Welcome to Township of South Brunswick

For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP UNVEILS OFFICIAL NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL COMMISSION MARKER AT HISTORIC LONGBRIDGE FARM

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 30)— South Brunswick Township officially unveiled its new New Jersey Historical Commission marker commemorating Longbridge Farm, celebrating an 800-acre historic site deeply tied to the Revolutionary War and early struggles for freedom in New Jersey.

Installed at the parking area and entrance to the Township’s Freedom Trail—a 1.5-mile walking and biking trail—the marker provides high visibility for residents and visitors to learn about the property’s profound historical footprint. Erected by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of the New Jersey Department of State, the marker honors two major chapters of the site’s history:

• Revolutionary War Encampment: Established in the 1730s by Thomas Lawrence, Mayor of Philadelphia, and later owned by the Mershon and Rowland families, Longbridge Farm served as a crucial stopover on George Washington’s “Road to Monmouth.” On June 25, 1778, General George Washington and his Continental Army troops encamped on the plantation ahead of the Battle of Monmouth—an event notably documented in the journal of colonial soldier Jeremiah Greenman.
• The Legacy of Peter Ridley: Operating as a plantation with enslaved labor during the colonial and Revolutionary eras, the farm was also the birthplace of Peter Ridley, a Black man born to free parents around 1761. After being forcibly transported to Long Island by an overseer and later returning to the area, Ridley’s freedom was legally confirmed in 1785 by the Supreme Court of New Jersey following a writ of habeas corpus, aided by local resident affidavits.

In attendance for the unveiling were Mayor Charlie Carley, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Councilwoman Archana “Ann” Grover, Councilwoman Patty Germain, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, Public Affairs Coordinator Jennifer “Jen” Poppy, Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks Mike Grennan, Foreman Brian Sirois, Library Director Chris Carbone, Local History Librarian Kelan Amme, and members of the Historic Preservation Commission, including Terry Caruso and John Daly.

Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman was unable to attend, but he highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing these complex local histories.

“This historical marker ensures that the full story of Longbridge Farm—from General Washington’s troops marching toward Monmouth to the resilience and freedom of Peter Ridley—remains part of our community’s living history,” said Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman. “Placing this marker at the entrance of our Freedom Trail allows residents and visitors to reflect on our shared past, the struggles for liberty, and the diverse individuals who shaped South Brunswick.”

Approved Marker Text:

“Longbridge Farm was established in the 1730s by Thomas Lawrence, Mayor of Philadelphia, and later owned by the Mershon and Rowland families. On June 25, 1778, before the Battle of Monmouth, George Washington’s troops encamped on this 800-acre plantation. The farm operated using enslaved labor during the colonial and Revolutionary eras. It was the birthplace of Peter Ridley, a Black man with free parents, who was forcibly transported to Long Island by an overseer. Upon returning to Longbridge, the Supreme Court of New Jersey confirmed Ridley’s freedom in 1785, aided by affidavits from local residents.”

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK SCOUTING TROOPS SHINE THROUGH REGIONAL CONSERVATION, LEADERSHIP, AND DISTRICT HONORS

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 29)— Local youth and adult leaders from across the region recently demonstrated the core values of Scouting America during an action-packed weekend highlighting community service, advanced outdoor skills, and district-wide recognition.

The weekend kicked off as Scouting America Troop 10 spent Friday and Saturday nights camping out at Sondek Park. Bright and early Saturday morning, scouts participated in a Monmouth Council-wide Clean Waterways conservation event organized by Dana Gopal. Demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, the Scouts gathered at 201 John T. O’Leary Blvd in South Amboy for a hands-on beach sweep, removing trash to protect local aquatic ecosystems and earning valuable conservation hours toward rank advancements. Troop 10 was assigned to Sparrow Lake, Deerwood Park, Howell Township.  They collected close to 100 lbs. of trash in 8 bags along the lake surroundings.

On Saturday afternoon, the focus shifted to youth empowerment and capability building. Senior scouts took the lead, providing hands-on instruction to their peers on critical outdoor disciplines, including proper woods tool handling, fire safety, and Flag Color Guard execution. 

Troop 10 carries a distinguished tradition of patriotism and adventure. The troop’s American travel flag has flown over numerous campouts, regional camporees, and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters in Afghanistan. The Troop 10 unit flag has even journeyed all the way to the North Pole. 

The busy weekend culminated on Sunday evening at the annual Middlesex District Dinner, which brought together multiple troops to celebrate outstanding adult volunteer leadership. The evening’s prestigious Unit Award of Merit was presented to dedicated leaders across several area units, honoring their exceptional service to youth development. Honorees included: 

• Mahesh Reddy Maramreddy of Troop 10 

• Meaghan Grim of Troop 90 

• Jovani Reaves of Troop 102G 

“The success of this weekend—from environmental conservation and peer-to-peer mentoring to celebrating our incredible adult volunteers—truly embodies the spirit of Scouting,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Chris Hurley.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK HONORS WORLD WAR II NAVY VETERANS HERBERT & SHIRLEY TAINOW WITH STREET DEDICATION

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 27)— South Brunswick Township dedicated Tainow Lane at the intersection of Kendall Road and Leahy Road in honor of Aviation Radioman First Class Herbert Tainow and Specialist Third Class Shirley Tainow, decorated World War II United States Navy veterans and longtime Kendall Park residents.

Herbert and Shirley Tainow’s family—including their son, Bert Tainow, with his wife Donna; grandchildren Mark, Jill, and Krystal; and great-grandchildren—joined Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilmembers Jo Hochman, Archana “Ann” Grover, and Patty Germain, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, representatives of local veterans’ organizations including the VFW and American Legion, members of the South Brunswick Police Department and Honor Guard, and community residents for the ceremony honoring their military service and legacy. Their grandson, Jesse, who is currently deployed in service to our country, was recognized in spirit during the ceremony.

The commemorative street sign was unveiled as part of the Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, which inscribes the names of wartime veterans on secondary street signs along existing municipal roads to ensure their service and sacrifice inspire future generations.

Born in Newark in 1925, Herbert Tainow entered the United States Navy on November 18, 1942. During World War II, he served with distinction as an Aviation Radioman First Class and operational aircrewman—taking on vital roles as belly gunner, radioman, and bombardier aboard Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CV 38). He was honorably discharged on February 13, 1946. For his exemplary service, Aviation Radioman First Class Tainow was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Also born in Newark in 1925, Shirley Tainow entered the United States Navy WAVES on March 8, 1945. She served with distinction as a Specialist (International Business Machine Operator) Third Class stationed at Headquarters, Eleventh Naval District in San Diego, California, during World War II. She was honorably discharged on February 22, 1946, and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for her exemplary service.

Following their military discharge, Herbert and Shirley Tainow became longtime residents of Kendall Park on Kendall Road, raising their family and leaving behind a proud legacy of service, civic dedication, and personal integrity. Following her service, Shirley went on to teach as a computer science professor at Middlesex County College. Their son, Bert, continues to reside in the family home today.

“Tainow Lane will carry two names, a husband and wife who both served in the Navy in World War II and then built a life here,” Mayor Charlie Carley said. “Every neighbor who turns at Leahy Road will see that sign, and some will ask who they were. Now we can tell them.”

The ceremony featured opening remarks from Public Affairs Coordinator Jennifer “Jen” Poppy, the Pledge of Allegiance and military history presented by VFW Post Commander Scott Weyd, and the official council resolution reading by Councilwoman Patty Germain. Remarks were shared by their son, Bert Tainow, before their grandson, Mark Tainow, unveiled the new street sign. Bert Tainow nominated his parents for the program.

For more information about South Brunswick Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, visit southbrunswicknj.gov/public-relations/veteran-street-sign/

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK HONORS KOREAN WAR VETERAN JOHN MORGAN HARDING JR. WITH STREET DEDICATION

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 16)—

South Brunswick Township dedicated Harding Court at the intersection of Old Beekman Road and Joye Lane in honor of Private First Class John Morgan Harding Jr., a decorated Korean War veteran and longtime Monmouth Junction resident.

PFC Harding’s family—including his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Tracey, with her son Brian; and son, John Morgan Harding III “Duke,” with his wife Karen and daughter Riley—joined Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilmembers Jo Hochman, Archana “Ann” Grover, and Patty Germain, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, Deputy Township Manager Julie Trammell, representatives of local veterans’ organizations including the VFW and American Legion, members of the South Brunswick Police Department and Honor Guard, and community residents for the ceremony honoring his military service and legacy.

The commemorative street sign was unveiled as part of the Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, which inscribes the names of wartime veterans on secondary street signs along existing municipal roads to ensure their service and sacrifice inspire future generations.

Born in New Brunswick in 1932, Harding entered the United States Army on February 1, 1950. During the Korean War, he served with distinction in Headquarters & Service Company, 151st Engineer Combat Battalion, carrying out vital combat engineering operations on the front lines. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1953.

For his exemplary and courageous service, Private First Class Harding was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badge, and the State of New Jersey Korean War Commemorative Medal.

Following his military discharge, Harding became a long-time resident of Monmouth Junction on Old Beekman Road, living a life grounded in devotion to his family, community, and fellow service members as a member of the American Legion.

“To Phyllis, to Tracey, to Duke and Karen, to Brian, Jack and Riley, and to the family: thank you for sharing Morgan with this township, in uniform and out of it. On behalf of South Brunswick Township, it is our honor to dedicate this sign in his memory.” Mayor Charlie Carley said.

The ceremony featured opening remarks from Public Affairs Coordinator Jennifer Poppy, the Pledge of Allegiance and military history presented by VFW Post Commander Scott Weyd, and the official council resolution reading by Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman. Remarks were shared by Harding’s daughter, Tracey, and son, Duke, before the family unveiled the new street sign. Tracey Harding nominated her father for the program.

For more information about South Brunswick Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, visit southbrunswicknj.gov/public-relations/veteran-street-sign/

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