Obama Gives NJ No Child Left Behind Waiver

President OKs 10 states to bypass educational achievement edict.

Expert: Rock Wall is 'Stable' at Millington Quarry

ADDED INFO: Next witness for quarry plan due to testify at Planning Board meeting March 6.

A geologist representing Millington Quarry on Tuesday night told the Township Planning Board that rock faces alongside a proposed 50-acre lake and possible future residential neighborhood on the quarry land are "stable." "I wouldn't do anything to disturb any part of that quarry face," geologist Mark Zdunczyk advised on the quarry's behalf. "Rocks will tumble—we don't know when," the geologist said. Later in the meeting, he revised that observation to specify he couldn't predict when rocks might break off, if at all, as a result of repeated freezing, getting wet and drying. The geologist added that the rock faces have fractures, but none of the fault lines that cause rock to move. In response to questions by Board Member Kevin Orr, …

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Bernards Children's Library Invites All to 'Circus Tales'

Professional storyteller will bring stories to life at Bernards Library.

Experience the Big Top— folktale style — this Saturday in a free presentation at the Bernards Township Library at 32 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge. Professional storyteller Julie Pasqual of Jersey City will share 'Circus Tales' in the children's library section at 11 a.m. this Saturday. Pasqual is a self proclaimed “creativity junky” and renaissance woman. Her storytelling work encompasses all her skills as a performing artist, and she brings every aspect of a story to life, a library announcement said. More about the storyteller is on her website. The program will be 45 minutes long and no registration is required. For further information, call the children’s library for at 908-204-3031, ext. 3 or access the library website.

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Millington Quarry Back on Planning Board Agenda

Hearing on quarry owner's plans to rehabilitate quarrying property set to continue at 7:30 p.m. meeting.

A fifth public hearing on the Millington Quarry's proposal for how the quarrying operation off Stonehouse Road would be prepared for future use once quarrying stops for good is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday night before the township Planning Board. A series of experts for the quarry already have testified before the board to outline plans for regrading the land, creating a 50-acre lake and otherwise preparing the property for future residential use. However, at the first meeting before the board in November, the quarry's attorney, Michael Lavigne, emphasized that there is no plan before the board at this time for a residential project and that would need to be the subject of a future application. A major concern at the last hearing in…

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Feb. Activities at Senior Wellness Center in Basking Ridge

Valentine's Day party, "Keeping Your Mind Sharp," "Pool Sharks" every day.

The senior centers operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services has announced its February program schedule, including the schedule for the Senior Wellness Center in Basking Ridge, which serves the Somerset Hills. Among the highlight's for this month are a Valentine's Day celebration with live entertainment on Feb. 10, and this Wednesday's sampling of some heart-healthy Mediterranean foods. The center had held a Valentine's Day event with a jazz musician last February. All February birthdays, even Leap Year birthdays, will be celebrated on Feb. 29. All programs begin at 11 a.m. unless otherwise listed. Please call for lunch reservations by 11 a.m. the day before wishing to attend. For more information, contact the …

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U.S. Congressman to Somerset Hills: Keep Federal Tax Breaks

Leonard Lance, who could represent Bernards next year, holds meeting in Bernardsville.

U.S. Congressman Leonard Lance, (R-District 7) who represents most of the Somerset Hills and whose district will expand into Bernards Township as of 2013, told constituents gathered in Bernardsville he believes improving and growing the economy is the best way to reduce America's budget deficit. Lance detailed his positions on many issues before an audience of local Republican officials, nearby residents and even political opponents in a Saturday afternoon gathering at the Bernardsville Public Library. Lance made it clear several times during his opening statement and while answering questions from a gathered group of at least 100 people that he considers handling the country's economic challenges the "overarching issue" in Congress, and …

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Students Move Bus Stop Onto Busy Road After Snow, Residents Say

Two residents asked that the township shovel sidewalks on both sides of Allen Road after snow to protect students waiting for bus.

It may not have snowed much this winter, but two residents of Lafayette Watch in The Hills say that it's been enough to push students who didn't want to stand on an unshoveled sidewalk along Allen Road to step onto the heavily trafficked road to wait for their school bus. Even without snow, "The children do stand there for the bus in the morning," Loulla Kijek, a neighbor, told the Township Committee about the intersection at the entrance to Lafayette Watch, Wellington Drive and Allen Road. She and Eileen Scott, another neighbor, said there is virtually no shoulder at that spot where the children wait. Neither has children in the schools, they told the Township Committee on Tuesday, but Kijek said her dog was hit by a car and killed while …

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