East Windsor Township’s Annual Re-organizational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at 7:30 pm in the East Windsor Township Senior Center, 40 Lanning Boulevard. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.

East Windsor Township/Hightstown Borough New Year’s Food Drive will be held between January 1, 2007 and January 31, 2007. The Township, in conjunction with Hightstown Borough, is conducting this food drive to benefit the food pantry at the Community Action Service Center and the Green House Food Pantry at St. Anthony’s, area based organizations that provide assistance to local individuals and families. The Township is asking area residents and businesses to donate non-perishable food items at the East Windsor Township and Hightstown Municipal Buildings or at East Windsor Township Police Headquarters. Food donations can also be made at the East Windsor District II Rescue Building.

Safe Routes to Schools Grant Application has been filed by the Township with the NJ Department of Transportation. The Township is seeking $549,712.00 for the installation of new sidewalks along public roadways in areas where sidewalks currently do not exist. Also proposed are traffic calming devices such as enchancements to signage for school zone crosswalks and the installation of solar powered lighted speed limit signs at the Perry L. Drew Elementary School, Ethel McKnight Elementary School and the Kreps Middle School.

Dunkin’ Donuts recently opened at a new location on Route 130 just north of Route 571 (Princeton-Hightstown Road). The location was formerly occupied by Donatos Pizza. The building interior was completely renovated to accommodate the new Dunkin’ Donuts which relocated from its previous location on Route 571 just west of Route 130. The new location features a drive thru.

My Furniture, a new furniture store, recently opened in the Town Center Plaza Shopping Center on Route 130 North at Town Center Road. The new store, which will carry a complete line of household furniture, will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A grand opening is planned for January.

East Windsor Farmers Market, a green grocer specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables, is currently under construction and will occupy the 10,000 square foot space in the East Windsor Towne Center Shopping Center formerly occupied by CVS, which moved to a new freestanding building in the same center.

Clustering Provisions in the Township Zoning Ordinances were amended by the Mayor and Council to clarify the intent that clustering not result in a greater number of residential units than could be constructed under the underlying zone taking into account all regulations and all development constraints such as wetlands and floodplains. The amended cluster provisions are to apply uniformly to residential zones and further provide that this option can be used at the sole discretion of the Township. As a concept, clustering allows for construction of smaller size lots so as to preserve larger areas of open space.

New Jersey Turnpike Widening Project from Interchange 6 to 9was the subject of a public information session conducted in East Windsor by the NJ Turnpike Authority in December. The Project would result in a 12 lane (6 in each direction) dual car-truck roadway, from the existing 3 lanes in each direction configuration in the area of the East Windsor Exit 8. The Project would provide a new 12 toll plaza, increased from the current 5. The NJ Turnpike Authority also is proposing to relocate Interchange 8 toll plaza to the east of the Turnpike and is continuing to study a number of alternatives. Future public sessions are to be scheduled by the NJ Turnpike Authority.

Recreation Department is Selling Tickets to See Disney on Ice at Sovereign Bank Arena on January 31, 2007 and the Harlem Globetrotters on March 10, 2007. Tickets are $15 for each event. Family Ski Trips to Shawnee on February 10, 2007 and to Blue Mountain on March 3, 2007 are also being sponsored. Contact the Recreation Office (609-443-4000 ext. 261) for details and ticket reservations.

Volunteers for Appointment to Various Township Board and Committees are always invited to apply. The Mayor and Council make appointments at the January reorganization meeting and throughout the year. Volunteer boards include the Clean Communities Advisory Committee, Commission on Aging, East Windsor Municipal Utilities Authority, Economic Development Committee, Health Advisory Board, Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, Planning Board, Recreation Commission, Transportation Advisory Committee, and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Residents interested can obtain an application form from the Municipal Clerk or from the Township website at www.east-windsor.nj.us or send a letter of interest and a resume or information about your background to Mayor Janice S. Mironov & Township Council, East Windsor Township Municipal Building, 16 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor, N.J. 08520 or fax to 443-8303.

East Windsor Township’s Annual Re-organizational Meeting was held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in the East Windsor Township Senior Center. Janice S. Mironov was sworn in again as Mayor, and Walter T. Daniels, Jr. will continue as Deputy Mayor.

Mayor and Council Urged State Officials to Act Now on Property Tax Reform as the first order of regular Township Council business for 2007. The Mayor and Council have strongly advocated for years that New Jersey’s property tax system is broken and badly in need of fundamental change and reform. While they strongly believe that every child is entitled to the opportunity to a quality education, school aid formulas require serious overhaul so as to be allocated on a more rational and equitable basis with strict accountability for expenditures and academic performance. Additionally, State officials must take ambitious steps to cut ever-escalating government costs in many ways including: providing incentives to encourage consolidation and service sharing; reduce costly unfunded State mandates; change State aid distribution to encourage efficient local governments; return funds rightfully belonging to local governments; provide leadership in funding pension and health care benefits; and ensure effective oversight of school building construction. Residents can visit the website at www.east-windsor.nj.us <http://www.east-windsor.nj.us/ > to sign the Township petition to State officials.

121 Acres of Open Space along Etra Road, just south of Disbrow Hill Road was acquired by the Township in January. This property, located across from Etra Lake Park, is the largest single parcel ever acquired by the Township for open space preservation. The parcel, which consists of woodlands along the Rocky Brook and farmland, was acquired for $1,675,000. The purchase was made using a State Green Acres grant of $875,000 and a Mercer County grant of $262,500. The remaining funds came from a low 1.065 percent interest loan from the State Environmental Infrastructure Trust which will be repaid from developer funds in Township accounts earning 4.8 percent interest. No local tax dollars were used to acquire this property.

East Windsor Township/Hightstown Borough New Year’s Food Drive Entering Final Days. The Township, in conjunction with Hightstown Borough, is conducting this food drive to benefit the food pantry at the Community Action Service Center and the Green House Food Pantry at St. Anthony’s, area based organizations that provide assistance to local individuals and families. The Township is asking area residents and businesses to donate non-perishable food items, which can be left at the East Windsor Township and Hightstown Municipal Buildings, or the East Windsor Township Police Building or at the East Windsor Rescue Squad, District II building on Twin Rivers Drive through January 31, 2007.

Native Tree Guide: Etra Lake Park & Arboretum is the title of a new 32-page booklet recently published by the Township, using a State environmental grant. The booklet features descriptions of 27 native trees found at the Etra Lake Park entrance and in the Park’s arboretum, accompanied by color photographs of trees, tree leaves, and characteristic tree bark and fruit. The booklet, which was designed by the Township’s Environmental Commission, will be distributed to 7th and 8th grade students at the Kreps Middle School. Copies are also available to the public at the Municipal Building.

An Ordinance Governing the Preservation, Protection, Maintenance and Removal of Trees was introduced by the Mayor and Council. The ordinance is designed to prevent the indiscriminate clearing of trees from vacant land by developers prior to applying for development permits. Property less than one acre in size is exempt from provisions of the ordinance, provided no more than three trees per year are removed. Nurseries, garden centers and working farms also are exempt. The Ordinance does not apply to new trees less than five inches in diameter. The ordinance will be considered for final passage after public hearing on March 6, 2007.

Township Announces 2007 Adopt-A-Spot Program in which community and school groups are invited to participate by “adopting” a public property to keep clean for the year. The program provides that the group perform three cleanups per year from April to November 1 and participate in a Township cleanup date. Groups interested should send a letter by March 17 to the East Windsor Clean Communities Committee, Attention: Mayor Janice S. Mironov, 16 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor, New Jersey 08520.

Body Armor Replacement Fund Grant in the amount of $4,685.71 was received from the Division of Criminal Justice in the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety for replacement of body vests used by Township police officers. The Body Armor Replacement Fund is funded through a $1 surcharge on each fine, penalty or forfeiture imposed and collected by a judge for any violation of motor vehicle laws in the State of New Jersey. The Township also received $4,533.28 from the United States Department of Justice for replacement of body armor vests in late 2006.

East Windsor’s Health Department Still Has Flu Vaccine Available. Residents interested in receiving a flu shot can contact the East Windsor Health Department at 443-4000 ext. 222 to schedule an appointment. Flu season typically peaks in New Jersey in February, so it is still not too late to become immunized.

The Recreation Department Still Has Tickets for the January 31 Show of Disney on Ice at Sovereign Bank Arena. Show time is 7:00 pm and the cost is $15 per ticket. Contact the office at 443-4000 ext 225 for further information.

Abbington Drive Resurfacing engineering contract was awarded by the Mayor and Council at the February 6 Council meeting. The Township was awarded a $232,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation Municipal Aid Program toward these improvements. The project involves reconstruction and resurfacing of the entire length of Abbington Drive between Lake Drive and Twin Rivers Drive. Curb replacement and handicapped ramps will be provided as required. The Township expects to begin this project in early summer of this year.

Developer Agreement for McGraw-Hill Data Center was approved by Mayor and Council. McGraw-Hill Company is investing over $100 million to construct a new state-of-the-art data center in 180,000 square feet of vacant space in an existing building on its south campus on Princeton Hightstown Road. The new data center will provide support for much of the Company’s global operations. McGraw-Hill, East Windsor’s largest employer and a major operations center for the Company for almost 50 years, employs about 1000 people in approximately 900,000 square feet of facilities.

Brooklyn Bagels is opening in the Twin Rivers Shopping Center the weekend of February 17-18. This new store will of course specialize in selling bagels, either to go or for eat-in. Bagel sandwiches, salads, and cold cuts will be offered.

Farm Lease with New Sun Sang Farm, Inc. of Englishtown was approved at the February 6 meeting by the Mayor and Council. The lease is for a portion of the 121 acre open space property on Etra Road just south of Disbrow Hill Road, which was acquired in January. The three year lease will enable the current farmer to continue to grow Asian vegetables on about 29 acres of the property. The Township often leases open space land not currently needed for municipal purposes to area farmers. Leases provide a small amount of revenue to the municipality while also ensuring that the property will be maintained. The Township also retains the right to terminate the lease if it desires to use the property.

East Windsor Clean Communities 2007 Adopt-A-Spot Program is soliciting participation. Community and school groups are invited to participate by “adopting” a public property to keep clean for the year. The group is expected to perform three cleanups per month from April to November 1, along with participation in a Township cleanup day. Interested groups should send a letter by March 17 to East Windsor Clean Communities Committee, Attention: Mayor Janice S. Mironov, 16 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor, New Jersey 08520.

Township Police Youth Academy first held in 2003 will continue for 2007, with the endorsement vote of the Mayor and Council at the February 6 meeting. The program is run by the Township Police Department, under the leadership of Chief of Police William W. Spain. The week-long youth academy, open to approximately 25 7th graders, is held at the Police Department Building on One Mile Road during the summer. Watch for further details and registration procedures.

National Night Out In East Windsor will be held again this summer the first Tuesday in August, which is August 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Township Police Building. This event is a fun opportunity to come out and meet local officials and police, and learn from the many booths, activities, games and equipment. Put it on your calendars now.

East Windsor Recreation Department Summer Camp Registrationwill begin on Monday, March 5. A variety of recreational day and travel camps are offered for students entering grades K-10. Registration forms will be distributed through the local schools and available at the Recreation Office, local libraries or online at www.east-windsor.nj.us, just click on Recreation then click Summer Camps. For additional information contact 443-4000 ext. 225.

2006 Property Tax Reimbursement Applications should be in the mail from the State of New Jersey Department of Taxation for all eligible senior citizens in mid to late February 2007. If you are a first time applicant and do not receive an application in the mail or if you have any questions about the program, you can contact the Tax Collector at 443-4000 ext. 230.

Flu Vaccine From East Windsor Health Department remains available. Residents interested in receiving a flu shot can contact the Health Department at 443-4000 ext. 222 to schedule an appointment. Flu season typically peaks in New Jersey in February, so it is still not too late to become immunized.

A Gun Safety Program is being sponsored by East Windsor by which gun locks will be distributed free of charge to any East Windsor resident. The program will commence March 1 and will run through the end of March. Township residents can obtain free safety locks at the Township’s police building located at 80 One Mile Road, by contacting Detective Brad Petagno at 448-5678, ext. 239. Gun locks are available to the Township at no cost, through Project Child Safe. Project Child Safe is the nation’s largest firearms safety program, and is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Brooklyn Bagels & Deli opened the weekend of February 17 - 18 in the Twin Rivers Shopping Center. The eatery, which opens daily at 5 a.m., specializes in bagels to eat in or take out. Bagel sandwiches, salads, and cold cuts are available.

A New 10.2 Acre Property off of Old Cranbury Road for Open Space is being jointly acquired by Mercer County and East Windsor Township. The Township Council approved a Contract of Sale on February 20 to acquire this property. The acquisition will remove the threat of residential development through a subdivision application filed with the Township Planning Board in 2005. East Windsor and Mercer County will co-own the property. The County will pay the entire $500,000 purchase price and the Township will manage the property.

Green Acres Grants of $500,000 to East Windsor Township are now available for open space acquisition as a result of action by the State Legislature and Governor. The Governor has signed legislation which appropriates $8.1 million for open space acquisition by local governments and $8.3 by non-profit organizations. Specifically included in this legislation was a $300,000 Green Acres grant for East Windsor and a $200,000 grant for East Windsor Green Space, Inc., a non-profit created to partner with the Township to preserve open space; the funds had been approved by the Garden State Preservation Trust. These grants will enable East Windsor to continue an aggressive program of open space acquisition.

A Grant Application to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for funds to study the intersection of Princeton-Hightstown Road, Old Trenton Road and Millstone Road to improve traffic flow and increase safety has been submitted by the Township. Traffic circulation at Millstone Road, affected by its proximity to the busy intersection of Old Trenton Road and Princeton-Hightstown Road, would be studied to identify a feasible design for roadway improvements. Old Trenton Road has several major business facilities including Windsor Corporate Park and the East Windsor Medical Commons.

A Smart Growth Planning Grant Application will be filed by East Windsor with the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) to prepare a new bicycle/pedestrian master plan for the Township. East Windsor was awarded a $4,000 grant under this program last year to study zoning regulations to enhance local efforts to preserve open space and farmland. If approved, this grant would provide funds to revise and update the Township’s Bikeway/Pedestrian Plan, which is a component of the Township's Master Plan, and often used for planning or to support grant applications.

A Recycling Poster Contest for Elementary School Students is being sponsored by the Township Clean Communities Committee to focus on Earth Day. The Theme of the poster is to promote any or all of the “4 R’s” of the Township Recycling Program Logo, which are RECYCLE, REUSE, REDUCE, and REBUY. Posters must be left by Friday, March 30 at the student’s School Administrative Office or the East Windsor Municipal Building Mayor’s Office. For further information, call 443-4000 ext. 240.

Household Chemical and Electronic Disposal Waste Day, sponsored by the Mercer County Improvement Authority, will be held on Saturday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John T. Dempster Fire School, Bakers Basin/Lawrence Station Road in Lawrence Township. No registration is required, just proof of Mercer County residency. The program will be held rain or shine. For more information, call 278-8086 or visit www.mcia-nj.com.

The Exit 8A Park & Ride Opened a Major Parking Lot Addition for commuters to New York City. The Park & Ride lot, located at the intersection of Route 130 and Route 32 in Cranbury and serviced by Academy and Suburban Transit buses, added 412 parking spaces. Monthly permits and bus tickets are available for purchase at the park & lot from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays on a “first come, first serve” basis.

An Einstein's Alley Road Sign has been unveiled on Princeton-Hightstown Road in front of the pharmaceutical research facility of Phyton Biotech, a world leader in the use of technology using plant cell cultures to provide high value medicine ingredients including for the treatment of cancer. The blue and white sign featuring an atom graphic is designed to highlight East Windsor as a member of Einstein's Alley and the Township Route 571 corridor in particular as an ideal location for high tech businesses to locate and prosper.

Interlocal Agreement with Hamilton Township for Health Officer Services was approved in March by the Mayor and Council. The Agreement enables East Windsor Township and Hamilton to use a single Health Officer, a state mandated position for towns, providing a cost savings and efficiency to both municipalities.

Interlocal Agreement with Hightstown for Senior Services was approved by the Mayor and Council in March. Hightstown Borough will pay an annual fee of $25,928.60 to East Windsor for senior services. The agreement enables Hightstown senior citizens to use all of the services and programs offered by East Windsor Township through the Senior Center.

An Ordinance Governing the Preservation, Protection, Maintenance and Removal of Trees was adopted by the Mayor and Council in March. The Ordinance is designed to prevent the indiscriminate clearing of trees from vacant land by developers prior to applying for development approval. Property less than one acre in size is exempt from provisions of the regulation, provided no more than three trees per year are removed. Nurseries, garden centers and working farms also are exempt. The Ordinance does not apply to new trees less than five inches in diameter.

Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Awarded a $54,450 Grant under the FY2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grant application prepared and submitted by past Chief Anthony Katawick, will be used to purchase and install a vehicle exhaust removal system in the Company’s facility on One Mile Road. This system will capture 100% of diesel fumes emanating from vehicle exhaust and is an important safety system for our volunteer firefighters. Successful outreach for federal grant funds will result in a direct savings for East Windsor taxpayers.

Holiday Inn East Windsor, Triangle Repro Center, and Silver Decoy Winery are East Windsor Township 2006 Business Awards recipients. Awards are made in three separate categories: 1) creating an attractive appearance, 2) community contribution and service, and 3) providing some manner of community enhancement. The Holiday Inn (owner Carey Tajfel), selected for creating an attractive appearance in recognition of its new façade and remodeled interior along with its adjoining conference center. Triangle Repro Center (owner Michael Cocciolillo) was selected for its contribution and service to the community through its support of many local non-profit and community organizations. Silver Decoy Winery (owner Mark Carduner), founded in 2001 and located on a 16-acre farm on Windsor-Perrineville Road, produces grapes with distinct flavor characteristics capable of making fine wines. The winery was selected for its community enhancement as a unique and valuable community asset contributing to the rural charm and quality of life in the Township.

Nominations for the “Sylvia Weiss Senior Citizen Award for Outstanding Service as a Volunteer” are being accepted. The Award recognizes a senior citizen who has exhibited outstanding service through volunteerism to the community by way of the schools, religious institutions, and service organizations or directly to the public. Nominees must be at least 60 years of age and residents of East Windsor. The presentation will be made at a ceremony in May as part of Older Americans Month. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to support a senior citizen for this honor. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 13, 2007. Send nomination forms to Mayor Janice Mironov and Council Members, East Windsor Municipal Building, 16 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor, New Jersey 08520. For further information or a nomination form, contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 443-4000, ext. 240.

A Recycling Poster Contest for Elementary School Students is being sponsored by the Township Clean Communities Committee to focus on Earth Day. The Theme of the poster is to promote any or all of the “4 R’s” of the Township Recycling Program Logo, which are RECYCLE, REUSE, REDUCE, and REBUY. Posters must be left by Friday, March 30 at the student’s School Administrative Office or the East Windsor Municipal Building Mayor’s Office. For further information, call 443-4000 ext. 240.

Township Memorial Tree Grove, established on the municipal building grounds, offers residents a unique opportunity to provide a living memorial to a deceased relative or person or in remembrance or commemoration of a special person, group or event, by the planting of a tree accompanied by a memorial granite marker. Arbor Day, coming up on April 29, provides an important focus on the planting of new trees and maintaining our environment. For information on the Memorial Tree Grove program and cost, contact Township Public Works at 443-4000 ext. 215.

The Gun Safety Program, sponsored by East Windsor by which gun locks are distributed free of charge to any East Windsor resident, runs through the end of March. Township residents can obtain free safety locks at the Township’s police building located at 80 One Mile Road, by contacting Detective Brad Petagno at 448-5678, ext. 239. Gun locks are available to the Township at no cost, through Project Child Safe. Project Child Safe is the nation’s largest firearms safety program, and is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

The Annual Egg Hunt sponsored by the East Windsor Recreation Department will be at Etra Lake Park for children pre-K to 5th grade on Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 am, rain date Sunday, April 1 at 2:00 pm.

An Additional $175,000 Grant for the Twin Rivers – Etra Lake Pathway Project has been awarded to East Windsor Township from the N.J. Department of Transportation. This new grant supplements a previously awarded State grant of $300,000 for the project. This nearly one mile long pathway will provide for the first time a convenient and safe pedestrian access for everyone including children from the Twin Rivers area, the Township’s largest residential community, to Etra Lake Park, the Township’s largest park. The pathway will extend from the end of Lake Drive through a wooded area to the northern shore of Etra Lake near Milford Road, continuing across the bridge on Milford Road to Etra Road and finally along Etra Road and the southern shore of Etra Lake to the park’s playground area. Grant funds will cover most of the project construction costs.

Twin Rivers – Etra Lake Pathway Project Construction Contract Award was made by the Mayor and Council to V & K Construction of Edison, New Jersey in the amount of $597,345 at the April 10 Council meeting. This was the lowest of the four bids received by the Township. The pathway project consists of two sections. One section will be an 8-foot wide asphalt combination bikeway and pedestrian path from the end of Lake Drive to Milford Road. A second section will be a 5-foot wide pathway beginning at Milford Road that will cross the bridge at the end of Etra Lake and extend along the southern shore of the lake to the playground area of Etra Lake Park. A rest area with benches, a bicycle rack, sign, and trash container will be included along the pathway. A new sidewalk along the west side of Lake Drive, from Twin Rivers Drive to the cul-de-sac, also will be constructed. Preliminary plans for the project were prepared by Remington, Vernick & Arango Engineers beginning in 2005, and then reviewed, revised and approved by the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and the N.J. Department of Transportation during 2006. A Stream Encroachment permit from the Department of Environmental Protection was required for portions of the pathway along Etra Lake. Following the issuance of the Stream Encroachment Permit in November 2006, the project was advertised for public bid in December.

Interlocal Agreements for “Mercer at Play” Grant Funding in an initial amount of $250,000 were approved by the Mayor and Council at the April 10 meeting. East Windsor applied to Mercer County for the grant funding for the construction of a new playing fields facility, proposed to be located on a Township acquired open space property on Disbrow Hill Road directly across from Etra Lake Park. Another $250,000 has been committed from this program subject to the approval of the County Freeholders. The support of the Borough of Hightstown will enable the Township to further increase the County grant amounts for this project. East Windsor was previously awarded $200,000 in State grants.

Two Grants Valued at $21,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Grants and Training, under the FY2006 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program were awarded to East Windsor Township. One grant prepared and submitted by Chief Barry Rashkin, will provide a state-of-the-art Thermal Imaging Camera and full training valued at $18,500 to East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2. The thermal imager is a valuable tool at fire scenes to determine if there are persons or firefighters still in a burning building, as well as detecting fire risks in a closed environment such as electrical wiring in a wall or behind a door. A Night Vision Imaging System valued at $2,500 was awarded to the Police Department. Additionally, East Windsor Township Fire Company No. 2 applied for and received a grant award from the International Association of Fire Fighters for a full year of firefighter training provided on-line, to satisfy annual mandatory training as well as advanced courses and certifications.

Sale of a Plenary Retail Distribution (Class D) Alcohol Beverage Control License was approved by the Mayor and Council at their meeting on April 10. A minimum bid of $500,000 is required, and prequalification of bidders is also required in order to determine eligibility to obtain a license to sell alcohol beverages in the State of New Jersey. Information about the process may be obtained from the Township Clerk at (609) 443-4000 ext. 238.

East Windsor Township Named a 2007 Tree City USA Communityby The National Arbor Day Foundation recognizing the Township’s commitment to community forestry. This is the seventh year East Windsor has received this national recognition. East Windsor had to meet four standards to become a Tree City USA community: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

East Windsor Business Card Exchange is being sponsored by Mayor Mironov and Council Members and the Township Economic Development Committee on Tuesday April 24, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at the McGraw Hill Federal Credit Union at 120 Windsor Center Drive. The cost per person is $10 payable at the door, and light refreshments will be provided by the Americana Diner.

East Windsor Farmers Market to Open on or about April 19 in the East Windsor Towne Center Shopping Center (home of Atlanta Bread Co. and Burlington Coat), located on Route 130 south. The 10,000 square foot "green grocer" store will take the entire space formerly occupied by the CVS pharmacy, which moved to a new freestanding store in the same shopping center. The Farmers Market will carry a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a fish and deli counter and fresh flowers.

American Red Cross of Central New Jersey "Mayors for Meals" Day event held in March to raise awareness about hunger and the program, was supported by Mayor Janice Mironov who participated delivering meals to seniors. The American Red Cross "Meals on Wheels" program delivers home meals by dedicated volunteers and is available to older adults and those homebound and unable to prepare meals. For additional information about the program or to volunteer to help deliver meals, contact 877-808-2800 or bergerr@njredcross.org.

East Windsor Community Bus Service Expanded to include the second Saturday of each month.  This newly launched Saturday service will commence on Saturday, May 12 and offer rides to Township shopping centers.  The Community Bus, used primarily by senior citizens, will operate out of the Township’s Senior Center on Lanning Boulevard, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m. at a charge of $.50 per trip.  To schedule for this service, individuals should contact the Senior Center at 371-7192 by 12 noon the day before.  The bus service is funded through grants from New Jersey Transit, the Federal Transit Administration and Mercer County.

Bicycle Helmet Giveaway Program kicks off in May “Bicycle Safety Month.”  “Use Your Head,” the Township's Bicycle Helmet Giveaway program, will kick off on Tuesday May 8, with sessions held on Tuesdays, May 8, May 15 and May 22, all from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the East Windsor Municipal Building.  Residents ages 5 through 16 can receive a bicycle helmet at no cost.  After viewing a brief 5-minute video on the importance of bicycle helmets and bicycle safety, participants will be measured and given a properly fitted bicycle helmet, along with safety literature.  The bicycle safety program is underwritten by a $26,000 grant received from the New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Division.

East Windsor Farmer’s Market Opened on Thursday, April 19, in the East Windsor Towne Center Shopping Center (home to Atlanta Bread and Burlington Coat), located on Route 130 south just north of Princeton-Hightstown Road.  The approximately 10,000 square foot store is located in the space formerly occupied by the CVS pharmacy, which moved to a new free standing store in the same shopping center.  The East Windsor Farmer’s Market, open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., carries a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, a deli counter, as well as fresh flowers.

Moe’s Southwest Grill Ribbon Opened on Wednesday, April 25.  Moe’s Southwest Grill is located on Hickory Corner Road behind Wawa’s.  The eatery features food with a Southwestern flare – burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads, fajitas and nachos.  Moe’s also does catering.

Recycling Report for 2006 filed by the Township states that 1,834 tons of material was recycled through Waste Management, the Township’s recycling contractor.  Waste Management's contract payment for collecting this material was $189,000.00 in 2006 and had this material gone to the landfill instead, the tipping fee alone would have cost $199,000.00, in addition to substantial costs for labor, fuel and equipment to collect this extra material.  In addition, the Township recycled 2,839 tons of leaves at a cost of $13,000.00 for disposal.  Had this material gone to the landfill, the cost would have been $306,328.00.  The Township also recycled 1,100 tons of brush.  Disposal at a landfill would have cost $118,690.00.  Recycling saves taxpayer dollars as well as being good for the environment!

Ward Farm Application to Sell the Development Easements and Preserve Farm supported by resolution of the Mayor and Council.  The Mercer County Agricultural Development Board granted preliminary approval to the 31-acre farm owned by John and Cynthia Ward located on Perrineville Road east of Whitcomb Road.  The application now goes to the State Agricultural Development Committee to be considered for approval into the Farmland Preservation Program.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day by Mercer County will be held on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John T. Dempster Fire Training Center on Bakers Basin Road in Lawrenceville.  For further information about this collection day, see the Mercer County Improvement Authority website at 
http://www.mcia-nj.com/recyclinghazwastedisposal.asp

A Target Safety – VCOS IAFC Online Training Grant has been awarded to the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 for a one year period effective April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008.  The value of the grant is equivalent to $3,000 and is provided by TargetSafety in cooperation with the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.  The grant will provide on-line firefighter training, to satisfy annual mandatory training as well as advanced courses and certifications.  East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 also was awarded a similar grant.

Vincent Citarella Named Volunteer of the Year during National Volunteer Week by Mayor Janice Mironov and Council Members.  Vincent Citarella was recognized by Mayoral Proclamation for his long-time dedication as a volunteer to East Windsor Township, including serving since 1996 as a member of the East Windsor Township Clean Communities Committee, coordinator and participant in the Township's "Adopt-A-Spot/Road" programs, and a Charter Member and Chairperson of the East Windsor Township Crime Watch Organization for over 15 years.

Mayor's Annual State of the Township Address will be delivered at the meeting of the East Windsor Chapter of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 24 at the Holiday Inn (formerly Ramada) in East Windsor.  Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon and the program at 1 p.m.  For more information, and to register and pay, visit the website atwww.mercerchamber.org, or call the Mercer Chamber office at (609) 689-9960.

New Playing Fields Design Contract Awarded for the design of new playing fields and associated improvements on 59 acres of Township open space on Disbrow Hill Road directly opposite Etra Lake Park. The Township estimates State and County grants assembled by Mayor Mironov and Council Members totaling $1.2 million dollars will be available for this project. The proposed improvements to be designed may include softball fields, soccer/lacrosse fields, a parking lot, restrooms and septic system, water treatment system, irrigation system, storm water and storm drainage systems, fencing, backstops, bleachers, team benches, lighting, maintenance building, electronic score board, jogging/bike paths, crosswalks and signage. The planning and design will continue through 2007, with construction anticipated in early 2008.

Child Safety Car Seat Program in June with inspections held on June 5, 12, 19 and 26, between 4 pm and 7 pm, at the Municipal Building. No appointments are necessary. Township residents will receive instruction on the proper installation and use of child safety car seats. N.J. law requires children under the age of 8 years and weighing less than 80 pounds to be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This program is underwritten by a $6,000.00 grant to the Township from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Twin Rivers Drive Resurfacing Contract Awarded for the area from Milford Road to Evanston Drive. The $222,222 construction project also involves some curb replacement and handicapped ramp installation. Construction is expected to begin at the end of June, upon completion of the school year. A New Jersey Department of Transportation $225,000 grant will fund the project.

Oxford and Buxton Drive Contract Awarded in the amount of $149,270.00 for improvements to Buxton Drive and part of Oxford Drive. This project will include installation and replacement of curbs, driveway aprons and handicapped ramps where required. Construction is expected to begin toward the end of June.

Bicycle Safety Program Phase 2 begins on June 1 and runs through July 31, during which Mayor Mironov and Council Members and Township police officers will distribute mock summonses to youngsters. The summonses will praise children with “Congratulations, You Are Obeying the Law”, and ask the young person to sign a pledge “to use a safety helmet when using a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblades.” The forms are filled out, and returned to the Township for entry in a drawing for prizes, which will take place on Tuesday, August 7 at the Township “National Night Out” event at the Police Building. Prizes include new bicycles and gift certificates. The Phase 1 Bicycle Helmet Giveaway was a tremendous success, with over 500 bicycle helmets distributed and fitted at no cost to children ages 5 through 16.

East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Awarded $57,000 Grant under the 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, for a trailer mounted fire safety training unit that will be used to educate the community on fire safety issues. The portable trailer, containing a model kitchen and bedroom, is capable of simulating a smoky fire, demonstrating the difficulty in finding a path out of a structure. The trailer will be used to train school age children and community groups on how to spot fire hazards and how to safely exit a smoke filled structure, with the goal of saving lives.

Police Youth Academy sponsored by Mayor Mironov and Council Members will be held Monday, June 25 through Friday, June 29, from 9 am to 3 pm daily. The Police Youth Academy is conducted by East Windsor police officers and provides an opportunity for Township youths to receive instruction in a number of law enforcement related topics. The Police Youth Academy is open to 25 Township students, who will be entering the 7th and 8th grades in September 2007. A few openings are still available. Interested individuals are urged to immediately contact Detective Joseph Gorski at 609-448-5678 ext. 231 or at Gorski@ewpd.com.

East Windsor Celebrates Independence Day on Tuesday, July 3 (rain date Saturday, July 7). The free entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Band, a 6-piece band from the Delaware Valley area, best known for its traditional jazz sound. Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One, a 6-piece ensemble from Central Jersey performing “Americana” and a variety of popular melodies follows at 7:30 pm. The spectacular fireworks display will commence immediately following the concerts, at approximately 9:30 pm. This free event is made possible through the generous contributions of many area businesses.

Summer Concerts at Etra Lake Park Slated. The Drifters will perform on Sunday, July 29 at 6:00 pm playing popular 50’s and 60’s music, including chart-topping hits like “Under The Boardwalk,” “On Broadway,” “Save The Last Dance For Me,” “There Goes My Baby” and many more. The Drifters formed in 1953 and have over 50 top hits world-wide. On Sunday, August 26 at 6:00 pm, the Driftwoods-Tribute to the Beach Boys will perform. The Driftwoods are the East Coast’s original Beach Boys tribute band formed in the mid 1960’s. Over the years their performances have earned them recording contracts, TV appearances and studio vocal sessions. The Driftwoods will be performing classic hits like “California Girls,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Little Duece Coupe,” “Surfin’ Safari” and many more.

Independence Day Recycling Collection Changed from Wednesday, July 4 to Saturday, July 7. This schedule change affects only residents in Area #1 in the Township Garbage District. Have recycling placed at the curb by 7 am on Saturday. For questions, contact the Department of Public Works at 443-4000 ext. 215.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day will be held on Saturday, June 23 at the John T. Dempster Fire Training Center located on Bakers Basin Road in Lawrenceville. The hours for the collection are from 8 am to 2 pm, with more information available at the Mercer County Improvement Authority website at http://www.mcia-nj.com/recyclinghazwastedisposal.asp .

East Windsor Celebrates Independence Day on Tuesday, July 3 at Etra Lake Park (rain date of Saturday, July 7). The free entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Band, a 6-piece band from the Delaware Valley area, best known for its traditional jazz sound. Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One, a 6-piece ensemble from Central Jersey, performing “Americana” and a variety of popular melodies follows at 7:30 pm. The spectacular fireworks display will commence immediately following the concerts, at approximately 9:30 pm. This free event is made possible through the generous contributions of many area businesses.

Last Child Safety Car Seat Inspection in June slated for Tuesday, June 26 at the Township Municipal Building between 4 pm and 7 pm. No appointments are necessary. Township residents will receive instruction on the proper installation and use of child safety car seats. N.J. law requires children under the age of 8 years and weighing less than 80 pounds to be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This program is underwritten by a $6,000 grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Kohl’s Developer Agreement Approved by Mayor and Council at the June 12 meeting. The Developer Agreement, a required step to move a project forward, provides for a $50,000 contribution to the Township for open space acquisition or recreation improvements. The agreement also provides for $356,357 in contributions for off-tract transportation improvements, in addition to direct site-related traffic improvements. Kohl’s plans to open a new department store in East Windsor on Route 130 North at the intersection of Hickory Corner Road. The new two-story store, which will total 105,744 square feet and employ approximately 200 people, is projected by Kohl’s to break ground in about a month and take nine months to complete. The site also includes a proposed freestanding bank and restaurant.

Twin Rivers – Etra Lake Park Pathway Project Construction to Commence Late June. This nearly one mile long pathway will provide for the first time a convenient and safe pedestrian and bicycle access from Twin Rivers, the Township’s largest residential community, to Etra Lake Park, the Township’s largest recreational facility. N.J. Department of Transportation grants of $475,000 assembled by Mayor Mironov and Council Members will underwrite most of the project construction costs. The pathway will consist of an 8 foot wide asphalt combination bikeway and pedestrian path from the end of Lake Drive to Milford Road. A 5 foot wide section then will begin at Milford Road, cross the bridge at the end of Etra Lake and extend along the southern shore of the lake to the playground area of Etra Lake Park. A rest area with benches, a bicycle rack, sign, and trash container will be incorporated along the pathway. A new sidewalk along the west side of Lake Drive, from Twin Rivers Drive to the cul-de-sac, also will be constructed.

Twin Rivers Drive Resurfacing Improvements to Commence End of June. The work will occur on Twin Rivers Drive between Milford Road and Evanston Drive. The contractor will spend the first several weeks of the project on concrete curbing, handicapped ramps and stormwater basins. Paving is anticipated to begin in mid-July. A New Jersey Department of Transportation $225,000 grant will fund the project.

Oxford and Buxton Drive Resurfacing Project to Commence in Mid-July. The contracted project will include all of Buxton Drive and part of Oxford Drive from Dutch Neck Road to Sutton Place. This project will include installation and replacement of curbs, driveway aprons and handicapped ramps where required.

Grand Opening of Bella Lea’s Restaurant located in the East Windsor Towne Center Shopping Center on Route 130 South (just north of Princeton-Hightstown Road) occurred in June. The restaurant partners with the adjacent Villa Domenico’s known for its Brooklyn style pizza. The newly renovated restaurant has a 45 seat dining area and offers traditional Italian cuisine, fresh seafood specials, homemade soups, bread and salads.

Asian Halal Meat & Kabab House Opens in the Royal Plaza on Route 130 South. Fresh goat, lamb, beef, and chicken are available as well as prepared snacks, rice, fresh bread, tandoori and curry. Hours of operations are Tuesday through Thursday 10 am to 9 pm and Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. The store is closed on Mondays.

Caroline Stuart Receives 2007 Sylvia Weiss Senior Citizen Award for Outstanding Service as a Volunteer. The Sylvia Weiss Senior Citizen Award for Outstanding Service as a Volunteer, presented annually by East Windsor Township, recognizes a senior citizen who has exhibited outstanding service through volunteerism to the community by way of schools, religious institutions, service organizations or directly to the public. The 2007 awardee Caroline Stuart, a 16 year resident of Meadow Lakes and former guidance counselor, has been President of the Forum, the residents’ organization at Meadow Lakes, and has chaired the Health Care Committee, the Master Plan Committee and the Education Award Committee at Meadow Lakes. She also has served for several years as regional vice-president of the Organization of Residents Association of New Jersey. Caroline Stuart has volunteered her time counseling patients with disabilities. As Founder and Chairperson of the Education Awards Committee, Caroline Stuart has also counseled prospective high school students, helping them complete college applications, guiding them in their career decision-making and obtaining scholarship assistance for students.

National Night Out Will Be Held on Tuesday, August 7 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Police Building at 80 One Mile Road. This Township event, attended by Mayor Mironov and Council Members and Chief Spain, will highlight police, fire and emergency medical services equipment, tours of the police building and crime watch information. There will be demonstrations of the operation of the breathalyzer, a canine trained in detecting illegal drugs, crime scene identifications tools, police emergency response equipment, basic self-defense and child safety seat inspections. Additionally, areas will be set up for issuance of emergency identification cards for children, bicycle helmet and bicycle safety instruction and inspections, bicycle registrations, face painting, and fire hose demonstrations. Activities will include bicycle rodeo for children with their bicycles, soccer kick, softball throw, football toss, moon walk adventure, wild slide and visits by McGruff the anti-crime dog. Music will be provided by New Jersey Radio 101.5 and the East Windsor Regional School District Hightstown High School band. Refreshments will be available.

The Drifters Will Perform on Sunday, July 29 at 6:00 pm at Etra Lake Park. The Drifters formed in 1953 with over 50 top hits world-wide, will play popular 50’s and 60’s music. The Drifters will be performing chart-topping hits like “Under The Boardwalk,” “On Broadway,” “Save The Last Dance For Me,” “There Goes My Baby” and many more. No admission charge. Bring a chair or a blanket and join in the fun.

Gold's Gym Coming to Windsor Crossing Center, which is nearing completion. Gold's Gym, the 12th to open in New Jersey, will take about 25,000 square feet of the approximately 100,000 square foot Center, located just off of Route 130 north between the new Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Gold's Gym states that they will have their normal array of facilities and projects an opening date of late November/December.

Other Tenants for Windsor Crossing Center Also Identified. A new Italian full service sit-down restaurant Via Roma Restaurant will occupy 3,000 square feet hoping to open in the fall of 2007. The operator, Nunzio Ragusa, previously operated two family owned Nunzio Restaurants in Brooklyn and currently owns Dante's Restaurant on County Line Road in Jackson, NJ. A new freestandingSynergy Bank is slated to open its first Mercer County branch around August 1 and will occupy the entire 3,000 square foot first floor.Robertson Douglas Home Center headquarters will occupy the entire bank building second floor of 3,000 square feet, anticipating a September opening. At this Home Center, their new homebuyers will be able to choose options for their new homes such as cabinets, flooring, lighting, and roofing.

Construction Begins on the Twin Rivers-Etra Lake Park Pathwayand will take approximately 90 days to complete, weather permitting. Work began during the week of July 2 with site clearing and mobilization. Construction work soon followed with work on the pathway and sidewalks. The pathway will extend from the end of Lake Drive through a wooded area to the northern shore of Etra Lake near Milford Road, continuing across the bridge on Milford Road to Etra Road and finally along Etra Road and the southern shore of Etra Lake to the park’s playground area. The construction of two timber bridges will be done as part of the project. The project also will include installation of a new sidewalk along the west side of Lake Drive from Twin Rivers Drive to the cul-de-sac.

Construction Begins on Twin Rivers Drive Resurfacing Projectfrom Milford Road to Evanston Drive. Construction began the week of July 2. Curb replacement, catch basin repair and handicapped ramp installation will take place first followed by new surface paving. A New Jersey Department of Transportation $225,000 grant is funding this project.

East Windsor Kicks-Off “We Check for 21” Campaign, an initiative to deter underage drinking. As part of the Township Campaign, liquor license holders are required to sign the "We Check for 21” pledge, affirming strong support of the program, as a condition of receiving their liquor license renewal. Various materials and paraphernalia are distributed for use in the program. Note: Statistics show approximately 8 in 10 youths will have consumed alcohol at some time in their lives by the time they reach the 12th grade, and more than 60% of these youths will have consumed it to the point of intoxication. Approximately 1,000 drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 who are in fatal accidents each year have blood alcohol levels above the legal limit of .08.

Police Youth Academy Graduates 2007 Student Class. A graduation ceremony on June 29 capped the week long Police Youth Academy, sponsored by Mayor Mironov and Council Members. In the Police Youth Academy, conducted by East Windsor police officers, Township students receive instruction in law enforcement related topics, such as criminal law, criminal investigation, evidence collection, motor vehicle law, community policing, juvenile law, court system, use of radar and other police equipment, and patrol practices. Practical exercises included motor vehicle stops, search scenarios and marching. The program is open to Township students entering the 7th and 8th grades.

East Windsor – Princeton Junction Shuttle Bus and the East Windsor Community Bus Grant agreement providing $139,875 in State and Federal grant funds for FY2008 beginning on July 1, was approved with New Jersey Transit by the Mayor and Council. This grant helps to underwrite the East Windsor Township Community Bus service and the Princeton Junction Train Station shuttle.

The Driftwoods - Tribute to the Beach Boys Band Will Perform on Sunday, August 26 at 6:00 pm at Etra Lake Park. The Driftwoods are the East Coast’s original Beach Boys tribute band formed in the mid 1960’s. Over the years their performances have earned them recording contracts, TV appearances and studio vocal sessions. The Driftwoods will be performing classic hits like “California Girls,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Little Duece Coupe,” “Surfin’ Safari” and many more. No admission charge. Bring a chair or a blanket and join in the fun.

East Windsor Township “Bike at Night- Use a Light - Phase 3 of the Township Annual Bike Safety Program “Bike at Night- Use a Light” is geared to biking at night and will be a directed effort, through public education and personal contact by police officers, to get bicyclers to use proper lighting at night. This phase which will commence on Monday, August 13 and continue through Friday, September 14, during which the Township will be distributing, at no cost, the required pair of lights along with safety information literature, daily through the police building, at 80 One Mile Road. East Windsor residents can simply go to the police building and request the set of lights for their bicycle. New Jersey law and municipal ordinance require that bicycles be equipped with a white light on the front and a red light on the rear when in use during nighttime hours.

Nominations for the 2007 Township Business Awards Programare being solicited. The purpose of the program is to recognize local businesses that make special efforts to improve or contribute to the community. The three categories of Township award recognition are Business Beautification, Community Service, and Community Enhancement. These business efforts may be by way of (1) creating an attractive appearance, for example, through landscaping, flowers, and other enhancements to the physical appearance of their structures and site; or (2) community contributions and service; or (3) providing some manner of community enhancement, for example, through extraordinary job creation, an unusual or special product or opportunity or any community value added aspect related to their business. Nomination forms are available at the Municipal Building and at the Hickory Corner and Twin Rivers branch public libraries. The deadline for nominations is September 7.

N.J. Turnpike Authority to Hold Public Hearing on Thursday, September 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn of East Windsor on Monmouth Street, Regarding the N.J. Turnpike Interchange 6 to 9 Widening Project. The proposed Widening Project also includes significant changes to Interchange 8 in East Windsor Township. Three other September hearing dates and locations also have been announced. Preliminary plans depicting the Widening Proposal on aerial photography as well as a copy of the Environmental Impact Statement (E.I.S.) are available at the libraries and Township Municipal Building. Additional information and the E.I.S. is available at the NJTA’s website at www.njturnpikewidening.com.

Saigon Restaurant Opens in the Royal Plaza on Route 130 South, just south of Dutch Neck Road. The new 2,000 square foot restaurant has a 50 seat dining area and offers a variety of Vietnamese cuisine known for its use of fish, soy and hoisin sauces with a variety of vegetables. The Saigon Restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Clean-Up East Windsor Township to Preserve Open Space” Month Will Be Kicked off on Saturday, September 15 at an event sponsored by the Mayor and Council and Clean Communities Committee. The twofold purpose of the Clean-Up event is to raise money to preserve land as open space and to improve the appearance of the Township. State Clean Community Grant dollars are “earned” by volunteers participating in the clean-up event and the funds are placed in the Township’s dedicated Open Space/Recreation Fund to be used to preserve and purchase open space in the community. For each hour a person over 16 years of age volunteers to collect litter from Township streets and parks, the Township open space fund will receive $15 from the State grant and $10 for each hour for person under 16 years of age. Individuals and groups wanting to participate should call 443-4000 ext. 240 for information and can pick up forms, trash bags and gloves at the Township Municipal Building. These items plus giveaways will be available on Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Township Municipal Building. Participation forms must be completed to ensure credit for time worked.

“Bike at Night – Use a Light”, Phase 3 of East Windsor's Bicycle Safety Initiative, distributes to Township residents, at no cost, pairs of bicycle lights along with safety information daily at the Police Building at 80 One Mile Road. This Township safety program, underwritten by a $26,000 grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety kicked off August 13 and continues through September 7. N. J. law requires bicycles to be equipped with a white light on the front and a red light on the rear during nighttime hours. Phase 3 is the final phase of the Township’s Bicycle Safety Program, which also included Phase 1 “Use Your Head” with free helmet giveaway to young people and Phase 2 “Helmet Use Enforcement” involving the issuance of mock summonses for chances to win prizes for compliance with helmet use.

Abbington Drive Resurfacing contract in the amount of $170,825 was awarded by the Mayor and Council at their August 7 meeting. Construction is expected to begin on or about September 10, and be completed by late October, weather permitting. This project also involves some catch basin repairs, curb replacement and handicapped ramp installation. A New Jersey Department of Transportation grant in the amount of $232,000 will fund the project.

Municipal Building Sidewalk and Curb Improvement contract was awarded by the Mayor and Council at their August 7 meeting. Work began on August 27 and, weather permitting, is anticipated to take approximately two weeks. One public access entrance/exit to the building will be maintained at all times during the construction period. Some parking will be restricted at times during the construction period, but adequate parking for the public will be available during normal business hours.

Probasco Road Bridge Was Reopened by Mercer County on July 27. Construction of the new County bridge, across the Millstone River between East Windsor and Cranbury Township, began in late October 2006 and was anticipated to take about nine months. The new and wider bridge replaces the old narrow wood plank bridge which was in poor condition and in need of complete replacement and also incorporates a sidewalk on one side.

Nominations for the 2007 Township Business Awards Programare being solicited through September 7. The purpose of the program is to recognize local businesses that make special efforts to improve or contribute to the community. The three categories of Township award recognition are Business Beautification, Community Service, and Community Enhancement. These business efforts may be by way of (1) creating an attractive appearance, for example, through landscaping, flowers, and other enhancements to the physical appearance of their structures and site; or (2) community contributions and service; or (3) providing some manner of community enhancement, for example, through extraordinary job creation, an unusual or special product or opportunity or any community value added aspect related to their business. Nomination forms are available at the Municipal Building and at the Hickory Corner and Twin Rivers branch public libraries.

Four Municipal Aid Applications Seeking Funding were submitted to the N.J. Department of Transportation by the Mayor and Council. The first and priority application was for the resurfacing of Hickory Corner Road between Route 130 and Oak Creek Road and Oak Creek Road between Hickory Corner Road and the Bear Brook Bridge. Another application was for the resurfacing of Dutch Neck Road between Route 130 and One Mile Road and One Mile Road between Dutch Neck Road and Route 571 (Princeton/Hightstown Road). A third application was for the provision of sidewalks along one side of the entire length of One Mile Road from Old Trenton Road to Dutch Neck Road. Another application was for continuing of the landscaping and beautification improvements along Route 130 and at various intersections.

Mayor and Council Declare Public Parks and Playgrounds “Pesticide Free Zones” in accordance with existing Township practices pursuant to the municipal Integrated Pest Management policy. Under the “Pesticide Free Zones”, key sensitive areas like public parks and playgrounds are managed for insects, undesired plants, and plant diseases without use of potentially harmful chemical pesticides. East Windsor has worked in partnership with the New Jersey Environmental Foundation on these initiatives.

North Fork Bank Groundbreaking Ceremony was held in early August in the Town Center Plaza Shopping Center located on Route 130 North. Construction of this new freestanding bank is currently underway at the site located between Shop Rite and TGI Friday’s Restaurant. This 2,764 square foot facility will provide 24 hour banking with one walk up ATM, one drive thru ATM, one drive up window, and a penny arcade.

A Portable Variable Message Board was purchased by Mayor and Council using State Highway Traffic Safety grant funds. The message board can be used to convey traffic safety messages, announce public events and provide important information during emergencies.

A New Traffic Signal at County Route 535 (Old Trenton Road) and One Mile Road has received approval from State and County officials. The traffic signal was initiated by letter from Mayor Mironov and Council Members to County Executive Brian Hughes in late 2006 as an important safety improvement to residents of our community especially those residing in the neighboring communities such as Riviera at East Windsor, Windsor Mill, The Orchard and Windsor Commons. The Township, funded by a $65,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, undertook a comprehensive Township-wide review of traffic circulation and area roads to identify potential improvements. The study was completed and discussed in late summer 2006. In light of the study recommendations and input from residents residing in the area of this intersection, the governing body made the traffic signal one of the Township’s priorities for action. The traffic signal, including labor and equipment, is estimated to cost about $125,000, most of which will be assumed by East Windsor and paid for exclusively by using developer contributed funds on deposit with the Township. Mercer County will perform the actual installation of the light. Officials indicated that they expect the traffic signal to be installed by the end of this year.

The Second and Final Phase of the Route 130 Sidewalk Project, plus added guiderail and upgrade of traffic signals, is scheduled to begin on or about October 11, 2007 according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The new sidewalk project, undertaken in response to requests of the Mayor and Council, is designed to fill in missing gaps in existing sidewalks along both sides of Route 130 from Old Cranbury Road to Hickory Corner Road. The State estimates all work will be completed by late November. The sections of Route 130 where new sidewalks will be installed this year are between Old Cranbury Road and Route 571 and between Dutch Neck Road and Hickory Corner Road. Sidewalks will be constructed on both the northbound and southbound sides of Route 130. The previously completed “first phase” of sidewalk construction took place in the summer of 2005, between Dutch Neck Road and Route 571. In addition, the Department of Transportation constructed a sidewalk between the East Windsor Towne Center Shopping Center (home to Burlington Coat Factory/Shop Rite Garden Center) and Route 571.

Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes Presented a $250,000 Check to East Windsor Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Members of the Township Council under the “Mercer at Play” program to support local recreation improvements. Mercer at Play funds, along with other State and County grant funds, are expected to total $1,200,000 to be used for the construction of new additional playing fields. The new fields will be located on a 59 acre Township open space property on Disbrow Hill Road, directly across from Etra Lake Park. This site was acquired by the Township in 2004 using a State Green Acres grant, a Mercer County open space grant, and developer funds. These fields may include softball fields and multipurpose soccer/lacrosse fields, and related improvements may include a parking lot, restrooms and septic system, irrigation system, stormwater detention basin, fencing, backstops, bleachers, team benches and signage.

Free Flu Clinics for East Windsor and Hightstown Residents over the age of 60 and free pneumonia vaccine clinics for residents over 65 are being held on Tuesday, October 23, Wednesday, October 24, and Tuesday, November 6 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. There will also be an evening clinic on Wednesday, November 7 from 4 pm to 7 pm. Vaccinations will be given at the East Windsor Township Senior Center, 40 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor. The vaccinations are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the Township Health Department at 443-4000. Anyone in need of transportation should call the Senior Center at 371-7192.

N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission Mobile Digital Driver’s License Unit will be at the East Windsor Township Senior Center on Monday, October 15 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for senior and disabled East Windsor residents. Appointments are required and can be made by contacting the East Windsor Township Senior Center at 371-7192. Individuals whose driver’s license is expiring within the next six months or those that need to upgrade to a digital license, should take advantage of this opportunity to have it completed at a convenient location. Seniors and disabled residents wishing to use this service must bring identification that fulfills the DMV 6 points of identification system. Further information regarding the 6 points of identification program can be found by visiting the Motor Vehicle Commission website at www.njmvc.gov . The cost of a new driver’s license is $24.00 and the cost to upgrade to a digital license is $11.00. Cash or checks will be accepted.

A Public Policy Business Forum Breakfast on October 18 will be co-hosted by the Township Economic Development Committee and the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce. The business breakfast event will be held at the Americana Diner on Route 130 North in East Windsor. Registration and networking begin at 7:30 am and the breakfast and program convenes at 8 am. The guest speaker for the breakfast is David J. Socolow, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The program topic is “Employment and Economic Growth in Central New Jersey: Governor’s Economic Development Strategy.” All area businesses are encouraged to attend. The admission charge is $20 and advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be charged $25. Register online at www.princetonchamber.org. For more information or to obtain a registration form, call the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce at (609) 924-1776.

A Groundbreaking Ceremony at SciPark, a new 240,000 square-foot, four-building science and technology campus located on Old Trenton Road north of the intersection of Princeton-Hightstown Road, was held on September 19. Construction of the first phase of the project consists of approximately 65,975 square feet, and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2008. SciPark will be a state-of-the-art research and development campus located on 32.3 acres.

Synergy Bank Opened September 8 on the first floor of the new free-standing building located in the newly constructed Windsor Crossing Shopping Center near Route 33 and Hickory Corner Road Extension. This is the first store to open in the Center and the first Synergy Bank branch to be opened in Mercer County. This 3,543 square foot facility will provide 24 hour banking with one walk up ATM, one drive thru ATM and one drive up window.

Suggestion Box Contest for all Middle School Students is being sponsored by the Township Clean Communities Committee. The Suggestion Box question is: “How to Increase the Amount of Recycling in our Community.” Written ideas must be between 75 and 150 words. First, second and third place winners will receive gift certificates from Barnes and Noble of $75, $50 and $25, respectively. The prizes have been donated by Shiseido America. Written ideas should be left by Friday, October 12 at the Kreps School’s Administrative Office or the East Windsor Municipal Building Mayor’s Office. The back of each written idea should contain the student’s name, address, phone number and grade level. Winners will be notified and awards will be presented at the November 7 Council meeting at 8 pm.

“Clean-Up East Windsor Township to Preserve Open Space”month continues through October 15. This annual event sponsored by the Mayor and Council and Clean Communities Committee has a twofold purpose of raising money to preserve land as open space and improving the appearance of the Township. State Clean Community Grant dollars “earned” by volunteers participating in the clean-up are credited to the Township’s dedicated Open Space/Recreation Fund to be used to preserve and purchase open space in the community. For each hour a person over 16 years of age volunteers to collect litter from public streets and properties, the open space fund is credited $15, and $10 for each hour for a person less than 16 years of age. Individuals and groups wanting to participate should call 443-4000 ext. 240 for information and to make arrangements for picking up participation forms, trash bags and gloves at the Township Municipal Building. Participation forms must be completed and returned to the Township to ensure credit for time worked.

A 10.2 Acre Property off of Old Cranbury Road Preserved as Open Space, thanks to the cooperation of Mercer County and East Windsor. Closing on the property, located off of Old Cranbury Road along the Millstone River, took place on October 10. The purchase price of $500,000 was funded entirely by Mercer County. The County and the Township will be joint owners of the property with the Township responsible for management of the property. These 10 acres will provide an attractive natural amenity and buffer for residents of the neighboring Cranbury Manor. This acquisition is also timely since it removes the potential threat of residential development pursuant to a subdivision application filed with the Township Planning Board.

YMCA of Western Monmouth County to Partner with Township on Community Center in East Windsor according to a letter dated October 5, 2007 to Mayor Mironov from Cynthia Joy, President and Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of the YMCA of Western Monmouth County. The letter states in part, “. . . please accept this communication as our Letter of Interest in partnering with the Township of East Windsor for the construction of a new community center.” This proposed public-private partnership is the result of discussions over the past plus year between Mayor Janice Mironov and the YMCA of Western Monmouth. A partnership with the YMCA of Western Monmouth County can help enable the Mayor and Council’s goal of providing a community center in East Windsor to become a reality and without tapping into local tax dollars. This exciting public-private partnership will enable the Township to benefit from the experience and expertise of the YMCA in successfully designing, constructing, funding and operating such facilities.

Kids Preferred Relocates Headquarters and Distribution Center to East Windsor. Kids Preferred, a manufacturer of children’s toys, has relocated their U.S. headquarters from South Brunswick into the 51,392 square foot building at 81Twin Rivers Drive, the former Besam building. Kids Preferred brings an award winning business to East Windsor which has received recognition from trade associations for creating asthma and allergy proof toys for infants and young children. Kids Preferred started refurbishing the 51,392 square foot office/warehouse building after purchasing the property in April of this year. The company also has offices in New York City, Hong Kong and Shanghai and distributes its products throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Coastal Insulation Corporation Opens New Headquarters Facility in East Windsor. Coastal Insulation will occupy a newly constructed 42,900 square foot building at the end of Lake Drive. Coastal Insulation, formed in 1975 and serving locations on the East coast from Connecticut to Maryland, specializes in the application of fiberglass insulation in commercial and residential new construction. Coastal relocated to East Windsor from Spotswood, New Jersey, to accommodate their need for more space and to take advantage of the Township's excellent location relative to the regional highway network. Fifty employees, mostly office staff, will work in the new facility. Other employees work off-site as installers of insulation for the company.

Volunteer Firefighters of the Year Recognized during Fire Prevention Week. East Windsor Township Mayor Janice Mironov proclaimed Fire Prevention Week, October 7 – 13, and recognized Volunteer Firefighters of the Year, Kevin Brink for East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, and Bonnie Rashkin for East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 for their tireless dedication to duty, faithful service and numerous contributions to the community. Kevin Brink, who currently serves as Assistant Fire Chief, joined East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in 1982. He has held every fire officer position including Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief and the administrative position of trustee, and served as Fire Chief for a total of 8 years, the longest serving Chief of Fire Company No. 1. Kevin Brink, Fire Marshall for East Windsor Township, also currently holds the positions of Chief of Washington Township Fire Department, and Assistant Fire Marshall and Fire Academy Instructor for Mercer County. Bonnie Rashkin, an active member of East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 since 1995, and the top responder for the past 5 years, has held the position of Lieutenant for 4 years, Treasurer for 6 years, Secretary for 2 years, and has served as Captain since 2005. Bonnie Rashkin has actively participated in the purchases and planning for the Company’s operations, and makes a significant contribution through community programs for fire prevention and education to school children and many other community activities including the annual Halloween Party and Parade, Twin Rivers Day celebrations and the Township National Night Out.

Route 130/Hankins/Conover Road Intersection Improvementstook a step forward as the Mayor and Council authorized actions to hire a traffic engineer, using developer funds from the Transportation Improvement Program fund, to work with the State on scoping out the proposed project. The proposed improvements would realign the area so that Conover Road, Hankins Road and Route 130 would meet at a single point controlled by a traffic signal and with left turning lanes. The Mayor and Council have long promoted and advocated this project to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The project was recently advanced again as a result of a Township-wide Transportation Study, funded by a $65,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The NJDOT reaffirmed that it will not undertake the project, but now has agreed it will support and assist efforts by the Township. The Township has and will continue to work cooperatively with NJDOT, Mercer County, Washington Township and potential area commercial developers in an effort to forward and fund the intersection improvements.

Free Flu Clinic Continue for East Windsor Residents over the age of 60 and free pneumonia vaccine clinics for residents over 65 on Tuesday, November 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and there will be an evening clinic on Wednesday, November 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Vaccinations will be given at the East Windsor Township Senior Center, 40 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor. The vaccinations are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the Township Health Department at 443-4000. Anyone in need of transportation should call the Senior Center at 371-7192.

East Windsor Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse (EWMAPSA) was awarded a 2008 grant in the amount of $22,614 from Mercer County. The Township-created and supported East Windsor Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse uses these grant funds to sponsor and support a variety of programs to prevent substance abuse within our community aimed primarily at children and young adults. Programs sponsored by the Municipal Alliance include: DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), After Prom Event, Count on Me Kids, Peer Proof, HELP (Hightstown-East Windsor Learning Partners), Super BB's, Youth Conference, Heroes & Ladies Mentoring Program, Next Level Youth, and “We Check for 21”.

Free Rabies Clinics will be held by East Windsor Township on Saturday, November 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 at 51 One Mile Road and on Saturday, November 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 at 69 Twin Rivers Drive.  Owners will be required to show a certificate of previous rabies vaccination, otherwise vaccinations of only one year duration will be provided.  For everyone’s safety, all animals must be properly restrained by leash or carrier.

Remember Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For questions about your voting district, call the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 443-4000 ext. 240.

Shiseido America Dedicates New Solar Power System at its East Windsor facility on Princeton Hightstown Road (Route 571). The new 699-kilowatt solar-electric power system installed by SunPower Corporation is one of the largest single-roof solar power systems in New Jersey. SunPower also assisted Shiseido in implementing energy-efficient lighting upgrades at the facility. Shiseido estimates that by combining improved energy efficiency with solar power, it will reduce electric utility costs by greater than 40 percent, or more than $100,000 per year. The payback period is expected to be less than six years for equipment that will last more than 25 years. Shiseido America Inc, a subsidiary of the Japanese cosmetics corporation Shiseido Company LTD, established its corporate operations in East Windsor in 1998.

Acupuncture and Herbal Health Center opens at 113 Maple Stream Road in the Chicken Holiday Plaza Shopping Center off Route 130 South. The Center is operated by long-time East Windsor resident Stephen Biggers, a Certified Acupuncturist in New Jersey and New York. Mr. Biggers relocated his New York City office to East Windsor Township. Mr. Biggers’ goal is to bring a new dimension of health care to the community with emphasis on Integrative Healing.

Join East Windsor Officials on December 16 in the Womanspace Communities of Light Project to raise funds and public awareness of domestic violence and services for victims. All area residents are invited to gather with candles at the Municipal Building on the program-designated Sunday, December 16 at 5 p.m. Candle kits are being sold for $10.00 at Yardville National Bank on Princeton-Hightstown Road and at Windsor Nissan on Route 130 South. Proceeds will benefit Womanspace, a Mercer County-based non-profit which provides services for domestic violence victims, and seven other domestic violence service agencies in Central New Jersey.

Additional New Tenants Identified for Windsor Crossing Center. The developer, Robertson Douglas Group, has announced new leases with Mahzu Japanese Hibachi Restaurant for 8,000 square feet of space, a dry cleaning store for 2,000 square feet of space, and The Learning Experience to be located in an 8,700 square feet free-standing building, all in the new Windsor Crossing Center. The dry cleaning store is anticipated to open in February 2008, The Learning Experience in March 2008 and Mahzu Japanese Hibachi Restaurant by May 2008. These new tenants join Via Roma Restaurant, a full service sit-down Italian restaurant, expected to open in December,Gold’s Gym, expected to open in January 2008, Synergy Bank, currently open in a free-standing building, and Robertson Douglas Design Center, expected to open in January 2008 and occupy the entire bank building second floor of 3,000 square foot.

Bear Brook Pathway Reconstruction Underway to restore the pathway damaged as a result of the nor’easter on April 14 of this year. The Bear Brook Pathway is a walking and biking path that runs along the Bear Brook through Wiltshire Park and Anker Park to the Hickory Corner Branch of the Mercer County Library. The Township will be reimbursed 75% of the cost from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a result of the Presidential Declaration of Emergency and the remaining 25% by the State of New Jersey. Work is anticipated to be completed in early December, weather permitting.

Mayor and Council Take Actions to Enhance Safety on Dutch Neck Road in response to resident concerns. The Mayor and Council have requested the New Jersey Department of Transportation approval for a reduced and uniform 30 m.p.h. speed limit on Dutch Neck Road, from Route 130 to the West Windsor border. Currently, Dutch Neck Road has 35 m.p.h. and 40 m.p.h. speed limit zones. The Mayor and Council also approved elimination of the existing passing zones on Dutch Neck Road. Other safety improvements for key intersections along Dutch Neck Road, at Dorchester Drive, Hickory Corner Road, Oak Creek Road and One Mile Road, include widening of stop lines, pavement “stop” warnings and larger stop signs. An in-road pedestrian warning sign will be installed at the intersection of Oak Creek Road, and additional improved crosswalk signage will be installed.

East Windsor Township Releases 2007 – 2008 Youth Activity Directory to provide the community with a comprehensive resource of organizations that provide programming for young people in the Township. The Directory was compiled by the East Windsor Recreation Commission and includes contact information and brief descriptions on numerous youth groups and youth programs, including area cub scout, boy scout and girl scout troops, Township volunteer committees, fire companies, rescue squads, Community Action Service Center, East Windsor Police Athletic League, Hightstown/East Windsor Youth Baseball League, POP Warner, East Windsor Regional School District Community Education, religious institutions, YMCA, Twin Rivers Recreation Department, Hickory Corner and Twin Rivers Branch Libraries, and the Township’s Recreation Department. Copies of the newly released East Windsor Township Youth Activity Directory are available at the Township Municipal Building, as well as the local public libraries, school offices and on the Township’s websitewww.east-windsor.nj.us. Anyone who is aware of a group or program inadvertently omitted is encouraged to contact the Township Recreation Department so that the information can be included in a future update.

Township Mayor and Council Encourage Citizens to Volunteer for Appointments to Township Boards and Committees. Volunteers can apply to serve on the Clean Communities Advisory Committee, Commission on Aging, East Windsor Municipal Utilities Authority, Economic Development Committee, Environmental Commission, Health Advisory Board, Planning Board, Recreation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment and the East Windsor Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse. Residents interested in volunteering can obtain an application from the Municipal Clerk or from the Township website address at www.east-windsor.nj.us or send a letter of interest and a resume or information about their background to: Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Township Council, East Windsor Township Municipal Building, 16 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor, New Jersey 08520, or fax to 443-8303. For an application form or further information, call 443-4000 ext. 240.

Mercer County Surrogate Diane Gerofsky to Speak at the Twin Rivers Branch of the Mercer County Library on Wednesday, December 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. about the role of the Surrogate Court. This program, intended for seniors and part of the “Aging in Place” program, will provide information on probate of wills, contested probate, estate accounting review, insolvencies, appointment of guardians for incapacitated persons, and actions to remove fiduciaries. Participants will be able to ask questions of Ms. Gerofsky pertaining to their own circumstances. R.S.V.P. by December 7 to Linda Meyer, Coordinator of Aging in Place Programs at (609) 987-8100, or by email at lmeyer@jfcsonline.org. This program is being sponsored by the Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County.

East Windsor Township’s Annual Re-organizational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 2:00 pm in the East Windsor Township Senior Center, 40 Lanning Boulevard. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.

East Windsor Township Receives Delivery of New Community Bus from New Jersey Transit. The Township was awarded the new vehicle as a result of an application for a Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 grant. There was significant competition for this program funding, but the Township succeeded in obtaining a $156,085 grant for purchase of a new 2008 bus, at no cost to East Windsor Township. The new 34 feet long bus replaces a ten year old bus and can accommodate 30 passengers. It is equipped with a platform type wheel chair lift, a kneeling feature to assist handicapped riders, package racks, air-conditioning, seat belts, arm rests and emergency pull cords. The Community Bus is used to transport senior citizens and disabled residents to and from the East Windsor Township Senior Center, shopping centers and medical appointments, Monday through Friday. The new bus also will be used to transport residents on trips to shopping places as the Mercer Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall and Vanity Fair Outlets, to shows, exhibits and other special places and events.

Via Roma Restaurant Opens on December 10 in Windsor Crossing Center. Via Roma is a new sit-down Italian restaurant, which occupies 3,000 square feet in the newly constructed Windsor Crossing Center at the intersection of Route 130 north, Route 33 west and Hickory Corner Road. The operator, Nunzio Ragusa, previously operated two family owned Nunzio Restaurants in Brooklyn and currently owns Dante’s Restaurant on County Line Road in Jackson, New Jersey.

Pawz & Clawz Grooming Opens on December 3 in the Carduner Center located at the intersection of Route 130 and Princeton-Hightstown Road (Route 571). Pawz & Clawz Grooming is operated by Chuck and Susan Cole, who previously operated a mobile pet grooming service which served customers in Mercer and Burlington Counties for the past ten years, before opening a walk-in location for their pet grooming business in East Windsor Township. Pawz & Clawz Grooming also provides pick-up and delivery services for its customers.

All-Star Subs and Deli Opens on December 5 on Route 33 West, in the vicinity of Airport Road. All-Star Subs and Deli, operated by Richard Kerr, will employ seven people and offers meats, imported cheeses and Italian breads. The Deli serves breakfast and lunch and provides catering services.

State Limitations on P.I.L.O.T.- Developer School Tax Breaks Pursued by Mayor Mironov and Council Members. Mayor Mironov and Council Members unanimously approved a Resolution asking State legislators and the Governor to bar Payment in Lieu of Taxes (P.I.L.O.T.) Agreements by municipalities in a regional school district which give school property tax breaks to profit making residential developers. If the State is not willing to prohibit such agreements, East Windsor officials are requesting that the State require that 100 percent of the lost school tax revenue be paid by the property taxpayers of the municipality granting the P.I.L.O.T. tax breaks, in consideration of the perceived benefit to that town, or alternatively the State provide to the school district a payment to compensate for 100 percent of the lost tax revenue. In this case, Hightstown Borough has been considering voluntarily giving school property tax breaks to a profit making developer to build 130 family residential units, which also will generate a considerable number of school children. When a town is part of a regional school district, lost tax revenue impacts and costs are also passed onto taxpayers in the other member towns. Thus, such an action would adversely affect East Windsor taxpayers in shifting this tax burden to our community, deprive the school district of critical school funding for our children while generating tremendous new costs, and constitute poor public policy

East Windsor Annual New Year’s Food Drive will be held between January 1 and January 31, 2008. The Township is asking area residents and businesses to donate non-perishable food items to East Windsor Township’s New Year’s Food Drive. This food drive will benefit the food pantry at the Community Action Service Center and the Green House Food Pantry at St. Anthony’s, area based organizations that provide assistance to local individuals and families. Food items can be dropped off at the East Windsor Municipal Building or the East Windsor Police Building, as well as the East Windsor Rescue Squad, District II building.

Keep Watch for the Kick Off of the East Windsor Township “Buy Local” Program in January 2008. East Windsor is sponsoring a new initiative to encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses. Shoppers will be eligible to win prizes such as gift certificates, coupons and items of merchandise from local merchants. Shoppers will be provided cards with eight spaces, which will be stamped by participating businesses when a purchase is made. Once all eight spaces are stamped by eight different participating businesses, the card can be deposited at the Municipal Building, Police Building, Senior Center or libraries for inclusion in a drawing for prizes. Keep an eye out for flyers at participating businesses and for announcements on Channel 27, Spotlight East Windsor, and area press.

Township Mayor and Council Encourage Citizens to Volunteer for Appointments to Township Boards and Committees. Volunteers can apply to serve on the Clean Communities Advisory Committee, Commission on Aging, East Windsor Municipal Utilities Authority, Economic Development Committee, Environmental Commission, Health Advisory Board, Planning Board, Recreation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment and the East Windsor Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse. Residents interested in volunteering can obtain an application from the Municipal Clerk or from the Township website address at www.east-windsor.nj.us or send a letter of interest and a resume or information about their background to: Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Township Council, East Windsor Township Municipal Building, 16 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor, New Jersey 08520, or fax to 443-8303. For an application form or further information, call 443-4000 ext. 240.