Ewing Insights

Season of Giving and Community Spirit

Dear Ewing Community,

The season of giving has begun, and our newsletter this week is packed with opportunities to make a difference. From book drives, toy drives, food drives and coat drives, to holiday wreaths and baked goods fund-raisers, there are countless ways to support wonderful causes around Ewing.

In other news, we’ve had a tremendous start to the new leaf collection program, even finishing last week ahead of schedule! Thank you to everyone for helping make this a success by following the guidelines. This edition also highlights free resources for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, including information on finance. I encourage everyone to take a look and share with others.

Thank you for all you do to uplift our community.

Best,
Mayor Bert H. Steinmann

FEATURED

Today: Veterans Day Ceremony and Plaque Dedication

EWING SPOTLIGHT: Q&A with Public Works Director Ryan Rollero on fall leaf collection

New Leaf Guidelines in Effect

Q: Ewing Township now has three leaf vacs plus the front-loader "claw." How much has been collected in the first two weeks of the new curbside leaf collection program? A: We’ve completed 64 truckloads, or roughly 1,600 cubic yards, in just two weeks! Q: What happens to all the leaves? A: Leaves are composted per NJDEP regulations. The compost produced from the leaves is used on township properties and given to residents, but it’s critical that during this period we collect leaves only. No trash, no brush. Q: What’s the biggest challenge so far? A: Managing mixed piles that contain brush and yard trimmings along with leaves. It’s also a challenge when leaves are placed at the curb after we’ve swept through a neighborhood since we can’t return to streets within the same week. (Some residents have been issued a code violation warning.) Q: What is going on with residents placing brush at the curb, away from their leaf piles? A.: Brush pickup ceased for the year on Oct. 31. Brush piles left at the curb will result in a code violation notice to residents. Residents may take brush to the Convenience Center at 100 Beakes St., until curbside collections resume the week of March 3, 2024. Again, per NJDEP regulations, brush or yard trimmings cannot be mixed with leaves, as leaves must be stored and processed separately.

Q: Let's talk about your crew, since this process is new to them as well. Have the crew kept up with demand?  A: Yes, we’ve completed two rounds in each zone and actually finished last week just ahead of schedule! We’ll also work with Mercer County to ensure loose leaf collection on county roadways during the weeks of Nov. 25 and Dec. 23. Additionally, crews are being alternated and cross-trained to develop a well-rounded collection team. Our goal is to keep improving to provide the best collection services we can. The new vacuum equipment is providing the tools necessary to make it happen.

Q: Has the drought affected leaf collection?  A: Yes, this October was the driest on record, creating more dust as the vacuums pulverize leaves into a fine material. It’s a shared issue across Mercer County. Q: Regarding leaf bags, some residents are still using paper or biodegradable leaf bags. Is that OK?  A: Yes. While loose piles are our priority, residents can rip open bagged leaves at the curb on collection weeks or bring them to Dover Avenue. We’ll start picking up bags on the third round in each zone, but loose leaf collection remains our focus. Let me emphasize, we want to promote the loose leaf collection program but also understand certain residents may require bagging of leaves for specific circumstances, such as space to park a vehicle. Again, bags that contain any material other than leaves will be left behind by our crews. Q: Any advice for property owners? A: Only leaves in your piles! Keep them at least 10 feet from storm drains and clear from parked vehicles. Any piles mixed with yard trimmings may result in a code violation.

UPDATES

'Art Has No Boundaries' Exhibit through Nov. 30.

The Ewing Arts Commission and Art Has No Boundaries (AHNB) are pleased to once again partner with The Arc Mercer, presenting a new art exhibition at the Ewing Township Municipal Building as part of the Township’s Featured Artist Program. Titled “Emotional Landscapes,” the show focuses on emotion.   The show is curated to highlight the artistry and creativity of local artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) whose artistry may not have been recognized publicly. The Arc Mercer constantly seeks meaningful partnerships for community support and integration for the individuals that they serve. Exhibit runs through Nov. 30 and is open to the public during business hours.

Check your eligibility for NJ Property Tax Deduction

Do you know about New Jersey's Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Deduction in New Jersey? The program offers an annual property tax deduction of up to $250 for homeowners aged 65 or older or individuals with disabilities, provided they meet specific income and residency requirements. The income threshold is $10,000, but applicants may exclude one category—either federal Social Security benefits, federal pensions, or other Social Security payments—from the income calculation. Qualifying information can be found at ewingnj.org, and there is NO deadline to apply.  To receive forms please visit Assessor’s Office or those can be mailed to you upon request. If you have any questions, Assessor’s Office can be contacted at 609-883-2900 x. 7661

PUBLIC WORKS AND SUSTAINABILITY

PSE&G gas system upgrades to Parkway Ave.

There will be gas construction road work on Parkway Ave. Weather permitting, the work is set to start Monday Nov.11. In an effort to provide the continued safety and reliability of local gas service, PSE&G will be replacing old gas pipes on Parkway Ave. with new piping.   PSE&G technicians will need to coordinate access to homes on the street to connect the service line and gas meter to the new main pipeline. Technicians will contact all affected homeowners to arrange dates and times to do this work. They ask that homeowners please comply with this request so that their service appointments can be completed by PSE&G in a timely manner, which will lead to the overall completion of gas system upgrades in the area.

Reminder: Brush collection suspended from Nov.-Feb.

Curbside brush pickup is suspended during leaf pickup season -- November and December -- and also in January and February. Ewing Township has moved the Brush Drop-Off Convenience Center to its permanent location at 100 Beakes St., Ewing, NJ 08638. (Access from Prospect Street to Dover Avenue end of street).

The drop-off site is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. We look forward to serving you!

NEWS AND SERVICES

Donate your Ewing High School yearbook! 

The Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society is looking for donations of Ewing High School's Clepsydra yearbooks from 1954 to 2012 to help preserve our community’s history. If you have any unwanted editions, please consider donating! Yearbooks can be dropped off at the Municipal Building, 2 Jake Garzio Drive, during regular business hours. Thank you for helping keep Ewing’s past alive!

Nominate an inspiring Ewing woman by Dec. 2

The Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women is now taking nomination for their 2025 Woman of Achievement and Young Woman of Achievement Awards. The Woman of Achievement Award is presented to women in the county who have made a difference for others through their volunteering and service to the community. The Young Woman of Achievement Award is given specifically to high school seniors who have gone above and beyond to serve others. The deadline to receive the nomination forms is noon on Monday, December 2. Nominate a Woman of Achievement: www.mercercounty.org/woaform Nominate a Young Woman of Achievement: www.mercercounty.org/ywoaform

Mercer Clerk’s Office announces free veteran IDs for Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello will make available free Veteran ID Cards to all eligible veterans residing in Mercer County. Now through  Friday, Nov. 15, veterans can visit the Mercer County Clerk’s Office at 209 S. Broad St. in Trenton to receive a personalized Veteran ID Card, free of charge.

For more information, please contact the Mercer County Clerk’s ID Office at 609-278-7108 or visit the website here.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are not necessary.

Struggling with utility bills? There may be help. 

If you are having trouble paying your residential electric, sewer and water service bills this winter, the NJ Department of Community Affairs has a program to protect you from having these utilities turned off from Nov. 15 through March 15. For more information, review the flyer or visit the website by clicking the flyer. On the webpage, scroll to the bottom.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The County of Mercer accepts applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP)  each year beginning Oct. 1. The County continues accepting applications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program throughout the year. Residents who pay their own heating costs, and meet the income guidelines, may be eligible to receive financial assistance with their winter heating bill. Residents with medical conditions may also be eligible to receive cooling assistance.

Send completed applications to:  County of Mercer LIHEAP/USF Programs, 640 S. Broad Street Room 106, P.O. BOX 8068 Trenton or fax to 609-278-2758.

Appointments: If an in-person appointment is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email housing@mercercounty.org to schedule.

Questions: please leave a message at 609-989-6959 (Spanish - 609-989-6539), send an email, or check the Housing & Community Development web pages for updated information.

4th Quarter Tax Payments grace period ends tomorrow, Nov. 12!

Taxes were due on Nov. 1, 2024 with a grace period ending at close of business Nov. 12, 2024. Please note: Ewing Township Offices are closed Nov. 11, 2024 for Veteran's Day.

Tax bills were mailed on Aug. 9, 2024. You can print a duplicate bill and/or view the amount online. Make checks payable to Ewing Township Tax Office.

• Payment online/view current bill at  www.edmundsgovpay.com/ewingtax
• Cashier Hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
• Drop Box: At rear main entrance of the municipal building. Please do not leave cash payments.
• Mail payment to: Ewing Township Tax Office, 2 Jake Garzio Dr., Ewing, NJ 08628

Please note the morning of Nov. 13, 2024 starts our annual tax sale. Any payment on or after Nov. 13, 2024 must be certified funds (cash, money order or cashier check).

No personal checks, business checks, or online payments will be accepted from Nov. 13, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024.

NJMVC Mobile Unit comes to Hollowbrook Nov. 12. Click flyer to register

FAMILY FUN

Save the date! Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting Dec. 7

The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony provides Township kids of all ages the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa and his elves will arrive by fire truck to light the holiday tree. There will be pictures with Santa, carol singing, refreshments, face-painting and more!  Hosted by the Ewing Patriotic Committee and the Township Recreation Department, the 2024 event will be held at Major General George J. Betor Veterans Memorial Park behind Town Hall on Saturday, Dec, 7 at 5 p.m. (rain date - Dec 8)  The event begins at 4 pm | Tree lighting will be at 5 pm.

Breakfast with Santa! Register by Dec. 1

Click on the library calendars to visit MCLS

Softball registration is open!

Click flyer or button to go to site.

Little League registration is open!

Click flyers to go to site.

Volleyball

 Adult Co-Ed Pick-up Volleyball starting Oct. 2 at Antheil School from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Get all the details and register today!

Ewing Chess Club

The Ewing Chess Club (ECC) is a fun and lively club for beginner through master level chess players. The club  meets on Wednesday evenings at St. Luke’s Church on Prospect St. beginning Oct. 9. Play is from 6 to 10 p.m.  Kids play from 6 to 7 p.m. and adults start at 7:30 pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome and chess lessons are available. Chess sets, boards, clocks and refreshments are provided. All ages and skill levels are welcome. For more info contact Bong Ortiz at (609) 665-3740 or email at ewingchessclub@gmail.com.

Book your space at Hollowbrook

Need a space for your holiday gathering? Call Hollowbrook at 883-1199 for room rentals. For other program info, visit ewingnj.org/departments/community-affairs or call 609-883-1776. 

Wrestling

Ewing Recreation Wrestling Program is for kids in grades 1-8. Ours in an instructional program which emphasizes getting fit and building confidence. No previous wrestling
experience needed to participate! Practices begin Nov. 12 at Fisher Middle School.  Register at communitypass.net
If you require assistance, please contact Nancy at npappano@ewingnj.org

Questions/Concerns? Call Coach Tye at 609-273-2739 or email tye@princeton.edu

Play ball! Umpires needed for upcoming 2025 season

The Lawrence Township Junior Baseball & Softball Association is looking for motivated Lawrence, Ewing or Hopewell middle school, high school or college students (and interested adults) to join their Cadet Umpire Squad. The LTJBSA pays 100% for training and gear, and umps earn $30/game, working only when you wish to. You do not need to have played in Lawrence Little League to participate, but you must be 13 or older by Aug. 31, 2025. Sign up by Jan. 25, 2025 to get certified for this Spring. Course dates: Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton Township Library. Games will be at Lawrence Central or Ewing Moody Park. Details and link to register: https://www.ltjbsa.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2734534

HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2nd Annual 2024 Mercer County International Trade Week

Nov. 12-15

Mercer County Connect and Grow

Tuesday, November 12,  5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Trenton War Memorial – 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton, NJ 08608

National Veterans Small Business Week Summit

Webinar: Understanding Basic Financial Statements

Learn the importance of timely financial information

Understand the basic financial statements that matter

Interpret your financial data for better decision-making

Make informed choices about hiring, pricing, and cost reduction

Zero-interest rate loans available to Ewing businesses

Mercer County has extended their partnership with the UCEDC to provide a 0% Interest Loan Program to qualifying small businesses in the county. Loans will range from $10,000 to $20,000 with a five-year repayment term. Funds can be used for working capital, inventory, or purchases of furniture and equipment. There are no collateral requirements, pre-payment penalties, processing, closing, or application fees. Requirements: Personal guarantees of the significant owners of the business (10% or greater) are required. Businesses must be located in Mercer County, registered with the State of New Jersey and have been formed on or before May 11, 2023. Businesses must have 30 or fewer full-time equivalent employees at time of application and have less than $10 million in annual gross revenue based on most recent tax return. Applicants must not have had a bankruptcy or significant charge-offs within the most recent 3-year period.

Love a Ewing business? Tell us!

Ewing's got some amazing businesses, and we want to hear about the ones you can’t live without! Whether it’s that spot with the best coffee, a hidden gem restaurant, or a company making big moves —tell us who’s nailing it. Our local businesses give Ewing its unique vibe, and we want to celebrate them. So, who’s your favorite, and why? Drop us an email. Click on the image or button to share which local businesses you love and why. Thank you to all the businesses that continue to make Ewing a great place to live, work, and shop.

PUBLIC SAFETY

N.J. drought worsens fire risk

The public is strongly urged to heed the Stage 3 mandatory fire restrictions that are in now in effect as our extremely dry conditions persist across the state. These fire restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity. No fireworks displays, wood or charcoal fires, or bonfires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place. The fire restriction applies on all public lands and private properties in all municipalities throughout the State. Check out the interactive dashboard below.

COMMUNITY NEWS & SUPPORT

Last chance to reserve your holiday wreath!

Last chance to order in support of EHS Class of '25

This season of giving, please consider donation of goods to EASEL animal rescue league in Ewing. 

Knights of Columbus host 'Coats for Kids' program

Ewing Council #3756 is helping to provide warmth to needy young children by participating in the Knights of Columbus “Coats for Kids” program. The goal of the “Coats for Kids” program is to ensure that needy children in our Parishes and surrounding communities will have their own winter coat. A donation of just $20 will purchase one coat and go a long way in reaching our goal. Any business owner (name to appear in Church Bulletin) or parishioner who may also wish to participate should do so by sending a check made payable to the Ewing Knights of Columbus
Council 3756 and mail to:
Coats for Kids
Knights of Columbus
Ewing Council, #3756
PO Box 7647
Ewing NJ, 0862

PUBLIC MEETINGS

• Nov. 11, Veterans Day Observance 11 a.m.; Municipal Offices closed
• Nov. 12, Patriotic Committee, 10 a.m.
• Nov. 12, Town Council, 6:30 p.m.
• Nov. 13, Arts Commission, 7 p.m.
• Nov. 13, Site Review Board, 7 p.m.
• Nov. 14, Condemnation Board, 7 p.m.

*Meeting subject to change. Check website/calendar

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Get involved and make a difference in Ewing!

We are looking for dedicated residents to apply for open seats on various township boards and commissions. Whether you’re passionate about planning, environmental issues, or community development, your voice and expertise can help shape the future of our community. This is a great opportunity to give back and work alongside others who are committed to making Ewing a great place to live. Don’t miss your chance to contribute—apply today! Submit your resume and area of interest via email to the Office of Mayor Bert H. Steinmann at contactus@ewingnj.org 

Dear Neighbor,

We hope you're enjoying the new Ewing Insights newsletter and finding it helpful! It’s designed to keep you in the loop on all things Ewing, but we want to hear from you! Let us know what you think, share your feedback, and send us your ideas for future content—whether it’s local stories, events, or businesses to highlight. Your input will help us keep Ewing connected. Forward this newsletter to a friend!