1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Phone: 908-204-3001; Fax: 908-204-3015; Website:

Resolution #2010-0422

Acceptance of the 250th Anniversary Task Force Final Report

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution #090026 adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards on January 27, 2009, the 250th Anniversary Task Force was established to help plan for special recognition of Bernards Township’s historic 250th anniversary; and

WHEREAS,the Task Force promoted recognition and participation by Township residents by combining pre-existing community events with new celebrations to create a year-long series of events throughout 2010; and

WHEREAS,Resolution #090026 called for a final report from the 250th Anniversary Task Force.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards that the Final Report of the 250th Anniversary Task Force is hereby accepted as submitted; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESVOLED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards that we do thank and commend the 250th Anniversary Task Force Volunteers for their service to the township for this historic anniversary; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards that as a token of appreciation we do hereby authorize distribution of a 250th Anniversary Commemorative Banner to each Task Force Member, the Bernards Township Board of Education, the Somerset Hills Historical Society, and the Bernards Township Library.

Report

The members of the 250th Anniversary Task Force feel privileged to have served on this Task Force and thank the township committee for the opportunity to have been part of this historic event. Pursuant to Resolution #090026, the 250th Anniversary Task Force respectfully submits this final report:

Events throughout the year are described below:

Township-Sponsored Events and Initiatives

  • Display of a commemorative flag and banner
  • Planting a distinctive daffodil throughout our Township, with hopes that they will propagate and continue to beautify our town into the future.
  • Collectionof oral histories from our residents and
  • Staging of a production of “Memories of Bernards”
  • Provided for a free concert from the Northeast Navy Pops Ensemble at RHS PAC directed by former township resident, Lieutenant Carl Gerhard
  • Students at RHS created a tile mural entitled “The Capture of General Lee” which hangs in the courtroom of Townhall
  • Publication of an on-line newsletter advertising activities throughout the year
  • Held a Township-wide essay contest
  • Development and sale of postal 250th Anniversary Commemorative Stamps
  • Held a student art show, including pieces celebrating the 250th Anniversary at Charter Day
  • Displayed a digital slide show of the many events which have occurred this year commemorating the 250th Anniversary at Charter Day
  • Donations received from Skylands Bank, Dolce Restaurant, Summit MedicalGroup, and Galloway and Crane, to offset cost of Township-sponsored programs.

Events and Initiatives Sponsored by Other Organizations and Individuals

  • 250th Anniversary Tea – organized by June Kennedy and sponsored by Bonafides and AAUW
  • The re-enactment of capture of General Lee at the Widow White’s Tavern – sponsored by Trilogy with cooperation from Somerset County Park Commission
  • Development of the 250th Anniversary Quiz Game by Cal Hoffman of RHS
  • Liberty Corner School’s 3rd Grade Quilt Project – Ms. Boyne
  • Then and Now RHS Arts Major Honor Project – Ms. Morozko
  • Bernards Bucks RHS Computer Graphics Department – Mr. Hamant
  • 3rd Grade Students Published their Own Books on Bernards Township
  • Re-enactment of Mary Lewis Kinnan’s Rescue by RHS Students
  • Thousands of photographs taken and donated by Task Force Member Hillary Klimek
  • One Book One Bernards Contest – Bernards Township Library
  • Planting of a special Liberty Elm Tree at the dedication of the“Sons of Liberty Park – Shade Tree Commission/Parks Pathways & Recreation Committee
  • Hands Across Bernards, residents encouraged to go outside, join hands and sing “Happy Birthday Bernards Township” on the exact anniversary day of Bernards Township – Jaye Barre
  • “June in June” Display at the Library – Historical program featuring artifacts displayed by June Kennedy and the Historical Society Somerset Hills
  • Concert in the Park, Americana Program – Parks & Recreation Department
  • Reunion at Charter Day Celebrates, 18th Century Family Lineage – Descendants of James Handville
  • History Day – English Farm sponsored by the English Family
  • Liberty Corner Fire Company 100th Anniversary and Parade
  • Weekend Journey through the Past Program – Somerset County Park Commission
  • Grand Opening of the Farmstead Arts Center with special tribute to the Bernards Township 250th Anniversary
  • Municipal Building, open house and Historical Society House Tour with special tribute to the Bernards Township 250th Anniversary
  • 50th Anniversary of RHS with special tribute to the Bernards Township 250th Anniversary
  • Scrap Book of 250th Anniversary Events, newspaper articles, photos compiled and donated to the township by Krishna Trambadia
  • "Around and About - Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, and Lyons, book published by June Kennedy
  • RHS History Club project “ABC's of Bernards and Streets and Roads”

The Township Committee’s budget appropriations for the 250th Task Force were $5000 in 2009, and $5000 in 2010, for a total of $10,000 over the two-year period. Task Force members solicited $7,001 in donations from various groups and organizations to offset expenses.

The 250th Anniversary Task Force Members

Mary Pavlini, Chair & Township Committee Liaison, 2010 / Carolyn Kelly, Township Committee Liaison, 2009
David Becker, Chair, 2009 / June Kennedy, 2009-2010
Jaye Barre, Co-Chair, 2009 / Hilary Klimek, 2010
Susan Carlsson, 2010 / Chris McManemin, 2009
John Crane, 2009-2010 / Sean O’Grady, 2009-2010
Lisa Dudzik, 2009 / Toby Spitzer, 2009-2010
Kristin Fox, 2009-2010 / Denise Szabo, 2009-2010
Gwenn Gilmore, 2010 / Lisa Winter, 2009-2010

Agenda and Date Voted: 12/28/2010

CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify this is a true and exact copy of a resolution adopted by the Bernards Township Committee on 12/28/2010

Denise Szabo, Municipal Clerk

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