Library Serves as a Resource during Flash Flooding

The Peapack & Gladstone Library, a branch of the Somerset County Library System (SCLS), served as a disaster-recovery area during the August 22 flash floods that affected Somerset County.  Eight people, who were evacuated from homes located in low-lying Peapack & Gladstone areas, enjoyed the hospitality of the library’s staff.

The residents were able to use the library’s Wi-Fi and computers, charged cell phones and other devices, and appreciated the free beverages and refreshments supplied by the staff.

One woman, who was flooded out of her son’s Brook Street home, was celebrating her 75th birthday.  The library staff serenaded her with a lively rendition of “happy birthday,” accompanied with cookie, complete with candle.  Each “party guest” received a small gift bag of candy.

“We turned a bad situation into a little party,” said Melissa Banks, temporary branch director.  Some of those who waited out the storm had not been in the library since they were small children.  “Peapack & Gladstone residents really do appreciate their library,” added Banks.

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)234-0598 or visit the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Manville, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

# # #

Next 'BOBO Friday' Food Collection - Aug. 16

The next “Buy One, Bring One” (BOBO) collection of food for Somerset County families in need will be held Friday, Aug. 16.

“Summer is the low point for food-bank supplies,” said Freeholder Patricia Walsh, who spearheaded the BOBO Fridays program.  “Employees and visitors to various county, municipal and library locations can help by dropping off non-perishables in any of the blue BOBO Fridays bins.

“In the first three years of the BOBO program we’ve collected more than 11 tons of donations,” she added.  “Thanks to everyone for your continued support.”

Canned or boxed food items are accepted.  For ideas about healthy foods to donate, go to http://bit.ly/FoodPantryDonations.

Look for the blue BOBO Fridays bins at these county locations: Somerset County Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville; Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater; Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge; and Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge.

Local libraries hosting the bins include the Bernardsville Library, Bound Brook Memorial Library, Bridgewater Library, Manville Library, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library (Rocky Hill), North Plainfield Library, Peapack-Gladstone Library, Somerville Public Library, Warren Township Library and Watchung Library.

Towns that have BOBO Fridays bins in their municipal buildings are Bedminster, Bound Brook, Franklin, Green Brook, North Plainfield and Raritan.

Although the targeted collection schedule is the third Friday of every month, the bins are available every day, so donations may be dropped off at any time during regular business hours at all locations.

Introduction to Reiki

Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Bound Brook Library

402 E. High St.

Bound Brook, NJ 08805

(732) 356-0043

Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm

Reiki is an ancient Japanese/Tibetan energy technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes natural healing for mind, body and spirit. Reiki is a very simple yet powerful technique that can be easily learned by anyone. Join us to find out more about what Reiki is and enjoy a hands-on experience of Reiki relaxation.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is requested. Call (732) 356-0043 to sign up or click on http://www.libraryinsight.net/eventdetails.asp?jx=jbp&lmx=343232&v=3 to register online.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bound Brook Library at (732) 356-0043 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.org. The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

NJ Palisades @ Warren Library

Thursday, August 8 at 7 pm

In 1524, explorer Giovanni da Verrazano described the cliffs along the west bank of the Hudson River as "a fence of stakes," or "Palisades."

Join author and photographer Kevin Woyce for a colorful illustrated presentation about one of New Jersey's most impressive landmarks, from its formation and discovery to the American Revolution park's major trails, from abandoned riverfront beaches and ferry landings to a vanished cliff top world of mansions and grand hotels. The program will also feature a “virtual” visit to Fort Lee, when it was the home of the silent movie industry, and the Palisades Amusement Park, the setting of the bestselling novel “Palisades Park”.  This is a perfect program to help you plan a day trip before the summer is over!

Pre-registration is required to attend this program. To register online please click on this link http://bit.ly/13hLIdw or call 908-754-5554 ext 64 for more information or assistance with registration.

Patrons with further questions may visit the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Warren Twp Library is located at 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, NJ 07059.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

A Musical Tribute to the Great Les Paul & Mary Ford

Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. Bound Brook Library 402 E. High St. Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (732) 356-0043 Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm

Come and join us for an evening of great music as Tom Doyle and Sandy Cory perform a tribute to the great Les Paul and Mary Ford. Tom, a Master Guitar Builder and sound performance engineer/guitarist for Les Paul for over 40 years, will also captivate us with stories of those years working with Les Paul as well as other legendary musicians such as Al Dimeola, George Benson , Tommy Emanuel and Sting.
This program is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration is requested. Call (732) 356-0043 to sign up or click on http://www.libraryinsight.net/eventdetails.asp?jx=jbp&lmx=322037&v=3 to register online.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bound Brook Library at (732) 356-0043 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.org. The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung

 

.

Route 22 East ramp connections between Bridgewater and Somerville will close for about three months

Patrons coming to the Bridgewater Library may need to alter their usual travel plans.  According to the Bridgewater Police Department and the New Jersey Department of Transportation:

 The Route 22 East ramps at North Bridge Street and Grove Street were set to close Friday night, and remain closed for about three months starting August 3, 2013. 

Route 22 eastbound motorists destined for North Bridge Street (south) will be directed to continue on Route 22 to North Gaston Avenue utilizing the U-turn to return to Route 22 westbound onto North Bridge Street (heading north of Route 22), then make a right onto North Grove Street over Route 22 then make a left onto Ivanhoe Avenue back to North Bridge Street heading south. 

North Bridge Street motorists destined for Route 22 eastbound will be directed to make a left onto Ivanhoe Avenue then a right on Davenport Street to the on-ramp for Route 22 eastbound. 

Route 22 eastbound motorists destined for Grove Street (south of Route 22) will be directed to continue on Route 22 to North Gaston Avenue utilizing the U-turn to return to Route 22 westbound onto North Bridge Street (heading north of Route 22) then make a right onto North Grove Street to cross over Route 22 and head south. 

The project, which is scheduled for completion during the summer of 2014, aims to provide safety improvements throughout the area and provide congestion relief along the Route 22 corridor.

https://local.nixle.com/alert/5042525/?sub_id=1061515