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South Bound Brook, New Jersey

South Bound Brook is a borough in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 4,863, an increase of 300 (+6.6%) from the 2010 census count of 4,563, which in turn reflected an increase of 71 (+1.6%) from the 4,492 counted in the 2000 census.

What is now South Bound Brook was originally formed as a town within Franklin Township. On March 16, 1869, the name of the community was changed to Bloomington, which lasted until May 29, 1891, when the name reverted to South Bound Brook town. South Bound Brook was incorporated as an independent borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 11, 1907, based on the results of a referendum held on May 1, 1907.

History
The area had historically been occupied by the Lenape Native Americans. The first European settlement was in 1681 and a community was established near the Bound Brook stream of the same name, which flows into the Raritan River via the Green Brook on the eastern side of the borough. The brook, which was mentioned as a boundary in a Native American deed, provides the source of the borough's name.

The area was originally a Dutch community with apple orchards and just west peach orchards. The Abraham Staats House (c. 1740), located on the south side of Main Street, served as the headquarters of Baron Von Steuben during the American Revolutionary War. The house remained a private home until it was acquired by the Borough of South Bound Brook in 1999. It was placed on the New Jersey and National Registers in 2002. It is currently the headquarters for the Friends of Abraham Staats House, Inc. https://www.staatshouse.org, who maintain it as a museum.

A wooden bridge over the Raritan River was erected as early as 1761 and named Queen's Bridge in 1767. Later, it became a covered bridge. During the Revolutionary War, the bridge was used repeatedly by both sides including during the Battle of Bound Brook in 1777. In 1875, the wooden bridge was replaced by a steel pipe truss bridge. More than 100 years later, that bridge was itself replaced by a steel girder bridge in 1984, still using the old pillars. The bridge was renovated and paved in 2007.

At this spot on January 4, 1777, General Washington decided to move his troops to Morristown for the winter, thus ending the victorious Trenton-Princeton campaign, rather than attack New Brunswick.

The Battle of Bound Brook, one of the battles in the New York and New Jersey campaign during the American Revolutionary War, occurred on April 13, 1777, and resulted in a defeat for the Continental Army, who were routed by about 4,000 troops under British command.

At dawn on April 13, 1777, Hessian Captain Ewald's assault over the Queens Bridge spanning the Raritan River between South Bound Brook and Bound Brook was pinned down by "murderous fire" from the American soldiers stationed at half moon battery. Advancing North along present day Easton Avenue, Hessian Colonel Donop pushed aside American outposts and arrived 15 minutes after Ewald's attack had faltered. Advancing over the Queens Bridge, Donop's troops engaged the Americans causing them to retreat from the battery. Donop, Ewald's, and General Grant's troops pursued the American troops as they fought through the streets of Bound Brook.

The Reformed Church, also on Main Street (near borough hall) was built in 1848 and has been declared a local historical site by the borough council. Originally called the Dutch Reformed Church of Bound Brook, it has gone through very few changes over the years. A pipe organ received from Andrew Carnegie has been removed, and the stained glass windows, which had been added well after the original construction. The Reverend Thomas DeWitt Talmadge was a member and preached at the church.

Originally part of Franklin Township and named Bloomington, South Bound Brook was incorporated as a borough by the New Jersey Legislature in 1907.

In the mid-1970s a teen from the town created a plan for an environmental commission and presented it to the council. James Manley got his commission and the first order of business was to find out what the white piles of waste on the tow path between the Delaware and Raritan Canal and Raritan River consisted of. It turned out to be 17% crystal asbestos by volume. Since there was no New Jersey state regulation for the disposal, this became a landmark case. The waste was hauled in dump trucks through Bound Brook to the floodplain south of West Main Street and dumped. A trail of asbestos dust led from the old dump site to the new dump location.

Redevelopment
The main downtown street in South Bound Brook, known as Main Street, has been refurbished with new sidewalks, lighting, signage and a number of newly renovated stores.

A roofing material manufacturing facility known as GAF Manufacturing was located in South Bound Brook for over a century along Main Street. The site was dormant for about two decades and sat as an eyesore and reminder of the town's industrial past. New townhomes have been built on the GAF Manufacturing site, along the Delaware and Raritan Canal, which provide the downtown area a new modern look and many new residents.

Part of the redevelopment is being held up by a lawsuit by John Fanaro of Fanaro Carpeting over the right of eminent domain, as the borough tried to seize property along Main Street that is in front of the new townhomes. The redevelopment plan called for the older stores to be razed and replaced with new stores that had parking in back and a dozen rental apartments on the second floor.

A new condominium development along Elizabeth Street in the central part of town was finished in 2010.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.74 square miles (1.92 km2), including 0.65 square miles (1.67 km2) of land and 0.10 square miles (0.25 km2) of water (12.84%).

The borough borders the municipalities of Bound Brook, Bridgewater Township and Franklin Township in Somerset County; and both Middlesex Borough and Piscataway in Middlesex County.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 4,563 people, 1,733 households, and 1,120 families in the borough. The population density was 6,933.8 per square mile (2,677.2/km2). There were 1,865 housing units at an average density of 2,834.0 per square mile (1,094.2/km2). The racial makeup was 67.19% (3,066) White, 10.10% (461) Black or African American, 0.13% (6) Native American, 6.14% (280) Asian, 0.04% (2) Pacific Islander, 11.83% (540) from other races, and 4.56% (208) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.28% (1,245) of the population.

Of the 1,733 households, 30.1% had children under the age of 18; 45.0% were married couples living together; 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present and 35.4% were non-families. Of all households, 27.6% were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.22.

21.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 105.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 102.4 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $78,427 (with a margin of error of +/− $6,959) and the median family income was $83,438 (+/− $13,065). Males had a median income of $61,042 (+/− $10,592) versus $44,063 (+/− $4,877) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $33,112 (+/− $3,774). About 1.0% of families and 1.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 4,492 people, 1,632 households, and 1,103 families residing in the borough. The population density was 5,765.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,676 housing units at an average density of 2U.S. Census, 151.1/sq mi (829.6/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 78.01% White, 7.77% African American, 0.27% Native American, 4.10% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 6.57% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 22.89% of the population.

There were 1,632 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 36.2% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $48,984, and the median income for a family was $58,214. Males had a median income of $36,955 versus $30,082 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $21,131. About 3.6% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation
The main attraction in South Bound Brook is the Delaware and Raritan Canal, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries of the town. The canal and its D&R Canal Trail are used for numerous recreational purposes from light boating to hiking and biking. Also of note is the Raritan River which lies on the far side of the canal and provides further recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing. The Queens Bridge crosses the canal and river, connecting to Bound Brook.

The Raritan River Greenway is a proposed path that would link Branchburg Township to the East Coast Greenway with the Delaware and Raritan Canal trail in South Bound Brook.

Local government
South Bound Brook is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey. The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. The borough form of government used by South Bound Brook is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.

, the mayor of South Bound Brook is Democrat Caryl A. "Chris" Shoffner, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2023. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Richard Eickhorst (D, 2023), Kathleen Connor (D, 2022), Anne Dedousis (D, 2023; appointed to serve an unexpired term), Kathryn M. "Katie" Kelly (R, 2022), Elizabeth Konkle (D, 2024) and Jitendra "Jimmy" Shah (D, 2024).

In February 2022, the borough council appointed Anne Dedousis to fill the seat expiring in December 2023 that had been held by Elizabeth Chu until she resigned from office the previous month.

In August 2015, the borough council selected Kathryn M. Kelly from three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2016 that had been held by James Holmes until he resigned from office the previous month as he was moving out of the borough. Kelly served on an interim basis until the November 2015 general election, when she was elected to serve the one year remaining on the term of office.

Political corruption
In 2005, Republican mayor Jo-Anne Shubert resigned as Mayor of South Bound Brook a week before admitting that she had given a $35,000 no-bid computer contract to a company owned by her brother and where she was employed as an office manager.

In 2010 and 2011, Republican mayor Terry Warrelmann, was involved in a controversy involving his family and the borough's refusal to release police reports surrounding the incident. On July 9, 2010, John Paff, filed a lawsuit seeking the release of the documents. On December 17, 2010, New Jersey Superior Court Assignment Judge Yolanda Ciccone, sitting in Somerville, New Jersey, conducted a hearing on Paff's lawsuit. On March 31, 2011, Paff received a 79-page file containing the redacted versions of documents within that investigative file. The records show that Mayor Warrelmann, along with his son Stephen, Nancy Santora and an unidentified juvenile, were suspects in an investigation of a November 21, 2009, burglary of a shed in South Bound Brook. No charges, however, were brought against any of the suspects.

Federal, state, and county representation
South Bound Brook is located in the 12th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 17th state legislative district.

Politics
As of March 2011, there were a total of 2,354 registered voters in South Bound Brook, of whom 655 (27.8% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 452 (19.2% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 1,247 (53.0% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties. Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 51.6% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 65.6% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 60.6% of the vote (1,001 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 38.0% (627 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (23 votes), among the 1,664 ballots cast by the borough's 2,531 registered voters (13 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 65.7%. In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 961 votes (55.4% vs. 52.1% countywide), ahead of Republican John McCain with 725 votes (41.8% vs. 46.1%) and other candidates with 28 votes (1.6% vs. 1.1%), among the 1,735 ballots cast by the borough's 2,233 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.7% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County). In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 744 votes (51.3% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 679 votes (46.8% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 17 votes (1.2% vs. 0.9%), among the 1,450 ballots cast by the borough's 1,882 registered voters, for a turnout of 77.0% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 67.0% of the vote (636 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 31.0% (294 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (19 votes), among the 962 ballots cast by the borough's 2,583 registered voters (13 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 37.2%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 630 votes (56.0% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 371 votes (32.9% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 102 votes (9.1% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 10 votes (0.9% vs. 0.7%), among the 1,126 ballots cast by the borough's 2,337 registered voters, yielding a 48.2% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).

Education
The South Bound Brook School District serves public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at Robert Morris School, named after Robert Morris, a financier of the American Revolution. As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 425 students and 37.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.5:1.

For ninth through twelfth grades, public school students attend Bound Brook High School in Bound Brook, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Bound Brook School District. As of the 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 652 students and 48.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.4:1.

Emergency services
The South Bound Brook Police Department is a 13-person department consisting of one Chief, two Lieutenants, two Sergeants, and eight officers on patrol. The Chief is Jeff Titus. The police department does not have its own dispatchers; South Bound Brook currently uses Somerset County Communications for all 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls.

The South Bound Brook Fire Department has been in existence for over 100 years. They currently have four pieces of apparatus at their Edgewood Terrace Headquarters: One E-One engine, one E-One 75-foot ladder, a new Seagrave rescue-pumper, and one Chevy Suburban for a chief's vehicle. Their chief is currently Sean Lambertz.

The South Bound Brook First Aid Squad was incorporated by their current name, then in 1990 became South Bound Brook/Franklin Township Rescue Squad. In 2002 the service area was cut back to just South Bound Brook, and the squad's name reverted to South Bound Brook First Aid Squad. The squad operates two ambulances from their Garfield Avenue headquarters, two Ford Type III Ambulances. The squad's water rescue and extrication equipment was sold after the 2002 change. The Chief of the South Bound Brook First Aid Squad is Wendy Franzishen. The squad responds to calls for EMS service on nights and weekends. Somerset Medical Center EMS Units take calls in South Bound Brook during the workday and weekends due to lack of volunteer personnel available.

The South Bound Brook Office of Emergency Management was originally the Civil Defense Board, and then briefly called Disaster Control in the 1990s, the Office of Emergency Management is charged with Emergency Preparedness and Planning. They are also responsible for the emergency operations plan, which is updated yearly by all departments of the borough. During major emergencies, they play a significant role in recovery efforts. They are also charged with borough compliance in the National Incident Management System. The Emergency Management Director/Coordinator is Michael D. Allenovitch.

Points of interest
The Abraham Staats House was built c. 1740 and served as the headquarters for General Baron von Steuben in 1779 during the second Middlebrook encampment of the American Revolutionary War. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and noted as representing "one of the finest remaining buildings from the second phase of Dutch immigration and settlement in the Raritan Valley".

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA is headquartered in South Bound Brook. St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, St. Andrew's Memorial Church, and a large Ukrainian Orthodox cemetery right behind the church, where graves of many politicians from the Ukrainian People's Republic era can be visited, are located on the south side of the town.

Flooding issues
While South Bound Brook does not have the legacy of flooding that its sister town Bound Brook on the north bank of the Raritan River has, flooding can be a problem in South Bound Brook during major river flooding events, such as a 100-year flood event. In September 1999, the remnants of Hurricane Floyd caused a record flood crest on the Raritan River. While escaping the worst flooding, due to its elevated perch above the Raritan River, South Bound Brook did experience flood waters in the two- to three-foot range near the canal, including in portions of the downtown area along Main Street.

Roads and highways
, the borough had a total of 12.51 mi of roadways, of which 9.01 mi were maintained by the municipality and 3.50 mi by Somerset County.

County Route 527 is the most significant road to pass through South Bound Brook. Interstate 287, which provides access and connections to large parts of New Jersey and New York City, passes just to the southwest of South Bound Brook in Franklin Township, with two interchanges providing quick access to South Bound Brook.

Public transportation
NJ Transit provides frequent train service on the Raritan Valley Line to/from Penn Station Newark and Penn Station New York via the nearby Bound Brook Train Station, which is about a five- to ten-minute walk from downtown South Bound Brook.

NJ Transit bus service to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan is provided on the 114 and 117 routes, with service to Newark available on the 65 bus line.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with South Bound Brook include:

 * Heidi Bohay (born 1959), actress and television host
 * Thomas H. Caffrey (born 1893), Wisconsin State Assemblyman
 * Tunis Craven (1813–1864), commanding officer of the USS Tecumseh, an iron-hulled, single-turret monitor, commissioned in 1864 and sunk in the Battle of Mobile Bay. After being hit by a torpedo (actually moored mines) the Tecumseh began to heel rapidly; and men scrambled to abandon ship. Comdr. Craven arrived at the foot of the ladder leading to the main deck simultaneously with the pilot, John Collins. Craven stepped back, saying "After you, pilot," thus permitting Collins to escape. His gallantry cost Craven his life, for the ship sank in a frightfully fast 25 seconds. Resident of South Bound Brook from approximately 1844–1864
 * Thomas De Witt Talmage (1832–1902), preacher, clergyman and divine, who was a member of the Reformed Church on Main Street in South Bound Brook

title: South Bound Brook, New Jersey


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Warren Township, New Jersey

Warren Township is a township in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The township is a bedroom suburb of New York City in the much larger New York metropolitan area, located within the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 15,923, an increase of 612 (+4.0%) from the 2010 census count of 15,311,  which in turn reflected an increase of 1,052 (+7.4%) from the 14,259 counted in the 2000 census. Warren is situated in northeastern Somerset County bordering both Morris (along the Passaic River) and Union counties.

The township has been one of the state's highest-income communities. Based on data from the American Community Survey for 2013–2017, Warren Township residents had a median household income of $154,647, ranked 12th in the state among municipalities with more than 10,000 residents, more than double the statewide median of $76,475.

In 2012, Forbes.com listed Warren as 334th in its listing of "America's Most Expensive ZIP Codes", with a median home price of $842,750.

History
Warren was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans and was colonized in the 1720s by European farmers. As early as 1900, it became a destination for wealthy residents looking to escape nearby New York City. Warren was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 5, 1806, from portions of Bernards Township and Bridgewater Township. The south-eastern half of the original township (which was close to a railroad and contained most of the population) was separated off as North Plainfield Township (since renamed to Green Brook Township) on April 2, 1872.

Warren was named for Revolutionary War patriot, General Joseph Warren, who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Warren celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2006.

On January 15, 2021, Kings Food Market announced they would close their Warren location on Mountain Boulevard. The store closed on January 23, 2021.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 19.64 square miles (50.86 km2), including 19.57 square miles (50.68 km2) of land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km2) of water (0.36%).

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Coontown, Dock Watch Hollow, Gallia, Mount Bethel, Round Top, Smalleytown, Springdale, Union Village, and Warrenville.

The township borders Bernards Township to the north and west, Bridgewater Township to the southwest, Green Brook Township to the southeast, and Watchung to the east; all of which lie within Somerset County. Northeastern borders are the communities of Long Hill in Morris County and Berkeley Heights in Union County.

The east–west Second Watchung Mountain ridge bisects Warren, with the northern half of the township sloping northward to the Passaic River and Dead River, and the southern half spanning the Washington Valley, between the First and Second Watchung Mountain ridges, through which runs the East Branch of the Middle Brook.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 15,311 people, 5,059 households, and 4,285 families in the township. The population density was 782.5 per square mile (302.1/km2). There were 5,258 housing units at an average density of 268.7 per square mile (103.7/km2). The racial makeup was 80.94% (12,392) White, 1.52% (233) Black or African American, 0.05% (7) Native American, 15.07% (2,307) Asian, 0.10% (15) Pacific Islander, 0.64% (98) from other races, and 1.69% (259) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.36% (820) of the population.

Of the 5,059 households, 42.7% had children under the age of 18; 75.8% were married couples living together; 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 15.3% were non-families. Of all households, 12.7% were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.30.

27.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 18.5% from 25 to 44, 34.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.1 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $135,143 (with a margin of error of +/− $23,156) and the median family income was $162,083 (+/− $17,221). Males had a median income of $115,875 (+/− $15,861) versus $68,450 (+/− $13,300) for females. The per capita income for the township was $71,469 (+/− $6,664). About 0.8% of families and 0.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 14,259 people, 4,629 households, and 3,939 families residing in the township. The population density was 725.0 PD/sqmi. There were 4,718 housing units at an average density of 239.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 86.28% White, 1.26% African American, 0.04% Native American, 10.67% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.19% of the population.

There were 4,629 households, out of which 45.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.3% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.9% were non-families. 12.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.05 and the average family size was 3.33.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $103,677, and the median income for a family was $121,264. Males had a median income of $80,231 versus $46,356 for females. The per capita income for the township was $49,475. About 0.7% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.4% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The insurance company Chubb is based in Warren.

Arts and culture
Until 2017, the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Eastern America was headquartered in Warren Township.

Parks and recreation
Wagner Farm Arboretum, which consists of 92.6 acres was the former Wagner Dairy Farm acquired by the township in 2001.

Local government
Warren Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state. The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the first week of January, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor. Township Committee meetings are held at the municipal building on Thursdays.

, Township Committee members are Mayor Victor J. Sordillo (R, term on committee ends December 31, 2024; term as mayor ends 2022), Deputy Mayor Gary P. DiNardo (R, term on committee ends 2024; term as deputy mayor ends 2022), George K. Lazo (R, 2023), Jolanta Maziarz (R, 2022) and Michael C. "Mick" Marion (R, 2023).

Former Township Committee member Frank Salvato, re-elected in 2008, served until his death in 2011 at the age of 98, having been first elected to the Committee in the 1938 and served as mayor in 1939, the township's youngest.

In 1975, the Township Committee created the position of Township Administrator, to serve a one-year term beginning in July of each year. The Township Administrator is Mark M. Krane, who has served in that post since 1986.

The Historical Sites Committee was formed in 1971 and members are appointed by the governing body to administer municipally owned historic landmarks. The historical landmarks they have protected are the Mount Bethel Baptist Meetinghouse, the Kirch–Ford House, and two small family cemeteries. The Meetinghouse and the Kirch–Ford House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Federal, state and county representation
Warren Township is located in the 7th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.

Politics
As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 10,466 registered voters in Warren Township, of which 1,875 (17.9% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 3,484 (33.3% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 5,102 (48.7% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 5 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens. Among the township's 2010 Census population, 68.4% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 94.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).

In the 2016 presidential election, Republican Donald Trump received 53.1% of the vote (4,483 cast), ahead of Democrat Hillary Clinton with 43.3% (3,656 votes), and other candidates received 3.6% (305 votes). A total of 8,444 ballots were cast. In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 63.0% of the vote (4,605 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 36.1% (2,636 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (70 votes), among the 7,351 ballots cast by the township's 11,286 registered voters (40 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 65.1%. In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 4,813 votes (58.5% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 3,259 votes (39.6% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 88 votes (1.1% vs. 1.1%), among the 8,222 ballots cast by the township's 10,367 registered voters, for a turnout of 79.3% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County). In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 4,761 votes (60.5% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 2,988 votes (38.0% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 65 votes (0.8% vs. 0.9%), among the 7,866 ballots cast by the township's 9,375 registered voters, for a turnout of 83.9% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 77.8% of the vote (3,421 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 20.5% (899 votes), and other candidates with 1.7% (75 votes), among the 4,444 ballots cast by the township's 11,430 registered voters (49 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 38.9%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 3,782 votes (67.2% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 1,355 votes (24.1% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 433 votes (7.7% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 30 votes (0.5% vs. 0.7%), among the 5,632 ballots cast by the township's 10,420 registered voters, yielding a 54.0% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).

Education
The Warren Township Schools serve public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of five schools, had an enrollment of 1,525 students and 188.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.1:1. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics. ) are Central School with 293 students in grades K-5, Mt. Horeb School with 202 students in grades PreK-5, Angelo L. Tomaso School with 248 students in grades K-5, Woodland School with 229 students in grades K-5 and Warren Middle School with 544 students in grades 6-8.

Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Watchung Hills Regional High School, which serves students from Warren as well as the neighboring communities of Watchung, Green Brook (in Somerset County) and Long Hill Township (in Morris County). As of the 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,909 students and 157.6 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.1:1. The district's board of education is comprised of nine members, who are elected directly by the voters to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with three seats up for each year. Of the nine elected seats, four are allocated to Warren Township.

Transportation
, the township had a total of 126.65 mi of roadways, of which 101.34 mi were maintained by the municipality, 18.64 mi by Somerset County and 6.67 mi by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Interstate 78 is the most prominent highway serving Warren Township, running east-west for 6.7 mi across the northern portion of the township. Other significant roads which pass through the township include County Route 525, County Route 527 and County Route 531.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Warren Township include:

 * Michael Arrom, musician and keyboardist for Steve Vai
 * Scott Braun, studio host and reporter for MLB Network and NHL Network
 * Ken Brenn Jr. (1952–2019), modified racing driver who won more than 100 feature events at venues in the Mid-Atlantic states
 * Joe Cerisano, singer, songwriter, record producer
 * Austen Crehore (1893–1962), World War I pilot in the Armée de l'Air and the recipient of the Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre with two palms
 * Monica Crowley (born 1968), conservative radio and TV talk show personality
 * Donald DiFrancesco (born 1944), former N.J. Senate president and Acting Governor
 * Daniel Edelman (born 2003), professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for New York Red Bulls II
 * Mike Ferguson (born 1970), former U.S. Congressman
 * James L. Flanagan (1925–2015), electrical engineer
 * Bob Franks (1951–2010), former N.J. legislative leader and U.S. Congressman
 * Emma Fursch-Madi (1847–1894), French operatic soprano
 * Gloria Gaynor (born 1943), singer, known for "I Will Survive"
 * Andrew Horowitz (born 1983), known for his role in the band Tally Hall as the green-tied keyboardist
 * Chris Kratt (born 1969), host of Kratts' Creatures and Zoboomafoo as well as Be the Creature, which runs on the National Geographic Channel
 * Martin Kratt (born 1965), brother of Chris, and also an educational nature show host
 * James Morris (born 1947), opera singer
 * Amber Skye Noyes (born 1987), actress and singer, known for her portrayal of Tori Windsor in The CW series Beauty & the Beast and Celine Fox in the ABC thriller Quantico
 * Calvin Pace (born 1980), outside linebacker for the New York Jets
 * David Palmer, vocalist and songwriter, best known as a former member of Steely Dan and as the lyricist of the Carole King number two hit, "Jazzman"
 * Casey Phair (born 2007), Korean-American footballer, youngest player ever to appear in a FIFA Women's World Cup
 * Allison Reed (born 1994), ice dancer who competes with Vasili Rogov for Israel
 * Cathy Reed (born 1987), American-born Japanese ice dancer, who has competed with her brother Chris as her partner
 * Chris Reed (born 1989), American-born Japanese ice dancer, who has competed with his sister Cathy as his partner.
 * Adam Riess (born 1969), Nobel Prize winner in Physics, 2011
 * Dan Schulman (born 1958), President and CEO of PayPal, Chairman of Symantec
 * Ravi Shankar (1920–2012), musician and composer best known for his work on the sitar
 * Steven H. Temares (born 1958), former CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond
 * Nancy Van de Vate (1930–2023), composer, violist and pianist
 * Jeffrey Vanderbeek, former owner of the New Jersey Devils
 * Lily Yip (born 1963), Olympic table tennis player and coach

Points of interest

 * Mount Bethel Baptist Meetinghouse
 * Kirch–Ford House
 * Torino's (traditionally: the King George Inn), c. 1820 The building was knocked down in 2019.
 * Springdale United Methodist Church, c. 1840
 * Mount Horeb United Methodist Church, 1867
 * Hofheimer Mausoleum (sometimes colloquially referred to as the "Tomb of the 12 Nuns")

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Warren Township, New Jersey


text:
Bootsy Collins

William Earl "Bootsy" Collins (born October 26, 1951) is an American bass guitarist, singer-songwriter, and record producer.

Rising to prominence with James Brown in the early 1970s before joining the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, Collins established himself as one of the leading names and innovators in funk with his driving basslines and humorous vocals. He later formed his own P-Funk side project known as Bootsy's Rubber Band. He was a frequent collaborator with other musicians from a variety of genres, including dance music (Deee-Lite's "Groove Is in the Heart"), electronic big beat (Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" and "The Joker"), and alternative metal (Praxis), among others. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with 15 other members of Parliament-Funkadelic. In 2020, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Collins number 4 in its list of the 50 greatest bassists of all time.

Early life
Collins was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 26, 1951. He said that his mother nicknamed him "Bootsy". "I asked her why", he explained to a journalist, "and she just said, 'Because you looked like a Bootsy.' I left it at that."

His brother Phelps "Catfish" Collins (1943–2010) was also a musician. He and Bootsy were once part of The Pacemakers.

Collins has maintained a strong connection with Cincinnati.

1960s–1970s
With his elder brother Phelps "Catfish" Collins, Frankie "Kash" Waddy, and Philippé Wynne, Collins formed a funk band, The Pacemakers, in 1968. In March 1970, after most of the members of James Brown's band quit over a pay dispute, The Pacemakers were hired as Brown's backing band and they became known as The J.B.'s. (They are often referred to as the "original" J.B.'s to distinguish them from later line-ups that went by the same name.) Although they worked for Brown for only 11 months, the original J.B.'s played on some of Brown's most intense funk recordings, including "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine", "Bewildered (1970)", "Super Bad", "Soul Power", "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing", and two instrumental singles, the much-sampled "The Grunt" and "These Are the J.B.'s". In regards to his tenure working for James Brown, Collins stated:

"He treated me like a son. And being out of a fatherless home, I needed that father figure and he really played up to it. I mean, Good Lord. Every night after we played a show, he called us back to give us a lecture about how horrible we sounded. [Affects James Brown voice] 'Nah, not on it, son. I didn't hear the one. You didn't give me the one.' He would tell me this at every show. One night, we knew we wasn't sounding really good – we were off – and he calls us back there and said, 'Uh huh, now that's what I'm talkin' about. Y'all was on it tonight. Y'all hit the one.' My brother and I looked at each other like, 'This mother has got to be crazy.' We knew in our heart and soul that we wasn't all that on that show. So then I started figuring out his game, man. By telling me that I wasn't on it, he made me practice harder. So I just absorbed what he said and used it in a positive way."

After parting ways with James Brown, Collins returned to Cincinnati and formed House Guests with his brother Phelps Collins, Rufus Allen, Clayton "Chicken" Gunnels, Frankie Waddy, Ronnie Greenaway and Robert McCullough. The House Guests released "What So Never the Dance" and another single on the House Guests label, as well as a third as The Sound of Vision on the House Guests label.

Next Collins moved to Detroit, Michigan, after Philippé Wynne suggested joining The Spinners, for whom Wynne had been singing. However, following the advice of singer and future Parliament member Mallia Franklin, Collins made another choice. Franklin introduced both Collins brothers to George Clinton, and in 1972, both of the Collins brothers, along with Waddy, joined Funkadelic. Collins played bass on most of Funkadelic and Parliament albums through the early 1980s, garnering several songwriting credits as well.

In 1976 Collins, Catfish, Waddy, Joel Johnson (1953–2018), Gary "Mudbone" Cooper, Robert Johnson and The Horny Horns formed Bootsy's Rubber Band, a separate touring unit of Clinton's P-Funk collective. The group recorded five albums together, the first three of which are often considered to be among the quintessential P-Funk recordings. The group's 1978 album Bootsy? Player of the Year reached the top of the R&B album chart and spawned the #1 R&B single "Bootzilla".

Like Clinton, Collins took on several alter egos, from Casper the Funky Ghost to Bootzilla, "the world's only rhinestone rockstar monster of a doll", all as parts of the evolving character of an alien rock star who grew gradually more bizarre as time went on (see P-Funk mythology). He also adopted his trademark "space bass" around this time.

1980s–1990s
Collins released two 1980 albums, his first "solo" album Ultra Wave, and Sweat Band, on George Clinton's Uncle Jam label with a group billed as Bootsy's Sweat Band. He also was credited for co-producing the debut of P-Funk spinoff Zapp.

In 1984, he collaborated with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads to produce "Five Minutes", a dance record sampled and edited from Ronald Reagan's infamous "We begin bombing in five minutes" speech. The record was credited to "Bonzo goes to Washington" (also referenced in the 1985 Ramones song "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg", derived from Reagan's starring role as Professor Peter Boyd in the 1951 comedy film Bedtime for Bonzo).

After a nearly five-year hiatus, he had a comeback in 1988 (with some help from producer Bill Laswell). What's Bootsy Doin'? flaunted a new sound that foreshadowed the 1990s, such as the dance floor smash "Party on Plastic". Laswell introduced Collins to Herbie Hancock, resulting in Perfect Machine (1988). The techno-funk they recorded featured turntables for scratch appeal, and the smoothly-stylized vocals of Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner of chart-topping Ohio Players. These were the first of many collaborations between Laswell and Collins on many albums and projects, with the prolific producer using Bootsy mainly as a bassist but sometimes as a rhythm guitarist.

In 1988, Collins appeared as a guest artist to play bass on Keith Richards and The X-Pensive Winos album Talk is Cheap.

In 1989, Collins played bass on and produced several tracks of Malcolm McLaren's album Waltz Darling, credited to Malcolm McLaren and the Bootzilla Orchestra.

In 1990, Collins collaborated with Deee-Lite on their biggest hit "Groove Is in the Heart", and he contributed additional vocals. Although he also appeared in the music video playing the bass, the bassline in the song is actually a sample of a Herbie Hancock song called "Bring Down the Birds". Bootsy's Rubber Band became the de facto backing musicians for Deee-Lite during a world tour. The Rubber Band also recorded the EP Jungle Bass, their first recording in 11 years.

In 1992, he joined with guitarist Stevie Salas and drummer Buddy Miles to form the funk-metal fusion group Hardware. The trio released one album, Third Eye Open, before disbanding. In the same year, Collins played bass guitar on the first Praxis album (produced by Laswell): Transmutation, alongside fellow Parliament-Funkadelic member Bernie Worrell, Bryan Mantia and Buckethead.

Bootsy's New Rubber Band formed in 1994, releasing Blasters of the Universe and also put forth the following live release "Keepin' dah Funk Alive 4-1995", recorded over two nights in Tokyo.

In 1995, Collins played in the remake of Jimi Hendrix's "If 6 Was 9", for Axiom Funk, a Funkadelic-like one-off supergroup produced by Bill Laswell and featuring (Funkadelic members) George Clinton, Bernie Worrell, Collins, (the guitar of the late) Eddie Hazel, Gary Shider and Laswell. The group released only one album (Funkcronomicon), and the song also appeared in the soundtrack of the movie Stealing Beauty. He also featured on Jon B's song "Simple Melody" from his debut album, "Bonafide".

Collins collaborated with Del McCoury, Doc Watson and Mac Wiseman to form the GrooveGrass Boyz. They produced a fusion of bluegrass and funk.

2000s–present
Collins provided lead vocals for the Fatboy Slim song "Weapon of Choice" from his 2000 album Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars. Collins vocals quote the book Dune ("Walk without rhythm and you won't attract the worm"). The song won multiple MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.

In 2004 Collins contributed to Christian rap artist TobyMac's Welcome to Diverse City album, collaborating on the "Diverse City" track, a song praised as one of the best on the album. The album won the 2005 Dove Award for Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year.

In October 2005, Collins co-wrote a song celebrating the resurgence of his hometown team, the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League called "Fear Da Tiger" which features "raps" written and performed by several Bengals players, including defensive end Duane Clemons, offensive tackle Stacy Andrews, and center Ben Wilkerson. An edited version of the song was made into a music video which features cameos by many other Bengals players. Collins appeared with Little Richard, Bernie Worrell, and other notable musicians as the band playing with Hank Williams, Jr. for the Monday Night Football opening during for the 2006 season. Collins was the only all star to return with Williams for the 2007 season.

He also sings "Marshal Law", the theme song of the Cincinnati Marshals indoor football team and debuted the song in 2006 at half time of the April 29 Marshals home game against the West Palm Beach Phantoms.

In 2006, ABC Entertainment/A Charly Films Release released a DVD and CD from Collins and the New Rubber Band's concert at the 1998 North Sea Jazz Festival. Soon after the release, Collins split from long-time friend and guitarist Odhran "The Bodhran" Rameriz, citing creative differences as the reason.

Later that same year, Collins released the holiday album Christmas Is 4 Ever. This represents the first Christmas-themed album made by a member of the P-Funk musical collective. The album features re-workings of Christmas standards as well as original compositions.

In April 2007, Collins announced plans to open Bootsy's, a restaurant/club with Cincinnati area restaurateur Jeff Ruby. The venue operated from 2008 to 2010. It featured live musical acts, a museum dedicated to Collins's musical career and Spanish, Central and South American cuisine.

In June 2007, Collins, along with Catfish Collins, Clyde Stubblefield, John "Jabo" Starks, and Bernie Worrell, participated in the recording of the soundtrack for the movie Superbad. In December of that year they (without Worrell) went on to perform the first tribute concert remembering James Brown.

In July 2007, Collins also told Billboard magazine that he was working on a project named Science Faxtion and an album called Living on Another Frequency in which he serves as bassist and co-producer along with his lead vocalist Greg Hampton. The band also features guitarist Buckethead and drummer Brain. The album was released in November 2008. Collins promoted Rock the Vote for its 2008 campaign together with Buckethead.

Collins portrayed a radio DJ in the 2013 video game, Grand Theft Auto V, in which several of his own songs were featured.

Collins has also collaborated extensively with Bill Laswell, Buckethead, and also frequently collaborated with fellow bassist Victor Wooten.

In 2018, Collins did a song with singer Kali Uchis called "After the Storm".

On December 14, 2018, Collins played a show with Detroit-based funk artist GRiZ, and also collaborated on a new song with GRiZ.

In January 2019, Collins announced on Facebook that he would be retiring from live performances for health reasons:

"Time has come for Me to tell all our Funkateers that I will Not be Playing Bass in Concerts anymore. I have decided to become a Coach for up & coming Musicians. I know u r Disappointed just think for a moment how I feel. Doc said to much pressure on my Inner-Ear & Right Hand. Yeah, I had to make up my Mind, so I did. 2019 Sheriff Ping Ping Ping will continue to Funk from the Studio but Not Live playing Bass on Stage. I know u got question & I don't have answers, maybe one day u to will understand. Just remember; That This Year will be the Funkiest Year of them All. Watch for it. Bootsy baby!!!"

He wrote that he would be releasing a new album that year, and that he would continue to work in the studio and mentor young musicians.

On February 25, 2021, it was announced that Collins would be making an appearance as the "special guest host" of An Evening with Silk Sonic, the first studio album from Silk Sonic, a collaboration between Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. He was the one who came up with the band's name (much like he did with Babyface), and acts as the album's narrator, "threading" the songs together.

On July 7, 2022, Collins served as emcee for the opening ceremony for the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.

Basses
Collins has owned many basses, several of which are custom made. His original Space Bass and its first replacement were made in Warren, Michigan by Larry Pless of Gus Zoppi's music store. The first Space Bass had a mahogany body and maple neck, white finish, and mirror pick guard. This is the Space Bass on the cover of 1976 album  Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber Band. Collins's original Space Bass guitar was stolen, but it was later recovered at a Cincinnati pawn shop and returned to him.

Another Collins signature instrument is a custom-built star-shaped bass guitar he also calls the Space Bass, built for him by Manuel "Manny" Salvador of GuitarCraft in 1998. In 2006 Collins made an agreement with Traben to make a signature Collins model bass, the Bootzilla. During the 2010 NAMM Show, Collins's new signature bass was released by Warwick, a customized Infinity Bass called "Bootsy Collins Black Star Signature Bass" or "Bootsy Collins Orange Star Signature Bass", depending on the color of the stars on it.

Funk University
In July 2010, Collins, in partnership with former child actor Cory Danziger, launched Funk University ("Funk U"), an online-only bass guitar school in which he also serves as curator and lead professor. Funk University offers an intense curriculum tailored for intermediate to advanced bass players as well as anyone interested in a deeper understanding of funk. The curriculum is based on bass theory, history of funk, and Collins's own musical history given by Collins himself, augmented by lessons and exercises in bass and rhythm from guest bassist professors such as Les Claypool, Meshell Ndegeocello, John B (Williams) and Victor Wooten. As of 2021, Funk University is now defunct.

Legacy
He has been mentioned in the song "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club in the line "Clinton's musicians such as Bootsy Collins raise expectation to a new intention", while "Got more bass than Bootsy Collins" is a line in the song "Rumble in the Jungle" by the Fugees. His influence in popular culture is seen in that he has been referenced by a number of television series. In The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode "Sooooooul Train", Geoffrey sneaks into the Soul Train tapings posing as Collins, while in The Mighty Boosh episode "The Legend of Old Gregg" an alien creature named "The Funk" lands on Collins's house, giving him his ability to play the bass guitar "like some kinda delirious funky priest", as well as the ability to see around corners.

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, who cited Collins as one of his primary influences, appeared in unmistakably Collins-style clothing in the video for RHCP's "Dani California", and Collins's "What's a Telephone Bill?" was sampled for 2Pac's "Str8 Ballin'" track from his Thug Life: Volume 1 album. Les Claypool has also cited Collins as a musical influence.

In 2004 Collins was featured on the cover of "The Joker" on the Fatboy Slim album Palookaville. Collins served as Heineken's Amsterjam 2005 curator and master of ceremonies on Randall's Island, New York. On January 26, 2007, Collins gave the commencement address at the graduation ceremony at The Art Institute of Ohio – Cincinnati.

Awards and achievements
Collins appeared with Toots & the Maytals on the album True Love that won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2005.

In October 2010, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Bass Player magazine at the Key Club in Los Angeles. Collins was inducted in 2016 into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

On July 22, 2023, Bootsy Collins was inducted into the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.

Personal life
In March 2011, Collins and his wife visited Franklin L. Williams M.S #7's Little Kids Rock program, donated a bass, gave the children a bass lesson, and rapped with them while they played the blues. He is now an honorary board member of the organization. Collins is an honorary member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

In an April 2011 interview with The Guardian, Collins stated that, at one point in his life, he took LSD every day for over two years.

Discography

 * Ultra Wave (1980)
 * The One Giveth, the Count Taketh Away (1982)
 * What's Bootsy Doin'? (1988)
 * Fresh Outta 'P' University (1997)
 * Play with Bootsy (2002)
 * Christmas Is 4 Ever (2006)
 * The Official BootLeggedBootsyCD (2009)
 * Tha Funk Capital of the World (2011)
 * World Wide Funk (2017)
 * The Power of the One (2020)
 * Album of the Year #1 Funkateer (2024)

Filmography
In 2005, Collins appeared with Madonna, Iggy Pop, Little Richard, and The Roots' Questlove, in an American TV commercial for the Motorola ROKR phone.

Collins was featured in the 2002 film Standing in the Shadows of Motown.

Collins voiced the character Boötes Belinda in the Loonatics Unleashed episode "The Music Villain".

In 2009, Collins appeared in the Everybody Hates Chris episode "Everybody Hates Tasha".

Collins played an alien version of himself in the R-rated Williams Street spring break special Freaknik: The Musical on Adult Swim in March 2010.

On April 15, 2011, he appeared on Later... with Jools Holland, performing a memorable snippet of funk with Jools.

In the fall of 2011, Collins began being featured in a TV commercial for Old Navy in which he is making "boots" made by Bootsy to be sold at Old Navy.

He was also featured on an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba! on the Nick Jr. Channel

Collins guest starred as himself at the end of "Mid-Season Finale", an episode of The Patrick Star Show, a spin-off of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants, in 2022.

Collins is the voice of Jimi Hendrix in the 2010 documentary, Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child, which is based on Hendrix's own words from letters, interviews and other printed materials.

Tour
In June 2011, Collins played the 10th Annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.

Collins hosted Detroit Music Weekend's Funk Festival on August 26, 2023.

title: Bootsy Collins


text:
Watchung, New Jersey

Watchung is a borough in Somerset County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located approximately 29 mi west of New York City. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 6,449, an increase of 648 (+11.2%) from the 2010 census count of 5,801,  which in turn reflected an increase of 188 (+3.3%) from the 5,613 counted in the 2000 census. It is located within the Raritan Valley region.

Watchung was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 23, 1926, from portions of North Plainfield Township (now Green Brook Township) based on the results of a referendum held on April 20, 1926. The name "Watchung" comes from the Lenni Lenape Native Americans, meaning "high hills" or from "watschu," meaning "hill."

In 2012, Forbes.com listed Watchung as 384th in its listing of "America's Most Expensive ZIP Codes", with a median home price of $767,507.

The borough is one of the state's highest-income communities. Based on data from the American Community Survey (ACS) for 2014–2018, Watchung residents had a median household income of $153,341, almost double the statewide median of $79,363.

History
George Washington surveyed the British troops in Perth Amboy, 20 miles away, from the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains. The eastern edge of these ridges reaches to the Oranges in the direction of Newark. The name "Washingtonville" was used in early times, but was rejected as the name for the area by the United States Postal Service, which felt that the state already had too many places named Washington.

Watchung, in the 1900s was a semi-rural small community of about 3,200 people in comparison with the relatively larger and more urban communities of Plainfield and Somerville. The first mayor of the town was Henry Baldwin Macdonald, who served from 1926 to 1928. The 1967 Plainfield riots, caused an exodus of the large upper-middle class population from the nearby cities to the Watchung Hills area to communities such as Watchung, Warren Township and Bridgewater Township.

Watchung was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 23, 1926, from portions of North Plainfield Township (now Green Brook Township) based on the results of a referendum held on April 20, 1926.

In the wake of public fear that ensued after the 1938 radio broadcast of Orson Welles' The War of the Worlds, National Guard troops were stationed around the hills in Watchung, as told on the vinyl record recording of news reports of the day.

Notable figures who have lived in Watchung include Bobby Thomson, Billy Ard and Carl Banks.

Historic places
Eaton House is a Watchung historic site that was owned by congressman Charles Aubrey Eaton and has been the residence of other notables over the years. Known also as the Sunbright Farm farmhouse, the home was damaged in April 2014 when it was hit by trees that fell as a result of a likely microburst in a severe storm that rolled through the area.

The borough is home to Watchung Valley Golf Club, which moved from its original nine-hole course in North Plainfield to its current location on Mountain Boulevard in 1927. The club was known as the Twin Brooks Country Club from 1933 to 2017, when it re-adopted its name as Watchung Valley Country Club, which was in use from 1928 to 1933.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 6.04 mi2, including 6.02 mi2 of land and 0.03 mi2 of water (0.46%).

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Washingtonville.

The borough borders Green Brook Township, North Plainfield and Warren Township in Somerset County; and Berkeley Heights, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains in Union County.

The Stony Brook flows through Watchung borough, making its way from Warren Township to the Watchung Lake, then through the gorge in the first Watchung mountain and over the Wetumpka Falls, on its way to the Green Brook.

The borough is roughly a 40-minute drive from New York City and a 20-minute drive from Newark.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 5,801 people, 2,114 households, and 1,613 families in the borough. The population density was 962.7 /mi2. There were 2,234 housing units at an average density of 370.7 /mi2. The racial makeup was 80.52% (4,671) White, 3.45% (200) Black or African American, 0.12% (7) Native American, 12.69% (736) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.81% (47) from other races, and 2.41% (140) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.29% (307) of the population.

Of the 2,114 households, 32.3% had children under the age of 18; 66.2% were married couples living together; 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present and 23.7% were non-families. Of all households, 20.1% were made up of individuals and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.12.

23.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 18.8% from 25 to 44, 32.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.3 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $112,917 (with a margin of error of +/− $21,189) and the median family income was $144,883 (+/− $38,172). Males had a median income of $92,667 (+/− $15,969) versus $63,811 (+/− $15,306) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $59,177 (+/− $6,617). About 3.2% of families and 2.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 5,613 people, 2,098 households, and 1,617 families residing in the borough. The population density was 933.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,155 housing units at an average density of 358.2 /mi2. The racial makeup of the borough was 84.30% White, 3.37% African American, 0.09% Native American, 9.85% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% of the population.

There were 2,098 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $101,944, and the median income for a family was $120,764. Males had a median income of $80,658 versus $54,167 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $58,653. About 0.5% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or over.

Local government
Watchung is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey. The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. The borough form of government used by Watchung is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.

, the mayor of Watchung Borough is Republican Ronald Jubin, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026. Members of the Watchung Borough Council are Sonia Abi-Habib (R, 2026), Curt S. Dahl (R, 2024), Christine B. Ead (R, 2024), Paul Fischer (R, 2025), Robert L. Gibbs (R, 2026) and Paolo Marano (R, 2025).

In December 2019, the borough council selected Ronald Jubin to complete the term expiring in December 2020 that had been held by Robert L. Gibbs until he resigned from office the previous month.

Federal, state and county representation
Watchung is located in the 7th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.

Politics
As of March 2011, there were a total of 4,154 registered voters in Watchung, of which 845 (20.3% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 1,483 (35.7% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 1,823 (43.9% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 3 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens. Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 71.6% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 93.3% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).

In the 2016 presidential election, Democrat Hillary Clinton received 48.6% of the vote (1,551 cast), ahead of Republican Donald Trump who received 47.7% of the vote (1,523 votes), and other candidates with 3.7% (117 votes). 3,191 votes were cast in total. In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 57.9% of the vote (1,687 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 41.1% (1,198 votes), and other candidates with 0.9% (27 votes), among the 2,931 ballots cast by the borough's 4,396 registered voters (19 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 66.7%. In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 1,803 votes (55.0% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 1,415 votes (43.2% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 29 votes (0.9% vs. 1.1%), among the 3,277 ballots cast by the borough's 4,070 registered voters, for a turnout of 80.5% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County). In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 1,865 votes (54.5% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 1,516 votes (44.3% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 30 votes (0.9% vs. 0.9%), among the 3,424 ballots cast by the borough's 3,795 registered voters, for a turnout of 90.2% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 72.8% of the vote (1,335 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.4% (466 votes), and other candidates with 1.7% (32 votes), among the 1,861 ballots cast by the borough's 4,396 registered voters (28 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 42.3%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,428 votes (60.6% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 720 votes (30.5% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 178 votes (7.6% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 15 votes (0.6% vs. 0.7%), among the 2,357 ballots cast by the borough's 4,155 registered voters, yielding a 56.7% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).

Education
Students in public school for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are educated in the Watchung Borough Schools. As of the 2019–20 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 604 students and 66.6 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 9.1:1. Schools in the district (with 2019–20 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Bayberry Elementary School with 326 students in grades Pre-K–4 and Valley View School with 271 students in grades 5–8.

Watchung's students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren Township together with students from the neighboring communities of Green Brook Township and Warren Township (in Somerset County) and Long Hill Township (in Morris County). As of the 2019–20 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,948 students and 160.6 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.1:1. The district's board of education is comprised of nine members, who are elected directly by the voters to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with three seats up for each year. Of the nine elected seats, two are allocated to Watchung.

Christian denomination Mount St. Mary Academy (9–12), which opened in 1908, is operated by the Sisters of Mercy under the supervision of Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen.

Roads and highways
, the borough had a total of 44.63 mi of roadways, of which 33.24 mi were maintained by the municipality, 9.07 mi by Somerset County and 2.32 mi by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and 1.09 mi by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Interstate 78 runs through the northwestern portion of the borough, including interchange 41, entering in the east from Warren Township and continuing for 1.4 mi to Berkeley Heights Township in Union County. U.S. Route 22 passes briefly through the borough's southeast corner, entering from North Plainfield in the west and continuing into Scotch Plains Township in Union County.

County Route 527 (Mountain Boulevard / Valley Road) stretches 5.2 mi across the length of the borough from Warren Township in the southwest to Berkeley Heights in the northeast. County Route 531 (Somerset Road / Hillcrest Road) runs for 1.4 mi across the borough from North Plainfield in the south to the Interstate 78 interchange in Warren Township in the north.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Watchung include:

 * Billy Ard (born 1959), former New York Giants football player
 * Carl Banks (born 1962), former New York Giants football player
 * Anne Casale (1930–2002, class of 1948), cookbook author and cooking teacher
 * James Maxime DuPont (1912–1991), collector of meteorites
 * Charles Aubrey Eaton (1868–1953), clergyman and politician who served in the United States House of Representatives, representing the New Jersey's 4th congressional district from 1925 to 1933, and the New Jersey's 5th congressional district from 1933 to 1953
 * Chaka Khan (born 1953), Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter
 * Stephen Kovacs (1972–2022), saber fencer and fencing coach, charged with sexual assault, died in prison
 * Harold Norman Moldenke (1909–1996), botanist and taxonomist
 * David Palmer, vocalist and songwriter, best known as a former member of Steely Dan and as the lyricist of the Carole King number two hit, "Jazzman"
 * Laura Prepon (born 1980), actress who played the character of Donna Pinciotti on That '70s Show
 * Bjarne Stroustrup (born 1950), inventor of the C++ programming language
 * Bobby Thomson (1923–2010), former professional baseball player for the New York Giants, who hit the famous Shot Heard 'Round the World to win the 1951 NL pennant
 * Anthony Volpe (born 2001), professional baseball shortstop for the New York Yankees
 * Katt Williams (born 1973), comedian, actor and rapper
 * H. Boyd Woodruff (1917–2017), soil microbiologist who discovered actinomycin and developed industrial production by fermentation of many natural products, including cyanocobalamin (a synthetic form of Vitamin B12), the avermectins and other important antibiotics
 * Adella Wotherspoon (1903–2004), youngest and longest-lived survivor of the General Slocum, a steamship that sank in the East River killing over 1,000 in 1904 Her ashes are buried beside her husband's at Wilson Memorial Union Church Cemetery in Watchung.

title: Watchung, New Jersey


text:
Andover, New Jersey

Andover is a borough in Sussex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 595, a decrease of 11 (−1.8%) from the 2010 census count of 606, which in turn reflected a decline of 52 (−7.9%) from the 658 counted in the 2000 census.

Andover was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 25, 1904, from portions of Andover Township. The borough was named for Andover Township, which was in turn named for Andover, Hampshire, England.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.36 square miles (3.53 km2), including 1.35 square miles (3.49 km2) of land and 0.02 square miles (0.04 km2) of water (1.18%).

The borough borders the Sussex County municipalities of Andover Township, Byram Township and Green Township.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 606 people, 241 households, and 164 families in the borough. The population density was 417.3 per square mile (161.1/km2). There were 263 housing units at an average density of 181.1 per square mile (69.9/km2). The racial makeup was 91.75% (556) White, 1.16% (7) Black or African American, 0.33% (2) Native American, 2.15% (13) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 2.64% (16) from other races, and 1.98% (12) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.59% (46) of the population.

Of the 241 households, 28.6% had children under the age of 18; 50.6% were married couples living together; 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present and 32.0% were non-families. Of all households, 22.8% were made up of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.91.

21.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 30.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.4 years. For every 100 females, the population had 99.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 100.8 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $67,000 (with a margin of error of +/− $20,882) and the median family income was $78,889 (+/− $19,386). Males had a median income of $54,583 (+/− $21,861) versus $41,667 (+/− $24,816) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $34,262 (+/− $7,656). About 6.7% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.3% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 658 people, 261 households, and 180 families residing in the borough. The population density was 451.9 PD/sqmi. There were 273 housing units at an average density of 187.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the borough was 92.71% White, 2.28% African American, 0.76% Native American, 2.28% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 1.22% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.58% of the population.

There were 261 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 35.3% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $60,000, and the median income for a family was $69,688. Males had a median income of $38,056 versus $30,950 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $25,914. None of the families and 2.8% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 9.1% of those over 64.

Local government
Andover is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey. The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. The borough form of government used by Andover is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.

, the mayor of Andover Borough is Republican John A. Morgan, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of the Borough Council are Melvin Dennison (R, 2024), Frederick DiRenzo (R, 2026), Jason Lane (R, 2025), Randolph Mallon (D, 2025), Robert L. Smith (R, 2024) and Erin K. Webb (R, 2026).

In February 2022, the borough council selected Randolph Mallon to fill the seat expiring in December 2022 that had been held by Peter Pearson until he resigned from office the previous month.

In February 2016, the borough council chose John Hoag from three candidates proposed by the Republican municipal committee to fill the seat that had been held Eskil S. Danielson that will expire in December 2017; Hoag will serve on an interim basis until the November 2016 general election, when voters will choose someone to serve the balance of the term.

In February 2015, the borough council selected Michael Figueiredo from a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2016 that became vacant when Deborah McGowan resigned from office. Figueiredo served on an interim basis until the November 2015 general election, when he was elected to serve the one year remaining on the term of office.

Law enforcement is covered by the New Jersey State Police. Fire protection is covered by the Andover Borough Volunteer Fire Department. EMS is handled by the Lakeland Emergency Squad.

Federal, state, and county representation
Andover Borough is located in the 7th Congressional district and is part of New Jersey's 24th state legislative district.

Politics
As of March 2011, there were a total of 403 registered voters in Andover, of which 109 (27.0% vs. 16.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 152 (37.7% vs. 39.3%) were registered as Republicans and 142 (35.2% vs. 44.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties. Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 66.5% (vs. 65.8% in Sussex County) were registered to vote, including 84.3% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 86.5% countywide).

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 143 votes (50.9% vs. 59.4% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 129 votes (45.9% vs. 38.2%) and other candidates with 8 votes (2.8% vs. 2.1%), among the 281 ballots cast by the borough's 400 registered voters, for a turnout of 70.3% (vs. 68.3% in Sussex County). In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 139 votes (49.5% vs. 59.2% countywide) tied with Democrat Barack Obama with 139 votes (49.5% vs. 38.7%) and other candidates with 2 votes (0.7% vs. 1.5%), among the 281 ballots cast by the borough's 404 registered voters, for a turnout of 69.6% (vs. 76.9% in Sussex County). In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 171 votes (55.5% vs. 63.9% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 134 votes (43.5% vs. 34.4%) and other candidates with one vote (0.3% vs. 1.3%), among the 308 ballots cast by the borough's 421 registered voters, for a turnout of 73.2% (vs. 77.7% in the whole county).

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 61.6% of the vote (106 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 32.6% (56 votes), and other candidates with 5.8% (10 votes), among the 173 ballots cast by the borough's 396 registered voters (1 ballot was spoiled), for a turnout of 43.7%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 117 votes (58.8% vs. 63.3% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 61 votes (30.7% vs. 25.7%), Independent Chris Daggett with 18 votes (9.0% vs. 9.1%) and other candidates with 2 votes (1.0% vs. 1.3%), among the 199 ballots cast by the borough's 386 registered voters, yielding a 51.6% turnout (vs. 52.3% in the county).

Education
Public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade attend the Andover Regional School District, together with students from Andover Township. As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 416 students and 52.2 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.0:1. Schools in the district (with 2021–22 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Florence M. Burd Elementary School with 218 students in grades PreK-4 and Long Pond Middle School with 195 students in grades 5-8. The district's board of education is comprised of nine members who set policy and oversee the fiscal and educational operation of the district through its administration, with Andover Borough assigned one of the nine seats, based on the population of the two constituent municipalities.

Public school students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Newton High School in Newton, together with students from Andover Township and Green Township, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Newton Public School District. As of the 2021–22 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 710 students and 60.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.8:1.

Since 1972, Lakeland Andover School has been operating as a therapeutic, nonprofit, private day school for students in grades 7–12, serving the educational and vocational training needs of students with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Roads and highways
, the borough had a total of 7.41 mi of roadways, of which 1.92 mi were maintained by the municipality, 3.18 mi by Sussex County and 2.31 mi by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

U.S. Route 206 and County Route 517 pass through the borough.

Public transportation
Lakeland Bus Lines provides service operating along Interstate 80 between Newton, New Jersey, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.

As part of restoring train service via the Lackawanna Cut-Off, $61 million had been secured by then U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen for NJ Transit to rebuild a 7.3 mi stretch of the former railroad to a new station in Andover Township, which had been projected by 2021 but currently is estimated to open in 2026.

Aeroflex-Andover Airport is located 2 mi north of the central business district and Trinca Airport, 3 mi southwest.

Points of interest
Several places in Andover are listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. The Grist Mill Stone House, built 1760, is part of the Andover Iron Forge and Furnace and Workers' Housing area in the Andover Borough Historic District. The ornate house on Brighton Avenue is listed individually. The Hole in the Wall Stone Arch Bridge, built by the Sussex Railroad, crosses the Morris and Sussex Turnpike and now carries the Sussex Branch Trail, a rail trail.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Andover include:

 * Stephen M. Balzer (c. 1864–1940), mechanic and developer of an early car and airplane engine
 * Kenneth Burke (1897–1993), cultural and literary critic and philosopher; Harry and Tom Chapin's grandfather
 * Finn M. W. Caspersen (1941–2009), financier and philanthropist
 * Newman E. Drake (1860–1930), founder of the Drake's baking company
 * Rob Freeman (born 1981), member of Hidden in Plain View

title: Andover, New Jersey


text:
Andover Township, New Jersey

Andover Township is a township in Sussex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 5,996, a decrease of 323 (−5.1%) from the 2010 census count of 6,319,  which in turn reflected an increase of 286 (+4.7%) from the 6,033 counted in the 2000 census.

Andover was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 11, 1864, from portions of Newton Township, which was split up on that date and dissolved. Portions of the township were taken to form Fredon Township (February 24, 1904) and Andover borough (March 25, 1904). Portions of the township were ceded to Newton town in both 1869 and 1927.

The township was suggestively named after the existing village of Andover, whose name origin is not certain, though sources indicate that the name comes from Andover, Hampshire, England. In the years before World War II, Andover Township was home to Camp Nordland, a retreat and gathering place covering 204 acres owned and operated by the German American Bund, an American Nazi organization devoted to promoting a favorable view of Nazi Germany. Camp Nordland was shut down by the federal government after Germany declared war on the United States and sold at auction in 1944. The property eventually was acquired by Andover Township and is now called Hillside Park with a recreational hall and sports fields.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 20.79 square miles (53.85 km2), including 20.05 square miles (51.92 km2) of land and 0.75 square miles (1.93 km2) of water (3.59%).

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Brighton, County Road Camp, Davis Pond, Drakes Pond, Garders Lake, Iliffs Lake, Lake Aeroflex, Lake Iliff, Lake Lenape, Long Pond, Mulford, New Waywayanda Lake, Pinkneyville, Redings Pond, Springdale, Stickle Pond, Sussex Mills, Whitehall and Whites Pond.

The township borders the Sussex County municipalities of Andover, Byram Township, Fredon Township, Green Township, Hampton Township, Lafayette Township and Sparta Township.

2010 census
The 2010 United States census counted 6,319 people, 2,070 households, and 1,590 families in the township. The population density was 316.6 per square mile (122.2/km2). There were 2,181 housing units at an average density of 109.3 per square mile (42.2/km2). The racial makeup was 91.64% (5,791) White, 3.37% (213) Black or African American, 0.17% (11) Native American, 2.60% (164) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.73% (46) from other races, and 1.49% (94) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.14% (325) of the population.

Of the 2,070 households, 34.9% had children under the age of 18; 64.8% were married couples living together; 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 23.2% were non-families. Of all households, 19.2% were made up of individuals and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.10.

22.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 34.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 99.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 95.6 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $95,313 (with a margin of error of +/− $10,064) and the median family income was $105,554 (+/− $13,995). Males had a median income of $72,066 (+/− $10,198) versus $47,750 (+/− $8,020) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $38,284 (+/− $4,082). About 2.3% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census there were 6,033 people, 1,889 households, and 1,499 families residing in the township. The population density was 298.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,968 housing units at an average density of 97.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.45% White, 1.86% African American, 0.08% Native American, 2.30% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.25% of the population.

There were 1,889 households, out of which 39.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.9% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 16.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $75,748, and the median income for a family was $78,439. Males had a median income of $57,098 versus $36,268 for females. The per capita income for the township was $29,180. About 1.3% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Local government
Andover Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state. The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle. At an annual reorganization held in January, the council selects a mayor and a deputy mayor from among its members.

, members of the Andover Township Committee are Mayor Thomas D. Walsh Jr. (R, term on township committee ends December 31, 2026; term as mayor ends 2025), Deputy Mayor Eric Karr (R, term on committee and as deputy mayor ends 2024), Ellsworth E. Bensley Jr. (R, 2025), Michael Lensak (R, 2026) and Janis L. McGovern (R, 2024).

Federal, state and county representation
Andover Township is located in the 5th Congressional district and is part of New Jersey's 24th state legislative district.

Politics
As of March 2011, there were a total of 3,979 registered voters in Andover Township, of which 606 (15.2% vs. 16.5% countywide) were registered as Democrats, 1,813 (45.6% vs. 39.3%) were registered as Republicans and 1,552 (39.0% vs. 44.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 8 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens. Among the township's 2010 Census population, 63.0% (vs. 65.8% in Sussex County) were registered to vote, including 80.8% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 86.5% countywide).

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 1,703 votes (60.7% vs. 59.4% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 1,034 votes (36.8% vs. 38.2%) and other candidates with 62 votes (2.2% vs. 2.1%), among the 2,807 ballots cast by the township's 4,074 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.9% (vs. 68.3% in Sussex County). In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 1,772 votes (59.0% vs. 59.2% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 1,173 votes (39.1% vs. 38.7%) and other candidates with 37 votes (1.2% vs. 1.5%), among the 3,002 ballots cast by the township's 3,948 registered voters, for a turnout of 76.0% (vs. 76.9% in Sussex County). In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 1,799 votes (64.0% vs. 63.9% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 966 votes (34.4% vs. 34.4%) and other candidates with 30 votes (1.1% vs. 1.3%), among the 2,811 ballots cast by the township's 3,566 registered voters, for a turnout of 78.8% (vs. 77.7% in the whole county).

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 71.2% of the vote (1,212 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.1% (427 votes), and other candidates with 3.8% (64 votes), among the 1,718 ballots cast by the township's 4,121 registered voters (15 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 41.7%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,271 votes (64.4% vs. 63.3% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 482 votes (24.4% vs. 25.7%), Independent Chris Daggett with 195 votes (9.9% vs. 9.1%) and other candidates with 22 votes (1.1% vs. 1.3%), among the 1,974 ballots cast by the township's 3,882 registered voters, yielding a 50.9% turnout (vs. 52.3% in the county).

Education
Public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade attend the Andover Regional School District, together with students from Andover Borough. As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 416 students and 52.2 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.0:1. Schools in the district (with 2021–22 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Florence M. Burd Elementary School with 218 students in grades PreK-4 and Long Pond Middle School with 195 students in grades 5-8. The district's board of education is comprised of nine members who set policy and oversee the fiscal and educational operation of the district through its administration, with Andover Township assigned eight of the nine seats, based on the population of the two constituent municipalities.

Public school students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Newton High School in Newton, together with students from Andover Township and Green Township, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Newton Public School District. As of the 2021–22 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 710 students and 60.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.8:1.

Transportation
, the township had a total of 73.42 mi of roadways, of which 49.13 mi were maintained by the municipality, 20.79 mi by Sussex County and 3.50 mi by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

U.S. Route 206 is the main highway serving Andover Township. County Route 517 also passes through the township.

NJ Transit is working on the Lackawanna Cut-Off Restoration Project through the southern part of the township. Service is anticipated to begin in 2026, with plans for an Andover station included as part of the restored passenger service.

Notable people
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Andover Township include:

 * Gail Phoebus (born 1950), member of the New Jersey General Assembly, who previously served on the Andover Township Committee and as a Sussex County Freeholder

title: Andover Township, New Jersey