Both the Bridgewater and Raritan local governments and the board of education held their annual reorganization meetings to start up 2014. Pages 10 – 11
The Hometown Newspaper of Bridgewater and Raritan
Volume 6, Issue 2
www.thebreezenj.com
Students at Hillside Intermediate School participated in a Day of Service during their day off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Check out the photos! Page 20
February 2014
Harrison Remembered as Selfless, Extraordinary Man The former Bridgewater councilman died Dec. 30. By Audrey Levine There is one word used most often to describe a man who gave his all not only to his family and friends, but to the town he lived in for about 40 years – “extraordinary.” That is how Jean Walker described her father, Charles Harrison, a former Bridgewater Township councilman, who died Dec. 30 at the age of 86. “Lots of daughters will say this, but my dad was really amazing,” she said. “He had so much experience to talk from and share, and everyone found it beneficial to seek him out.” Born in South Carolina in 1927, Harrison earned his undergraduate degree at Marshall College (now Marshall University), and earned his law degree at West Virginia University. He served in World War II and the Korean War, earning honorable discharges each time. In 1957, Harrison joined the Bell System as a council lawyer, and he was transferred to Bridgewater in 1971. Walker said her father retired in 1989, but that didn’t stop him from being active and working. “I always told him he worked
harder after he retired in 1989 than he ever did while working,” she said. “There were so many meetings, and he was always running. He did an awful lot after he retired, and really kicked in full speed with community service.” Former Bridgewater councilman Robert Albano met Harrison when he was chairman of the planning board, and they then served on the council together. “In addition to being really smart, he understood the issues, but he was always a perfect gentleman, whether you were agreeing or disagreeing with him,” Albano said. “He was always very civil, courteous and an easy man to work with.” Harrison was on the council from 1994 to 2001, serving as council president in 1996 and 2000. Albano said he served for eight years with Harrison. “I encouraged Charlie to seek a town council seat, having observed him on the planning board,” he said. “The way he did things, and his ability to see issues well, he acted in the best of the community.” Albano said Harrison was
looking to run for a third term on the council, but was unsuccessful in getting endorsement from the Republican Municipal Committee. Still, he said, Harrison made the best of the situation. “Being a man of integrity, he continued to work for the person who replaced him,” Albano said. “He still remained active in the community, and served on boards and bodies.” “That speaks volumes about a person’s integrity,” he added. “When you are part of a team, you are part of a team.” Albano said Harrison also served on the economic development committee, and was influential in keeping large companies in town, while attracting others to Bridgewater. “He did a lot to help maintain the economic vitality in otherwise stretching times,” he said. Harrison was also on the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, and earned the Citizen of the Year Award in 1996. “Charlie pushed people, saw the potential in them, and pushed them to do more for the community,” said Dana Tomalty, Harrison’s nephew. “It was just him,
Jean Walker posed with her father, Charles Harrison, at a Rotary Club booth at the 4-H Fair several years ago. just his personality. It wouldn’t gentleman.” matter where he was, he would “He was diligent in pursuing have given everything in a self- his responsibilities, regardless less manner to help people.” of what organization or posiFormer Bridgewater Mayor tion we were discussing,” she Patricia Flannery worked with added. “He did not demonize his Harrison when he was on the opponents, but was always procouncil. fessional in presenting his argu“I knew Charlie through the ment for or against a position.” Bridgewater Republican orgaFlannery said Harrison was nization, while serving on the never in his roles for the title, but Board of Somerset Treatment was focused on the work. Services, on the Bridgewater “He went out of his way to governing body and Rotary,” she support and encourage me in my said. “Charlie is described by ev- political career, and I greatly aperyone who knew him as a true See HARRISON, Page 5
Fire Elections in February Boys Sports Dominated in Early BRHS
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By Audrey Levine The fire district elections are coming up in February, and the four districts in Bridgewater are preparing for residents to vote on commissioners and budgets. Elections will be held Feb. 15, with polls open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. In Fire District No. 2, the
budget is up for election, set at $456,845, with $423,165 to be raised through taxes. As for the candidates, there are two seats on the commission up for election, with four candidates running. Incumbents Ronald Hazen and Doug Zielaznicki are running against James Brown and John Marsigliano. In Fire District No. 3, the budget has been set at $862,627, unchanged from the 2013 budget. In addition, the district is requesting permission from the residents to purchase a fire tanker for the Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Company, for an amount not to exceed $500,000. The two candidates for the commission are Howard Norgalis and Anthony Carpiniello. Both are running for re-election on the commission, unopposed, to serve three years. In Fire District No. 4, the budget is fairly flat, according to commissioner Allen Kurdyla. It is set at $569,109, with the amount to be raised by taxes set at $534,001. “There is an increase, but it’s minimal, pretty much to work within the 2 percent cap is what we do,” he said. “What we find See ELECTIONS, Page 17
The high school celebrated several firsts as it established its sports. By Bruce Doorly bdoorly@verizon.net When Bridgewater-Raritan High School first opened in 1959, there were no juniors or seniors at the school, so for the first year, most sports played just a junior varsity schedule. But by the next year, with a junior class at the high school, most sports teams played a varsity schedule, albeit with a big disadvantage because they did not have seniors. Because the juniors and seniors (in 1959–1960) who lived in Bridgewater-Raritan remained at their original high schools (Somerville or Bound Brook), some teenagers from the same family found themselves attending different high schools. That put an interesting twist on the athletics, as there were a few instances where brothers played against each other in competition. The number of sports offered by the high school in the early 1960s was less than today. In 2014, BRHS offers 15 varsity sports for boys and 13 varsity sports for girls. In the 1960s,
Boys golf team varsity sports at public schools were almost always just for the boys, while the girls had to settle for intramural programs. In the first few years at BRHS, there were nine boys’ sports offered at the high school — football and cross country in the fall; basketball, wrestling and swimming in the winter; and baseball, track, tennis and golf in the spring. Former gym teacher and track coach Jim DeCicco said that when the school first opened, there was a sense of euphoria
among the staff. Many teachers and coaches were young and very motivated to build the new high school. They wanted it to succeed both academically and athletically. They celebrated every little accomplishment and every “first” that was achieved.
First Undefeated Team
The first undefeated varsity team was the golf team in the spring of 1961, as the boys went 18-0-1. They were coached by A.J. Troisi. The See SPORTS, Page 15
Page 2
The BReeze
The BReeze 726 Route 202 South Suite 320-190 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908-255-5926 www.thebreezenj.com thebreezenj@gmail.com facebook.com/TheBReezeNJ @TheBReezeNJ
February 2014
BReeze Bulletin Board
Students Show off Talents at Matheny
Publisher & Editor: Audrey Levine Contributing Writer: Bruce Doorly
Rescue Squad Honored by Residents — The Bradley Gar-
Deadlines for March: Ads: Feb. 10 News: Feb. 15 The BReeze is mailed by the first of every month, free of charge, to all residences in Bridgewater Township and Raritan Borough, a total population of about 50,000 people. The opinions expressed in The BReeze, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper and its staff. The newspaper staff reserves the right to edit any submission for length and content. Contact the staff or submit an article through email at thebreezenj@gmail.com.
From left, Anna Spencer, Bryan Zhu, Trisha Kaundinya and Rahil Shah A group of four Bridgewater- informed me that many, if not Raritan High School students most of them, are quite capable brought their special talents to of learning and appreciating the Matheny Medical and Education- fine arts.” al Center, in Peapack and GladKaundinya and the other memstone, to perform for the children. bers of the quartet recently perTrisha Kaundinya, Anna Spen- formed for the students and pacer, Bryan Zhu and Rahil Shah tients at Matheny. formed their own string quartet “We could sense the acknowlto socialize and get together to edgement from several children,” practice music. she said. “Clearly they were enKaundinya’s father is part of a gaged, and we felt that they congroup from Goldman Sachs that nected with us through music. volunteers at Matheny, and he of- We walked away with a sense of fered them another opportunity. satisfaction and developed an in“He spoke to me about the ner urge to do more. We would special needs of the children,” love to play again and have a Trisha Kaundinya said, “and spring concert.”
Got something to brag about?
dens Rescue Squad was presented with a plaque at a recent township council meeting after being voted Bridgewater’s 2013 Person of the Year by Bridgewater Patch. The squad, in 2013, answered 383 calls, spent 1,500 hours on the road and volunteers spent more than 50,000 hours being on call and traveling out to help those in need. The squad has been serving the township since 1950. Above, two members of the Bradley Gardens Rescue Squad hold their certificate alongside council president Matthew Moench, councilman Howard Norgalis, councilman Allen Kurdyla, councilwoman Christine Henderson Rose and councilman Filipe Pedroso.
Local Woman Makes Dean List at Rowan Erin Weiner, a 2010 graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan High School, made the Dean’s List at Rowan University for the Fall 2013 semester. Weiner is planning to graduate from Rowan University in May 2014 with a business degree in marketing. In the Fall 2013 semester, Weiner made straight A’s in all her courses.
At Rowan, Weiner is a threeyear member of Delta Phi Epsilon, works part time and has an internship. She also does advocacy work for Living With RSDS Inc., which is located in Hillsborough, and RSDSA, located in Milford, Connecticut. Weiner is planning to pursue a career in the marketing field once she graduates.
Send us your announcements at thebreezenj@gmail.com.
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February 2014
The BReeze
Page 3
BReeze Bulletin Board
Scaglione Chosen as Freeholder Director
Knights of Columbus Deliver Food to Those in Need —
The Somerville Knights of Columbus, Council 1432, which counts as its members many Bridgewater residents, distributed 80-pound baskets of food for local needy families just before Christmas. According to Bridgewater resident Joseph Raimondo, charity chairman, the members of the Knights of Columbus get names from local parishes, individuals and organizations, then pick up the food, which is paid for out of a charity fund. The members then package the baskets and distribute them. “It gets the members in the Christmas spirit,” Raimondo said.
Bridgewater Man Graduates from York
Bridgewater resident Eric D. Cooperman, son of Robert and Nancy Cooperman, graduated from York College of Pennsylvania, in York, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 18, with a degree in business administration. Cooperman minored in marketing communication and marketing retailing/fashion. Cooperman received a Gold Spartan Award for four years of Division III Tennis, playing No. 1 singles. In addition, Cooperman received an honor for volunteer service for the York
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Community Junior Achievement Program, which educates young people to value free enterprise, business and economics. While in college, Cooperman was a member of the Students in Free Enterprise, which sees members planning and implementing educational outreach programs, student networking activities, talks and fundraisers to engage the local and campus communities. Cooperman was also treasurer of the Hispanic Cultural Society at the college.
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lease from the county, the Freeholder Board will focus on managing the county budget, maintaining services and participating in shared services with municipalities. Scaglione, the release said, is also looking to promote the three objectives of the Somerset County Business Partnership Executive Committee, which include increasing business resources and reducing the regu-
latory burden on business and industry. “This year I want to foster continued collaboration by the county, the business partnership, tourism, the Regional Center, our business and commercial areas and downtowns,” he said. “Joining forces will enable us to collectively promote the things that make Somerset County a great place to live and work.”
Patrick Scaglione is sworn in as Somerset County Freeholder Director for 2014 as his wife, Kimberly Lucci, and their daughter, Isabella, hold the Bible. Judge Thomas Miller administers the oath of office. Looking on are freeholder Peter Palmer and deputy clerk of the board Kathye Quick.
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Bridgewater’s own Patrick Scaglione was named director of the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders for 2014 at the annual reorganization meeting Jan. 3. Scaglione, a former councilman in Bridgewater Township, was elected to the Freeholder Board in 2010, and served as deputy director in 2013. Freeholder Mark Caliguire, of Montgomery, was chosen as deputy director during the reorganization meeting. Also at the reorganization meeting, freeholder Patricia Walsh was sworn in for her third three-year term after being elected in November. In addition, Frank Provenzano, of Raritan, was sworn in for his fifth term as Somerset County Sheriff after winning in November’s elections. “Somerset County is recognized as one of the premier counties in the country,” Scaglione said in his opening remarks during the meeting. “This is due in large part to the work of many of the people in this room.” “Somerset County’s quality of life remains one of the county’s strongest attractions to residents and to businesses,” he added. “In recent years, Hillsborough, Franklin, Warren, Bridgewater and other municipalities have made national lists of best places to live. This speaks to their amenities as well as to the effectiveness of their elected officials.” In 2014, according to a re-
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Page 4
The BReeze
And the Winner is ...
Congratulations to Renee Lopardo-Taveras, of Bridgewater, the winner of our ad symbol contest. Renee won a $50 gift card for services at TRU Salon & Spa in Branchburg. Above, Renee (left) stands with Jeanine Delia, manager of the salon. TRU is a full service salon + spa offering everything from hair coloring, cutting & styling to facials, massages, waxing and nail services. With locations in both Branchburg, NJ and Warren, NJ TRU salon + spa has been servicing the community since 2005. TRU offers an unpretentiously upscale environment that focuses on the individual needs of its clients. Life’s a lot more beautiful when you stay TRU. To who you are. And to whom you want to be. And nowhere will you feel more TRU than when you’re visiting our salon and spa. TRU is about individuality. It is not a “one size fits all” experience, but a mirror of each person’s needs. TRU is not a reaction. It is an interaction. TRU salon + spa is about looking good without working too hard. About letting people take care of you, so you can take care of business — or pleasure. The experienced stylists and spa specialists at TRU know how to make you feel gorgeous. Even on those days when you’re merely looking good. Please visit us at www.trusalonspa.com to find out more or call 908218-9878 to speak to a representative.
Win a Large Pizza at Russo’s Pizza Shop in Bridgewater Look on each page of this issue to find the monthly symbol hidden in 10 advertisements. List the 10 ads containing the symbol and email to winthebreezeadgame@ yahoo.com or mail to The BReeze, 726 Route 202 South, Suite 320-190, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. The readers with the correct answers will be entered into a drawing. Be sure to get your list to us by Feb. 10 to be eligible to win. Please limit to one entry per household. Please include with your list your full name and phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be notified by phone and will be asked to make arrangements to go to the business to collect the prize. A photo of the winner with the business owner will be inserted in the next issue of the paper.
By Audrey Levine After initially tabling a resolution in 2012, the Bridgewater Township Council approved a new resolution in late January that establishes that township employees cannot use a municipally owned vehicle if they have
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This month, Russo’s Pizza Shop, on East Main Street in Bridgewater, is offering one large pizza pie with one topping, a $15 value, to the lucky winner. The symbol you will be looking for appears below, with the letters “BR” in the center:
The symbol above is only an example — it does not count as one of the 10. Find all 10 symbols, tell us where you found them and you could be the winner! Good luck!
Raritan Library The Raritan Public Library has special events planned for this month. To join in on the fun, stop by the library at 54 East Somerset Street, Raritan, or call 908-725-0413 to register.
Valentine Decoupage
Irene Mortko will be leading a class in decoupage Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. Participants will work on the art of decorating a surface with applied cut-outs or napkins, while also finishing the project with lacquer or varnish. The project will end with participants creating a beautiful Valentine’s day plate. Register in advance for the program, and a $5 fee will be charged for the materials.
Council Changes Rules for Municipal Drivers
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more than seven points on their licenses. The original resolution, considered almost two years ago, maintained that employees could not have 10 points on their licenses. But council members said that 10 was just too high, and said that that is a liability since the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles has determined that a license should be suspended once a person has accumulated 12 points. According to the resolution, employees must sign a form before they take a municipal car, certifying that they do not have more than seven points on their licenses, that they have not had a motor vehicle accident in the past six months and that they have a valid license, among other provisions. “This is long overdue,” councilman Filipe Pedroso said. Municipal vehicles are assigned based on job responsibilities, or transportation for township business during the day. All vehicles are required to be returned to the designated township parking area at the end of shifts or close of business.
Rat Pack Flashback
In a one-man show on Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m., singer, songwriter, and disc jockey, Dave DeLuca, performs a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr., changing his voice to reflect the unique styles of the three Las Vegas icons. Travel back in time to the days when the “Rat Pack” ruled the night. Register early for this entertaining program!
February 2014
The BReeze
Page 5
Harrison the ‘Epitome’ of Rotary Motto
Harrison HARRISON from Page 1 preciated it,” she said. “There are very few people like him in this world, and he will be missed.” Harrison’s commitment to the Somerville-Bridgewater Rotary Club was paramount. “He sponsored me for the Rotary,” said township councilman Howard Norgalis. Tomalty said Harrison was rotary president from 2000 to 2001. “He was definitely the epitome of the Rotarian motto of service above self,” Walker said, citing that her father also served as treasurer. A Rotary member herself in Texas, Walker said her father was visiting at the time she was preparing to get her blue badge. “My sponsor, said, ‘How about I let your dad pin you,’” she said. “That was great, and my dad gave me my permanent badge.” “Hopefully I am just getting started in Rotary,” she added.
“There is no way I could match his record for community service, but hopefully I can follow the same path.” In her eulogy for her father, Walker remembered him as essentially a single parent when she was a child. “Although working five long days a week in the city while living in Riverdale on the Hudson, he somehow still found time to share adventures and build memories with me,” she said in her eulogy. “He took me to plays in New York, to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and to Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey.” Walker said she remembered a day in New York City with her father, when they approached a Viking standing on the sidewalk. “But when I got too close, the statue made a quick sudden movement, making me jump and my dad burst into laughter,” she said. “Apparently, unknown to me, this Viking was a wellknown character who wandered the streets of New York.” And on Christmas Eve, Walker said, she remembers her father ringing the bell outside their apartment balcony to make her think Santa Claus had arrived. In 1968, Walker said, her father’s life was changed when he met Jean Tomalty, who he later made his wife. “He married my favorite aunt when they were older,” Dana To-
malty said. “I was 12 and she was 42, so I have known Charlie my entire adult life.” “He was always a very positive guy, always there if I needed him for any advice,” he added. Walker said her father was definitely a family man, and loved his two grandsons especially. “He would spend time with them, and he was so anxious to see pictures and know what they were up to,” she said. To others, Walker said, Harrison was always positive and supportive. She said she flew to New Jersey five years ago when he was having heart surgery, and she remembers how positive he was. “We got up that morning to take him to the hospital, and I was so proud of him,” she said. “He was so strong and positive, teasing the nurses before they went in and making jokes.” In meeting so many people who knew Harrison, Walker said, she heard so many comments about what it was like to work with him in all different capacities. “The comments across the board were so consistent,” she said. “He was a man of integrity, and always had a smile on his face and a sense of humor.” “He was a go-to person for all kinds of things, and really supportive of people in all their endeavors,” she added. “I think what captures most of the comments is that he was always happy and cheerful, right to the end.”
Girl Scouts Sponsor Gift of Magi — Girl Scout Troops 60542
and 61067 sponsored The Gift of the Magi at the Bridgewater Township Library on Dec. 21. A total of 96 people attended the event, and, after the performance, each attendee selected five brand new gifts to spread the spirit of the season. In the above picture are (Back Row, L–R) Sydney Weber, Isabella Halligan, Madison Wolf, Shilpa Menon, Chloe Blanton and Yashna Patel; and (Front Row, L–R) Sarah Blanton and Shelby Sharkey.
North Branch Reformed Celebrates Healthy Eating
— North Branch Reformed Church Preschool’s 3-year-old children are learning about healthy snacks, and they measured, counted and layered ingredients to make trail mix and fruit parfaits this month. The children, including Bridgewater resident Jacqueline Trynosky, got to stay at school to enjoy their lunches with their friends.
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Page 6
The BReeze
BRRSD Honors Teachers Kindergarten
By Audrey Levine A number of teachers were honored this year with the designation of Teacher of the Year. The program acknowledges teachers who exhibit outstanding performance, and the rationale is based on the idea that teaching excellence is a significant factor impacting student achievement and quality of schools. Those announced as teacher of the year in BridgewaterRaritan are able to apply for the District Teacher of the Year award, which is announced in February. This year’s honorees are: • Kathryn Tricarico, Adamsville, Kindergarten Teacher; • Faith Nardella, Bradley
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Registration Begins
The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has announced its kindergarten registration dates for the 2014-2015 school year. A student must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1 of the school year to be eligible. According to a release, the child’s birth certificate, evidence of residency in the district and compliance with the district’s health requirements must be shown. Those with questions can call Suzanne Calabro in the superintendent’s office at 908-685-2777, ext. 3201. For Adamsville Primary School, registration is March 12, with students with last names starting with A–M registering from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and students with last names starting with letters N–Z registering from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For Bradley Gardens Primary School, registration is Feb. 25, with students with last names starting with A–M registering from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and students with last names starting with letters N–Z registering from 1:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For Crim Primary School, registration is March 5, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. For Hamilton Primary School, registration is March 4, with students with last names starting with A–L registering from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., and students with last names starting with letters M–Z registering from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. For John F. Kennedy Primary School, registration is March 11, with students with last names starting with A–M registering from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and students with last names starting with letters N–Z registering from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For Milltown Primary School, registration is Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For Van Holten Primary School, registration is March 7, with students with last names starting with A–N registering from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and students with last names starting with letters O–Z registering from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
February 2014
Student Corner Every month, we will ask students around the district to answer one question about the school year or the time of year or something interesting going on. This month, we spoke to students at Milltown Primary School and asked: What is your favorite thing to do on a snowy day?
“Go sledding with my family and have a snowball fight and build snowmen.” — Sanjana Kumar, 2nd Grade
“Build a snow castle, snow volcano and a snowman.” — Jack Budelmann, Kindergarten
“Play football in the snow with my dad.” — Oscar Kilgallon, 1st Grade
“Go skiing in the Poconos and sledding behind my backyard.” — Danette Fong, 4th Grade
“My favorite thing to do is make snowballs and throw them at my friends. I also like to go sledding.” — Vishnu Chennapragada, 4th Grade
“Build a snowman with my brother.” — Anthony Cannizzo, 2nd Grade “My driveway gets covered in ice, so I like to go ice skating on that, and I like to build forts in the snow.” — Ada Freider, 3rd Grade “I like skiing because we can go really fast and I like snowball fights because I can feel the snow exploding against my belly.” — Noah Choy, 3rd Grade “I like to build snowmen and go sledding.” — Isabella Tai, 1st Grade
February 2014
The BReeze
Page 7
Mock Trial Team Seeks Justice By Audrey Levine A member of the prosecution team stood before the judge and jury to deliver his opening statement in hopes of convincing those assembled to convict a woman accused of vehicular homicide in a drunk driving accident. He delivered his statement with an explanation of the accident, the charges against the woman and the testimony he would use to prove his case. When the court session was over, the case would go to the judge – who would determine a winner in the mock trial contest that found Bridgewater-Raritan High School students pitted against others in searching for justice at the Somerset County Courthouse. The Bridgewater-Raritan High School Mock Trial Team performed a mock criminal trial at the Somerset County Courthouse Jan. 7 and Jan. 9 in a competition against Somerville High School on the former date and Mt. St. Mary’s Academy on the latter. Although the trial was fake, the work the students put in to their preparations was very real. “Every year, a case is written by a board of lawyers with three witnesses on each side,” said mock trial team member, and BRHS junior, AJ Paturu. “We write questions for direct and cross.” Sophomore member Brandon Milburn said the team prepares both the prosecution and defense, and serves on one side in the first competition, and the opposite side in the second. BRHS psychologist Kristen Taylor serves as advisor for the club, with attorney coach Chris
Corsini, who is an attorney with Mauro, Savo, Camerino, Grant & Schalk PA, in Somerville. “The attorney volunteers his time to work with the students,” Taylor said. Both Paturu and Milburn are interested in pursuing law in the future, and said they joined the club for the experience. “I heard about the club in middle school from a counselor,” said Milburn, who joined the team in his freshman year. “I am interested in law.” Paturu said a guidance counselor told him about the program because he is looking to study law and criminal justice after high school. As for the team itself, “lawyers” are chosen through tryouts, Milburn said. “We negotiate to show our strengths and weaknesses,” Paturu said. Other members of the team are chosen to serve as the witnesses. BRHS junior Sandy Glenn was one of the witnesses in the trial. She said they get affidavits to memorize, and they practice answering questions with the attorneys, then prepare for what
questions could be asked on crossexamination by the other team. “It is difficult to memorize because all the affidavits have different information,” she said. “It is sometimes hard to figure out what facts are mine and what facts are the others.” Glenn said the process can be scary because they are used to the questions they will hear from their teammates, but not from the other side. “But we are looking forward to winning hopefully,” she said. Points in competition are awarded for how well the lawyers object and think on their feet, and how prepared the witnesses are. Bridgewater-Raritan unfortunately lost in its first trial against Somerville, and again against Mt. St. Mary’s Academy. But, Taylor said, BRHS’s Kevin Wrobel was awarded “Best Witness” during the competition against Somerville. Despite the losses, the students still got the experience of being in front of a judge and jury. “It is an educational experience, and we get a taste of this before we go off and pursue a career,” Paturu said.
Adamsville Celebrates Frosty
Adamsville Primary School held its annual Frosty Breakfast Dec. 14, with Frosty on hand for pictures with kids. Families enjoyed a breakfast
of bagels, cereal, juice and coffee. In addition, students and siblings were able to make winter crafts, while watching the movie, “The Polar Express.”
School Calendar Feb. 6: John F. Kennedy – Science Fair, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Feb. 6: Hamilton – PTO Meeting, 7 p.m. Feb. 7: Hillside – Dance-a-thon for African Education, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Feb. 7: Bradley Gardens – Jump Rope for Heart Feb. 7: Crim – PTO Meeting, 9 a.m. Feb. 7: John F. Kennedy – Sweethearts Dance, 6 p.m. Feb. 7: Hillside – 6th Grade Rec Night, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Feb. 8: BRHS – ACT Testing Feb. 12: Hamilton – Grade 4 Winter Assembly, 9 a.m. Feb. 12: Eisenhower – PTO Meeting, 7 p.m. Feb. 13: John F. Kennedy – Spaghetti Dinner, 6 p.m. Feb. 14 – Feb. 17: No School, President’s Day Weekend Feb. 19: Adamsville – Science Fair, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Feb. 19: Van Holten – Brain Show Feb. 20: Hillside – Science Fair, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Feb. 21: Adamsville – Healthy Heart Dance Feb. 21: BRMS – Volleyball Game, Milltown vs. Eisenhower, 7 p.m. Feb. 24: BRHS – PTO Meeting, 7 p.m. Feb. 26: Crim – Grade 4 Winter Assembly, 9 a.m. Feb. 27: Van Holten – Grade 4 Winter Assembly, 2 p.m. Feb. 27: BRMS – Big Nick Classic, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28: Bradley Gardens – Grade 4 Winter Assembly, 2 p.m. Feb. 28: Milltown – Family Fun Night Feb. 28: BRMS – Hamilton vs. Hillside Volleyball Game, 7 p.m. Check the school websites and calendars for updates or lastminute adjustments, www.brrsd.k12.nj.us.
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Preparing B-R Students for the Future
Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association
Aside from the festivities, students also sold rainbow loom bracelets and hand-made jewelry, with portions of the proceeds being donated to charities.
Enter and Learn, Leave and Serve
Linda Bojtos, Angela Bojtos, Johnny Bojtos with Frosty
Chloe Lau, Jenifer Haley and Kaden Haley with Frosty
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Page 8
The BReeze
February 2014
BReeze Be There
February 1
The Jersey Harmony Express, a local premier men’s a cappella group, will be holding its kick-off meeting at 10:30 a.m. at Pluckemin Presbyterian Church Hall, on Route 202/206 in Pluckemin. The group practices both there and at the Bridgewater-Raritan High School. At the meeting, the group will be previewing repertoire, reviewing the schedule and conducting voice placements. All men ages 14 to 100 are invited to join, and the group performs music with a variety of styles, including doo wop, pop, barbershop and jazz. For more information, contact Christian Hunter at njbbslead@ yahoo.com.
February 1
The Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School, on Vogt Drive, will hold its 7th Annual Open House from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Faculty and staff will be available to answer questions, while also providing information on each of the 17 career and technical education programs available. There will also be campus tours, a review of academic offerings and program demonstrations. Hors d’oeuvres will be served by culinary arts students in the cafeteria, where guests will also have the chance to meet with advisors
of the sports teams, extracurricular activities and clubs.
February 3
The Bound Brook Woman’s Literary Club will be hearing a program from the Clean Ocean Action Organization, a New Jersey group that is preserving coastal waters from pollution for future generations and guaranteeing clean water through clean discharges to waterways. Tavia Danch, of the COA, will present the program, to be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Rennell Hall in Bound Brook at 1 p.m. Guests are welcome, and members are being asked to bring items for male and female residents in veterans homes.
February 8
The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, on Talamini Road in Bridgewater, will be hosting its annual Comedy Night at 7:30 p.m. The event will include an Italian buffet dinner, and the total cost is $50 per person for registrations received before Jan. 29 and $55 per person for registrations received after. The event will feature Emcee Harris Bloom, who has performed for CBS’s “The Early Show,” as well as comedians Keith Anthony and Patty Rossborough. For more information and to make reserva-
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February 11
The Holistic Moms Network will be holding its next meeting at 7 p.m. at the Bridgewater Township Library, on Vogt Drive, with a program called Imago Therapy for Couples. The topic explores Imago Relationship Therapy, which looks at new and holistic ways for adults to get the love, attention and connection they desire. It teaches couples to use language as a tool to connect and reconnect in fun ways. Meredith Keller, MA, LPC, director of Couples Therapy Center NJ LLC, will give an overview of the evidence-based therapy. All are welcome to attend the event, and, for more information, call Parvathi Kumar at 908-203-1422, or email pmalangi@gmail.com.
February 13
BW NICE (Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education) is launching its newest chapter in Somerset County, with a first meeting from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bridgewater. Registration and open networking will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Nicole Wisniewski, branch manager and vice president of Team Capital Bank in Somerville, is coordinating the endeavor and will be the president of the Executive Committee for the Somerset County Chapter.
February 14
St. Ann School, in Raritan, will be hosting its Buddy Day, where guest students will be paired with current students to experience the school in a peer-interactive environment. Students currently enrolled in first through seventh grades are welcome to attend. There is no cost to attend Buddy Day, but
advanced registration is required. Call the school at 908-725-7787 for more information.
February 15
The Raritan Valley Cultural & Heritage Society, based in Raritan, will present a program of Bulgarian customs and culture, called “Martenitsa – The Celebration of the Coming of Spring,” at 11 a.m. at the Manville Public Library on South 10th Avenue in Manville. The presentation will be by Bulgarian-born Bound Brook Public Library Assistant Librarian Katia Radeva, and will highlight the tradition of Baba Marta, which symbolizes the coming of spring. All who participate will go home with a martenitsa, a decoration from red and white yarn. Attendance is free and refreshments will be served. Advance reservations are requested by calling Irene Amitrani at 908-526-3514 or emailing her at iamitrani@ verizon.net.
February 15
The Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County is recruiting tutors to teach literacy skills to adult learners, and will be holding tutor training classes at the PeopleCare Center on Finderne Avenue in Bridgewater. Classes are Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Feb. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Feb. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., March 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and March 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteer tutors receive a total of 15 hours of training in Basic Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages, and upon completion of training, are matched with an adult learner. They then meet together once a week for tutoring sessions, normally at a local library. For more information, call 908725-5430.
February 18
The Society of Retired Reg-
istered Nurses will hold a meeting from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Human Services Building on Warren Street in Somerville, in Conference Room 2A. The speaker at the meeting will be Josie Mescallado, a community service representative for Home Instead Senior Care. She will be discussing providing care to families caring for alzheimer’s members, while also providing musical entertainment. The meeting is open to all retired and semi-retired registered nurses.
February 22
St. Ann School, in Raritan, is hosting a Sports Card & Collectibles Show from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $1.
February 24
The Washington Valley Garden Club Inc. will be holding its sixth meeting of the 2013– 2014 season at 10 a.m. at the Bridgewater Township Library on Vogt Drive. Hazel England, the director of outreach and education at the Great Swamp Watershed Association, will present “Watershed Friendly Living.” Light refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m. New members are always welcome, and email wvgardenclub@gmail. com for more information.
February 27
The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, on Talamini Road in Bridgewater, will host Ryan Murray, a teacher at Watchung Hills Regional High School, talking in a program called “Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century: An Ongoing Threat.” The event will be held at 7 p.m., and is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Murray will discuss some of the key issues and events concerning the ongoing problem of anti-Semitism, both locally and internationally.
YMCA Camp Registration Begins
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The Somerset Valley YMCA is opening registration for its camp offerings in 2014. The camps are held at the Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville branches. Registration is available at all three locations. Somerset Valley Y camp is offerred for children in grades one through 10. At the Bridgewater facility, the YMCA is offering new specialty camps in addition to the day and sports camps. Among the new offerings are a survival camp where kids learn to make a shelter and survive in the woods.
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The Y’s Teen Travel Camp has been expanded to all three locations, not just Bridgewater. Those in grades seven through 10 will board a bus every day to go to amusement parks, baseball games, the beach, rock climbing and more. Hillsborough and Somerville are offering new nature, arts and science camps, as well as a variety of sports and specialty camps. Gymnastics is also being offered in Somerville. The Somerset Valley YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need for attending the camps. For information about the camps and pricing, visit the YMCA website at ymcasomersetvalley.org.
February 2014
The BReeze
Page 9
Girl Scout Working on Gold Award Immaculata Hosting
Alissa Percival
Girl Scout Ambassador, and Bridgewater resident, Alissa Percival is working on her Gold Award with a project to create crafts. Percival is hosting a craft program, “Bloom,” for special needs children at the Martinsville Community Center, on Washington Valley Road in Martinsville. The program is being held on several Saturdays over the
next few months. The crafts are specially designed for children with disabilities. The program began with its first session on Jan. 11, and will also be held Feb. 8, March 8, April 12 and May 3. Each session is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Advance registration is required. Those interested in attending can email Percival at bloomcraft2013@gmail.com.
Enzo Cristantiello
Kangaroo Kids, in North Branch, is hosting the Lizard Guys Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Enzo Cristantiello, founder of the Lizard Guys, is planning to introduce children and their parents to his “friends,” some with four legs, some with two legs and some with 1,000 legs. During the session, the release said, children have the chance to ask questions about the creatures, their eating habits and where they live. In addition, they will get the chance to touch some of the reptiles. Finally, Cristantiello will tell parents which one of the animals would make good pets and which wouldn’t.
The event will be televised on Today’s Child & Family, which airs on Cablevision Channel 15, Verizon Channel 40, on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays at 1 a.m. The show also streams on the Internet at piscatawaytv.peg.tv. To be part of the show, or for more information, call Kangaroo Kids at 908-231-7800. The show itself is geared for children ages 8 and under, and the community is welcome to attend. One Kangaroo Kids family or alumni family will win a free personal show with the Lizard Guys. More information can be found by liking the Kangaroo Kids Child Care Facebook page.
Prom Fashion Show
Kangaroo Kids Host Lizard Guy
Prom Fashion Show Coming Up Bridgewater-Raritan High School will soon play host to “Starlight,” an evening of prom fashions to benefit the 2014–2015 Varsity Competition Cheer Squad. The event will be held March 7, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with
the doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Participants will model selections from Sara’s Boutique on 22 and Jovani 2014, while the men will model formal evening attire from Mens Warehouse. The event will also include
door prizes, a 50/50 and a special prom weekend basket raffle. Tickets for the event are $5 for adults, and $3 for seniors and students. Light refreshments will also be served.
Bridgewater resident, and Immaculata High School alumnus, Emily Incao took centerstage with her father, Robert, at the 2013 Immaculata High School Spartan Club’s Fashion Show Luncheon and Mothers’ Auction. The event raised about $70,000 to benefit the technology program at the school. The 2014 event, with the same goals, will be held on April 6 at the Double Tree Hotel in Somerset. The theme of the show is
“Rising Stars,” and it is expected to draw more than 600 attendees. The Spartan Club is currently seeking goods, services and monetary donations for the Mothers’ Auction. Those supporting the auction will receive a receipt for tax purposes and be acknowledged as a sponsor in the Fashion Show booklet. Those interested in making a donation can contact Marie Kushnir at 908-884-8678 or mariekushnir@msn.com.
Saturday Night Special
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Page 10
The BReeze
February 2014
2014 Reorganizations
BOE Reorganizes for 2014 Raritan Swears in Two Councilman Three current members are sworn in.
By Audrey Levine After getting snowed out on its first attempt, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting, swearing in three re-elected members. Jeffrey Brookner, Jill Gladstone and Lynne Hurley were sworn in after being re-elected to the board of education in November’s elections. The three ran unopposed for the open spots. Also at the meeting, Brookner was unanimously chosen as board president, replacing outgoing president Patrick Breslin. After a split vote between
Jill Gladstone is sworn in. Hurley and Gladstone for vice president, the tie-breaking vote went to Gladstone, reinstating her as board vice president for the second year in a row.
Jeffrey Brookner and Lynne Hurley are sworn in for new terms on the board of education.
Councilman Don Tozzi is chosen to serve as council president for a second year. By Audrey Levine Raritan Borough held its annual reorganization, swearing in returning council members Paul Giraldi and Andrew Sibilia for three-year terms. Giraldi and Sibilia won reelection in November. “I look forward to serving all the residents of Raritan,” Sibilia said. Giraldi said he will be putting a focus on housing issues, promoting businesses and elevating quality of life in Raritan. “I feel that I accomplished some things, but there is plenty more to do over the next three years,” he said. Also at the meeting, councilman Don Tozzi was sworn in as council president. “My biggest concern is always bringing people to the town,” he said. “My main objective is to make our town grow.” The council honored Rich-
Don Tozzi is sworn in as council president.
ard Bartolucci and Robert Andreychak with awards for outstanding service to the borough. “They have given their time and efforts to make sure we have a wonderful recreation program,” said Raritan Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak. “We are grateful to have them with us and thankful to their families for giving them up.” The borough also recognized clerk Rayna Harris, whose last day was Jan. 10. Liptak also spoke about the past year in Raritan and the work to come. Among the work done, she said, was the Orlando Drive phase 1 work, and tax collection was 98 percent. Plus, Liptak said, new businesses in town this year included a nail salon, new lawyer and two new restaurants. “We had an incredible Raritan Riverfest,” she said. “We had one of the largest crowds at the Basilone Parade.” Liptak also cited that Raritan was named by “NJ Monthly” as the No. 96 town out of the top 100 in the state. In 2014, Liptak said, the borough will continue recreation programs, including the Halloween parade, Easter Egg hunt and more. In addition, the borough will work on the waterfront, and
Andrew Sibilia is sworn in. continue with phase two of the Orlando Drive construction. “Let us never lose sight that it’s our goal to make Raritan the finest community in Somerset County and the state,” she said. “Let us never forget we are here to serve the community.”
Paul Giraldi is sworn in.
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February 2014
The BReeze
Page 11
2014 Reorganizations
Bridgewater Swears in Councilmen, Chooses Moench as President Mayor Dan Hayes gives his State of the Township Address, focusing on accomplishments from 2013.
Mayor Dan Hayes By Audrey Levine With three council members to swear in, the Bridgewater Township Council held its annual reorganization meeting to prepare for the new year. Allen Kurdyla, Howard Norgalis and Filipe Pedroso were sworn in at the annual meeting after having won re-election in November. Also at the meeting, councilman Matthew Moench was chosen as the new council president, his second time serving in that capacity. “I love this job and I love doing it,” Moench said. “We have a great group of council people. We may not always agree, but everyone respects everybody.” The council also approved several resolutions, including one to set its temporary budget at $12,515,704.72. That budget will be used until a 2014 budget is approved, around April or May. Mayor Dan Hayes gave his annual state of the township address, reflecting on the past year of growth in Bridgewater. The goals for the coming year, Hayes said, continue to be being in the lowest quartile for munic-
ipal tax rates in the county, being vigilant in land use matters, improving infrastructure and delivering essential services. “Our collective objective is and remains fulfilling resident needs while providing the highest quality service in the most helpful manner,” he said. Throughout 2013, Hayes said, the township delivered a budget with no tax increase, continued a shared service with BRI for bulky trash days and continued a yard waste program with Reliable Wood Products. In addition, Hayes said, the township entered into a memorandum of understanding with the county for 911 dispatch services, a program that will be implemented in 2015. Also important this year, Hayes said, was an agreement made with Somerville for shared court services. “The shared court will generate savings for both towns by combining staff and using the existing capacity of the Bridgewater court,” he said. On the economic side, Hayes said, Valeant Pharmaceuticals moved its recently acquired Bausch and Lomb world headquarters to Bridgewater. “When Valeant’s acquisition of Bausch and Lomb for $8.7 billion was announced last summer, I contacted Valeant and had our economic development officer work with them to find a suitable home in our township,” he said. “Through the help of Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, a frequent visitor to Bridgewater and an advocate of our commercial efforts, Valeant was awarded a $39.5 million NJ business grant. This kept them in the state, and our dialogue with Valeant and SJP kept them in Bridgewater.” Hayes said this will keep 274
jobs in New Jersey, plus an additional 550 more at the Bridgewater location, SJP’s Somerset Corporate Boulevard complex. In addition, Hayes said, Advance Realty moved operations to the former Sanofi research and development site, now called the New Jersey Center of Excellence. On the retail side, Hayes said, the Bridgewater Commons Mall is continuing to plan a second and third restaurant pad on its site, and Roman Jewelers moved into the former AAA Travel site on Commons Way. And several other pharmaceuticals and other companies, Hayes said, are leveraging their properties in Bridgewater, consolidating sites and bringing more jobs to town. “There are many more examples of investment in capital and program support by the commercial sector,” he said. “I would like all our township businesses to be assured, I appreciate the confidence and commitment your investment decision represents.” On the side of land use matters, Hayes said, the township is continuing to monitor the
Allen Kurdyla is sworn in. cleanup of the former American Cyanamid Site, and is beginning redevelopment of the former Weyerhauser site, a 15-acre former industrial warehouse. Hayes said the township has also completed road improvements on Gilbride, Garretson, Glenn, Saratoga, Crest and Van Holten roads, as well as sanitary sewer improvements. There will be more road improvements coming in the spring, he said. Hayes said the goals in the coming year remain the same. “For 2014, our vision remains unchanged and our goals are set,” he said. “While no one can predict the future, 2014 will most likely deliver challenges and opportunities. We are dedicated, we are focused and we are prepared.”
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Page 12
The BReeze
February 2014
Police Officers Deliver Gifts and Cheer to Sick Children
Bridgewater police officers pose with the Knapp family.
Bridgewater Officer Bob Reilly poses with one of the kids in the cancer ward at Saint Peter’s Hospital.
Bridgewater Township Police Chief Manny Caravela and members of the Police Benevolent Association #174 went to Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital in New Brunswick Dec. 20 to give gifts to children in the cancer ward. This is the eighth year the department has headed to the hospital to deliver gifts, and they work with Kristal Neal, the child life coordinator at Saint Peter’s Hospital. The Bridgewater PBA and the Bridgewater Township’s Operation-Cooperation contributed money to give every child in the cancer ward a gift, and also provided gifts for the hospital’s cancer ward to use throughout the year. After spending some time at Saint Peter’s, the officers met with Quinn Knapp, a 6-yearold Bridgewater resident with B type Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The PBA first became aware of
Bridgewater Township Police Chief Manny Caravela poses with a child in the cancer ward at Saint Peter’s Hospital. Knapp after learning that neigh- Knapp, his brother, his sister and borhood children were coming the neighborhood children who together to raise money for the have been raising money. family by making and selling In addition, the Bridgewater Rainbow Loom bracelets. PBA honored Knapp by namCaravela, members of the ing their softball team after him PBA and Bridgewater Township for an upcoming annual softball Mayor Dan Hayes met with the tournament run by the Somerfamily, and gave gifts to Quinn ville Elks, called Jack’s Kids.
McCormick Sworn in as New Raritan Boro Police Chief Kenneth McCormick is a 27-year veteran of the department.
By Audrey Levine Kenneth McCormick, former lieutenant of the Raritan Police Department, was sworn in as the new chief at the annual reorganization meeting in early January. “I feel honored to be selected as the chief of police by the mayor and council,” he said. “I wanted to be chief to take my years of training and devotion to the Borough of Raritan to the final and top level of the police department.” A member of the department since he was sworn in Jan. 19, 1987, McCormick grew up
in Somerville, graduating from Somerville High School. “I was a member of the Somerville Rescue Squad, Somerville Fire Department and I am an exchief of the Finderne Fire Department,” he said. Then, in 1987, McCormick applied for the position of officer. As an applicant, he took a written exam and a physical agility exam, and then had an interview. McCormick attended the Middlesex County Police Academy, and was sworn in by Raritan. “I tested for many departments,
and Raritan was the first that offered me a position and I accepted,” he said. “I have enjoyed my entire time in Raritan, from the citizens to all of our officers.” Over the years, McCormick said, he has been officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and now chief. In Raritan, McCormick said, the process for promotions is governed by borough ordinances. Each officer’s file is reviewed by the mayor and council if they are interested in promotion to an open rank. “After their review and inter-
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February 2014
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Page 13
New Police Chief Proud to be Part of Bridgewater Department Manny Caravela is a 25-year veteran of the Bridgewater department.
By Audrey Levine of good police work,” Caravela He initially studied mechani- said. “We pulled down a wall cal engineering, having focused and found a piece of the bullet. on architecture at Mercer Coun- The case was built on a lot of ty College and mechanical en- good interviews.” gineering at the New Jersey In“We had a lot of big homistitute of Technology – but that cide detectives [around then],” course of study did not stick for he added. “As a detective, I new Bridgewater Township Po- worked with a lot of really good lice Chief Manny Caravela. detectives.” “I started working after colCaravela served as a deteclege, and I started a business tive until Sept. 2003 when he and hated it,” he said of his became a sergeant. Then, he ran work in business sales. “Then the traffic safety bureau before I saw Bridgewater was hiring becoming a lieutenant in 2007 police.” and captain in 2009. Caravela said he had a family “I always had an ambition to member who was a police offi- go as high as I can,” he said. cer, and he used to talk to him “When you first start, you think about the work he did. about how hard it is to get to the “I was intop.” “I love going to trigued by it,” “I wanted he said. “It work every day. I love to at least be was always working in Bridgewater, a lieutenant in the back of by the time I and I love my job. “ my mind. My retired,” he passion was added. —Manny Caravela always invesAfter fortigation.” mer chief Richard Borden anAfter traveling to Bridge- nounced his retirement in late water to interview for the job, 2013, Caravela said, he put in Caravela took the test and was his resume for the position. He hired as a police officer in 1989. took a written and oral test to Caravela started as a patrol qualify for the position. officer after graduating from the Caravela said he is proud of Morris County Police Academy, the 75 officers he works with, and by 1994, was promoted to in addition to dispatchers and detective. civilian workers. “That was a goal for me,” he “When put in a serious crisaid. sis, our guys rise to the top,” As a detective, Caravela he said. “Even now, they know said, he was the case agent on what has to be done, and I can the Tomasi case, the first homi- stand back and watch. They cide he worked, of the murder rise to a level and take care of of Bridgewater woman Frances things. I am very fortunate.” Tomasi. “It’s humbling,” he added. “The case was based on a lot “I’m excited for all the work
we’ve done over the years.” Under Borden, Caravela said, the department put good programs in place and moved into the new building on Commons Way. “I was the construction liaison,” he said. “That was fun. I made it a nightmare for the construction guys.” Caravela said he has spent much of his career in administration, working on budgeting and much more, where he has learned the skills he will use as chief. “Every chief will say he liked being a patrol sergeant best because it is your first time with more responsibilities, but you still go out on calls,” he said. “The further you move up, the separation from the calls is greater.” For Caravela, he loved that experience, but no more so than the work he is doing now. “I love going to work every day,” he said. “I love working in Bridgewater, and I love my job.” As he settles into his new role, Caravela said his biggest goal will be to make the transition to county 911 operations as smooth as possible. The township council voted to move to the county system in late 2013. “Our job is to make that transfer as seamless as possible,” he said. “Officer safety is paramount, and we have to make sure questions have been answered. We have been working on this for three years. I did a cost analysis, and almost nailed it to the penny.”
Chief Manny Caravela “That’s going to be the biggest challenge,” he added. Caravela said there is a great deal that is unknown in moving to county dispatch. “I can say that when I was on the road, I knew I had every piece of information I needed from our dispatch,” he said. “There is confidence with our team. But we are trying to work out all the bugs, and we have to make this seamless.” In addition, Caravela said, he would like to see more involvement with the businesses, and be at as many community events as possible. Caravela said he is grateful to his family for the support he has received from them over the years. “From 1996 to 2003, I was on call every day but Sunday,” he said. “They put up with a lot of that, and they never complained.”
But most importantly, Caravela said, he is grateful for the officers he works with. “The staff is second to none,” he said. “The men and women do an outstanding job, and we will continue to work together to improve.”
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Page 14
The BReeze
Animals in Need This column features information about some of the animals that have been with the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter for longer than most, and are still looking for homes. All information and photos have been provided by the animal shelter. For more information about these or any other animals looking for homes, contact the shelter at 908-725-0308. The shelter is located at 100 Commons Way, behind the Bridgewater Township Municipal Complex.
The ears have it! Take a look at our little friend Piglet, who’s part pit and part French Bulldog, as she proudly displays what’s up top. Quite a distinctive look! Given her French heritage, Peejlay is also an acceptable pronunciation, but she’s a real cutie in any language. Piglet is friendly, walks well on a leash and, at three years old, will remain on the smaller size. We have a hunch that this little Piggy will go “WHEEE!” when she meets her new owners, so please come calling.
Take a look at Tuesday. Notice anything different? Notice something missing? Where is her tail? Yes, Tuesday has the cutest little bob tail. Tuesday came into the shelter as a young kitten with a badly injured tail that needed to be removed. We think it gives her quite a jaunty look. Don’t you? Tuesday was adopted as a young kitten and recently returned to the shelter due to allergies. She is such a funny and fun cat, and totally cute too. Maybe you’d like a bob tail cat like Tuesday? Come to the shelter to meet her. You might just adopt your next new best friend.
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Local Business Creating Bandannas for Dogs Advertorial Lime is sublime in Bridgewater these days. The next time you’re near the Bridgewater Commons Mall, Kid Street or Bridgewater-Raritan High School, don’t be surprised to see dogs wearing bright limegreen bandannas. They were designed to catch your eye, and are modeled by the wonderful dogs who presently reside at Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (SRAS) in Bridgewater. Shown in the picture are Dave Rollins (SRAS volunteer); Cody (dog); Lisa Daneke, of the
Branchburg-based Center of the Party business; Piglet (dog); and Barbara Litchkowski (SRAS volunteer). Lisa designed the bandannas in several styles for SRAS. The dogs enjoy strutting their stuff in the vicinity of the Bridgewater Municipal Complex, and they are as friendly as they are fashionable. For more information on SRAS and to learn more about all the available animals for adoption, go to www.petfinder.com/ shelters/sras.html. — Barbara Litchkowski SRAS Volunteer
Adrian now has the distinction of being the cat who has been at the shelter the longest. Her owners had to surrender her since they went into the Air Force. That was in August 2010. Please help us find a new home for Adrian for the beginning of 2014! If you know of someone looking for a cat like Adrian, please forward this information to them. Thank you!
February Brought History to Bridgewater By James Koch Special to The BReeze Normally February is one of my least favorite months. Cold and bad weather keep us inside the dull indoors. But this year, there are some additional attractions. It is well known that Groundhog Day is my favorite holiday. That’s probably why my daughter’s teachers would look at me strangely during parent conferences. This year, my burrow is cleaned and ready. And this year, it is also Super Bowl Sunday – the one evening the ladies have to pretend to be interested between commercials. As soon as everyone recovers from that event, we have the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia from Feb. 6 through Feb. 23. I’m still bitter because I failed to qualify for
the Snow Wrestling. Unfair the eliminations were held outside in August. On the 14th is Valentine’s Day. A nice present would be a trip to Sochi for the Winter Games. Just a suggestion. But I am supposed to be telling you about Bridgewater history. So by the magic of time travel, we are going back to February 1779 and the area of Middlebrook on the south side of the First Watchung Mountain. Washington returned to where he had been in May and June 1777 after a winter in Valley Forge in 1777–1778. His men were cantoned (camped) in Middlebrook. However, Washington did not expect his generals to camp with his men if other quarters could be obtained. Washington had partial rental space in the home of merchant John Wal-
lace, in Somerville. Baron Von Steuben, the trainer and disciplinarian, was placed in the Staat’s House in what is now South Bound Brook. General Knox was in charge of artillery in Bedminster. Nathaniel Greene, quartermaster, was in the Van Veghten House in Bridgewater. And American General Lord Stirling was at the Van Horne House. On Feb. 16, Heritage Trail will conduct five tours of the five generals’ houses, with buses provided by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The $5 fee that accompanies the tours covers the drivers’ pay. The Heritage Trail provides families an affordable opportunity for historic education. Reservations are required at HeritageTrail.org.
February 2014
The BReeze
Page 15
Girls Fencing Becomes First Female Varsity Sport at BRHS SPORTS from Page 1 team played home matches at the newly opened Green Knoll Golf Course in Bridgewater. Since golf course time was expensive, they could not practice there, so they practiced their chip shots and putts behind the football field. The format of a two-team golf match was for five golfers from each school to play nine holes. The BRHS team was led by Don Vallario, who consistently shot a 40–41. Six others golfers were rotated into the four other spots, Tony Vadimsky, John Carlin, Rich Marton, Dan Papcun and Frank Leary. The consistency and depth
Anthony Troisi
of the team ensured its winning ways. While the 18 wins and no loses is impressive (especially since the school that year had no seniors), it is the one tie that is remembered by the student athletes of that class. The tie came against Hunterdon Central in a close match that came down to the very last shot. Leary appeared to have the victory sewn up as he stood on the green to attempt a 2-foot putt that would give BRHS the win by one stroke. But he missed the putt and they had to settle for a tie. It was the only blemish on the near-perfect season. On the car ride back (they always rode in a station wagon), Troisi, who was an intense competitor, repeatedly interrupted a very quiet car ride home with several exclamations of, “A 2-foot putt.” When Troisi had worn out that phrase, he moved on to others, such as, “The wind could have blown it.” The “missed putt” is firmly entrenched in the folklore of that class. In fact, it is even documented in the school yearbook. The short write-up about the undefeated golf team says, “The one tie match was the result of an unforgettable 2-foot putt which was missed by Frank Leary.”
First Girls Varsity Sport
In the first few years of BRHS,
The first women’s fencing team there was just one varsity sport for girls, fencing. For those who do not know what fencing is, it is sword fighting, safely done. This came about through the initiative of Troisi. He was ahead of his time and felt that sports should not just be for the boys, but girls as well. So when the school first opened, he asked around about the possibilities of a woman coaching a girls team. Science teacher Elizabeth Hager told him that she knew the sport of fencing and that she would be glad to organize a team of girls. So they ordered the equipment and began the program. During the first school year, eight girls joined the program. Each year, more girls joined and they eventually began to compete against other schools.
There were some challenges to having a girls fencing team in New Jersey in that era. First, the gym was taken up every day by the boys so they had to practice on the school stage. In addition, there were not many other teams to compete against, especially local public schools. They scheduled competitions against private schools, many of which were far away. At times, they even traveled to compete against freshman college teams. The sport itself evolved too. In the first years, the scoring was done by a referee, but by 1965, the fencing equipment had become electronic and the scoring was automated with touches being recorded electronically. This girls team was a proud part of the new high school. The fencing team continued
for around seven years, but in the late 1960s, Hager left the school and, with no coach, the girl’s fencing team folded. For the last few years of the 1960s, there were no girls varsity sports at BRHS. From this author’s look through various old yearbooks, the breakout years for girls varsity sports were the 1969–1970 and 1970–1971 school years. Some traditional girls varsity sports began that year at BRHS and other schools. Basketball and field hockey were among the first offerings. As the girls sports grew, they quickly came into conflict with the boys programs for gym space and budget dollars. Fortunately for the girls programs, in June 1972 Congress passed legislation known as “Title 9,” which established equal access for girls to athletic facilities and budget dollars. High school sports for girls grew substantially after that. Today, BRHS has many highly competitive and adequately funded girls sports teams Team records, photos and other information for the athletics at BRHS are being compiled throughout 2014. The information from Fall 1959 – Spring 1966, (before the school split into East and West) is now available and can be seen online at www.raritan-online.com.
Page 16
The BReeze
February 2014
Students Make Valentines for Those Far From Home
Students show off the cards they made for the soldiers. In the front row (L-R) are Jack Lawson, Zakaria Bashir, Ty Bashir, Ivan Rogalsky. Standing are (L-R) Joseph Moskal, Christian Salgado, Jane Muti. Behind the table are Operation Shoebox members Steve Swink and Earl Wilson.
By Audrey Levine With thoughts trained toward those working to protect our country, students at Hamilton Primary School took part in Valentines for Vets, done in coordination with Operation Shoebox. The program, held Jan. 16 at the school, had students creating Valentine’s Day cards that will be sent to soldiers overseas as part of care packages put together by Operation Shoebox. “Whenever we do a packing, we have a table to write cards,” said Earl Wilson, with Operation Shoebox. “It goes along with the packaging.” Operation Shoebox was started in 2003, and collects donated items, like candy, cookies, toothpaste, socks and other necessities to send to soldiers overseas. Hamilton principal Daniel
St. Ann School Installs Safety Patrol — St. Ann School, in Raritan, recently inducted 15 students
into the AAA School Safety Patrol program, led by seventh grader and safety patrol captain James Toolan. These 15 students joined millions who have served in the program since it began in 1920. Pictured above are Sr. Mary Klersey, principal; Wesley DuBose; Douglas Sullivan; and Jaclyn DuBose.
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Fonder said the Valentines for Vets program has been held at the school for at least four years, and was started by a PTO mom. Now, each year, the PTO puts together the program for the kids, who fill out their cards during their lunch periods. “The soldiers like the cards from the young people,” Steve Swink, of Operation Shoebox, said. Wilson told the students that the program is about giving something back to the soldiers. “We want to send them a little piece of home,” he said to the students. “A lot of times they keep the letter the whole time they are overseas.” In addition to the letters, which students signed with only their first names, soldiers will receive a letter from the PTO
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February 2014
The BReeze
Page 17
Residents Will Vote in Bridgewater & Raritan Home Sales Respective Districts ELECTIONS from Page 1 with our budget, if you were to not increase it, three or four years down the road, we could be in a position where we could use additional funding for extra turnout gear, but, quite frankly, not have it.” Kurdyla is the only commissioner up for re-election this year, and he is running unopposed. Fire District No. 1, in Martinsville, did not have its budget information available prior to press time. Residents living in Fire Dis-
trict No. 1 will vote at the Martinsville Volunteer Firehouse, on Washington Valley Road, while those in Fire District No. 2 will vote at the Bradley Gardens Firehouse on Old York Road. Those in Fire District No. 3 will vote at the municipal building, on Commons Way, and those living in Fire District No. 4 will vote at the Finderne Firehouse, on East Main Street. Check the website at thebreezenj. com for additional information on the elections in each district as it becomes available.
Book Review
Gaiman Novel Stands As Unparalleled Work of Lit By Sharanya Pulapura Pingry School Junior As his legions of fans would proudly claim, author Neil Gaiman may very well be the most versatile and talented writer alive today. In Gaiman’s award winning and groundbreaking literature, comic books and television scripts, he never fails to capture the minds and hearts of his devoted readers. Since Gaiman’s writing is so universally lauded, it is difficult to say which of his works can be called “his greatest.” For me though, the epic and intimate, the witty and wrenching, the weird and wise “American Gods” stands unparalleled above the rest of the Gaiman oeuvre as one of the most outstanding works of modern literature. “American Gods” tells the story of a quiet, thoughtful man named Shadow, a most unusual ex-convict.
Hurting deeply after the death of his wife Laura, Shadow’s life is completely changed when he meets an eerie man named Wednesday, the American incarnation of the Norse god Odin. Before he knows it, Shadow is thrust into a cosmic conflict between the New Gods, who govern the media, technology and modern life, and the Old Gods of ancient mythology, who struggle to find their place in an increasingly irreverent world. Nothing is as it seems in this breathtaking tale of the great and small longing to belong. “American Gods” is gorgeously written with a complex plot and a stunning protagonist. Fans may also enjoy “Anansi Boys,” which takes place in the same canon as “American Gods.” And to continue the quest through his books, don’t forget Gaiman’s newest bestseller, “The Ocean at the End of the Lane.”
Chinese New Year Coming The Bridgewater Senior Center, on Somerville Road, is hosting a Chinese New Year celebration Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Chinese American Cultural Association Women’s Club, and is open to all. The event includes a Chinese fashion show, folk dance, calligraphy, music, the dragon dance and more. There is a $5 charge and advance registration required to enjoy the Chinese buffet lunch.
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Lincoln Dinner to be Held in February The Bridgwater-Bound Brook Rotary Club is hosting its annual Lincoln Day Dinner Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Russo’s Continental Catering in Bound Brook. The event is going to feature a program on the life of Abraham Lincoln by Dr. David Martin, a nationally recognized Civil War historian, writer and lecturer. Martin is a long-time faculty member at the Peddie School in Hightstown, where he works as a Latin teacher and school archivist. He has also written many books on the Civil War. In addition, Martin participates in Civil War reenactments, and his great-great-grandfather fought in the Civil War. The event will feature a short presentation on the history of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” a popular Civil War song. A brass quintet from the Westfield Community Band will
perform Civil War selections. There will also be a traditional buffet dinner. Proceeds from the fundraising event will benefit the club’s annual college scholarships for Bound Brook High School students, as well as humanitarian programs with the Rotary club. Tickets for the event are $45 per person at the door. For more information, call Glenn Carman at 908-251-4124. The Bridgewater-Bound Brook Rotary Club meets on
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D L O S
Page 18
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February 2014
Obituaries Bridgewater — Arthur Lovell, 74, died Dec. 18. Lovell was a U.S. Army Veteran, and a 1976 graduate of Seton Hall where he received an MBA. He also worked as an aerospace engineer in California and New Jersey. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Lovell is survived by his wife, Sharon Lovell, of Bridgewater; son, David Lovell, of Bridgewater; daughters, Laurie Bolstad, of Bridgewater, and Cynthia Riley, of Mount Laurel; 10 grandchildren; and sister, Ann Gresko, of Randolph.
Hudack, 62, died Dec. 21. Hudack was a welder and pipefitter, and worked for 13 years for Piping Solutions Inc. in Bridgewater. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Branchburg Funeral Home. Hudack was predeceased by his wife, Sharon Marton Hudack; and his parents, John and Helen Hudack. He is survived by his son, Joseph P. Hudack, of Bridgewater; his daughter, Corinna Hudack, of Bridgewater; and Sammy, his golden retriever.
Bridgewater — Brian Renye, 50, died Jan. 1. Renye worked as a truck driver, and was a soccer coach with Bridgewater Rec and Bridgewater Travel Soccer. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Branchburg Funeral Home. Renye was predeceased by his parents, Jerome and Margaret Renye; and his sister, Linda Renye. Renye is survived by his daughters, Melissa, Katie and Jennifer, all of Bridgewater; his sons, Michael and Keith, both of Bridgewater; and his dog, Buddy.
Bridgewater — Helen Hanko, 86, died Dec. 28. She worked as a comptroller for John’s Manville. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Hanko was predeceased by her husband, Joseph A. Hanko; daughter, Sandra Hanko; brothers, Stanley Czahor, John Czahor and Joseph Czahor; and sisters, Victoria Czahor and Julie Folkman. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Hanko, Joseph Hanko and Roger Hanko; daughter, Karen Zatika and her husband, Joseph; grandson, Anthony Zatika; and sisters, Frances Bylina and Adeline Hanko.
Bridgewater — Joseph J.
Bridgewater
—
Barbara
Somerville Funeral Home, Inc. 10 West End Ave. Somerville Anna Louise Bongiovi, Owner/Mgr NJ Lic. No. 2817
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Campbell, 75, died Dec. 29. Campbell worked at The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Campbell is survived by her husband, Ken; her daughter, Irene and son-in-law, Mike; her son, Kenneth Peter Campbell; her grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Barbara and Ryan; and her great-grandchild, Anthony. Raritan — Audrey DeLuca, 88, died Nov. 29. DeLuca worked for Thompson-Siemen Microwave in Somerset, and retired in 1990. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. DeLuca was predeceased by three brothers, Peter, Joseph and George Barna; four sisters, Helen Goldfarb, Mary Stroud, Anita Molino and Nancy Koval; daughter-inlaw, Eydie DeLuca; and one step-grandchild. DeLuca is survived by her children, Diane Morrison, of Lebanon, Louis DeLuca, of Lakewood, and Richard DeLuca, of Raritan; four grandchildren, Kevin Vreeland, Karen Hudock, Marc DeLuca and Matthew DeLuca; two great-grandchildren, David and Stephen; and five step-grandchildren. Raritan — Mamie Tomaro, 91, died Jan. 10. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. Raritan — Helen Sinibaldi Fattori, 97, died Jan. 11. Fattori was a retired clerk in the Winding Department at Ethicon, Inc. in Bridgewater. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. Fattori was predeceased by her husband, Santino Fattori; her son, Ricardo M. Fattori; four broth-
ers, Nicholas, Phillip, Francis and John Sinibaldi; three sisters, Concetta “Dolly” Mastrull, Edith Juliano and Marie Stolarick; sisters-in-law, Ermalinda, Yolanda and Mary Fattori, Ann Biesiadecki, Esther Bernabe and Clara, Mary and Minnie Sinibaldi; and four brothers-in-law, Joseph Bernabe, Ambroso Studna, Joseph Mastrull and Angelo Juliano.
“Little Ricky” Carlos Johnson, 22, died Dec. 24. He was a technician for the Element Company in Pennsylvania. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. Johnson is survived by his parents, Richard and Lisa Johnson; his paternal grandparents, Ronald and Patricia Johnson; and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Norma Herrera.
Raritan — John J. Kowal, Sr., 72, died Jan. 12. He worked at Hartford Insurance, AIG and Aegis Insurance. He was also a member of the Raritan Fire Department Relief Hose No. 2. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. Kowal was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Forte Kowal, and his cousin, Rocky Forte. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Sian Kowal; his children, Joseph Kowal, of Pemberton, John Kowal Jr., of Somerville, and Kristin Winchock and her husband Mike, of Bridgewater; and his grandchildren, Anthony, Joey, Devon, Katie, Michael, Morgan, Jake, Summer and Jillian.
Bound Brook — Judith Sturtevant Brett, 48, died Dec. 22. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home.
Raritan — Antonino LoPiccolo, 76, died Dec. 11. He was an electrician for the Italian government. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. LoPiccolo is survived by his wife, Filippa Gallina LoPiccolo; his children, Francesco LoPiccolo, of Branchburg, Richard and Serafina Stewart, of Raritan, and Giuseppina LoPiccolo, of Raritan; three brothers, Francesco LoPiccolo, Pietro LoPiccolo and Giacomo LoPiccolo; and five grandchildren, Giulia, Fabiana, Kiara, Rob and Hayley. Hillsborough
—
Richard
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Bound Brook — Andrea Begane, 61, died Jan. 14. She worked for AT&T for 22 years, retiring in 2005. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Begane was predeceased by her brother, James Begane. She is survived by her siblings, Joanne Begane, of Montgomery, Patricia Begane-Norris and her husband Patrick, of Whitehouse Station, Jeffrey Begane and his wife Suzanne, of Whitehouse Station, Andrew Begane and his wife Karen, of Washington Township, and Arlene Begane and Dennis Pratt, of Whitehouse Station; and 10 nieces and nephews, Edward, Amanda, Alexander, Matthew, Bryan, Daniel, Stephen, Kelly, Thomas and Scott. South Bound Brook — Harold “Harry” Schroeder Jr., 68, died Dec. 22. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Schroeder is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Schroeder; sons, Erik Schroeder and his wife, Lisa, and Daniel Schroeder and his girlfriend, Jennifer Perosi; daughters, Amy Schroeder and Robyn Schroeder; his mother, Mildred Schroeder; his mother-inlaw, Elizabeth Mondrone; his sister, Barbara Van Pelt and her husband, Thomas; grandkids, Kyle, Leif, Antonio, Winter, Lucas and Lorenzo; nephews, Jeffrey and Kenneth; and extended family and many friends. South Bound Brook — Garrit M. Kist, Jr., 76, died Jan. 2 at Somerset Medical Center. Kist was in the United States Navy, and served aboard the USS Power during the Cold War. He was an owner and operator of a trucking company for many
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February 2014
The BReeze
Page 19
Obituaries years. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Kist is survived by his wife, Kist Carol Kist, of South Bound Brook; sons, Wayne Kist and his wife Mary, of Manville, and Gary Kist and his wife Carol, of Pennsylvania; daughters, Donna Todaro and her husband Dominick, of Bridgewater, and Lisa Chiocchi and her husband Gary, of South Bound Brook; grandchildren, Jolene and her husband Steve, Gary, Justina, Gina, Gregory, Anthony, Shelby, Dominick and Alexa; great-grandson, Derek; brother, Donald Kist and his wife Bonnie, of New York; and sister, Beverly Sheldon, of North Carolina. Bound Brook — John Yachera, 79, died Dec. 26. Yachera was a Korean War Veteran in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for Johns ManYachera ville for 25 years. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Yachera was predeceased by his wife, Rita, and son, Kenneth. He is survived by his son, John Yachera and his wife Deanna, of Bound Brook; daughter, Brenda Murphy and her husband Tom, of Randolph; grandchildren, Dominique, Brian, Zachary, Heather and Kenny; brother, Michael Yachera, of Maryland; and sister, Genevieve Jeskie, of Bridgewater.
Somerville — “Little Linda” Danowski, 70, died Dec. 23. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Danowski was predeceased by her husDanowski band, Steve Danowski, and father, Ace Taylor. She is survived by her mother, Ina Toth; brothers, Anthony, Willian and Frank; sister, Caroline May; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Basking Ridge — Genevieve Lentzsch, 84, died Dec. 28. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Lentzsch is survived by her sons, Hank Lentzsch, of Bound Brook, Alan Lentzsch, of Basking Ridge, and Raymond Lentzsch, of Three Bridges; daughters, Linda Robinson, of Florida, Jackie Lentzsch, of Martinsville, Carol Maciborski, of Bridgewater, Cindy Mobus, of Warren, and Sheri Coene, of Pennsylvania; 19 grandchildren and many greatgrandchildren. Plainfield — Maria Rocio Bedoya, 52, died Jan. 13. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Somerville Funeral Home. Bedoya is survived by her husband, Hairo Castellanos. Green Brook — Jean R. Fuhrmann-Lee, 84, died Dec. 6. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. Fuhrmann-Lee was predeceased by her first husband, Horst Fuhrmann, and her brother. She is survived by her husband, Robert E. Lee;
two sons, William Fuhrmann, of New York, and Lawrence Fuhrmann, of Asbury; five grandchildren, Jack Fuhrmann, Kurt Fuhrmann, Thomas Fuhrmann, Monika Fuhrmann and Matthew Fuhrmann; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Addison. Middlesex — Michael Cambialetta, 85, died Dec. 19. Cambialetta was a U.S. Navy Veteran, and was a former member of the American Legion in Middlesex and VFW in Martinsville. He was a produce supervisor for Foodtown, retiring in 1995. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bridgewater Funeral Home. Cambialetta was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Cambialetta. He is survived by his daughters, Irene Trautman, of Manville, and Mary Cambialetta, of Middlesex; sister, Irene Batten, of Bridgewater; grandchildren, Robert, Michele, Michael and Tommy; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great greatgrandchildren. Toms River — Robert “Bob” C. Grant, 84 died Dec. 31. Grant served in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1948 – 1949 as part of the 132nd Infantry Regiment in Chicago and in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1950 Grant – 1958, attached to the Naval Air Station in Illinois. Grant’s career in broadcasting began in the 1940s at WBBM in Chicago, and then he hosted radio and television talk shows on KNX in Los Angeles. In the
1960s, he developed a confrontational talk radio style at KABC, then relocated to New York City in 1970 and joined the talk radio team at WMCA. In 1984, he began anchoring WABC radio’s new all talk format as the afternoon drive show host. Grant published his memoirs, “Let’s be Heard” in 1996, and was the recipient of the “Freedom of Speech Award” of the National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Branchburg Funeral Home. Grant was predeceased by his parents, Pasquale and Mary Gigante; his sister, Gloria Weidling; and his longtime friend and companion, Patricia Carmichael. Grant is survived by his sons, Jeff Grant and his wife Eileen, of Arizona, and Chris Grant and his wife Deanna, of California; his daughters, Alisa Mingus, of Michigan, and Cynthia Gaydosh and her hus-
band Robert, of Bridgewater; eight grandchildren, Myles, Kacie, Nathyn, Andrew, Renee, Lauren, Adam and Lindsay; two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Ashlyn; his sister, Ann Ryan, of Illinois; and his companion, Josephine Saracco, of Toms River. Saylorsburg, PA — Edward C. Stiuso III, 46, died Jan. 9. Stiuso was an owner/subcontractor for Stetz Bros, Company in Easton, Pennsylvania. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Bongiovi Funeral Home. Stiuso is survived by his parents, Edward F. Stiuso and his wife, Uttie, of Toms River, and Margaret C. Stiuso and her husband William Breese, of Pennsylvania; sisters, Lisa Stiuso and her husband John Peterpaul, of Phillipsburg, and Susan Stiuso, of Pennsylvania; nephews and a great-nephew; step-siblings, Marie and Daniel Addonizio, of New Jersey; and his friend, Beth Cook.
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Page 20
The BReeze
February 2014
Martinsville Knights Honor Those Who Serve at Ceremony
Brother Pete Sheridan was named Senior Citizen of the Year. The Knights of Columbus Simon received the First ReMartinsville Council #5959 sponder of the Year award, and recently held its 34th annual Bridgewater Township Police communion breakfast, honor- Officer Joseph Bones received ing an EMT and policeman of the Policeman of the Year the year, among many others of award. its members. Both awards are community Green Knoll EMT Craig service awards.
Manny Cirne receives the award for Br. Thomas F. Sheehan Knight of the Year Award. The two men helped saved a Brick Township man who was electrocuted by power lines while working on a Bridgewater home. Bones and Simon were some of the first responders able to revive the man after a near electrocution.
Pictured are (L-R) Fr. Rick Rusk, pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church; Sir Knight Bob Warren, financial secretary for Knights of Columbus Council 5959; Craig Simon, of Council 5959; Officer Joseph Bones; and Grand Knight John Arcoleo, Council 5959. The Knights also handed out • Maria Ward for Confraseveral other awards to: ternity of Christian Doc• Brother Mauricio Carelli trine Teacher of the Year; Family for the Family of • PGK/Sir Knight Manny the Year Award; N. Cirne for the Br. Thom• Brother Pete Sheridan for as F. Sheehan Knight of the Senior Citizen of the Year Year Award. Award; The event was held Jan. 12.
VA Hospital and the Pregnancy Aid Center in Raritan. Back at Hillside, students took part in different projects to better the school and the town. The Hillside painters painted flowers in the hallway windows so the birds will be able to see the glass and avoid flying into it. Other students spent time painting a Buddy Bench, which will be put in the playground at Hillside, and gives students a place to sit and initiate conversation if they are too shy to do so otherwise. In another room, students decorated paper bags with duct tape, designing them as Valentine’s Day bags to be given to kids with Middle Earth. Those bags will be filled with Valentine’s Day cards that other students made with paper they created themselves. On that paper, they put wildflower seeds, which can be plant-
Students work on the Buddy Bench. ed because the paper is biodegradable. Outside at the school, students drilled holes in logs for bees to lay their eggs, and others checked on birdcages throughout the trails that had been hung many years before.
Hillside Students Spend Day Off Doing Good Service
By Audrey Levine
One student works on her Valentine’s Day bag.
While students around the district spent Jan. 20 with the day off, fifth and sixth graders at Hillside Intermediate School spent their time giving back for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Some students spent the time performing their variety show at Chelsea Assisted Living, while others helped out at Avalon Assisted Living, St. Hubert’s, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelters, Somerset County Animal Shelter, the
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One student drills a hole in a log for the bees to lay their eggs.
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One student paints on the window.
February 2014
The BReeze
Classified Ads Music Lessons: First Lesson $10. Learn Guitar, Bass Guitar, Harmonica and/or Keyboard. Lessons in my Branchburg home. Degreed with years of teaching and performance experience. Call 908-231-0492. Music: French Horn Instruction: Juilliard-trained French hornist with many years’ experience performing and teaching. Bridgewater. 917.886.4934. tedpet5@yahoo.com. Piano Instruction: All ages and styles. Degreed; B.A., M.M., 25 yrs experience. Call 908-7048620. Handyman: Call the handyman many of your neighbors, local businesses and realtors count on for their repairs. Senior Discounts! Sig’s Handiworks – 16 years serving this area. Call 908-231-0492. NJ Lic. 13VH05489400. Repair Screens Bridgewater/ Somerset Area: Pickup & Delivery, or bring your screens to me. Call Fred for prices: 908-
580-0341 or 908-247-1994. Real Estate: Selling your Home or Estate Property? Call me for a complimentary market analysis. I buy homes for cash! George Pantozzi, Broker/Associate, Prudential NJ Properties, 908-3922677 (cell) or 908-874-3400 x324. Chauffer Wanted: F/T and P/T Drivers wanted for limousine company. Must have license and clean driving record. Experience preferred. Please call A Class Limousine to inquire at 732798-0656. Counselors Wanted: Summer day camp in Bridgewater looking for Unit Heads, Shadows and Staff. Teen Travel Camp Unit Head to supervise counselors and oversee travel camp (day & overnight trips) for 7-9th Grade Campers. Camp Unit Head responsible for supervising counselors and oversee day camp/day trips for 4-6th Grade Campers. Unit Head for Teen Leadership Program for 8th & 9th graders. Shadows to
work with campers with special needs. Also hiring Senior Counselors and Specialists, including: Sports, Ropes (will train), Archery, Dance. Eight week commitment mandatory. Apply on line at www. ssbjcc.org/campjobs. Major & Minor Auto Repairs: Electronic & Computer Diagnostics. Reasonable prices & prompt service. Credit cards accepted. Appt. not always necessary. Call Al at 908-526-8590, Economy Automotive Services, 18-C Raritan Ave., Raritan. Musicians: LOCAL GUYS PLAYING BIG MUSIC - THE MCGUINEA’S. We play what you want to hear. We will play for any upcoming event especially Valentines’ Day. Contact us at themcguineas@gmail.com. Italian/Irish favorites, classic/ folk rock/jazz. Caregiver: Experience – caring for the elderly, possible live-in situation, responsible and reliable. Ref. available. Contact Rebecca, 908-240-6100.
Diversionary Road to be Used During Chimney Rock Road Work Somerset County is reporting that work on the westbound side of the Route 22/Chimney Rock Road Interchange project has been completed, with lanes now reopening, and work has now moved to the eastbound side. On Dec. 13, according to a release from the county, Route 22 Westbound was shifted from the temporary diversionary road between the Thompson Avenue overpass and I-287 ramps onto the Route 22 Westbound lanes that were recently constructed. Those new westbound lanes include ramps to and from the
newly constructed Frontier and Chimney Rock roads, which are considered the northern portion of the project. The through lanes and exits will remain accessible, the release said, and additional traffic and directional signs are posted. New westbound traffic staging will be in effect for several months, the release said, while work is being done for the new Route 22 Eastbound local and express roadways, as well as the Chimney Rock Road southerly widening. Route 22 Eastbound traffic
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Club Holding Wine Tasting The Spartan Club of Immaculata High School is holding its 6th Annual La Nuit Des Vins (A Night of Wines) 2014. This will be a wine tasting and social event at the Bridgewater Manor, on Route 202/206, Feb. 8 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $70 per person in advance and $75 at the door. The evening will include wines from around the world, hot hors d’oeuvres, cold hors d’oeuvres, a pasta station, buffet, carving station, dessert, basket raffle, silent auction and 50/50. A cash bar will also be available. The evening will also include live mellow music. Payments can be made by cash, check or credit card for the reservations and the silent auction. RSVP and make reservations by contacting Holly O’Shaughnessy at IHSWineTasting@comcast.net.
Carolers Come to Raritan
— Jennifer Graf (left) and the Olde Towne Carolers put Raritan Public Library patrons in the holiday mood on Dec. 18. They sang most of the old classic carols plus some other fun obscure pieces.
Want to Place a Classified Ad? Classified ads are $20 for the first 30 words, and $0.50 for each additional word. To place a classified ad, send it to thebreezenj@gmail.com. Make checks payable to The BReeze, or call 908255-5926 to pay by credit card.
through the project is temporarily being shifted onto a diversionary road, the release said. According to the county, the existing Route 22 Eastbound traffic between the I-287 overpasses and Thompson Avenue was shifted slightly north on Jan. 21. Traffic will have access to Chimney Rock Road and to businesses located along Route 22 Eastbound. This traffic pattern, the release said, will be used for several months while the contractor is performing the work.
Phone Buddies Wanted at Branchburg Hospice Compassionate Care Hospice in Branchburg is looking for volunteers to start a Phone Buddy program. Volunteers speak with patients who are lonely, or don’t have family around. They can talk to patients without leaving home. The volunteers will be able to
call a patient, chat, see how they are doing and, most importantly, give them someone to talk to. All of the volunteers must be trained per Medicare requirements. The training through the
program is free. Those interested in becoming a Compassionate Care Hospice Phone Buddy can contact Mary Ellen Day at 908-526-2600 or Maryellen.day@cchnet.net.
No Appointment Necessary
Want to get your name out to more than 50,000 people all at once? Advertise in The BReeze! It’s as easy as calling 908-255-5926 or emailing thebreezenj@ gmail.com to find out sizes and prices. We will work with you to fit your budget and advertising needs.
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The BReeze
February 2014
YMCA Swimmers Achieve Silver Status
Varsity Sports Schedule Boys Swimming
2/1 — Away Meet, SCIAA Championships at Montgomery, 4 p.m.
Girls Swimming
2/1 — Away Meet, SCIAA Championships at Montgomery, 10 a.m.
Boys Bowling
2/5 — Away Game, Skyland Championships at Oakwood Lanes, 2 p.m. The swimmers are (from left) Zack Warner, of Montgomery; Dylan Sali, of Bridgewater; Joe Del Buono, of Hillsborough; Brad Zdroik, of Hillsborough; head coach Matt Donovan; assistant coach Rob Rynone; Lindsay Temple, of Hillsborough; Holly Christensen, of Whitehouse Station; Jess Ambrose, of Flemington; and Katrina Kuhn, of Piscataway. The Somerset Valley YMCA our Parent Board volunteers, The USA Swimming program swim team recently achieved Sil- our amazing coaching staff and identifies and rewards clubs for ver Medal Club status. of course the swimmers who their commitment to perforThis establishes it as one of the work so hard every single day,” mance excellence, the release top 100 teams in the country, ac- Donovan said. “To be recog- said. Being designated as a top cording to USA Swimming. nized along with the top clubs in USA Swimming Club allows the According to a release from the country, including the North team to receive grant funding. the YMCA, USA Swimming Baltimore Aquatics Club home In 2013, the team finished as recognizes clubs with high levels to Olympian Michael Phelps, is a state champion for the fourth of athletic performance. huge confidence builder. It shows consecutive year. The team also “We are very proud to be us that we are on the right path took third place overall at the among the best,” head swim and not too far away from Rio YMCA National Championship coach Matt Donovan said in the 2016 Olympics.” long-course meet in Georgia last release. The Somerset Valley YMCA summer. The team already achieved swim team currently has more At the National ChampionBronze Medal Club statuses in than 300 members, all of whom ships, the team took home six in2010 and 2013. practice at the three pools in dividual and relay titles, and then “Making it into this elite club Bridgewater, Hillsborough and set three YMCA National Meet has required a total team effort, Somerville. The team competes records and seven NJ Swimming and that includes everyone from statewide and nationally. records.
Raritan Youth Soccer Plays Hard
Wrestling
2/1 — Away Match, Quad at Montgomery, 9 a.m 2/6 — Home Match against Bernards, 7 p.m. 2/8 — Home Match, Tri-Meet, 9 a.m. 2/12 — Away Match against Manville, 6 p.m. 2/22 — Away Match, District 18 @ Hillsborough, 9:30 a.m. 2/26 — Away Match, Region 5 @ Hunterdon Central, 5:30 p.m. 2/28 — Away Match, Region 5 @ Hunterdon Central, 5:30 p.m.
Ice Hockey
2/1 — Home Game against Watchung Hills Regional, 8:15 p.m. 2/5 — Home Game against Glen Rock, 5:10 p.m. 2/7 — Home Game against St. Joseph’s-Metuchen, 8:15 p.m. 2/13 — Away Game against Robbinsville, 3 p.m.
Co-ed Winter Track
2/8 — Away Match, NJSIAA NII Group IV Sectionals, 3:30 p.m. 2/14 — Away Match, NJSIAA Group IV Championships, 4 p.m.
Girls Winter Track
2/22 — Away Match, NJSIAA “MOC”, 10 a.m.
Boys Winter Track
2/22 — Away Match, NJSIAA “MOC”, 1 p.m.
Boys Basketball
2/4 — Away Game against Watchung Hills Regional, 7 p.m. 2/6 — Home Game against Newark Vocational, 7 p.m. 2/11 — Away Game against Franklin, 5:30 p.m. 2/13 — Away Game against Somerville, 7 p.m. 2/18 — Home Game against Warren Hills Regional, 7 p.m 2/25 — Home Game against Bound Brook, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
2/4 — Home Game against Watchung Hills Regional, 7 p.m. 2/6 — Away Game at Mt. St. Dominic Academy, 7 p.m. 2/11 — Home Game against Franklin, 7 p.m. 2/13 — Home Game against Somerville, 7 p.m. 2/18 — Away Game against Warren Hills Regional, 7 p.m. 2/20 — Home Game against Union, 5:30 p.m. 2/26 — Home Game against Gill Saint Bernards, 5:30 p.m.
Kids in grades one through six play in a non-competitive soccer program Friday nights at John F. Kennedy Primary School. The teams are broken down into grades four through six (above), and grades one through three (right).
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All matches are scheduled to change, particularly as championships begin for all sports. Check brrsd.k12.nj.us for updates.
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February 2014
The BReeze
Page 23
Tournaments, Home Matches Mark Start of Wrestling Season By Audrey Levine The Bridgewater-Raritan High School wrestling team has started off well at around the midway point of the season, with a record of 5–6 as of the middle of January. On the varsity team this year are Van Miller, Brock Ganda-
rillas, Jacob Raboy, Nicholas Fulton, Michael Duarte, Austin Oliver, Tom Longo, Jaleen Harrington, Joshua Hatoff, Nicholas Latta, Kyle Murphy, Angelo Torromeo, Kyle Adams, Gianni Calo, Devin Pietz, Michael Brodsky, Steven Gorski, Bryan Jimenez and Connor Sinibaldi.
YMCA Offering Swim Classes
The Somerset Valley YMCA is offering a variety of swim programs at its Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville branches, beginning Feb. 3. The swim classes are for children as young as 6 months old, through beginner and intermediate adults. YMCA’s safety experts, according to a release, say that the optimum time to learn swimming is before the summer months so children become comfortable with the water. “Learning swimming skills takes time,” said Arthur Soybel, senior director of aquatics for
the Somerset Valley YMCA’s Bridgewater branch. “As drowning remains the second leading cause of death nationwide in children ages 4 to 14, it is never too soon to begin teaching children water safety.” In addition to a regular schedule of swim lessons, the Somerville and Hillsborough branches will also be offering a one-week Y SPLASH swim class the week of April 14 through April 18. The program is an introduction to swimming for those ages 3 through 11 who cannot yet swim. The Y is also offering financial assistance to those in need to help
Instructor Robin McCarthy teaches Sam Sloman, of Bridgewater, how to swim in the pool at the Bridgewater branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA. cover the costs of the programs. For more information about the swimming programs, visit ymcasomersetvalley.org.
BRHS Bands Prepping for Performances color guard and drum line will be holding another show, the Mid Atlantic Indoor Network Indoor Competition, at the BridgewaterRaritan High School. Anyone interested in joining can contact membership@mainguards. com. For information and schedules of performances, visit www. mainguards.com. The Bridgewater-Raritan High School Indoor Guard Show is called “Clockwork,” featuring
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the music of M83. The BRHS band is also announcing that 35 students were selected to be part of the Region Band, and many auditioned in early January for the All State Band.
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The Bridgewater-Raritan High School bands have several upcoming events, all open to the public, for the enjoyment of music fans everywhere. First, on Feb. 8, the winter color guard and drum line will be hosting a USBands Indoor Clinic and Preview Show at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School. The event will begin in the early afternoon, but the preview show performances themselves will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Unit directors can register by going to http://bit.ly/18LxPXT. On March 11, BridgewaterRaritan High School will be hosting the NJ Association for Jazz Education State Jazz Preliminaries, beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing through the evening. The BRHS jazz band will be performing, and the event is open to the public. Then, on March 22, the winter
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Page 24
The BReeze
February 2014
Girls Basketball Posting Multiple Wins in Young Season By Audrey Levine The Bridgewater-Raritan High School girls basketball team was off to a strong start this season, with a record of 7–4 as of midJanuary. The team cemented the record with wins over such teams as Middlesex, Rutgers Prep and Immaculata. On this year’s team are Eunice Abogado, Hannah Abogado, Francesca Arietta, Sarah Brophy, Mackenzie Knouse, Mary Kronenwetter, Abby Miller, Samantha Mitchell, Samantha Orecchio, Abby Ousoulijoglou, Elizabeth Perez and Julia Venturelli.
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