November/December 2019 Newsletter
Township Updates
New Newsletter Coming Soon!
Watch for the January newsletter, with a new look, in early January! We're switching providers so please make sure that our email (BHCommunications@bhtwp.com) is added in your contacts, so you continue to receive the newsletters without interruption.
Fall Leaf Collection
As the leaves fall, we know many residents are anxious to find out when exactly their bagged leaves will be picked up. Please check here for the township section-by-section schedule, and adhere to the pickup guidelines. This is for LEAF pickup ONLY; no branches, vines, grass, metal or any other material will be accepted. YOUR LEAVES MUST BE BAGGED, unless you live on a County road.
To find which section your street is on, please go to: http://www.berkeleyheights.gov/sections
?Electronic & Styrofoam Recycling December 7
Electronics and #6 Styrofoam Recycling takes place once again on Saturday, December 7, 9 am-12 noon, at the DPW Garage on Berkeley Avenue (first street on the right off of Park Ave behind Town Hall & the Police Station). Reminder that it’s the first Saturday of every month! This program has now been expanded to allow for collection of “white goods” (appliances) and scrap metal. ONLY the following items are acceptable; all other items will be sent back home with you. Please bring your driver’s license to prove residency.
ONLY ACCEPTABLE ITEMS:
- TVs
- Computers
- Monitors
- Laptops
- Tablets
- E-readers
- Printers
- Copy Machines
- Fax Machines
- TIVOs/DVRs
- Refrigerators
- Stoves
- Washers/dryers
- Other Scrap Metal
Redevelopment Updates- What's Going On Around Town
Berkeley Heights has a number of approved and planned redevelopment and development projects underway. All projects include state-mandated affordable housing to keep the Township in compliance with state-mandated affordable housing requirements. The town website now has a section dedicated to these planned and proposed developments along with the current status of each project. Please note that the information, including the status of any project, is regularly changing. This status is a point-in-time view only, and will continue to be updated.
Municipal Complex
The building has really started taking shape. Though temperatures have been below average, crews are continuing to work as quickly as possible to close the building. For more details, visit the Town website or TapInto.
Berkeley Heights Awarded Share of NJDOT Municipal Local Aid Grant in Amount of $360,000
Berkeley Heights was awarded $360,000 for roadway improvements on Ferndale Drive, Hastings Road, and Greenbriar Drive, which are all interconnecting streets between Briarwood Drive West. Improvements will include installation of handicap accessible ramps and crosswalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as new bicycle safe grates, and Type N inlet head to comply with New Jersey Stormwater regulations and improve safety of the cyclists using the street. For more information, please visit TapInto.
2020 Census
The 2020 Census is underway. Please participate! The census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year and how many seats in Congress each state gets.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed for our Memorial Park, Peppertown Park, Communications, and Grants Committee Please visit the Township website to learn more and to submit your application.
"Happening in the Heights"
Don’t miss the new regular weekly video series, “Happening in the Heights,” to find out what’s going on in town each weekend and in the upcoming weeks. These weekly videos are a team effort between the Communications Committee and our Township Business Administrator, Liza Viana. The two work together to make sure residents can easily find out about important Township updates and all the great community events going on in town each week.
New videos are posted on Thursday nights on the Township Facebook page as well as on the Township YouTube Channel. You can subscribe to the YouTube channel to make sure you don’t miss any episodes. The features are a few minutes long, and highlight fun community events that you won’t want to miss.
Have an event you would like to feature? Please email the Communications Committee (BHCommunications@bhtwp.com) to let us know. Featured events need to be open to the public, and should be supporting local, non-profit organizations.
Recycling Schedule
REMINDER: The Township is now divided into two sections for recycling pickup. Snyder Avenue/Horseshoe Road is the dividing line between the East and West sides of Berkeley Heights.
Pickup will occur every other Wednesday for streets East of Snyder Ave (toward Summit) and every other Thursday for streets West of Snyder Avenue (toward Warren). Both sides of Snyder and Horseshoe will be picked up on Wednesdays.
Full 2019 schedule with East & West dates is online.
Specific questions can be sent directly to Giordano at (service@gogreengiordano.com or call 800-216-2250) for the most up-to-date information. Read a summary of Recycling "Do's and Don'ts".
December 2019 Recycling Dates:
- EAST: December 11, 26
- WEST: December 12, 27
Township Council Meeting Schedule
Township Council meetings take place at Town Hall (29 Park Avenue) at 7 pm.
Upcoming Township Council meetings:
Upcoming Planning Board meetings:
Committee & Board Updates
Berkeley Heights Communication Committee
@BerkeleyHeightsGov is now on Instagram! In order to connect with residents in more ways, we’ve now launched the Berkeley Heights Instagram account. The Berkeley Heights Communications Committee will post the latest on town news, services, events and more! Follow us @berkeleyheightsgov!
Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission
Want to Remove a Tree? You Need a Permit!
If for anyone wants to remove a deciduous tree over 8 inches in diameter or an evergreen tree over 6 feet tall from a property or right of way, the Township ordinance requires they apply for a permit. The tree ordinance applies to all properties in the township regardless of where the tree is located: commercial property, private residences, and school properties. Any person violating or causing to be violated any of the provisions this chapter shall be subject to a fine.
Confused about recycling? You’re not alone
The US recycling industry is going through some very disruptive changes. In the past, much of our household recycling has gone to China, but recently China has drastically reduced the amount of recycling waste that it takes from the US. This has caused the prices of recyclables to fall, and the costs to have our recyclables taken away to sky-rocket. #1 and #2 plastics are the only plastics accepted now in Berkeley Heights since there is no market for #3 to #7 plastics. Visit the Recycling page on the Township website for more information; read the full story in Sierra Club magazine. And remember these important tips for effective recycling:
- Keep your recycling dry, especially the mixed paper and cardboard – cover your recycling bin if it is raining.
- Keep plastic bags out of the recycling – they clog the sorting equipment.
- Rinse all food remains out of containers before recycling – food remains can cause a whole load of recyclables to be trashed.
Berkeley Heights Communication Committee
Berkeley Heights received the “Best Visual Media” award, statewide recognition for Township Communications, in the Annual Municipal Public Information Contest, sponsored by Rutgers Center for Government Services (CGS), the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and the New Jersey Municipal Management Association. The award was presented on November 19 at the Annual New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. Learn more about the award at TapInto.
Berkeley Heights Downtown Beautification Committee
Buy Local: The DBC is working to connect local businesses with free social media publicity videos via @buylocalNJ . It’s a simple and direct way to show support and share awareness of our small businesses. Ahead of Small Business Saturday, short videos featuring J. Michael Jewelers and Anything Floral have posted. Take a moment and watch!
Bright Nights in Berkeley Heights: The DBC is again encouraging our downtown businesses to help create ‘Bright Nights in Berkeley Heights’ by decorating their facades with warm white lights and big red bows. This creates a consistent and welcoming feel during the darker winter months. Last year, our businesses did a great job and we’re hoping for the same this year.
BH merch: Our wood sign and car magnet fundraisers continue. One of these 1809 signs (signifying the year our town was founded) would look wonderful on your mantle or foyer table this holiday season. And both items make great gifts! You may purchase them at Berkeley Hardware or at Santa's visit to Town Hall on December 7, 2019 from 10 am to 1 pm. All proceeds support DBC programs such as downtown street banners, trash and recycling receptacles, and planting baskets.
BH Walks hosts Cub Scouts: This month, the DBC’s Christin Babic led a walk that combined learning about pedestrian safety and town history with litter cleanup. This walk included a stop at Veterans Memorial Park, where adults and Cub Scouts recited the Pledge of Allegiance and learned more about it. Councilmembers Kingsley and Couto shed some light on the progress of the new municipal complex. Berkeley Heights Police Department answered questions and reminded Scouts of how to call for help in an emergency.
Gift cards awarded to Restaurant Week winners: In October, three lucky participants in Berkeley Heights' third annual Restaurant Week won gift cards to the local restaurants of their choice. The first-place winner of the $100 gift card, Michael Kral, visited 24 participating establishments and hit every category multiple times: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, takeout, and wine and liquor! Two other winners, Marilyn Laing and Kara Nohilly, were among the dozens of entrants who qualified for the drawing by getting at least two stamps on their dining passports. Both Marilyn and Kara received $50 gift certificates. DBC thanks the whole community for their ongoing enthusiastic support of and participation in Restaurant Week.
Community Updates & Events
Winter Walk December 7
The fifth annual Berkeley Heights Winter Walk will be on Saturday, December 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. with the Berkeley Heights Recreation Special Events tree lighting and fireworks show immediately following. More information is available on the Winter Walk website and in TapInto.
Santa & his Elves Annual Town Hall Visit December 7
We will be ringing in the season with Santa visiting Town Hall between 10am - 1pm. Bring the kids to meet, talk with and even have their photo taken with Santa! Don't forget to have the children write their letters to Santa for drop off that day!! Santa's mailbox will be outside the front doors of the Police Department. Please remember to put your RETURN ADDRESS in the letter so Santa can respond! Details available on the Town website.
Breakfast with Santa December 14
The Berkeley Heights YMCA is hosting Breakfast with Santa at 8:30am and 10am (2 seatings). Attendees can take a photo with Santa and enjoy a light breakfast and craft. The cost is $10 per family for members or $20 per family for non-members. Register online by December 7 to reserve your spot as limited seating is available!
Menorah Lighting Ceremony December 29
Join us for the Menorah lighting at Peppertown Park on Sunday, December 29 from 6pm to 7pm.
Berkeley Heights Education Association
The BHEA contract is settled. For more information, read the details in TapInto BerkeleyHeights.
Senior Club Update (Ages 55+)
Christmas Party The Seniors are planning their Christmas party at the Primavera Regency in Stirling on December 11 beginning at noon. Complete dinner costs $44.00 for members and $49.00 non-members. Contact Joan Luciano by Dec. 3 at 908-665-9604 for reservations. These parties are a blast. Check out photos from the annual Halloween party here.
Club Activities Please join the "Seniors" at their weekly meetings - Tuesdays at 10:30am at Mount Carmel (56 River Road). All welcome, working or retired. Everyone 55 and over is invited and encouraged to attend our meetings, 2020 trips and loads of parties.
Berkeley Heights has a 22-passenger senior bus equipped with a wheelchair lift. Three days a week it picks up seniors who want to run errands along Springfield Avenue or attend Senior Club meetings and other social events run by the Senior Club each month. Here is the link to where you can find the online schedule. For information on senior activities, trips or clubs, please contact Joan Luciano at 908.665.9604 or email grandmaluciano@gmail.com.
Women's Club of Berkeley Heights
In December, the club will be collecting new unwrapped toys for St. Joseph’s Social Services in Elizabeth. Drop off is at Chris Bjornstad’s home, 16 Harrison Drive.
On January 21, the club will hold a meeting at the Berkeley Heights Y at noon. We will write cards to be distributed to Veterans at the Lyons Veterans Hospital in Basking Ridge for Valentines Day. All are welcome to join us. We are also collecting white tube socks, sudoku, word search, and crossword puzzle books to go with the cards. Drop off is at Phyllis McEnroe’s home, 112 Windsor Way.
Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad
The Rescue Squad always needs volunteers, both medical and auxiliary! Come to the Rescue Squad's new "Meet &Greet - Open House" every Tuesday from 7-9pm. Come meet our members, learn more about us and what it takes to join the Squad. Free refreshments and ambulance tours, too - bring the family! For additional information, visit their website or call (908) 464-0013.
Vaping and Your Kids
The Rescue Squad will be having a lecturer, Melissa Tasse, PhD, CEO and Founder of The Honey Bee Foundation, present 'Vaping and Your Kids' on Tuesday, Dec 3, 7:30pm at the Rescue Squad. All are welcome. Dr. Tasse is a neuropharmacologist dedicated to educating parents about substance use disorders, the developing adolescent brain and its vulnerability to developing substance use disorder, and what parents can do to prevent or intervene early.
Holiday Vendor Fair
Don't miss the 2nd Annual Holiday Vendor Fair benefitting the BH Volunteer Rescue Squad! Thurs, Dec 5 at 6:30pm. Vendors include Beauty Counter, Color Street Nails, Custom Creations, Linda’s Creative Gifts, Mary Kay, Thirty-One Bags, Tori Belle Cosmetics, Touchstone Swarovski Jewelry, Whimsical Handy Crafts and FEATURING Leah’s Lemonade! Full scoop is here!
Berkeley Heights Library Foundation
The Berkeley Heights Public Library Foundation is looking for volunteers! We're planning several events over the next few months to raise money for the new library and we'd love your help. Our next meeting will take place on Monday, January 27th at 7pm in Town Hall. Please visit our website at www.bhlibraryfoundation.org for more information on how to get involved or to make a donation. Thank you!
GL Highlander Booster Club - Fantastic Friday/Super Saturday - January 3/4, 2020
Save the date for the annual Booster Club Fantastic Friday/Super Saturday event! Always a great time for kids and their parents to cheer on our athletes and support their teams! Get your GL gear ready to wear and watch for details coming soon!
Berkeley Heights Public Library
The Berkeley Heights Public Library Foundation is looking for volunteers! We're planning several events over the next few months to raise money for the new library and we'd love your help. Our next meeting will take place on Monday, January 27th at 7pm in Town Hall. Please visit our website at www.bhlibraryfoundation.org for more information on how to get involved or to make a donation. Thank you!
December Events
- Morning Book Group: Beartown by Fredrik Backman
- Friday, December 6 at 10:30 am
- Evening Book Group: The Library Book by Susan Orlean
- Tuesday, December 10 at 7:30 pm
Berkeley Heights Public Schools
Berkeley Heights Public School District is known for its academic excellence and dedication to student success. The time has come when educational investments and building upgrades are needed to maintain our first-rate standing as a top-tier school district. We are requesting the community’s input regarding the scope of the referendum and the projects that will be included. Please read about this strategic initiative and then indicate a priority level for the projects, ranging from 5, highest priority, to 1, lowest priority. Thanks in advance for your participation.
Take the Survey
Berkeley Heights PTO
Join our Box Tops School Competition for Berkeley Heights Elementary Schools
Box Tops for Education has gone digital! Help raise money for our schools by downloading the new Box Tops mobile app and selecting the Berkeley Heights elementary school that is closest to your heart (or home). It's simple, just scan your receipt when you purchase a Box Tops product and submit it! Each product purchased earns 10 cents for our schools plus extra bonus opportunities. Starting now through May 31st, 2020, we will be holding a friendly competition among the three elementary schools to see who can raise the most scanned earnings using the new Box Tops mobile app. The students at the school that earns the most money from the Box Tops app will win a fun prize! “Like” our page on Facebook www.facebook.com/BoxTops4BH for helpful hints to make earning money for our schools easier! We also have posted a tutorial of how to use the new Box Tops app in a YouTube video.
Berkeley Heights PTO's Combined Adult Social Fundraiser April 24th, 2020
Save the Date! The Berkeley Heights PTO's from Mary Kay McMillin, Mountain Park, Thomas P. Hughes, and William Woodruff schools in conjunction with the Berkeley Heights District PTO are excited to announce their 2nd annual combined fundraiser to be held on Friday April 24th, 2020.
Parents from the three elementary schools and the Early Childhood center, as well as alumni parents are all welcome to attend. It will be a great time to socialize with old friends and meet new ones too! The fundraiser will include food, drinks, music and dancing! A basket raffle, 50/50 cash prize and a silent auction will be featured at the event. All funds raised will benefit the participating schools. More details to follow soon! Mark your calendars for another fun and exciting event!