THIS MONTH IN WORLD WAR II – 75 YEARS AGO By Phil Kohn
Soviet forces reach the Bulgarian border
...READ MOREFALL LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIPS
The Joint Legislative Office of Senator Joseph Vitale, Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez is seeking fall semester interns.
While unpaid, the internship offers college and high school students an opportunity to learn valuable office skills as well as experience how the Legislature and State government operates firsthand.
The two district office locations, Woodbridge and Perth Amboy, are open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Scheduling is flexible.
If interested or know somebody who might be interested, please contact one of the offices at 732-855-7441 (Woodbridge) or 732-638-5057 (Perth Amboy) or via e-mail at SenVitale@njleg.org, AsmCoughlin@njleg.org or AswLopez@njleg.org and attach a copy of your resume.
SALE OF TOBACCO & PRODUCTS PROHIBITED TO THOSE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE By John M. Mitch, Municipal Clerk
It is unlawful for anyone, including retailers, to sell, give or permit to be sold or given to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years of age tobacco or tobacco products in any form. Included with the prohibition of tobacco products is rolling papers as they are generally recognized as being for the purpose of creating cigarettes or other items for the smoking of same. Tobacco shall also mean products made from a tobacco plant for the purpose of smoking, chewing, inhaling, and other personal use including cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff and cigarettes in any form. If you suspect a retailer is selling to those under the age of eighteen, please notify the Health Department at 732 855-0600.
The above Ordinance and others can be found on line at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us under (Departments) Clerk’s Office, General Ordinances.
STAY ALERT By: Robert Hubner, Director, Woodbridge Police Department
Now that summer vacation is over and our students have returned to school, I thought it would be a good opportunity to ask both our motoring public and pedestrians alike to stay alert. Both drivers and pedestrians have an obligation by law to obey some simple rules that will help avoid accidents and injuries.
Motorist must stay alert at all times, but especially within school zones and near school bus stops. School zones are clearly marked, as are almost all crosswalks in and around schools. Most intersections that are heavily used by students have crossing guards present who have the responsibility of making sure our children stay safe while crossing streets. The students also have a responsibility of crossing at the crosswalks manned by the crossing guards and obeying their instructions. Students should never walk out into the street from between vehicles or attempt to cross at mid-block.
Motorists must also exercise caution at school bus stops and remember to never pass a school bus that has its red lights flashing and crossing arm down. Motorists must be mindful that pedestrians have the right of way once they have entered a crosswalk and must remain stopped till the pedestrian has crossed the road. Pedestrians who are entering a crosswalk should never assume that a vehicle has seen them and should always give a vehicle the opportunity to stop before crossing.
At a traffic light controlled intersection, pedestrians must cross with the green light and motorists should always remember that an amber signal does not mean speed-up to make the light before it turns red, but to slow down and prepare to stop.
The WPD has been addressing another traffic safety concern that affects both pedestrian and drivers. The “Distracted Driver” – those individuals that operate a motor vehicle while either talking on a cell phone or are texting while driving. The WPD has conducted a number of Distracted Driver enforcement initiatives and it never fails to surprise the officers working the detail just how many people are using their cell phones while operating a vehicle. A phone call or text message can wait! If the call or text is that important, pull off to the side of the road in a safe area and then use the phone.
The Woodbridge Police Department will continue to conduct traffic safety enforcement efforts to better protect pedestrians and motorists – we all have a responsibility to obey traffic laws and stay alert.
REPORT FROM WOODBRIDGE By Mayor John E. McCormac
As Mayor, one of the most important tasks I have is to make sure that every Woodbridge Township resident is “Safe & Secure” during an emergency. As we have seen over the past couple of years, the threat of a disastrous storm (Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Irene) or storm-related or emergency event is something that we must plan for well in advance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared September as “National Emergency Preparedness Month” and Woodbridge Township is at work reminding residents that the best way to manage a disaster event is to be well-prepared well in advance. As part of our Township-wide emergency management plan, we have implemented a CodeRed emergency notification system. If you would like to be contacted on your home, business, cell, VolP phone, or TTY/TDD system, you must register the phone number(s) with the Woodbridge Township Office of Emergency Management. Please note that the service being offered is for Woodbridge Township residences and businesses only. Go to the Township Web Page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us (Services & Forms – Emergency Services Registries) to register for CodeRed notification. NOTE: IF YOU PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED A REGISTRATION FORM YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-REGISTER. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike… Register to receive Woodbridge Township Office of Emergency Management CodeRed emergency messages. The Office of Emergency Management also maintains a “Safe & Secure” or “Special Need” registry for Township residents who may have difficulty leaving their home during an evacuation because of physical limitations or lack of transportation. WHAT IS A “SPECIAL NEED”: Residents who are non-ambulatory or wheelchair bound; connected to a respirator or dialysis machine; bedridden or critically ill; suffering from Alzheimer’s or a similar condition; diagnosed with impaired eyesight or loss of hearing; or have limited mobility, have a ‘Special Need’ and should register with the Woodbridge Township Office of Emergency Management – all information remains confidential and is used only in time of emergency evacuation. Woodbridge Township residents with a “Special Need” (or caregivers on their behalf) are encouraged to complete a ‘Special Need’ registration form available from the Office of Emergency Management at 732-634-5401 or download the form from the Township Web Page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us (Emergency Service Registry).
I want to remind residents of our September events and programs:
“A Township Remembers: An Interfaith Memorial Service & Salute to Our First Responder Community” September 11, 2019 stands as the 18th Anniversary of the “Attack on America.” On that fateful day in 2001, nine Woodbridge Township residents fell victim to an act of terrorism – never to return to their families: Cmdr. Patrick S. Dunn, Edward Allegretto, Marilyn Bautista, John Adam Larson, James Lynch, Charles Mauro, Tonyell McDay, Narender Nath, and Sankara Velamuri. The Mayor’s Office, the Municipal Council and the Woodbridge Interfaith Clergy Council will host the annual 9/11 Memorial Service on Wed., Sept. 11, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. outside Town Hall (One Main Street) at the Township 9/11 Memorial Park. This year, the 9/11 Remembrance Service will offer a special “Salute of Support” to our First Response community – the Woodbridge Police Department, Township Fire Fighters, First Aid Squad and Emergency Management personnel. Plan to attend as we remember the sacrifice of the nine Township residents who perished in the attack and to honor our Emergency Service First Responders who respond to crisis – not just in time of disaster, but every day in every way.
The Central Jersey BeerFest – hosted by J.J. Bitting Brewing Company – is “on-tap” for Sat., Sept. 21 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Parker Press Park. Experience New Jersey’s finest “hand-crafted” beers and brews… Great Food… Live Entertainment… Admission: $30.00 Adults. $15.00 Non-Drink Adults. Children under 12 FREE. Tickets available at J.J. Bitting Brewing Co. (Main Street) and at the gate. For Information Call: 732-634-2929.
“National Public Lands Day” is Sat., Sept. 28, 2019. This year, we are encouraging Woodbridge businesses, residents, schools and community associations to participate in cleaning-up neighborhood parks, school grounds, playgrounds and public areas. Volunteers can contact the Woodbridge Township Department of Recreation at 732-596-4047 or eileen.caggiano@twp.woodbridge.nj.us to register. The Annual Ernie Oros Woodbridge River Celebration (Ernie Oros Wildlife Preserve, Omar Ave., Avenel) kicks-off at 9:00 AM. FREE Festival Events… Food… Live Music… Walking Tour of the Wildlife Preserve or Kayak the Woodbridge River with the NY/NJ Baykeeper. Find us on FaceBook at: WoodbridgeNationalPublicLandsDay.
The 10th Annual “Tour de Woodbridge” bike tour rolls through town on Sun., Sept. 29, 2019. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, the tour starts and finishes at The Club at Woodbridge (585 Main Street). Attention Riders: While the tour is recreational (30 or 15 miles) it does include some hills and the 30-mile length is a substantial distance that may be a challenge for new bikers and children. Registration: 7:00 AM. Tour: 8:00 AM. Register today at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us .
A Message From Woodbridge Township Board of Education President – Jonathan Triebwasser
September 2019
Welcome back!
The 2019-2020 school year launched on Wednesday, September 4th. Similar to last September when the district opened its first new building, new Oaktree Road Elementary School #29, in nearly 50 years, this month the district celebrated the opening of the new Ross Street Elementary School #11 adjacent to its 99 year old namesake. I would be remiss if I did not remind readers that its construction could not have happened without your support and the support of our municipal partners—Mayor McCormac and the Town Council. Together, we overwhelmingly voted to support the March 2017 school referendum to build, among other initiatives, the new school. Technically, the new Ross Street School is not yet complete. Phase II of the project, which has begun, includes the environmental remediation and demolition of the old building where a new gymnasium wing will be constructed and completed in the spring of 2020. Please be advised that the demolition will not occur during school hours and precautions will be taken to protect people and property during the demolition and removal process.
Woodbridge Middle School (WMS) was the other featured project of the 2017 referendum. Unfortunately, due to several renovation related setbacks, WMS is behind its scheduled August 2019 completion date. However, our contractor and his workers are working diligently to open the school this fall. In the meantime, our students and faculty have been placed in appropriate settings to get the year started. The WMS project consists of a total gut and renovation of the original 1910 and 1920 sections of the building as well as a new gymnasium, locker rooms, band and vocal music rooms, and several new classrooms to name a few new arrangements.
As mentioned in my column last month, I am pleased to direct readers to browse the listing of colleges, trade schools and military branches that our Class of 2019 have enrolled or enlisted in for this fall. Our Board is incredibly proud of all of our students and wish them well in their career endeavors.
Parents and guardians, check out the district’s “Calendar” on the top right of the district homepage for your school’s annual “Back to School Night Open House”. It’s the best opportunity to learn about new initiatives and programs scheduled to take place in your child’s school this year as well as a chance to meet your son or daughter’s teacher(s), principal(s) and fellow staff.
August’s Board meeting highlights included finalizing personnel assignments for the new school year. Notably, the Board hired our new mathematics curriculum supervisor, Mr. Kendell Ali. Additionally, the administration highlighted our high school students’ continued appetite and success in college-level high school courses, including nationally-recognized Advanced Placement courses and our district’s eight dual enrollment partnerships with area colleges and universities offered in all three of our high schools.
The district’s substitute staffing provider, ESS (formerly Source4Teachers) continues to welcome new substitute teachers. They are available at 1-877-983-2244 or online at Ess.com/jobseekers.
For the month of September, the Board will meet on Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 PM in the Avenel Middle School auditorium, 85 Woodbine Ave, Avenel. For your calendars, the Board of Education will meet on October 17, November 21 and December 19. Please consider joining us or watching the recorded meeting via Woodbridge’s local public access channel 35 on your television or through the Township’s YouTube channel.
Should you ever require my assistance, I welcome your input at one of our monthly Board of Education meetings, by e-mail at Jonathan.Triebwasser@Woodbridge.k12.nj.us or a call to the Board Secretary’s office at 732-602-8536.
Thoughts From The Editor…Debbie Meehan
September 2019
It seems like yesterday I was dropping my son off at SJV pre-school. He had been quite ill at the time and my fear of letting someone else care for him took my breath away. I stood quietly in the hallway after he went into the classroom for what seemed to be hours. I was afraid because he had respiratory problems and he was crying so hard that I knew there was a chance he would have difficulty breathing and I didn’t know if they would know how to help him like I did. After about 15 minutes (wasn’t really hours) his teacher came out and gently took my hand and assured me I could leave, that he had stopped crying and they would take good care of him. As I turned to walk out of the school another mother asked me if it was my first child to go to preschool. I realized she had been standing in the same hallway with me, assuming with the same tears in her eyes. I smiled at her and said “No, he’s my third child, you’d think it would get easier.” She understood just what I meant, one mother to another.
Fast forward 15 years and I feel like that same mom again but this time I’m standing in a college room helping that same child unpack his things knowing that this time when I drop him off I wouldn’t be coming back at the end of the day to get him, this time he was on his own making his way into a whole new world and he couldn’t wait. As his roommate (a fellow CHS graduate and friend) and my son started to unpack their things with the help of their tearful moms, I knew, though as sad as I was, that this was what I raised him to do, what we all raise our children to do, become independent. So the answer to that question of “Does it get easier with each child?” Absolutely not!
When I looked around I noticed most of the parents had the same look on their faces; confusion, fear (though not sure if the fear was the letting go part or the college payments around the corner), excitement, pride and a touch of sadness, not for their children but for themselves, at the thought of letting go. After we finally settled the boys in we took them to lunch then headed back to the dorms. We jokingly asked the boys if they wanted us to come in and finish setting the room up, I don’t have to tell you what the answer was to that. We knew it was time to say good-bye and let them start exploring their new world which they couldn’t wait to do. I hugged my son as he whispered to me that it was OK to leave, he would be fine…just go mom, don’t cry. So with a heavy heart filled with happiness for him I got in the car and I cried from Rowan University to exit 131 on the Parkway.
I knew that the tears rolling down my face were because I knew at that moment, once again life had changed, for the better of course, but they still changed. But life is about change and without change we would never move ahead, we would never become better and we would never find out where our place is in this world. Sometimes we stumble, sometimes we get lost but they are things that help build our character and give us courage and strength along the way as we walk forward to become the best we can all be. After all what else could you wish for your child than health, happiness and love, that’s what binds us all together.
As we move ahead in our lives so will our children, sometimes they will need our strength and courage to guide them and sometimes we will need theirs. So whether you pick them up at the end of the day, they drive themselves home in a month or they come visit you with their own children, remember life is about change and knowing that no matter where that change leads you, you can always come back home.
Wishing all of your children and grandchildren a wonderful school year and for those who have graduated and are starting out in the real world, I wish you a successful future.
