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The Daily Rundown: Tuesday, April 11

Come back often because this story will be updated regularly throughout the day

Brad Wadlow
@BradWadlowMyCJ

 

David Saint (center), who is celebrating his 20th season as George Street Playhouse's artistic director, is surrounded by some of the artists he has worked with throughout his tenure during the New Brunswick-based theater’s Annual Gala Benefit on April 2 at The Heldrich Hotel, also in New Brunswick.

George Street Playhouse breaks gala fundraising record

George Street Playhouse’s recently held its most successful Annual Gala, raising a record amount of funds in support of its main stage and educational programming. The gala took place on April 2 at The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick. Many stars of the stage and screen served as presenters and performers, including Tim Daly (CBS-TV’s “Madam Secretary”), Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years”) and Tony nominees Nancy Opel (“Honeymoon in Vegas,” “Urinetown”), who stars in George Street’s season-closing “Curvy Widow”) and Mary Beth Peil (“The King and I”). George Street Playhouse Artistic Director David Saint received the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement in celebration of his 20th season. It was presented by legendary screenwriter, film director and actress Elaine May. The Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award was bestowed upon Marlene and Tony Volpe — longtime supporters of George Street Playhouse -- by the namesake of the award, former Gov. Kean. For more info, visit www.georgestplayhouse.org.

READ: The April 10 Daily Rundown

Seeking rehabilitation, not incarceration, for youth

A new poll released by Youth Justice New Jersey shows that nearly 85 percent of people in New Jersey believe the youth justice system should focus more on prevention and rehabilitation, not incarceration and punishment. Youth First, a leading national advocacy organization working to bring an end to youth incarceration, commissioned the poll, which was conducted by GBA Strategies. The survey of over 500 New Jersey adults found that 75 percent agree that counseling and education for youth in the system will save tax dollars in the long run, 77 percent believe that counseling and education will help prevent youth from reoffending and 77 percent want to require states to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the youth justice system. The full polling results are available at youthjusticenj.org.

Middle School students from The Wardlaw-Hartridge School in Edison were joined by their families in a service effort at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside on April 1. The team sorted, packaged, sealed and loaded boxes of food for families across the region. They processed several thousand pounds of food and household goods.

Hunterdon County man killed by fallen branch 

A 26-year-old Union Township man was killed Monday after being struck by a tree branch. State Police Sgt. Jeff Flynn was state police responded to a home on County Road 513 around 9:12 p.m. where a 26-year-old resident had been using a tractor to clear brush. Flynn said the man, Tristan Peer, was clearing brush when he was struck by a tree branch on his property.

Port Authority police arrest Old Bridge woman

Port Authority police arrested an Old Bridge woman after she incurred more than $17,500 in violations and fees. At about 9:30 April 10, Tara Paczkowski, 33, was seen by Port  Authority police at the Lincoln Tunnel driving a 2014 Nissan eastbound in a marked E-ZPass lane. Paczkowski was pulled over for a toll violation and had no E-ZPass transponder. After police learned of her violations and fees, her vehicle was impounded and she was arrested and charged with theft of service and theft by unlawful taking. Visit ezpassnj.com.

Tara Paczkowski

Rethinking tools for common garden chores

If you need help choosing the right tools for your garden, Middlesex County’s Master Gardeners will be sharing their knowledge in an upcoming workshop. “Rethinking Tools for Common Garden Chores,” is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 20 at the EARTH Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave. in South Brunswick. This workshop will help you narrow down those options by demonstrating of some of the garden tools and techniques that are preferred by the Master Gardeners. You will learn tips for weeding large areas, how to move compost or mulch without a wheelbarrow and much more. These techniques are especially useful for gardeners who are older or who are looking to reduce strain on their legs and back. This program is free, but registration is required by May 17. To register or for more information, contact the County Extension Office at 732-398-5262. For more on Middlesex County’s Extension Office, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search “Extension.”

Armed robbery suspect sought

On Saturday, April 1, at about 1:13 a.m., an armed robbery occurred at the 7-Eleven at 2300 Park Ave. in South Plainfield. The suspect is described as a black male who was wearing a blue mask or cloth over his face about 6 feet tall in his 20s. The suspect jumped over the counter, pointed a black handgun with a silver barrel at the clerk and demanded money. The suspect fled from the store on foot in a north/northwest direction toward Lewis Place. Detective Joe Glowacki is investigating. He can be reached at 908-226-7669.

Construction starts on Somerville road

Construction has begun in Somerville on Veterans Memorial Drive between Mountain Avenue and South Bridge Street. The six-week project will include new curbs, an overlay and installation of traffic curbing designs. Motorists should be prepared for delays.

Hunterdon County YMCA raising awareness

April is National Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month, and the Hunterdon County YMCA is designating a week this month to raise awareness and understanding locally. From Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, the Y will host Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention, a series of events and activities designed to inform the community about how to recognize, prevent and report child sexual abuse. The events and activities for the Five Days of Action include planting pinwheel gardens at both Deer Path and Round Valley branches. A free Stewards of Children Child Abuse Prevention Training will be held at 6 p.m. April 24, at the Round Valley Administration Office, 1410 Route 22 West in the Annandale section of Clinton Township. Call 908-483-4327 to register. Visit www.hcymca.org.

Hillsborough kids scramble for Easter eggs

Despite the chilly temps and change in venue, hundreds of children, with their parents in tow, poured into the Triangle Road Athletic Complex on Saturday to participate in the Hillsborough Rotary Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. About 4,000 treat-filled plastic eggs, along with miniature footballs provided by the Junior Raiders Football organization, were snapped up in a matter of minutes. Then it was off to the concession stand, where volunteers served free hot dogs, water and coffee to a grateful crowd. Face painters turned out dozens of smiling bunny faces and children were treated to a close-up view of the Woods Road Fire Company’s ladder truck.  And, of course, the Easter Bunny made lasting memories for children and their parents. The Hillsborough NJ Rotary Club currently has over 40 active members from Hillsborough and surrounding communities. The club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Pheasants Landing Restaurant in Hillsborough.

Clinton Township Police Blotter

Police said between April 3 and April 5, someone entered a residence on Windy Hill Road and stole various pieces of jewelry from the home. On April 5, Jonathan Bomba, 45, of Whitehouse Station, was charged with driving while intoxicated, police said. On April 5, Tyrone Vernon, 37, and Lena Rouse, 52, both of Allentown, Pennsylvania, were both charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

PBA Local 105 endorses Murphy

PBA Local 105 President Brian Renshaw and his executive committee unanimously endorsed Phil Murphy for governor Monday evening at an event following the local’s scheduled board meeting. The endorsement for Murphy running for the Democratic nomination for governor was conducted at Ariana’s Grand in Woodbridge, which is less than two miles from East Jersey State Prison. PBA Local 105 represents more than 6,500 active state corrections, juvenile justice and parole officers in the state and more than 12,000 retirees. As the largest law enforcement union in the state, PBA Local 105 represents law enforcement officers charged with maintaining the state’s incarcerated and paroled populations, according to a news release. “We are endorsing Phil Murphy for Governor because our Local knows his vision for New Jersey will benefit working class residents," Renshaw said in the news release. "Ambassador Murphy is not beholden to the political establishment, and he will set an agenda that reflects our values." The event was attended by State PBA President Pat Colligan, members of PBA Local 105 and fellow law enforcement officers from throughout the state.

PBA Local 105 President Brian Renshaw and his Executive Board endorsed Phil Murphy for governor on Monday. Murphy is standing third from right; Renshaw is to his left.

'Month of Giving'

Jersey Mike’s Subs joined with its customers in March during the seventh annual Month of Giving to raise a record amount of more than $5.5 million to fund neighborhood needs nationwide. During March, customers were invited to come in to their local Jersey Mike’s restaurant and make a donation to a local designated charity partner. The company raised $4.6 million of the total on one day — March 29, Day of Giving — when more than 1,200 Jersey Mike’s restaurants donated 100 percent of sales, not just profits, to nearly 150 different charities across the nation. The charity recipients included schools, hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more. For the total amount raised, as well as a listing of participating restaurants and charities, go to jerseymikes.com/mog/charities or www.jerseymikes.com/mog.

International Day of Jewish Youth Service

More than 13,000 Jewish teens from around the world came together recently in order to serve their communities and make a difference. Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County along with teens from the Jewish Community Youth Foundation, Gesher Lekesher, Beth El East Windsor's Pre-Kadima, Kadima and USY, Bucks USY, Beth Chaim Temple Youth, JCC Abrams Camps, NCSY, BBYO and JFCS teen volunteers participated in J-Serve Princeton Mercer Bucks, International Day of Jewish Youth Service, Areyvut National Mitzvah Day and Good Deeds Day. The Community Service Day volunteers took part in different projects at Congregation Beth Chaim in Princeton Junction, JCC Abrams Camp in East Windsor, Adath Israel Congregation in Lawrenceville and Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor. For more information about volunteer opportunities at Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County, contact Lisa Adler at 609-987-8100 or lisaa@jfcsonline.org. Visit www.jfcsonline.org.

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County, along with teens from the Jewish Community Youth Foundation, Gesher Lekesher, Beth El East Windsor's Pre-Kadima, Kadima and USY, Bucks USY, Beth Chaim Temple Youth, JCC Abrams Camps, NCSY, BBYO and JFCS teen volunteers, participated in J-Serve Princeton Mercer Bucks, International Day of Jewish Youth Service, Areyvut National Mitzvah Day and Good Deeds Day.

Elks Lodge installs officers

The Flemington Elks Lodge 1928 installed their 64th Exalted Ruler, Linda Murphy of Franklin Township along with a new slate of officers for April 2017 through March 2018. Among the highlights of the event were the charitable donations in the amount of $16,500.00  provided by the Lodge through the efforts of the Lodge Auxiliary. Recipients for 2016-2017 Elk year: $3,000 to Hunterdon Healthcare F/B/O The Child Development Center and $1,500 to each of the following: Elks Camp Moore in Haskell, New Jersey, to sponsor five children for a summer camp; Mane Stream; Riding With Heart; Hunterdon Outreach Programs; The ARC of Hunterdon County ; Center of Education Advancement; Family Resource Network; REACH Educational Services and Certified Fitness for Special Needs Inc. The highest honors awarded by the Flemington Elks Lodge were The 2016-2017 Citizen of the Year and Elk of the Year. The Citizen of the Year was awarded to Robert (Bob) Rowe of Ringoes. Also awarded was Past Exalted Ruler, Randy Kerr of Raritan Township for 2016-2017 Flemington Elks Lodge  Elk of the Year. Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Flemingtonelks1928/.

Workplace wellness educational series begins

Somerset County businesses came together on Thursday, April 6, to attend “Managing Mental Health & Stress in the Workplace: Unraveling the Mystery.” Conducted iIn conjunction with Healthier Somerset, this was the first in a series of workplace wellness educational programs scheduled by the Somerset County Business Partnership throughout the year.  The event was hosted at Natural Medicine, Rehabilitation and Pain Management at 399 Campus Drive in the Somerset section of Franklin. In support of Stress Awareness Month, a panel of experts provided guidance for employers and HR professionals. The panel included Carrier Clinic President & CEO Donald Parker, Patricia Taylor, director of patient relations at Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Patrick Revello, staff therapist at Anew Wellness. The next workshop, “Improving Employee Wellness & Productivity through Fitness” will take place on June 22 at The Toy Box in Raritan. There is no cost to attend. Register online at http://bit.ly/WELLNESSJUNE22 or by calling the Somerset County Business Partnership at 908-218-4300, ext. 30. The SCBP’s Workplace Wellness Educational Series is sponsored by Sharonview Federal Credit Union.

The Somerset County Business Partnership and Natural Medicine, Rehabilitation and Pain Management presented Mental Health & Stress Management for Employers on April 8.

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