Township Committee Reports Highlight Rev250 Events, Local Businesses, Public Health and Community Partnerships
Nicholas Mistretta
The Montgomery Township Committee used its June 18 meeting to provide updates on community events, committee assignments, local business activity and upcoming programs, while also recognizing former Deputy Mayor Vincent Barragan for his service to the township.
Committeeman Mike Martin opened the committee reports by thanking Lower Middle School Principal Lisa Romano, the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and township partners for their work on the June 12 “Crossroads: Journey Through Montgomery’s History” event at Lower Middle School. Martin said he was able to attend part of the event, which included reenactors, displays and posters focused on Revolutionary-era life in the region. Martin described the event as a strong example of collaboration among the school district, a cultural institution and township government. He also noted the township’s upcoming fireworks and Rev250 celebration, which is expected to include Revolutionary-era reenactors, including George Washington on horseback.
Deputy Mayor Patricia Taylor Todd, who was recently selected to serve in that role following Barragan’s resignation, also acknowledged the former deputy mayor’s work. She said Barragan’s financial knowledge and leadership were valuable to the township, particularly through his work on the Budget and Finance Committee.
Taylor Todd thanked the committee for the trust placed in her as the new deputy mayor and said she was honored to serve.
In her committee updates, Taylor Todd reported that the Board of Health held its regular meeting and is continuing work related to the Age-Friendly Montgomery survey. She said recommendations from the survey were reviewed in connection with the township’s Plan for Health grant.
She also reported that the Open Space Committee held its regular meeting and continues to work on ongoing projects.
Taylor Todd congratulated Village Elementary School students for their creativity in connection with artwork presented earlier in the meeting and encouraged residents to view the display at the library. She also reminded residents about the annual Juneteenth celebration at the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum.
Committeeman Dennis Ahn also thanked Barragan for his service and congratulated Taylor Todd on becoming deputy mayor.
Ahn reported that Lori Huff is stepping down from her leadership role with the Municipal Alliance. He said the alliance has faced recent challenges because some grant funding has become more restricted, making it more difficult to finance certain activities, including some school-related programs.
Ahn also said the Economic Development Commission is working on Restaurant Week, which is expected to take place in September. He reminded residents that the Montgomery Farmers Market is held every Saturday and encouraged the community to support local farmers and vendors.
Ahn also reflected on Juneteenth and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, saying the country is not perfect but continues to strive toward its ideals. He encouraged residents to take part in upcoming Rev250 events and to learn more about Montgomery’s local history, including the story of William Stives, a Montgomery resident who served during the Revolutionary War and was recognized by General George Washington.
Mayor Neena Singh provided a broader list of recent and upcoming events.
On June 5th she attended the grand opening of Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic’s adolescent building. Singh said the facility serves children between the ages of seven and 11 and noted that Montgomery has made mental health and wellness a focus.
Also that day, the opening of Oops Art, a new business located near Route 518 and Woodland Drive. She encouraged residents to visit the new business.
June 6 was Trails Day at Van Horne Park, which was also tied to the township’s 250th anniversary programming. June 7, Troop 46’s annual Strawberry Festival, where the Mayor’s Wellness Team participated in Zumba.
June 12 the Lower Middle School living museum event. She said the program included an immersive experience with the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum and noted that seeing students churn butter reminded her of visiting her grandmother in India during childhood summer trips.
Singh also reported that the Mayor’s Wellness Team participated in the June 14 Run With Rotary and placed third, earning a donation for the Montgomery Food Pantry.
The 10th anniversary celebration of Arawak, a Montgomery business that held its event at the Atrium at 23 Orchard Road. Singh said it was encouraging to see a local business celebrating a milestone and doing well.
On June 16, she met with representatives from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding the Blue Acres program. She said the program has been important for residents whose homes were damaged by Superstorm Ida. Singh said some homes were so severely damaged that residents could not return, and she thanked township staff who worked behind the scenes to support the process.
Looking ahead, the Mayor reminded residents about a blood drive scheduled for Sunday at the municipal building. She also said the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will be at the municipal building on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., including services related to REAL ID.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com