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SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP
BULLETIN BOARD

CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER BAZAAR

The annual Christmas in November Bazaar to benefit the Southampton Historical Society will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Vincent Fire House on Race St., Vincentown. Crafters! Gifts! Baked Goods! Chinese Auction! Face Painting for the Kids! Door Prize! Lunch Available (Homeade Soups and Chili, Meatball Sandwiches, Hot Dogs and Drinks).

LEAF PICKUP


1. Backyard composting is highly recommended and the compost generated may be used to enrich your lawn and garden soils. Several homeowner composting bins are available in most lawn and garden supply stores.

2. Southampton Township provides curb-side service for leaf collection beginning November 1, 2008 and ending March 31, 2009. The procedure is as follows: Leaves should be bagged and not weigh more than 50 lbs. Upon collection, if time allows, the collected bags will be cut opened at your residence and emptied into our leaf truck and the empty bags will then be placed back on your property for disposal or reuse. We will not empty bags containing sticks, bottles, dirt, roots, etc.

Leaf bags must be placed separately from your regular trash, and be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. for collection (excluding holidays and weather permitting).

The Public Works Department requests your patience and cooperation with our leaf collection program as we have other vital services to provide as well. You may address any comments to the Township Clerk at 859-2736.

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY


The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street at the intersection of Mill St. Ceremony includes music and caroling by Southampton school children. Santa arrives by fire truck. Visit with Santa following the program at "The Grange" on Main Street. Refreshments will be served.

CORZINE'S PLAN TO CHARGE TOWNS FOR STATE POLICE PATROLS IS STRUCK DOWN

A powerful state agency today struck down Gov. Jon Corzine's attempt to require rural towns to pay part of the cost for State Police patrols. Southampton Township, under the leadership of Mayor Young, was instrumental in bringing together other municipalities to file the challenge before the Council on Local Mandates. Read the full story from The Star Ledger by clicking here.

COMMUNITY FORUM ON FUTURE VISION FOR SOUTHAMPTON SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2008

Continuing Southampton's participation in the Plan Endorsement Process sponsored by the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth, the Plan Endorsement Advisory Committy will hold a community forum on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Southampton School #1 in the Multi-Purpose Room from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend to share their views on the vision they have for the future of Southampton Township.

The Committee has already prepared a Municipal Self Assessment, which can be found on the website of the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs. The Site also provides the State's response to our Self-Assessment, a document entitled "Opportunities & Constraints Analysis" Both documents can be accessed by going to http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/osg/plan/pe.html. Under the heading of "Plan Endorsement", scroll down to Burlington County - Southampton and click on either document.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SOUTHAMPTON SHADE TREE COMMISSION

Southampton Township is looking for volunteers interested in being a member of the Shade Tree Commission. Anyone interested should write a letter to: Michael E. McFadden, Administrator, Southampton Township, 5 Retreat Road, Southampton, NJ 08088.

BURLINGTON COUNTY HEATER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM


Once again, through funding provided through the Community Development Block Grant Program, Burlington County is offering qualified homeowners grants to replace existing heating systems. For more information, CLICK HERE.

COMMUNITY PINOCHLE IN SOUTHAMPTON

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HOME DEPOT TO ACCEPT CFL BULBS AT NO COST

In order to encourage the use of the popular energy-saving CFL bulbs, Home Depot has launched a comprehensive and free compact fluorescent lamp take-back program. The program is an attempt to promote responsible re-cycling of the bulbs. For information on this program, visit www.homedepot.com/ecooptions. Compact fluorescent bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

HOW TO GET RID OF THINGS

  1. Grass clippings - should be put in a plastic bag and can go to the curb with regular trash.
  2. Leaf Collection – Fall and Spring 11/01 to 3/31. BAGS ONLY. DO NOT RAKE TO CURB. After 3/31, two-three bags maximum can be put with trash. Township will not take any leaves put to the curb by contractor.
  3. Brush and Branch Removal – Place at curb, all cut ends in the same direction, 4-5 ft. lengths with no dirt on them. Branches must be in front of the residents’ home and not on any Township-owned property. The Township will not take any branches that have been placed to the curb by a contractor. DO NOT CALL THE TOWNSHIP. CHIPPER COMES AROUND TO WHOLE TOWN ON PRE-SET SCHEDULE UNLESS CHIPPER IS DOWN OR OTHER WORK SCHEDULED.
  4. Appliance Pickup - $10.00 for pickup to Township Clerk or free of charge if you bring to Public Works garage on Buddtown Road on Wednesday between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Proof of residency required. (washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, air conditioner, hot water heater). If refrigerator or freezer is put to curb, door must be removed.
  5. Furniture can be put out with regular trash. The limit is 2 pieces at one time. There will be a charge for more than 2 pieces, pay Township Clerk. Carpet and House clean outs – there is a charge for both items. Call Township Clerk at 859-2736 to have items looked at for price to be determined for removal.
  6. Construction debris will not be taken on trash day. Residents’ responsibility to have removed.
  7. Propane tanks – call Township Clerk at 859-2736.
  8. Items that can be put out with regular trash - mattresses, box springs, televisions, microwaves, doors (exterior doors and interior doors including shower doors) windows, and other items of that nature.
  9. Hazardous Waste Day is twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. If you can’t wait, you may take to County facility at no charge. Call 609-499-5200 for days and hours. Latex paint that is dried up – TAKE LID OFF and leave next to trash.
  10. Tires - $3.50 without rims, $5.00 with rims, $10.00 truck tires (without rims only). Pay Township Clerk. Price subject to change. No charge for small donut tires or lawnmower tires, etc.
  11. Problem with stray or nuisance animals? Call Township Clerk at 859-2736. Car batteries – put out on trash day.
  12. Computer equipment, monitors, printers, etc. – Take to County at no charge. Call 609-499-5200 for hours and days. Can also take to Goodwill Industries at no charge. (Route 38 in Mt. Holly near Lumberton – 609-518-3490). Money they receive from Dell Computers helps disabled persons.
  13. Batteries – A, C, D & E types are no longer hazardous and can be put in your regular trash. Other batteries (nickel-cadmium, lithium, mercury, zinc, lead acid) need to be handled as hazardous waste (example: rechargeable & button style). Container for these batteries in foyer of Township Building.

    14. PINE BARRENS AWARD GOES TO JIMMY LONTORFOS

    Shown here are Cynthia Lontorfos, Joe Laufer, Jessica Lontorfos, Honoree Jimmy Lontorfos,
    Mayor James Young, Matt McCrink, Father Andrew Jamieson, and Helen Mazzarella

    On Thursday evening, August 7, Southampton Night was celebrated at the Pine Barrens Festival at Holy Eucharist Church in Tabernacle. Each year, a member of our community is selected for outstanding community service. This year's honoree was Jimmy Lontorfos, one of the owners of the Red Lion Diner, located at the intersection of routes 206 and 7O at the Red Lion Circle. Mayor Young presented Mr. Lontorfos with a plaque honoring him for his service to Southampton.

    Click here for the tribute to Jimmy Lontorfos which was read at the ceremony.

    JUNE, 2008 TOWNSHIP NEWSLETTER POSTED

    The latest edition of the Southampton Township Community Newsletter is now posted on this web site: Click here for Newsletter. It was delivered to all Southampton households before the end of June. Residents who have Post Office Boxes or who failed to receive a newsletter may pick up a copy from the Township Clerk.

    AGENDAS FOR MEETINGS OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE, ZONING BOARD & PLANNING BOARD

    We are now posting the agendas for Southampton Township Committee meetings, as well as for the Zoning Board and the Planning Board. You will find the link on the home page of the website (third tab on list of links):

    Click here for AGENDA page

    TOWNSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE

    Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings and begin at 8:00 p.m. * Astersisk indicates Workshop Meeting.
      • January 2, 2008
      • January 15, 2008
      • February 19, 2008
      • *March 4, 2008
      • March 18, 2008
      • April 15, 2008
      • *May 6, 2008
      • May 20, 2008
      • June 17, 2008
      • *July 1, 2008
      • July 15, 2008
      • August 19, 2008
      • *September 2, 2008
      • September 16, 2008
      • October 21, 2008
      • November 18, 2008
      • December 16, 2008

    The annual reorganization meeting for 2008 will be held on Friday, January 2, 2009 at 7:30 p.m., followed immediately by the regular Township meeting at 8:00 p.m.

    FLOOD ALERT HOT LINE

    As a result of recent meetings with Federal, State and County Officials, we have created this hot line page to provide up-to-date information during storm events in order to keep residents posted on conditions along the Rancocas Creek. The website of the National Weather Service located at Mount Holly is the primary source of information on rainfall totals affecting conditions along the Rancocas.

    Flood stage information is available on the site, as well as historic data on the floods of July, 2004 and April, 2007 for comparison purposes. During storm emergencies we will post important alert information as it becomes available to us.

    DOG LICENSING

    This is just a reminder that dog licenses are due after January 1st. Dog licenses have to be purchased every year because they expire on December 31st. The cost is $6.20 for spayed/neutered and $9.20 for non-spayed/non-neutered dogs. A late fee of $2.00 is charged starting April 1st. Proof of the rabies vaccination as well as proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered is needed when purchasing the license. Please note that it is a State requirement that the rabies vaccination must be good through November 1st of the year you purchase the license in order for the Township to be able to issue you a license.

    You may purchase the license at the Township Clerk’s office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If these hours are inconvenient for you, you may obtain a license through the mail. Send a check made out to the Township of Southampton for the correct amount along with a copy of the rabies certificate and information indicating when your dog was spayed/neutered.

    Send to: Township of Southampton, 5 Retreat Road, Southampton, NJ 08088 - Attn: Township Clerk

    Remember, dog licensing is a State Law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 et seq.) regardless if your dog is kept in the house or not.

    SOUTHAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMING EVENTS AND MEETING SCHEDULE



    • 2ND ANNUAL "FAMILY FUN FEST"

      Click here for information on Family Fun Fest - September 6, 2008

    • MEETINGS

      The Southampton Historical Society meets on the first Monday of each month (except in September, when it meets on the second Monday). There are no meetings in July and August nor January. The meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. at the Robert Thompson Municipal Building at the corner of Route 206 and Retreat Road, across from the WAWA. (This is a temporary arrangement while Old Town Hall is closed for repairs). Each meeting consists of a Business session, a program, and refreshments. No meetings in July and August


    • NEW "VINCENTOWN" COLLECTIBLE COMMEMORATIVE JAR AVAILABLE

      The Southampton Historical Society has available for purchase a new commemorative item:
      A POTTERY JAR handcrafted by Rowe Pottery Works, Cambridge, Wisconsin.

      The jar measures 7" high and 4" in diameter. The words "VINCENTOWN, NEW JERSEY" are printed on the front, along with an image of a pine cone.

      • PRICE: $28.00 each
      • A sample can be seen at the following locations in the Village of vincentown:
        • Sterling Bank
        • Sally Stretch Keen Library
        • In the window of the Telephone Museum on Mill St.
      To place an order: CALL 609-859-9503 or 609-859-4016.

    DANGEROUS SITUATION

    If you witness anyone tampering with catch basin lids -- trying to remove them or otherwise adjusting them -- please call the State Police at 609-859-2282.

    TOWNSHIP POPULATION REACHES 11,028

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau which updates population figures each year at this time, Southampton Township now has a population of 11,028. This represents and increase of 1.2% (97 people) from 2006, and approximately 6% (640 people) since the 2000 census.

    BLACK BEAR ALERT


    The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife has issued an advisory concerning Black Bears in the region. Residents are asked to refrain from feeding bears, under any circumstances.

    Click here for the full text of the advisory.

    DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO SOUTHAMPTON MUNICIPAL COURT

    We have posted driving directions to Southamton Towsnhip from various locations throughout the region.

    Click here for driving directions to Southampton Municipal Court.

    2008 RECYCLING SCHEDULE

    Southampton's Recycling Day is Monday (see shaded areas)

    OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION IN SOUTHAMPTON REACHES 4,581 ACRES


    Each year in March we create a summary of our progress in Open Space and Farmland Preservation in Southampton Township. There are two totals that enter into the 4,581 overall total acres preserved in Southampton, one of Burlington County's leading municipalities in preservation. In the category of "Farmland Preservation & Agriculture Retention & Development Program", since 1992 we have preserved 2,169.582 acres. In the category of "Open Space, Limited Practical Use Conservation Easements, etc." Southampton boasts of 2,411.761 acres preserved. These figures are provided by the Burlington County Office of Resource Conservation.

    Click here for list and acreage of Southampton properties preserved.

    As impressive as these figures are, Southampton's Environmental Commission has undertaken its own study of open space in the Township and has come up with a higher figure of 7,941 acres preserved. They have prepared a map which identifies these areas and have provided Burlington County with their research data in order to correct the current data on file with the county.

    Click here for a map showing different categories of Southampton properties preserved.

    NEWS FROM SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP ACADEMIC RESOURCE FOUNDATION (STAR)

    The Southampton Township Academic Resource Foundation (STAR) held its Annual Donor Reception on October 3, 2006 and gave a report on its progress to date, with a summary of the 2006 grants it provided for our schools.

    Click here for the 2006 STAR News summary

    Since 1999,the STAR Foundation since has awarded and presented the Southampton Schools with a total of $131,869, which included 11 grants totaling $12,523 for 2006.

    NEW WEB SITE FOR VINCENTOWN'S CENTRAL LODGE #44 - FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS

    Vincentown's historic Masonic Lodge has created its own web site: www.central-lodge-44.com. Congratulations to the Lodge on its recent anniversary and on a job well done with the new web site. Simply click on the highlighted web address to link directly to the site. We have posted the link on the index page of Southampton's website for easy access.

    "OPERATION DVD" FOR U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

    "Operation DVD" is a program sponsored by the American Veterans Association. The purpose of the program is to encourage residents to donate their new or used DVDs to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for entertainment during their relaxation periods. The following are the three drop-off locations in our area:

    1. 3000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 103, Mount Laurel
    2. The Burlington County store at the Moorestown Mall
    3. The Burlington County Human Services Facility at 79 Woodlane Road, Westampton

    COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

    The State Police at the Red Lion Station, in collaboration with Providence House of Catholic Charities, are currently recruiting volunteers for a domestic violence response team. The team members will work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information and referral at the time of a domestic violence crisis. Providence House of Catholic Charities and the police department are committed to a multi-racial, multi-ethnic team to serve the community in the best manner possible. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on a currently existing team, and submit to background investigations, including fingerprinting. A 40-hour mandatory intensive training course, to be held over an eight-week period, during evening hours, is required and will be provided to successful applicants. An understanding of domestic violence issues is not necessary. Bilingual volunteers are also needed. Interested citizens should contact Detective Harry Keenan), at (609) 859-2282.

    FREE RABIES SHOTS - 2007

    The Burlington County Animal Shelter, Woodlane Road, Westampton, NJ (609-265-5073) is offering free rabies shots for dogs and cats. Call the shelter to verify dates. If you have any questions, call 609-265-5073

    MEDFORD-VINCENTOWN ROTARY CLUB WEB SITE

    On the "LINKS" section of the Home/Index page of this web site (scroll down to the end) you will find a new link to the Medford-Vincentown Rotary Club web site. Congratulations to the Rotary for the good work they do in our area and for a fine web site. Click Here to be linked immediately to the site.

    MAPS ADDED TO TOWNSHIP WEB PAGES

    We have added two township maps to appropriate web pages for your convenience. An overall map of the township appears on the "Neighborhoods of Southampton" page. We've also posted a link on the index page in the introductory notes, along with a map outlining the Pinelands Protection area of the Township (74% of the total area of the township!). The maps are in Adobe pdf. format, for zooming and pinpointing specific areas. More map enhancements will soon be added. Here are direct links to each map:

    Overall Map of Southampton Township

    Map Showing Pinelands Protection Area

    FREE LEGAL ADVICE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

    Free legal advice is available to Burlington County Senior Citizens. For information, call 609-261-2220

    DOG LICENSING

    This is just a reminder that dog licenses are due after January 1st. Dog licenses have to be purchased every year because they expire on December 31st. The cost is $6.20 for spayed/neutered and $9.20 for non-spayed/non-neutered dogs. A late fee of $2.00 is charged starting April 1st. Proof of the rabies vaccination as well as proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered is needed when purchasing the license. Please note that it is a State requirement that the rabies vaccination must be good through November 1st of the year you purchase the license in order for the Township to be able to issue you a license.

    You may purchase the license at the Township Clerk's office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If these hours are inconvenient for you, you may obtain a license through the mail. Send a check made out to the Township of Southampton for the correct amount along with a copy of the rabies certificate and information indicating when your dog was payed/neutered.

    Send to: Township Clerk, Township of Southampton, 5 Retreat Road, Southampton, NJ 08088.

    Remember, dog licensing is a State Law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 et seq.) regardless if your dog is kept in the house or not.

    SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP GENERAL ORDINANCES NOW ON LINE

    The Southampton Township Revised General Ordinances are now available on-line. We have created a direct link to the host service, Coded Systems, Inc. Just click on the button on the Index page, or on the link below, and follow the directions to access the Ordinances of Southampton Township. As ordinances are updated or added, they will automatically be changed on the site. The system is best viewed with the Internet Explorer browser, but will possibly work with others. There is a choice to view the Code in Java or HTML. Java is preferred for best functionality, but for those who need HTML, it is there as an option. Once the Code is opened, click on the + or - signs next to chapters to access and read text or use Search and Expert Search tools to find specific areas. It is easy and self-explanatory to use, but if you have any problems, don't hesitate to contact the webmaster. To go directly to the Coded Systems site, click on the link below:
    Southampton Towsnhip General Ordinances

    RULES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING TRASH SERVICE

    When and how is trash supposed to be disposed of in Southampton Township? What can and cannot be placed at curbside for regular pickup? Southampton's regulations are listed in our ordinances in Chapter 9, section 7. If you want to test our new web-based Ordinance Collection by navigating the system, why not go directly to General Ordinances and initiate a search for Chapter 9, section 7. If you have any difficulty, just head back to this spot and click below. We have created a shortcut to that section for your convenience.

    Chapter 9-7 (1 through 11) TRASH SERVICE RULES & REGULATIONS

    COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE ON WEB SITE

    Since June, 2001 we have been mailing a Community Newsletter to residents of Southampton Township to keep them informed about activities in the Township. Beginning with the December, 2004 issue, which will be in the mail during the week of January 3, we will also post a copy of the newsletter on the website in PDF format. Past editions of the newsletter have also been posted. To date, 9 Community Newsletters have been published.

    Click here for the Community Newsletter home page.

    CURRENT LIBRARY HOURS

    Residents are invited to check the Vincentown Library web page for current hours of the Adult Library and the Children's Library, and for information on Childern's Story Hour.
    Visit the Library Web Site at Vincentown Library Web Page

    FREE CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS

    The Burlington County Health Department - Virtua-Community Nursing Services offere FREE childhood immunizations at Child Health Conferences (Ages 0 to 5 years) for eligible Burlington County residents (low to moderate income). The locations are: Bordentown City, Browns Mills, Mt. Holly, Riverside and Willingboro. For Information/Registration, call 267-1950. Note: For school age children, see your school nurse).

    TRASH COLLECTION

    If your trash collection day falls on a holiday, your trash will be picked up the next working day.
    • If your trash is normally picked up on a Monday and it is a holiday, it will be picked up on Tuesday along with Tuesday's normal trash collection.
    • If your trash is normally picked up on a Friday and it is a holiday, it will be picked up on Monday along with Monday's normal trash collection.
    • Public Works does not work on Election Day in November. Therefore, trash that is normally collected that Tuesday will be collected on Wednesday along with Wednesday's normal trash collection.
    • Public works does work the day after Thanksgiving (even though other Township offices are closed). Therefore, trash that is normally collected on Thursday will be collected on Friday along with Friday's normal trash collection.
    • Please note that New Year's Day, Veteran's Day and Christmas are celebrated on the date they actually fall on, which might differ from Monday or Friday, so the general rule applies: collection is the next working day along with that day's normal collection.

    PRESSURE TREATED AND CREOSOTED LUMBER

    Due to excessive costs associated with the disposal of certain chemically treated wood, pressure treated and creosoted lumber will no longer be accepted in resident trash or at the Public Works garage dumpster. If you must dispose of such items, call the Burlington County Hazardous Waste Office at 609-499-5200.

    DEER ALERT

    It's that time of year again when the deer start to roam around. Please be extra cautious when you drive, especially at night. However, if you do see a deer on the side of thye road, please call the Township Clerk's Office at 609-859-2736 with the location of the deer. Please note that the contractor who removes the deer is hired by the state and is not allowed to remove deer carcassas from any private property.

    SPECIAL NOTICE: CUT TREES AND BRUSH

    Southampton Township is not responsible for the removal of commercially cut trees and brush in the township. That is the responsibility of the owner of the property and the business, which has been paid to perform that service.

    However, if the individual property owner has personally cut trees and brush on his/her own property or has collected branches and brush, they can put them at the curb for Towship Municipal employees to either shred or pick up.

    REMINDERS FOR RESIDENTS: SNOW REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS; CARPET REPLACEMENT

    Local ordinances require that public sidewalks be shoveled within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall. Residents are encouraged to comply with this directive for the benefit of the community.

    Residents are further reminded that when a commercial carpet company installs carpet in residences and other facilities, it is the responsibility of the company to remove the old carpet from the premises. The old carpet should not be left at the curb for regular Township trash removal.

    MUNICIPAL COURT UPDATES

    Certain traffic tickets can be paid on-line. For information on this service, click below:

    Paying for tickets on line

    The Municipal Court is also looking for volunteers to serve as Mediators who will assist local citizens in resolving minor neighborhood disputes. Click below for information on this program:

    How to become a volunteer Court Mediator

    COORDINATOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

    Ed Snow is Coordinator of Emergency Management for Southampton Townwhip. He was appointed at the September 6th, 2005 Township Meeting to replace Steve Pratt, who resigned due to new job responsibilities.

    The Southampton Township Office of Emergency Management is responsible for maintaining and enforcing the New Jersey State Disaster Laws. The state law requires every municipality to have a state approved Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and to appoint a Coordinator. The local Emergency Management Coordinators, along with members of public safety organizations, volunteer and private entities, such as the Red Cross, know their responsibilities and how they are expected to conduct their job. The Office of Emergency Management is charged with coordinating the efforts of these agencies and organizations during a disaster or natural emergency. Some of the events in which the Office of Emergency Management takes a leadership role are Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Flash Floods, Thunderstorms, Forest Fires, Winter Storms, Hazardous Waste spills, and overall Disaster Preparedness. They also are involved in coordination with the Office of Homeland Security.

    EXCELLENT WEB SITE: THE PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF HISTORIC SOUTHAMPTON

    Historical Commission Chairman Todd Ditzman has prepared an excellent website for the commission. It is linked by button on the Index Page of the township web site. It provides a wealth of information on the principles of preservation as they are applied in our township. The most recent addition to the site is a page highligting the recent awards for preservation throughout the community. Awardees for past years are also listed and illustrated. Click on the URL below to preview the site now:

    www.historicsouthamptonnj.org

    SOUTHAMPTON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

    Take a look at the upgraded STBA website for a new look, new information and improved navigational tools. The site lists most township businesses by category. There is a special "button" on our home page directing people to the STBA site. Click on directly through this site, or bookmark it for future reference at

    www.STBA.org

    "OPEN SPACE" PAGE NOW ON SITE

    Because of Southampton Township's leadership role in Farmland and Open Space preservation, we have added a page summarizing the many preservation initiatives undertaken by the township. To add "color" to the page, we've included pictures of signs designating the various preserved areas. Click below to navigate this new page, which will be updated regularly.

    Click here for "OPEN SPACE" link

    SOUTHAMPTON DESIGNATED TREE CITY U.S.A. - YEAR 16!

    Notification was received from the National Arbor Day Foundation that Southampton Township was named as a 2005 Tree City USA. This is the fifteenth year that the township has received this designation, thanks to its proven commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program -- one marked by renewal and improvement. Committeeman C. Edman Budd has been instrumental in the Tree City USA program. Arbor Day, 2004 is celebrated on Friday, April 30th. The annual seedling distribution and Arbor Day program was held at School #1 on Friday, April 30. For more information on Arbor Day and Tree City USA, CLICK HERE for their web site.

    SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOLS WEBSITE

    You are invited to visit the newly-created Southampton Schools Website. The site contains a wealth of information about our schools. In addition, visit the section of this community website which deals with our schools. We have produced pictures of each of the schools as well as the historic schools in the township. Both websites are worth visiting.

    Official Southampton Schools Web Site

    The Schools of Southampton Township: Past and Present

    SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP ACADEMIC RESOURCES FOUNDATION WEB PAGE

    We have added a button on our home page, just under the button for Southampton Township Schools, which will take you to the new page for the Southampton Township Academic Resources Foundation. This private and independently operated foundation comprised of Southampton Township community and business leaders provides funds for educational tools for the children of Southampton Township above and beyond the public funding mandated by law. Your donations are welcome. Click below for information on the Foundation and for a description of the projects they have funded to date.

    Southampton Township Academic Resources Foundation

    PROFILES OF TOWNSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL

    Since June of 2001, a Community Newsletter has been published for residents. In each issue, a Southampton Township service employee is highlighted. In the seven issues to date, we have introduced the community to the Director of Public Works, Treasurer, Municipal Court Administrator, Township Secretary, Tax Collector and Secretary to the Assessor, Planning Board and Zoning Board, and Technical Assistant to the Construction Official. We have now created a link on this website to the various profiles which have appeared in these Newsletters. Click below for a directory of links to each profile.

    Profiles of Township Service Personnel

    2000 CENSUS DATA ON SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP

    The 2000 census data shows that Southampton Township grew by only 186 people since 1990, an increase of 1.8%. The current population is 10,388. The breakdown indicates that 10,086 residents are Caucasian, 134 Hispanic/Latino, 125 Black, 65 Asian, and 29 Native American. The total population of Burlington County (40 municipalities) now stands at 423,394.

    RESULTS OF 2003 STOP-THE-JADE-RUN 5K RACE

    Note: 2003 was the last year for the race, which was curtailed because of the work on the Race Street Dam and Bridge. We are not sure yet whether the race will resume in 2006. Keep watching!
    The Annual Stop-The-Jade-Run 5K Race and the one mile Fun Run/Walk to benefit the Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library was conducted on Saturday, March 1, 2003. The course winds through Vincentown and the surrounding farmland. It is open to individuals of all ages. Click below for a summary of the results of the 2003 race:

    Stop The Jade Run - 2003 RACE RESULTS

    Ever wonder about the origin of the name "Stop the Jade Run" -- that little creek that meanders along Vincentown-Pemberton Road and ends up in Rancocas Creek in the Village of Vincentown? Click below for the origins of this unique name for a creek:

    Stop-the-Jade Run EXPLAINED

    PLAYGROUND RIBBON CUTTING

    Photo courtesy of Joe Laufer

    Mayor Jim Young and Committeeman Joe Laufer, surrounded by Southampton children, officially open the new Township Playground on the Municipal Complex at Route 206 and Retreat Road on Saturday, Apirl 3, 2004. The Ribbon Cutting took place immediatly after the children participated in the annual Southampton Easter Egg Hunt.


    Photo courtesy of Joe Laufer

    Immediately after the official ribbon cutting, dozens of children took advantage of the many features of the new Township Playground. The playground was installed by Miracle Recreation, the company that manufactured the unit. Members of Southampton Public Works Department were responsible for the clearing and preparation of the pad on which the playground is located. It consists of a basic swing set with two toddler and two regular swings, two spring rockers, 3 slides, monkey bars, rock climb and chin-up bars. The unit is ADA certified and the style was selected to blend in with the rural atmosphere of Southampton Township.

    Funding for the new playground came from a special recreational fund established by the Township Committee, whereby builders and developers are assessed fees based on the size of their development.

    SPONSOR A VINCENTOWN VILLAGE VICTORIAN LAMP POST

    Residents and businesses may sponsor the installation of a Victorian Lamp Post in the heart of historical Vincentown. We have 138 classic lamp posts throughout the village: 68 on Main Street and the remainder on Race, Mill, Pleasant and Church streets.
    With this limited number, your ability to participate is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each light will have the name of the donor engraved on a 3 inch by 2 inch name plate. The cost of a lampost memorial is $1,000.00 and can be divided into payments of $250 per quarter per lampost. Anyone interested may call the municipal clerk at 859-2736 or Mayor Jim Young at 859-2061 (home) or 859-2090 (business). You will have the option to choose a preferred location, based on availability.