TO THE EDITOR: We’ve all been told at one point or another in our lives to find the calm in the chaos. Here in Bedminster, we are fortunate that the chaos is not personal or political, but rather found in the abundance of activity going on in our little town.
Our Farmers Market has enjoyed an unprecedented level of attendance this year. Dirt is being moved adjacent to River Road Park in preparation for a new community garden. A new dog park is slated for construction at Burnt Mills Park, and speaking of pets, the new corporate headquarters for Freshpet recently opened in the heart of our commercial district.
Our annual tradition of Fall Fest is right around the corner (mark your calendar for Oct. 11). Trunk or Treat will quickly follow on it heels, and before you can blink an eye, we will be greeting the holidays with celebrations at the newly reorganized Jacobus Vanderveer House. And lest we forget, 2026 heralds the kick-off of America 250 celebrations here in Bedminster, which stood at the crossroads of the American Revolution.
This flurry of activity doesn’t happen on its own or by accident. It’s the result of the hard work of many dedicated volunteers, two of whom are always at the center of it all. My colleague, Committeewoman Gina Fernandez, is a real-life action figure. She works tirelessly for the town, organizing events, planning activities, and is at the heart of most every recreation program we run.
Her uncanny ability to turn the chaos into calm and deliver great programming for our residents is part of what makes Bedminster so special. But Gina’s talents don’t stop there. In the face of significant staff turnover owing to retirements and attrition, Gina turned turmoil into a powerhouse township team. Her work has resulted in a staff that is second to none and always delivers for our residents. As I like to say, I’m glad she’s on our side!
If Gina is the Energizer Bunny, then Bill Rosen is the Everyday Hero. If your kids have ever been in a Bedminster Recreation program, they’ve probably been coached by Bill. If you come across a volunteer sporting blue sneakers and an orange baton every weekend at the Bedminster Farmers Market, you’ve met Bill. And if you find a family synonymous with all that makes Bedminster great, you know the Rosens.
But Gina and Bill are more than highly capable and ever-present volunteers. I’ve watched Gina tear through budgets with the tenacity of a pit bull, looking for every opportunity to save taxpayers money. And I’ve seen Bill quickly come up to speed on the issues facing Bedminster. His thoughtful questions and insights have led me to conclude that he is a worthy successor to my colleague, Committeeman Doug Stevinson.
Fan favorite alert. I’ve seen no one who exhibits more passion for the people he serves, no one more tenacious in his efforts and no one more eloquent in his delivery than Doug. He has served Bedminster extremely well for the past nine years and will be sorely missed.
The example having been set, Gina and Bill have taken the game to new heights. If Gina is our Jeter, then Bill is our Judge – two players who distinguish themselves day in and day out by giving superior effort and producing great results. Bedminster’s team is better with these two superstars on the roster.
This Nov. 4, I encourage my fellow residents to vote for the team that are always champions for Bedminster – Fernandez and Rosen.
R. COLIN HICKEY
Desiree Court
Bedminster Township
The writer, a Republican, is a member of the Bedminster Township Committee.
Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.