Hillsborough Kids Pack Gift Bags To Benefit Local Shelters

Local children prepare and deliver sandwiches for homeless families

Last month, children of various ages prepared sandwiches and gift bags to be delivered to a local family shelter and domestic violence shelter as part of an annual community service event hosted by Jack and Jill of America, Inc’s Central New Jersey Chapter, the oldest and largest African-American family organization in the United States. The youngsters met at the Hillsborough Municipal Complex to prepare sandwiches and assemble gift bags filled with personal hygiene products, donated by Johnson and Johnson. The items were then delivered by the teen group to the Agape House family shelter (Volunteers of America) in Somerville NJ and Women’s Space of Mercer County. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was founded in January 1938, in Philadelphia, …

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Mary Pat Christie Honors Operation Shoebox NJ

New Jersey First Lady names Operation Shoebox NJ founder a New Jersey Hero.

For Rod Hirsch, helping the troops began in 1969, with an Eagle Scout project that had him sending care packs to friends in Vietnam. Years later, he’s still helping the military heroes via Operation Shoebox New Jersey, the charity he created in 2005—and his commitment had Mary Pat Christie, First Lady of New Jersey, recognizing him as one of New Jersey’s home-grown heroes. The First Lady presented Hirsch with the honor during a visit to Operation Shoebox’s Hillsborough headquarters Thursday, greeting the charity’s volunteer staff, family and packing several care packs that will be sent to the troops. “It is all about the volunteers,” Christie said. “It takes an army, so to speak, but it also takes a leader. It takes somebody with a will …

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Operation Shoebox Hosts Packing Day for Troops

Operation Shoebox anticipates several hundred volunteers at Saturday packing event, held at Hillsborough Elementary School.

Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey staff pack gift boxes and send Christmas greetings to U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan at Hillsborough Elementary School on Saturday, Dec. 3.  The packing is being held in conjunction with members of the Hillsborough Rotary with volunteer registration beginning at 10 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. A light lunch will be provided by the Pheasant’s Landing restaurant . The school is located at the corner of Amwell Road and Route 206 north. Operation Shoebox New Jersey  anticipates several hundred volunteers, including the employees from 12 Cheesecake Factory restaurants in New Jersey and New York and students from Burlington County Community College as …

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Scout Troop Brings Drug Prevention Lesson to School

Webelos in Boy Scout Troop 1776 brought lessons learned while earning a badge to their elementary school

The desire to earn a Red-Ribbon week patch from the Drug Enforcement Administration had Boy Scout Troop 1776 bringing their experiences back to their elementary school. The 12 Webelos presented a Red-Ribbon week quilt to Woodfern School Principal Jay Majka, which now hangs in the school library. Each scout created a square on the quilt with an anti-drug message, and also read the DEA’s drug pledge to all students during the school’s morning announcements. “It is wonderful to see Woodfern students taking the initiative to educate their peers and their community on the topic of Red Ribbon Week’s drug-free message,” Minda Maggio, Coordinator of the Hillsborough Township Public Schools Life Skills Program, said via release. “Peer-to-peer …

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Local Blood Drive Helps Replenish Depleted Stocks

Many drives were cancelled as a precaution before Hurricane Irene hit. As a result, blood stocks are a lower level than normal.

Hurricane Irene has left blood supplies in the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia regions in need of help—and Hillsborough residents can donate at a Thursday blood drive hosted by Hillsborough Boy Scout Troop 1776. The Silvano G. Zobele Memorial Blood Drive is set for 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Neshanic Reformed Church at 715 Amwell Road. The annual drive, which was scheduled prior to the hurricane’s strike, will help replenish stocks at local blood banks and hospitals. Those interested in donating should consider scheduling an appointment for the Thursday drive by calling Judy Zobele at 908-369-5505. Walk-ins are also welcome, however, it’s recommended that those without appointments come to the drive early. Officials with the …

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Meryl Bisberg

12:23 pm on Monday, September 12, 2011

Thanks to everyone who donated blood in the wake of Hurricane Irene. It was greatly needed in our area. Thanks also go out to our wonderful local supporters; Hillsborough Cinemas donated 25 free movie passes, Super Sundaes donated 25 coupons for a free Soft Serve Sundae and Just Subs provided a delicious four foot Sub. In all we saw 51 potential donors and collected 41 units. If you are eligible …   more ›

On The Town

Baker’s Treat: Much More than a Bakery

New Hillsborough store featuring homemade sweet and savory treats continues to fulfill its founders’ mission

Don’t let its name mislead you – Baker’s Treat is much more than a bakery. The store, which recently opened at the corner of Amwell Road and Route 206, is, indeed, a bake shop, but it is also a savory shop with hot and cold sandwiches, soups, quiches, salads, etc., a catering operation – and a business with a mission. Baker’s Treat was started by Nancy and Stanley Baron in Flemington’s Turntable Junction in 1999. Its mission was to aid women recovering from substance abuse by offering training in employable skills, everyday life skills and social responsibility, with 100 percent of the profits benefiting women in recovery from substance abuse. Over the years, the company has grown. The Flemington store moved to a larger site on Route 12, …

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Eileen Oldfield

10:35 pm on Sunday, May 15, 2011

Hi All, As you'll notice, comments on this article have been deleted, and subsequently closed. Reiterating something that's been said numerous times on Patch stories: we appreciate discussion and debate. However, name calling, personal attacks and instigating either one are not—those types of comments will be deleted. And, if it gets far enough out of hand, comments on the article will be closed…   more ›

Rotary Club Promoting Peace Through Youth Exchange Programs

Offers short- and long-term exchange programs and a customized short-term program with sister Rotary district in Japan.

In this season of good will, the Rotary Club is trying to encourage long-term peace through its youth cultural exchange programs. As Rotary Club Program Director Avi Tilak explains, "A whole lot of world problems would be solved if we realized people from other countries are just like us." Rotary District 7470, which encompasses Sussex, Warren, Morris, Essex and Somerset counties, is now accepting applications for its youth exchange programs. The district offers both short, three-week summer programs and a long-term school year program. In addition, through a relationship established with the Rotary District 2670 in Shikoku, Japan, a customized program, the Ross Redmond Short-Term Youth Exchange, is available to northern New Jersey youth. …

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