Some news from old neighbors
By: Lorraine Sedor
Kathy Cunningham, township clerk, would like to remind residents that Monday, May 6, is the last day to register to vote in the June primaries.
Town Hall will be open on Monday until 9 p.m. for anyone wishing to register.
The primary elections will take place on Tuesday, June 4.
Many people in town will remember Don and Rachel Armstrong.
Don was instrumental in saving the "Old School" from demolition back in the 1970s.
Today Don and Rachel live in Kansas where they are busy restoring Casement Farm, which was originally homesteaded in 1876.
The Armstrongs are working on three barns, one of which houses the log cabin built by John C. Casement when he arrived in the area.
The largest of the barns tilted 25 degrees, but the Armstrong’s explain, "Block and tackle helped straighten the structure and gave it a new dignity."
Matching funds from the Kansas Department of Housing and Commerce were put toward a new roof and the replacement of rotted timbers and trusses.
The Armstrongs’ property includes a walnut tree farm, Middle Caney Walnut Plantation, which Rachel’s nephew John Riggs manages.
The Armstrong’s have great plans for their new home, including establishing a five-mile riding trail along the Middle Caney River.
As work nears completion the Armstrong’s are busy planning for the grand opening in September 2002, which will include a regional quilt show in the restored barn, and the official opening of the trails to "equestrians and pedestrians."
The Cranbury Arts Council has been busy preparing for its June 1 gala, "An Evening of Art and Music," which will take place at the law offices of Hill Wallack in Carnegie Center.
The council reminds local businesses and patrons that the deadline for print advertising in the program booklet is May 7.
For more information on advertising contact Carolyn Devany at (609) 409-7619.
The Arts Council also is accepting donations for the live and silent auction.
Past auction items have included the use of vacation homes, tickets to theater and sporting events, and merchandise from local retailers.
To make a donation to the auction please phone Joanne Hanson at (609) 395-9111 or Beverly Gerberich at (609) 860-9414.
The Cranbury Arts Council also has been busy representing central New Jersey down in Washington.
The Arts Council was invited by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.) to New Jersey’s Art Day in the Capitol. Marty Hayden and Sue Leson represented the group.
The women joined representatives from McCarter Theatre, Westminster Choir College, the Count Basie Theater, Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission and others on Capitol Hill, where they met with Eileen Mason, chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The group was also treated to behind-the-scenes tours and the opportunity to meet other members of Congress.
In his parting remarks, Rep. Holt commented that it was a wonderful thing to see the work of grass-roots organizations like the Cranbury Arts Council.
After a busy day in the nation’s capitol Marty and Sue headed home reinvigorated and ready to get back to work.
Leo Fenity reports that a total of 47 families participated in the Evans Tract sale last weekend.
After expenses, $67 was donated to the Cranbury Fire Company.
Leo would like to thank the Cranbury Police Department for doing a fine job of traffic control and Mother Nature for the beautiful weather.
Residents can contact Ms. Sedor by phone at (609) 655-3386, by fax at (609) 655-1613, by e-mail at [email protected]. or by mail at 32 Evans Drive, Cranbury, N.J. 08512.