Saturday, May 12, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Hopewell Borough Hall at 88 E. Broad St.
The ceremony will begin at noon followed by a dessert reception.
Also during the day — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — there will be a blood drive in the council chambers, managed by the Community Blood Council of New Jersey.
”The dedication serves as an acknowledgement that this new facility is here to better serve the residents of the borough with full accessibility in a safe modern structure,” Mayor Paul Anzano said.
He added, “But to tell you the truth, I’m most excited about the blood drive. I am expecting strong support from everyone in Hopewell and a very successful community event in this new community space. Everyone who is able to donate blood is encouraged to participate. It is recommended that donors reserve a time to donate by contacting Barbara at the council at 883-9750.”
The building project involved converting a 1950s-era former Masonic temple into the new Borough Hall, now ready to accommodate all municipal operations, including Municipal Court.
Alterations were made to the existing two-story, 6,540-square-foot masonry building and included the entire replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; new bathrooms; a courtroom; and borough offices. All existing windows and doors were replaced, and on the second floor, the windows were enlarged.
The new 800-square-foot addition serves as the rear entrance and houses the elevator and egress stairs. Renovations began in February 2011 and concluded last month.
In planning the day, every effort was made to have borough residents and businesses participate in all the events.
The reception cake, a replica of the new Borough Hall, will be made by resident Corrine Edling.
Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew Jackson of the local Civil Air Patrol will lead the Honor Guard in raising the flag and reciting the pledge.
Local actress Sandy Ziolkonski will perform the national anthem, and the Rev. Michael Diggs of the Second Calvary Baptist Church will offer the invocation.
Additionally, P.J. Spagnoletti, a fifth-grade student at Hopewell Elementary School, will make balloon animals for all in attendance.
PNC Bank is providing the souvenir tote bags as well.

