Bridgewater Bulletin May 2026

May 2026

THE BRIDGEWATER

BULLETIN

Stay informed, stay engaged.

From Mayor Moench:

CONTENTS From the Mayor

1

May Calendar

2

Special May Events

2

Baseball Opening Day

3

SBA Visits Dominick’s

3

Employee Appreciation

4

Eid Celebration in Bridgewater

4

Shop Bridgewater

5

Seniors Giving Back

5

Lung Cancer Screening

5

Department Updates

6-7

Clerk’s Corner

8

Township Directory

8

As we move through the month of May, it is encouraging to see our community come together in so many meaningful ways—from our ballfields to our municipal courtyard and beyond. Opening Day for Bridgewater Baseball & Softball was a great reminder of the role youth sports play in bringing families together and building strong foundations for our next generation. At the same time, we were pleased to welcome federal leadership to Bridgewater to discuss the importance of supporting our small businesses, which remain the backbone of our local economy.

This month also highlights the people who make our Township work. We proudly recognized Pat Desarno for 20 years of dedicated service, along with Jean Weber for her continued commitment to our Recreation programs, especially during the busy spring season. Their efforts, along with those of so many behind the scenes, ensure that Bridgewater continues to operate efficiently while delivering high-quality services to our residents.

We were also honored to celebrate community and culture during our recent Eid gathering, made possible through partnership with the Al Falah Center, and to recognize the outstanding achievements of local students leading a statewide effort to expand access to lung cancer screening for first responders and veterans. These moments reflect both the strength of our community partnerships and the leadership emerging from our younger residents.

Finally, I encourage residents to take advantage of the many programs and resources available: from summer recreation opportunities to initiatives like Trees for Tomorrow and our Senior Center’s ongoing volunteer efforts.

Bridgewater continues to be a community defined by service, engagement, and pride in where we live. Thank you for being a part of it.

Mayor Matthew C. Moench

May 2026

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Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Township Calendar

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May 2026

Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Play Ball! Bridgewater Kicks Off Baseball & Softball Season Baseball and softball season is officially underway in Bridgewater, as families, players, and coaches gathered for a beautiful opening day with Bridgewater, NJ Baseball & Softball. Township officials, including Council Vice President Andrew Bucko, Councilwoman Ridwana Isla, Councilman Tim Ring, and Councilman Michael Kirsh, were on hand to help celebrate the start of the season.

With sunny skies and a strong turnout from the community, opening day showcased the spirit and enthusiasm that make youth sports such an important part of life in Bridgewater. The Township extends its thanks to the players, coaches, parents, volunteers, and staff whose hard work and dedication made the day a success.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Township Recreation website to explore a full range of youth and family programs offered throughout the year, including sports, camps, and seasonal activities.

bridgewaternj.gov/departments/recreation

brd.leagueapps.com/pages/registration Local Leaders Meet with SBA Deputy Administrator at Dominick’s Bridgewater Township recently had the pleasure of welcoming William Briggs, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, for a visit to Dominick's Pizza Shoppe. Hosted by owner Vito Scavo, the visit brought together local leadership for a productive and engaging conversation focused on the health and future of small businesses in Bridgewater and throughout New Jersey.

Joining the discussion were Bridgewater Council President Joan Geiger, Councilman Michael Kirsh, and Township Administrator Michael Pappas, along with state and Township administrative staff. The group exchanged insights on supporting local entrepreneurs, strengthening the business environment, and ensuring that small businesses continue to serve as a cornerstone of the community’s economic vitality.

The visit also highlighted the personal side of small business success. Guests enjoyed freshly prepared pizza from the Dominick’s team, underscoring the role that establishments like this play not only in driving the local economy, but in creating the welcoming, community-centered atmosphere that defines Bridgewater. The Township extends its sincere thanks to Vito Scavo and the entire Dominick’s Pizza Shoppe team for their warm hospitality and continued commitment to serving the community.

May 2026

3

Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Bridgewater Employees Going Above and Beyond Celebrating Dedicated Service: Honoring Pat DeSarno and Jean Weber Bridgewater Township is proud to recognize two outstanding members of our team whose dedication and work ethic help keep our municipal operations running strong.

This year marks 20 years of service for Pat Desarno of the Finance Department. Over the past two decades, Pat has been a steady and reliable presence, known not only for her professionalism, but also for the positive energy she brings to the workplace each day. Her commitment to the Township and her colleagues has made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for her continued service to the Bridgewater community.

We also recognize Jean Weber of the Recreation Department, whose efforts are especially felt during the busy spring sports season. As registrations surge and game schedules extend well beyond the typical workday, Jean consistently goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. Her willingness to put in the extra time—always with a smile— does not go unnoticed by residents, coaches, and her fellow staff members.

Bridgewater Township extends its sincere appreciation to both Pat and Jean for their hard work, dedication, and the care they bring to serving our community every day.

Bridgewater Celebrates Eid in the Courtyard Bridgewater Township was proud to host a beautiful Eid celebration on Saturday, April 18, in the municipal courtyard, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors for a festive and welcoming afternoon.

The Township extends its sincere thanks to the Al Falah Center for their partnership in organizing the event, as well as to the many vendors and participants who contributed to its success. From food and fun to neighborliness, the celebration highlighted the strong sense of community that defines Bridgewater.

We are grateful to all who attended and helped make the day such a memorable occasion.

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May 2026

Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Seniors Giving Back

Bridgewater’s Senior Center continues to lead by example when it comes to giving back. This spring, members participated in two “Give Back Days,” supporting both Moms Helping Moms (March 26) and the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (April 10).

Participants generously donated items and, in the case of Moms Helping Moms, enjoyed spending time selecting baby clothing for families in need. These efforts reflect the spirit of service and community that defines the Senior Center and its members.

Bridgewater Supports Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, Honors Student Leaders The Bridgewater Township Council recently adopted a resolution supporting the proposed First Responders and Veterans Lung Cancer Screening Access Act while recognizing the remarkable efforts of local students who helped bring the initiative forward.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in New Jersey, claiming more lives than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined. Early detection through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has been shown to reduce mortality in high-risk populations by approximately 20 percent. The proposed legislation aims to expand awareness and access to these life-saving screenings, particularly for first responders and veterans, who face elevated risks due to occupational exposure to smoke, diesel exhaust, and other hazardous materials.

The legislation itself is the result of extensive research and advocacy by the founding members of New Jersey’s first high school chapter of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. These students not only developed the policy concept and authored a formal brief, but also built a statewide coalition of more than 40 organizations and secured key endorsements, including from the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey.

Bridgewater Township proudly recognized the student leaders behind this effort: Krishna Dowlapalli (President), Avneet Singh (Vice President), Kush Dave (Communications Director), Inaaya Ashar (Events Director), Ilona Sychev (Deputy Events Director), and Kaustav Badri (Policy Director). Their leadership, initiative, and commitment to public health reflect the very best of Bridgewater’s next generation.

The Township commends these students for their outstanding work and reaffirms its support for policies that protect the health and safety of first responders and veterans in Bridgewater and across New Jersey.

May 2026

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Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Department Updates Summer Fun! Ready or not, Summer is just around the corner… and we have several fun programs to keep kids active! Please go to brd.leagueapps.com to check out the following Summer options: Volleyball Camp with Coach Romanak Youth Football Camp with Coach Catalano Panther Baseball Camp with Coach Newell Cricket Camp Murdock Basketball Clinics Panther Kickball & Gametime

Flag Rugby Tennis Mini Camp Multi Sport Mornings Soccer Skills Clinics Please note that spots are limited and registration is on a first come, first served Lady Panther Softball Camp basis. If you have any questions please call the Flag Football Camp

Recreation

Recreation office at (908)725-6373.

Tax Reduction Programs: Property Tax Relief

Taxes

Veterans Property Tax Deduction Claim Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Claim Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction Exemption Claim

2026 Tax Collection Due Dates: February 1 May 1 August 1 November 1

2026 Sewer Due Dates: March 1 September 1

Property Tax Rebate Programs

Email Scams Please be advised that all official communications from Bridgewater Township are sent from email addresses ending in @bridgewaternj.gov. If you receive a message claiming to be from the Township that originates from a different domain, it should be treated with caution and may be a scam. We encourage residents to verify the sender’s address before responding, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report questionable emails to the Township if needed. Your vigilance helps protect both your personal information and our community.

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May 2026

Police

Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Department Updates Request a tree at: https://tinyurl.com/BridgewaterTrees

Trees for Tomorrow Historical Alliance Friends of Bridgewater History Heritage Trail Association Somerset County Historical Society Washington Campground Association

DPW May 2026

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Bridgewater Township Bulletin

Here to serve you: The Office of Constituent Relations Bridgewater Municipal Complex 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908-725-6300 extension 5888 OCR@bridgewaternj.gov

Mayor and Council Mayor Matthew C. Moench

Department Head Directory Township Administrator Michael Pappas twpadmin@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5000

Police Chief John Mitzak jmitzak@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x4034 Township Clerk Grace Njuguna gnjuguna@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5025

mayor@bridgewaternj.gov 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 Joan Geiger

jgeiger@bridgewaternj.gov Council Vice President Andrew Bucko

abucko@bridgewaternj.gov Councilwoman Ridwana Isla

risla@bridgewaternj.gov

Recreation Superintendent Rachel Barrett recreation@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5300

Tax Collector Blanca Lyons taxcollector@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5143

Senior Services Coordinator Jennifer Osterberg seniors@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.8020

mkirsh@bridgewaternj.gov

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

Court Administrator Jenni Peterson jpeterson@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5404

tring@bridgewaternj.gov

Construction Official John Tillotson bwtcode@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5565

Deputy Administrator Rob Field rfield@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5001

Clerk’s Corner

Tax Assessor Anthony DiRado taxassessor@bridgewaternj.gov 908.725.6300 x5125

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May 2026

Councilman Michael Kirsh Councilman Tim Ring

@BridgewaterTwp

@BridgewaterNewJersey

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