Welcome to Township of South Brunswick

For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

STATEMENT OF MAYOR CHARLIE CARLEY ON THE PASSING OF BUDDY THOMAS

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 17)— We learned today that Buddy Thomas has passed away. He was 88. South Brunswick has lost a Marine, a husband, a father and a friend, and our hearts are with his family.

I have directed that flags at all municipal buildings fly at half-staff in his memory through the next week.

Buddy was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1938, in the very hard years of the Great Depression. He joined the Marines in 1959 and served with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. Marines called that battalion “The Walking Dead” for the men it lost in Vietnam. At Da Nang, Buddy took a bullet to the abdomen. He earned the Purple Heart and came home a sergeant in 1965.

He made his home here, among us, and he met Christine. They were married 56 years. Few of us will be so lucky.

South Brunswick is Christine’s town. She worked for more than 25 years as a paraprofessional in our schools, and a generation of our children knew her. I knew her for the joy she brought each morning when I walked my own children to Brunswick Acres School. I was, of course, much younger then and in memory, every day the sun shone, and Mrs. Thomas had a smile and a hug. In their way, a real way, she and Buddy taught me and my wife to love this town.

They worshiped at St. Cecilia’s. Anyone who knew them will tell you the same thing: they met you with a hug and a smile, and you left feeling better than when you came.

Buddy and Christine raised three children in this town: Joseph, Constance and Michael. Joseph followed his father into the Marines. Buddy and Christine lost Joseph and Constance before their time.

Christine passed in 2022. Buddy, a Marine after all, carried his grief and kept serving. He worked the Marine Toys for Tots drive each holiday season. He fought to raise the POW/MIA flag at every public school and township building, and it flies there today. It flies at the schools where Christine worked.

In 2019 our town named Buddy a South Brunswick Living Local Legend. On Veterans Day 2024 we put his name on the street sign at Hillside Avenue and New Road in Monmouth Junction. That sign will stand long after all of us. Everyone who stops at that corner will read the name of a man who gave his country his blood and gave this town the work of his life.

Buddy is with Christine, Constance and Joseph again. To his son Michael and daughter-in-law Natalie, his granddaughters Constance and Kandace, his great-grandson Ryder and all who loved him: South Brunswick remembers, and we will not forget him.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

MAYOR CARLEY PROCLAIMS SEPTEMBER 13–19, 2026, AS DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK IN SOUTH BRUNSWICK

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 16)— Mayor Charlie Carley has officially issued a proclamation designating September 13 through September 19, 2026, as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in the Township of South Brunswick.

The proclamation honors the dedication, compassionate care, and vital contributions of more than 30,000 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) across New Jersey—including those serving locally through The Arc Middlesex County—who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals provide essential day-to-day services that empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives within their communities. Their support spans personal care, learning key life skills, and facilitating participation in school, work, home, religious, and recreational activities.

“Direct Support Professionals build strong, trusting relationships that enrich the lives of both the individuals they assist and our community as a whole,” said Mayor Carley. “South Brunswick is proud to recognize the invaluable workers at The Arc Middlesex County and across our region whose unwavering commitment strengthens our community and supports our residents.”

The Township of South Brunswick extends its sincere gratitude and deepest admiration to all Direct Support Professionals for their daily impact and tireless dedication.

About Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

Celebrated nationally and statewide, Direct Support Professional Recognition Week highlights the essential workforce that enables individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to fully participate in community life and exercise full citizenship.

About The Arc Middlesex County

The Arc Middlesex County is dedicated to providing advocacy, services, and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, fostering inclusion and personal growth throughout Middlesex County.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11 WITH MEMORIAL CEREMONY

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 11)— South Brunswick Township gathered Friday at the Remembrance Fountain to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, honoring those who lost their lives, those who have since died from the lasting effects of that day and the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who answered the call.

The ceremony began with an Honor Guard processional accompanied by bagpipes and included an invocation and closing prayer by Rev. Charles T. O’Connor of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and chaplain for the South Brunswick Police Department. The South Brunswick High School Viking Marching Band performed the National Anthem, Taps and God Bless America.

Mayor Charlie Carley reflected on the lasting impact of September 11 and the importance of passing its memory to future generations.

“Twenty-five years on, memory becomes inheritance,” Mayor Carley said. “It falls to us to carry this day to those who have no memory of their own: to tell our children not only what happened, but what it asked of us, and what it asks of us still. Courage, like the firefighters and police officers and paramedics who climbed those endless stairs. They knew what was above them. They went anyway.”

Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman read the names of four South Brunswick-area residents who were killed in the attacks: Mukul K. Agarwal of Kendall Park, Kenneth Charles Ledee of Monmouth Junction, Jeffrey Robinson of Monmouth Junction and Toyena C. Skinner of Kingston. The ceremony also remembered all those who have since been lost to the lasting effects of September 11.

South Brunswick’s fire, police, EMS and rescue personnel laid four wreaths in honor of those lost, followed by a moment of silence. Lt. William Merkler performed bagpipes during the wreath-laying.

“Twenty-five years have passed, but the courage and sacrifice of September 11th remain forever etched in our hearts,” said Chief Chris Perez of the Kendall Park Fire Company. “We remember the firefighters and first responders who gave everything, the families who were left behind, and the countless acts of courage that followed. As firefighters, we carry their memory with us every time we put on the uniform and answer the call. We will never forget.”

Also participating in the ceremony were Mayor Carley, Deputy Mayor Bierman, Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis. Representatives from the offices of Gov. Mikie Sherrill and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim were also in attendance, along with members of the South Brunswick Fire Department, Police Department, EMS and rescue organizations, veterans organizations and the community.

Twenty-five years later, South Brunswick gathered once again to remember those lost and honor the courage and sacrifice of all who responded.

“We will never forget.”

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP RECEIVES $500,000 GRANT FOR TENNIS/PICKLEBALL COURTS AT WOODLOT PARK

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 9) — South Brunswick Township has received a $500,000 grant from the Legislative District 16 team — Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis — to support the development of new tennis/pickleball courts at Woodlot Park.

The funding will help expand recreational opportunities for residents and enhance one of the township’s community parks. The planned courts will provide space for tennis and pickleball, two sports that continue to grow in popularity among residents of all ages.

Mayor Charlie Carley thanked the Legislative District 16 team for securing the funding for the project.

“South Brunswick thanks Senator Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis for securing this $500,000 grant,” Mayor Carley said. “These funds will build new tennis and pickleball courts at Woodlot Park, giving residents a place to play for years to come.”

Also attending the announcement were Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Archana “Ann” Grover, Councilwoman Patty Germain, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, Recreation Director Amanda Applegate, and Deputy Director of Public Works Bill Epps. South Brunswick resident Nancy Bruneau, who brought the need for additional tennis and pickleball courts to Councilwoman Grover’s attention, also attended.

The township will move forward with planning and development of the project, with additional details regarding the project schedule and construction timeline to be announced as plans are finalized.

The new tennis/pickleball courts at Woodlot Park are part of the township’s continued commitment to maintaining and improving recreational facilities and providing opportunities for residents to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK TO MARK
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 WITH COMMUNITY EVENTS

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 4) — South Brunswick Township will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with two community events on Sept. 10 and 11: a panel discussion and short film at the library, and the township’s memorial ceremony.

PANEL DISCUSSION AND SHORT FILM

The library will host “September 11th: 25 Years Later — A South Brunswick Perspective” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Friends Theatre at the Christopher J. Killmurray Building / South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane.

A moderated panel and short film will recount how township officials responded that day and the work of the six South Brunswick police officers who traveled to New York to assist with rescue efforts at ground zero.

The program is free and open to the public. Register at: https://sbpl.libnet.info/event/17212824

MEMORIAL CEREMONY

The township will hold its 25th 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Remembrance Fountain at the Municipal Building, 540 Ridge Road.

The ceremony will honor those who died in the attacks and the families, first responders and others whose lives were changed by them, including those living with the lasting effects of 9/11 in the 25 years since.

It will include remarks by local and state officials, the reading of the names, wreath-laying by local first responders and veterans’ organizations, a moment of silence and music by the South Brunswick High School Viking Marching Band.

PANEL DISCUSSION AND SHORT FILM: “September 11th: 25 Years Later — A South Brunswick Perspective”
WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
WHERE: Friends Theatre, Christopher J. Killmurray Building, 110 Kingston Lane
REGISTRATION: https://sbpl.libnet.info/event/17212824

25TH 9/11 MEMORIAL CEREMONY
WHEN: 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11
WHERE: Remembrance Fountain, Municipal Building, 540 Ridge Road

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP TO HOST FLU AND IMMUNIZATION CLINICS THIS FALL

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 2) — South Brunswick Township will host three walk-in flu and immunization clinics this fall, giving residents a place close to home to get vaccinated ahead of respiratory illness season.

“Nobody looks forward to getting a flu shot, but nobody looks forward to spending Thanksgiving in bed either,” said Mayor Charlie Carley. “Three times this fall, we have people setting up right in our own Senior Center. No appointment, no waiting room, no runaround. Bring your insurance card, ask what makes sense for you and your family, and you will be back out the door in a few minutes.”

All clinics will be held in Auditorium 1 at the South Brunswick Senior Center, 540 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction, and are walk-in only. Residents should bring their insurance card with them.

The clinic schedule is as follows:

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17

10:30 a.m. to noon
Sponsored by South Brunswick Pharmacy

Vaccines offered:

• Senior Flu Dose
• Pneumonia
• Shingles
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30

10:30 a.m. to noon
Sponsored by ShopRite Pharmacy

Vaccines offered:

• Senior Flu Dose
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Shingles
• RSV

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14

2 to 3 p.m.
Sponsored by the Middlesex County Office of Health Services

Vaccine offered:

• Flu

Residents are encouraged to check with their health care provider about which vaccines are recommended for them. Availability of specific vaccines may vary based on eligibility and insurance coverage.

For more information, call Dawn Neglia at the South Brunswick Senior Center at 732-329-4000, ext. 7212.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

732-329-4000, ext. 7275

FALL 2026 VETERAN STREET RECOGNITIONS IN SOUTH BRUNSWICK

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Aug. 18) — This fall, South Brunswick Township will recognize local veterans for their service through the Veterans Recognition Street Naming Initiative. The township’s Veteran Street Sign Program allows South Brunswick residents who served as wartime veterans to be honored by adding their names to a secondary sign on an existing municipal street.

By adding the names of local wartime veterans to public street signs, the township seeks to promote public awareness of these individuals while showing appreciation for their outstanding contributions and service to our country as members of the U.S. armed forces.

Eligible candidates for this honor include honorably discharged veterans who served in a military department as defined under the Department of Defense, which includes the departments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Wartime veterans are individuals who served in the active military forces during a period of armed conflict, or who received armed forces expeditionary or other campaign service medals during an emergency condition, including those who died in the line of duty in the active military forces.

“Each of these veterans has a story of service and sacrifice that deserves to be remembered,” said Mayor Charlie Carley. “These street dedications give our community an opportunity to honor their contributions and make sure their names and service remain a visible part of South Brunswick for generations to come.”

The township will hold four street dedication ceremonies this fall, all beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Residents are invited to attend and join township officials, families, friends and community members in honoring these local veterans and recognizing their service to our nation.

The dedication schedule is:

• Sept. 19: Ronald John Kornacivich (Army Airborne, Vietnam War), at the intersection of Ridge Road and Marc Drive, closest to Georges Road.
• Sept. 26: Charles Arthur Wiggs (Navy, Korean War), at the intersection of Roberts Street and Williams Road.
• Oct. 10: John Morgan Harding Jr. (Army, Korean War), at the intersection of Old Beekman Road and Joye Lane.
• Oct. 24: Herbert Tainow (Navy, World War II) and Shirley Tainow (Navy WAVES, World War II), at the intersection of Kendall Road and Leahy Road.

South Brunswick Township encourages residents to attend these ceremonies and join in showing appreciation for the veterans and their families who have given so much in service to our country.

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For Immediate Release

July 16, 2026

Contact: Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township Public Affairs

732-329-4000 x7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP EXPANDS LIFE-SAVING CAPABILITIES WITH NEW LUCAS CPR DEVICES

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. — South Brunswick Township has expanded its emergency response capabilities with the addition of a new LUCAS Chest Compression System, an advanced mechanical CPR device that provides consistent, high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest emergencies.

One LUCAS device was generously donated by Dayton Toyota in October 2025 and has been actively used by Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad. A second device was recently purchased through the South Brunswick Health Department’s Enhancing Local Public Health Infrastructure Grant, expanding access to this life-saving technology for the Township’s EMS providers.

The Health Department received the three-year Enhancing Local Public Health Infrastructure Grant to strengthen public health education, emergency preparedness, and community health initiatives. In addition to supporting training and outreach on topics such as CPR, heart health, behavioral health, and nutrition, the grant provided funding for equipment that supports local emergency responders, including the new LUCAS device.

On July 14, Dayton Toyota hosted an event where Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad Chief Rich Hoff and members of the squad demonstrated the LUCAS device for Township officials and members of the South Brunswick Police Department. Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, Deputy Township Manager Julie Trammell, and Acting Chief of Police Jim Ryan attended the event to learn more about how the technology supports first responders during cardiac emergencies.

“Investing in advanced life-saving equipment is an investment in the health and safety of our community,” said Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman. “We are grateful to Dayton Toyota for its generous donation and to our Health Department for securing the grant funding that made this additional device possible. Together, these efforts strengthen our ability to provide the highest level of emergency care to our residents.”

“Having an additional LUCAS device available has made a significant difference for our squad,” said Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad Chief Rich Hoff. “It delivers consistent, high-quality CPR while allowing our responders to focus on other critical aspects of patient care during a cardiac emergency.”

South Brunswick Township is served by three EMS organizations that work together to provide emergency medical services throughout the community: Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, Kendall Park First Aid & Rescue Squad, and South Brunswick Emergency Medical Services. Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to learn more and complete an application by visiting www.mjfas.org, www.kpfars.org, or www.sbemsnj.com.

The addition of this LUCAS device reflects South Brunswick Township’s continued commitment to investing in public health, supporting its emergency responders, and providing residents with the highest level of emergency medical care.

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