SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – The South Plainfield Parents’ Ponytail Association (SPPPA) is gearing up for its first ever golf outing fundraiser.
“We have never held a fundraiser like this before and are looking forward to a fun event,” said Rick McCriskin, fundraising co-chair and the golf outing’s organizer. “A lot of people in town like to play golf, and we are hoping they will come out and support us and South Plainfield Ponytail Softball.”
Set to take place on Thursday, June 6 at Galloping Hill Golf Course, the event will feature a scramble format limited to 120 golfers. Entry, which is $200 per person/$800 per foursome, includes a continental breakfast, use of locker room, green and cart fees, driving range shuttle, lunch, and door prizes/awards. There will also be a long drive, closest to the pin, closest to the line, 50/50 raffle, and other contests. Day-of registration and breakfast will take place from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start with lunch and awards taking place at 2 p.m.
Sponsorships are also available and greatly appreciated. The options are as follows: Premiere (includes 4-some, name/logo on welcome gift): $2,500; Lunch: $2,000; Breakfast: $1,500; Cigar Truck: $750; Beverage: $500; and Hole: $225. One may also attend just lunch to support the cause at the cost of $75 per person.
According to Gary Cassio, president of the SPPPA, all proceeds raised at the organization’s fundraising events, such as the upcoming inaugural golf outing as well as the annual comedy night and tournaments, go to benefit both recreation and travel softball programs with monies used to upgrade and maintain fields, provide uniforms and apparel, hold the line on registration fees, and provide players with free winter workouts.
Additionally, said McCrisken, a portion of proceeds from the golf outing will be donated to the recreation department’s Buddy Ball program.
“The South Plainfield Parents’ Ponytail Association falls under the borough recreation department and we thought it would be nice to give back to a cause that helps and benefits both our rec and travel programs as well as one that is dedicated to helping special needs children,” McCrisken said.
Registration for the SPPPA’s June 6 golf event outing is currently open and runs through May 30; to sign up, scan the QR code below or fill out on the online form by clicking here. Payments, including checks made out to SPPPA, can also be sent to PO Box 441, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 or made through Zelle (Jencurrao@yahoo.com). For more information, email spponytailsoftball@gmail.com.
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SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – Debra Gulya joined the South Plainfield Public Library over a decade ago and has called the borough institution home ever since.
Gulya grew up one town over in Edison and attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature and initially was considering a career as teacher.
“I realized it wasn’t the right fit and, since I loved being in libraries, I felt it would be a good career for me,” Gulya said. “I know I wanted to be in a position to help and work with people.”
In 2011, Gulya secured a job at the South Plainfield Public Library, working part-time as a page shelving books while working towards a master’s in library information science at Rutgers University. After earning her degree in 2013, she was named a part-time librarian for South Plainfield, assisting with cataloging as well as in the children’s and at the front desk.
In 2017, she became a full-time librarian and, when Eve Pasternak left in early 2023, Gulya stepped into her position. Gulya is currently the library’s main cataloger. In this role, she works to add new materials and records, such as summaries and keywords, into the system. Through this process, patrons are able to learn about the material as well as place holds on items of interest.
Additionally, Gulya works alongside fellow librarian Danielle Aronowitz to plan and schedule adult programming as well as write the library’s Bookmarks column.
As a librarian, Gulya says she has an opportunity to not only help people but also be a part of the community.
“I like that, especially here, I am able to work with people of all ages,” Gulya who resides in Dunellen with her husband and their two sons, said.
“I feel South Plainfield is a very special library; there is a sense of community and camaraderie that you don’t see in other libraries. It is very inclusive. Our goal is to welcome everyone and make the library not just a place to find a book but almost a community center. “It’s small but still offers so much while making people feel at home.”
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – The Borough of South Plainfield and Middlesex County have joined together to rehabilitate two of the municipality’s parks.
At a council meeting held March 4, the governing body approved Resolution 24-120, an agreement for grant funds in the amount of $673,750 from the Middlesex County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Prevention Trust Fund. The monies are specifically earmarked for capital improvement projects at Pitt Street Park and at various sports complexes along Kenneth Avenue.
“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I am pleased to share with you our commitment to partnering with the Borough of South Plainfield on the recreational improvements to Pitt Street Park and Kenneth Avenue Park ...” stated County Commissioner Director Robert Rios in a Feb. 23, 2024 letter to South Plainfield Mayor Matt Anesh.
According to South Plainfield officials, the county grant monies will help offset new lighting, road resurfacing, and pathways at the South Plainfield Ponytail Softball Club's Field 1 at Pitt Streetl; new lighting and new parking lots at the South Plainfield Junior Baseball Club's Field 2 on Kenneth Avenue; new parking lots and new fencing at the Kenneth Avenue football fields; and new lighting at the Kenneth Avenue soccer fields.
“We want to thank Middlesex County,” said Administrator Glenn Cullen during the meeting, telling TAPinto that ‘the improvements authorized with this shared service agreement demonstrate the commitment and focus the mayor and council, as well as the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners, have on the value of recreational facilities and youth activities in the Borough of South Plainfield.’
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - The lottery and info session for the 2024/2025 preschool year will be held on March 28, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. All parents and guardians who have a child eligible to attend preschool are encouraged to register for the lottery and info session. Simply click the link below to secure your spot.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w8RIyo33TMK8zrO9GANNyw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details of how to access the webinar.
To be eligible, the child must be a borough resident and turn 3- or 4-years old by Oct. 1, 2024 (no exceptions). Proof of residency and eligibility will be required prior to entering the lottery.
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – Longtime resident and South Plainfield Borough Councilman Derryck C. White has added author to his resume.
Last month, White published The Ripple Effect: Mastering Purposeful Partnerships in Life and in Business, a culmination of timeless principles, as well as life experiences - good and bad - and how to use them to open up endless possibilities to help others. Through the pages of his freshman work, White and those he collaborated with, share how ‘purposeful partnerships’ play a vital role in life.
“This is not your typical book; it is about partnering and aligning yourself with people because of their values and principles,” White told TAPinto South Plainfield.
In The Ripple Effect, White shares stories about his parents, professional and civic interactions, and even some personal situations but the book, he said, isn’t focused solely on him.
“It is message of ‘purposeful partnerships’ and includes examples from myself and others as to why they are important, the process for formulating and maintaining them, and how to determine if a person truly shares the same values,” he said, adding, “I was inspired to write this book in order to provide a voice and roadmap for those searching to fulfill their purpose.”
To extend this message, White’s book includes a section of contributions from people he has personally experienced live out these ‘purposeful principles,’ including but not limited to his friends Sinorice Moss, retired NY Giant Super Bowl XLII Champion, and Investors Bank CEO Kevin Cummings as well as his children, Alexx and Noah, and several South Plainfield residents and business leaders. Additionally, it features a forward by South Plainfield resident Joseph Belardo Jr., a Purple Heart recipient and commander of the New Jersey Military Order of the Purple Heart.
“I choose specific people that I partner with and whose values and principles I align with and asked them to share, in their own words, what ‘purposeful partnerships’ mean to them and how they use them. I am so grateful to all who contributed their stories and insights,” said White, adding, “I am proud of our community because of its small-town feel, which means many people and organizations are living out this principle. I know of some, but there are many more who quietly go about their days being intentional and purposeful in their lives, which I believe is a gift to be cherished and nurtured.”
White began working on the book almost a decade ago and dedicated a great deal of time to it during the pandemic. The 145-page work was officially released by Reagan Publishers in February and is available in hardcover, paperback and e-book formats.
"I am not a writer and this is the first time I have attempted something like this. It took a long time to pull it together and make it unique in its own way, but it is very much me,” he said. “It is very much laid out the way I think, the way I interact with people, the way I try to engage people and include them,” he said.
White went onto note that his prayer for the book is for people to ‘read it, get it, apply it, and that most of all, it provides everyone with something that they need to hear.’ “I truly believe God entrusted me with this common-sense message, which is unfortunately not so common,” he said, adding, “I want The Ripple Effect to help touch and change lives.”
To learn more about White’s book or to purchase a copy, click here. You can also follow him on his author page on Facebook. There, readers will also find sneak peek excerpts and details about upcoming book signings and more.
]]>Spring cleaning, indoors and out, is a long-standing tradition for many households. But as we learn more about the important pollinators, insect-eating toads, songbirds, and beneficial insects, the more we realize we need to adjust some of our timing and methods.
It is safe to remove winter protection, such as mulch, when the temperatures begin hovering around freezing or your plants are beginning to sprout. Keep some frost protection handy just in case you need to protect any tender plants from a hard freeze.
Always check for frost heaving. When cold winters are interrupted by warm spells, bare soil may thaw and then refreeze. This temperature fluctuation can cause the soil to shift and push spring flowering bulbs, coral bells, daylilies, and other perennials out of the soil. Just gently push them back in place or reset in the soil making sure the roots are covered.
Wait for temperatures to be consistently above 50 degrees to start cutting back perennials that were left standing. This allows any beneficial insects overwintering in the hollow stems time to emerge and find a summer home.
Cut some of the stems to the ground and some back to 18 to 24” on each plant. These old stems provide summer homes for some of our native bees. As new growth emerges in spring, it will mask the older stems so your garden will look as beautiful as ever.
If you can’t wait, stack the stems out of sight until temperatures warm and pollinators have a chance to emerge. Then chop and compost the debris in mid-summer.
Tie or bungy cord tall ornamental grass plants before cutting them back to make cleanup easier. Then use a hand pruner for small jobs or a string trimmer or hedge clipper for larger plantings. Wait for new growth to fill in shorter grasses and simply comb your fingers through the plant removing the old brown leaves.
Leave fall leaves on the soil surrounding the plants to serve as mulch, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture. As the leaves break down, they add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. They also provide homes for beneficial insects and insulate the soil for plants, toads, and more.
Mark the location of perennials like butterfly weed and hardy hibiscus that emerge later than most plants in spring. This helps to avoid accidentally weeding them out. Leave a few stems standing, use plant markers, or next fall plant some spring flowering bulbs near the plants to serve as a colorful placeholder.
Consider leaving some sunny spots bare for ground-nesting bees. Avoid areas like entryways and gathering spots where people and the bees may collide. Although the bees are docile and not likely to sting, people are often fearful leading to their elimination. Setting aside some out-of-the-way spaces for ground-nesting bees allows everyone to coexist more happily.
This is also a good time to tidy up garden beds and lawn edges. You’ll slow the invasion of weeds and grass into garden beds and lawn encroaching onto walks.
Remove weeds as they appear. The smaller weeds are easier to remove and eliminating them before they flower and set seed means fewer weeds you’ll need to pull in the future.
Take advantage of the delay in spring cleaning by cleaning and sharpening your tools. When the temperatures are right, with tools in hand, you will be ready to get busy in the garden.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
]]>As gardeners, it seems we are all looking for an ideal potting mix for our houseplants and containers. As with any gardening endeavor, a lot depends on what is available, the plants you are growing, and the type of maintenance you provide.
That said, there are some things you can do to increase your success and reduce ongoing maintenance. It all starts by reviewing the label on the bag you plan to purchase. You’ll find a variety of bags labeled as planting mix, potting mix, container mix, and more. Check the label to see what the bag contains and recommendations for its use.
These mixes usually contain inorganic and organic materials and may also include sand and mineral soil. They may or may not be sterilized to kill weed seeds and pests. If it doesn’t say sterilized, it probably is not, and you should consider another product instead.
Many potting mixes are labeled as “soilless.” They consist of peat moss, sphagnum moss, and compost for moisture retention and vermiculite or perlite for drainage, but do not contain mineral soils such as sand or clay. They are lightweight and blended to hold moisture while draining well.
Some potting mixes are modified to accommodate the needs of certain plants. Orchid mixes often contain more bark for better aeration while cacti and succulent mixes have more sand or perlite for better drainage. African Violet potting mix contains more organic matter to create a moist, rich growing medium.
Organic potting mixes are also available. Many gardeners prefer to know the ingredients are free of pesticides and other contaminants. Check for the word organic and OMRI on the label if you want an organic product.
Once again, check the label on the bag for more details on the potting mix. Some potting mixes contain a “starter charge” of fertilizer. This minimal amount of fertilizer is usually gone after two or three waterings. Some include additional fertilizer that provides small amounts of nutrients over a longer period. The label may say controlled-release, time-release, or slow-release fertilizer, meaning it provides your plants with nutrients for a certain amount of time.
Moisture retaining products are supposed to hold water near plant roots and reduce the frequency of watering. Research has not shown them to be effective. Some gardeners feel they are effective, while others end up with root rot when using these.
Consider adding an organic product, like Wild Valley Farms wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com) to potting mixes that do not contain moisture-retaining products. It is sustainable, made from wool waste, University-tested, and has been shown to reduce watering by up to twenty percent, while also increasing air space and adding organic matter.
Select bags of potting mix that are light, fluffy, and moist. Avoid bags that are waterlogged and heavy. The mix can break down and become compacted and some of the slow-release fertilizer may be pre-released and damage young seedlings when saturated with water.
Spend a bit of time searching for the potting mix that best matches the plants you are growing and your watering regime. The time spent selecting your perfect potting mix will pay off with greater growing success.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
]]>NEW JERSEY – National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is observed in March with the goal of spreading information about the lifesaving benefits of early detection.
“Colon cancer is the second leading cancer death in men and women, but it is also the most preventable and, if detected early, treatable form of cancer,” Howard S. Hochster, MD, FACP, associate director for clinical research and director of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and director of oncology research at RWJBarnabas Health, told TAPinto.
Commonly referred to as colon cancer, colorectal cancer occurs when the cells of one’s intestinal lining grow out of control. Left undiagnosed and untreated, the noncancerous (benign) growths, known as polyps, can become malignant. While symptoms may include lower abdominal pain and/or tenderness, bloody stool, bowel changes, tiredness or weakness, and/or unexpected weight loss, the disease can go undetected in its early stages.
As a result, medical experts recommend routine colonoscopies beginning at age 45 for those who do not have any other risk factors, with the suggested age even younger if one’s first-degree relative – parent, brother, or sister - had colon cancer.
“Today, we are seeing a lot more young people with colon cancer ...” said Hochster. “If you do have a first-degree relative who had colon cancer you should get your first screening colonoscopy ten years earlier than the age that they were diagnosed; if a parent had colon cancer at age 50, you should go at 40 or possibly earlier depending on the discussion with your gastroenterologist.”
RWJBarnabas Health - New Jersey’s largest integrated healthcare delivery system – and the Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, work together to provide the most innovative treatments and comprehensive care.
“Our patients receive the most optimal and latest treatments for all diseases, including colon cancer,” Hochster said, adding, “We have a very strong science and clinical trial program, and we bring all of our resources to our patients.”
Currently, he said, various colon cancer trials are under way, including those for people with more advanced stages of the disease, as well as one in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute and other hospitals throughout the country to determine the effectiveness of a newer circulatory tumor DNA test over pathologic staging.
“For patients [diagnosed early], surgery is often the first step of management, and we normally make a recommendation for or against post-operative chemotherapy depending on what we understand one’s risk of reoccurrence to be.... Now, we are looking at traces of tumor DNA in the blood to determine if this new technology can be a better predictor of reoccurrence,” Hochster said, adding that by looking for traces of tumor DNA in the blood, medical experts are able to more precisely predict if a tumor will return.
“We are hoping this will allow us to avoid treating a lot of people who don’t need treatment and give more intensive treatment to people who have the highest risk for reoccurrence,” he said, stressing the importance of early detection.
“Colon cancer is preventable. If you get a screening colonoscopy and have polyps, if you have a first-degree relative, or if you have symptoms, even if you are younger, make sure you get checked out,” Hochster said.
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - In an ongoing effort to enhance community well-being in South Plainfield, the Mayor’s Wellness Committee is thrilled to announce the second installment of its Healthy U community health webinar series. This time, participants will be diving into the fascinating realm of cognitive wellness and unraveling secrets for keeping your brain active and engaged throughout your lifespan.
The Healthy U series aims to educate and empower residents with valuable insights, expert advice, and practical tips for cultivating a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first webinar in the series was hosted in collaboration with Hackensack Meridian Health and addressed seasonal affective disorder. The response from residents eager to prioritize their health was impressive. Buoyed by this success, the upcoming webinar promises to be just as enlightening, focusing on the vital topic of cognitive health.
Webinar Details:
What to Expect: Megan Kenny, MS, CCC-SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) Hackensack Meridian Health, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute will lead the discussion on understanding cognitive wellness.
The session will explore normal, age-related memory changes verses abnormal memory changes and provide tips for keeping your brain active throughout your lifespan. Ms. Kenny will delve into the nuances of normal memory changes that occur as we age, providing insight into what we can expect as a natural part of the aging process. Additionally, the session will shed light on abnormal memory changes, emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs that may indicate more serious issues. By understanding these distinctions, community members can become proactive in preserving their cognitive well-being and seek appropriate support if needed.
In the spirit of fostering community engagement, there will be an interactive Q&A session where participants can pose questions to Ms. Kenny. This ensures that the content is not only informative but also tailored to the specific concerns and interests of our community.
Residents of all ages are invited to attend the webinar on Tuesday, March 26th for an enlightening and empowering evening dedicated to health and wellbeing. Let’s continue our journey together towards a healthier, happier South Plainfield.
Residents can access the webinar at https://boroughofsouthplainfield.my.webex.com. Enter 126 663 1990 in the “Enter Meeting Information” box, then simply select the “Join Meeting” button.
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – The South Plainfield High School (SPHS) Drama Club is gearing up for its 2024 spring musical, Disney’s Freaky Friday, later this month.
The live production will hit the stage Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24.
Freaky Friday, based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney film, is the story of an overworked mother and her teenage daughter who magically swap bodies and have just one day to make things right again.
“Through the ups and downs of the day, what at first seems like a disaster, may actually be just the thing they needed to heal their relationship as they each come to understand one another by the end of the musical,” said Sarah Oese, an English teacher at SPHS who is serving as the musical’s director.
Auditions for Freaky Friday were completed at the start of January, with those students seeking lead roles required to sing, dance, and read from the script completely in character. Cast lists were released shortly after and, over the past three months, the students involved in the show have been working closely with Oese along with Dr. Donna Kregler, vocal director; William Haughwout, pit director; and Amanda DeMatteo, choreographer.
The production also features more than a dozen students who, along with their parents, have been working with Christine Karl, stage crew manager, to build the sets. Additionally, live music throughout the production will be provided by SPHS students.
“Audiences can expect some stunning light work, beautiful singing, and some truly heartfelt acting, which will leave them both emotionally moved as well as laughing in their seats,” said Oese, adding that while the plot may seem simple, efforts have been made to ‘pull the passion, emotions, and comedic elements of the show to the forefront.’
“We plan to really blow away our audience this year with a heartfelt show which makes them leave the room thinking about their own loved ones and some of the hidden struggles they may be facing,” said Oese. “We want not just to entertain you, but to give you something to take away with you when you leave..."
Freaky Friday is rated PG and safe for kids. Performances will take place in the South Plainfield High School Joseph A. Mondoro Auditorium on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m.
Tickets, which are $10 per person with all proceeds benefiting the drama club, are currently available for purchase online. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the SPHS box office before each show.
The Freaky Friday Cast
Sydney Becker
Allison Buchanan
Matthew Clarke
Nina DeSimone
Liani Eorio-Wilson
Mia Sophia Estrada
Sofia Hassan
Taryn Lodato
Sophia Miller
Sahasra Nagireddy
Allison Patzwa
Allison Porga
Taylor Reed
Brooke Ridley
Tatiana Rowlands
Samantha Rush
Kelvin Singleton
Daniel Swartz
Londyn Thomas
Matthew Williams
The Freaky Friday Crew
Elizabeth Alli
Christopher Amariles
Riley Cassio
Nelly Hatton
Idalie Joseph
Isabelle Le
Gabriel Lotano
Jhosua Meza
Alex Ndegwa
Madison Pascall
John Pignataro
Cameron Rasmussen
John Reed
Luxy Ruiz Nicolas
The Freaky Friday Musicians
Anthony Butrico
Camila Chavez
Kai Co
Sabrina Louissol
Dylan Nicolay
Kevin O'Brien
Zachary Orelien
Kaitlyn Pascale
Ray Pascale
David Rapelye
Wren Rasmussen
Kaitlyn Singh
Nethra Sriram
Cameron Van Wyk
Neill Wands
Will Wands`
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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – South Plainfield junior Eva Altamirano became the first ever Girls State Wrestling Champion in school history at the NJSIAA State Championships in Atlantic City on March 2. Eva defeated Jada Pichardo of Pennsauken in a 4-3 decision in the final round of the 126 lb. bracket.
On her road to this state title, Eva also won the North 2 Regional Championship, as well as the Greater Middlesex Conference Championship, both in the 126 lb. brackets.
“We are extremely proud of Eva for winning the state championship at 126 lbs.,” said South Plainfield wrestling coach Steven Johnston. “She has worked extremely hard since she came into the wrestling room as a freshman. Eva would practice with the team on a daily basis on top of a good amount of strength training and attending her club practice a few nights a week.”
“This is an incredible accomplishment for Eva, our wrestling program, and our community,” said South Plainfield athletic director Tammy Zurka. “I was so proud of Eva and am impressed every day by how motivated she is and what she is willing to put into her sport.”
Eva’s state title is not only the school’s first girls state title, but it is the 14th overall state title in the history of South Plainfield wrestling, a program that has produced over six decades of successful young wrestlers.
“Winning the state title meant the world to Eva,” said Johnston. “As far as what it meant to the Wrestling Program, it is always important when an athlete accomplishes their goals, and this has been something that Eva set as a goal since entering high school. In a year that was atypical for the boys wrestling team, it was great to see Eva reach the pinnacle of high school wrestling.”
Coach Johnston not only sees Eva’s title win as another addition to the impressive resume of the SPHS wrestling program, but also as a start to a very successful girls wrestling program.
“Hopefully this will encourage more girls to begin wrestling at the recreation level so that we can grow and develop into having a solid girls program by the time they get to middle school and high school,” said Johnston. “Eva’s success has made her a trailblazer for the young female athletes in the community.”
Coach Johnston and his staff always felt that Eva had the ability to win a state title but were unsure if and when it would happen. Now with such success in just her junior season, expectations will be high for Eva going into her senior year. Both Coach Johnston and Director Zurka believe that the hard work she puts in year round as well as her mental toughness will be enough to make her senior season her best yet.
“Anytime you win a state title as a junior, you would like to come back and win it in your senior year, but Eva has to continue to focus on getting better at wrestling every day from now until next season,” Johnston added. “The wrestling program and the South Plainfield community are extremely proud of everything Eva accomplished this season. She will forever be remembered as the first female state champion in South Plainfield wrestling history.”
“We know that Eva is going to work hard every day and push herself to get better and to put herself against better and better competitors,” said Zurka. “Eva, her coaches, friends, and family all know the amount of incredibly hard work it took for her to get where she is today, and we are all excited to see where she goes from here.”
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – March is 'Women's History Month' and, at a recent borough council meeting, 8-year-old Savannah Malecki, on behalf of Mayor Matt Anesh, called upon residents to ‘observe...the many contributions of American women.’
Savannah, a third-grader at Franklin Elementary and member of Brownie Troop 65118 who was initially at the March 4 meeting for a proclamation honoring Girl Scouts, stuck around a bit longer and, with some assistance from Councilwoman Christine Faustini, presented the borough’s 2024 Women’s History Month proclamation.
“[W]omen of every race, class and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our community, our State and our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways,” said Savannah, reading the mayor's proclamation from a seat at the dais. “[It] is an opportunity for us to recognize the influence that women have made...[and] to honor those who blazed trails for women's empowerment and equality.”
The borough’s Women’s History Month 2024 proclamation was accepted by Savannah, Councilwomen Christine Faustini and Melanie Mott and Borough Clerk Amy Antonides along with members of the South Plainfield Women’s Leadership Team, including Debbie Boyle, Shannon Jeffreys, Nina Rohrer, and Pam Stefanek.
At the meeting, Rohrer stated that the group’s annual ‘Women’s History Month Essay Contest’ would once again be taking place. Open to all residents in ninth through 12th grade who reside in the borough, the contest is designed to recognize and celebrate the contributions women have made in the United States, its culture, history, and society. The theme for 2024 is Jane Austen and information will be provided to students throughout area schools in the coming days.
Women's History Month is a national effort that was launched in 1981 with the first ever ‘Women’s History Week’ authorized by Congress and approved by the president. Over the next six years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as ‘Women’s History Week,’ and, in 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress approved legislation designating the annual month-long celebration. The theme for 2024 is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion."
Additionally, International Women's Day (IWD), held annually on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.
“...[T]he history of American women is an expansive story of outstanding individuals who sacrificed much and worked hard in pursuit of a better world, where peace, dignity, and opportunity can reign,” Savannah, on behalf of the mayor, said. “[W]omen of strength, vision, and character have long influenced our country by contributing their time, efforts, and wisdom in vastly diverse ways to improve and enhance our government and communities, our schools and religious institutions, our businesses and the military, and the arts and sciences.”
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – Throughout the United States, the 'Read Across America' initiative works to encourage reading and raise awareness of its importance. While ‘Read Across America Day’ is celebrated annually on March 2, Mayor Matt Anesh, at a council meeting held this week, proclaimed March 2024 as ‘Read Across America Month’ in the borough.
“The citizens of the Borough of South Plainfield stand firmly committed to promoting reading as the catalyst for our students' future academic success, their preparation for America's jobs of the future, and their ability to compete in a global economy ...’ stated Anesh in his proclamation which was accepted by library employees Mija Clemente and Jailene Betancourt during the March 4 meeting.
According to the mayor’s proclamation, South Plainfield has ‘provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education of our youth, grounded in the principle that educational investment is key to the community's well-being and long-term quality of life’ He called upon residents to work together to ‘assure that every child is in a safe place reading together with a caring adult.’
Sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA), the first Read Across America event was held on March 2, 1998 – the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss – with the goal of motivating children to read and creating lifelong successful readers. Read Across America - NJ is being conducted statewide by the New Jersey Education Association, in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Library Association, and their affiliates across the state to promote reading and adult involvement in the education of the community's students throughout March.
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – An annual South Plainfield family tradition is ‘hoppin’ back into town this year.
Earlier this month, the South Plainfield Department of Recreation announced that it will once again host its annual 'Bunny Hop' on Saturday, March 23. Typically held at Putnam Park, the location of this year’s event is still pending due to the current construction taking place at Putnam Park. Should the renovations not be complete in time, the 2024 Bunny Hop will be moved to Veterans Park.
“The Bunny Hop has quickly become an anticipated tradition here in South Plainfield and we are determined to hold the event, even if it won’t be on the Putnam Park trail,” said Recreation Director Elizabeth Yarus.
The Bunny Hop offers South Plainfield children 10 and under the opportunity to head out on the bunny trail in search of allergy-free treats, small toys, and more. Admission is free, however, online registration, which begins March 11 at 9:30 a.m. through Community Pass, is required. Parent/guardians will complete the registration for a specific time slot in their name on behalf of their children. Please note, there is a maximum of four tickets per household; tickets are for children only and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registrants will only be allowed to enter at their scheduled time and late comers will be subject to reduced time on the trail. Additionally, in the event of rain, the Bunny Hop will take place on Sunday, March 24 and registrants will be notified via email of the date change. Updates will also be posted to the rec department’s Facebook page.
“This is truly a community event where local organizations come out to provide a great experience, and it would not be the same without their support,” said Yarus, adding, “We look forward to seeing our South Plainfield families and their smiling faces again this year.”
For more information or for assistance with Community Pass accounts, contact the South Plainfield Department of Recreation at recsupport@southplainfieldnj.com or 908-226-7713. To register for the Bunny Hop, click here.
]]>SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – It’s been a busy start to 2024 at the South Plainfield Senior Center with lots of activities and special events taking place this month as well.
“I wanted to start 2024 off with a bang, and we did,” said Director Tree Olano, noting that one of her goals to provide new programming and activities that meet the seniors’ ever-changing needs. “The senior center is bustling.”
In January, members of the center’s Traveling Owls group met to discuss possible new events and classes as well as trips and guest speakers for 2025. The year also kicked off with the newly established group Seniors Reaching Out meeting to discuss plans and goals.
"This new group is working to do great things,” said Olano. “In addition to a presence at Trunk or Treat, the Holiday Tree Lighting, and the upcoming Bunny Hop, members of Seniors Reaching Out will be reading to kindergartners at district elementary schools. They are also sending birthday cards to fellow members and veterans each month and volunteering to assist students at John F. Kennedy Elementary School’s upcoming book fair.”
In February, the center hosted various activities including, but not limited to, name tag week - designed to help members get to know one another, as well as a pop-up hot chocolate day and a Valentine’s Day party. Last month, the center also hosted its first CPR class and monthly blood pressure checks were held. Additionally, members of Seniors Reaching Out also headed over to Roosevelt Elementary School to read to students; next, they will head to Franklin and Kennedy Schools.
March has just begun and there are many events on the calendar.
On March 4, dozens of members attended a Senior Fraud Prevention Conference. Presented by the Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services in collaboration with the South Plainfield Police Department, the event provided seniors an opportunity to gain helpful tips on how to protect themselves from common types of fraud.
“We had 140 seniors attend this event. It was well organized and very well received with lots of important information provided to our members,” said Olano.
According to Olano, March is set to be a busy month at the South Plainfield Senior Center with many events on the calendar.
Members will head across the bridge to Staten Island for lunch and show at LiGreci on Wednesday, March 20 and, on Wednesday, March 27, a St. Patrick’s Day lunch featuring food from Elmer's Catering Service, music from DJ Troy, and decorations by MNM Balloons will take place, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
The center will also focus on heart-health throughout March with a cardiology presentation on Wednesday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. followed by the new Game Day program, which will be held on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m.
“We have so many new members, there are trips, activities, parties, programs, and guest speakers,” said Olano. “I am proud to be a part of it all.”
For more information or to become a member of the South Plainfield Senior Center – dues are just $10 per person per year – call (908) 754-1047 or stop by Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can also follow them on Facebook.
Events scheduled for March 2024 are as follows:
]]>MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ -The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce our 5th annual D.A.R.E. –Jr. Academy this summer. Due to an increased interest in the D.A.R.E. program, Sheriff Mildred Scott decided to implement a summer program for all (children entering) 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade in Middlesex County in the 2024-2025 school year.
This program will include the D.A.R.E. program, as well as a junior police academy. The 5th and 6th grade program will run for two weeks, from Monday, July 15th to Friday, July 26th, 8:30am-3:00pm (M-F). The 7th and 8th grade program will run for two weeks, from Monday August 12th to Friday August 23rd. The $150 fee per child will include a t-shirt, a ball cap, a water bottle, supplies and a graduation party at commencement.
Our D.A.R.E. Jr. Police Academy class will be held at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Way, Sayreville. Jr. Recruits will be responsible for bringing their own lunches and snacks, as well as their own “gym style” shorts (fingertip length at least) and sneakers. Our daily routine will include roll call, platoon formation, D.A.R.E. lessons, lunch, drill, multiple demos and police lessons, and daily P.T. (physical training).
There is a limit to 50 seats, so please contact the office as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Spaces fill up quickly. Registration will only be confirmed once we have the completed forms with payment.
Please contact S/O Brittney Brodniak for applications/more information
Email: Brittney.Brodniak@co.middlesex.nj.us Phone: 732-745-3375
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County officially launches the Special Needs Registry (SNR) to enhance the safety of its residents with special needs. This no-cost, voluntary service led by the Office of the County Prosecutor, is open to individuals with special needs residing, working, or attending school in the County, aiming to provide crucial information to first responders in the event of an emergency.
In addition to offering valuable details about individuals with mental or physical disabilities, the SNR provides registrants with a distinctive decal for their residence's front entrance and vehicle windows. This visual aid facilitates efficient communication and response from emergency personnel. The use of the decals by registrants is strictly voluntary and is not required.
Individuals can register themselves or be registered by a family member or caretaker by visiting middlesexcounty.gov/specialneedsregistry and supplying essential personal identifiers to a secure database such as name, address, date of birth, height, weight, emergency contacts, and specific details about their special needs. The process ensures a comprehensive and accurate snapshot that aids first responders in their efforts during a crisis or an emergency.
“At the core of our priorities are the safety and well-being of both our dedicated first responders and our residents. The launch of the Special Needs Registry underscores our commitment to fostering a community where safety is paramount,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Through this initiative, we are not just creating a safer environment, but also paving the way for a brighter future for everyone in Middlesex County.”
“We are excited to implement the Special Needs Registry, recognizing its vital role in ensuring that every resident with special needs receives the necessary help and support in times of emergency or interactions with law enforcement,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. “This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our community. I look forward to continuing to work with key partners to ensure this vital tool is available to everyone, no matter where an individual works or resides."
“We applaud Prosecutor Ciccone and her colleagues for their passion and commitment to vulnerable communities. Specific and timely information for first responders can make all the difference in an emergency situation,” said Autism New Jersey Executive Director Dr. Suzanne Buchanan. “Launching a special needs registry in Middlesex County is another milestone in the ongoing effort to make New Jersey safer for individuals with disabilities. Autism New Jersey is proud to be working collaboratively with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and other state, county, and municipal leaders to promote registries and other disability-friendly practices statewide.”
The SNR is designed to assist individuals facing challenges in emergencies or police encounters. It is only intended to provide information regarding anyone who would need extra assistance in times of emergency, or who has a mental or physical condition, encompassing conditions such as autism, mobility issues, dementia or Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairments, and more. Residents and loved ones of those with special needs are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible.
For more information or to register now, please visit middlesexcounty.gov/specialneedsregistry. If individuals encounter difficulty registering online, they can reach out via email at SNR@co.middlesex.nj.us or call 732-745-3300.
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