BASKING RIDGE, NJ -- The Ridge High School baseball program remains alive and well following one of the greatest seasons in the storied history of the school in 2023.
That the Red Devils don't have a title to defend from last season is a story over which volumes could be written, and have. Ridge finished with an on-field record of 26-3, sharing the Skyland Conference's Delaware Division title with rival Bridgewater-Raritan; losing the Somerset County Tournament championship game, 1-0, to Rutgers Prep on a close play at the plate; and then having their 8-1 victory over Westfield in the Section 2, Group 4 quarterfinals overturned when Westfield lodged a protest over a discrepancy in the pitch count.
Some elite level players graduated from a 2023 Ridge team that was one of the best in New Jersey, but the Red Devils have plenty of reasons to believe they'll be back in the thick of contention this spring, as well. They open their season at home on Tuesday, April 2 against Hunterdon Central.
Two right-handers who had superb seasons in 2023 as the Nos. 4 and 5 pitchers on Ridge's staff are back to assume spots at the top of the rotation this season. Junior right-hander Aiden Stieglitz struck out 47 batters in 31 1/3 innings and had a 1.71 earned-run average last season. Senior right-hander Ben Larner is coming off a season in which he posted a 0.66 ERA in 21 1/3 innings.
Other pitchers who are expected to be in the mix for innings include Matt Faltas, Charlie Paul, Andrew Reynolds, Ezra Sadowsky, Nick Sellitti and Brady Wilson.
Sellitti is the starting center fielder and leadoff hitter after playing left and getting 95 at-bats last season. Reynolds plays second and is capable of some sparkling glove work. Larner will play third when he doesn't pitch. Wilson figures to be the shortstop.
The most accomplished bat in the lineup belongs to catcher Nick Rossi, the latest in a long line of standout backstops that the Red Devils have had over the past decade. Rossi batted .373 with eight extra-base hits and a team-leading 17 walks last season. Senior Kevin Taylor, fresh of a championship season as a wrestler, is also a solid catcher.
Sadowsky, a senior, will play right field after batting .303 as a junior with 13 runs batted in in just 46 at-bats. Senior Steven Dresner can track down plenty of flyballs in the outfield. Senior Joshua LaTourette brings speed and a good glove to the outfield, as well. Junior first baseman/outfielder Bode Ganny has shown some power from the right side.
Seniors Zach Kucerka -- who can also pitch -- and Matt Martine are vying for time at first base.
"I think we have a great group coming back in addition to some talented young guys who have developed," Ridge head coach Tom Blackwell said. "I think we should be able to perform at the high standard we have set for Ridge baseball."
]]>BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Arc of Somerset County announces the inaugural Rockin' Breakfast Run on June 1st at Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, NJ. This is a new twist on the Step Up for The Arc 5K Run & Walk which has provided funding for The Arc for many years. The new theme for the event will have the whole community Rockin’.
Join The Arc for a beautiful morning at scenic Duke Island Park. The 5K course is amazing and flat! It gives you the best views of Duke Island and the Raritan River and Canal. With half of the course adjacent to water, participants will surely have a peaceful morning run or walk. Participants will end the race with a one-of-a-kind finisher medal and a delicious BREAKFAST SANDWICH courtesy of Rock Deli of Bridgewater! Participants will also receive a race tee shirt or tank top. Event details and registration are here: https://runsignup.com/rockinbreakfastrun.
The annual 5K run and walk fundraiser helps support vital programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Somerset County. According to Christopher Corvino, Executive Director of The Arc of Somerset County, “The Arc provides a lifetime of comprehensive services, advocacy, and supports to over 1400 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - and their families to promote growth, achievement and ongoing involvement in the community. Our services include group home and apartment locations, two day-habilitation centers, The Jerry Davis Center for Children and Families, Supported Employment and Family Support Programs, The Achievement Center at Raritan Valley Community College, and Camp Jotoni in Warren, NJ. This event serves as a major fundraiser and an opportunity to advocate side by side with those we serve, as a large group of our consumers participate in the walk.”
Event sponsors are Race Sponsors Cerminara Architect and Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund; Breakfast Sponsor Rock Deli; Step Up Sponsors PSEG and WTW; Swag Sponsors Access Commercial Door, Deluccia Commercial Group, Nisivoccia, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset; and Community Sponsor Risk Strategies. There are still opportunities to join these outstanding organizations by contacting Lisa Fielding Clymer at LisaC@TheArcOfSomerset.org.
]]>WATCHUNG, NJ - Lawrence Law Divorce & Family Lawyers proudly celebrates the exceptional recognition of several of its esteemed attorneys in the legal community. The firm is elated to announce that Jeralyn Lawrence, Rita M. Aquilio, Amy Wechsler, and Kristyl Berckes have been honored as 2024 Super Lawyers, showcasing their outstanding legal expertise and dedication to their clients. Additionally, the firm extends heartfelt congratulations to Ashley E. Edwards, Daniel Burton, and Emily Urrico for their well-deserved acknowledgment as Super Lawyers Rising Stars, highlighting their promising careers and commitment to excellence.
Jeralyn Lawrence has been recognized in the Top 100 List for the 11th year in a row and the Top 50 Women List for the 13th year in a row.
These accolades serve as a testament to the exceptional legal prowess and unwavering dedication exemplified by Jeralyn Lawrence, Rita M. Aquilio, Amy Wechsler, and Kristyl Berckes. Furthermore, the recognition of Ashley E. Edwards, Daniel Burton, and Emily Urrico as Super Lawyers Rising Stars underscores their burgeoning careers and commitment to excellence in the legal field. Their remarkable talents and steadfast dedication position them as trailblazers within the legal community, poised to make enduring contributions for years to come. Additionally, Jeralyn Lawrence's inclusion in the esteemed Top 100 and Top 50 Women Lists further underscores her remarkable achievements and leadership within the legal profession, solidifying her status as an exemplary figure in the field.
The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology information can be found here. No aspect of this material has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Lawrence Law Divorce & Family Lawyers is located at 744 Mountain Blvd. in Watchung. Visit their website www.lawlawfirm.com. Should you have any inquiries or require assistance, contact 908.645.1000.
]]>BERNARDS TWP., NJ _ The Bernards Township Committee is set to introduce a $46.25-million municipal budget for 2024 that, if approved, would add about $128 onto this year's average property tax bill to cover municipal services.
The details of the budget are posted on the online agenda for Tuesday's Bernards Township Committee meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the municipal building at 1 Collyer Lane in Basking Ridge.
The public hearing and possible final adoption of the budget is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23.
The Township Committee is also planning to honor Lucy Forgione, who has worked for Bernards Township for more than 40 years, and was appointed Health Officer in 1993 to lead the Bernards Township regional health department.
In her roles, Forgione developed the first Project Graduation in the state of New Jersey in 1986. Among her many accomplishments, Forgione presided over the health department when Bernards Township in 2019 won the honor Local Health Department of the year from the National Association of City and County Health Officials. She guided the township through the COVID-19 pandemic and initiated many other public health initiatives.
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BASKING RIDGE, NJ - At Fellowship Village's Sieminski Theater, Kathleen Kennedy from Basking Ridge shared her deep love for Ireland and her journey to discover her family's past. Kennedy, proud of her Irish roots, connected with two traditional Irish musicians after seeing them perform at a concert. The duo, known as CELTIC CAILÍNí, played old Irish songs from the 17th and 18th centuries, different from the usual pub tunes like "Molly Malone."
CELTIC CAILÍNí, composed of a talented harpist and music teacher, along with a captivating singer and music historian, transported the audience at Fellowship Village into the heart of Ireland. They captivated listeners with their soulful melodies and captivating tales, providing a window into Ireland's vibrant cultural legacy. Their performance showcased the intricate beauty of Gaelic music and poetry, delivering a truly enriching and memorable experience for all in attendance.
After the show, Kennedy and the musicians chatted with the audience, discussing their shared love for Ireland and their family backgrounds. Kennedy, despite having Irish, German, and Danish roots, feels a deep connection to Ireland, especially the Dingle peninsula, where she spends her summers. Everyone agreed on Ireland's beauty, often called the "Emerald Isle."
Fellowship Village offers residents a rich array of diverse entertainment and programming at the Sieminski Theater, conveniently located on Fellowship Village’s campus. From classic plays to modern productions, there is something for everyone. The theater is a hub of culture and entertainment, providing an intimate space for artists to perform for resident audiences from Fellowship Village as well as the broader outside community. Click here for information on upcoming shows and events.
Click video below for a glimpse into the performance by CELTIC CAILÍNí.
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BASKING RIDGE, NJ - The Ridge Forensics Speech & Debate Team from Basking Ridge, secured their State Champion title for the twenty-second year in a row. They triumphed over Summit High School by more than 100 points at the NJ Speech and Debate League Championships held at Hunterdon High School.
Several Ridge students excelled in various categories. Seniors Natalie Ramirez and Alyssa Kim won Duo Interpretation, while sophomore Aparna Iyer claimed victory in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. Freshmen Aditi Terli and Vivian Liu triumphed in Novice Public Forum. For Novice Parliamentary Debate, freshmen teams Amandeep Manda with Rushil Jha, and Prabhav Kautickwar with Rhea Vasanthavada shared the championship.
Other team members also performed admirably across different events. Senior Alyssa Kim secured fifth place in Dramatic Interpretation, while sophomore Faye Fletcher ranked sixth. Fletcher and her partner Eden Chacko took fifth place in Duo Interpretation. Alice Yeo and Anjali Dadlani reached the semifinals in the same category, with Dadlani also making it to the semifinals in Humorous Interpretation.
Junior Mannan Pandey earned second place in Impromptu Speaking, with senior Abby Lee reaching the semifinals. In Informational Speaking, juniors Saketha Kedarsetty and Aayush Bhakey, along with sophomore Milie Gupta, reached the semifinals.
Senior Amy Cao secured second place in International Extemporaneous Speaking, while sophomore MJ Chu claimed sixth place. Junior Srija Kasarla ranked fifth in Oral Interpretation, with sophomore Adhirai Karthik reaching the semifinals. Junior Sky-Rose Jaamann secured third place in Original Oratory, while senior Abby Lee claimed fourth.
In Program Oral Interpretation, sophomore Eden Chacko placed third, and senior Natalie Ramirez placed fourth. Sophomores Ella Tadros, Amulya Kollipara, and Hasini Namburi claimed second, third, and fifth place, respectively, in Declamation. In Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, sophomores Aparna Iyer, Sherry Antil, Navya Raju, and junior Sameer Wadhwa clinched the top four spots.
Sophomores Shivank Jha and Sarvagya Khanal advanced to the semifinals in Novice Parliamentary Debate. In Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate, freshmen Aryav Gaddam and Anya Animesh reached the semifinals, while freshmen Himnish Koul and Rosa Qin made it to the quarterfinals.
Junior Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debater Eva Chen reached the semifinals, and Meera Shah made it to the quarterfinals. In Varsity Parliamentary Debate, junior Lucy Brodkin and senior Mariam Khan became semifinalists. Junior Shaurya Ganjoo reached the semifinals in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate, while seniors Vivian Zhu and Pranav Mahesh advanced to the quarterfinals in Varsity Public Forum.
In Congress, senior Ginny Kim secured third place, junior Andy Cui placed tenth, sophomore Aanvi Khade placed eleventh, and junior Sameer Bagga became a semifinalist.
Director David Yastremski, recently honored by two national organizations for his dedication to speech and debate, expressed pride in the team's achievements. He commended all students and looks forward to maintaining the winning streak. The team is gearing up for district qualifiers for the National Speech and Debate Association.
Parents interested in enrolling their children in the Ridge Forensics Speech and Debate Institute, led by the champion team, can sign up for sessions this summer. The institute will run from July 8 to 12 and July 15 to 19 at the high school. Alongside speech and debate training, students can explore electives like Broadcasting and Mock Trial. More details are available at ridgeforensics.com.
]]>Join us as award-winning mentalist Joshua Kane takes audiences on an unforgettable ride of magic, and mystery at the Sieminski Theater (Basking Ridge) on April 13 at 2:30 pm.
Kane's "Borders of the Mind" is a highly interactive, family-friendly event where you'll witness mind-boggling feats of lie detection, simultaneous telepathy, and other psychic phenomena that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The audience plays an active role in the show, with up to 40 people joining Kane on stage to participate in a series of games and experiments. Kane invites his audience to discover their inner superhero. “I think we all dream of getting that letter from Hogwarts,” Kane says, “of being told like Neo in The Matrix, ‘You are the One.’ We all want to be like the X-Men and discover that what is odd about us is extraordinary.” In “Borders of the Mind,” Kane helps audiences tap into and use their amazing psychic abilities, identifying audience members with latent psychic abilities and extraordinary powers. This is an opportunity you won't want to miss!
With his signature charm and wit, Joshua Kane will transport you to a world beyond the borders of your imagination, where anything is possible. Joshua Kane's path to success began in his childhood years when he developed an intense fascination with comic books, magic, fire-eating, and the theater. He knew from an early age that he was destined to follow a career in either the performing arts or as an international spy. In his teenage years, he was fortunate to meet Gary Lee Williams, a stage performer, and former bodyguard to the Dalai Lama, who helped Kane hone his powers of observation and intuition — essentially turning him into a young Sherlock Holmes. Combining these skills with his training as a classical actor, Kane has become one of the world's most sought-after theatrical mind readers.
In 2022, Kane was honored with the Dunninger Memorial Award, the highest honor given by the Psychic Entertainers Association, for distinguished professionalism in the performance of mentalism. Notable recipients of this award include The Amazing Kreskin, Derren Brown, Uri Geller, and Max Maven.
The Sieminski Theater at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge provides an intimate, state-of-the-art experience and offers student and senior discounts, dinner and show packages, and free ample parking, making it the perfect evening out for everyone. You can purchase your tickets for Joshua Kane's Borders of the Mind now at sieminskitheater.org (http://sieminskitheater.org/) or by calling the Box Office at 908-580-3892.
“Borders of the Mind blew me away!”
Clemens Center, Elmira, NY
“You had everyone in the palm of your hand from beginning to end.”
Clemson University, SC
“Borders of the Mind exceeded even my high expectations, selling out all three performances on Super Bowl weekend …; garnering enthusiastic audience response...; and attracting great press.”
Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield, CT
“Savvy, witty, and spellbinding… [Joshua Kane] brings life, intelligence, sensitivity and humor to everything he touches.”— Peter Straub, best-
selling author of Ghost Story
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BERNARDS TWP., NJ _ A panel of seven Bernards Township women are scheduled to come together at a special event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wed., March 27 to address how they find fulfillment at the different stages in their lives.
"In honor of Women's History Month, we have gathered a diverse group of Bernards Township women who represent different life stages, employment statuses, and motherhood roles but have one thing in common; they serve our community," says the public release on the event.
The discussion, to be moderated by Mayor Jennifer Asay, is free and open to the public in the main meeting room at town hall, 1 Collyer Lane in Basking Ridge. Those who plan to attend are asked to call 908-204-3001 by March 22.
The women will discuss how they find personal fulfillment in their lives and share their personal journeys, according to the invitation.
The women scheduled to appear include Emily Sarokhan, Shilpa Clott, Jane Zhang, Dolores Cirra, Kristina Winterfeldt, Shannon Novinski and Rose Salaki.
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Experience the timeless elegance of Tony Bennett’s music with Frankie Cirell’s “The Magic Of Tony Bennett” on June 1st at the Sieminski Theater with performances at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm. This extraordinary show, backed by the grandeur of a full orchestra, brings to life the soulful melodies and classical charm of one of music’s most beloved icons. Frankie Cirelli's soul-stirring and accurate portrayal of the legendary artist takes audiences on a musical journey through Bennett's enduring legacy, from the heart-rending "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" to the soaring "Fly Me to the Moon."
Frankie Cirell is an extraordinary entertainer with over five decades of experience captivating audiences with his vocal prowess and versatility, which are unmatched and have earned him praise from audiences and critics. He began his career as part of the critically acclaimed comedy/music duo Andre & Cirell, where he developed his comedic genius. But Frankie’s magic is in his voice! Recently, turning his focus and talent to the last great jazz singer of a generation, Tony Bennett, he created a show that is not just a tribute, but a celebration of Tony's greatest hits. If you close your eyes, you'd be hard-pressed to believe it's not Tony Bennett's voice you hear. Accompanied by talented singer Kelsey Demsky, whose voice blends seamlessly with the orchestra, together with the energy and passion of the music, these two talented artists will have you singing along and swaying to the rhythm.
Don't miss this romantic and elegant tribute on June 1st at the Sieminski Theater with performances at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Please book your tickets now and immerse yourself in the magic of Tony Bennett's music, celebrating his legacy like never before. Visit sieminskitheater.org or call 908-580-3892. The Sieminski Theater, located at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, provides an intimate and state-of-the-art experience, perfect for enjoying this unforgettable performance. The Sieminski Theater offers student and senior discounts, dinner and show packages, and onsite parking.
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Enjoy an exceptional preshow dining experience at Wilson’s Tapas Bar Lounge restaurant. Located steps away from the Sieminski Theater, culinary dishes prepared by Fellowship Village’s award-winning executive chef feature only the freshest ingredients and highest quality. Make a reservation by calling 908-580-3818 for 5:30 pm for the show date.
About the Sieminski Theater: Bringing a professional performing arts venue with a diverse lineup of entertainment to Basking Ridge and the surrounding communities makes the Sieminski Theater and Somerset County an artistic and cultural destination. We enjoy a newly expanded performance schedule from the American Theater Group, Light Opera of New Jersey, New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Trilogy Repertory, and countless national touring groups. Our intimate, award-winning non-profit venue features technical amenities that rival any Broadway theater. Visit us at www.sieminskitheater.org to view our upcoming entertainment schedule, where any seat is the best seat in the house.
]]>BERNARDS TWP., NJ _ The three women present at the most recent Bernards Township Committee unamiously approved resolutions 3-0 commending the accomplishments of local Girl Scouts, as well as recognizing Girl Scout Week nationwide.
Mayor Jennifer Asay, Deputy Mayor Janice Fields and Township Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy all said they themselves had been Girl Scouts.
Projects undertaken by the Girl Scouts have a tremendous impact on the community, Duarte McCarthy noted. She encouraged the many dozens of local Girl Scouts at last week's meetings to put the awards they had received on their college and job applications in the future.
As a Girl Scout, Fields said she had learned many important lessons that she uses to this day _ including not being afraid of bugs, "thanks to scouting."
The committee members also praised the troop leaders and families who supported the scouts' projects.
March is Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month and March 10 to 16 marks the 112th anniversary of Girl Scout Week as designated by Girl Scouts of the USA; the organization was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savanah, Georgia.
The mission of the Girl Scouts of the USA is to “build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place” through honesty, fairness, compassion, and sisterhood, said the resolution approved by the Township Committee.
At the meeting, the Township Meeting also recognized the awards that girls in local troops have received in the past year.
2023 Bronze Awards: (Troop 61115 - Kristina Winterfeldt and Julianne Kane, Troop Leaders); Alexandria Winterfeldt, Elise Asay, Alexandra Marino, Lyla Wolsky, Annabelle Brooks, Maya Furst, Grace Novak, Antonina Kane, Isabella Lucariello
(Troop 63009 - Catherine Ellis and Karne McLaughlin, Troop Leaders): Rachel Ellis, Emily Grobe, NatalieTomaich, LenoraTalbot, Hope Sordillo, Chelsea Sordillo, Avery Bollaro
2023 Silver Award: (Troop 60608- Elizabeth White and Marisa Steel, Troop Leaders): Katie White
(Troop 62038 –Alka Solanki, Troop Leader): Jaina Solanki, Victoria Agostino, Winter Karl-Gruswitz, Aishani Mandalia
Some former Girl Scouts, Asay pointed out, included Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Queen Latifah, Venus Williams, Sally Ride, Sandra Day-O'Connor and Queen Elizabeth II.
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BASKING RIDGE, NJ- This past weekend, the Ridge Track and Field Team traveled up to Boston to compete at New Balance Indoor Nationals! From Thursday through Sunday, 15 different athletes from Ridge raced, with some personal bests, season best relay times, and an All-American relay!
On Thursday, freshmen Kenji Hou and Tristan Frank raced in the freshman 400. Both of them crushed the qualifying standard of 56 seconds to enter in this event. Kenji ran a 54.20, and Tristan ran a 55.07- both great times for freshmen.
On Friday, the boys Distance Medley Relay had an awesome performance, placing 4th overall, and earning All-American status. With senior Dev Patel running 3:08.86 for the 1200, senior Owen Mays running 51.49 for the 400, senior Edward Condolon running 1:56.46 for the 800, and junior Brenden McMahon bringing it home with a 4:13.41 1600 leg, the squad had a total time of 10:10.20, improving on their season best. This relay team now has the 2nd and 3rd fastest DMR times in school history, only behind the high school national record of 9:53.40 set by Ridge in 2022.
On Saturday morning, Owen took on the 60m hurdles bright and early running a competitive time of 8.59 against stacked competition. Later that afternoon, Brenden McMahon dropped an incredible time in the 2 mile, running 9:04.07! Placing 2nd in his heat and 15th overall, this time converts down to a 9:00.91 3200 meter run, a 17 second indoor personal best. Brenden improves his standing as #2 on the Ridge all time list, over 25 seconds ahead of Ridge #3.
On Sunday, the boys Shuttle Hurdle Relay improved on their school record with a time of 32.14. The team of juniors Joseph Dachnowicz, Jared Rascio, and Marcus Reilly and senior Owen Mays holds the top 2 times in school history, with this 32.14 and their previous record of 32.39. Up next was the 4x800 relay. The boys ran an 8:01.34 , with Brenden McMahon and Edward Condolon both splitting 1:58s and junior Kaleb Huang setting a new relay split PR of 2:02.10. Right after the boys were the girls, who set a new season best of 9:31.29! With senior Elena Nicholson leading off in 2:26.25, senior Ryan Ireland running the second leg in 2:21.37, senior Elayna Douglas running 2:25.69, and senior Katharine Frank anchoring in 2:18.00, the girls had a really strong performance to close out their season. Finally, the boys 4x400 relay of juniors Joseph Dachnowicz and Chase Fritz, and seniors Edward Condolon and Owen Mays ran a 3:26.63 to finish out the weekend. This time is #3 in school history, and this same team holds the school record of 3:24.88, set last weekend at the New Jersey Meet of Champions.
Next up for Ridge is the Spring Track Season, kicking off later this month!
]]>BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Greater Somerset County YMCA STORM swim team spearheaded an impactful donation drive, collecting gently used swim gear for disadvantaged swimmers. Collection boxes were placed at the Welcome Centers of all Greater Somerset County YMCA locations, including Bridgewater, Franklin Twp, Hillsborough, Princeton, Somerset Hills, and Somerville YMCAs.
The team collected a variety of swim gear including goggles, hand paddles, kickboards, pull buoys, mesh bags, swim bags, snorkels, Crocs, and clothing. The collection totaled: 13 pairs of fins, 21 pairs of goggles, 4 replacement straps, 6 bags of goggle bridges, 3 pairs of paddles, 5 swim bags, 8 water bottles, 3 snorkels, 2 buoys, a mesh bag, kickboard, and timer. Additionally, 14 swim caps, 7 towel pants, 2 towels, 2 pairs of Crocs, a pair of slides, and 25 bathing suits (17 for boys, 8 for girls) were collected.
These items will be donated to The Pocono Family YMCA in Stroudsburg, PA, helping disadvantaged families in the aquatics program and the Piranhas Competitive Swim Team for middle and high school swimmers.
Organized by STORM swimmer Joe Cridge and his mother Jennifer, as part of Joe's Confirmation preparations this spring, he took up a service project challenge from his church. Inspired by his shared passion for swimming with his Confirmation Sponsor, Mrs. Lara Minakas, Joe recognized that swimming is an expensive sport, requiring new sized items each year and decided to make a difference.
Joe expressed his desire for the initiative to become an annual tradition at the Y, ensuring more children can experience the joys of competitive swimming.
For more information on Greater Somerset County YMCA’s STORM swimming and how to get involved, visit https://www.gscymca.org/programs/aquatics/swim-teams/.
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About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
]]>BERNARDS TWP., NJ _ The agenda for the Bernards Township Committee's first meeting for March, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, is posted on the Bernards Township website.
The agenda includes the appropriation of $1,035,000 for various municipal projects and equipment for township operations. That includes engineering projects including, but not limited to, sidewalk improvements, drainage improvements, and retaining walls.
The funds, already in the municipal budget, would also be earmarked for the purchase of motor vehicle fleet replacements including, but not limited to Department of Public Works equipment vehicles, passenger vehicles, and trailers.
Continuing the township's efforts to curb criminal activity, the committee is planning to pass a resolution in support of two state bills that propose to deter motor vehicle thefts by implementing stricter criminal penalties and to set up community-based interventions, as well as establishing deterrents such as pretrial detention for motor vehicle theft offenses.
The bills, state A-3806and S-2819, also propose creation of the grants for underage Auto-Theft Risk Deterrence (“GUARD”) Program, a $7-million initiative to support community-based organizations in deterring youth from criminal activities.
The resolution urges the passage of the bills, introduced by state Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (A-3806) ,and Senator Jon Bramnick (S-2819).
The resolution states that Bernards Township has been proactive in addressing safety concerns by increasing police resources, adjusting law enforcement activities, enhancing coordination efforts, and advocating for legislative measures to tackle auto theft and related crimes. The rise in car thefts is not confined to Bernards Township, but is statewide, the resolution states.
The Bernards Township Committee believes that "with the collective efforts of the state legislature, law enforcement agencies, and the community, immediate action can be taken to collaboratively address these challenges."
The Township Committee is also planning on Tuesday to recognize Girl Scouts week on March 10 to 16. Another resolution is due to commend Girl Scouts who have attained bronze and silver awards.
The Township Committee meets in the main meeting room at 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge. The meeting can also be viewed online, or is supposed to be broadcast on Optimum/Cablevision television, channel 15, and Verizon FiOS television, channel 35.
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