motor vehicle stop are in Hunterdon County Jail awaiting extradition to other states.

Adrian Ingalls, 25, with addresses in Kingwood, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. and Bangor, Pa. is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

His companion, 35-year-old Anifa Dalipovski, also known as Daniela Connelly, Kuitema Balipovski and Angela Turner, with addresses in Kingwood, Destin, Fla., and Bangor, Pa., is awaiting extradition to Florida and Pennsylvania.

Patrolman Jeffery Glennon stopped a vehicle driven by Ingalls on Route 173 near Center Street at about 2:10 p.m. March 12. During the stop, Glennon entered Ingalls' information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and learned he was wanted in Salisbury Township, Pa. on charges of theft by deception, receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft by deception.

Glennon was charged with entering New Jersey while a fugitive from justice, failure to obtain a New Jersey driver's license, failure to wear a seat belt, and failure to activate headlights with windshield wipers.

Pennsylvania authorities also told township police that Ingalls should be in the company of Dalipovski, also a fugitive. Glennon learned that she was working at a Center Street restaurant and sent officers there to check for her, police said.

After going to the restaurant, officers were told that Dalipovski had just fled. Patrolman Matthew Murphy found Dalipovski a short distance away and arrested her, police said.

Dalipovski was found to be wanted in Salisbury Township, Pa. on charges of theft, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy. She was also wanted in Okaloosa County, Fla. on charges of larceny, fraud, possession of another's identification, and failure to return a rental vehicle.

Officers then determined that Dalipovski was working at the restaurant under an alias, police said. Glennon discovered Dalipovski to be in possession of a stolen driver's license, Social Security card, credit card, passport and various other government documents that had been reported stolen from Dalipovski's former roommate in Florida, police said.

In addition, Sgt. Thomas DeRosa recognized Dalipovski as someone who had allegedly provided him with false documents during a previous traffic stop, police said. DeRosa had been working with Florida authorities to find Dalipovski, who is on probation in Florida, according to police.

Dalipovski was charged with entering into New Jersey while a fugitive from justice, receiving stolen property, hindering apprehension,and exhibiting the government document of another.

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office assisted with the investigation of the stolen government documents, police said.

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Water and ice gift cards for Readington residents without power

The Readington Police Department has issued an advisory to all residents that $5 gift cards for the purchase of water and ice at the ShopRite located at 272 Route 202-31 in Flemington are available for those still without power while restoration efforts are underway. Stop by the municipal offices at 509 Route 523 for details.

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Hop On Over To Applebee’s In Flemington This Easter

A Happy Spring Smile At Applebee's

On Easter, Applebee’s in Flemington is celebrating this colorful holiday by “springing” for free meals for kids.  Families who dine at Applebee’s anytime on Sunday, April 4 will receive up to two free Kids’ Meals with each adult entrée purchase.  The free meal is valid for children ages 12 and under, on any Applebee’s “Kids’ Menu” entrée, dine-in only.

“After the Easter egg hunts and pictures with the Easter bunny, families can hop on over to Applebee’s and let us treat the kids to a special Easter family meal on us,” said Brian Jones, General Manager.  “We’re happy to spread some Easter joy to families in our neighborhood.” 

To locate the Applebee’s restaurant nearest you or for more information, visit www.applebees.com.  This offer is valid at Applebee’s in North and Central New Jersey only.

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Readington police blotter

BURGLARY, 1 p.m. Friday. Police are continuing an investigation into the burglary of a Roosevelt Road home between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday. Entry to the home was gained through a window. Items were stolen from the master bedroom. An older maroon sedan was seen in the neighborhood during the time of the burglary and it may have been driven by a female, police say. Police say the burglary is the first in the neighborhood, but may be related to other burglaries in the Hunterdon/Somerset area. Police are asking residents to call police if they see any suspicious vehicles or persons in their neighborhoods.

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Clinton Township police blotter

ACCIDENT, 3:15 p.m. March 10. A 2008 Acura MDX driven by Susan Keenan, 45, of Clinton Township, was going through a red light on Payne Road at the Route 31 intersection when it was struck by a 2001 Chevy truck driven by Kevin Conover, 28, of Sussex Borough, which was traveling through the intersection on a green light, police said. The airbags in Keenan's vehicle deployed and passenger John Keenan, 10, also of Clinton Township, suffered minor injuries. Conover also suffered minor injuries. Patrolman Jeffery Glennon issued Keenan a motor vehicle summons for careless driving. Both vehicles had to be towed.

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED, 1:35 a.m. March 10. Patrolman Harry Bugal stopped a vehicle driven by Michael McKenna, 26, of High Bridge, on Route 31 near Halstead Street for failing to maintain lane. During the stop, Bugal smelled an alcoholic beverage and soon determined that McKenna was intoxicated, police said. McKenna was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane and failure to wear a seatbelt. He was released to the custody of a responsible adult, and his vehicle was towed and impounded.

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2nd Annual Silent Auction in Flemington to Benefit the Trillium Foundation for Education

On Saturday, March 20th at 7:30, The Trillium Foundation for Education and Sustainability will be hosting its 2nd annual silent auction. The auction will be held at the Shaker Caf, 31 Main Street, Flemington. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased at TrilliumEducation.org.

Come bid on a variety of items while enjoying complimentary wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres while supporting and connecting with others who are excited to see our school open this coming September. You will be able to speak with other parents, the founders, and members of the Trillium Charter School board.

The Trillium Foundation for Education and Sustainability is a non-profit group dedicated to promoting mindful, holistic education hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility. As part of this we have formed the Trillium Charter School. The school's mission is guided by three commitments: to each learner as an individual, to learners as members of their families and communities, and to the Earth.

The school, which will be the first charter school in Hunterdon County, will be located at 1 East Main Street, Flemington and is currently enrolling students for Kindergarten through Grade Four, and will grow by one grade each year to ultimately serve Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Applications are currently being accepted for September enrollment and are available at http://school.trilliumeducation.org.

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Hunterdon County correctional officer sues state citing hostile environment

A corrections officer is suing the state charging sexual harassment by supervisors and a hostile work environment.

Ilda Aguas, a senior corrections officer since 2004 at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Union Township, Hunterdon County, filed a complaint on March 10 in Superior Court here charging the state of New Jersey with allowing a hostile work environment due to sexual harassment and retaliation by supervisors when she reported the harassment.

The complaint alleges that the sexual harassment began around October 2009 with taunts by Lt. Darryl McClish including blowing his whistle in Aguas' face, putting his face up against hers and asking "Are we going to a telly (motel)?"

Aguas said in her complaint that McClish sat in her lap, blowing his whistle, and giving her a "lap dance" by "grinding his pelvis" into her and shaking his face close to hers, then she told McClish to stop and tried to push him off, and asked co-workers to help, but the co-workers "turned their chairs away" and "purposedly looked the other way."

In her complaint, Aguas said McClish followed her into the prison parking lot asking "Are we going to a telly?" and then called her cell phone, repeating the question.

Aguas said McClish "'approached her from behind, put her in a hold with her hands behind her back" and "bent her over the table with his genital area touching (her) buttocks." Aguas started to kick McClish as he mocked her, the pair fell on the floor, McClish let her out of the arm lock and put up his fists, "bobbing like a boxer," according to the complaint.

On Jan. 23 when Aguas set off a prison metal detector, supervisor Sgt. Robin Hill asked if she had "piercings in your breasts because I know you don't need an underwire bra," instructing Officer Daisy Pabon to repeatedly pat-frisk Aguas, according to the complaint.

Aguas contends in her complaint that after she confronted McClish to stop the harassment, supervisor Sgt. Eric Sands subjected her to "hyper-scrutiny" in retaliation.

On Jan. 25 Aguas reported the sexual harassment by McClish and Hill, as well as Sands' retaliation, to Acting Chief Robert Ryan, who referred her to Assistant Administrator Helen Adams. Adams told Aguas to file a written report, but Aguas feared further retaliation, according to the complaint.

Aguas' has been on medical leave since January 27 to address "stress, depression and humiliation," according to the complaint. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and a jury trial, the complaint said.

For more local news or to share your own news, visit www.flemington.injersey.com

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Interfaith Hospitality Network Dream Dinner at Hunterdon Central

Hunterdon Central students will host a Dream Dinner to benefit the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Hunterdon County, Inc.

The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on March 25 in the Commons at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. Adult tickets are available for $8, children 12 years old and under are $3. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the event.

The menu includes pasta, salad, bread, dessert and beverages, all donated by local businesses. All proceeds from this Dream Dinner will benefit the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network is the community response for homeless families. The organization assists homeless and low-income families in Hunterdon County by providing counseling, case management and mentoring services in addition to providing temporary housing, meals and other physical needs.

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Central Liquors Wine Tasting for Volunteer Guardianship One-On-One

On Sunday March 21, 2010 Volunteer Guardianship One-on-One, Inc. will hold its Sixth Annual Wine Tasting Event at Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, New Jersey. The event is from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The Wine Tasting is being sponsored for the sixth year by Central Liquors. The staff and owners go above and beyond to make this a really unique experience for the wine enthusiast. Each staff person has hand selected the wines to be poured on the day of the tasting. Collectively they have chosen 64 of their most favored wines of the year. Read more

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Desmares School offers Camp Invention this summer

This summer, Francis Desmares School proudly offers the children in the Flemington-Raritan community the Camp Invention program on June 28 – July 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Remember, space is limited, so sign up today to secure your child’s spot in the Camp Invention program this summer! Register before March 31 to receive a discount!

For program details, click here:

http://www.frsd.k12.nj.us/194610722143325167/lib/194610722143325167/CampInvention.pdf

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United Way of Hunterdon County honors volunteer of the year

A Clinton Township man is to be honored in May as Volunteer of the Year.

United Way of Hunterdon County is honoring Charles Rebick as "Community Volunteer of the Year" at its 7th annual "Celebrating Community Caring" recognition dinner from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 7 at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, 88 Route 173 West, in the Perryville section of Union Township.

Rebick will be honored for his longtime commitment, creativity, leadership, inspiration and sustained service to Hunterdon County residents. The dinner also is to celebrate the commitment of all community volunteers.

"A volunteer is a person who remembers to do the thing to make other people happy, who takes the loneliness out of the alone by talking to them, who is concerned when others are unconcerned, who has the courage to be a prophet and to say the things that have to be said for the good of all," said Bonnie Duncan, executive director of United Way of Hunterdon County. "Volunteerism is critical to our success and the ongoing success of the many programs and agency partners we support."

Rebick, a recently retired ExxonMobil scientist, moved to Clinton Township with his wife Suzanne in 1982 and raised their two children, Sarah and Josh.

In 1987, Rebick was responsible for starting the Community Athletics of North Hunterdon girls' soccer league.

From 1989 to 1991 he served on the Clinton Township Board of Education.

"I learned a lot and facilitated keeping the board together during some tough times," Rebick said.

Rebick served on the board of trustees of United Way of Hunterdon County from 1985 to 1997, as well as volunteering for the Hunterdon County Human Services Advisory Council, supporting the county's most vulnerable and at-risk populations.

Rebick trained as a United Way volunteer tax preparer in 2009, expanding his efforts this year as a volunteer tax preparer for the Division of Senior, Disabilities and Veterans Services.

"There are so many ways to volunteer that are fun," Rebick said. "I don't see myself as a mover and a shaker, just someone who serves."

Rebick enjoys hiking and Day of Caring projects such as the spring cleanup for the South Branch Watershed or creating trails on National Trail Day for the Hunterdon County Department of Parks and Recreation. He also volunteers for Headstart of Franklin.

"Charlie is truly a person who for over the last 20 years has put forth outstanding effort, given of his time and energy, displayed extraordinary patience, understanding and appreciation of what it means to work toward having a caring community," said Cathy Zahn, mental health planner & youth services coordinator of Hunterdon County's Department of Human Services.

The dinner also is to feature a silent and live auction fundraiser, with entertainment and dancing to Doctor D Entertainment and the Untamed Quartet. The event is open to the public.

For more local news or to share your own news, visit www.flemington.injersey.com

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Clinton Township police blotter

WARRANT, 3:40 a.m. March 11. Patrolman Sean Ross saw three individuals in dark clothing walking along Route 22 near Blossom Hill Road. Ross approached the individuals and requested identification. One, Andrew Kollmer, 19, address unknown, was found to be wanted on a $701 motor-vehicle warrant from North Hunterdon Municipal Court. When he was unable to post the necessary bail, Kollmer was arrested and transported to the Hunterdon County Jail.

MARIJUANA, 8:20 p.m. March 11. Sgt. Mathew Wilson was patrolling a Center Street restaurant when he heard a motor vehicle doing a "burnout'' with its tires. Wilson located the vehicle and confiscated a small amount of marijuana and a glass pipe from its driver, Matthew Wombacher, 19, of Decatur, Ill., police said. During this investigation, Wilson learned Wombacher was traveling in tandem with another vehicle, which was operated by Andrew Smith, 20, of Forsyth, Ill. Wilson observed that Smith had fictitious license plates on his vehicle, and a subsequent investigation revealed that Smith also was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a glass pipe, police said. Both men were charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. In addition, Wombacher was charged with failure to produce a driver's license and Smith was charged with driving with fictitious plates.

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Team Capital Bank opens second office in Flemington

Team Capital Bank is now serving customers at its newly opened community banking office on Route 31 at Church Street. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Feb. 25.

Team Capital Bank offers a full complement of personal and business banking services: checking, savings and money market accounts, CDs, IRAs and business and personal loans, plus mortgage banking and commercial lending services. The Route 31 location -- the bank's second in Flemington -- offers drive-thru service, a 24-hour ATM and convenient parking. It is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The Team Capital Bank community banking office at 110 Main St. in the borough will remain open. Hours there are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information, visit www.teamcapitalbank.com.

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Quick Chek earns national honor

Quick Chek, a township-based chain of more than 120 fresh food store locations throughout New Jersey and Southern New York, recently was honored with the Innovative Marketing award by CSP, the convenience store industry's leading publication, during its 2010 Convenience Retailing University in Phoenix.

From its dynamic utilization of online tools including social networking sites, personal e-mail communications and its company Web site to its signature "skin-vertising'' campaigns and long-standing sponsorship of the Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, the 121-store chain was recognized for inventive and effective marketing methods in which it successfully connects with customers to drive store traffic while building a strong brand name. For more information, visit www.quick-chek.com.

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Tewksbury Elementary Pupils Raise Money for Haiti

Tewksbury Elementary School (TES) held a month-long drive — which they called the Hearts for Haiti Campaign – that raised $2,565.50 to help people in Haiti that were devastated by the January earthquake.  Read more

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Republicans Gather to Endorse Candidates

FLEMINGTON – The Hunterdon County Republican Committee men and women will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 8 at the American Legion Hall at 41 Route 31 South in Flemington in order to vote to endorse candidates who wish to run for U.S. Congress in the 7th and 12th Districtsor or for Hunterdon County Sheriff and who wish to use the Republican Organization line.

Any Republican running for County office or higher should contact Republican Chairman Henry Kuhl at 908-782-6200 to make their intent known, if they have not done so already.

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