Welcome to Township of South Brunswick

For Immediate Release

May 18, 2026

Contact: Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township Public Affairs

732-329-4000 x7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK HONORS

WORLD WAR II VETERAN

SALVATORE A. DIMATTINA

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The Township of South Brunswick honored World War II veteran Salvatore A. DiMattina during a Veteran Street Sign Dedication Ceremony held on Saturday, May 16, at the intersection of Kingsley Road and Berwick Road in Kendall Park.

Family members including his daughter Cushla Bowman and grandson Joseph Rullo, friends, neighbors, Township officials, veterans’ organizations, and community members gathered to recognize DiMattina’s service and sacrifice through the Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, which permanently commemorates local wartime veterans by placing honorary street signs along municipal roadways.

Representing the Township were Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Councilwoman Archana “Ann” Grover, Councilwoman Patty Germain, and Township Manager Bryan Bidlack.

DiMattina served honorably in the United States Army during World War II, entering active duty on April 23, 1942. Assigned to Engineer Aviation Battalions within the Ninth Air Force, including the 834th Engineer Aviation Battalion and Headquarters Company, 877th Airborne Aviation Engineer Battalion, he participated in some of the most significant campaigns of the European Theater, including Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. During the D-Day invasion, he stormed the beaches of Normandy as Allied forces began the liberation of Europe.

Corporal DiMattina served overseas for more than three years and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead, and the Good Conduct Medal for his honorable and meritorious service.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks recognizing DiMattina’s courage and dedication, followed by an invocation from Kendall Park resident and Pastor of Jacob’s Well Church, Scott Jones. American Legion Commander Jimmy Chin led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared DiMattina’s military history before remarks from Mayor Charlie Carley and the reading of the official Township resolution by Councilwoman Ann Grover.

DiMattina’s daughter, Cushla Bowman, shared remarks about her father’s life and legacy before unveiling the commemorative street sign alongside family members.

“So much of the good in a place like ours, we owe to people like Sal DiMattina — people who never ask to be noticed. People who go when their country needs them. Who keep faith with their families. Who watch over their neighbors. South Brunswick is the town we love because Sal DiMattina’s family is part of it,” said Mayor Charlie Carley.

The Veteran Street Sign Program was established by the Township of South Brunswick to honor residents who served during wartime and to preserve their stories for generations to come.

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For Immediate Release

May 14, 2026

Contact: Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township Public Affairs

732-329-4000 x7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK EARNS 2025 TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION FROM ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Arbor Day Foundation named South Brunswick a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season. The anniversary underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry.

“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions like South Brunswick are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud South Brunswick is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”

In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.

“The Township Shade Tree Commission is gratified to have implemented the programs to earn this recognition- 34 Years” said Jeff Cramer, Chair of the Shade Tree Commission.

Mayor Charlie Carley added, “We are proud to be recognized once again as a Tree City USA community and appreciate the ongoing efforts of everyone involved in maintaining and enhancing South Brunswick’s natural resources.”

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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For Immediate Release

May 11, 2026

Contact: Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township Public Affairs

732-329-4000 x7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK HONORS WWII-ERA VETERAN
EDMUND M. MASTANDINO

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Township of South Brunswick honored longtime resident and veteran Edmund M. Mastandino during a special Veteran Street Sign Dedication Ceremony held on Saturday, May 9, at the intersection of Cambridge Road with Winant Road in Kendall Park.

Mastandino family members spanning four generations, friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans gathered to recognize Mastandino’s military service and lifelong contributions to the South Brunswick community.

Representing the Township were Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Councilwoman Archana “Ann” Grover, Councilwoman Patty Germain, and Township Manager Bryan Bidlack.

The ceremony opened to the sound of bagpipes played by a family friend, Jim Cooney, followed by welcoming remarks recognizing Mastandino’s service and sacrifice, and then the National Anthem. American Legion Post Commander Jimmy Chin then led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and shared Mastandino’s military history.

Born in Brooklyn in 1928, Mastandino enlisted in the United States Army on August 3, 1946, during the World War II era. He became part of the founding generation of the then-newly established United States Air Force. Serving with Headquarters Squadron, 374th Air Base Group, Mastandino was stationed in Japan and earned both the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal for his faithful service to the Nation.

Mayor Charlie Carley expressed gratitude for Mastandino’s military service and admiration for his lifelong devotion to family. “A community is something we build, and we keep, together through patient faithfulness to family, to neighbors, and to the work each day asks of us.”

“So much of the good in a place like ours,” he reflected, “we owe to people like Ed Mastandino, who never ask to be noticed for it. They go when their country needs them. They keep faith with their families. They watch over their neighbors. Over the years, the quiet work of a long, faithful life takes root in a place. South Brunswick is the town we know because Ed Mastandino is part of it.”

Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman read the official Township Resolution recognizing Mastandino for his “distinguished and selfless service to our Country” and honoring the role his courage played in helping preserve freedom for all Americans.

Mastandino’s great-grandchildren — Milo, Maria, Adria, and Alessia — unveiled the commemorative Veteran street sign, ensuring his legacy will remain a visible and lasting part of the South Brunswick community.

Following remarks from family members, the event closed with a moving bagpipe tribute performed by Jim Cooney.

South Brunswick’s Veteran Street Sign Program honors local Veterans by placing commemorative secondary street signs throughout the Township in recognition of their service, sacrifice, and dedication to the United States Armed Forces.

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For Immediate Release

April 30, 2026

Contact: Jennifer Poppy

South Brunswick Township Public Affairs

732-329-4000 x7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK CAPS 34TH ANNUAL EARTH DAY CLEANUP WITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ —

More than 300 volunteers from over 30 community groups are taking part in South Brunswick Township’s annual Earth Day cleanup, marking the 34th consecutive year of the township-wide environmental tradition. Volunteers gathered on April 26 for a community picnic and tree ceremony, with cleanup efforts continuing throughout the week.

Volunteers have already collected more than 150 bags of litter, with additional totals expected as participating groups complete their efforts on later dates. In a typical year, the initiative yields between 350 and 400 bags of litter collected from roadways, parks, and public spaces across the township.

The event is funded through New Jersey’s Clean Communities grant program, which covered the community picnic and supplied all litter collection materials.

“For more than three decades, our Earth Day efforts have brought the community together in a meaningful way,” said Mayor Charlie Carley. “Whether participating in the cleanup or joining us for the tree ceremony, residents continue to take pride in preserving South Brunswick’s environment.”

“Celebrating Earth Day with N.J. Arbor Day highlights the efforts of South Brunswick Township to protect & preserve our tree canopy” said Jeff Cramer, Chair of the Shade Tree Commission.

South Brunswick’s Earth Day cleanup has been a community tradition since 1992, with participation expanding as more residents, schools, civic groups, and businesses join each year.

The Township thanks all volunteers, organizations, and partners who make this annual initiative possible. Residents interested in participating in future cleanups can contact the South Brunswick Township Recycling Division of Public Works at 732-329-4000 x7274.

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Rutgers Cooperative Extension

of Middlesex County

May 2026

Calendar of Events

Unless otherwise noted, listed programs require registration and

take place at the Middlesex County EARTH Center

Located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park

For information or registration, contact the EARTH Center at

732-398-5262 or e-mail extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us.

Saturday, May 2 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM   Rain or Shine

Master Gardeners Plant Sale at the Cook College Extension Conference Center

103 College Farm Rd. W.  Cook College Campus, New Brunswick NJ.

We still have RU developed tomatoes and basil, raspberries, flowers,

hanging baskets and more. Onsite parking will be available.

Saturday, May 9 10:00 AM

How to be My Own Backyard Plant Doctor-

A Gardener’s Intro to Integrated Pest Management

Learn to identify common pests and diseases, while fostering

habitats for beneficial insects in your garden or landscape.

Free! with registration at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us

Saturday, May 16   10:00 AM

The Value of Native Plants and Tour of Native Plant Garden

Native plants are a great addition to the landscape while attracting and

supporting wildlife. A short presentation will be followed by a

walk through the EARTH Center’s native plant demonstration garden.

Free! with registration at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us

Saturday, May 30 10:00 AM

Rows for the Hungry Volunteer Day and Garden Tour

Discover the Rows for the Hungry donation garden which provides the food insecure of Middlesex County with fresh produce. Learn how you can volunteer with the team.

RSVP at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us

Saturday, May 30   2:00 PM

Fruit Gardens for Small Yards

Growing fruit can be exciting, but there is lots to know for worthwhile results.

After the presentation we will tour the EARTH Center fruit garden.

Free! with registration at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us

Saturday, May 16   10:00 AM – 4:00 PM   

Meet the Master Gardeners at the East Jersey Old Town Village History Day

1050 River Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854 

Rutgers Master Gardeners will be on hand, amidst the historic festivities, to answer

all of your garden questions and talk about the Master Gardener program.

Info at history@co.middlesex.nj.us or call 732-745-3030

Tuesday, May 21   7:00 – 8:30 PM   

4-H Teen Mental Health Fair Open to all youth in grades 6 and up.     

Middlesex County 4-H Center   645 Cranbury Rd. East Brunswick NJ

Join us for tips on overcoming mental health obstacles.

Talk to experts on mental health topics. Stress management advice will be shared. 

Any questions contact lbovitz@njaes.rutgers.edu or call 732-398-5261.

The growing season has arrived!  If you need assistance from a trained Rutgers Master Gardener, contact our

Master Gardener Helpline for Middlesex County residents at 732-398-5220 or Mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us .

Native Plant Donations for Habitat Projects

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County donates native plants to local organizations to create or enhance habitat, for example pollinators, butterflies, or rain gardens. 

To qualify, the project must be in Middlesex, Union, or Somerset counties only and must be at a public location like a library, school, park, or municipal complex.

For more information contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Note: the Middlesex County Extension office no longer carries soil test kits.

To learn more about the soil testing process at Rutgers please review the process listed here https://extension.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab

Similarly, the Middlesex County Extension office no longer carries Pesticide Applicator Manuals. To learn more about acquiring these manuals, review the process listed here

https://pestmanagement.rutgers.edu/pat/manuals/

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