VOL. XXXIII NO. II ROCKY HILL, NEW JERSEY APRIL 2002

The Rocky Hill Gazette welcomes your comments and will publish items of social, civic and governmental interest to our readers. News articles and letters may be sent to The Rocky Hill Gazette, 29 Toth Lane, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553. We will endeavor to print all items as received, however limitations of space on occasion may require some editing on our part. The deadline for the May issue is Monday, May 20, 2002. Since it is our policy that The Rocky Hill Gazette be non-profit, we are happy to accept your sponsorship of $50.00 or contribution in any amount up to the limit of our printing costs. Individuals living outside of Rocky Hill who wish a copy might send us a supply of stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelopes, and we will be happy to mail the paper to them. Visit The Rocky Hill Gazette online at: www.rockyhillgazette.com

This month’s issue is sponsored by

WILLIAM B. MEGILL, D.D.S, N.D.

EMERGENCY - POLICE * FIRE * MEDICAL 911

Police Non-Emergency - (609) 882-7999

Borough Hall 924-7445 Thursday 9-11 am - Animal Control (732) 329-4000 Day; (732) 329-4646 Night/Weekend

GAZETTE CALENDAR

APRIL

22 Monday Al-Anon Family Groups - First Reformed Church, 10 AM (every Monday)

Story, Craft & Movement (ages 4 - 6) - Library, 10:30 AM (also April 29, May 6, 13, 20) *

23 Tuesday Toddler Stories (ages 2 & 3) - Library, 10:30 AM (also May 7, 14, 28) *

Alcoholics Anonymous - First Reformed Church, 12 Noon (every Tuesday)

Kids Only (grades K - 2) - Library, 4 PM (also April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28) *

Open Chess Night (all ages) - Library, 5:30 - 7:30 PM (also May 21) *

Mother of God Orthodox Mission – “Christianity in Indonesia”, 8 PM

24 Wednesday Toddler Sing (ages 1 - 3) - Library, 10:30 AM (also May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) *

Stories (ages 4 & 5) - Library, 1:30 PM (also May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) *

Chess Tournament (grades 2 - 8) - Library, 4 PM (also May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) *

School Board - Schoolhouse, 7 PM (also May 22)

25 Thursday Toddler Sing (ages 1 - 3) - Library, 10:30 AM (also May 2, 9, 16, 23) *

Municipal Court - Schoolhouse, 7:30 PM (also May 23)

Al-Anon Family Groups - First Reformed Church, 8 PM (every Thursday)

26 Friday Alcoholics Anonymous - First Reformed Church, 7:30 PM (every Friday)

27 Saturday Book Sale - Community House, 9 AM - 4 PM (also Sunday, May 28, 12 Noon to 4 PM

Town wide Garage Sale - 9 AM - 12 Noon

28 Sunday Alcoholics Anonymous - First Reformed Church, 7:30 PM (every Sunday)

29 Monday Rabies Clinic - Firehouse, 4 - 6 PM.

Mother of God Orthodox Mission - Bridegroom Matins, 7 PM (also April 30)

30 Tuesday Toddler Crafts (ages 2 & 3) - Library, 10:30 (also May 21) *

Adult Book Discussion Group - Library, 7:30 PM (also May 28) *

MAY

1 Wednesday 76’ers Senior Citizens - Trinity Church, 11 AM

Mother of God Orthodox Mission– Holy Unction Service, 7 PM

2 Thursday Mother of God Orthodox Mission - Matins, 7 PM

3 Friday Recycling - curbside 7 AM (also May 17, 31)

Mother of God Orthodox Mission – Royal Hours, 9 AM, Great Vespers, 2 PM, Matins, 6 PM

4 Saturday Toddler Sing (ages 1 - 3) - Library, 10:30 AM *

Mother of God Orthodox Mission – Liturgy, 11 AM, Midnight Service, 11:30 PM

5 Sunday Mother of God Orthodox Mission – Agape Service, 11 AM

6 Monday Borough Council - Schoolhouse, 7:30 PM (also May 20)

7 Tuesday Primary Elections – Firehouse, 7 AM - 8 PM

9 Thursday Library Fund Raising Plant Sale – Central Jersey Nurseries (also May 10,11)

10 Friday LaLeche League of Montgomery - Library, 10 AM

11 Saturday May Flowers Origami (ages 7 – adult) – Library, 10:30 AM *

12 Sunday Mothers Day

Pancake Breakfast – Firehouse, 8 AM – 1 PM

14 Tuesday Planning Board - Schoolhouse, 7:30 PM

16 Thursday Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Library, 7 PM *

17 Friday Rummage Sale – Trinity Church, 4 PM – 7 PM (also May 18, 8:30 AM – 3 PM)

18 Saturday Clean-up Day – Curbside 7 AM

21 Tuesday Gazette Editorial Meeting - Library, 7:30 PM

27 Monday Memorial Day (Observed) - Library and Montgomery Schools Closed

30 Thursday Memorial Day

* PLEASE REGISTER

BOROUGH COUNCIL 4/1/02

Absent: M. Engelbrecht

Mr. And Mrs. Baldick expressed concern over the proposed recreational plans for the Schafer tract. Mayor Nolan explained that there will be no lights, no activities after sunset and the Montgomery or State Police will oversee the area.

Tony Bianculli, on behalf of the Trustees of the Mary Jacobs Library, asked that the Council waive and return the fees now in escrow for the library’s expansion. The permit and application fees are waived, but the fees for professional inspection cannot be waived. Any money not spent will be returned.

New lights have been chosen and will be installed soon in the Historic District on Washington Street.

Resolution supporting completion and release of State funds for Rockingham restoration was passed.

Ordinance 3-02: prohibiting discrimination, harassment or hostile environment in the workplace;

Ordinance 4-02: amending a rapid entry for nonresidential building and residences of homebound, elderly and disabled people ordinance; Final reading and vote on both is on May 6th.

BOROUGH COUNCIL 4/15/02

Absent: B. Nolan, c. Pihokken

Councilman Robotti, Council President, served in the Mayor’s absence.

Councilman Engelbrecht reported on his findings re building/code officials. Since more information is needed, Mr. Raffaelli’s appointment was extended until 12/31/02. His salary is to be discussed.

The new lights are being installed on Washington Street in the Historic District. The new lamps will add about $155 more a month to the Borough’s electric bill.

Carlos Baralt, of Washington Knolls Association, related the concerns of the Association about the bump out on Young Drive. They feel it is not calming traffic but creating a bottleneck and a dangerous situation. He asked that the County reexamine this corner.

Proclamation: National Day of Prayer in Rocky Hill on May 2nd.

CLEAN-UP DAY – Saturday, May 18th , trash on curb by 7 AM.

RABIES CLINIC

On Monday, April 29th from 4 to 6 PM at the Firehouse, Washington Street. Bring prior Vaccination Certificate or licensing tag.

PLANNING BOARD - 4/9/02

Absent: C. Pihokken

The application of Richard and Adele Batchelder of 64 Hickory Court for an addition to their house was approved.

A resolution concerning the preservation site plan by Outerbridge/Morgan Architects for Lyric Hall was discussed at length and several recommendations were made to assure that appropriate design and materials are used on this historic structure.

The Verizon Wireless minor site plan resolution was approved.

It was noted that much of the Mary Jacobs Library parking lot is on land belonging to the Rocky Hill Community Group and that this neighboring property-owner was not noticed regarding the library addition. It was recommended that renotice occur to the Board of RHCG.

SCHOOL BOARD

Substitute reporter needed.

TRINITY CHURCH

RUMMAGE SALE – Friday, May 17th, from 4 to 7 PM and Saturday, May 18th from 8:30 AM to 3 PM. Donations to the sale may be dropped off at the Parish Hall Monday through Wednesday, May 13th – 15th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon. If you have any questions call the Parish Hall at 921-8971 or call 924-2482. (No shoes, winter clothes or very heavy items, please.)

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

Ben Metcalf, son of Nancy and Ed Metcalf of Toth Lane, Received NASA’s prestigious Hubbell Award. Ben is finishing his post-doctorate studies in the field of Astro-Physics at Cambridge University. He will be doing further studies at the Santa Cruz University. Congratulations, Ben..

Mike and Chris Petrane, of Montgomery Avenue, became parents of a baby girl on March 28th.

Nellie Dey, who lives on Montgomery, had a very bad fall and is now recovering in Merwick Rehabilitation Center.

We were very sorry to hear of the recent death of Su Martin. She and her husband John and her son Scott were former residents of Rocky Hill. Our sympathy is extended to the family.

Our sympathy is extended to David and Judy Oakley and family of Merritt Lane. David’s mother, Patricia Purtell, recently died.

Janet Gardner, of Washington Street, has produced and directed a documentary film “Precious Cargo” to be shown on PBS channels on May 22nd at 12 Midnight. The film is the story of “Operation Baby Lift” which brought 2700 children from Vietnam to America in the 1970’s. This film follows several of these adoptees with their American families, now in their twenties, as they make a reunion trip to their Vietnamese homeland. The Global Cinema Café screening is scheduled for Sunday, April 25th at 4 PM at Princeton University’s First Student Center. Any questions or for more information call Janet Gardner at (609) 921-8325.

Andrew Charles, eight pounds and two ounces, was born on April 15th to Katherine and David Osborn, of Hamilton. Happy grandparents are Mei-Mei and Bob Morris of Washington Street. Andrew was born on his brother Matthew’s third birthday

ROCKINGHAM RESTORATION

Please call, write or send e-mail or whatever to our elected officials in Trenton to release the money already ear-marked for the reconstruction of Rockingham: State Senator, the Honorable Walter J. Kavanaugh, 76 N. Bridge Street, Somerville NJ 08876 – (908)-526-4222: State Assembly 16th District – the Honorable Peter J. Biondi, One East High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 – (908) 252-0800: the Honorable Christopher “Kip” Bateman, 36 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 – (908) 526-3600: or to the Governor, PO Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625 – (609) 292-6000.