| 1 Municipal Plaza | Monroe Township, New Jersey … News Spring 2015.pdf2 The Monroe News • Spring 2015 Municipal News Makers, inventors and hobbyists displayed their creations

One of the Township’s busiestparks is about to get bigger.

Because of its popularity,Veterans Park on Avenue K isalways bustling with residentsbringing kids to beat the heat atthe Spray Park. Also, VeteransDay and Memorial Day cere-monies are held annually at theVeterans Memorial near theentrance to the Park.

“The current park is only asmall part of what the 37-acrefacility will be,” said TownshipBusiness Administrator WayneHamilton. “The plan includestwo much-needed multipurposefields, a cricket field, picnic shel-ter and play area for kids.”

The two multipurpose fieldswill bring much needed game

and practice fields for soccer,lacrosse and other field sports tothe north end of the Township.

“In recent years, interest inhaving a designated cricketpitch in Monroe has increased,”Council President GeraldTamburro said. “Now, we willhave a brand new cricket fieldfor our residents to enjoy.”

The park and its expansionare fully funded by theTownship Open Space TrustFund, which was authorized bythe voters and establishedthrough a 2.5-cent (per $100 ofassessed valuation) Open SpaceTax. The Trust is also used topurchase land in the Townshipthat can be used for parks, pre-served farmland and green

undeveloped woodlands.

“Our Open Space Trust Fundhas helped us on our way to ourgoal of keeping 50 percent of the

Veterans Park Ready for Expansion

Inside This Issue…“Makerfest” at the Library . 2

Mayor’s Message . . . . . . . . . 3

Important Numbers . . . . . . 3

Monroe CheerleadersSweep Nationals . . . . . . . . . 5

Township Clerk is Your “One Stop Shop”. . . . 6

Opening of the Community Garden . . . . . . 7

NJWA Malcolm Fraser Award . . . . . . . . . . . 10

“Project Medicine Drop” . 11

Monroe Named Sustainable Community . . 14

Clearbrook Clubs RaiseMoney for Charity . . . . . . 15

Check out thelocal calendar of events, pages 12-13.

Spring 2015

Mayor Richard Pucci interviewed Township Business Administra-tor Wayne Hamilton in the return of the “Mayor Pucci Show” inFebruary. The show airs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundaysat 6 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Channel 28 for Comcastsubscribers. All residents can watch the program online under theTownship Videos Tab at the Township’s website www.monroetwp.com.

TOWN HALL | 1 Municipal Plaza | Monroe Township, New Jer sey 08831 | www.monroetwp.com

Published by Jaffe Communications, Inc. • www.jaffecom.com

Continued on page 10

Monroe is coordinating threeopportunities to pay tribute tothose who died preserving ourfreedoms, including a concerton May 18 and two wreath lay-ing ceremonies on May 25.

On Monday, May 18 at 7p.m., the Monroe TownshipChorus will salute all veteranswith a free concert at theTownship Senior Center onHalsey Reed Road. The musicaltribute will feature songs fromthe Revolutionary War to pres-ent day and will include sing-a-longs for audience participation.

“If you’re a veteran, showyour pride by wearing your military decorations, uniform,cap or jacket of your veteran’s

organizations,”Chorus DirectorSheila Werfelsaid.

The event isopen to all andlight refresh-ments will beserved after theperformance.

On Monday,May 25, Mayor Richard Pucci,the Township Council, and theVeterans Council of Monroe andJamesburg will hold twoMemorial Day Ceremonies.

“It is always a privilege tohonor and preserve the memo-ries of the men and women who

Continued on page 2

Mayor Richard Pucci paid hisrespects to all of the soldiers thatdied preserving the American idealsat the 2014 Memorial Day Ceremonyat Veterans Park on Avenue K. L-R:Council President Gerald Tamburro,Mayor Richard Pucci, CouncilmanStephen Dalina, CouncilwomanElizabeth Schneider, CouncilmanMichael Leibowitz and a veteran.

Township to Salute Fallen Soldiers

2 The Monroe News • Spring 2015

Municipal News

Makers, inventors and hobbyistsdisplayed their creations and ideas atthe Monroe Township Public Library’sMakerfest on Saturday, March 21.

The five-hour event was a celebra-tion of crafting, electronics, 3D print-ing, creativity and more.

“Our goal was to give our commu-nity the opportunity to meet localmakers, see what they make, andhopefully be inspired to start makingsomething,” Studio M Coordinatorand Librarian Steve Hrubes said. “Forour makers, we wanted them to pro-mote themselves and get exposure fortheir businesses and projects.”

The maker exhibitors were profes-sionals with local businesses and hobbyists showing off their crafts and

creations. Some exhibitors were HomeDepot, FUBAR Labs, SolderingSunday, Princeton Chapter of theEmbroidery Guild, F&M Upholstery,and a jewelry/small sculpture maker.

The Library’s own Studio M dis-played its 3D printers, 3D modelingsoftware, and button maker. Studio Mis the Library’s digital media roomwhere residents can edit video andmusic, film on a green screen, designand print their designs using the 3Dprinter and so much more.

“Makerfest was a great way forpeople to share creativity with oneanother,” Councilman Stephen Dalinasaid. “It was a place where folksshared ideas, creations and designswith one another right in our Library.”

Creators Descend on theLibrary for “Makerfest”

perished fighting for our greatnation,” Mayor Richard Pucci said.

The first ceremony will be held aton May 25 at 8:30 a.m. at the VeteransMemorial at the Municipal Building.The second ceremony will be held at Veterans Park on Avenue K at 9 a.m.

“The memorial at Veterans Parkwas an Eagle Scout project for SeanEvans, a Monroe Township HighSchool graduate, who has since enlist-ed in the Marines,” Mayor Pucci said.“This beautiful tribute is dedicated

to all local veterans, including thosewho gave the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.”

Bus transportation will be availablefrom the Municipal Building toVeterans Park, with return service.

Of note: the Jamesburg MemorialDay Parade is scheduled to start at 10a.m. on May 25. The parade starts atVeteran Park in Jamesburg and travelsdown Gatzmer Avenue and upRailroad Avenue.

For more information visitwww.monroetwp.com.

Salute to Fallen Soldiers Continued from page 1

Studio M Coordinatorand Librarian Steve Hrubes

shows a family how a 3-D printer works at theGreen Fair. This and more

will be on display at Library Makerfest.

Senior Center EventsFor a complete listing of activities and

programs, please view the calendar onwww.monroetwp.com, under “Office ofSenior Services.”

April Programs:Sunday, April 12 - RETRO WEEKENDEnjoy The Corvettes: Doo Wop Revue with Antique Cars on display at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $5.

Monday, April 13: HAPPINESS TRAINING(Laughter Yoga) 8 sessions, Dr. ArunaBhargava. Fee: $10.

Monday, April 13: MUSIC SERIES, with Thomas Elefant, Orchestra Conductor

May Programs:Tuesday, May 12 - AFTERNOON TEA with the Friends of the Senior Center

Friday, May 29 - SPRING FLING with 1950’s ZING

TOWN HALL 1 Municipal Plaza • Monroe Township, NJ 08831www.monroetwp.com

ELECTED OFFICIALSMayor:Richard Pucci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Council President:Gerald Tamburro . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Council Vice President:Leslie Koppel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Council Members: Stephen Dalina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Michael Leibowitz . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Schneider . . . . . . . [email protected]

IMPORTANT NUMBERSTownship Main Number . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 521-4400Animal Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 521-0222Construction Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 656-4585Court Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 521-4020Township Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 605-9440

EMS and First Aid (non-emergency) .(732) 521-1880Health Department . . . . . . .(732) 521-4400 ext. 192Environmental Protection .(732) 521-4400 ext. 118Monroe Township Library . . . . . . . . .(732) 521-5000Utilities Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(609) 655-1050Office of Senior Services . . . . . . . . . .(609) 448-7140Parks Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 723-5000Police (non-emergency) . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 521-0222 Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 656-4575 Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 723-5000Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 656-4575

Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 521-4405Township Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 656-4573

Traffic Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(732) 521-0222 ext. 126Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(609) 443-0511

45 Academy Street, Suite 501 • Newark, NJ 07102Tel. 973-315-0300 • Fax 908-292-1177

email: [email protected] • web: www.jaffecom.comEDITOR & PUBLISHER: Jonathan JaffeCOPY EDITING: Lisa StrugADVERTISING: Jill LeveyPRODUCTION: Jama Bowman

All stories and photos by Joseph Harvie unlessotherwise noted • [email protected]

Published by Jaffe Communications, Inc. for the Township of Monroe

the

newsMonroeMonroe

3Spring 2015 • The Monroe News

Around the Town

In accordance withmy responsibilitiesunder the Faulkner Act,I am submitting mybudget recommenda-tions for the municipalgovernment in 2015. Iwould like to thank theBusiness Administratorand all departmentheads for their outstand-ing efforts in formulat-ing the budget.

The national econo-my is slowly improving.However, the state econ-omy is lagging. For thesixth year in a row,municipal state aid is ata continuing reducedlevel. Also, the proper-ty revaluation has stabi-lized the negative taxappeal impact. Localreal estate sales areagain strong.

Our tax collection ratewas an excellent 98.81percent in 2014. We areachieving our goal ofreducing our reliance onutility surplus revenuesby anticipating $1 mil-lion less than what wasused in 2014. For thesixth consecutive year,we were at or under thestate-mandated 2 per-cent tax levy cap.

I am submitting abudget for municipalpurposes that totals$52,309,996.07 (up 1.73percent); which trans-lates to no increase in themunicipal purposes tax

rate of $.449 per $100.assessed value. For ahome with the averageassessed value of$309,993, the annualmunicipal purposes taxeswill total $1,391.60 (notincluding the Local OpenSpace Tax, Library Tax,Fire District, School orMiddlesex County taxes).

Later this year, theTownship Council willconsider putting a ques-tion on the Novemberballot that would lowerthe local open space taxby $.01, if approved bythe voters. This action isrelated to the ratableadjustment as a result ofthe townwide propertyrevaluation last year. Ifthe voters approve thereduction from 2.5 centsto 1.5 cents, it is impor-tant to note that theactual dollars raised foropen space will remainessentially the same.

For the 24th consecu-tive year, there will be no increase in water and sewer rates, whichremain among the lowestin Central New Jersey.

The 2015 MunicipalPurpose Tax, which isthe only portion of prop-erty taxes that theMayor & TownshipCouncil are responsiblefor, is estimated at 21percent of your totalproperty taxes. TheBoard of Education

makes up the largestportion of the propertytax bill at 57 percent; theCounty at 16 percent;and the Fire Districts at 6percent.

The spending planincludes two large capi-tal improvement proj-ects: to upgrade ourradio communicationssystem and to widenand construct a trafficsignal at Perrinevilleand Federal roads.

I am proud thatMonroe Townshipremains one of the pre-mier residential commu-nities in MiddlesexCounty with a beautifuland green landscape.We have quality munici-pal services and schools.Monroe Township wasrecently ranked as the14th safest town in NewJersey among the 565municipalities.

Also, New JerseyMonthly magazine rec-ognized Monroe Town-ship as the best emptynester community inNew Jersey. Further-more, Monroe Townshipremains one of only two communities inMiddlesex County witha population density of

No Municipal TaxIncrease Proposed for MonroeBy Mayor Richard Pucci

Mayor Richard Pucci



Around the Town


Around the Town

Ba s e b a l l - t h emedamusements, raffles, aparade of 500 youthbaseball players andmuch more are at theplate for the openingday ceremonies of theMonroe TownshipBaseball Association, asthe Township celebratesJames Monroe Park’s30th anniversary.

“We welcome all ofour baseball family, bothpast and present, toshare in this event as we celebrate 30 years ofyouth recreation base-ball for the children inour community at beauti-ful James Monroe Park,”said Monroe Township

Baseball Association(MTBA) PresidentMichael Maiolo.

The celebration isscheduled for Saturday,April 18 from 9:30 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the 157-acrepark on Dey GroveRoad. The facility hasfive baseball fields, aplay area and a walkingtrail around its perimeter.

“James Monroe Parkhas come a long way in 30 years,” MayorRichard Pucci said.“What started as just acouple of baseball dia-monds is now one of thepremier baseball facili-ties with some of thebest manicured fields in

the state.”

Opening Day willstart with the annualparade. Players andcoaches from the 45teams in the MTBARecreation League andthe Buddy Ball Programwill parade through thepark. The parade will befollowed by OpeningDay ceremonies, includ-ing the ceremonial firstpitch of the season.

“Then, from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m., there will bebaseball themed amuse-ments as well as theiPlay mascot and specialguests to entertain all inattendance,” said MTBASecretary Kara Judge.

“We will have give-aways, vendors, foodand, of course, baseballgames, to watch on ourfive fields. There willalso be 50/50 raffles andsurprises for the kids.”

Following the cere-monies, the teams willopen the season withtheir first games.

“Baseball seasonmarks the start ofspring, as the weatherturns warmer and wecan all spend more timeoutside with our fami-lies in our wonderfultownship parks,” MayorPucci said.

Opening Day Set for Monroe Baseball

Monroe Cheerleaders Sweep Pop Warner Nationals“Three teams, one

dream,” was the mantraof the Monroe TownshipWolverines Cheerlead-ers as they prepped forthe National Tourn-ament at Walt DisneyWorld in Orlando,Florida.

It was a dream thatwas realized, when allthree teams — the JuniorPee Wees, Pee Wees andMidgets — were crowned2014 Pop WarnerNational Champions atthe December competi-tion.

“For the first timeever, we sent all three ofour competition teamsto nationals,” Recreation

Superintendent MaryLange said. “It took atremendous amount ofwork and preparation,and we couldn’t be moreproud of all of ourgirls!”

The Wolverines firstcompeted at the statecompetition in Trentonand the regional compe-tition in Albany, with all three teams movingon to the NationalChampionship.

“Our season starts inAugust and the girlswork really hardthrough the fall to getready for the PopWarner competitions,”Wolverines’ President

Kelly Lange said. “Iwant to congratulateand thank the girls, thecoaches and their par-ents for all of their dedi-cation to making thisseason so successful.”

At Nationals, all threeteams faced tough com-petition from around thecountry, and all threesucceeded in winningnational titles.

“When I was firstelected mayor, the PopWarner program was inits beginnings, so webuilt it from the groundup,” Mayor RichardPucci said. “We’ve comea long way since then,have brought home

many National Champ-ionships, and haveturned Monroe into acheerleading power-house. I would like to

congratulate the girls,coaches and the parentsfor their dedication andspirit, which led to sucha successful season.”

The Monroe Township Wolverines Cheerleaders maintain their winning tradition by sweeping the 2014 Pop Warner National Championships in December.

M

State law requiresthat all dogs and catsmust be licensed. Inorder to obtain a dog orcat license the rabiesvaccination must be ineffect through October31 of the current licens-ing year. Licenses mustbe renewed by January31 every year and can

be purchased at theMunicipal Clerk’s office.The cost is $13 for a non-spayed/non-neutereddog or cat and $10 for a spayed/neutered dog or cat. There is a $10 late fee for each licenserenewed after March 31.

The Clerk’s Office

holds a free rabies clinicat the public works facil-ity on Gravel Hill-Spotswood Road on thefirst Saturday in Marchof every year for resi-dents to get their ani-mals vaccinated for free.Unfortunately, becauseof the severe weatherconditions experiencedthis year, the Depart-ment of Public Workswas unable to host theRabies Clinic. The Clerk’soffice reached out to theBoard of Education andthey were graciousenough to offer the use of the BrooksideElementary School gymon Buckelew Avenue.

At the free rabies clin-ic, residents are able tohave their dogs or catsinoculated against rabiesand then may submittheir paperwork, with acheck in the appropriateamount, to have theirdog or cat license mailedto them.

Additionally, theTownship Clerk andstaff are state certifiedregistrars, making itconvenient for residentsto apply for marriagelicenses, civil unions,domestic partnershipsand remarriage/reaffir-mation of civil unions.Certified copies of theseevents can be obtained

at the Clerk’s Office, aswell as births and deathsthat occurred in Monroe.

With all that said, itbecomes apparent thatthe Municipal Clerk’sOffice is very nearly a“one stop shop” andshould be commendedfor all the work the staffdoes and for all the services they provide tothe residents of MonroeTownship.

Many of the formsand applications areavailable online at theTownship’s website,www.monroetwp.comunder the Forms,Permits and Applicationslink.


Around the Town

The Township Clerk is Your “One Stop Shop”By Council President Gerald W. Tamburro

Over the years,municipal clerks havebecome the direct linkbetween residents andtheir local government.

Professor WilliamBennett Munro, an emi-nent political scientist,writing in one of the firsttextbooks on municipaladministration in 1934,stated:

“No other office inmunicipal service has so many contacts. Itserves the Mayor, theCity Council, the CityManager, and all admin-istrative departmentswithout exception. All ofthem call upon it, almostdaily, for some service orinformation. Its work is

not spectacular, but itdemands versatility,alertness, accuracy, andno end of patience. Thepublic does not realizehow many loose ends ofthe city administrationthis office pulls together.”

The Municipal Clerkis responsible for actingas secretary of themunicipal corporation,being the custodian ofthe municipal seal, minutes, books, deeds,bonds, contracts andarchival records of themunicipal corporation.

The Office of theMunicipal Clerk is theonly municipal depart-ment that works directlyfor the Township

Council. The office actsas secretary to the governing body, prepar-ing meeting agendas,attending and recordingminutes of all meetingsof Council, retainingoriginal copies of allordinances and resolu-tions, administering andrecording oaths of officeand acting as liaison tothe public and respon-dent on behalf of thegoverning body.

In addition, theMunicipal Clerk servesas Chief AdministrativeOfficer / Chief Registrarof Voters in the munici-pality, certifying vacan-cies at the local level,maintaining receipt of

nominating petitionsand certifying to theMiddlesex County Clerkthe local candidatesnominated by petition,suggesting polling placesand maintaining receiptof election results.

The Clerk’s Office isnow preparing forupcoming elections.Tuesday, May 12 is thelast day to register tovote in the Tuesday, June 2 primary election.The Clerk’s Office willremain open until 7:30p.m. for late night voterregistration to ensure allresidents have an oppor-tunity to register to vote.

The Party AffiliationDeclaration Forms (fil-

ing deadline Wednesday,April 8 for PrimaryElection) and Appli-cations for Mail-In Ballot(deadline Tuesday, May26 for Primary Election)are available in theMunicipal Clerk’s Office,Room 108 in theMunicipal Building.Voter Registration formscan also be obtained onthe Township website,www.monroetwp.com.

Council PresidentGerald W. Tamburro

Even More from the Clerk’s Office


Get your greenthumbs ready! TheMonroe Township Com-munity Garden has plotsavailable.

The inaugural seasonof the Monroe TownshipCommunity Garden isexpected to open inJune, with 176 plots thatare 10-foot by 10-footand only available toTownship residents.

“The CommunityGarden is a great addi-tion to our TownshipParks system,” CouncilVice President LeslieKoppel said. “Now resi-dents with small yards,and others in gated communities who can-not have gardens, canrent a plot each year andgrow some vegetables.”

There is a $30 annualrental fee per plot at the 12-acre CommunityGarden Park, on the westside of Applegarth Roadbetween Old Church andBentley roads.

“This is a gorgeouspark,” Koppel said. “Itsits right along theMillstone River and willbe one of the great com-

munity meeting placesin Monroe.”

The plots will beadministered by theFriends of the MonroeTownship CommunityGardens, a non-profitorganization that willcollect the rental feesand have a system inplace for renting theplots to residents.

“We have some dedi-cated volunteers thathave worked over thepast few years to get the word out about theCommunity Garden, andnow they are excited toget the garden started,”Koppel said.

The CommunityGarden plans also callfor a large garden thatwill be tended by mem-bers of the Friends of the Monroe TownshipCommunity Garden.Food grown from thisgarden will be distrib-uted to the TownshipFood Pantry and alsoused for a futureFarmers Market to helpraise money for the com-munity gardens.

“We also wanted to

get the kids involved, sothere will be a children’sgarden at the park,”Township Director ofPlanning and Environ-mental Protection JohnRiggs said. “And therewill be fruit trees and a cut flower garden onthe site.”

The parking lot willbe made of gravel, so theonly impervious surfaceon the site will be twopavilions: one for artsand the other for envi-ronmental purposes.

“Eventually we wantto have outdoor artclasses and have a placefor artists to come forinspiration,” Koppel said.

At the environmentalpavilion, the Townshiphopes to have MasterGardner presentationsand rain barrel classes.

Site preparation forthe park has started andis expected to be done byApril. The park is tenta-tively scheduled to openin the early summer.

“I have my gardengloves and shovel readyand I can’t wait to startplanting with myfriends and neighbors,”Koppel said.

For more informationabout the CommunityGarden, please [email protected].

Monroe Looks Forward to Openingof the Community Garden in June

On Thursday mornings, a portion of the SeniorCenter becomes one of the 11 Middlesex CountySurrogate’s satellite offices.

In 2014, 245 clients were served at the Monroelocation, most of whom had their wills probated,the primary service of the satellite office.

“We authenticate the will,” explained CountySurrogate Kevin Hoagland. “We make sure theexecutor is who they say they are, and once wedetermine everything is in order, we transfer theassets from the deceased person’s estate.”

The Monroe office, located in the SeniorCenter on Halsey Reed Road, was one of the firstsatellite offices the County opened.

“We started the service to save people fromhaving to go to our office in New Brunswick,”Hoagland explained. “Monroe is one of our 11 satel-lite offices in Middlesex County that served 1,600clients in 2014, and more than 25,500 since 1993.”

Since opening the satellite office in Monroe,Hoagland and his office staff have helped morethan 4,500 clients.

“People bring all the forms they would bring toNew Brunswick, only a lot of times they are onlygoing around the corner, and they are usually inand out in 15 minutes” Hoagland said. “Parking isalways easier in the satellite offices and usuallyfree, so that’s an incentive.”

Hoagland said that probate fees are generallybetween $100 and $150.

To set up an appointment with the surrogate inthe Monroe Township Satellite Office, residentsmust call the county office at (732) 745-3055.

Hoagland noted his office runs a speaking pro-gram on wills and estates that is free to any groupin the county. Those interested in such a programshould also call (732) 745-3055.

“A local attorney and I will come and speak todifferent community groups, as well as organiza-tions in the senior communities, about wills andpower of attorney and other such things,”Hoagland said. “We’ve been to pretty much each ofthe retirement communities at least once, and wewould be more than willing to meet with any com-munity group that will have us.”

Surrogate Sets UpShop in Senior Center

Around the Town


Around the TownArts Commission Rocks into Spring The Monroe Town-

ship Cultural ArtsCommission has threeexciting events lined upfor this spring.

Tom Paxton and JanisIan started things off onthe afternoon of Sunday,March 8. The two singer-songwriters teamed upto bring a fun night of 1960s, GreenwichVillage–style folk musicto the Richard P.Marasco PerformingArts Center.

“Tom Paxton andJanis Ian are two of themost well-regarded folkmusicians of their gener-ation,” Arts CommissionChairwoman Marian

Naumik said. “Afteryears of performingaround one another,they are finally touringtogether and they put onan excellent show.”

The Commission willgo from GreenwichVillage to the LondonUnderground when theGlimmer Twins take thestage on Saturday, April25 at 7 p.m.

“The Glimmer Twinsare the premier tributeto the Rolling Stones,”Ms. Naumik said. “Weare sure that those whoattend will get some‘Satisfaction’ from thisperformance.”

For the final spring

performance, the artscommission is proud tooffer “Time Traveler – ATribute to the MoodyBlues.

“The Moody Blueswere among the firstbands to successfullycombine classical androck and roll music,”Naumik said. “TimeTraveler comes highlyregarded and we can’twait to see the perform-ance.

Tickets are $25 foradults, $22 for patronsand free for students.Tickets are availableonline at www.monroe-townshipculturalarts.com.

Blue and Gold Banquet

Weblos pin the proud parent pin on their parents.Weblos earned the Arrow of Light at the ceremony.

Tiger Cubsearn theirstripes atthe banquet.

Weblos make promises to their

pack and community at the Blue and Gold.


Around the Town


Around the Town

Municipal Utilities Department Receives NJWA Malcolm Fraser AwardThe Monroe Town-

ship Utilities Depart-

ment (MTUD) has

received the New Jersey

Water Association’s

Malcolm P. Fraser award

for its outstanding serv-

ice to the water industry.

“Over the past few

years, the MTUD has

generously and gra-ciously made its primeCentral New JerseyMeeting Facilities avail-able to multiple state-wide organizations andto committees and sub-committees that are subdivisions of the state government,” NewJersey Water Association

(NJWA) ExecutiveDirector RichardHowlett said. “Addition-ally, representatives ofthe MTUD regularlyprovide leadership andprofessional insight thatbenefits the utilityindustry, our customers,and the health of NewJersey’s environment.”

The MTUD regularlyholds training classesand seminars for itsemployees and waterand waste-water stafffrom across the state,including NJWA profes-sional education semi-nars. Municipal utilityofficials also participatein New Jersey Office ofHomeland Security andPreparedness’ WaterSector Utility WorkingGroup to enhance thesecurity and resiliencyof the state’s water con-ducted by the stateDepartment of Environ-

mental Protection.

“The importance ofthese events and thevalue of the MTUD’scontributions both ashost and as participantwould be difficult tooverstate,” Howlett said.

For many years,Monroe has regularlyheld in-house trainingsessions for its staff andregularly invites neigh-boring community rep-resentatives to attend.

“When MTUD

Director Mike Barnes gothere nearly two yearsago, one of things hewanted to do was takethe old MTMUA meet-ing room, tear it apart,and turn it into a train-ing room, which he did,” Township BusinessAdministrator WayneHamilton said. “As aresult, we have openedthat room up to trainingour staff in-house as wellas inviting other waterand waste-water entitiesto send their staff there.”

Township undevel-oped,” Mayor RichardPucci said. “We are anactive community andthe expansion ofVeterans Park will addmuch needed space forpractices and games.”

The construction planwill also feature addi-tional parking spaces

and the expansion of thehiking trail around thepark.

Once completed, theTownship will consideranother phase to theproject, which willinclude two baseballfields, a refreshmentstand and restrooms.

“Veterans Park isalready a busy park in aprime location inOutcalt,” Mayor Puccisaid. “The expansionwill give people moreoptions on how to spendthe day outside in abeautiful Townshippark.”

Veterans Park Ready for ExpansionContinued from page 1

Renee Dipierro, SRES®

REALTOR® AssociateNJAR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014

www.ReneeDipierro.com

YourFULL timeRealtor®

ready tohelp youwith allyour

Real EstateNeeds.

174 Prospect Plains RdMonroe Twp, NJ 08831Office: 609-655-9222Cell: 908-216-4892

Email: [email protected]

MTUD DIrector Mike Barnes, and Township BusinessAdministrator Wayne Hamilton receive award.


Around the Town

Monroe Police Install “Project Medicine Drop” Box Monroe Township has

joined the New JerseyAttorney General’s“Project Medicine Drop”initiative, installing aProject Medicine Dropbox in the police depart-ment’s lobby.

This dropbox makesit easier and more con-venient for MonroeTownship residents totake an active role in thefight against the nation-wide epidemic of opiateand heroin abuse oftenfueled by the abuse ofprescription painkillers.

“Project MedicineDrop is part of our com-mitment to continueimprovement of thequality of life and publicsafety in MonroeTownship,” said PoliceChief Michael Lloyd.“Medicines that lan-guish in home cabinetsare susceptible to misuseand abuse.The ProjectMedicine Drop box willgive our residents theopportunity to help pre-

vent pill abuse and theftby ridding their homesof expired, unused andunwanted prescriptionmedication in a safe andhealthy manner.”

The Project MedicineDrop box is located atpolice headquarters, 3Municipal Plaza.Residents may visit anytime, 24 hours a day,seven days a week, and365 days a year to dis-pose of their unused orexpired medications.

Project MedicineDrop is an importantcomponent of the NewJersey Attorney General’seffort to stop the diver-sion and abuse of pre-scription drugs, includ-ing highly addictive opi-ate painkillers.

Through this initia-tive, the State Divisionof Consumer Affairsinstalls secure “prescrip-tion drug drop boxes” atpolice departments,sheriff’s offices, and

State Police barracksacross New Jersey,allowing citizens to safe-ly dispose of theirunused, excess, orexpired prescriptionmedications.

Members of the publicare invited to visit theProject Medicine Dropsites and drop off anyunused prescriptionmedications anonymous-ly and with no questionsasked. Most ProjectMedicine Drop sites areavailable 24 hours a day,seven days a week, and365 days a year.

This initiative alsoprotects New Jersey’senvironment by keepingthese drugs out of land-fills and out of the watersupply. More informa-tion about ProjectMedicine Drop, includ-ing the full list of ProjectMedicine Drop loca-tions, can be found atwww.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/meddrop.

Your Healing Begins HereWe combine Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Physical

Therapy & Massage to offer a unique Holistic Approach.We Successfully Treat:

Sciatica • Muscle & Joint Pain • Numbness • Tingling • Sports Injuries

Gift Certificates Available!

Massage Special1 Hour Therapeutic Medical Massage - $59

5 For $275 ($55 each) Exp. 5/31/15

less than 1,000 peopleper square mile. Withcontinuing open spaceacquisitions, MonroeTownship continues towork towards its goal of50 percent undevelopedland in our community.

Our positive record

of achievement is prima-rily due to a continuedeffort of everyone work-ing together for the betterment of theTownship.

Special appreciationmust be extended to ourTownship employees,

our volunteers whoserve on the numerousboards and agencies andour emergency servicespersonnel, who continueyear after year perform-ing such dedicated serv-ices for all of our resi-dents.

No Municipal Tax IncreaseProposed for Monroe Continued from page 3

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Parker at Monroe CelebratesGrand OpeningResidents and staff of Parker at Monroe, along with

Parker leadership, state and local officials, celebrated thelong-awaited grand opening on March 11.

Parker is a leader in the transformation of long-termcare to person-directed living, where residents havechoice, dignity, self-determination and purposeful lives.Parker at Monroe takes this philosophy a step further. Itis a uniquely designed long-term living community thatblends an environment similar to assisted living with thebest practices of skilled nursing care.

“Parker at Monroe benefits from decades of insights,innovation, and forward thinking,” said Roberto Muñiz,president & CEO of Parker. “Our new Monroe commu-nity is guided by our long lasting Parker’s philosophy ofperson-directed care, which is designed to enhance ourresidents’ quality of life.”

Parker at Monroe, located at 395 Schoolhouse Road,will be home to 96 residents. The campus consists ofthree two-story buildings connected to a communitycenter with a formal dining room, a café, a health andwellness center, enclosed gardens, roof-top terrace anda great room for activities and socializing.

Each building contains two Small Homes, one on eachfloor, where sixteen residents with similar needs will livetogether. Every Small Home includes a living room, sun-room, a kitchen and dining area. Each comfortable privateand semi-private bedroom suite has a fully-accessiblebathroom with a large shower.

The ceremony included a reading by Monroe CouncilPresident Gerald W. Tamburro of a proclamation.


Recreation Calendar of Events


The Recreation Events Calendar will no longer be mailed out separately atthe beginning of each year and will now be included in The Monroe News.It will also be available online at www.monroetwp.com.

May 2015Monroe Township Department of Recreation120 Monmouth Road • Monroe Twp., NJ 08831732-723-5000 • monroerec.com

13Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4SENIOR LUNCH & LEARNCommunity Center 11:00 AM

5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12BASEBALLMonthly MeetingCommunity Center7:30 PM

13SOFTBALLMonthly MeetingCommunity Center7:00 PM

14MONROE WOLVERINESMonthly MeetingCommunity Center7:30 PM

15 16

18MAYOR’S CUPWOMEN’S GOLFConcordia 8:00 AM

19 20 21 22VETERANS PARKSPRAY GROUNDOpens for the Season10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

23

24

31

25MEMORIAL DAY

26 27 28 29 30

17

April 2015Monroe Township Department of Recreation120 Monmouth Road • Monroe Twp., NJ 08831732-723-5000 • monroerec.com

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1First day to apply forSUMMER CAMPEMPLOYMENT at theRecreation Dept.

2 3 4

5 6 7 8SOFTBALLMonthly MeetingCommunity Center7:00 PM


10 11

12 13SENIOR LUNCH & LEARNCommunity Ctr., 11:00 AMRECREATION ADVISORYBOARD MTG.,Community Ctr., 7:00 PM

14BASEBALLMonthly MeetingCommunity Center 7:30 PM

15MAYOR’S CUPBOWLING TOURN. Country Lanes9:00 AM

16 17 18MTSC ANNUAL SPRINGTOURNAMENT

SOFTBALL & BASEBALLOPENING DAY

20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

19


Recreation Calendar of EventsThe Recreation Events Calendar will no longer be mailed out separately atthe beginning of each year and will now be included in The Monroe News.It will also be available online at www.monroetwp.com.

June 2015Monroe Township Department of Recreation120 Monmouth Road • Monroe Twp., NJ 08831732-723-5000 • monroerec.com

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 3 4 5 6

7 8SENIOR LUNCH & LEARNCommunity Ctr., 11:00 AMRECREATION ADVISORYBOARD MTG.,Community Ctr., 7:00 PM

9BASEBALLMonthly MeetingCommunity Center7:30 PM

10SOFTBALLMonthly MeetingCommunity Center 7:00 PM


12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

22MAYOR’S CUP MEN’S GOLFConcordia8:00 AM

23 24 25 26FISHING DERBYThompson Park9:00AM

27

28 29FIRST DAY OFSUMMER REC CAMPAnd M.T.S.E.P.A.

30

2

21FIRST DAYOF SUMMER

MAYOR’S CUP MEN’S TENNIS –TBAMAYOR’S CUP WOMEN’S TENNIS –TBA

For years, Monroehas been on the forefrontof “going green.”

For more than 20 yearswe have been at the fore-front of Farmland andOpen Space Preservation.Our EnvironmentalCommission has beenworking tirelessly onstream clean-ups and itsannual Green Fair tohelp protect the localecosystem.

All of this hard workhas paid off as Monroe

Township has achievedbronze certification andbecome one of the 177New Jersey towns thatare Sustainable JerseyCertified.

Sustainable Jersey is a voluntary, non-profit,non-partisan programsponsored by the Collegeof New Jersey, the NewJersey League of Muni-cipalities, the New JerseyDepartment of Environ-mental Protection andthe state Board of Public

Utilities. The program,which requires no feesfor certification, encour-ages towns to developsustainability programsand initiatives to ensurea greener, cleaner futurefor NJ residents.

To become Sustain-able Jersey certified,Monroe had to completethe rigorous program ofsustainability actions.Municipalities mustcomplete “actions” toearn points. Monroeearned points for itsmany community out-reach programs, holdingits Green Fair, perform-ing an energy audit onits buildings, farmlandpreservation, the schooldistrict’s garden pro-gram, floodplain man-agement, potable waterconservation, theManalapan Lake restora-tion and trout stockingprogram, bicycle andpedestrian planningstudy, and many more.

In addition, Monroecreated a Green Teamand did two priorityactions by completing a Natural ResourceInventory and Prescript-ion Drug Safety Disposalcombining for 20 of

225 total points theTownship earned forcertification.

The Township’s ShadeTree Commission playedan important role in thecertification process, asits annual tree plantingand maintenance pro-gram for trees alongmunicipal roadways, theTownship’s CommunityForestry Plan, Tree CoverGoal and Tree ProtectionOrdinance were allinstrumental actions inthe Township’s certifica-tion process.

The Township isworking with a group of citizen volunteers to open a CommunityGarden on ApplegarthRoad. This project willalso benefit our Sustain-able Jersey efforts.

By gaining certifica-tion, the Township nowhas access to grants tohelp implement newprograms that will helpus achieve silver certifi-cation.

Across New Jersey,hundreds of towns arenow working on sus-tainability programs tohelp the environmentand their bottom lines.Efforts to curb carbon

emissions, protect natu-ral resources and reducewaste are happening atthe local level. Throughthe program, communi-ties are implementingsolar power and windturbine projects, raincapture and reuse efforts,new walking and bikingprograms, building andoperating communityfood gardens, launchingcommunity outreachprograms on recyclingand energy, and dozensof other initiatives.

To get involved withMonroe’s Green Teamand sustainability initiatives, contact JohnRiggs at [email protected]. To participatein Sustainable Jerseyfree workshops andevents held across the state, visitwww.SustainableJersey.com.

14

Around the Town

The Monroe News • Spring 2015

179 Prospect Plains Road, Monroe, NJ 08831Call (609) 655-1717 for appointment

[email protected] our hospital website - www.monroevet.net

Providing top quality general medicineand surgery for dogs, cats, and exotic pets

Digital x-rays with radiologist review

Birds, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, and reptiles

Ultrasound available

General dentistry and dental x-rays

Pharmacy and prescription diets

Acute and chronic pain management

Cat boarding in cozy condos

Laser for pain and wound healing

Steven E. Hornstein, DVM

• Past President of New JerseyVeterinary Medical Association

The Monroe News is now acceptingads for the Next Issue…

Call (973) 315-0300

Monroe Named A Sustainable CommunityBy Council Vice President Leslie Koppel

Council Vice PresidentLeslie Koppel


Around the TownClearbrook Clubs Raise$1,000 for Charity

The Active Adults Club of Clearbrook and the BoomersClub support the Monroe Food Township Food Pantry.

The Active AdultsClub of Clearbrook, joinedby the Boomers Club,raised more than $1,000and collected more thanthree carloads of food forthe Monroe TownshipFood Pantry at its Third-Annual Walk-A-Thon.

The Food Pantry, runjointly by the RossmoorKiwanis and the MonroeTownship Office ofSenior Services, suppliesfood to residents, regard-less of age, who qualifyfor assistance.

“The Food Pantry isan important local chari-ty to us in Clearbrook,”Clearbrook CommunityAssociation (CCA)Director Lou Caron said.“For 18 years SidHollander has stood upat the CCA meetings talk-ing about the importanceof the food pantry. Thepeople of Clearbrookhave listened and we arehappy to make regulardonations, and this sub-stantial donation.”

The money was raisedby residents paying toparticipate in the walk-a-thon and by other resi-dents making donationsto the cause.

“We had tremendouspreparation and supportfor the walk-a-thon,”Caron said. “We hadchildren, grandchildrenand pets join in on thefun, which was for agreat cause.”

The pantry helpsthose in need by supply-ing a portion of their gro-cery needs in an effort tolessen the burden of reg-ular food expenses.Director of the Office ofSenior Services BonnieLeibowitz meets withthose seeking help fromthe pantry so she candetermine their needs.

“Throughout theyears, Clearbrook hasbeen a generous donor tothe food pantry,”Leibowitz said. “I wouldlike to thank the BoomersClub and the active adultclubs for their help andsupport, and a specialthanks to Sid Hollanderfor his help over the past18 years spearheadingdrives and fundraisers toget food to those in need.

For more informationabout the pantry or tomake a donation, call theOffice of Senior Servicesat (609) 448-7140.

The Monroe News reaches everyhome, business and post office box

in Monroe and Jamesburg.

the Monroe news1 Municipal Plaza • Monroe Twp., New Jersey 08831

E C R W S SP O S T A L C U S T O M E R

Lisa Sobel, DMDPediatric Dentistry SpecialistNJ Specialty Permit #5469Diplomate of the A merican Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Excellence and experience in a fun, lovingand caring environment created specificallyfor infants through adolescents!• Cutting edge technology and sterilization• Digital x-rays with up to 90% less radiation• Parents welcome in treatment rooms• Tooth-colored non-mercury fillings• Will work with most insurance companies• Weekend appointments available• Emergency services available to our patients• TV’s in treatment rooms

Please call us to schedule an appointment18 Centre Drive, Suite 204, Monroe Township, NJ 08831

(609) 409- 0499 • Find us on acebookwww.monroepediatricdentistry.com

Orthodontics:The beauty of a healthy smile at any age.

Orthodontics for Children, Adolescents and Adults• Complimentary Consultation• Advanced state-of-the-art office and highly trained orthodontic team• All new equipment and materials• The most modern sterilization procedures available• Digital x-rays and imaging allows you to see your treatment plan• Invisalign certified - the new invisible braces• Financing Available•Weekend appointments available• Preferred Provider

609-409-1700 www.MonroeOrthoLLC.comWe are now located at… 2 Centre Drive, Suite 300, Monroe Township, NJ 08831

Susan Leiva, DMDOrthodontist

NJ Specialty Permit #3852

• COMMERCIAL

• RESIDENTIAL

• LAND

• NEW HOMES

• ADULTCOMMUNITIES

Serving:Monmouth, Middlesex,Burlington, Ocean& Mercer counties

Monroe Office Plaza391 Spotswood-Englishtown Road

Monroe Town, NJ 00831Office: 732-251-8900 • Fax: 732-251-8901

email: [email protected] us on the web at

www.midstate-realty.com

MID STATE REALTY

John ProfaciBroker / President

Call today for your…

COMPLIMENTARYMARKET ANALYSISIf your property is currently listed with another

broker, please disregard this offer.

391 Spotswood Englishtown Rd.Monroe Twp., New Jersey 08831

When it’s time to Buy or Sell…Rely on an Experienced Professional to give you the true facts about this

changing Real Estate Market

732-251-8900

315 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Twp 08831 • Phone: 732-521-5200 • www.abouttownnj.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 AWARD WINNERS

Angela VellucciAssociate Broker

2014 NJAR® Circle of ExcellenceBronze Sales Award®

2014 Quality ServicePinnacle Award

Helen RescignoSales Associate

2014 NJAR® Circle of ExcellenceBronze Sales Award®

2014 Quality ServiceProducer Award

Janet CostiSales Associate


Laura MayerSales Associate


Lisa IntravatolaSales Associate


Jeanine FamaSales Associate


Susan OreficeSales Associate


James O’RourkeSales Associate


Kimberly StrychSales Associate


A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“Let me thank each ofyou for taking the time tocelebrate the arrival of anexemplar of long-term care.This is the type of residencethat colleagues will be discussing, researching andwriting about in the yearsahead,” said William Tibbitt,board member and chairmanof the Parker at Monroe TaskForce.

For more information,visit our website atwww.FrancisEParker.com, orcall 732.992.5205.

Parker Grand Opening Continued from page 11

Seated in the front row, from left to right:Sister Ann Casserly, Donna Lazartic, KatieSmith Sloan. Standing in back row, left toright: Clifford Holland, Gerald Tamburro,Roberto Muñiz, William Conroy, andWilliam Tibbitt.

Documents

| 1 Municipal Plaza | Monroe Township, New Jersey … News Spring 2015.pdf2 The Monroe News • Spring 2015 Municipal News Makers, inventors and hobbyists displayed their creations