The Department of Public Works was honored by Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack and the Township Council for their efforts in facilitating the movement of Township departments back into the Municipal Building in recent months.

“Our DPW employees have exhibited exceptional dedication while working long hours under challenging conditions to help maintain services to our community,” the proclamation read.

Mayor Womack said that in addition to DPW’s work in getting staff back into the building, they are there when it snows, there is a water main break or there are sewer or pothole issues. “You are the guys who really come through,” he said.

DPW Director Steve Bloyed commended his staff, who worked under challenging conditions over the past year.

“Everybody just came to work and did their jobs,” he said. “It is a testament to you guys, our young staff, that really shined this past year for us.”

Under an overcast sky and cool breeze, spirits were high at Sabella Park on Monday, April 21 as a blue ribbon was cut to celebrate the park’s new turf field.

It is a significant moment for the Township as it is New Jersey’s first Pivot field. Pivot was created by TenCate’s Center for Turf Innovation (CTI) following years of research and development. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and ongoing testing, CTI perfected the blend of traditional, durable sports fibers with new materials that closely resemble the look and feel of natural grass.

Pivot eliminates nearly 100% of plastic shedding because there’s no conventional infill, which causes abrasion and shedding of the turf.

“We’re proud of it,” said North Brunswick Parks & Playgrounds manager Robert Bongiovi. “The kids of this town will have the best playing surface to play on for years to come.”

The materials used for the Sabella Park field is the same as Rice University’s football stadium, which replaced its playing surface last year following the effects of Hurricane Beryl.

The field also utilizes GeoCool, a cooling additive, which can help dissipate heat and reduce surface temperatures. GeoCool is made from a renewable inorganic mineral that’s 100% recyclable and non-toxic.

“This field is great for the kids of North Brunswick, coming up and playing football,” said North Brunswick Township High School football coach Mike Cipot. “They have something to look forward to and something to be proud of that they have a state of the art field.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony comes nearly five months after the field sustained damage due to a sewer main break on November 30. Public Works Director Steve Bloyed thanked Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack, the Township Council and Business Administrator Justine Progebin for their support with the field replacement project.

An extended detour is in place along Hidden Lake Drive just beyond the Route 27 entrance while emergency repairs are made to the culvert by Middlesex County.

Please observe informational signage at Route 27 and Aaron Road.

At the March 24 Township Council Meeting, the North Brunswick Municipal Alliance presented the winning banner designs from the 2025 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 students Beyonca Hatcher, Alicia Taylor, Nicole Dumashie and Nishta Patel!

At the March 3^rd Township Council Meeting, the North Brunswick Township Women of Influence Committee honored Shanti Narra, Laura Pelszynski and Rosalba “Rosie” Camarillo as its 2025 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 Shanti, Laura and Rosie!

Mayor Womack and the Township Council honored Elmwood Cemetery Association President Eleanor Molloy at last night’s Council Meeting.

Elmwood Cemetery was established in 1868. Eleanor’s great-great grandfather, D.G. Stubblebine was the founding President of Elmwood Cemetery. Her family has been running the cemetery since its inception with Eleanor starting work in 1990. She became President in 2013, representing the sixth consecutive generation.

Elmwood Cemetery has continually and very methodically recorded family histories, serving as an archival resource for genealogy. Since taking over as President, Eleanor expanded their commitment to assisting families with their personal histories. Eleanor strongly believes in the importance of knowing your roots, heritage and history; and

Under Eleanor’s direction, Elmwood developed the Civil War, World War 1, World War 2, Spanish American War and Korean War Walking Tours that tell about these conflicts through the personal stories of the men and women buried at Elmwood. She implemented an Educational Advisory Council to get professional advice about their Civil War Walking Tour and, with the professionals on the EAC, developed curriculum for schoolchildren. From this, Elmwood gave educational tours to North Brunswick students from middle school through high school.

Eleanor has worked with several North Brunswick volunteer organizations including the Woman’s Club, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the American Legion and the VFW to ensure that our local veterans are honored. She served on the North Brunswick Township WWl Centennial Commission and spearheaded the ringing of the Bells of Peace on November 11th. In 2021, Elmwood dedicated a “Never Forget Garden” in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This garden serves as a memorial to our local veterans who are missing in action or killed in action, never to return home.

Eleanor developed partnerships with the community to support organizations that positively contribute to the wellbeing of North Brunswick residents. Elmwood Cemetery has supported four Eagle Scout projects. In 2018 they collaborated with the North Brunswick Environmental Commission to host a Bio Blitz and they supported a North Brunswick Township student’s college internship which researched the 1918 influenza pandemic. Each February and March they offer programming for Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

Eleanor started the annual butterfly release and the Luminaria, two programs to offer a joyful remembrance for those in our community who are grieving and have suffered a loss. These programs are a reminder that we are not alone in grief. Eleanor has sought to make Elmwood a source of compassionate care for the bereft. She strives to serve North Brunswick Township with a place to remember and honor those who have gone before us.

Congratulations and thank you for your continued dedication to the North Brunswick community!

It was a special evening for the North Brunswick Township Police Department at the February 3 Township Council Meeting as it recognized the service of retiring police officers, celebrated the promotion of dedicated members of the department and welcomed 2 new officers.

“We celebrate the legacy of those who have served, the bright future of those stepping into new leadership roles and the promise of the newest officers,” Police Chief Joseph Battaglia said.

The officers honored on their retirement are: Lieutenant Greg Gyumolcs, Sergeant David Incle, Officer Ashley Bryan and Sergeant Darren Carroll.

Officers for promotion are: Lieutenant Paul Pappas, Sergeant Jason Vallese and Sergeant Sean Egan

The department’s newest officers are Police Officer Thomas Kushnir and Police Officer Matthew Thibault

Police Officer Retirements

Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack said the retiring officers are names that “we hear time and time again associated with the best of our department. We are very sorry to lose them but they have given us immense pride over the years.”

Lt. Gyumolcs began his career with the department in January 1995, promoted to Sergeant in 2010 and Lieutenant in 2016. He served in the Patrol Division and Traffic Safety Bureau. He has received multiple letters and commendation and appreciation, 3 unit citations and 2 life saving awards.

Sgt. Incle began his career in January 2005 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2019. He served in the Patrol Division and Traffic Safety Bureau. He is the recipient of multiple letters of commendation and appreciation, 1 unit citation and 2 life saving awards.

Chief Battaglia said Lt. Gyumolcs and Sgt. Incle’s “leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication to duty have left a lasting impact on their fellow officers and community they serve. Their experience and guidance will truly be missed.”

Officer Bryan began her career in November 2015. She has received multiple letters of commendation and 1 life saving award.

While serving the community, she was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a reckless driver traveling over 90 miles per hour and ran a red light.

“Ashley, your strength and resilience in the face of this tragedy is inspiring,” Chief Battaglia said. “Though your career was cut short, your impact on this department and the people you served will never be forgotten.”

Chief Battaglia recognized Sergeant Carroll, who began his career in January 2013. He retired in March 2024 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. He was seriously injured while pursuing a fleeing suspect. Sgt. Carroll was struck by an automobile as the suspect recklessly crossed 6 lanes of traffic on Route 1.

“Darren, your bravery and sacrifice exemplified the courage it takes to wear the badge and we honor your dedication to protecting our community,” Chief Battaglia said.

Police Officer Promotions

Lt. Pappas joined the police department in July 2006 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2020. He has earned multiple letters of commendation, 3 unit citations, an exceptional service award and one life saving award.

Sgt. Vallese has been member of the department since 2006. He has earned multiple letters of commendation, 3 unit citations, an exceptional service award and 2 life saving awards.

Sgt. Egan has been a member of the department since July 2015. He has earned multiple letters of commendation, 3 unit citations and an exceptional service award.

New Police Officers

Newest police officers Kushnir and Thibault recently completed a rigorous 6 month Police Academy course, graduating on January 10.

Kushnir was born and raised in North Brunswick. He is a graduate of North Brunswick Township High School and went to Middlesex County College. His father is a retired North Brunswick police officer.

Thibault also is a North Brunswick Township High School graduate. He attended Alvernia University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.