On behalf of the Department of Social Services in South Brunswick Township, we wanted to thank all the residents, local businesses, community groups and schools that participated in the Feinstein Challenge to Fight Hunger.  During the two month period ending April 30, the Food Pantry collected a grand total of $86,062.05 in food, in-kind gifts and monetary donations. To break the numbers down further we received $55,187.05 in monetary and in-kind donations, and 30,875 food items valued at $1 apiece. This number exceeded 2012’s contributions by a whopping 22 percent! The Feinstein challenge …

Pedestrian safety is important for all citizens who cross the heavily traveled roads in our township.  Many of our cross walks need more signage to inform the drivers of cars and trucks of the presence of pedestrians.  One way to help alleviate this problem is to use the yellow plastic “yield to pedestrians” safety signs which are put out in the middle of the road in the cross walk zone so it can be seen by the traffic.  Here is a partial list of streets that need extra signage:  Stanely Avenue crosswalk allowing citizens to cross over Kingston Lane safely to the library Margate Drive and …

To the Editor: On behalf of South Brunswick Township I would like to express my sincere thanks to each and every one of the 444 volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate Earth Day and make our Township a cleaner place to live and work.  Thanks to their tremendous effort, 423 bags of unsightly litter have been removed from along our roadsides.  I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with so many dedicated individuals who really care about our community. Thank you for a job VERY WELL DONE! --Nancy Paquette, Recycling Coordinator

Dear Editor,Thanks to the hard work and persistence by pancreatic cancer advocates, the U.S. Congress recently passed historic legislation that will finally bring hope to those affected by the disease. The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, formerly known as the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, passed Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, on December 21, 2012.This legislation means we are one step closer to creating a national strategy for combating pancreatic cancer, developing early detection tools and effective treatments and improving the lives of those …

As the holiday season draws to a close here in the South Brunswick Social Services Department, I would be remiss in not thanking all who participated to help make the 139 families who were “adopted” receive beautiful gifts for each of their children. Our seniors and individuals without children were also given food for the holidays as well as a token gift. We have been “working” on our Holiday Program 2012 since the end of August. Each year we tweak it just a little to make it run smoother than the year before. We are fortunate to have wonderful volunteers in our department and Lisa B. who is…

The holiday season should be a time of joy. But each year, fires caused by Christmas trees and holiday decorations bring tragedy to families all across the country. Research by the US Fire Administration shows a significant rise in fires and the danger of fires during the holiday season. In recent years, the U.S. has averaged more than 200 fires each year that began with a Christmas tree or holiday lighting, many resulting in death or injuries. But there are simple steps that families can take to substantially reduce the risk of a fire over the holidays. The Christmas tree is a symbol of the …

I decided to run for State Assembly because we had to fix New Jersey by cutting taxes to create jobs and grow the economy. After Superstorm Sandy, there has been strong bipartisan spirit in Trenton to work together during the long-term recovery. The people of New Jersey should expect the same resolve to tackle the tough issues that existed before the storm. Our state faces many challenges that will require commitment, dedication, and cooperation to keep us moving in the right direction. It is crucial to deliver tax relief to middle class families and businesses. That’s the best way to create …

Now that the results of the Board of Education elections of South Brunswick are officially over, I would like to take this opportunity to first be thankful to be blessed with strength and patience throughout this journey. Next, I would like to congratulate the candidates that did get elected, Dr. Parker, Mr. Nathanson and Mr. St. Vincent…all the best to you. The experience of campaigning has truly been a humbling experience. The amount of support, words of kindness, encouragement and love received has been truly remarkable. I have met so many wonderful people, made many new friends and have …

On behalf of the Viking Athletic Club of South Brunswick High School, I am happy to announce that the 8th Annual Run with the Vikings 5K has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. The race will take place at the high school and be run on the same course as previous years with the start times for all races remaining the same. 1 Mile – 9:30 a.m. 5K – 10 a.m. Kiddie Dash – 10:50 a.m. Online Race registration has been re-opened. There will be a number and packet pickup at Road Runner Sports in North Brunswick on Friday, Nov. 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Number and t-shirt pickup begins at 7:30 a.…

I would like to take a moment to talk to you about a very important subject – Child Protection. For the past several years, I have been serving as co-Chair of the Child Protection Task Force for the NJ YMCA State Alliance. As you may know, all Ys are independent. The Alliance is the affiliation of all New Jersey Y's that discuss and address various issues facing many Y's. As a result of the Child Protection Task Force, Ys across NJ have been implementing updated policies, procedures and guidelines to enhance the safety and protection our children. The policies cover everything from background…

I would like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to my Democratic opponents on their victory at the Polls this past Tuesday. The experience of campaigning was very rewarding as I met so many wonderful people throughout the township. I'm grateful for the support I received from so many people; family, friends, neighbors and all the new folks that I've met along the way. To Councilman John O'Sullivan I'm sorry you will not be able to continue on the Council. You had but one interest and that was to continue working on behalf of the people of South Brunswick. I know you will not stop …

As we head toward the 2012 election—an election that promises to be dominated by national issues and how they will affect our quality of life—it is essential to remember that our local elections are equally important and, honestly, have a more direct impact on our daily lives. Here at home in South Brunswick we have a very important election involving our Board of Education. I’m sure that most of you have seen the posters dotting the side of the road and that most of you (myself included) have had little exposure to most of the candidates. These candidates do not get face time on television, …

We hope that on Election Day, South Brunswick voters will support Charlie Carley, Joe Camarota, and Jo Hochman for Township Council. Mr. Carley and Mr. Camarota deserve to be re-elected. Our Township is a great place to live, and recently was recognized as one of the Top 100 Communities in the country. That is because we have outstanding community programs and services, and reasonable, stable property taxes. During their years on the Council, Mr. Carley and Mr. Camarota have exercised financial acumen and restraint. They have made sure that the programs and services which define our community…

Not many areas in South Brunswick were able to retain their rural character that is cherished by longtime residents and welcomed by newer residents. Some of South Brunswick has become unrecognizable - vastly changed as the town developed over the years. Other areas have remained still recognizable. One of them is the residential area of Davidson Mill Rd.  Although some of the original area farms were engulfed by massive warehousing, the original residential area still survives. Some of the families have been here for generations. Other families are much more recent. But all have strong …

Thanks for serving. How do you say thank you to those men and women who sacrifice so much defending our country; allowing us to live in peace and enjoy our lives here in South Brunswick? As veterans, I along with my running-mate Councilman John O’Sullivan have just the way. On Tuesday October 23, 2012, Councilman O’Sullivan will ask the full council body to consider the following resolution authorizing the Township’s attorney, Donald Sears, to investigate the townships’ authority to create an ordinance stating the following: “Any South Brunswick resident on active military duty in the armed …

Residents of South Brunswick, I am writing this letter to recommend Barry Nathanson for the South Brunswick School Board. I have known Barry for several years, first as a parent of school age children and later as a member of the South Brunswick PAL Executive Board. Barry has always been involved with children, whether in school or in sports. His years of community involvement have allowed him to understand what is needed to provide for the future of South Brunswick Township and South Brunswick Schools. He thoroughly understands the relevant issues and how to work as an ambassador for the …

Barry Nathanson is running for reelection to the South Brunswick Board of Education on Tuesday November 6, 2012.  He has served admirably and with a deep commitment to our community.  His considerable knowledge of school district operations has served our children well.  As a former school board member, I understand the commitment of time and energy necessary to serve effectively on the Board of Education.  The community has been well served by Barry’s service and I urge my fellow residents to join me in supporting him on November 6. --John B. Wolf, Kendall Park

I want to take this opportunity to support Azra Baig as a candidate for the South Brunswick Board of Education.  Azra has always been very active within the South Brunswick community through sports, school, and community service while balancing her profession as a registered nurse. I have known Azra for over ten years and can attest to her enthusiasm, dedication, strong work ethic, and integrity which are all the characteristics necessary for such a position.  Azra would be a wonderful asset to the Board of Education. -- Iram Ozair, Somerset

Dean and Sandy Behrend are moving to Tampa!  This is a very great loss to South Brunswick Township and to all their friends.  Sandy has been a teacher and has served on the Arts Commission and Dean has worked tirelessly on the Board of South Brunswick Community Development Corporation for 17 years.  For those of you who may not know, SBCDC has managed Charleston Place and sponsored Oak Woods Senior Residence. These facilities house income eligible seniors and disabled persons.  For the past six years Dean has been the President of the Board of Directors of Charleston Place, a facility that is…

Who’d have thought a small town pharmacist on the township’s western border would be the catalyst for this life-saving “Good Turn”? One that keeps on giving, and giving, and giving! Marv Charen, owner of the Kendall Park Pharmacy, sponsored local blood drives in the mid and late 60’s, following the completion of the final section of Kendall Park homes. Members of the local Jaycee’s (Junior Chamber of Commerce) picked up the reins and continued this vital work through most of the 70’s. But by early ’78 the JCC was inactive and the torch was passed to, and carried by Al Dashevsky and his wife …