Mayor Canose's Update

We kicked off the year with "Back in Time at Upton Pyne" with food, wine, and the music of America's Sweethearts. In February, The Coffee Shop hosted historian Barry Thompson who provided the background on the many historical photos that decorate the Coffee Shop's back wall. The Bernardsville Library hosted a "Love Your Library" reception with historical valentines in February. May was Bernardsville Night at the Somerset Patriots Ballpark and the publication of the commemorative keepsake edition of the Bernardsville News. In late May Bernardsville's older adults were entertained by Good Time Charlie with "Music Through the Ages." In September the Borough hosted the Centennial Festival at Kiwanis Field, which had activities for everyone. Many thanks to the members of the Centennial Committee who helped me organize all these wonderful events for our community - Fred Buehler, Gerry-Jo Cranmer, Mary-Fran Daley, Harriet Donnelly, Heather Eich, Chuck Ferrante, Brian Gallagher, Lisa Garofalo, Phil Heinold, Nat Hill, Borough Administrator Nancy Malool, Recreation's Bob Markowick and Cindy Beringer, Jeff Melitiski, Kathleen and Peter Palmer, and Andi Williams.

On Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. the Bernards High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Stephen Taesler, will perform a concert featuring the music of the Dorsey Brothers and Frank Sinatra, all of whom spent time in Bernardsville in the 1940's. The event will be held in the Bernards High Performing Arts Center, with a reception following in the Community Room. No registration is required, but a donation of $5 is suggested at the door to support the Band. We'll also have beautiful glass commemorative ornaments for sale, decorated with the Centennial logo that was designed by Erica Desimone. Hope to see you there!

In case you're wondering about the empty buildings downtown, here's a quick update.

TRAIN STATION - The station needs a new roof. Because of the condition of the ceiling inside the building, it cannot be occupied at this time. New Jersey Transit owns the building and leases it to the Borough. The Borough can then sublet it to an approved business. With the assistance of Senator Bramnick, NJT has agreed to replace the historic slate roof and we are waiting for a construction date.

FORMER AUDI DEALERSHIP - After several contracts fell through with the previous owner due to NJT encroachment issues, the Borough purchased the property and resolved the encroachment problem. The Borough then issued a Request for Proposals. Three proposals to purchase were received and the Council is contracting with a classic car dealer. The building will be renovated and restored with a public showroom. With so many classic car aficionados in the area, it will bring visitors to Bernardsville who, we hope, will also shop and dine in town.

WALTERS GARDEN CENTER - The building was purchased and plans have been submitted to the Zoning Department for a restaurant, but the application is not yet complete.

FORMER GRIFFIN & HOWE and 56 DEGREES - These buildings on Claremont Road have been purchased and the new owners are considering a housing project on the site. Applications have not yet been submitted.

Tuesday, October 15 is the deadline for voter registration or to update your registration. You can check your registration at vote.nj.gov by using the Am I Registered tool. There are three ways to vote:

• In person on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, at your local polling place.
• Early Voting: October 26-November 3 at the Bernards Township Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge - 10 am to 8 pm, Mon.-Sat; 10 am to 6 pm Sunday
• Vote by Mail: Vote, sign, seal and return your ballot at the secure ballot dropbox in front of Borough Hall