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SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Annual event draws thousands

By Ed Birch, Special Writer
"It was really a special night for more than 6,600 area residents who attended the 2014 National Night Out festivities at Rowland Park in South Brunswick" said police Sgt. Gene Rickle, who coordinated this year’s program for the South Brunswick Police Department.
According to Sgt. Rickle, the participants were served 2,200 hot dogs 1,500 bottles of water, 1,00 bottles of juice, 1,000 ice pops, 1,000 bags of popcorn, and 1,000 bags of potato chips.
There was no count available regarding the number of many soda cups poured by representatives of High-Grade Beverages of Dayton.
"Getting my hand painted was really fun" said Keena Patel, 8, of Dayton." I think that the police department really went all out to make everyone happy at this party."
Patrolman Brian Sites said he was very proud of spending three hours showing off police vehicle #923.
"This is the newest car in our fleet, and the kids were thrilled getting to sit behind the driver’s seat, playing with the police controls, and some residents even got the feel of sitting in the back seat of the vehicle" said Officer Sites.
Reshma Vishwanathn, a parent of 7-year-old Stuti, of Monmouth Junction, said that she has been bringing her family to the event since she moved into the township in 2005.
Prior to that, the family resided in Woodbridge Township.
"Our previous township never had a party like this one," she said.
This was the 31st year of the ant-crime program that started more than three decades ago to help take back the nations streets from crime.
"This program started off very small some 30 years ago in this township," said Sgt. Rickle. "We started out the program by visiting the neighborhoods in South Brunswick. Now, we have combined the event with Community Unity Day. Last year, we drew upwards of 6,000 people. This year, we increased the number of businesses, vendors, and volunteers to handle the big crowd that we were expecting."
"This event really provides a great opportunity for both the youth and adults of our township to get to meet and know their police officers," said Capt. James Stoddard.
Sherri Manzino, a resident of Dayton, said that she had waited 35-40 minutes in line to attempt to get a free ride in the ReMax hot air balloon.
"It would be a great experience," she said. "I fully understand that the weather is not cooperating all night."
The balloon handlers said they were restricted on flying time due to weather conditions.
Entertainment was provided by Dance Storm, a local dance instructional troop.
The National Anthem was performed by Ginny Kraft, a music teacher from South Brunswick High School.
"I would like to specifically recognize the many local businesses who made very generous donations in support of this event. Thanks go to Target, Wakefern, ReMax, and CocaCola for their generosity," said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka.
The township has won national and state awards for the size and success the program and event generate in the community.
"I never dreamed that the celebration would have been this big" said Monroe Township resident Jeffrey Liebross, who came to the event to see what his friends in South Brunswick have talked about.
"Thanks for encouraging me to attend last night. It was terrific." Said new Schools Superintendent Dr. Gerard Jellig, who spent hours touring the exhibits and introducing himself to many guests.
Retiring Acting Capt. Joe Charmello, who spent his last night on the job at Rowland Park, had coordinated the event for years.
"Overall, the event was a tremendous success and is proof of the strong partnership between the Police Department and the community to combat crime," said Chief Hayducka.