These small parasitic insects were largely eradicated as pest in the developed world in the 1940’s.  But since 1995 they have started to infest us again.  “Bed Bug Queen” Marcia Anderson will give us a presentation on the history, identification, treatment and prevention of these cimicidae at the monthly meeting of The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood on Tuesday evening, April 26th.

Her presentation will show the oldest documented evidence of bed bugs coming from Ancient Egypt as early as 1352 BCE. Bed bugs traveled through Europe during the Middle Ages and hitched a ride to the Americas. Marcia will discuss the role of DDT, and after DDT…the sequel:  the return of bed bugs.

Marcia, a Scotch Plains resident, is the region 2 representative for the US EPA.  Additionally Marcia specializes in mosquito management for Haiti and pest management and pesticide use for Staten Island.  Besides working for the EPA, Marcia is an adjunct professor at Kean University in the Department of Geology and Meteorology.  Previously she taught at Montclair State University and William Patterson University.  Presently this busy lady is a PhD candidate in Environmental Management at Montclair State University, doing 2 research case studies.

This meeting is open and free to everyone.  It takes place on Tuesday evening April 26th starting at 8:00PM. It is held at the Scotch Hills Country Club on Plainfield Avenue and Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains.   Come and get a brief lesson on the history of the bed bug that will leave your brain crawling.

Contact Richard Bousquet, President, for further information at 908-232-1199.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood will hold a Board Meeting at the monthly meeting time on March 22, 2011.

The meeting will start at 8:00PM on Tuesday March 22nd at the Scotch Hills Country Club on Plainfield Avenue and Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains.

The meeting is open and free to everyone interested, not just Board members.

Contact Richard Bousquet, President, for further information at 908-232-1199.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood New Jersey celebrates Black History Month by focusing on the African-Americans that have shaped our history.  Marie Leppert, life long community resident and long-time member of The Society, will talk about many of the African-Americans All Stars and their contributions to our nation’s history since the early 1700’s.  We will learn about inventors, statesmen, surveyors, writers, musicians and educators, to name but a few.  Ending on a local note, Mrs. Leppert will talk about Jerseyland Community Center and its founder, Elizabeth Groves.  The center, founded in 1929, still exists on Jerusalem Road.

This timely and informative meeting of The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood starts at 8:00PM on Tuesday evening February 22nd. The meeting is at the Scotch Hills Country Club on Plainfield Avenue and Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains. The meeting is open and free to everyone.  Light refreshments and fellowship follow the meeting.  Contact Richard Bousquet, President, for further information at 908-232-1199.