Family, friends and officials gathered on Monday, March 23 to dedicate ‘Corbin’s Corner’ at the Municipal Building, in honor of Councilman Robert Corbin, who served on the Township Council for 18 years before his passing in 2020.

Corbin’s Corner is a quiet reading area in the building’s Community Resiliency Center. The Resiliency Center will serve as a community hub for emergency response, recovery coordination, and resident support during and after major events and disruptions, as well as education and community engagement. It is scheduled to open in April.

Corbin’s widow, Connie, cut the ribbon during the ceremony.

“It’s lovely,” she said, “I’m sure that Bob would have been so pleased.”

Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack said Business Administrator Justine Progebin thought a corner for reflection, “where there could be some books with a little bit of knowledge were the right things to remember what Bob had brought to the Township Council.’

He said Corbin was a ‘steady hand’, ‘the last man who spoke many times on many issues, and when he finally spoke, he was the man who settled the issues.’

“North Brunswick is a better place for having had resident Bob Corbin. It’s a much better place for having had Councilman and Council President Bob Corbin,” Womack said.

At the March 23^rd Township Council Meeting, the North Brunswick Township Women of Influence Committee honored Diane Gressing-Rice, Carla Poupart and Giovanna Melanson as its 2026 Influential Women of the Year Award recipients.

The award is bestowed upon women who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their fields, professions and communities. It recognizes the outstanding efforts of women whose drive has moved the Township of North Brunswick forward in the areas of Arts & Culture, Business, Community Volunteerism, Education and Government and Civic Human Services.

Congratulations to Diane, Carla and Giovanna!

At the March 23rd Township Council Meeting, the North Brunswick Municipal Alliance presented the winning banner designs from the 2026 Annual Women’s and Men’s Mentorship/ Leadership Conference Series, which included 8th grade North Brunswick Township Middle School and 11th grade North Brunswick Township High School students.

Congratulations to the student designers of the banners: Tammay Sudarsanan, Jeremy Chen, Adrien Tung, Eli Pyram, Siddharth Kripalani, Leera Bencharf and Paitynn Morency.

The North Brunswick Municipal Alliance Committee, through funding with the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder, hosted a program called School Prevention.  Within the program, educational opportunities are presented to 8thand 11th grade students. The skills of self -awareness, practice of good role modeling and responsible decision making, are explored. The skills of developing self – confidence strategies and enhance communication skills are practiced with peers.  All skills are important areas needed to succeed in school, work and life. 

An important part of the program is the 8th grade students are mentored by the 11th grade students building a bond that will be established as the 8th graders enter the high school the following school year. Any additional questions in regards to the North Brunswick Municipal Alliance Committee or Youth Alliance, please contact Director Lou Ann Benson at (732) 247-0922 ext. 475.

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. 

For more information and new artist renderings released by the MCIA, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/northbrunswicktrain. 

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!