Bridgewater Bulletin May 2025

May 2025

THE BRIDGEWATER

BULLETIN

From Mayor Moench:

CONTENTS From the Mayor

1

May Township Calendar

2

Spring Bulky Trash Dates

2

Shades of Gratitude Event

2

May Community Events

3

BPD Promotes and Hires

4

BWT Women’s Club Pinwheels

4

Wildfire Awareness Month

5

Stormwater Pollution and You

5

Department Updates

Stay informed, stay engaged.

6-7

Clerk’s Corner

8

Township Directory

8

May has arrived, bringing with it longer days, warmer evenings, and a full calendar of community events that showcase the best of Bridgewater.

I want to begin by celebrating the success of our “Can You Dig It?” Earth Day event, hosted by our outstanding Parks Division. Hundreds of residents joined us to enjoy nature, learn about sustainability, and connect with local organizations committed to keeping Bridgewater green and thriving. A big thank you to our Parks team, our incredible sponsors, and all who participated!

Looking ahead, May is packed with activities for our entire community.

We’re kicking off the month with Bridgewater’s first-ever Town-Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 3, followed by the always popular JCC Spring Carnival, the next day on May 4. Spring Bulky Trash Days are scheduled to help you get rid of everything you don’t sell at the Yard Sale. And don’t snooze on the Well Water Testing Eventthis is a great way to make sure your well water is balanced.

April was also a month of important milestones for our Police Department. We welcomed Officer Brandon Peralta and celebrated the promotions of Lieutenant Daniel Hennessey and Sergeant Michael Leight—congratulations to all three on your continued commitment to public safety.

There’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, celebrating with neighbors, or taking steps to protect your water, I hope you enjoy all that Bridgewater has to offer this May.

Thank you for beign part of it,

Mayor Matthew C. Moench

May 2025

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Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Township Calendar

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May 2025

Bridgewater Township Bulletin

May 2025

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Bridgewater Township Bulletin

The Bridgewater Police Department proudly celebrated the promotion of two dedicated officers and welcomed a new member to its ranks this past month. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow officers, Lieutenant Daniel Hennessey and Sergeant Michael Leight were officially sworn into their new leadership roles. The department also welcomed Officer Brandon Peralta, who took the oath of office as the newest addition to Bridgewater’s police force.

These men represent the very best of public service—dedicated, professional, and committed to the safety and well-being of our residents. We thank them for their continued service and sacrifices and wish them strength, wisdom, and safety in their duties.

To all our officers: may you go home safely every night.

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Bridgewater Woman’s Club planted a vibrant pinwheel garden at the Municipal Complex throughout April. The display was part of Prevent Child Abuse-NJ’s annual Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, which uses the pinwheel as a national symbol of childhood happiness and a reminder that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.

By creating this eye-catching display, the Bridgewater Woman’s Club helped raise awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse and supporting families in our community. Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to making Bridgewater a safer and more compassionate place for all children.

To learn more about the club’s initiatives or to get involved, visit www.bridgewaterwomansclub.org or connect with them on Facebook at Bridgewater Woman’s Club.

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May 2025

Bridgewater Township Bulletin

May is Wildfire Awareness Month Recent wildfires across New Jersey—like the 15,000-acre Jones Road Fire in Ocean County—have made it clear: wildfire risk is real, even here. With over 660 wildfires reported statewide this year, Bridgewater Township urges all residents to take steps now to protect their homes and families.

🛡️ Protect Your Home

Wildfires can spread quickly, and airborne embers can ignite homes even miles from the flames. Here’s how to reduce your risk: Clear dry leaves, pine needles, and flammable debris from your property.

Move firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from buildings.

Install 1/8" (or smaller) metal mesh screens over vents to block embers.

🚨 Be Ready to Evacuate

You may only have minutes to act. Make sure your household is prepared: Pack a go-kit with water, medications, clothing, flashlights, and pet supplies.

Digitally store key documents or keep them in a fireproof safe.

Review your home insurance to confirm wildfire coverage.

Create and practice an evacuation plan with at least two exit routes.

📢 Stay Informed

Stay up to date by following the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Bridgewater Township alerts. Preparedness saves lives and property.

🔗 For more wildfire safety tips, visit

https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire

Preventing Stormwater Pollution Did you know that when it rains, water running off your driveway, lawn, or street can carry harmful pollutants directly into our creeks, rivers, and oceans? This runoff, known as stormwater, doesn’t get treated like the water from your sink or toilet—it flows straight into our natural waterways, picking up everything from motor oil and household chemicals to yard clippings and trash along the way.

This type of pollution can have profound consequences. It can harm fish and wildlife, increase unsafe bacteria levels in our waterways, and degrade the overall health of our local environment. But the good news is that stormwater pollution is preventable—and you can help!

Never dump waste—like paint, motor oil, or chemicals—into storm drains or onto the street.

Take your car to a commercial car wash where the water is properly treated, rather than washing it in your driveway.

Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down, which just pushes debris into the stormwater system.

Dispose of household hazardous waste (paints, solvents, pesticides, etc.) through a designated local program—never pour them into drains or gutters.

Keep yard clippings, leaves, and debris out of the street to prevent clogging storm drains.

Properly dispose of all litter, dog poop, doggie waste bags, and cigarette butts. Trash left on the ground can easily be swept away by rain.

Fix car leaks promptly and use drip pans to catch fluids when working on vehicles at home.

Be water-wise: overwatering your lawn can carry fertilizers and other chemicals into the storm drain.

Stormwater pollution may seem like a big issue, but it’s made up of many small actions that we each have the power to control. By following these steps and being mindful of what goes into our storm drains, you are helping to protect local waterways, wildlife, and public health. Let’s all do our part—clean water starts at home!

May 2025

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Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Our Bridgewater United Soccer Club (BUSC) will be holding tryouts for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Travel Soccer Seasons during the week of May 5th. Bridgewater Recreation administers BUSC along with our training partners, Dutch Total Soccer (DTS). The goal of our club is player development, we are proud that many of our players have moved on to academy teams such as NJ Premier. Players must be registered in advance at https://bridgewaterunited.leagueapps.com/ where you will find more details.

Summer will be here before you know it, so be sure to check out all of our great opportunities for fun in the sun at https://brd.leagueapps.com/camps. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis so don’t delay!

Tax Reduction Programs: Property Tax Relief Veterans Property Tax Deduction Claim Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Claim Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction Exemption Claim Property Tax Rebate Programs

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May 2025

2025 Tax Collection Due Dates: February 1 May 1 August 1 November 1

2025 Sewer Due Dates: March 1 September 1

Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Friends of Bridgewater History Heritage Trail Association Somerset County Historical Society Washington Campground Association

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—take time to care for your mind, check in with loved ones, and seek support when you need it.

May 2025

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Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Here to serve you: Bridgewater Municipal Complex 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908-725-6300 extension 5888 OCR@bridgewaternj.gov Mayor Matthew C. Moench

mayor@bridgewaternj.gov Township Administrator Michael Pappas twpadmin@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5000 Deputy Township Administrator Scott Stephens sstephens@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5001 Township Clerk Grace Njuguna gnjuguna@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5025

Public Works and Sewer Utility Superintendent Richard Shimp publicworks@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x6000 Director of Health & Human Services Christine Madrid cmadrid@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5045

Council President Howard Norgalis

hnorgalis@bridgewaternj.gov Council Vice President Filipe Pedroso

fpedroso@bridgewaternj.gov Councilman Tim Ring

tring@bridgewaternj.gov

Tax Assessor Anthony DiRado taxassessor@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5125

Recreation Superintendent Rachel Barrett recreation@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5300

Councilman Michael Kirsh

Tax Collector Blanca Lyons taxcollector@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5143

Senior Services Coordinator Jennifer Osterberg seniors@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.8020

Councilman Allen Kurdyla

Director of Municipal Services Thomas Genova tgenova@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5515

Court Administrator Jenni Peterson jpeterson@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5404

Construction Official John Tillotson bwtcode@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5565

Police Chief John Mitzak jmitzak@bridgewaterpd.com 908.725.6300 x4034

mkirsh@bridgewaternj.gov akurdyla@bridgewaternj.gov

@BridgewaterTwp

voter.svrs.nj.gov/register

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May 2025

@BridgewaterNewJersey