Welcome to Township of South Brunswick

For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

Darlene Spahr

South Brunswick Township

Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics – Health

732-329-4000 x7214

SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP ANNOUNCES FREE RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC FOR CATS AND DOGS

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Nov. 3)— South Brunswick Township will host a FREE Rabies Vaccination Clinic for Cats and Dogs on two upcoming Saturdays: Nov. 7, 2026 and Nov. 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Municipal Garage behind the Utilities Building, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852.

This event provides an opportunity for pet owners to keep their animals protected and in compliance with state and local health requirements.

All dogs must be leashed, and all cats must be in a carrier. Please muzzle dogs as needed for everyone’s safety.

Pet owners are asked to bring proof of prior vaccination—such as a pet license, license tag, or veterinary record—to qualify their pet for a 3-year vaccination. If no prior record is available, a 1-year vaccination will be issued.

South Brunswick residents may also bring their pets to rabies clinics hosted by other municipalities in New Jersey, and this clinic is open to all New Jersey residents.

“The Township is proud to offer this free clinic to help keep our community and our pets safe,” said Mayor Charlie Carley. “Routine vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect against rabies and ensure the well-being of both animals and residents.”

Reminder: All dogs and cats must be licensed annually and have a current rabies inoculation valid for the licensing year.

For more information, please call 732-329-4000, extension 7214.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK COMMISSION ON WOMEN HOSTS ANNUAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS WALK

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Nov. 2)— The South Brunswick Commission on Women (SBCW), in collaboration with the South Brunswick Public Library (SBPL), hosted its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk: “Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence” on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Friends Theatre at SBPL (110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ).

The event brought together residents, advocates, and local leaders to raise awareness and support survivors of domestic violence. Town officials in attendance included Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, and Councilwoman Patty Germain.

Mayor Carley spoke at the event, emphasizing the township’s commitment to supporting survivors and raising awareness:

“We are here, and most of us are safe, so we walk for someone who is not safe. We are glad to be standing in this light, together, where everyone can see. That is all understanding ever is: one person beside another, so that neither is alone.”

Key presentation highlights included guest speakers from several critical regional support networks:

• Women Aware
• CASA of Middlesex County
• Manavi
• South Brunswick Police Department (SBPD)

“Overall, we are very pleased with the outcome of this year’s walk,” said Councilwoman Patty Germain, Council Liaison for the South Brunswick Commission on Women. “We received fantastic feedback from both our speakers and attendees, including insightful contributions from Women Aware, CASA of Middlesex, Manavi, and the SBPD. While we were glad to have about 45 dedicated participants join us alongside members of the Commission, our goal moving forward is to expand our outreach and bring even more of the community together for future events.”

The South Brunswick Commission on Women extends its gratitude to all community members, participating organizations, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the walk.

For more information on the South Brunswick Commission on Women, please visit https://southbrunswicknj.gov/commission-on-women/.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

MAYOR ORDERS FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF AGRICULTURAL PIONEER ROBERT VON THUN SR.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Nov. 1)— Mayor Charlie Carley has ordered all municipal flags across the Township of South Brunswick to be flown at half-staff in memory of longtime resident, local agricultural icon, and third-generation farmer Robert Von Thun Sr., who passed away at the age of 96.

Lovingly known to his family and community as “Pop Pop,” Robert Von Thun Sr. dedicated his life to the land and played a pivotal role in shaping the rich agricultural heritage of South Brunswick.

The Von Thun family farm, whose roots trace back over a century to 1913, grew under his stewardship from a traditional potato and grain operation into a renowned farm market and beloved destination for Jersey Fresh produce, agritourism, and family traditions. In 1986, he formed a partnership with his son, Bob Von Thun Jr., expanding the farm into a cherished community landmark that has welcomed generations of local families. He retired in 2004 after decades of hard work and devoted service.

In a tribute shared on social media, Von Thun’s Country Farm Market reflected on his enduring impact:

“As we remember Robert Von Thun Sr., lovingly known as ‘Pop Pop,’ we celebrate the generations of hard work, family, and dedication that helped shape our farm into what it is today. His legacy is woven into the roots of Von Thun’s Country Farm Market and will continue to live on for generations to come.”   

Mayor Carley extended his sympathy on behalf of the township, honoring the quiet strength and community spirit Robert Sr. represented:

“Robert Von Thun Sr. embodied the grit, humility, and generosity of South Brunswick’s agricultural roots,” said Mayor Carley. “For decades, his steadfast commitment to farming helped nourish and unite our township. He didn’t just build a thriving farm; he helped cultivate the very heart of our community. On behalf of the Township Council and all of South Brunswick, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire Von Thun family as we honor a life so exceptionally well-lived.”   

Visitors to the South Brunswick farm this weekend are invited by the family to stop by the Heritage Barn to honor his memory and look back at the history of Von Thun’s Country Farm Market. Municipal flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of his life and lasting contributions to South Brunswick Township.   

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Monday. November 2, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, located at 616 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 3, at 10:00 AM, with burial following at Dayton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Dayton Presbyterian Church or The Grace Presbyterian Church.

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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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