Daily Rundown, Friday, Sept. 1

Traveling programs

The naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC), 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, are offering “Traveling Education Programs” to civic and social groups, nonprofits and libraries across Somerset County. The lecture and discussion-based presentations are appropriate for a variety of audiences. Presentations can be geared to specific interests and needs. For information, to obtain a copy of the complete “Traveling Education Programs” listing, or to schedule a presentation, contact the EEC at 908-766-2489, ext. 332, or email kbender@scparks.org. Visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.

READ: Daily Rundown, Thursday, Aug. 31

Del Val grad reporting from Texas

A Delaware Valley High School alumna is in Texas reporting on the rescue work of the Nebraska National Guard in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. She is a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald. Erin Duffy, Class of 2005, and World-Herald photographer Chris Machian are flying in a Blackhawk helicopters over the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey, reporting on the rescue work of the Nebraska National Guard. Duffy, who grew up in Kingwood Township, graduated from The College of New Jersey, and was a staff writer for the Times of Trenton for four years. She joined the World-Herald staff in 2013. She usually covers the Omaha public schools, but when Nebraska sent its National Guardsmen south to rescue flood victims in Texas, she and a photographer went along with them, witnessing the rescues.

BASF to donate $500K for Harvey help

BASF Corporation announced it will donate $500,000 to aid with disaster relief across Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Funds will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations assisting in the relief and rebuilding efforts. BASF has also established a relief fund for BASF colleagues to make charitable contributions to fellow employees or to local organizations that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the company up to an additional $500,000. BASF, which operates 10 sites in Texas, is headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey. Visit www.basf.us.

Chapel renews Adopt-A-Spot contract

Russell Innes, trustee president at the Cedarcroft Bible Chapel, recently renewed the Church’s Adopt-A-Spot agreement with the South Plainfield Clean Business Association for the coming two years.  A crew of one or two people will continue to clean debris and litter from Cedarbrook Avenue at the stream crossing, every other month. Cedarcroft Bible Chapel first joined the CBA’s Adopt-A-Spot program in 2012. For more information about the Adopt-A-Spot program, contact the Clean Communities Coordinator at 908-226-7621 or email atempel@southplainfieldnj.com. 

Vendors sought for flea market

Vendors and shoppers are wanted for Middlebush Reformed Church’s Flea Market in the Park, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The buying and selling event will be in Thomson Park, across from the church, at the corner of Amwell and South Middlebush Roads, Somerset. Vendor space is $15. Refreshments will be available for sale. Rain date: Saturday, Oct. 21. Call Ruth Anderman, church administrator, at 732-873-2776 or visit www.middlebushreformedchurch.com.

Teen working with CASA SHaW

Jacqueline Rick, 18, of Branchburg, is working with CASA SHaW, an organization that recruits and trains volunteers to become advocates for children in the foster care system. If you or your organization would like to support CASA SHaW and the children in foster care with a fundraiser or awareness event, contact them at 908-689-5515 or info@casashaw.org. 

'Welcome Back' Luncheon on Sept. 12

The Woman's Club of Tewksbury Township will open its 2017-18 season with a "Welcome Back Luncheon" on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the Oldwick Manor, behind the Oldwick Fire Department. A continental breakfast will be served at 9 a.m., prior to the general meeting presided over by Anne Diamente, club president. The club's upcoming yearly agenda will be addressed. Prospective members and guests are welcome. Reservations at $25 are required and can be made by calling 908-509-1855. Visit www.tewksburywomansclub.com.

Manhole pipe gets new look

As part of the Clinton Conservancy Gardens plan to beautify the town and turn it into a habitat for birds and butterflies, the manhole pipe that protrudes above the ground was painted with flowers and pollinators. Denise Birmingham, an active member of the Conservancy and a sixth-grade math teacher at Readington Middle School, spent many hours of her summer vacation from teaching turning the eyesore into a work of art. To get involved with Clinton Conservancy Gardens, go to clintonconservancygardens.com.

Film festival at Hunterdon library

The 20th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival will be screened at Hunterdon County Library. The final 10 short films will be screened simultaneously, with the Festival’s Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. Screenings are:6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, Hunterdon County Library Headquarters, Route 12, Flemington; 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, North County Branch Library, Clinton; 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, North County Branch Library, Clinton; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, Hunterdon County Library Headquarters, Route 12, Flemington. For reservations, call 908-788-1434 (Headquarters) or 908-730-6135 (North County). Visit www.hclibrary.us.

Supporting foster children

Several community partners, including Tewksbury Cadette Group 80428, Branchburg Girl Scout Troop 60058, J&J IT Services, St. John of the Mountain Church in Bernardsville, the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women, and many private individuals donated backpacks, school supplies and lunch boxes to benefit children living in foster care in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties. Once collected, several volunteers assembled at the PeopleCare Center in Bridgewater to put the backpacks together. Visit www.casaofnj.org.

Free back-to-school events

Preschool of Rock, celebrating their 10th anniversary this winter, is offering a series of free back-to-school events for babies, toddlers and their parents. Events are being held on the mornings of Sept. 11 to 15 in various locations throughout New Jersey. All new families who attend receive a $25 coupon to use for Preschool of Rock services. Register at http://bit.ly/porbacktoschool. Call Preschool of Rock at 732-205-1971. Locations participating are: Jill Justin Dance Alliance, Metuchen; Front & Center Dance Studio, MIlburn/Springfield; Studio Allegro, Madison; Maplewood Public Library, Maplewood; Urban Jungle Play, Uptown Hoboken; Monroe Street Movement Space, Midtown Hoboken; FitRxN, Downtown Hoboken; Three Little Birds, Jersey City; BASE Gym, Jersey City; Hudson House of Play, West New York; and Westfield Recreation Department, Westfield.

Linden District Launch on Sept. 6

The Linden Public Schools will hold their Third Annual District Launch on Wednesday, Sept. 6. This event brings together all of the district’s more than 1,000 faculty and staff for a professional development session, followed by a celebration picnic to foster a family atmosphere and help energize educators for the school year to come. The theme for this year’s launch is “Lead Your Legacy,” encouraging each staff member to reflect on their personal commitment to truly impacting the lives of our students. The day begins at 9:45 in the Linden High School gymnasium, 121 W. St. Georges Ave. A drone will fly over Cooper Field at Tiger Stadium, 700 W. Curtis St., to take a group photo at 2 p.m. Visit www.linden.k12.nj.us.

Fall/winter dog-walk hours to begin

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable Saturday Dog Walks on the trails at Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge, will continue weekly beginning Saturday, Sept. 2, on the fall and winter time schedule. Check-in time for owners and their pets will begin at 10:15 a.m. The guided trail walk will commence at 10:30 and last for approximately one hour. Registration is $3 per dog and all pets must be leashed and kept under control at all times. Contact Martha at 973-635-8672 or email pandmwells@gmail.com. For directions, call 908-766-5955.

Annual 9/11 memorial golf tourney

The annual 9/11 Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Bedminster. The event benefits the Adam P. Arias Memorial Scholarship Fund, which grew out of the organizers’ desire to honor and aid first responders and their families and those who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and thereafter in service to their country. It is held in memory of Adam Arias, a victim of the attack on the Towers and brother of one of the organizers. Proceeds for the outing are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Registration and lunch will begin at 11 a.m. with scramble play beginning at 1 p.m. and cocktails and dinner at 5:30. The $225 fee includes lunch, dinner and open bar from 5 to 8 p.m. The day will also feature on-course contests, 50/50, silent auction, door prizes and the opportunity to win a car on each of two par threes with a hole-in-one. Call 908-359-0221 or visit www.memorialgolf.org.

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