The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services’ Martial Arts Program was honored at the March 9 Township Council Meeting.
On December 9, 2025, the program marked a significant achievement as its instructor, Sensei William Ojeda, was promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt in Michi Budo Ryu. Michi Budo Ryu is a comprehensive mixed martial arts system that blends traditional Japanese karate, judo, and jujitsu, emphasizing discipline, technique, and practical self-defense.
On the same day, all of his students participated in a demanding and hard-fought examination, demonstrating determination, resilience, and skill. Through their efforts, each student successfully earned advancement to higher ranks, reflecting the strength and quality of the program. The following are the successful student’s names: Patty Armstrong, Philip Armstrong, Jim Armstrong, Kairo Lockhart, Kween Lockhart, Dennis Kube III, Mayukha Kalakkattil, Mira Samudrala, and Esha Samudrala.
Sensei Ojeda said martial arts are often misunderstood as simply learning how to fight, when in reality it teaches something deeper.
“Martial arts teach discipline and respect, patience and self-control,” he said. “Students learn how to challenge themselves, how to persevere when things are difficult and how to show respect to others, both on and off the mat. These lessons help shape character and build confidence.”
Sensei Ojeda added that “at its heart, martial arts is not about conflict, it is about harmony.”
“It teaches us how to live in balance with ourselves, with others and with our community,” he said.
The promotions were overseen by Master Joe Pung, who visited the school to personally evaluate the testing. After witnessing the students’ discipline, courage, and fighting ability, Master Pung formally recognized the North Brunswick Martial Arts School as a member of the World Head of Family / Sokeship Council—a prestigious organization whose members include many of the world’s finest martial artists spanning the globe.
This recognition represents a proud moment for Sensei Ojeda, his students, and the North Brunswick community, highlighting the program’s commitment to excellence, tradition, and the development of both martial skills and character.
(Sensei Ojeda) is the original black belt in our style and his promotion to sensei was the ultimate redemptive story and he deserves everything he has gotten and everything he is building,” Master Pung said. “He is a true honor to our system.”
Congratulations to Sensei Ojeda and the DPRCS Martial Arts Program!
The North Brunswick Police Department honored a retiring officer, welcomed a new officer and promoted five officers at the March 2 Township Council Meeting.
Police Director Joseph Battaglia said it was a historic evening as it was likely the first time in his 40 years with the department that there were five promotions at one time.
“I want to thank the Mayor, Council and Business Administrator for all their continued support for us,” he said. “They are always looking to our department and always willing to fill those vacancies and spots and for these officers to get advancement. A lot of these guys have been here for a long time and they truly deserve it.”
Officers for promotion are: Captain Michael Sauvigne, Lieutenant Jason Zier, Lieutenant John Strzykalski, Sergeant Timothy Riley and Sergeant Keri Shutz
The department’s newest officer is Patrolman Jacob DeStefano.
Director Battaglia honored Lieutenant Wayne Degaetano for his nearly 30 years of service. Lt. Degaetano was hired by the department as a Dispatcher in 1994 and as a Police Officer on November 18, 1998. On August 3, 2009, he was promoted to Sergeant and was promoted to Lieutenant on February 18, 2020. Lt. Degaetano is the recipient of many letters of commendation and appreciation including two Exceptional Service Awards, five Unit Citations, and three Life Saving Awards.
Police Officer Promotions
Capt. Sauvigne has been a member of the department since January 2006. He was formerly a police officer with Middlesex College and Metuchen Police Department. He was also a special law enforcement officer with the Belmar Police Department and dispatcher with the East Brunswick Police Department.
Capt. Sauvigne was in the NBTPD’s Patrol Division during the early part of his career and was promoted to Sergeant in 2016 and Lieutenant in 2019.
Lt. Zier began his career with the department in 1996 as a dispatcher and was hired as a police officer in July 2002. He was in the Patrol Division then reassigned to the Traffic Bureau in October 2010. He was promoted to Sergeant in April 2021. Lt. Zier was instrumental in developing the Department’s Drone Program by attaining all necessary department licenses, becoming the PD’s first certified drone pilot and spearheading the acquisition of all drone equipment. He is the recipient of several letters of commendations and appreciation, including an Exceptional Service Award, five Unit Citations, a Medal of Merit and two Lifesaving Awards.
Lt. Strzykalski began his law enforcement career as a police officer in Highland Park and Franklin Township Police departments before joining the North Brunswick Police Department 15 years to the day on March 2, 2011. He has worked in the Patrol Division and as a Detective. He was promoted to Sergeant on April 21, 2021. Lt. Strzykalski is a recipient of many letters of commendation and appreciation, including an Exceptional Service Award, four Unit Citations and one Lifesaving Award.
Sgt. Riley has been a member of the department since January 1, 2014. He is a recipient of many letters of commendation and appreciation, including four Lifesaving Awards and two Unit Citations.
Sgt. Shutz began her law enforcement career as an agent with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and was a police officer with the Hillsborough Police Department. She joined the North Brunswick Police Department on July 11, 2011. She has worked in the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau and in the Anti-Crime Unit. She is the recipient of many letters of commendation and appreciation, including the Medal of Merit, three Exceptional Service Awards and six Unit Citations.
New Police Officer
Ptl. DeStefano grew up in North Brunswick Township and graduated from North Brunswick Township High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from Thomas Edison University.
Before joining the department, Ptl. DeStefano was a police officer with the Jamesburg Police Department.
The North Brunswick Train Station continues to progress under the management of Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA), with a recent announcement of 60% design approval and a funding agreement with NJ TRANSIT for the final design phase of the project. The MCIA received formal approval from NJ TRANSIT, acknowledging the milestone and authorizing the agency to continue with Phase 3, Final Engineering and Design. This progress will push the project towards 90% design completion with the construction drawings, another critical achievement.
“With each milestone, construction drawings become refined and finalized to bring this a step closer to getting shovels in the ground,” said Executive Director H. James Polos. “Our construction drawings depict items such as passenger platforms, the overhead pedestrian bridges, foundation elements, steel connections, and methods of structural support.”
In 2020, the MCIA established a unique partnership with NJ TRANSIT, which empowered the MCIA to manage the North Brunswick Train Station project. Under the agreement, the MCIA serves as the project manager overseeing the design and construction of the project and coordinates input from NJ TRANSIT, AMTRAK, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the township of North Brunswick, and Middlesex County.
“With the MCIA leading the North Brunswick Train Station, they have been able to streamline a very complicated and cumbersome approval process,”said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Collaboration continues amongst all partners as we expeditiously move towards 90% design completion. Each milestone brings this vital transportation project a step closer to construction.”
“The MCIA is proud to help implement Middlesex County’s Destination 2040 strategic economic plan. The North Brunswick Train Station is a key component to the future economy of our County,”said Chairman of the MCIA James Nolan. “Once constructed, the station will also help manage traffic congestion along the Route 1 corridor and provide additional access for commuters in the region.”
“We remain grateful for the leadership of both Middlesex County and the MCIA, and the work led by Executive Director Jim Polos, in achieving this important milestone of 60% design approval for the much-anticipated North Brunswick Train Station,” said North Brunswick Mayor Francis M. Womack. “The residents of North Brunswick look forward to aggressive help and support from our federal and state legislators, as well as the continued faithful support of Middlesex County, as we seek the funds necessary to make sure the North Brunswick train station becomes a reality in the near future.”
Funding for the project has been provided by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (NJTTF) in the amount of $50 million. WSP USA is the contracted design and engineering firm managed by MCIA.
I want to thank many of our North Brunswick Township volunteer students and volunteers in general that helped our disabled homebound senior citizens with the shoveling of their driveways during the recent storm.
There are no words that could express our sincere gratitude to those that volunteered and made a positive difference.
Thank you for setting kind examples of thoughtfulness, putting others first and making a difference in your community.
The Township is PROUD of our students and adult volunteers.
(please note there were many volunteers not pictured in the photos.)
Warm Regards,
LouAnn Benson
Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
It was an inspirational evening on Friday at the Senior Center as North Brunswick held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony.
In his remarks via IPhone, Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack said, “Dr. King stepped up during the American civil rights movement, finding within himself the faith and the moral courage to step towards justice and fulfillment of our nation’s righteous potential, even though the path ahead was uncertain.”
He added, “Inspired by Dr. King, we demand fairness and equality for all Americans and we demand justice and respect for all who live here.”
Township Council President Alvin Rich said Dr. King inspired him to live a life of service, showing him that “leadership means uplifting others and real change can happen when we invest in the people.”
Council President Rich said Dr. King was a man who didn’t just change laws but changed hearts.
“Dr. King led with love, not hate,” he said. “He believed that justice and equality were not just social issues. They were moral issues.
North Brunswick Township High School teacher Dorothy Lamar was honored as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award recipient.
“In education, my passion meets my purpose,” she said. “It certainly is something I am challenged to do and I am happy to do because it is something that I love.”
North Brunswick Township High School Head Track & Field Coach Schwann Grimes was the event’s keynote speaker. Coach Grimes referred to Dr. King’s Life’s Blueprint speech in 1967 in Philadelphia, which outlined three principles for living a good life: dignity and self-worth, determination for excellence and commitment to justice and love.
“We teach our athletes that regardless of their talent level, they have a purpose and they have a spot on our team,” he said. “That mindset needs to follow them in life because everyone of us, when we wake up in the morning, we have a purpose for that day.”
Coach Grimes’ winter track team is ranked No. 2 in the state and won its second consecutive Group 4 Relay State Championship this past weekend.
Livingston Park Elementary School music teacher Elizabeth Fackelman was honored with a certificate of appreciation.
During the ceremony, Livingston Park students sang God Bless America, Free at Last, This Land is Your Land, We Shall Overcome and read the Free at Last speech.
Special thanks to the Girl Scouts of North Brunswick/New Brunswick and Troop 18 Scouts, North Brunswick Youth Municipal Alliance, Zhavier Bonds (Youth Alliance Coordinator) and harpist Patrice Turse.
On Sunday, January 11, the North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 celebrated its 100th year anniversary.
For one hundred years, the North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 has stood as a powerful symbol of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. Generation after generation of volunteers answered the call—not for recognition, but out of an unwavering commitment to protect their neighbors and community. Through changing times, advancing technology, and countless challenges, the members of Company No. 2 worked side by side, trusting one another in moments when teamwork meant everything. Their perseverance forged a legacy built on courage, service, and sacrifice, ensuring that the spirit of volunteerism continues to burn as strongly today as it did a century ago.
Organized, January 11, 1926.
We congratulate North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 on their 100th anniversary and thank all its volunteers for their tireless service and dedication to the North Brunswick community!
Councilman Alvin Rich was sworn in as Township Council President at the January 5 Council Reorganization Meeting.
“As we begin this new year, I am truly honored to step into the role of Council President,” he said. “I admit that I feel a mix of nerves and excitement tonight because I understand the responsibility that comes with this position. It’s a responsibility I embrace with gratitude, humility and a deep commitment to serve in this community.”
Council President Rich said the “role is not about the title” but service.
“It is about collaboration, trust and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen our community today and in future generations,” he said. “I am ready to get to work.”
Council President Rich and Councilwoman Amanda Guadagnino were sworn in to their respective terms by Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack.
“I am incredibly grateful to the residents of North Brunswick for the trust and confidence that you have placed in me once again,” Councilwoman Guadagnino said. “It is an honor to continue serving this community that we all love so much. I take that responsibility very seriously every single day.”
The reorganization meeting was meaningful for Councilwoman Guadagnino as it marked the beginning of her 10th year on the Township Council.
“Over the past nine years, I have seen North Brunswick adapt, face challenges and grow stronger,” she said. “I have learned the values of steady leadership, clear priorities, transparency and thoughtful decision making.”
Also sworn in at the reorganization meeting were Township Attorney Ronald Gordon and Fire Chief Leo Whalen, First Assistant Chief Rich Rivelli and Second Assistant Chief Stephen Chaszar.
North Brunswick honored Richard Hill and Tony Brown as the 2025 Youth Advocate Award recipients and Mia Monteiro and Jayden Lynch as the 2025 Young Adult Peer Advocate Award recipients at the December 15 Township Council Meeting.
We congratulate and thank Richard, Tony, Mia and Jayden for their service and commitment to the Township community!
Below are the recipients’ biographies.
Richard Hill
Richard is a long-time resident of North Brunswick. He is a devoted father, husband, coach, mentor and community servant who consistently exemplifies integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the youth of North Brunswick. His leadership is grounded in service, and he is widely respected for the positive impact he continues to make across the community.
Over the past four years, he has volunteered his time and grilling expertise to assist the North Brunswick Township Police Department by preparing over 1,000 hamburgers and hot dogs at their annual National Night Out event. His consistent presence, reliability and warm spirit make him a bright and trusted figure in our community and a credible mentor to our Township’s youth and organizations that serve them.
Richard has served as a board member of the North Brunswick Basketball Association for more than ten years and as a Youth Sports Festival Committee Member for over a decade, and a member of the Adams Athletic Club. He has further demonstrated his dedication by serving as the director for snack shack operations at Sabella Park for the Adams AC where he supported countless youth sports events and created a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
For more than 15 years, Richard has dedicated himself to youth development through his work as both a football and basketball coach for multiple teams within the North Brunswick Basketball Association’s Travel Division and Pop Warner’s Youth Under Guidance programs. His influence extends far beyond athletics – he is deeply invested in building character, confidence and life skills in every child he mentors.
Richard is married to his loving wife, Latesha. He is a very proud father of four children, Keon, Keyara, Richard Jr. and Savannah, who have all gone through/are going through the North Brunswick Township School District.
Tony Brown
Tony and his wife, Lorraine moved to North Brunswick in 2005. They have five children, twin daughters, Jada and Justine, Myla, SophieLyn and Noah.
Tony started coaching with the Department of Parks and Recreation in 2006. He coached girls’ basketball for 4 years, including arranging a visit to the Rutgers Women’s Basketball practice to inspire his team’s focus on preparing to play. He then stepped up to also coach 7th and 8th grade boys’ Recreation Basketball for 2 years when need, even without a child in the program.
Tony advocates girls’ sports and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of building the pipeline of girls to play sports at the Middle and High School level in town.
Tony has also coached flag football, Mighty Mites and Junior Pee Wee teams for the North Brunswick Indians Football Organization. He served as a volunteer for several years, despite not having a child in the program. Tony has a strong background in competitive football, including two Flag Football World Championship titles. He is an avid NFL enthusiast and is currently pursuing his pilot license.
Tony has been accepted into the New Jersey District 2 Umpire Association and will begin officiating high school baseball games this spring. He also owns a local DJ company and has provided entertainment for many private, school and community events – including the popular “Ice Cream with a Cop” and “National Night Out.”
Mia Monteiro
Mia is a senior at North Brunswick Township High School. She is a group leader in the PUSH, which she has been in since her freshman year. Her group presents and talks with students in grades 3-4 about cybersafe and emotional wellbeing. Since freshman year, she has also been a member of the Key Club and is now president. Mia helps package utensils for Elijah’s Promise, makes cards for children in the hospital as well as collecting cans for the food drive.
Mia is president of the National Honor Society. She volunteers at conferences and aids with the book drive. She also assists with drives for the woman’s shelter and Salvation Army.
Mia has been the Student Representative for the Board of Education for two years. During COVID, Mia, while still in Middle School and in her Freshman year, helped fix up classrooms for a non-profit and held a toy and book drive.
Mia was not only elected to be Student Government President for the 2025-2026 school year but also chosen as the Fall Varsity Cheer Captain. She has received the Outstanding Achievement for Spanish, as well as English. She received AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Scholarship Commended Student and won third place at DECA State Career Development Conference.
Mia is a student who empowers her peers and always shows up for her classmates. She advocates for her peers and is a very active listener when being talked to or when people come up to her with concerns. She is genuine and truly hopes to make a difference in the community. Mia has volunteered over sixty hours each year to different clubs and activities.
Jayden Lynch
Jayden is a senior at North Brunswick Township High School. He cares deeply about the community and understands the importance of giving back and actively seek opportunities to serve others. Jayden is very involved with his church outreach to help the community. He has volunteered at the food pantries organized by the church to feed families in the community with food insecurities.
Jayden is always willing to be available to help his church in whatever outreach they do to help the community is a testament to his compassionate nature and empathy. He enjoys being a part of something bigger.
Jayden, through his journey, has really gained a true sense of purpose and recognizes how fortunate he is.
He has achieved Honor Roll A’s and B’s throughout high school. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and will be graduating in the top 10 percent of the class of 2026. Jayden plays the trumpet and baritone and is a valuable member of the concert band, wind ensemble and marching band.
North Brunswick honored Laura Pelszynski at the December 15 Township Council Meeting on being recognized as the 2025 Middlesex County Volunteer of the Year Award recipient.
With over eight years of dedicated service to the North Brunswick Municipal Alliance, Laura has proudly served as a communicator at key community events such as National Night Out, Heritage Day, Halloween Happenings, Bunny Trail, Memorial Day, September 11th Ceremony and more. She has helped raise awareness with the Municipal Alliance Committee and engage residents.
Laura also assists with programming that provides vital information and activities to students within the community. She plays an active role in connecting residents from diverse backgrounds and interests, enriching the Alliiance with a broad range of perspectives and fostering an inclusive, well-rounded group collaboratively working toward the betterment of North Brunswick.
Laura has given so much commitment to community service. Her service extends beyond the Municipal Alliance, including, but not limited to, leadership roles as President of the North Brunswick Woman’s Club, active participation in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and ongoing volunteer work with the North Brunswick Food Bank. Throughout Laura’s volunteer journey, she has been honored with several awards recognizing her contributions, most recently the 2025 Influential Women of North Brunswick Award.
We thank Laura Pelszynski for her tireless volunteer efforts which truly enriches our North Brunswick community!
Congratulations to North Brunswick Deputy Clerk Monica Orlando on being elected as the President of the Middlesex County Clerk’s Association! She will serve in this position for two years.
Monica has more than a decade of experience working in Clerk’s Offices in Middlesex County and we trust she will bring the same passion she has for her job here in the Township to her new role in the Clerk’s Association.
North Brunswick Business Administrator Justine Progebin had the honor of swearing in Monica and the new Executive Board during their quarterly meeting in Sayreville on Thursday, December 11th.
