Greetings! The days are getting shorter, but we have had a chance to enjoy some beautiful fall weather. I like this time of year when we can pull out our sweaters, sip a hot cup of tea, watch the colorful leaves drift in the wind, and listen to the owls at night.

This past month Cranbury community organizations were busy celebrating big milestones --- the Lion’s Club’s 90th Anniversary, the Woman’s Club of Cranbury’s 100th Anniversary of Federation, and Cranbury’s 325th Anniversary celebrated by the Cranbury Historical & Preservation Society. These types of celebrations wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated members who volunteer their time to community service and keep Cranbury’s community spirit alive. Members support local and state projects, sponsor annual town wide events and contribute to the rich history of our town. Even small projects add up to creating a big impact. Please consider joining one of these clubs or community organizations, which are listed on the Township website. You may live in a small town but you can make a big difference and keep Cranbury’s spirit of volunteerism thriving. Let’s work together for one another and for our community.

Did you know?

- Cranbury earned a Sustainable Jersey “Silver” Certification! Our town completed a voluntary but rigorous certification program to reduce waste, cut greenhouse emissions, address public health, and protect natural resources to maintain the quality of life for all ages. The journey to obtain this level of certification began nearly 12 years ago when I was a member of the Environmental Commission and encouraged the Township Committee to form the Green Team. Cranbury already had many established sustainability programs, so the Green Team worked with boards, commissions, and staff to increase our Township’s commitment to additional community initiatives. These included the Mayors Health and Wellness Campaign, a municipal energy audit and tracking, a bike network plan, promotion of the Police Department’s Prescription Drug Disposal Program, and an annual mayor’s walk to school event. It was quite a team effort, and our township has benefited in many ways from the guidance provided by the Sustainable Jersey program. I’ve been invited to receive the award for Cranbury in person at the League of Municipalities Annual Meeting on November 15thand the plaque will be hung in the Town Hall meeting room.

- Join the conversation about truck traffic! The Southern Middlesex County Freight Movement Study was launched this past spring to identify strategies to safely manage freight movement while balancing the needs of all users of the roadway. The warehouses and distribution centers in our area have generated truck traffic and negatively impacted residential communities. This study is seeking input from Cranbury residents by launching a survey and interactive map to hear about the truck issues impacting our town. Fill out the survey and provide comments, suggestions, and feedback. Now is the time to be speak up and ensure Cranbury’s voice is heard!

- Vote in the 2022 General Election!  Click here for all Middlesex County related voting information or call the NJ voting assistance hotline at 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-6837) with voting questions. Vote by mail and early in-person voting has already begun. Early in-person voting runs through Sunday, November 6th. You can vote early at any of the Middlesex County designated in-person early voting locations through Saturday, 10 am- 8 pm and Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm; no appointment is necessary.

- Reminder for property tax relief. Look for your ANCHOR property tax relief application in your mail or email from the NJ Division of Taxation. This program provides property tax relief for NJ residents who owned or rented their principal residence on Oct 1, 2019 and met the income limits. Visit their website or call the ANCHOR hotline at 1-888-238-1233 for more information

- Construction update at The Regency. Progress on the infrastructure of the newest 55 and older development on Dey Road continues both on and off-site. The drainage and on-site sewage system is mostly completed, and the forced main is nearly installed. Curbing and paving will proceed with the different phases of the project. The model home is currently being constructed and a grand opening event was held for the public.

- There is still time! Sign a scroll to greet the Cranbury residents in 25 years, in 2047, when residents will be celebrating Cranbury’s 350th anniversary. It will be placed in a time capsule in the new Cranbury Public Library. The scroll is currently located at the Town Hall window for signatures.

 Mark your calendars!

- November 10th, 10 am - 1 pm - Health Clinic Vans at Cranbury Public Library parking lot. The Mayors Wellness Campaign has partnered with the Cranbury Public Library to host The Live Life Well and The Wellness on Wheels vans. They will offer free COVID-19 vaccines, health screenings for diabetes (A1c) and hypertension (blood pressure), and nutritional information. Enjoy samples of homemade chili, too!

- November 19th at 10 am - Cranbury Public Library Grand Opening. The celebration will include a full day of fun for all ages -- hear me read stories to children; talk to a clock winder about Cranbury’s Tower Clock; join a bird walk with a naturalist, and a lot more.

- December 5 - Tree Lighting.  The Woman’s Club with the help of the Scouts are planning the annual event with traditional and new activities in Memorial Park and the Fire House. More information will be coming soon.

- December 11 - Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast.  Join your neighbors 8:00 am until noon in the Cranbury School cafeteria -- all you can eat pancakes, Toys for Tots collection, and a visit from Santa. Visit their website for more details.

I look forward to seeing you at our community events and around town!

Barbara Rogers, Mayor
Cranbury Township Committee