Hunterdon Developmental Center, Pittstown Road, Clinton, a residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities, will hold its annual picnic for the residents and their family members and friends, as well as staff members, on June 8 at noon on the facility grounds.  The event will highlight the Association for Hunterdon Developmental Center’s (AHDC) purchase of a new $75,000 ambulance to benefit the center’s residents.  

The formal presentation begins at 2:15 p.m. Mr. Earl Joyner, Board of Trustee, AHDC and picnic chairman, will present special awards.  At2:30 p.m. Ms. Geri Roatti, AHDC fundraiser, will present the keys to the ambulance to Emergency Medical Technicians Mary Temples and John Townes.  

The annual picnic attracts from 600 to 1,000 attendees each year and raises approximately $10,000 dollars to benefit the residents.  This year’s picnic will feature a band, food, games such as “fish for prizes” and “putt-putt golf,” a drawing and a raffle. The workshop program at the center will offer craft items made by the residents for sale.  The picnic was first held in 1987 and was created to provide an opportunity for the residents to socialize.

The association, originally formed in November 1969 as the Parents of Hunterdon State School, has raised over $2 million to purchase a variety of items for the residents including an indoor swimming pool, recreational equipment, vans and buses.  The association has provided funds for the greenhouse, chapel, resident cottages and for electric doors.  Additionally, the association funds Employee Appreciation Programs and scholarships, as well as the annual picnic.  

Hunterdon Developmental Center is part of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, within the Department of Human Services.  The center opened in 1969 and is home to approximately 600 residents.  The center provides residential care and therapeutic treatment in caring for the needs of people with developmental disabilities by providing a multidisciplinary, specialized approach to assist residents in gaining greater personal skills and independence.