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Frenchtown Sun

A Frenchtown-Focused Civic Newsletter

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June, 2026 Edition

To view a searchable, downloadable (PDF) copy, click here. Old editions are in the archives.

Also available in print form! (see here)

Our Mule Photographer: Paul Serra

Frenchtown’s 2026 Municipal Budget Approved—and Explained

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Borough Council approved the municipal budget for 2026 on May 6. In New Jersey, municipal budgets are typically adopted later in the spring because municipalities must wait for finalized figures related to state aid, county taxes and other funding obligations before accurately completing the budget process.

The borough’s 2026 budget totals $2,886,272.08; Mayor Brad Myhre says that the budget reflects a continued effort to maintain essential services while remaining mindful of the affordability challenges facing residents. The most significant driver of increased spending this year was the sharp rise in employee health care costs. Local government employers participating in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program (NJSHBP) are facing a substantial 36.2% premium increase for Plan Year 2026, creating added financial pressure for municipalities across the state. Brad notes that, despite these rising costs, the borough’s 2026 budget maintains staffing levels and includes only modest adjustments in other spending areas.

A municipal budget in New Jersey is a mandatory, legally binding annual plan that outlines how a town will raise and spend money. It sets spending limits, determines the municipal property tax levy, and allocates money for services like police, public works, parks and the library.

In New Jersey, municipal budgets are capped so that property taxes cannot be increased by more than 2% over the previous year, but there are some exceptions. Additionally, New Jersey municipalities may not increase spending by more than 3.5% over the previous year, with some exceptions.

The municipal budget is a financial blueprint divided into three primary sections. The Operating Budget covers the day-to-day “costs of doing business,” such as salaries for police and public works, trash collection, etc. Long-term investments for the borough’s infrastructure, like road paving and equipment upgrades, are managed through the Capital Budget, while the Debt Service portion is dedicated to paying the principal and interest on the funds borrowed to complete major projects. By balancing these three areas, the borough strives to ensure that current service needs are met while responsibly planning for the community’s future stability.

Understanding a municipal budget can be a challenging and complex endeavor; a few important pieces of background can help:

The municipal budget story is ongoing, and The Sun will provide updates and clarification as we receive more information throughout the year.

Madison Rose Finery Opens on Bridge St.

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Madison Rose Finery is the new boutique at 22 Bridge St., a space formerly occupied by the Sublime gift shop.

Gemologist and designer Madison Rose Whitman offers fine antique and estate jewelry, responsibly sourced gemstones, and an ever-evolving collection of handmade art and gifts. The shop provides a full range of jewelry services, including custom design, repair and restoration, appraisals, estate buying, consignment, expert consultations, and rare object sourcing.

“The boutique blends expertise, artistry, and storytelling, offering both locals and visitors a place to find meaningful gifts, celebrate milestones, or simply wander and be inspired,” says Madison Rose. “Drawing on a deep passion for gemology, natural history, and the wonder of discovery, the showroom is a quietly enchanting space where curious objects blur the line between adornment and artifact.”

Madison Rose delights in uncovering the details that bring pieces to life, whether identifying an obscure maker’s mark, interpreting the unique inclusions of a gemstone, or answering the question, “Is this a meteorite?” She says, “I enjoy helping people discover what they have, and what those pieces could become.”

She feels that “adornment is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the world. There is something powerful about natural treasures shaped over time and brought to life by skilled hands. Sharing that with others is at the heart of what I do,” says Madison Rose.

Her email address is hello@madisonrosefinery.com.

About The Frenchtown Sun

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The Frenchtown Sun is published monthly by the Borough of Frenchtown to provide its residents with local news and community updates.

The content of The Sun is guided by the editorial team of Ted Brandston, Randi Eckel, Rick Epstein, John Gattuso, Jeanne Herb, Amelia Rodriguez and Maria Whelan. John Dougherty serves as the Borough Council liaison.

The Sun is delivered monthly free of charge to all Frenchtown Borough residents. An online edition is available at frenchtownsun.net.

Borough residents can request postal delivery or contact the editorial team at newsletter@frenchtownboro.com or mail The Frenchtown Sun, 29 Second Street, Frenchtown, N.J. 08825.

Frenchtown Elementary School Leadership

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Kate Nugent

KATE NUGENT has served on the Frenchtown Board of Education for 20 years, and as president for most of that time. Frenchtown has a seven-member elected board whose job is to ensure that the school is well run. Their duties include setting district policies and goals, overseeing the budget, hiring and evaluating administrators, and serving as the communications link between the community and the school. As president, Kate is the primary spokesperson for the board. She ensures that meetings are conducted efficiently and works closely with the superintendent to discuss long-range plans. The responsibilities of the president are different from other board members, but her authority is not. She still only has one vote.

Kate and her husband have lived in their home on Third Street since 1995 and have raised four children who all attended Frenchtown Elementary School and Del Val High School.

Jim Hintenach

JIM HINTENACH, known to students and staff as Mr. H, is our chief school administrator. He oversees the daily operations of the school, working closely with administrators, teachers, support staff, students, and families, striving to ensure a positive and successful learning environment for all.

Jim’s role is to implement the board’s vision and policies.

Jim is a graduate of Del Val High School who spent nearly the first 20 years of his career working in a private special education school, serving and supporting students with multiple disabilities. Now in his seventh year at the Frenchtown School, Jim is most proud of the dedicated Frenchtown School team, as well as the many meaningful community relationships he has built throughout his time in Frenchtown.

Jim resides in Holland Township with his supportive wife, their two children, and their dog, Tank.

Community Calendar

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TUESDAY, JUNE 2

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

SAVE THE DATE:

It’s Time to Vote! NJ Primaries on June 2

The New Jersey Primary Election is June 2. Votes can be cast at Borough Hall from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Age-friendly Frenchtown

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Borough Council will vote whether to endorse an Age-Friendly Action Plan at the June 3 meeting. The plan is the result of a year-long effort supported by a grant from the state Department of Human Services. The Action Plan can be found on the borough website. The next step is to send it for review by the state.

Valuable information collected as part of Frenchtown’s Age-Friendly initiative includes the following:

News from Hunterdon Senior Center

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The Hunterdon County Senior Center is celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence with a series of monthly lectures and events. These offerings support lifelong learning and socialization. The series includes a presentation titled “George Washington and Morristown New Jersey…Perfect Together!” This discussion will take place at the Senior Center on Friday, June 12, at 11:30. Call by June 8 to register at 908-788-1359.

The Senior Center also continues to offer nutrition and wellness lectures that also include topics like dental hygiene and foot care as you age. Other upcoming programs include:

Frenchtown residents are also encouraged to check out the county’s Seasoned Years newsletter which provides updates and news as well as helpful county resources for older residents. You can find the newsletter at: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/493/Seasoned-Years-Newsletter.

Residents can also sign up to receive monthly emails from the county Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans’ Services with updates on programs and services. Just call the senior center at 908-788-1359 or email seniorcenter@co.hunterdon.nj.us and request being added to the monthly email list.

Membership to the Senior Center is free; you must be a resident of Hunterdon County and at least 60 years of age. For more information, call 908-788-1359 or check out the website at: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/495/Senior-Center. You can also email Senior Center Supervisor Shalini Mathur at smathur@co.hunterdon.nj.us.

Flag Installation for June Pride Week

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Frenchtown Pride Week is June 22-28. Bridge Street will be awash in colorful rainbow Pride flags, installed by the Frenchtown Pride volunteers. All residents and visitors are welcome to join in and enjoy Pride Week, events include a kickball game, sidewalk chalk decoration and a Pride parade and picnic (see Community Calendar for more details).

Update on S. Washington St. Construction

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The April issue of The Sun reported that improvements to South Washington Street would begin right away. But construction was delayed due to contractor scheduling and winter maintenance. At this writing, construction is slated to begin around May 25 and continue for about 30 days.

Corrections

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Graduating FES Eighth Grade Class Looking Ahead to High School in the Fall

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Eight Frenchtown Elementary School students are graduating from eighth grade this spring and heading to high school in the fall. Several of them have shared what they are looking forward to the most in high school. A special thank you to teacher Elizabeth McCann for her years of dedicated service to Frenchtown’s students and for her assistance with this article.

The Frenchtown eighth-graders The Frenchtown eight-graders are
(front row, left to right): Zöe Tober, Hailey Mahon, Robert Rapolla, Rosalie Strasser
(back row) Ms. Wirasnki, Cristiano Cardoso, Ronin Segarra, and Annika Hartobey.
Missing: Isaac Gilheany

CRISTIANO CARDOSO:

I think what I am looking forward to the most in high school is the hour-long lunchtime and the shorter days. I am also looking forward to the gym.

ANNIKA HARTOBEY:

What I look forward to the most in high school is how much opportunity there is. I’m very grateful to have gone to Frenchtown with how small it is and the relationships I have. Having so many options for clubs, sports and friends at the high school is a plus for me.

HAILEY MAHON:

What I am looking forward to the most in high school is speech and debate and Model UN and heightened academic standards. Both model UN and debate are something I want to pursue as a career in the future. I also look forward to having more responsibility and opportunities as I attend high school.

ROBERT RAPOLLA:

I’m looking forward to high school sports, the electrical program, making new friends and getting life experience such as driving. I’m looking forward to finding the next level of my education.

RONIN SEGARRA:

I’m looking forward to the high school soccer team. There will be new challenges for me and it will test my skills.

ROSALIE STRASSER:

I am most excited for the new experiences and opportunities that come with high school. I love having been at a small school but the high school has so many things that allow students to branch out and meet new people that aren’t offered here at Frenchtown. Also, Del Val has so many cool programs and events that are exciting to experience.

ISAAC GILHEANY:

In high school, I am looking forward to the change in schedule and the freedom I get with my schedule. I am also looking forward to the extended lunch period. The schedule would put less stress on deadlines and homework and, during lunch, I can do some of my work.

Frenchtown Elementary School Honor Roll

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FES students listed in the third-marking period honor roll include:

High Honor Roll: Sixth-graders Mia Dermody, Claire Higgins, Rian Nakahara and Claudette Tober.

Honor Roll: Fifth-grader Spencer Elphick; sixth-graders Liam Boyd, Beatrice Cooke, Olive Olson and Oliver Rodriguez; and eighth-graders Isaac Gilheany and Hailey Mahon.

A Friendly Greeting Makes a Difference

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Several long-time Frenchtown residents have noticed a shift: more people are skipping a “hello” when encountering their neighbors, even when someone else starts the greeting. These locals miss that old-school friendliness, noting that Frenchtown has always been a community where people look out for one another. Research shows that a simple greeting is more than just good manners—it makes people feel seen and helps neighbors feel connected. By speaking up, you break the ice and demonstrate a more welcoming community. Next time you’re out on the path, consider a hearty “hello!” You’ll be glad you did.

Library Board Elects Officers

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The Frenchtown library’s Board of Trustees has chosen Nick Barbaree as president; Carole Pepe, vice president; Jackie Campbell, secretary; and Suzanne Snyder, treasurer.

In May, Borough Council passed a resolution authorizing the hiring of professional services to prepare a request for proposals for making improvements to the library. A state grant will pay for the improvements, which will include better lighting.

What WWII Troops Told the Principal

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In the cellar of the Frenchtown School, there are many things, including 75 cardboard banker’s boxes. Most of them are filled with boring stuff like old invoices, audit reports, school-board meeting agendas and minutes, and personnel and student records.

But one of them contains a thick folder full of letters and postcards received by Principal Bert Light during World War II. He was in charge of the K-12 school in 1931-59, and was something of a father figure. He’d been an Army officer in World War I. So, some of his alumni, in uniform, wrote home to him.

Coast Guard Yeoman 3rd Class Charles Strouse (Frenchtown High School Class of ’42), stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska, wrote of “the most miserable weather I have ever had to experience. It is constantly raining, snowing or drizzly… The ground is muddy and it’s usually foggy.”

His classmate Vernon L. Wood of the Army Air Corps apologized for “griping” about Coach Miller’s tough workouts, which have been “of great advantage to me during the time I have been in the service.”

That coach, Bill Miller, then a lieutenant in the Navy, sent his former boss a three-page typewritten report on the sugar and pineapple crops on Oahu, Hawaii, the architecture of the schools there, and the style of high-school football played there. “They play a very open game and flip the old apple around like a basketball most of the time.”

John L. Case Jr. wrote from an Army air base in New Hampshire. He ask for a recommendation to be a flying cadet, instead of a clerk in a quartermaster company. But he praised his Frenchtown High School training, noting that “only about 30% of all clerks in the Army can really type the correct way.”

Infantry Pvt. Clarence Kirk, part of the Sicily invasion, was having a pleasant interlude in August of 1943. Sitting in the shade of an olive tree, he wrote, “The people were very glad to see us and said we should have come three years ago. There is plenty of fruit such as [indecipherable], lemons, figs, and some orange… We go swimming quite often and spend the rest of our free moments trying to talk to Italian fruit peddlers.” The only clouds in his blue sky seemed to be the low quality of Italian stationery and marching up the Sicilian hills.

Kenneth L. Blanchard (Class of ’44), a Seabee stationed on Okinawa, wrote in 1945 of Japanese air raids, and Eli E. Hager (Class of ’48) wrote in 1951 from the USS Walke, a destroyer stationed off northern Korea. He mentioned a time when his ship exchanged fire with a shore battery. His was the only letter from that war.

Most of the men were grimly determined to do their duty. But Pvt. Manuel Severs (Class of ’41) was jubilant. He wrote from Parris Island, S.C., in September of 1942, “I love the Marine life in every way” and vowed that if he survived the war, he would re-enlist. “We receive the best training of any soldier in the world. Therefore, we have full confidence in our selves and the weapons we use.” He achieved sharpshooter status with the .45 pistol and the .30-caliber 1903 Springfield rifle. “It makes me feel great to know that I will stand up before any enemy and know that I can fire my rifle better than he.”

He happily listed all the other firearms he learned to use, including the Browning automatic rifle, the Reising submachine gun, and the .50-caliber machine gun. But the new M-1 rifle was his favorite. It was “well-constructed,” easy to aim, and equipped with a clip of eight bullets, three more than the Springfield. He relished bayonet and grenade practice and the instruction in hand-to-hand fighting that made Marines more than a match for Japan’s best scrappers. He was also enjoying the “chow,” which was plain but plentiful. “I wouldn’t trade places with any man in the world,” he wrote.

None of the letter writers offered details of frontline combat, perhaps for security reasons, but they do give glimpses into a chapter of world history through letters that landed in the principal’s in-box.

By Rick Epstein, adapted from Terriers Forever!, a soon-to-be-published book commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Frenchtown School.

Frenchtown then & now

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The Hummer Building, as some of the old-timers call it, is on the left. The western half of it was built by druggist and liniment manufacturer Albert Williams right after the Great Fire of 1878 on the ashes of his former building. The original tenant on the corner was George W. Hummer’s furniture and undertaking business. Williams’ pharmacy was next door. Lorenzo Kerr put up the other half in 1881. His original tenant was DeWitt C. Dalrymple’s store, whose wares included corsets, men’s straw hats, lace curtains, feathers, and parasols. (Ten years later, Mr. Dalrymple was yardmaster of a Hoboken railyard and was run over by a train). The current owner is Jill Kearney, who also owns FiNNBAR. Although she is the founder and executive director of ArtYard, these are her personal holdings. —Rick Epstein

Then Now