Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 J u n e 2 0 1 4 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com o p p o r t u n i t i e S t o t o u r D o r i C h o u S e e x p a n D e D t o 2 n D & 4 t h S a t u r D a y S The Hunterdon County Historical Society announces expanded op- portunities to visit the 1845 high style Greek Revival Doric House Museum, originally the home of architect Mahlon Fisher, at 114 Main Street in Flemington. Docent-led tours will start promptly on the hour at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm each second and fourth Saturday throughout the year. An appointment to visit the house at any other time may be made one day in advance by calling 908.782.1091. There is no charge for the tours. Parking is available in a lot directly across the street. The Doric House is furnished in period antiques, some of them made in Hunterdon. One standout is a Chippendale-style walnut slant-top desk made in 1790 by Capt. Adam Hope of Clinton for Dr. John P. Grandin, Navy surgeon during the Revolutionary War who later practiced in Hamden. Artwork in the parlor includes large pastel paintings of Mahlon Fisher (1810-1874) and his wife Mary Stires Fisher (1811-1873). Recently additions to the museum furnishings include a reproduction 1845 Argand-type brass chandelier for the parlor fabricated by Charles Tiffany of New Hope, reproduction 19th -century design lace window panels, a timeless Oushak rug in the dining room and manikins dressed in mid-1800s costumes in the upstairs bedrooms. Also, a servant's bedroom is now open in the attic thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer David Olsen. The summer kitchen in the basement will be opened later in the year. In the Fulper-Stangl Gallery, glass cases display almost 100 pieces of the Flem- ington-made pottery. The Richard Stothoff Galleries are filled with documents, photographs, historic plates and other artifacts. More historic items are displayed in the Society's Hiram E. Deats Memorial Research Library which adjoins the Doric House. The library is a repository of prime-source documents on the material and social culture of Hunterdon and is open to the public at no charge. Anyone wishing to volunteer for service in the library, as an archivist, or as a museum docent is welcome. There is a broad list of volunteer projects to choose among, interesting history to learn and people to meet. Email your interest to: hunterdonhistory@embarqmail.com or call Linda Hahola, Executive Director, at 908.782.1091. D o y o u r D o g a f a v o r – h e e D l o C a l l e a S h l a w S I am a dog person. I have a beautiful German Shepherd that I enjoy taking out on hikes with me. Though I would love to let him walk untethered, I respect the fact not everyone shares my sentiments about dogs and that some people even harbor a real fear of these animals. For these and other reasons, I understand that ignoring local leash laws is a bad idea. Each year there are an estimated 4.7 million dog bites in this country, resulting in more than $1 billion in insurance claims annually. The sad fact is many of these attacks could be avoided if the dogs' owners heeded the leash laws in their area. Pet owners can never say with certainty that their dog will not bite. Under the right circumstances, any dog can be provoked and the consequences can be traumatic. To prevent this, New Jersey State law authorizes local governments to enforce their own laws regarding the control of animals within their jurisdictions. Clinton Township, like most municipalities, prohibits dogs from running loose at any time. The Township requires that a dog be on a leash when it is off of the owner's premises. In addition, the dog must be accompanied by "someone capable of controlling them with the use of standard dog leashes." The many parks and open spaces in our area have their own laws. The Columbia Trail, a popular hiking trail that runs through several local towns, is regulated by the Hunterdon County Department of Parks and Recreation. Spruce Run and Round Valley reservoirs and Voorhees State Park, all popular recreation spots, fall under the State's jurisdiction. Both park systems require dogs be kept on leashes not longer than six feet and under the control of their handler at all times. Leash laws in these areas not only protect the safety and comfort of visitors, but also the native wildlife. Any dog running loose can scare or injure these animals and upset their natural habitat. We should remember that leash laws can protect our dogs too, by keeping them away from traffic, out of fights with other animals they may encounter, and out of arm's reach of the dog catcher! Enjoy your time with your dog – there's nothing like that solitary walk in the woods with man's (or woman's) best friend. Be safe! –Victor Rotolo Sources: http://www.legalinfo.com/content/dog-and-animal-bite/dog-bite-statistics.html http://ecode360.com/9547277 http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/guides/Dog%20Park.pdf Victor A. Rotolo, a resident of Clinton Township, was named to the list of 2014 NJ Super Lawyers for the ninth consecutive year. Call The Rotolo Law Firm today: 908.534.7900 to discuss any legal situation confronting you. Your half-hour consultation is free of charge! Their attorneys and staff are ready to serve your legal needs. The Rotolo Law Firm • 502 US 22, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.rotololawfirm.com l o C a l r e a l t o r p u B l i S h e S n e w S l e t t e r o n r e a l e S t a t e M a r k e t C o n D i t i o n S Joe Peters' newsletter shows how long it is taking to sell a house in Clinton Town- ship and other areas of Hunterdon County plus a breakdown by price point. There's also an update on the factors affecting our local real estate market. Read the full version at www.jpeters.com. If you're thinking about buying or selling a house in 2014, give Joe Peters a call at 908-238-0118. w e D n e S D a y e v e n i n g v o l l e y B a l l Community Volley Ball will be held again this year at Lebanon Reformed Church, 100 Brunswick Ave. in Lebanon Borough. Starting May 28 through Aug 27, meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm on the church lawn. All ages and abilities are welcome to play or watch. For information, contact Robin Giordano at: 908.399.5016. "Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." –John Lubbock, The Use Of Life

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