As we approach the end of 2022, we take a look at the memorable stories that made it to the pages of the East Brunswick Sentinel.
Milltown Mel dies by Groundhog Day – https://centraljersey.com/2022/01/31/milltown-mel-passes-away-prior-to-groundhog-day/
Milltown Wranglers are sad to report that Milltown Mel recently crossed the rainbow bridge in January. The popular annual prediction is usually announced early on the morning of February 2 to a crowd gathered in the parking lot of Joyce Kilmer American Legion Post #25 on JFK Drive.
Good news came from the Milltown Wranglers in July: “Our new baby Milltown Mel has been born and will be heading home soon! We’ll keep you posted.”
South River teen overcomes ADHD, autism, finds strength in boxing ring – https://centraljersey.com/2022/08/12/troy-oconnor-returns-to-south-river-with-silver-medal-from-junior-olympics/
Troy O’Connor competed in the USA Boxing Junior Olympics in Wichita, Kans. in July. Competitions included a variety of weight classes and skill levels that ranged from varsity athletes to competitive athletes.
As a child, O’Connor was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism. At the age of 7, he joined the Brunswick Boxing Stars in North Brunswick. Among the heavyweights, gym equipment and competition, he not only found discipline, but also a large family of friends and mentors.
A resident shares his story of the Holocaust after narrowly escaping the German occupation of Ukraine – https://centraljersey.com/2022/03/24/old-bridge-resident-shares-her-holocaust-story-after-narrowly-escaping-german-occupation-in-wwii/
From the couch in her apartment, Old Bridge resident Pauline Belot shared her family’s trials and tribulations during the Holocaust and how she was able to see her “first dream” become a reality in America.
The Jamesburg Police Department will take over policing for Helmet – https://centraljersey.com/2022/06/28/jamesburg-police-department-to-take-over-police-services-for-helmetta/
The Helmet Borough Council approved a six-year joint service contract with Jamesburg for police services at a special council meeting June 27 through midnight July 1.
“The council agreed that Jamesburg would be the best option for police services,” said Helmet Mayor Chris Slavicek, noting that the borough also had discussions with Monroe, East Brunswick and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department. “[Jamesburg] aligns with our community, our community vision and values, and our motto, “big heart in a small town.”
In September 2021, Slavicek said negotiations began with Spotswood Borough for their policing contract, which began in 2018. Due to some “financial obligations and inconsistencies in the wording of the contract, we came to an agreement based on the terms of the contract to find a new police department,” Slavicek said.
In April 2018, borough officials decided to disband the Helmet Police Department, and the council approved a six-year police service contract with Spotswood.
The mayor of Milltown is remembered for having made strides in women’s politics – https://centraljersey.com/2022/05/19/milltown-mayor-remembered-for-making-strides-in-women-politics/
Gloria Bradford was decades ahead of her time.
She was the first woman to stand for and be elected to Milltown Council; first woman elected mayor of Milltown; and the longest-serving mayor in the district’s history, serving for 13 years from 1999 to 2012.
Bradford died on May 7. She was 87 years old.
East Brunswick is creating a sister city in Rivne, Ukraine – https://centraljersey.com/2022/05/25/east-brunswick-establishes-sister-city-in-rivne-ukraine/
In order to help the residents of Ukraine, the village council of East Brunswick adopted a resolution to establish a sister city in Rivne in Ukraine.
Dubbed the “amber capital of Ukraine” due to its mineral and gemstone deposits, Rivne’s many railroads and highways also make it an industrial hub and transportation corridor for many other cities, according to the resolution.
The resolution states that East Brunswick and Rivne will collaborate to share and develop cultural, educational and economic initiatives that contribute to the enrichment of both cities.
The Monroe School Board has appointed a permanent superintendent amid pending litigation – https://centraljersey.com/2022/07/28/monroe-school-board-names-permanent-superintendent-after-months-long-controversy/
The search for a new superintendent is over as the Monroe Township Board of Education has named Chari Chanley as the district’s permanent superintendent.
The appointment comes after months of controversy over whether Chanley was qualified for the role.
The board of directors voted 6-2 to appoint Chanley at its July 20 meeting.
