Mayor's Message - Brian C. Wahler
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
"A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all"
On behalf of the Township Council and myself I wish you and your families a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. It seems a little redundant each year to note that the year goes by seemingly within the blink of an eye but that is exactly what it feels like. However, with each new year comes the promise of a new beginning and one that will be measurably better than the one we just left. Like the last many years, this year as well, we will continue to struggle with the economic realities we face on a daily basis in order to provide the best possible services to our residents at the lowest possible cost. There is little doubt that we are living in incredibly challenging times and that only makes us more resolute to find answers and stay focused on the issues confronting our residents and the community. I appreciate all the calls, letters and e-mails I received this past year and encourage you to continue this dialogue.
Piscataway turns 346 years old this year and will be celebrated at the annual Founders' Day program in February. If you are interested in knowing more about our long history and how we have evolved through these many years I would suggest that you check the library for an outstanding book by the late Dr. Walter C. Meuly, "History of Piscataway Township." The book covers the period: 16664976. This book is available for $12 in the Township Clerk's office. Another book, mainly pictorial, "Images of America-Piscataway Township," by Randall Gabrielan may also be available in the library. It is available to purchase in the Clerk's Office for $20. The pictures show sights and scenes in Piscataway never seen before this book. And how fortunate we are to have in our community our own cultural and historic museum, The Metlar-Bodine House Museum located at 1281 River Road This is truly a community treasure and along with the many museum activities noted in each quarterly newsletter a tour of the museum can be had by contacting the museum. The majority of the interesting artifacts on display in the museum were discovered right here in the Township, the rest in nearby locations. If you haven't been there, it's worth your time to check it out.
The monthly art exhibits in the Municipal Gallery and many other programs and events are all organized and coordinated by volunteers truly the backbone of our community. We remain ever-grateful for the outstanding service rendered by the hundreds of professional volunteers of our six fire companies, Arbor, Holmes Marshall, New Market, North Stelton, River Road and Possumtown, as well as the volunteers of Arbor, River Road and North Stelton Rescue Squads. Thanks also to the members of the various Advisory Boards and Commissions who share their time and talent with all of us by serving on these boards. Since the Police Department initiated the Citizen Police Academy, these well trained (CERT) graduates have proved extremely useful in a variety of ways. All of these folks are yours and my neighbors — their service is gratefully accepted and appreciated. We thank them one and all!
As I write this, Piscataway has not had a single snow flake — we can only hope that continues but — if it does snow we ask residents to move their cars off the street and into the driveway in order to allow the snow plows to clear "curb to curb". And we ask you to please be patient — it's impossible to do every street at the same time. Every area in town is assigned to specific equipment and personnel. Remember also, when shoveling your driveway, please throw the snow to the side of the driveway on your right hand side as you face out to the street. Should you have an emergency situation, please contact the Police Department where the appropriate emergency service will be coordinated with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Department of Public Works (DPW), and if needed, equipment will be diverted from their assigned work areas in order to accommodate the emergency.
