A new camera will allow watchers of Duke Farms' Eagle Cam to view the bald eagles at night.

HILLSBOROUGH -- Duke Farms' live Eagle Cam -- a real-time bird's-eye view of two nesting bald eagles that has become an online sensation -- is back.

The Eagle Cam has become an addiction for many since it first went live in 2008, said Nora Wagner, director of programs and strategic planning at Duke Farms, Monday afternoon. This year, a new high definition camera will allow observers to watch the bald eagles at night for the first time, she said.

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

Overall, the Eagle Cam has registered more than 10 million views since its inception, said Wagner.

The pair is protecting two eggs, Wagner said. The first egg was laid Feb. 18 at 4:15 p.m. The second was laid on Feb. 21 at 5:35 p.m. Both eggs are expected to hatch towards the end of March, approximately 35 days after each was laid, she said.

Watch: Newest eagles hatching in real time

"It never gets old, seeing these majestic birds," said Wagner. "There's always some new and interesting behavior exhibited by the eagles."

Wagner said bald eagle watchers often get personally attached to the birds and often call Duke Farms if they sense the pair and their young are in danger.

"It's amazing how people make a personal connection," said Wagner. "Almost like it's up to them to take care of the eagles. If the parents are off the eggs for too long, we'll get phone calls telling us to get somebody out there.

"As an environmental educator, we always want to create a personal connection between humans and wildlife so humans will want to protect species like the bald eagle."

Wagner said it has been a calm winter thus far. The massive fire at Veterans Industrial Park didn't affect the bald eagles, she said. There wasn't another red-tailed hawk dive attack at the nest, like the one in 2013 during which time the bald eagles successful protected their eggs, she said.

A bald eagle fights off a red-tailed hawk attack to protect its unhatched eggs in this image taken from the Duke Farms' Eagle Cam. (courtesy Duke Farms) 

The male eagle has been the same since 2008 but has recoupled twice since then, Wagner said. These two chicks are the 22nd and 23rd hatched at the farm since 2005, she said.

Once again, an official with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Non-game Species Program will place a color-coded tracking band on the chicks when they're approximately five to six weeks old, said Wagner.

The chicks will take flight about four to six weeks after that, she said.

After the chicks leave the nest, the only contact Duke Farms will have with them is if someone finds or captures them and reports back to Duke Farms, said Wagner.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The new p0t.com store will be located across from Somerville's police station.

E-cigarettes and e-liquids will be sold at p0t.com in Somerville. (File photo) 

SOMERVILLE -- A new vapor store is opening in the borough with the intriguing name of p0t.com but it's not a "head shop," insists Adrian A. Wilson, president of the Aurora, Colorado-based distribution company that sells marijuana in that state, where the drug is legal.

Wilson claims the business, which holds its grand opening on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. at 11 South Bridge St., is one of New Jersey's only "true 100-percent authentic product vapor stores."

The store will be the company's first retail location, he said.

Wilson, who has lived in Bridgewater for the past 10 years, said he picked Somerville because of its busy downtown area, family atmosphere and business-friendly practices.

"We're not a head shop," said Wilson. "We're here to help people vap safely and aid people who want to stop smoking cigarettes. We don't sell bongs or any drug paraphernalia."

Borough Clerk-Administrator Kevin Sulsa said the borough was initially taken aback by the store's name, adding there was an issue with the company getting signage approval. The company spells pot with a zero, not an "o," he noted. The store, he said, is located across the street from the police station.

"Obviously, if there are any ill-intentions our police department will be able to handle it," said Sulsa.

Synthentic marijuana a growing concern

Wilson, whose company has been in business since 2013, said he doesn't import any products from China, where trademarks, lab testing and the quality of goods, especially synthetic marijuana, have been in question.

"All of our products are made in the United States," he said. "They're made in a lab setting. There's integrity in our products. We don't offer any clones. All of our products are 100 percent authentic."

Wilson said his company specializes in e-cigarettes, e-liquids and accessories, including starter kits, authentic mods and rebuildable atomizers.

Wilson declined to comment when asked if he's trying to get a foothold in Somerville in case marijuana is legalized in the Garden State.

"We are not or do we intent to operate under that pretext," said Wilson. "We're not masking anything in lieu of an ulterior motive that's illegal. Even though marijuana is legal and regulated in Colorado, I can't speak to any type of future strategy because marijuana is illegal in New Jersey."

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream gets a new staging by the American Repertory Ballet.

BRANCHBURG - The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College presents American Repertory Ballet in A Midsummer Night's Dream on March 19 at 3 p.m.

Set to an enchanting score by Felix Mendelssohn, American Repertory Ballet Artistic Director Douglas Martin's new full-length ballet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, brings to life the wit and splendor of one of William Shakespeare's most popular comedies.

The ballet, featuring new choreography, costumes, and sets, portrays the weaving tales of the cunning fairies, quarreling lovers, and a hilariously amateur acting group as their paths cross in a magical forest.

To purchase tickets ($25-$35) or for more information, call the Box Office at 908-725-3420 or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are available for most performances.

Raritan Valley Community College's main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road.

KDC Solar of Bedminster stated "changing regulatory, tax and business environments" have caused them to rethink the project.

Residents opposed the massive project from the start. (File photo)

BEDMINSTER --  A township company has suspended plans to build a solar power plant to serve the Sanofi-Aventis office complex in Bridgewater on Route 202-206.

KDC Solar of Bedminster, which first introduced the project in 2012, was seeking a use variance to proceed with the project at the historic 132-acre Kirby Farm.

KDC informed the township in a letter last week that it "intends to continue the ongoing process of considering its plans and alternatives in relation to the changing regulatory, tax and business environments, rather than devote further time and resources to the pending application."

Township Administrator Judith Sullivan said the township had no comment on the matter.

The project faced opposition from residents from the outset. They argued that the proposed location of the project would ruin the rural landscape, NJ Advance Media previously reported.

Residents also voiced concerns about noise and storm-water drainage and started their own Facebook page, Stop the Bedminster Solar Power Plant, where they stated they were pleased the project has been suspended but wants the township to officially terminate it.

Protesters prepare to battle solar plant

"We are not sure that the time for celebration is ripe," the group stated. "The 'suspension' letter from (KDC attorney) Gary Hall is written in such a legalized way that it is difficult to fully understand the ramifications."

Until the application has been terminated, "one should not feel too joyful, just yet," the group went on to state.

The proposal included the installation of seven inverters, each nearly eight feet high and 33,960 ground-mounted solar panels that would be built on large sections of the Kirby Farm at Country Club and Meadow roads.

KDC has stated if the electricity generated from the solar array came from a traditional source, such as a coal-fired power plant, it would have resulted in the equivalent emissions of 1,645 cars or 1,053 homes.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The 44 delinquent New Jersey parents owed more than $867,000 in child support.

SOMERSET -- The Somerset County Sheriff's Office arrested 44 parents delinquent in child support payments totaling $867,416.14 as part of a statewide non-support raid conducted last month through NJ Kids, Sheriff Frank Provenzano announced Tuesday.

Dax T. Gallimmore, 45, of South Bound Brook, was arrested for being $201,405.24 in arrears in child support payments. Others arrested for being more than $50,000 in arrears include Jagdish Parekh, 54, of Franklin Park ($56,734.96), David Szaro, 50, of Somerville ($73,945.59) and Hassain A. Diggs, 43, of Highland Park ($85,358.18) and Richard Dronebarger, 47, of South Bound Brook ($51,072.38).

Twenty-seven Sheriff's Officers, working in teams, served the outstanding warrants and made arrests, Provenzano said.

"This operation was conducted to remind parents of the importance of making regular child support payments and hopefully renew their commitment to do the right thing," said Provenzano. "Child support is a safety net for many Somerset County families.

"Children depend on child support for their basic needs, such as food, shelter, healthcare and back-to-school clothing. Conducting these roundups gives us the ability to better serve children and families with the financial support they need and deserve."

Provenzano added that while the number of arrests is significant, what the statistics don't show is how many parents paid up once they knew law enforcement was looking for them.

Provenzano requested that anyone with knowledge of individuals with outstanding child support warrants to contact the Somerset County Sheriff's Office at 908-231-7140, ext. 9.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

"Comedy & Dessert" on Saturday, March 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Flemington Elks Lodge benefits central New Jersey nonprofit Spring Reins of Life.

RARITAN TWP. -- On the last night of winter 2016 you can Swing Into Spring and celebrate Spring with comedy and dessert.

On Saturday, March 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Flemington Elks Lodge there will be an evening of "Comedy & Dessert" which benefits central New Jersey nonprofit Spring Reins of Life.

There will be a cash bar, lite fare snacks, lots of dessert and prizes -- all for the cause of helping trauma survivors (veterans and youth) in New Jersey find trust and coping skills with guidance from horses.

Featured stand-up comic is Mark Riccadonna. He will be joined by Sean Lynch, Teddy Daniels and Ritu Chandra. Comedic talent provided by The Comedy Shoppe.

Tickets are $35 with the option to add additional donation. If you cannot attend please consider making a tax deductible donation for any amount at: www.springreinsoflife.org/2016/01/15/comedynight/

The Hillsborough based nonprofit, Spring Reins of Life (SRoL) will utilize the funding raised at Comedy & Dessert to provide EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) group therapy sessions for moderate to severe trauma survivors, namely: at-risk/high-risk youth teens, PTSD veterans and bereaved children by way of the horse. SRoL has found that the majority of trauma survivors either does not want, or simply cannot "talk about it" and so utilizing an un-mounted EAP approach can go a long way to establishing trust, finding personal coping skills and present moment without saying anything!

SRoL provides EAP services under the EAGALA Model certified program and since there is no riding involved it is not necessary to have any prior horse experience to achieve results, in fact most of SRoL clients have never been in contact with a horse before. The horses provide immediate 'present moment', a space of peace, a natural environment to build trust, and due to their size/power coping and resiliency skills which create pathways for more of the same. Sir Winston Churchill may have said it best in the quote "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man".

The EAGALA Model has seen a massive growth rate of over 400% in the last 3 years. EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) has certified programs in all 50 United States and 49 countries offering an acute intervention based and solution focused therapeutic model for an extremely wide array of mental health issues.

In 2010 RAND Report posted that 23+ veterans commit suicide everyday - this number was based on 30% of states reporting and this was five years ago. New Jersey has a high population of veterans from OIF, OEF and Vietnam. SRoL's Operation Horse is designed specifically for combat veterans who are struggling with PTSD and based on demand is need of continuous funding to upkeep and expand this programming. SRoL currently works with Lyons VA Hospital's PTSD Units on a regular ongoing basis. Goals for expansion in 2016 are to fund and establish an ongoing outpatient groups based on rising interest. On Veterans Day 2015 SRoL was featured on Upworthy, AOL and Inside Edition for the work being done at Operation Horse.

The numbers of inner city teens that are in trouble with the law and involved in gang violence is at an all-time high, yet positive behavior changes are seen while in the EAP arena in as little as one group session. The tactics that work on the street will not work with a 1,000-pound horse, so other (more positive) skills are developed to be successful. Horses do not care if you if you are a dropout or can spell, they care about the truth of who you are being.

Young children who have suffered a loss close to them are grieving just as much as the older family members but without the vocabulary and life experience to draw upon, expressing their feelings can be difficult and frustrating. SRoL recently began an alliance with Good Grief Princeton and the Pony Pals pilot went so well there are six group visits being scheduled for 2016.

EAP has seen a growing trend for people who are suffering from mental/emotional issues. The horses provide a way to explore their feelings and emotions with honest, nonjudgmental feedback and reactions that allow the participant to decide if the outcome was favorable or not. If so, there are immediate resiliency skills being inlaid (I can handle something much bigger than myself). If not, there is an opportunity to try another method and get a different reaction (behavioral rehearsal) which easily translates to situations in life outside the EAP arena.

To learn more about this form of therapy contact Spring Reins of Life at info@springreinsoflife.org.

Annually in June there is an Open House/Demo at the farm in Hillsborough where the horses work - this is the only time during the year when the public is invited to the farm to meet The Herd and view or participate in a Demo of what an EAP session is like.

This year's Open House is on Sunday, June 5 from 1-6 p.m. "The elusive answers to life's most difficult and complex challenges come to the surface from within by accepting guidance from...a Horse!"

About Mark Riccadonna (featured comic)

Mark Riccadonna grew up an artsy jock outside of Youngstown, Ohio. At age 17 (like a bad independent movie), Mark moved to NYC in search of himself and happiness. He pursued Theatre at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, joining "The Company" after graduation. Soon after, Mark stumbled upon Stand-Up Comedy and found success as a storyteller, performing throughout New York City, and 'on the road'. Mark currently also performs for Armed Forces Entertainment, and has entertained U.S. and U.N. Troops worldwide, performing in six continents while working with his childhood heroes. Outside of comedy, Mark is an accomplished actor and writer. Most recently Mark has a lead role in the feature film "Days of Power" and is writing for Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update. Whether he is working with The Amoralists Theatre Company (In the acclaimed hit "Happy in the Poor House"), Angry Shih Tzu Productions or on tour with Stand-Up, Mark continues to climb the ranks. He is a gifted storyteller, with a charisma that makes you feel like you've known him forever, unique delivery, signature voice (that has landed him several commercials) and likability; you will see why he is a favorite at clubs and theatres everywhere.

Not only is storytelling an art that throughout time has passed information, life lessons and entertainment from generation to generation, it is one of the oldest art forms celebrated. It is also the best part of the entertainment business. Just ask Mark Riccadonna about when the show is over. After the place has cleared out, there is no better feeling then bellying up to the bar with your fellow performers, cracking a drink and a smile, while entertaining your fellow entertainers. What he does on stage isn't what entertains Mark. He loves the stories from the green room, a sparkle in the eye, a drink in hand and a great tale from the road. In "Drinks, Jokes and Storytelling" it Mark's goal to bring the green room out to the stage and let the audience see behind the scenes of what entertains their entertainment. www.MarkRiccadonna.com

About Sean Lynch

Sean Lynch is best known for his appearances on Comedy Central's Contest Searchlight with Denis Leary and Lenny Clarke as well as various voices on his hit MTV show Celebrity Deathmatch. Sean has also appeared on MTV Spring Break, Showtime's Comedy Shorts and HBO's Flashback. He has written for MTV, Spike TV and The Food Network. His voice is well known as an announcer for MTV, The Grand Theft Auto game series and several commercials. NY Magazine's Eric Gonzalez-Rattfink describes Lynch's comedic style has been described as... "A story teller with the energy and vocal versatility of Robin Williams tempered with the folksy narrative of a young Garrison Keillor" "He is genuinely a great story teller, It is more than evident that his material is truer than fiction, and nine times out of ten his set is new material."

About Teddy Daniels

A baby boomer that has decided it is important to use the stage as an educational tool to warn us about impending disasters. No, not global warming or out of control speeding asteroids hurtling towards the Earth. Not even the Economic crisis we and our country now face. But about the dangers of raising a family, hospital visits, being a dog owner, traveling or doing anything else that the world might consider normal, Ted has a slightly different view. Because he is too cheap to spend $125.00 an hour to tell his problems to a psychologist, he will tell them to you. If it bothers you a little bit, chances are it bothers Ted...a lot and you are going to hear about it. He's able to get away with this ranting because he is a nice guy...a nice guy with a lot of problems. Offstage he does a great job of appearing normal, after listening to him for awhile you realize; he is just as nuts as everyone else. Ted has recently opened for SNL's Jim Breuer, 30 Rock's Tracey Morgan and Rhyss Darby from HBO's "Flight of the Conchords" and Jim Carey's "Yes Man" and regularly opens for the Legendary, Bobby Collins. His ability to work clean or edgy makes it easy for him to be on almost any show in any venue. He is a regular at The Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas yet works many Church and school comedy fundraisers. He is working his way back to heaven, "one church basement at a time".

About Ritu Chandra

Ritu Chandra is a stand-up comedian. The daughter of immigrants, she left home at 18 and has lived all over the country. Never feeling like she fit in anywhere, she quickly realized humor was a way to get along with others. Her comedy is based on her life experiences which continue to grow stranger by the years.

ABOUT Spring Reins of Life, 501c3

Spring Reins of Life (Horses, Humans & Healing) is a 501c3 nonprofit public charity offering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to trauma survivors in New Jersey, NYC and Eastern Pa. Spring Reins of Life (SRoL) was founded in 2012 and is dedicated to serving PTSD veterans & their families, at-risk/high- risk youth and children in bereavement. In 2013 SRoL became the first and still currently the only program in New Jersey to earn the "Military Services Provider Certificate". SRoL's clients include: Lyons VA Hospital, Lakewood Vet Center, Bonnie Brae, Misunderstood Youth Development Center, New City Kids, Hunterdon Youth Services, NJJJC, NJTS and Good Grief Princeton. EAP services are offered under the EAGALA Model adhering to code of ethics and HIPAA compliancy. SRoL is a volunteer run organization allowing nearly 90% of all funding to be directed to programming costs and providing as many groups offerings as possible. Public/private funding is both necessary and greatly appreciated; all donations are fully tax deductible. www.SpringReinsofLife.org

Enter the 2016 Horse News Photo Contest

For current equestrian news see Horse News or check out the online version of the print edition.

Horse News covers everything equestrian in the mid-Atlantic area and can be reached at horsenews@hcdemocrat.com

 

The former Hunterdon County and Somerset County priest convicted of sexually-assaulting two altar boys has died.

John Banko, a former Hunterdon County and Somerset County priest serving 41 years for sexually assaulting two altar boys, died Monday at the New Jersey Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in the Avenel section of Woodbridge.

Matt Schuman, spokesman for the state Department of Corrections, confirmed to mycentraljersey.com that Banko, 69, was pronounced dead at 9:29 a.m. Monday.

Banko is a former Catholic priest who was convicted in 2008 of sexually assaulting a young boy at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Milford. He was previously convicted of assaulting another boy at the same church, and was also accused of assaulting boys at other churches dating back to the 1970s, it was previously reported by NJ Advance Media. Banko maintained his innocence throughout the trial and an appeal.

The victim testified when he was between the ages of 9 and 10 he was assaulted several times in the church bathroom and threatened by Banko to tell no one. The boy reported the abuse to his mother in 2005 after suffering depression for years.

N.J. appellate judges uphold conviction

At the time his mother asked authorities if Banko was still at the church and found out that he had been convicted in 2002 of abusing another boy.

Banko was found guilty of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and sentenced to 26 years. He was also serving 15 years stemming from another conviction in 2005. He would have been eligible for parole after serving 33 years on both convictions.

He was determined to be a "repetitive and compulsive sexual offender" following an evaluation at the Adult Diagnostic Center in Avenel, which also found he lacked motivation for treatment, it was previously reported.

In 2002, Banko was one of six priests who attended St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore who were accused of abuse during the 1970s and '80s. His name was released by the Archdiocese of Baltimore just after he was charged with sexually assaulting an altar boy between 1993 and 1994 at St. Edward's. He was convicted on that charge in 2005.

The victim, who was 6 when the assaults began, did not report them until December 1999. Three other men who claimed they were abused at other churches also came forward to testify, although no charges were filed and the statute of limitations had run out.

Banko was the pastor at St. Edward's until 1995, when he was transferred to a parish in Hillsborough Township. He had also been pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Montgomery from 1982 to 1989.

Two vehicles parked in the driveway of a Franklin Township residence caught fire.

Police responded to 911 call at Jurocko Avenue in the Somerset section of the township on the report of two vehicle engulfed in flames. (File photo)

FRANKLIN -- Firefighters extinguished a blaze Monday night that engulfed two vehicles parked in a driveway of a residence before the flames reached the home, township police spokesman Sgt. Phil Rizzo said Tuesday.

At 10:25 p.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting two vehicles on fire in the driveway of a residence on Jurocko Avenue in the Somerset section of the township, police said.

At the scene, officers found a 1997 Toyota Corolla and 2013 Hyundai Sonato on fire with the flames close to the home, police said.

N.J. woman injured after car overturns

Police got the people out of the home and firefighters from East Franklin and Community Volunteer fire companies arrived, extinguishing the blaze before it reached the residence, police said.

It appears that the fire started in the Corolla and spread to the Hyundai. The incident doesn't appear to be suspicious in nature, police said.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The officer administered Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, to the unconscious woman.

The officer found the woman unconscious and unresponsive in the bathroom of a Route 27 grocery store. (File photo)

FRANKLIN -- A township patrolman revived an unconscious North Brunswick woman suffering from an apparent drug overdose by administering Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, township police spokesman Sgt. Phil Rizzo said Tuesday.

On Monday at 1:15 p.m., police received a 911 call reporting an unconscious woman was in the bathroom of a grocery store on Route 27, police said. Patrolman Greg Wilson of the Franklin Township Police Department's Emergency Services Unit found the 23-year-old unconscious and unresponsive, police said.

Man hit by car while lying in roadway

Wilson immediately recognized the woman's condition as a possible opiate overdose and administered Naloxone, police said. When paramedics and EMS personnel from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick arrived on scene, the woman was awake, alert and oriented, police said.

She was transported to a local area hospital for treatment, police said.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Each mask comes in three different sizes and fits a wide array of pets.

NORTH PLAINFIELD -- Taking a deep breath will be a little easier for township pets in distress thanks to a donation to the fire department of three specially-designed pet oxygen to assist in pet rescues.

The masks were donated by Canine Company, a Wilton, Connecticut-based company that provides at-home pet care products and services, including the Invisible Fence brand pet containment systems and Manners obedience training, to customers across New Jersey, New York and the New England states, according to a news release from the fire department on Tuesday.

Each mask comes in three sizes and fits a wide array of pets - from small mammals like rabbits up to giant-breed dogs - and connect to the standard oxygen tanks rescue teams carry, the release said.

Kitten is up for adoption

"We know how important pets are to their families," said Chief William Eaton, "and we are happy to add this rescue tool that will help us save the lives of our citizens' pets. We appreciate the donation."

The masks were given as part of Canine Company's Canine Saves project to provide the pet rescue masks to first responders in the communities where the company's customers live.

"Our company helps pet parents keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home," said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. "We are committed to supporting the community with donations like this that do the same."

Other New Jersey fire departments to receive mask donations in recent weeks include New Providence Volunteer Fire Department and South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Fire departments and first aid squads can find more information about how to apply for a donation of masks at caninecompany.com/topic/charities.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The borough's five redevelopment zones are taking shape after years of planning.

SOMERVILLE -- The borough is holding a public meeting 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss redevelopment plans for the former Baker and Taylor site in hopes of assuring residents that the concept plan will fit in with the neighborhood.

The meeting will be held in the Borough Council's chambers.

"We're hoping we can give residents the assurance that we're not going to build this monstrous structure that is going to overwhelm the neighborhood," said Colin Driver, the borough's economic development director. "There is an accepted science to this."

Driver said the developer, Crusader Servicing Corporation, has been cooperative, agreeing to lower the density from 22 units per acre to 20.

The metamorphosis of the borough into a Central Jersey shopping, dining and residential draw continued last month with an agreement being reached to develop 31 acres of prime real estate adjacent to the Somerville Train Station.

Somerset Development, LLC will pay $10 million to N.J. Transit to purchase the property. Initial redevelopment plans call for a mixed-use transit village that will include 765 residential units, ground floor retail space and a parking deck next to the Raritan Valley Line.

Owner: No pot at new vapor store

Driver said the borough will oversee and must approve the developer's plans as the project unfolds. He said he believes it will be at least 18 months before any construction begins.

Mayor Brian Gallagher and Driver said the project will result in millions of dollars in new tax and other revenues for the borough. Both said they want the project to complement the robust downtown area, not compete against it.

The two projects are part of a five redevelopment zone plan undertaken by the borough council and Planning Board that has been years in the making. "We are finally seeing the revitalization of Somerville," Gallagher said.

The five other redevelopment zones are as follows:

• The Kirby Avenue Redevelopment Area that includes the former Baker and Taylor site and the Litgo project.
• The Station and Landfill Redevelopment Area that includes the just-purchased 31-acre tract adjacent to the Raritan Valley Line.
• The West Main Street Redevelopment Area that includes ShopRite,  Wolfgang Steakhouse and the JSM project.
• The East Central Business District Redevelopment Area located on Main Street east of Bridge Street and includes the old Messenger-Gazette building, the Cobalt project and Somerville Commons.
• The North Gaston Avenue Redevelopment Area in which plans are currently being drawn up.

"I think everyone is really excited because over the past two years we've seen a dramatic increase in the personality of Main Street," said Driver. "It's very busy all the time. Builders, investors and property owners all want to come to Somerville. It's what we hoped would happen and it has happened."

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Water concerns disappear after repeated rain and snow events pull reservoirs back to normal. Watch video

A drought watch that has been in effect since September in 12 New Jersey counties was lifted today as regular snow and rain events eliminated significant precipitation shortfalls after a dry summer.  

The state Department of Environmental Protection lifted the drought watch after reservoir, ground water, streamflow and precipitation levels returned to normal this winter after fears that the state was on the cusp of its first drought in more than a decade.   

"The rainfall and snowfall have been steady and gradual, it's not like the floodgates opened up," said Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the DEP. "This is a good way of pulling out of a drought watch situation."  

The counties affected are Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union. No portion of the state remains under a drought watch. 

Hajna said the DEP still encourages state residents to conserve water wherever possible, but the lifting of the drought watch indicates there is no imminent danger of water shortages as the state heads toward the spring and summer.

The state issued the watch in September, weeks after an NJ Advance Media investigation showed it had been publishing faulty rainfall data. 

It's better to buy a used car in the more congested parts of New Jersey, according to a study conducted by autolist.com.

Competition rules when it comes to getting the best price for a used car in New Jersey. That's what the results of a study by Autolist.com into the sale of used cars from November 2012 to September 2015 shows.

A look at average price paid by a buyer of a used car by county in New Jersey shows that congested North Jersey and Central Jersey offers the best prices, while the average price is higher in rural parts of the state.

The county with the lowest average price, according to Autolist, is Bergen, followed by Passiac, Morris, Somerset and Union. South Jersey counties Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland and Cape May had the highest average prices for used cars.

This is the best time of year to buy a used car, said Alex Klein, vice president of Data Science at the firm, and this should remain through the end of April before prices begin to climb this summer.

How to stop your car from being stolen

"The wide range in prices is primarily caused by dealer density," Klein said. "At its core, our data aligns with basic economics: The more dealers in a given area, the more competition for buyers, and as a result, the lower the prices relative to a state and/or national average.

"The converse is true in areas with fewer dealers, as buyers have fewer options and as a result we see dealer prices being higher than the average."

The company collected over 3 billion data points on over 58 million vehicle identification numbers between November 2012 and September 2015, and broke that data down by zip codes, according to Klein. At any time, the site lists at least 4.5 million used cars for sale.

One of the most popular used cars in New Jersey is a 2012-2013 BMW 3 series with less than 25,000 miles. A check of any being sold in a 50-mile radius around Somerset County on Wednesday showed the best prices are in Bergen, Morris and Union counties (ranging from $23,700 to $23,990), while the highest price is in Gloucester County ($24,990). 

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San Francisco-based Autolist was launched in 2014 and aggregates car lists from almost all car sites, such as Autobytel and Edmunds, Klein said.

"You can think of us as the KAYAK for used cars," Klein said. "However, our biggest push starting this past year and going forward is buyer intelligence through big data.

"Because we have more cars than any other search platform, we have the most visibility into the dynamics and trends of the used car market."

Klein said the company's goal is to increase transparency in the used car market by using large amounts of data to reveal market dynamics, from the national to the local level.

Hunterdon County scouts collected 30,000 pounds of food for area food pantries.

Over 500 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, siblings and adults from 36 units in the Hunterdon Arrowhead District ventured out Feb. 20 to 20 area grocery stores in Hunterdon, Warren, Morris, Mercer and Somerset counties to collect food for 10 area food pantries.

This is the third annual winter food drive for the district.

In 2015, 24 units combined at 19 stores to collect almost 25,000 pounds of food. This year's number exceeded 30,000 pounds of food. The scouts also managed to donate over $1,920 in cash or store cards across several of the pantries. 

"This year the goal was to collect a similar quantity of non-perishables across the county -- a goal that was far exceeded by the generosity of shoppers," said Doug Walker, Cub Scout Activities chairperson for the Hunterdon Arrowhead District.

Each food pantry was grateful for the public's generosity, Walker added.

Scouts collect thousands of pounds of food

"The weather was unseasonably warm and it definitely helped area shoppers share their own warmth with countless examples of the community coming together to help neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity," Walker said.

A special thanks was given by Walker to all of the store managers and office staff who either agreed to allow scouts at their store to collect or made direct store card donations for the scouts to use to buy non-perishables. "Without you this event would still be just an idea," he said.

Additional thanks were given to Anne Marie Pepper of the Washington Crossing Council office for preparing 20 certificates of insurance to cover the scouts at each of the store locations, Walker said.

Though this food drive was again coordinated by Walker, it was made into a success because several hundred scouts and scouters took time out of their weekend to support this event, he said.  

Walker also thanked each shopper who took a few moments to listen to a scout at their local grocery store and then make a donation to someone they will likely never meet.

"Winston Churchill once stated, 'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,'" he said. "There was a whole lot of life being given that beautiful Saturday in February."

With the closure of all local A&P stores, four new grocery stores stepped up to help out with the 2016 collection efforts. These stores included the Stop & Shop in Pennington, the Frenchtown Market, ShopRite in Branchburg and ShopRite in Chester. Their willingness to participate in this event contributed greatly to the success of the collection efforts.

February is a challenging month for donations at local food pantries, so the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Hunterdon County all worked together to collect food and distribute it to food pantries local to the collection sites.

Collection locations included every grocery store within the county, as well as some stores along the county borders. Of the 20 participating stores, 14 allowed scouts to collect directly, one collected on behalf of the scouts and five made store card donations for the scouts to use to buy food for the area pantries.

Flemington Walmart, Whitehouse Walmart, Greenwich Target and Phillipsburg Stop & Shop all contributed gift cards that allowed scouts to purchase just over 200 pounds of non-perishables.

Troop 49 from Lambertville covered the ShopRite in Pennington and collected more than 1,500 pounds of food for the Lambertville Food Pantry. The participating scouts at this location were led by Scoutmaster Brian Claus, Beth Bauer, Terry Rice, Beth Hagman, Kim Geis, Tim Davis and Tom Emge, and included Ryan Barrett, Alex Bauer, Bailey Claus, Seth Geis, Jimmy Hagman, Sam Davis, Aidan Rice, Scott McCloughan and Trevor McCloughan. The collection efforts were a 25-percent increase over the 2015 total.

Pack 32 from Lambertville and Troop 65 of Ringoes gathered at the Stop & Shop in Pennington and collected over 2,100 pounds of non-perishables that included a very welcome donation of goods from the store management.

The participating scouts from Troop 65 were led by Anthony Lorenzoni, and included Shayne Lorenzoni, Logan Lorenzoni, Seth Gould, Avery Gould, Jason Mundy, Brandon Diacont, Vincent Colallilo, Lucas Musto, Charles Vernon, and Daniel Ingersoll as well as Adam Hahn from Troop 61 and Girl Scout Emma Hahn. Pack 32 Scouts included Kyle Ingersoll, Robert Laube and Kyle Daly and were led by Ward Ingersoll.

In Frenchtown, Troop 251 turned out at the Frenchtown Market to collect over 400 pounds of food and more than $400 in cash donations. The food was split between the food pantry at the Frenchtown Presbyterian Church and the Flemington Food Pantry only after the shelves at the Church pantry were filled to capacity. The collected cash was given to the Church where it will be earmarked for pantry replenishment items in the future.

The scouts from Troop 251 were led by Vince Fusciardi, Craig Norgard, Tom Proctor, David Boyle, Gary Karlsrud, Alex Nedoszytko, Susan Riggio, Michael Swanson and Susan McGreevy and included Bob Boyle, Mason Forringer, Jacob Forringer, Vincent Fusciardi, Jaden Karlsrud, Ethan Liebross, Alex Nedoszytko, Steven Nedoszytko, Jake Norgard, Quinn McGreevy, Owen Proctor, Ian Proctor, Bruce Riggio and Ronan Swanson.

Pack 61 of Flemington teamed up with Troop 62 of Flemington and Pack and Troop 108, both from Quakertown to cover the Flemington Stop & Shop. Their combined efforts brought in over 1,800 pounds of food for the Flemington Food pantry.

Scouts from Pack 61 were led by Cubmaster Chris Runk, Don Apanovitch, Chris Boyce, Tony Gillespie, Lindsey Groves, Michelle Hilke and Bill & Cindy Lovett. The Scouts included Peter Apanovitch, William Boyce, Zachary Gillespie, William Groves, Andrew Hilke, Sebastian Lovett-Marion, Zachary Lovett-Marion, Connor Runk and Michael Hand.

Scouts from Troop 62 were led by Scoutmaster John Curtin, Ed Chernesky, Sherri Suozzo, Chris Boyce, Don Devine, April Kopp and Tracy MacDonald and included Toby Chernesky, Owen Suozzo, Riley Boyce, Brandon Kopp and Stephen MacDonald.

Additionally some Troop 62 scouts were at another Scouting event and contributed non-perishables in advance of the event.

These scouts included Jack Reagan, Andrew Cheney, Stephen Cheney, Andrew Tyson, Daniel Bergamo, Matt Fleisher, Evan Fleisher, Andrew Galloway, Owen Suozzo, Alex Mooney, Bryant Hall, Doug Kuras, and AJ Kuras. Pack 108 Scouts were led by Scott Turek and included Gavin Jordan, Kevin York, Scott Turek, Tyler Turek, Ben Huebscher and Josh Evans.

Hunterdon scouts help provide food to those in need | Letter

Troop 108 scouts were headed up by Charlie McBride, Assistant Scoutmaster Fisher, Assistant Scoutmaster Mortensen and Mrs. Iannozzi and included O. Fisher, N. Fisher, Iannozzi and Mortensen. Matthew Runk of Troop 194 also helped in the collection efforts at the Flemington Stop & Shop.

Pack and Troop 194, both of Flemington, covered the ShopRite in Flemington and collected an astonishing 3,600 pounds of food for the Flemington Food Pantry. This collection total was over a 250-percent increase over the amount brought in during the 2015 drive.

The boys were led by Rick Rainey and Mike Degan and included Pack 194 Cub Scouts Tristen Fleck, Thomas Spidare, Bennett Mileto, Michael Saus, Jason Snyder, David Berger, Nathan Allen, Andrew Devine, Garin Kurz, Hayden Kurz and Holden Hoops as well as Mikey Hand from Pack 61. Boy Scouts from Troop 194 included Zack Guzman, Matt Hand, Ben Hansen, John Harwell, Conor Allen, Daniel Bindas and Takshil Chituluru.

Pack and Troop 401 of Clinton worked with Ebony Wynn of BJs Wholesale Club in Flemington to bring 600 pounds of food to the Flemington Food Pantry. The collection efforts were led by BJs Wholesale Club and the donated goods were taken to the pantry by Troop 401 leader Leslie Chernykh and her sons Ilya Chernykh of Troop 401 and Anton Chernykh of Pack 401.

Pack 182 of Three Bridges also took advantage of store card donations from Wegman's in Bridgewater and the scouts were able to purchase 155 pounds of food for donation at the Starfish Food Pantry in Whitehouse. The boys who helped purchase the food were led by Robert Betterman and Paul Hample and included John Betterman and Ryan and Jake Hample.

Pack 1980 in Readington Township pulled covered Bishop's Supermarket in Whitehouse and were led by Cindy Barckholtz, Jared Beatrice, Karen Ippolito, Dan McDonald, Vickie Szymanski, Jay Wieder, Scott Wootton and Shannon Wootton. The Scouts who volunteered included Raul Aramburo, Michael Barckholtz, Zachary Barckholtz, Jake Beatrice, Cole Costigan, Jack Heppner, Cameron Hess, Andrew Ippolito, Jack Ippolito, Christian Lechner, Chase Martoccia, Josh McDonald, Conor Mikaelian, Jacob Ross, Tyler Rossi, Daniel Szymanski, Luke Szymanski, Colin Watson, Chase Wieder, Eric Wootton and Marc Wootton.

At Kings Supermarket, Troop 186 of Three Bridges combined efforts with Troop 119 of Pittstown in their collection efforts. Scouts from Troop 186 were led by Stephen Nees and included Kyle Barrett, Daniel Trivino, Joe O'Brien, Justin Carten, Jack Deighan, Aidan Beardsley, Ben Melanson, Thomas Nees, Michael Miglliorino, Carter Risse and Jared Van Veldhuisen.

Scouts from Troop 119 were led by Michael Fariello, Brian O'Rourke, Jennifer Sigler, Jay Smythe and Don Bernick and included Jon Fariello, Jack O'Rourke, Patrick O'Rourke, Rob Sigler, John Ignacz, Tommy Evers, Joey Benco, Patrick Smythe and Luke Bernick.

The Branchburg ShopRite was covered by Scouts and Scouters from Pack and Troop 199, both from Oldwick and Troop 1969 from Stanton. Pack 199 Scouts included Trey Dornbusch and Garrett Villamaria.  

Troop 199 scouts included Liam Anderson (Scout-in-charge), Thomas Anderson (Scout-in-charge), Andrew Fabiano, Michael Fabiano, Thomas Larsen, John Newell, Matt Nowell, Preston Reep, Chris Sernas, Nick Venito, Harrison Villamaria, Michael Villamaria and Ryan Villamaria. The Pack and Troop 199 Scouts were led by Meghan Anderson (Adult-in-charge), Paul Fabiano (Scoutmaster), Lori Larsen, Marie Newell, Lisa Nowell, Scott Reep and Eddie Villamaria (Cubmaster).

Troop 1969 scouts were led by Cindy Barckholtz, Assistant Scoutmaster Tim Barckholtz and Kelly Watson and included Daniel Barckholtz and Aiden Watson.

The scouts collecting food at Bishops Market, Kings Supermarket and the Branchburg ShopRite combined to deliver 3,700 pounds of food and over $665 in cash to the Starfish Food Pantry in Whitehouse.

The amount of food collected was an increase of over 270-percent from the 2015 totals. Volunteers from the Starfish Pantry indicated that the volume received would be enough to carry the pantry through at least their next three distribution cycles.

In Clinton, Troop 288 of Annandale, Pack 190 of Clinton and Pack 118 of Clinton covered the Clinton Shoprite. The scouts collected 3,133 pounds of food, representing an uptick in almost 400 pounds over the 2015 collection. The food was dropped off at the Open Cupboard Pantry in Clinton.

The youth from Troop 288 were led by Scoutmaster Chris Neighbor, Barbara Vogel, Todd Zahn, Joe Smith, Mark Sieber, and Andrea Matthews and included Alistair Wilson, Cameron Zahn, Brendan Mahaney, Harrison Sieber, Carter Beswick, Kyle Piekarski, Jason Strauss, Aaron Willsey and Jacob Willsey.

Pack 190 scouts were led by Randy Zahorchak, Sue Ann Robinson, Bryan Slota, Steven Kallesser, Doug Gartrell, Jim Zalasny, Pam Beswick and Douglas Hansen and included Tommy Zahorchak, Roman Carlise, John Robinson, Alex Beswick, Eric Beswick, Ethan Slota, Luke Slota, Shay Corrigan, Douglas Hansen, Jake Zolad, Antonio Kallesser, Elias Wysong, Ron Wysong, Ben Gartrell, Luke Charbonneau, Marshall Nance, Rocco Palestina, Jaxon Garner, John Martoccia, Peter Zawadzki, Evan Giannini, Abraham Roshan, Nicholas Fromosky, Steve Fromosky and Jake Zelasny.

Pack 118 scouts were led by Jeffrey Lutz and included Cameron Lutz, Nick Casalins, Jeff Casalins, Shane Pierson, Liam Kyte, Grayson Kyte and Daniel Tsukroff.

Scouts from Pack 901 of Clinton Township, Troop 200 of Annandale and Troop 121 of Clinton worked together and collected food at the Clinton Walmart and took in 1,758 pounds. The food was also dropped at the Open Cupboard Pantry in Clinton.

The youth from Pack 901 who volunteered were led by Susan Sokolowski, Beth Rogers, Jeff Smith, Sue DaCosta, Davida Sales, Karen Sauers, Janell and Mark Bunger-Spiecha, Tom Haluska, Carol Sondhi, Nicole Couselo, Colin Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Patel. Scouts from Pack 901 included Eric Sokolowski , Lee Rogers, Paul Smith, Mitchell DaCosta, Alexander Sales, Tommy Sauers, Adam Bunger-Spiecha, Nathan Haluska, Sohan Sondhi, Nathan Couselo, Lucio Couselo, Taylor Brown, Deep Patel.  The Scouts received an assist from sibling Nina Couselo.

25K in food collected by scouts in 2015

Scouts from Troop 200 included Luke Marosy and Ethan Lutz. They were led Mike Marosy.

Scouts from Troop 121 included Bobby Weurthner, Collin Keith, Tyler Barry and Cayden Schwierk. The Scouts were led by Paul and Tracy Schwierk as well as Jen and Bob Weurthner.

Pack and Troop 187 of Holland Township covered the Walmart in Phillipsburg. Their scouts were able to collect 1,800 pounds of food for the pantry at the River of Life Church in Phillipsburg, as well as the $50.00 in cash donated received during the collection time. This was more than 1,600 pounds greater than the collection from the same store in 2015.

The participating Cub Scouts included Matthew Feeney, Ashley Wolf, Anthony Napolitano, Lief Tribus, Finn Tribus, Matt Berisha, Jordan Knight, Tanner Brindisi, Colin Kramer, Norbie Hirst, Emilio Gonzalez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lucas Beyers, Scott Hirsch, Carter Gordon, Devin Knispel, Vencentio Tammaro, Darren Kluesner, Owen Francis, Garrett Armenti and Kyle Nungster. Troop 187 Scouts who participated in the event included Armend Berisha, Patrick McCarthy, Michael McCarthy, Ryan Thompson, Logan White, Kyle Kunich, Matthew Diem, John McDowall, Mike Coppola, Brendan Antrosiglio, Chris Stavac, Andy King and Kyle Kunich.

Troop 187 scouts were led by Bev Ganley, John McDowall, Sr., Chris Stavac Sr., Ron King, Joseph McCarthy and Peter Coppola. Elizabeth Tammaro from Girl Scout Troop 80299 in Holland Township also assisted with the collection efforts.

Pack 114 and Troop 112, both of Alexandria Township, provided coverage at the Phillipsburg ShopRite The participating Scouts collected 36 overflowing carts of food and other non-perishables totaling 4,200 from an incredibly generous customer base. These items were combined with the 200 pounds of food obtained by the four donated store cards mentioned above.

The items collected were split between St. Luke's Episcopal Church pantry in Phillipsburg and the food pantry at the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church in Finesville.

The Pack 114 Cub Scouts included Jeremy Werner, Kaden Brightwell, Raphael Scacci, Alex Ader, Evann Perez, Jaden Perez, Griffin Engelhardt, Peyton Dumont, Kyle Sandor, Michael Sandor, Robert McGlothlin, Ryan Strangfeld, Ethan Walker, John Heron, Luke Middings, Tucker Cole, John Metenosky, George Boetsch, Roman Verdicchio, Max Verdicchio, Nicholas Cody, Evan Strochak, Josh Zucker, Ethan Kassai, Colin Kassai, Joey Vehock and Anthony Russo. Attending Pack siblings included Brooke Werner, Lily Kassai, Alexandra Zucker, Alyssa McGlothlin, Amanda Metenosky and Riley Dumont.

Troop 112 scouts included Nathan Saccal, Benjamin Urmston, Joey Kiernan, Mitchell Burns, Kevin Burns, Troy Stagg, Holden Engelhardt, Benjamin Brown, Joe Franzo, Jason Czerna and Tyler Unkert.

The pack and troop were led by Matt Brown, Jim Kiernan, Dan Strochak, Victoria Dumont, Rose Heron, Jeff and Lisa Engelhardt, Jennifer Verdicchio, Tim Burns, Russell Middings, Tara Werner, Nadine Boetsch, Stacey McGlothlin, Chris Kassai, Sheryl Zucker, Mark Cody, Shane Brightwell, Jennie Metenosky, Eric Strangfeld, Rob Ader, Wanda Quinones, Laura Jones, Eric Dyott, Megan Olsen, Ron and Tammy Unkert, Lori Russo and Doug Walker.

In Washington, Pack and Troop 92, both of Lebanon Township, combined efforts with Pack and Troop 191 of Bethlehem Township to cover the Washington ShopRite.

The four units combined to collect more than 400 bags of non-perishables for St. Ann's Food Pantry in Hampton. The estimated total donation to St. Ann's is in excess of 4,050 pounds. This was over a 500 pound increase from the 2015 collection. The units also collected over $800 in cash that will be converted into Shoprite cards and donated to a local pantry as well.

The participating scouts from Pack 92 were led by Darin McDowell and included Brody McDowell, Jack Kornele, Tyler Bower, Krish Chandel, Andrew Seyfarth and Dustin Moke.

The Troop 92 volunteer scouts were Harry Sperduto, Nicholas Sachs, Ryan Bordeau, Nicholas D'Alessio, Christian Meyer, Gabriel Meyer, Andrew Ranallo, Griffin Stasick, James Weber and Tristan Weber. The Troop 92 Scouts were led by John Macdowell, Joe Stanski and Nick Sperduto.

The participating youth from Pack 191 were Ian Oest, Bryan Rooney, David Christie, Aidan Flood, Declan Flood, Connor Johnson, Dylan Merkel, Carter Greene, Parker Droney, Quinn Droney, Jack Brady, Riley Abate, Andrew DeLorenzo and John Morris.

The Pack 191 adults included Charlie Jackson, John Oest, Kevin Rooney, Darek Merkel, Joe Greene, John Morris (AOL Den Leader), Dave DeLorenzo (Tiger Leader), Dave Abate, Jennifer Droney, Tom Brady and Howard Johnson.

The scouts from Troop 191 included Patrick Leamy, Jozef Janosko, Liam Stewart, Aidan Stewart, Timmy Christie, George Williams and Michael Molzen.

The participating adults from Troop 191 included Scoutmaster Bill Leamy, Assistant Scoutmaster Rob Stewart and John Janosko.

The volunteer coordinator at St. Ann's food pantry, Lynn Coates, said she was thrilled with the volume of non-perishable items that were received.

Pack and Troop 192 of Califon went on a stretch assignment to cover the ShopRite in Chester. The two units were able to collect over 1,300 pounds of food that was donated to the North Hunterdon Food Panty in Glen Gardner. The youth who collected from Pack 192 were led Jack Ford, Landon Sacro and Kyle Tansug.

The scouts who collected from Troop 192 included Ryan Firko, Benji Beard, Christian Beard, Patrick Jolly, Tay Tansug, Sean Ford, Will Bell, Matt Bell and Oliver Judd.

Local residents have turned to social media and two websites to protest a planned halfway house on Readington Road.

READINGTON - Local residents have turned to two websites and social media to protest the opening of a halfway house at the site of the former Holly Thorn Bed and Breakfast on Readington Road.

"There is a real concern for the surrounding communities' safety, as well as the operation of a commercial business of this nature in a well-established residential area," according to ReadingtonNoWaypointe.com, a statement that is echoed by numerous hand-made signs on Readington Road that read "No Waypointe Rehab" and "Protect our children."

Waypointe, part of High Focus Centers, provides "outpatient behavioral health and addiction treatment programs in New Jersey," according to its website. Representative from Waypointe and High Focus Centers did not respond to requests for comment.

Mayor Betty Ann Fort said the location is intended to house up to five young men, ages 18-26, with mental health challenges for up to six months of short-term care. Those who stay at Waypointe have to fund the $21,000 monthly cost either through insurance or out of pocket.

Mayor angry after Waypointe cancels meeting

ReadingtonNoWaypointe.com links to an online petition where people, including those from the township and neighboring Branchburg, can discuss the property. Some have argued that the business should not be located in a residential neighborhood. The petition, which has 240 signatures as of Tuesday, has not been presented to the township, Fort said.

Both the petition and website urge area residents to attend the next Readington Township Committee Meeting on Monday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. and speak during the public comment portion.

Fort said the committee is still looking into Waypointe's plan to open the halfway house, but it is not up for formal discussion at the meeting. She said the township will always listen to resident's concerns.

The township has not heard from Waypointe on when it intends to open, Fort said. Waypointe's application to use the commercial property as a private residence was approved by the township's zoning office.

Waypointe was going to hold a public information meeting last week, but cancelled the meeting on advice from its attorney, it was previously reported by NJ Advance Media.

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

Vote for the Somerset County high school spring musical we should photograph.

After weeks of rehearsals, Somerset County's high schools are ready to stage their spring musicals.

We're leaving it up to you to decide which production you would like us to photograph. Cast your vote for one of the schools below and make sure to share this link. Voting ends at 10 a.m. on March 4.

The school with the most votes will be the winner.

Below are the dates and times of the performances:

Bernards High School - "Guys and Dolls," 7 p.m. Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12; 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13

Bound Brook High School - "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24.

Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School - "Pippin," 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14

Franklin Township High School - "Mary Poppins," 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8,  Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 10. 

Hillsborough High School - "Into the Woods," 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, Saturday, March 5, and Saturday, March 12; 1 p.m. Sunday, March 6, and Sunday, March 13.

Manville High School - "The Wedding Singer," 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7, Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9.

North Plainfield High School - "A Chorus Line," 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17, Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19

Somerville High School - "Mary Poppins," 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5; 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5.

Watchung Hills Regional High School - "She Loves Me," 7 p.m. Thursday, March 17, Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19; 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19.

The Bronx resident was flown to University Hospital in Newark via the State Police Medevac Unit.

State Police are investigation a crash that happened on Route 78 westbound early Wednesday morning in Bridgewater. (File photo)

BRIDGEWATER -- A Bronx man was seriously injured when he lost control of his dump truck while traveling west on Interstate 78 and overturned in the center median early Wednesday morning, State Police spokesman Lt. Brian Polite said.

Victor Rodrigues-Estevez, 59, sustained serious arm and facial injuries in the crash and was transported to University Hospital in Newark via the State Police Medevac helicopter, Polite said.

At 5:35 a.m., State Police responded to the westbound side of Interstate 78 westbound at mile marker 32 in on a report of an overturned dump truck. Troopers found the dump truck overturned on its driver's side and Rodrigues-Estevez inside, Polite said.

N.J. woman injured when car overturns

Rodrigues-Estevez was the only person in the dump truck and no other vehicles were involved in the crash, which is still under investigating, he said.

The accident closed the left two westbound lanes for approximately three hours, Polite said.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Somerset County is helping to mark March 15 as National Agriculture Day.

SOMERVILLE - Somerset County Freeholder Director Patricia Walsh and her fellow board members have proclaimed March 15 as National Agriculture Day throughout Somerset County. 

Walsh presented a proclamation to Agriculture Development Board Chairman Mark Kirby at a recent freeholders' meeting, according to a news release.

The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders established the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board in 1983, and charged it with preserving farmland, mediating Right-to-Farm matters, and retaining, sustaining and advancing the industry of agriculture in Somerset County.

The freeholders and the agriculture board stated both recognize the importance of agriculture in Somerset County, and feel strongly that this business contributes substantially to the county's economy, promotes healthier lifestyles through locally-grown foods, and provides societal benefits through agritourism and land preservation, according to the news release.

Teen attends agriculture dinner

The Agriculture Council of America, creators of National Agriculture Day, calls for the celebration of National Agriculture Day annually "to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture" and because it is believed that every American should:

• understand how food and fibers are produced;
• appreciate the role of agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products;
• and, value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

Through its efforts in planning, preservation, education and marketing, the board has advanced these ideals and feels that it is very important for the residents of Somerset County to learn more about agriculture, food production and availability, and agricultural career options.

5 decades of service to 4-H

The board will host an art gallery focusing on agriculture through the years in Somerset County this month at the Gallery at 40 North Bridge St., with the intention of demonstrating the abundance of agriculture and farmland in Somerset County, as well as the many economic and tourism benefits associated with this industry.

The board will also celebrate National Agriculture Day throughout the month of March 2016 by hosting various educational events for the public, in partnership with the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Somerset County Board of Agriculture, the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Division, the Somerset County Library System, the Somerset County Senior Centers, Somerset County municipalities and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County.

Children ages 5 and up are invited to the Bound Brook Memorial Library, located at 402 E. High St., Bound Brook, on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. to celebrate the Garden State's agriculture. The board and the Cultural and Heritage Commission will work with the children to create a work of public art. Freeholder Director Walsh will read exciting farm-related stories.

For more information about this program or to register to participate, call 732-356-0043.

No appointment is required for screenings.

 

WARREN -- Saint Peter's University Hospital's Community Mobile Health Services will be at the Warrenbrook Senior Center on March 9 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. to provide free blood sugar screenings and blood pressure checks.

The screenings are open to Somerset County residents and no appointment is required.

The senior center is located at 500 Warrenville Road in Warren. For more information, call Gwen Chalker at 908-753-9440.

To submit news for the Senior Spotlight column, please 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.

 

The founder of the More Than Me Foundation visited the White House on Wednesday and will be speaking to Girl Scouts on Sunday.

Katie Meyler, founder of the More Than Me Academy in Liberia, met with Krishanti Vignarajah, First Lady Michelle Obama's policy director, Wednesday in Washington D.C., to talk about how her organization fits in with the White House's #LetGirlsLearn initiative.

Meyler, who grew up in Bernardsville, founded the More Than Me Foundation in 2009 to help young girls in Liberia escape a life of sexual abuse and prostitution.

"More Than Me is Liberia's leading education innovator and vocal advocate for girls' empowerment," said Meyler. "We use education to get our girls to connect with their inner power and to act as a catalyst for change.

"Together, we are striving to build a future for all girls in Liberia, to ensure their safety, provide them with the tools they need to thrive, and create future leaders."

2 from N.J. make TIME list

The foundation uses education to push for social change for every girl in Liberia. Meyler is also working with the Liberian government to overhaul the nation's entire educational system.

When the Ebola outbreak occurred in 2014, all of the international staff at the academy were evacuated, but Meyler returned to help the girls and their families. She was named a 2014 TIME Person of the Year for her efforts.

The #LetGirlsLearn program seeks to ensure girls from around the world are given access to education. Currently, the More than Me Academy is running a #voteforliberia fund-raising campaign where four students talk about "what their platforms would be if they were running for President."

N.J. woman returns to Liberia

On Sunday, Meyler will be speaking with girls, including her niece, about education in Liberia at Bernardsville United Methodist Church, 22 Church St., Bernardsville. The talk, hosted by Bedwell Elementary School Girl Scout Troop 60318, is part of the Girl Scouts celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gold Award and marks the start of Women's History Month.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Meyler come and speak with our girls," said Patrica Carroll, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. "Ms. Meyler is an alumnus of ours and is an amazing example of female empowerment and how extraordinary girls can be."

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. "We truly believe the saying, 'You can't be what you can't see,'" said Jennifer Thompson, chief communications officer of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. "We could not be more thrilled to have Ms. Meyler share her work with the girls throughout New Jersey and show them that anything is possible when they harness their power."