Hello!   As I write this column, the election is underway. I want to thank Bernards Township residents Brett Hodges, John Tompkins, and Elizabeth Graner, for giving their time and talent to run for election, and to Bernice “Tina” Jalloh for seeking reelection. Thank you as well to the campaign team for supporting these candidates in their quest for office. Collectively candidates and volunteers have given their all—and I hope that everyone reading this, voted.  Elections at the local level are often decided through a handful of votes.  Every vote matters!

October has been a month of travel and weddings for the Duarte-McCarthy’s including a bucket list trip to Italy and then a wedding (the third this year) of another Ridge High School graduate, class of 2013.  The last wedding for us will be this coming weekend in Wilmington, NC. I share this because the weddings have unfortunately coincided with our Township’s First Responder dinner of October 23, and the Field of Honor on November 2.  These two distinct events are held to recognize and thank those who serve our community and or are veterans of the military branches. I am grateful the Township continues the tradition of showing its gratitude and respect through these programs.

The Township Committee held one meeting in October, this past October 28th. During the meeting, Resolution #2025-0362, celebrating Italian American heritage month was passed and the local UNICO organization, whose mission is to promote Italian heritage and culture, was recognized. Americans of Italian heritage, along with other groups the Township Committee has recognized through resolutions, are part of the rich diversity that makes Bernards Township a wonderful place to live.  This is relevant to me as we approach the nations’ 250th Anniversary and reflect upon the positive impact that immigrants have had upon our country and closer to home, our township. Personally, as a first-generation immigrant, I value the importance of promoting one’s heritage and tradition.  UNICO is a vibrant partner in our community, providing cultural enrichment and opportunities for volunteer service, while welcoming others to be part of the journey. To that end, I wish UNICO continued success in promoting the organization’smission in the years to come.

The Township Committee also approved Resolution #2025-0366, Acknowledgment of Responses to the NJ Division of Local Government Services Best Practices InventoryQuestionnaire.  Municipalities are required to submit this questionnaire to receive the last installment of state aid.  Responses are scored and must meet a minimum threshold of 32. I am pleased to share that Bernards Township received a score of 39.5 from a possible 43.5.  Sean McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer, Bernards Township, shared a summary of the report prior to our approval of the resolution. The report has evolved from primarily focusing on finance practices to a broader consideration of operations and finance. The high score demonstrates that our Township staff implement best practices while focusing on continuous improvement.  A thank you to Mr. McCarthy and the staff who contributed to submitting the report and ensuring state funding.

During October Committeeman David Tancredi and I met with Jessica Paolini, Manager of Economic Development Somerset County and Colleen Mahr, Somerset County Administrator. We learned about Jessica’s role, the resources our township can leverage, along with hearing examples of how communities, such as Hillsborough, are using these resources locally.  Welook forward to continued conversations with Jessica in support of Economic Development.

The following are committee updates for which I serve as liaison.  Melonie Marano, Somerset County Commissioner and Deputy Director, and liaison to the County’s Cultural and Heritage Commission, was a guest at our Wednesday Oct 22 meeting 

250th Anniversary Committee David Becker, chair, shared our progress report for the year, including, among others, the logo contest, the Township Anniversary event on September 20th at Famrstead Arts, and the Committee’s presence at the Mayors Fall Festival, held this past October 4.  Commissioner Marano’s feedback to the group is that Bernards “is really hitting it out of the park on the preparation for the 250th.”   Gearing up for 2026, the 250th Anniversary Committee’s signature program will be a series of events presented from December 10-15 focusing on aspects of General Charles Lee’s capture, it’s impact on the war, and the connection to several prominent citizens of Basking Ridge at the time.  To that end, the Committee has applied for a County History Partnership Program Grant or CHPP grant to fund programming for this event.  As background, the capture of General Charles Lee at Widow White’s Tavern is one of the earliest and most dramatic events to occur in Bernards Township.  The Tavern was located on a site, designated with a sign, that is now South Finley Avenue in downtown Basking Ridge.  I’ll be sharing more about upcoming programming in subsequent issues.

The Environmental Commission and Agricultural Advisory Committee will offer an opportunity to recycle your pumpkins!  In lieu of the annual pumpkin smash, English Farm will provide a pumpkin drop off site from November 8 through the 22 and will compost any “clean” pumpkins that free of paint, sparkles, or any glued-on decorations.   More information on this recycling opportunity will be communicated on the township website and social media.

In support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Bernards Township Police Department in partnership with the Board of Health and Municipal Alliance hosted a collection event on Saturday, Oct. 25, giving residents a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Community members were able to drop off prescription drugs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the police headquarter lobby, located at 1 Collyer Lane in Basking Ridge.  

Municipal Alliance is also pleased to share that the Township is implementing a “recovery friendly community program” utilizing Opioid Settlement funds. Mike Manion has been appointed as the Community Recovery Champion for Bernards Township with CiC (Community in Crisis) for Prevention and Recovery.  Mike will actively engage with residents and stakeholders, including local faith leaders, government, schools, first responders and the town’s Municipal Alliance Coordinators and community law enforcement programs.  These relationships will contribute to the more effective delivery and management of services, ranging from one-on-one recovery coaching, educational workshops and trainings, and providing navigation to treatment and higher levels of care.

Thank you to those who have joined me at Township Committee meetings. Your presence is valued and appreciated. Our next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, November 11, at 7:30pm,Town Hall, 1 Collyer Lane.

You can contact me on Township matters at (201) 306-0178, or via email at amccarthy@bernards.org. Please note that any correspondence sent to me will be visible to the full township committee and county clerk.