Letters to the Editor, Nov. 3, 2005

A street for Stewart
To the editor:
   
Growing up in Pennington in the 50s and 60s, Newt (Stewart) was a man (mailman) who was part of the fabric that made up the town. He was always there with a smile and a kind word. He took his lunch break at the drop box at the corner of my parents house . . . That was until one of the children dropped a bomb in it one tick-tack night. That was the end of our mailbox. The post office never replaced it. There is a concrete slab left as a memorial. Needless to say, you could set your watch by him.
   He entertained us all with his band. One Memorial Day he had a marching group that memorialized him. They carried signs and folding chairs marching like a drill unit, demonstrating their love of the man. That was the year Newt’s band didn’t perform. The town was upset and even brought their concerns to Borough Council thinking they were to blame. So, it goes without saying, Newt was the unofficial ambassador to the town. He mentored many children, including my son, in playing the drums. I worked with him on the First Aid Squad. He used his charm to put victims at ease on their trips to the hospital.
   I would like the borough to change West Curlis Avenue to Stewart Lane. If anyone else feels the same, let Pennington Borough Council and Mayor Jim Loper know.
Rich Butterfoss
Pennington
Proud of Affordable

Housing Committee
To the editor:
   Micah 6:8: ". . . and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness."
   I doubt that this Bible verse ever entered into the discussions of the Affordable Housing Committee of Hopewell Township when they were wrestling with the plan that they have presented. However it was exactly what popped into my mind when I read the news reports of the plan.
   I fully support the idea of spreading affordable housing throughout the township, but I especially appreciate the inclusion of group homes for the disabled. This is where I feel the Planning Board and the community is getting the justice, and kindness part right.
   I, for one, would be delighted to see a Project Freedom as my neighbor. These homes provide handicapped citizens safe places to live where they can live independently. Project Freedom already has homes in Robbinsville, Hamilton, and Lawrence. Another nonprofit group that I heard being discussed is The Arc, an organization that aids retarded children and adults. People with mental retardation are waiting for housing throughout our country. I’m glad the Affordable Housing Committee is helping to make a home for them.
   This is a good plan. It preserves our natural resources, it diversifies our neighborhoods, and it provides good affordable housing to an underserved segment of our community.
   I’m proud of the Hopewell Township Affordable Housing Committee.
Debra A. Burd
Titusville
Harvest Fair thanks
To the editor:
   
The late September Hopewell Harvest Fair and the Harvest Moon Celebration were a huge success due to the many volunteers, committee chairs, planning committee members and board members who gave of their time and talents. The board will be distributing proceeds from these events in November. Local nonprofits may apply for funds by picking up an application at PNC Bank or the Hopewell Library in Hopewell Borough. Completed applications should be mailed to Hopewell Harvest Fair PO Box 421, Hopewell, 08525. All applications must be postmarked no later than Nov. 11.
   Special thanks go out from me and Co-chairwoman Sharon Fink to the following volunteers and businesses for their help with the Harvest Moon Celebration: Sharon Snyder, Susan Pollara, David Frye, David McKinnon, Geri Bull, Julie from Amboy Bank, Joe and Kathy Williamson and Williamson Electric, Jeanette Fossel, Chris Fossel, Ray Disch and Tom Knight from Disch Real Estate, Thos Paine and Dana Communications, Jim Snyder, Corrie Snook and Ash’s Flower farm, Carol Bursac, Bob Stuhler and the Undertainers, Sandy Brown, Sue Seferian, Vince Januski, Heidi Muentener, Jean Crowell from Failte Coffeehouse, Franco Lettieri from Franco’s pizza, Gennaro Esposito from That’s Italian, Chef Will from Brothers Moon, Michael Rothwell and Pennington Quality Market, Eric Nutt and Triumph Brewery, Susan Molnar from Hopewell Valley Bistro and Inn.
   Next year is the Harvest Fair’s 20th anniversary. We want to make it the best fair ever, so please watch this paper for early meeting announcements. Please plan on attending a planning session to provide feedback, ideas and to learn about volunteer opportunities. We are looking for someone to take over the publicity role, the Lego and K’NEX and Art contests and to possibly chair or co-chair next year’s event.
   Contact Geri Bull at 466-9206 or me at 274-2054 or 333-9505 for more information.
Debra Stuhler, co-chairwoman
Hopewell Harvest Fair