Many ideas in works for Spotswood’s 100th BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer SPOTSWOOD — The borough will soon begin marking its 100th anniversary, a celebration that will continue over the next year-and-a-half with events and activities for all ages. The borough’s Cultural and Heritage Commission has prepared a list of possible events and programs to mark the centennial and presented those ideas to the Borough Council on Dec. 4. Though Spotswood will not actually be 100 years old until midway through 2008, the celebration will kick off in 2007, according to Jack Eichenlaub, co-chairman of the commission. Events being considered were chosen after the commission took a couple of surveys and received input from residents. In order to raise money for the celebration, the commission is already selling historical calendars for 2007, which are available for $10 at some local shops and municipal facilities. Organizers are also considering a bingo, raffle or casino night as fundraisers, Eichenlaub said. The borough will also provide funds for the events, which Eichenlaub said are still very much in the planning phase. “We’ll get more detailed as we go along,” he said. The nine-member commission decided to begin the celebration with a 100th-anniversary logo contest, he said. And one of the most interesting events planned is a contest to determine the borough’s oldest resident and its longest residing member. Eichenlaub said he knows of one woman who is 86 years old and has lived in Spotswood her entire life. “We’re not really sure who will win, though,” he said. Also on tap for 2007 are telephone pole banners, he said, adding that the borough will create about 20 banners to promote the anniversary. In 2008, there will be some kind of event each month leading up to the anniversary date, said Eichenlaub, who co-chairs the commission with Bruce Eckman. January of that year will see a postmark dedication, as well as the unveiling of the banner with the winning logo. Eichenlaub said the borough is hoping to get students involved in making banners for the contest. Spotswood Historical Day will take place in February at the municipal building, he said. On display will be a book about Spotswood, as well as 40 or 50 historical pictures. “It’s a matter of educating some people on the history of the town,” he said. Planned for March is a dinner/dance, which most likely will be held at the Knights of Columbus. April will feature historical trolley tours of Spotswood, as well as the dedication of a new brick walkway. Eichenlaub said the walkway will be made up of bricks showing the names of the families who purchased them. It will be built at either DeVoe Lake or near the town’s 9/11 memorial. May will include participation in the Memorial Day parade, as well as the dedication of plaques by the lake and at historical buildings. Planned for June is a field day and country fair, while July would feature a celebration at Greek’s Playland in Monroe Township, as well as a car show. Spotswood was originally part of South Amboy Township, until 18060 when it broke off along with East Brunswick and became part of that town. Residents organized in election in April 1908 to approve Spotswood’s incorporation as its own town.