Borough boosters have plans

A number of beautification projects discussed

By: Bill Greenwood
   JAMESBURG — The Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition has its eye on dressing up Jamesburg.
   The JRC discussed a number of beautification projects at its meeting Wednesday, including having some business and homeowners hang flags.
   The group also named a new secretary.
   Amy Practico, head of the coalition’s Beautification Committee, said her group is setting up a Jamesburg Pride Campaign that will encourage business owners and residents to hang flags outside of their homes. She said she plans to go door to door to see how many people would be willing to do so.
   "My vision with the flags is to enter the downtown business district from any angle and know that you’re in the middle of something happening," she said.
   She also wants to purchase potted mums to improve the look of the downtown area. She said she has been in touch with a wholesale grower, and the JRC may be able to offer the flowers to residents and business owners at a reduced rate.
   The organization also intends to ask the Middlesex County Freeholders for help improving the look of the dam at Lake Manalapan.
   JRC President Elliott Stroul said part of the dam has a rocky feel to it while the rest is concrete. He said the organization should ask the freeholders to either continue using stone facing for the rest of the dam or cover the whole dam with bricks.
   The JRC also selected Brian Blatz, owner of Fiddleheads Restaurant, as its new secretary. Former secretary Teddy Ehmann vacated the position, as well as his post as Arts and Entertainment Committee chairperson, after leaving the town, Mr. Stroul said.
   Mr. Stroul has asked Lisa Rejowski, who owns The Artisan Framer, to fill Mr. Ehmann’s position on the Arts and Entertainment Committee, but she said she still had not decided whether to accept.
   Because of Mr. Ehmann’s departure, the JRC was forced to cancel its movie night at John F. Kennedy School, which was scheduled to take place Saturday. Mr. Stroul said he is hoping to reschedule the event for Aug. 18, the same day as the Jamesburg Street Fair. The event would be free to the public, and the movie to be shown is the original "Star Wars."
   The organization also has released entry forms for its 5K run, which will be held Sept. 8 on Buckelew Day. Those interested in entering the race can get a form from the JRC’s Web site at www.ilovejamesburg.com.
   The JRC is still awaiting a certificate granting it 501c3 status, which allows sponsors to receive a tax deduction. Mr. Stroul said applications are backed up, but it should be approved within a month.