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Voters in Middlesex County stay the course

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Little chaos in a low-key election.

EDISON -- Middlesex County may have rocked the vote Tuesday, but residents did not rock the boat.

Across the state's second-largest county, many voters stuck with incumbents. There were few surprises by the time the unofficial results were in.

In Edison, Democrats did what they've done for the past 20 years: They swept to victory, easily turning back a slate led by an incumbent Republican councilman who had switched parties and created a small amount of agita among the ruling party's faithful. Robert Karabinchak and Michael Lombardi earned new terms; Ajay Patil and Leonard Sendelsky will serve their first. Come Jan. 1, the town's mayor, Thomas Lankey, will have a council more compliant with his agenda. 

In Old Bridge, the Republicans beat back a Democratic challenge to maintain power in the sprawling southern Middlesex County township. Owen Henry beat retired cop Bill Cerra, 5,400 to 4,005, a 15-point spread. Brian Cahill and Debbie Walker won new terms, and Anita Greenberg-Belli, a former GOP chairwoman, will serve her first term. They beat Democrats Jack Gillick, Debbie Marquez and Thomas Galante. 

MORE: Results in every local Middlesex County race

In Sayreville, three-term incumbent Republican Mayor Kennedy O'Brien appears to have narrowly defeated challenger David McGill, the current council president and a Democrat. The vote, according to the unofficial tally, was 3,290 to 3,022. 

Voters split on the council, appearing to elect Pat Lembo, a Republican, with 3,093 votes, and Steven Grillo, a Democrat, with 3,047 votes. Two seats were up for grabs. Democrat Ricci Melendez had 3,006 votes, and Republican Christian Hibinski had 2,993. 

In Middlesex Borough, the council race appeared to be too close to call Tuesday night, with only three votes separating the second-place finishers. 

Robert Schueler, a Democrat, won with 1,211 votes. Democrat Patrick Corley had 1,160 votes, and Republican Nancy Purcell-Holmes had 1,157 on election night for the second of two seats. Melissa Fedosh came in fourth with 1,096. 

For mayor, Democrat Ronald J. DiMura defeated Republican Robert Sherr, 1,256 to 1,088, in unofficial results. 

In South River, the incumbent Republican mayor held on. Mayor John Krenzel had 1,161 votes to 1,115 for Democrat Thomas C. Roselli. For the council, Democrats Shawn P. Haussermann and Ryan M. Jones were the top two finishers for two seats, edging Rupesh Patel and John Sapata on election night.

In Monroe Township, after the retirement of longtime mayor Richard Pucci, a fellow Democrat will take his place. Gerald Tamburro beat Republican Martin Hermann and independent Ken Chiarella, according to results Tuesday night. 

Helmetta is one of the smallest towns in the state, and the smallest in Middlesex County, but it saw a change in power. Longtime mayor Nancy Martin was ousted by Christopher Slavicek in the non-partisan election, according to unofficial results. The margin was nearly two to one. 

Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.


Middlesex County general election results 2015

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Find 2015 Middlesex County general election results here after the polls close.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY -- Voters around Middlesex County went to the polls Tuesday. 

Polls closed at 8 p.m.

MORE: Voters stay the course in Middlesex County

Here are the races up for grabs, with up-to-date unofficial results. 

Please be sure to refresh. Results will be updated throughout the evening.

Middlesex County

County Clerk

One five-year term 

Elaine Flynn (D) 54,198

Alex Barletta (R) 31,164

Freeholders

Two three-year terms 

Ronald Rios (D) 51,932

H. James Polos (D) 50,070

Sharon Hubberman (R) 30,921

Jose Alonso (R) 31,018

Carteret

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Lydia Singura 843

James P. Hart III 1,337

Jashir Judge 1,155

Joseph M. Gasparro 1,211

Borough Council

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Dennis DiMascio (D) 1,660

Joseph W. "Skippy" Sitarz (D) 1,653

Cranbury

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Brian Barry 345

Karen Callahan 456

Dominique Jones 368

Michael C. Franke 191

Laurel S. Quinn 357

Township Committee

Two three-year tems

Fran McGovern (R) 279

Sean Deverin (R) 275

David W. Cook (D) 551

James M. Taylor (D) 528

Dunellen

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Faith Thompson 354

John-Paul Osborn 302

Kenneth B. Sanders 316

Douglas L. Meyer 198

Jeffrey M. Portik 314

Mayor

One four-year term (unopposed)

Robert J. Seader (R) 465

Borough Council

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Kenneth Baudendistel (R) 462

Jeremy Lowder (R) 437

East Brunswick

Board of Education

Three three-year terms (unopposed) 

Meredith Shaw 1,234

Kevin T. McEvoy 1,305

Vicki Becker 1,257

Edison

Board of Education

Three three-year tems

Deborah A. Anes 3,302 

William Araujo 2,517

Dennis R. Pipala 1,959

Shivi Prasad-Madhukar 2,587

Kiel Thoms 821

Ralph Errico 2,625

Deborah Schildkraut 2,071

Hollie A. Gilroy 1,473

Richard Brescher 1,946

Township Council

Four four-year terms

Gaetano V. Gaspari (R) 3,348

Wayne Mascola (R) 3,743

Ashok J. Nayee (R) 3,036

Michael Orlowski (R) 3,351

Robert J. Karabinchak (D) 5,849

Ajay Patil (D) 5,277

Michael R. Lombardi (D) 5,856

Leonard D. Sendelsky (D) 5,428

Helmetta

Board of Education

Two three-year terms (unopposed) 

Mariellen Chasan

Mayor

One four-year term

Christopher Slavicek 407

Nancy A. Martin 222

Borough Council

Two three-year terms

Peter Karczewski 398

Sewell Peckham 386

James Misner 217

Vincent Asciolla 232

Highland Park

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Robert Magaziner 1,179

Michael Greenberg 964

Sharice Richardson 1,287

Ruth Beyer 1,232

Claire Berkowitz 675

Mayor

One four-year term (unopposed)

Gayle Brill Mittler (D)

Borough Council

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Susan Welkovits

 Jim Walsh

Jamesburg

Board of Education

Three three-year terms (unopposed)

Paul Rutsky 537

Robert Czarneski 460

Elliott L. Stroul 427

One unexpired term (unopposed)

Salvatore M. Brucato 477

Mayor

One four-year term

Thomas Gibbons (R) 382

Marlene Lowande (D) 450

Borough Council

Two three-year terms

Samuel Lawrence (R) 385

Joseph Scillieri (R) 340

Thomas Busco (D) 453

Sandy Sussman (D) 430

Metuchen

Mayor

One four-year term

Daniel Lebar (R) 799

Peter Cammarano (D) 2,023

Borough Council

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Ronald Grayzel (D) 2,077

Allison Inserro (D) 2,016

Board of Education

Three three-year terms (one race too close to call)

Aileen McGuire 1,713

Merrill Lunt 1,430

Jo Ann Sabatino-Falkenstein 1,265

Justin H. Manley 1,268

Middlesex

Board of Education

Three three-year terms (unopposed)

Linda Harrity 1,290

Monica Townsend 1,120

John Hrevnack 1,121

Mayor

One four-year term

Robert Sherr (R) 1,088

Ronald J. DiMura (D) 1,256

Borough Council

Two three-year terms

Nancy Purcell-Holmes (R) 1,157

Melissa Fedosh (R) 1,096

Robert Schueler (D) 1,211

Patrick Corley (D) 1,160

With 100 percent of votes reported, the council race is too close to call. 

Milltown

Mayor

One four-year term

Ronald D. Dixon (R) 807

Eric Steeber (D) 1,085

Borough Council

Two three-year terms

Neil Raciti (R) 682

Richard Revolinsky (R) 973

Randy Farkas (D) 1,020

Nick Ligotti (D) 1,000

Monroe Township

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Marvin I. Braverman 3,087 

Dawn Quarino 3,123

Anthony Prezioso 1,974

Richard B. Gibbons 1,614

Frank Russo 2,824

Louis Masters 1,859

George "Doug" Poye 2,786

Mayor

One four-year term

Martin Herrmann (R) 3,961

Gerald W. Tamburro (D) 5,058

Ken Chiarella (I) 1,923

Township Council

Two four-year terms

Joseph Atanasio (R) 4,080

Harold V. Kane, Jr. (R) 3,864

Stephen Dalina (D) 4,980

Leslie Koppel (D) 4,976

Chirag Bhagat (I) 1,280

Stanley Edelman (I) 1,220

North Brunswick

Mayor

One four-year term (unopposed)

Francis "Mac" Womack (D) 2,695

Township Council

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Cologero "Carlo" Socio (D) 2,594

Shanti Narra (D) 2,510

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Gangadhara "Rao" Vakkalagadda 1,166

Anthony R. Brooks 1,758

Gloria N. Gonzalez 1,823

Ingrid Dillon 1,335

One unexpired term (unopposed)

Donna Mikolajewski 1,955

Old Bridge

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Jeffrey Dynof 3,388

Richard J. Dunn 3,448

Salvatore J. DiPrima 3,355

Kevin Borsilli 2,782

Matthew Sulikowski 3,052

Mayor

Owen Henry (R) 5,400

William Cerra (D) 4,005

Township Council

Anita Greenberg-Belli (R) 4,744

Debbie Walker (R) 4,752

Brian Cahill (R) 4,718

Jack Gillick (D) 3,828

Deborah Marquez (D) 3,746

Thomas Galante (D) 3,923

Perth Amboy

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Junior Iglesia 975

Anton J. Massopust 1,143

Obdulia Gonzlez 1,101

Kenneth J. Puccio 1,039

Annette DeMendonca 293

Piscataway

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Isaac Peng 2,093

Robert J. Opitz, Jr. 1,922

Mark Okamoto 1,869

Atif Nazir 2,259

Ira D. Stern 2,250

Township Council

One unexpired term

Deborah A. Izzo (R) 1,340

Camille Fernicola (D) 3,423

Plainsboro

Board of Education

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Rachel Juliana 1,023

Anthony Fleres 934

Township Committee

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Neil J. Lewis (D) 1,268

Nuran Nabi (D) 1,205

Sayreville

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Kevin Ciak 2,946

Anthony Esposito 2,762

Thomas Biesiada 2,873

Mayor

One four-year term

Kennedy O'Brien (R) 3,290

David McGill (D) 3,022

Borough Council

Two three-year terms

Pat Lembo (R) 3,093

Christian Hibinski (R) 2,993

Steven Grillo (D) 3,047

Ricci Melendez (D) 3,006

South Amboy

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Lynn M. Kasics 566

John Dragotta 570 

Paula L. Taggart 536

South Amboy Borough Council, Ward 2

One unexpired term (unopposed)

Thomas Reilly (D) 174

South Brunswick

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Anilkumar C. Patel 1,786

Barry Nathanson 2,548

Peter St. Vincent 2,380

Stephen F. Parker 2,239

Sonia C. Bhutra 1,190

South Plainfield

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Douglas Chapman 1,197

William H. Seesselberg 1,119

Ernie "Jim" Giannakis 958

Kimberly DeAngelis-Anesh 1,304

Melissa Frazier 893

Barbara Cochrane 1,069

Mindy Gerber 887

Borough Council

Two three-year terms

Robert Bengivenga, Jr. (R) 2,292

Joseph Wolak (R) 2,139

William Bethea (D) 1,234

Gary Vesce (D) 1,193

South River

Board of Education

Three three-year terms

Renae Bush 1,024

Kelly Cruz 1,219

Cheryl Beck 1,091

Elizabeth DaSilva-Lell 828

Mayor

One four-year term

John Krenzel (R) 1,161

Thomas C. Roselli (D) 1,115

Borough Council

Two three-year terms

Rupesh Patel (R) 1,042

Joao "John" Sapata (R) 1,083

Shawn P. Haussermann (D) 1,157

Ryan M. Jones (D) 1,174

Spotswood

Borough Council

One unexpired term (unopposed)

Leo B. Servis, Jr. 832

Board of Education

Two three-year terms (unopposed)

Mariellen Chasan 1,120

Woodbridge

Board of Education

Three three-year terms (unopposed)

Ezio Tamburello 6,183

Eileen Zullo 6,231

Daniel Harris 6,052

Mayor

One four-year term

John Vrtaric (R) 2,012

John E. McCormac (D) 10,064

Township Council-At-Large

Four four-year terms

Susan Z. Hogan (R) 2,681

Musleh Hakki (R) 2,246

Paul Lund, Jr. (R) 2,548

Lori Vernachio Greiza (R) 2,401

Kyle M. Anderson (D) 8,620

Lizbeth DeJesus (D) 8,364

Gregory M. Ficarra (D) 8,374

Brian Small (D) 8,462

Township Council Ward 3

One unexpired term

Bruce Banko (R) 286

Cory S. Spillar (D) 1,562

Kevin J. Garcia (I) 99

County Public Question

Shall the governing body of the County of Middlesex prioritize funding to programs which provide transportation services for individuals in need of dialysis, chemotherapy or other regular medical services as a means of offsetting recent federal and state funding cuts?

Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Elections 2015: Assembly race in 16th District too close to call

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A race that could give Democrats an even larger majority in the state Assembly than initially projected was too close to call early Wednesday morning

TRENTON -- A race that could give Democrats an even larger majority in the state Assembly than initially projected was too close to call early Wednesday morning.

Democratic challenger Andrew Zwicker led Republican incumbent Donna Simon by just 29 votes for one of two Assembly seats in central Jersey's 16th District after the unofficial tally, according to the Associated Press.

The AP had initially declared Simon the winner. And Zwicker -- a Princeton University physicist who ran an unsuccessful bid for Congress last year -- had even delivered his concession speech. But the AP said just after midnight that said the margin was too thin to make a determination.

MORE: Full N.J. Assembly election results

A surprise upset by Zwicker would mean Democrats picked up four new seats in Tuesday's Assembly elections.

That would give the party 52 seats in the lower house of the state Legislature as of January. Democrats also control the state Senate, the upper house -- which was not on the ballot Tuesday. Democrats had already secured three new seats in the races.

MORE: Complete election results from across N.J.

Simon has represented the district -- which includes parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties -- since 2012.

Her running mate, Republican incumbent Jack Ciattarelli, won re-election Tuesday.

Stay tuned to NJ.com/Politics for updates on the story.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

'Medical episode' caused Woodbridge school bus driver to crash twice, cops say

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Joseph Magyar, 69, of Iselin was driving a Dapper Bus last Wednesday east on Main Street in Woodbridge when he struck a curb, a speed limit sign, telephone pole and guard rail on the corner of Bina Place, police said.

schoolbus.jpg(NJ Advance Media File Photo) 

WOODBRIDGE - A school bus driver involved in two accidents moments apart last week apparently suffered a medical episode and will not be charged, according to police.

Joseph Magyar, 69, of Iselin was driving a Dapper Bus about 5:25 p.m. last Wednesday, Oct. 28 east on Main Street in Woodbridge when he struck a curb, a speed limit sign, a telephone pole and a guardrail on the corner of Bina Place, police said.

The driver then backed off the guardrail and continued east on Main Street over the NJ Turnpike overpass, sideswiped a westbound vehicle before striking another telephone pole and tree near Kilfoyle Avenue, police said.

No students were on the bus at the time of the accidents, according to police.

The driver of the sideswiped vehicle was identified only as a 62-year-old Metuchen woman. She was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Magyar was extricated from the bus and taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick in critical condition with numerous fractures, police said.

He was listed in fair condition Wednesday morning.

Police said the bus driver would not face charges.

"It appears that he (suffered a) medical episode," said a police spokesman. "No further investigation."

The spokesman did not know the nature of the medical problem.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Votes still being counted in tight N.J. Assembly race

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As of early Wednesday morning, the battle between Republican incumbent Donna Simon and Democratic challenger Andrew Zwicker in central Jersey's 16th District remained too close to call — with only 29 votes separating them

TRENTON -- It might be a while before New Jersey knows the winner of this year's tightest state Assembly race.

As of early Wednesday morning, Democratic challenger Andrew Zwicker the battle between Republican incumbent Donna Simon in central Jersey's 16th District remained too close to call -- with Zwicker leading the unofficial tally by only 29 votes.

Provisional ballots are still being counted, and that is likely to take through Friday because the district includes parts of four counties -- Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset -- which are each tallying votes, said Mark Matzen, an adviser to Zwicker. 

The losing candidate would then have until Wednesday, Nov. 18, to file for a recount, Matzen said.

MORE: Democrats win their largest N.J. Assembly majority in 36 years

"We're not done yet," Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union), the top Republican in the chamber, said Wednesday.

The state Division of Elections did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

The winner will determine whether Democrats will score an even greater victory in Tuesday's elections than originally expected. Democrats tightened their control on the Assembly -- the lower house of the state Legislature -- by picking up three seats. That would bring their total to 51 seats in the 80-member lower house in January, their biggest majority since 1979. 

If Zwicker -- a Princeton University physicist who ran an unsuccessful bid for Congress last year -- wins, that would be a gain of four seats.  

MORE: Complete election results from across N.J.

The Associated Press originally declared that Simon -- an Assemblywoman since 2012 -- and her running mate, Republican Assemblyman Jack Ciatarelli, had won re-election for the district's two seats late Tuesday night. And Zwicker had already delivered his concession speech. 

But just after midnight, the AP said the margin was too thin to declare.

"It was kind of strange and surreal," Matzen said. "But that's what elections kind of are sometimes."

The closeness of the race surprised many pundits, who had not predicted the race to be one of the ones to watch Tuesday. 

"This was absolutely a surprise," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

So what happened? Ben Dworkin, a political science professor at Rider University, said the district has traditionally been Republican, but it has Democratic towns -- like Princeton and South Brunswick. 

And Tuesday's races were expected to draw a record-low turnout. 

"If there was a much larger turnout, it might not be as close," Dworkin said. 

He added that Zwicker's campaign also obtained a huge amount of information about individual voters.

"Zwicker worked his butt off," Murray said.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

Missing elderly man in Piscataway has been found

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Piscataway police said Angelo Caggiano has been located. Caggiano,who suffers from dementia, was missing after a trip to a local store.

police-lights-file-photojpg-b20a5ff88213a6a8.jpgPiscataway police have found 89-year-old Angelo Caggiano, who disappeared this afternoon after a trip to a store on Stelton Road. He suffers from dementia. 

PISCATAWAY --Piscataway police said an 89-year-old man suffering from dementia who was last seen at the Quick Chek Store on Stelton Road about noon Wednesday has been found.

Police said Angelo Caggiano was found Wednesday afternoon.

MORE: Middlesex County news

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Old Bridge teenager missing since Monday

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Old Bridge police are asking for the public's help in searching for Abigail Keefer, 17, who was last seen Monday walking away from her house about 5:30 p.m. in the Presidential Estates section of Old Bridge.

OLD BRIDGE -- Old Bridge police are asking for the public's help in searching for Abigail Keefer, 17, who was last seen Monday walking away from her house about 5:30 p.m. in the Presidential Estates section of Old Bridge.

Police said the girl has with blond hair and blue eyes. She is 5-foot 3-inches tall, 105 pounds and wears braces. She was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black stretch pants and brown boots.

Anyone who may have information about Abigail Keefer's whereabouts, either current or since Monday, is asked to contact the Old Bridge Police Department at (732) 721-4000.

MORE: Middlesex County news

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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1 killed in Piscataway traffic accident

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Accident involved a motorcycle and a sport utility vehicle

PISCATAWAY -- An accident Wednesday involving a small SUV and a motorcycle has claimed one life and sent at least three others to the hospital, police said.

police lights2.jpg 

The accident occurred at the intersection of W. 4th Street and Rushmore Avenue around 5:15 p.m., said Lt. Anthony Crisafulli.

Two people were riding on the motorcycle at the time of the accident and there were believed to be another two people in the SUV, Crisafulli said. He declined to provide any information on the deceased, including which vehicle was carrying the victim, pending notification of next of kin.

The accident was under investigation by local police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. The Arbor Fire Company and EMS units from Robert Wood Johnson and JFK hospitals responded to the scene. 

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook

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Glimpse of History: Woodbridge resident serves his country and his community

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WOODBRIDGE — August Furman Greiner is shown in Woodbridge in 1918 following his return from service in World War I. Following his time with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, Greiner, who owned Greiner Funeral Home on Green Street, was elected mayor of Woodbridge in 1934. According to information from the Woodbridge Public Library, Greiner, among other accomplishments, initiated a...

WOODBRIDGE -- August Furman Greiner is shown in Woodbridge in 1918 following his return from service in World War I.

Following his time with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, Greiner, who owned Greiner Funeral Home on Green Street, was elected mayor of Woodbridge in 1934.

According to information from the Woodbridge Public Library, Greiner, among other accomplishments, initiated a refinancing plan for the township during the Great Depression that saved it from bankruptcy. He served as mayor through 1951 while also volunteering his time to assist veterans of World War II resettle into civilian life.

Greiner chose not to run for another term in 1951, but continued to serve the community in other capacities before his death in 1965.

If you would like to share a photo that provides a glimpse of history in your community, please call 973-836-4922 or send an email to middlesex@starledger.com. And, check out more glimpses of history in our online galleries Thursdays on nj.com.

Woodbridge cop suffers burns after crashing into parked car

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Police said Michael Csanyi's personal vehicle caught fire after colliding with a parked vehicle. He was off-duty at the time of the accident.

crimescne2.jpgMichael Csanyi, 39, suffered burns over half his body in the 1 a.m. crash on Oct. 18 in on Ella Avenue off Avenel Street in Avenel, according to police. (NJ Advance Media File Photo) 

WOODBRIDGE - Police are investigating an accident earlier this month where one of their officers crashed his personal vehicle into a parked car and suffered severe burns when one of the cars erupted in flames, said police Capt. Roy Hoppock.

Michael Csanyi, 39, suffered burns over half his body in the 1 a.m. crash on Oct. 13 in on Ella Avenue off Avenel Street in Avenel, according to police.

The officer is at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, where he is a patient in the burn unit, according to a report on mycentraljersey.com.

PLUS: 'Medical episode' caused Woodbridge school bus driver to crash twice

Csanyi's condition remained critical on Wednesday, according to the website.

Hoppock said there were no other drivers involved in the crash, and no other people were injured.

"I do want to add, the investigation is continuing," Hoppock stated in an email to NJ Advance Media on Wednesday.

Police said Csanyi was off-duty at the time of the accident.

Csanyi suffered second- and third-degree burns to more than half of his body. He was flown by helicopter from Avenel Middle School to University Hospital in Newark, then to Saint Barnabas, police said.

Csanyi, a graduate of Colonia High School, was one of eight new officers hired in December 2008, according to mycentraljersey.com.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Turnpike Authority moving offices to former Hess building

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New Jersey Turnpike officials plan to lease a former office building that was headquarters for Hess. The authority has an option to buy it for $25.9 million.

The landmark Hess building on Route 9 in Woodbridge is getting a new tenant and potential owner, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

NJ Turnpike Authority officials signed a 15-year, $2.87 million lease for the 180,000 square foot building with an option to buy the building and 13 acres of property for $25.9 million. The authority could start moving in during the second half of 2016 under the agreement, approved in late September.

"The Hess building is fully furnished and in move-in condition. They've made about $65 million in capital improvements in the building since 2011," said Thomas Feeney, a turnpike authority spokesman. "It allows the Turnpike Authority to have all of its administrative offices under one roof for the first time since the NJTA and the Highway Authority were consolidated 12 years ago."

NJ Turnpike HQ .JPGThe New Jersey Turnpike Authority's current administrative offices. (Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
 

The authority currently leases 100,233 square feet of office space on Main Street in Woodbridge. The $2.3 million lease on six floors in that building expires in 2017. Other employees work in the former Highway Authority offices also in Woodbridge.

Consultant Savillis Studley of Iselin recommended the lease-purchase after examining six properties and options to construct a new building, according to authority documents.

"The lease/purchase of the Hess building was the most cost-effective of the many options considered," Feeney said. "It will save about $100 million over 30 years compared to the next most cost-effective option."

The Hess building has been on the market since 2014 after the petroleum company left the retail fuel market, selling its gas stations to Speedway and focusing on the petroleum exploration and production business. 

RELATED: Repair to Sandy damaged rail tunnels won't start until 2020. 

The Turnpike Authority started house hunting for a new headquarters about the same time in Nov. 2014, seeking a real estate consultant to evaluate options including whether to build a new a new headquarters on three pieces of authority-owned land, including on the PNC Bank Arts Center site in Holmdel.

Savillis Studley was hired in February
. Authority officials rejected building a new headquarters as being too expensive. The Hess building met the authority's criteria of consolidating all 450 administrative employees under one roof and being contiguous to the turnpike and Garden State Parkway, which the authority runs.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Missing Old Bridge teenager has been found

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Old Bridge police said Abigail Keefer, 17, missing since Monday, has been found.

19126806-mmmain.pngAbigail Keefer, 17, of Old Bridge, missing since Monday, has been found. (Old Bridge police) 

OLD BRIDGE -- Old Bridge police said Abigail Keefer, 17, missing since Monday, has been found.

The 17-year-old was last seen walking away from her home at 5:30 p.m. in the Presidential Estates section of Old Bridge.

Police reported Thursday morning the teenager was located.

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Thanksgiving 2015: 18 N.J. farms that sell fresh turkeys

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Jersey-fresh and ready for your holiday table

Prefer a farm-to-table turkey to a supermarket bird this Thanksgiving?

To make your holiday Jersey-fresh, here's a list of New Jersey farms that sell turkeys raised locally or nearby. The farms are taking orders now, so if you're planning on buying a local bird this year, it's best to act soon. Here's a selection of farms to get you started.

Farms that are sold out of turkeys for the season are not listed here. If you know of another N.J. farm that raises fresh turkeys, please tell us in the comments below.

  • Abma's Farm in Wyckoff has "fresh killed" turkeys for $3.19 a pound, from as small as 8 to 10 pounds to as big as 35-plus pounds. The farm is at 700 Lawlins Road; call 201-891-0278 or visit abmasfarm.com

RELATED: The case for the cranberry, New Jersey's native Thanksgiving fruit

  • Churutabis Farm in Frankford Township sells fresh turkeys that range from 15 to 30 pounds. The farm is at 53 Hyatt Road in Branchville; pickup is the Sunday before Thanksgiving at 50 Hyatt Road. Call 973-271-2979, visit churutabis.com or email 

    hannelie@churutabis.com

nj-turkey-farms.jpgJohn DeGroot checks a turkey at Ashley Farms in Flanders in 1995. (Star-Ledger file photo)
 
  • DiPaola Turkey Farm in Hamilton has free-range turkeys and turkey products. The farm store is at 883 Edinburg Road in Hamilton. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call 609-587-9311 or visit dipaolaturkeyfarm.com
  • Double Brook Farm in Hopewell has Narragansett, Black Spanish, Bourbon Red, Broad-Breasted Whites and Bronzes and Blue Slate free-range turkeys. Double Brook's Brick Farm Market is at 65 E. Broad St. in Hopewell. Fresh turkeys are $6.50 per pound, ranging from 8 pounds to 28-plus pounds. A $20 deposit is required and turkeys will be available for pickup Nov. 23 through 25. Call 609-466-3594 or 609-466-6500 or visit brickfarmmarket.com 
  • Flatbrook Farm in Sandyston sells fresh turkeys that are raised on a pasture and fed "transitional organic feed" for six months. "Towards the end of the life cycle our birds are mature, strong, and fully expressing their individuality," staff say on the farm website, which lists the turkeys at $7 per pound, with a $20 deposit required for Thanksgiving. Flatbrook Farm is at 3 Degroat Road in Branchville; closed except for during pickup times. Call 973-948-2554 or email flatbrookfarm@flatbrookfarm.com to place an order and ask about pickup schedule; visit flatbrookfarm.com 
new-jersey-turkey-farms-thanksgiving.jpgRed Bourbon and Standard Bronze heritage turkeys that Griggstown Farm in 2009. (Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-Ledger)
 
  • Goffle Road Poultry Farm in Wyckoff, which raises turkeys in "open turkey porches," has birds ranging from 10 pounds to 26-plus pounds. The farm is at 549 Goffle Road. Call 201-444-3238 or visit gofflepoultry.com
  • Griggstown Farm in Princeton has fresh, free-range plain or brined turkeys available for pickup at various locations including Princeton, Bernardsville and Flemington. The farm store is at 484 Bunker Hill Road. Call 908-359-5218 or visit griggstownfarm.com 
  • Lee Turkey Farm in East Windsor has fresh turkeys from October through Jan. 2 and raises about 5,000 turkeys a year; advance orders required for Thanksgiving. The farm is at 201 Hickory Corner Road. Call 609-448-0629 or visit leeturkeyfarm.com
turkey-farms-nj-thanksgiving.jpgTurkeys at Goffle Road Poultry Farm in Wyckoff in 2005. (Star-Ledger file photo).
 
  • Lima Family Farms in Hillsborough has pastured turkeys available for pre-order at $5.25 per pound -- ranging from 12 to 24-plus pounds -- at its farm store and various farm markets. The Lima farm store, open 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, is at 826 Amwell Road. Deposits are $40; cash or check only. Pickup is the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Call 908-336-8238 or visit limafamilyfarms.com
  • Mallery's Grazin' Meats in Skillman has fresh, grass-fed organic turkeys at $10 per pound; $50 deposit required. The farm store is at 382 Georgetown Franklin Turnpike (Route 518). Call 609-309-5451 or visit mallerysgrazinmeats.com
  • Spring Valley Turkey Farm in Old Bridge raises its turkeys in a pen ("cage-free environment"). They range from 25 to 35 pounds, which means they top out at a processed weight of 18 to 30 pounds. The farm is at 402 Spring Valley Road in Old Bridge. Call 732-970-5265 or visit springvalleynj.com
  • Totten Family Farm in Long Valley has heritage-breed pastured turkeys. They can be reserved with a $50 deposit. The farm is at 442 Naughright Road. Call 908-850-0555 or visit tottenfamilyfarm.com
  • Vacchiano Farms in Washington Township, Warren County, has free-range turkeys. Farm staff visit the Montclair Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at the Walnut Street train station; they are at the Summit Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday at the corner of Deforest Avenue and Maple Street. Call 908-310-5625 for more information or visit vacchianofarm.com

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup. Find NJ.com Entertainment on Facebook.

 

'Disappointed' bishops urge Horizon to include Catholic hospitals in new plans

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With nearly every Catholic hospital excluded from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's new line of discounted health plans, the state's bishops have asked the insurance giant's CEO to expand the network to include "the vulnerable populations we serve."

TRENTON -- With nearly every Catholic hospital excluded from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's new line of discounted health plans, the state's bishops have asked the insurance giant's CEO to expand the network to include "the vulnerable populations we serve."

In a letter sent to Horizon President and CEO Robert Marino Oct. 28 and obtained by NJ Advance Media, the 10 Catholic bishops said they had long considered the Newark-based company "a partner in delivering health services even to the vulnerable populations we serve."

"With the rollout of the Horizon Omnia Alliance that partnership seems to be a memory," the letter said.

RELATED: Horizon N.J.'s new insurance plan: What we know so far

This is the second time a Catholic organization has criticized Horizon's OMNIA Alliance, a partnership with 22 hospitals that have agreed to accept smaller reimbursements but would be financially rewarded for quality and keeping people healthy. Another 14 hospitals Horizon designated as "Tier one" facilities also agreed to accept lower reimbursement in exchange for higher patient volume. 

In September, Sister Patricia Codey, president of the Catholic HealthCare Partnership representing Catholic hospitals, accused Horizon of deliberately excluding Catholic hospitals from participating in a new plan that will discourage customers from using their facilities. 

The eventual outcome will be cost-conscious people will avoid the 36 remaining "Tier 2" hospitals, which received a derogatory-sounding designation for reasons Horizon has refused to adequately explain, according to OMNIA's critics.

With 3.8 million customers, Horizon wields considerable buying power, and the excluded hospitals -- many of them Catholic, located in cities or serve a sizable number of uninsured and Medicaid clients -- say they fear they will lose a substantial amount of revenue.    

"We are disappointed in the lack of transparency in the process Horizon utilized to exclude all Catholic hospitals except one (St. Joseph's Healthcare System) from Tier 1 designation," according to the bishops'  letter. 

"We are disappointed because the Horizon plan will 'steer' patients to preferred Tier 1 hospitals at the expense of Catholic and other hospitals. The end result of the Horizon decisions could be the closure of Catholic hospitals with disastrous impact on the people of our State, especially those who are most vulnerable," the letter said.

"Mr. Marino, we look forward to working with you personally to repair our broken partnership -- a partnership that for decades has been critically important for the people of New Jersey," the letter said.

Horizon's spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. 

But in previous interviews and public remarks, Horizon executives said they invited the 22 hospitals to join OMNIA because they had the lowest readmission rates and the best scores on patient safety and quality measures.

They offered a range of inpatient, outpatient and post-acute care services, and had already begun using a "value-based" payment model that rewards preventive care. They also had to score high on patient satisfaction surveys. Horizon also favored the largest hospitals and systems, including those that serve a sizable number of Horizon members.

Tier 1 hospitals were chosen to fill out the geographic needs of customers across the state, Horizon officials said. 

Customers who buy an OMNIA coverage will pay about 15 percent less than they would using another Horizon plan, which take effective in January. But most other Horizon plans will remain, the company has said. Those plans include the same hospitals that are included in the network today.

The exclusion of most Catholic hospitals is a coincidence, Minal Patel, Horizon's senior vice president and chief strategy officer, said after Codey criticized the company two months ago. 

"We did not take into account religious affiliation or tax status. . .We looked at who will be in the best position to avoid wasted medical spending, such as unnecessary tests," Patel said. The data used to evaluate the hospitals "is publicly available. The outcomes were the outcomes. There was no desire one way or another to include or exclude" Catholic hospitals, he said.

State lawmakers have also criticized Horizon for OMNIA's design and have asked the state Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the plans violate any laws.

The letter from the Catholic Conference is signed by John J. Myers, Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Newark; Bernard A. Hebda Co-adjutor Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Newark; Bishop David M. O'Connell for the Trenton diocese; Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan for the Camden diocese; Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski for the Metuchen Diocese; Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic; Bishop Yousif B. Habash, Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese; Bishop John W. Flesey Auxiliary Bishop for the Newark Archdiocese; Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz of Newark; and Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, Diocese of Paterson.    

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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Judge lowers man's bail in fatal Parkway crash

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A judge significantly lowered the bail for a New York, N.Y. man charged with vehicular homicide in a fatal crash on ther Garden State Parkway last month in Old Bridge. Superior Court Judge Dennis Nieves said he was reducing Mark Ellis's bail from $200,000 to $50,000 because he was gainfully employed for the past five years, his family lived in the same home in NewYork for the past 30 years and because he believed "(Ellis) will show up (in court) and face the music like a man."

NEW BRUNSWICK -- A judge significantly lowered the bail for a New York City man charged with vehicular homicide in a fatal crash on ther Garden State Parkway last month in Old Bridge.

"He will show and face the music like a man," Superior Court Judge Dennis Nieves said in lowering Mark Ellis' bail from $200,000 to $50,000. 

Nieves also noted that Ellis has been employed for five years and that his family lived in the same home in New York for 30 years. 

PREVIOUSLY: Driver in fatal Parkway crash was drunk, police say

Nieves made his remarks during a brief hearing Thursday morning in New Brunswick for Ellis, 29, who is charged with causing the death of Steven Rivera, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Rivera was a passenger in the sport utility vehicle Ellis was driving the morning of Oct. 11, 2015, when it overturned in the southbound express lanes, ejecting Ellis and Rivera, who authorities said were not wearing their seat belts. The other two passengers in the rear of the vehicle, who weere wearing seat belts, suffered non-life threatening injuries and were not ejected, according to State Police.

Larry Bitterman, Ellis's attorney, told the judge his client worked in the finance department on Montefiore Medical Center in New York cor the past five years and was never in trouble.

Bitterman argued his client was coming from a party in New Brunswick and "fell asleep" behind the wheel. Bitterman acknowleged that Ellis's blood alcohol level was over the legal limit.

MORE: Middlesex County news

Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor R. Scott LaMountain told the judge Ellis "killed another human being and injured two others."

He said the state would agree to reduce the bail from the $200,000 originally set to $100,000, but reminded the judge  that Ellis had no ties to New Jersey and, in fact, the vehicle he was driving was registered to a relative in South Carolina.

But Nieves, while acknowledging the tragic loss of life, said New York was only 40 miles away from New Brunswick and believed Ellis would show up for all court proceedings.

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.


Mechanic suffers burns to face when he's sprayed with radiator fluid

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The 38-year-old mechanic was working on a vehicle shortly after 5 p.m. when a radiator cap came loose, spraying the man with hot water, said Perth Amboy Fire Chief Abraham Pitre.

Ambulance File Photo (small).jpg(NJ Advance Media File Photo) 

PERTH AMBOY - A mechanic working on a car was hospitalized Thursday after suffering first-degree burns while working on a car radiator, authorities said.

The 38-year-old mechanic was working on a vehicle shortly after 5 p.m. when a radiator cap came loose, spraying the man with hot fluid, said Perth Amboy Fire Chief Abraham Pitre.

The accident occurred at Fayette Motors, 377 New St.

The victim was taken by ambulance to the burn unit at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, where he was in stable condition Thursday night.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Take this week's NJ.com News Quiz

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Politics and lots of pizza make appearances in this week's test of how well you know New Jersey news.

It's been a busy week in New Jersey what with the president stopping by Monday, the elections Tuesday and conflicting pizza rankings that threw everyone for a loop this week. Have you got your head on straight for this week's NJ.com News Quiz? The seven questions below were culled from this week's most popular NJ.com news stories. Once you're finished, share your score in comments to see how you stack up with other NJ.com readers. And remember, we're all on the honor system here: No Googling allowed.



John Shabe can be reached at jshabe@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter and find NJ.com on Facebook.
 

Ex-Edison police captain charged with theft

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Andy Fresco was charged with taking sick time while also working at the mall.

EDISON -- A recently-retired top commander in the Edison Police Department has been charged with theft after prosecutors say he illegally collected $43,000 in sick leave. 

Natale "Andy" Fresco was charged Thursday after authorities say he collected sick time for months while also working as the head of security at the Menlo Park Mall.

"This office consistently investigates and prosecutes theft and corruption cases," Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said in a prepared statement. "We will remain diligent in our efforts to target such behavior and we will seek restitution for the taxpayers wherever possible." 

The case is a fresh embarrassment for the Edison Police Department, which has been plagued for years by accusations of misdeeds, some administrative and others criminal, at every rank. 

MORE: Betraying the badge: Edison police produce astonishing record of misconduct

Darren Gelber, Fresco's attorney, said he believes the town was apprised of Fresco's plans to work at the mall while taking sick time. 

"He came down with a very serious health condition that meant he could no longer perform the duties of a police officer, but which didn't mean he had to lock himself in a closet and never be seen again in public," said Gelber, who declined to disclose the exact health condition.

Gelber said a police officer's duties are much different from a mall security chief -- for one, he didn't carry a gun at the mall, which was a "desk job," Gelber said. 

Fresco collected sick time from July 15 to Sept. 30 while working at the mall, police said. He retired on Oct. 1. He was a 37-year veteran of the Edison Police Department. 

"For reasons I don't fully understand, the prosecutor's office thinks this is a crime," Gelber said. 

According to three sources close to Fresco, he has cancer, and has recently undergone chemotherapy treatments. 

Earlier this year, Fresco was one of seven officers who reached a combined $200,000 legal settlement over the so-called "wagon wheel of death." The now-infamous organizational chart, the plaintiffs alleged, was part of an improper Internal Affairs investigation that targeted them for their support of former mayor Antonia Ricigliano. The town argued in court that the FBI directed officers to create the chart as part of a corruption probe. 

Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Groundhog is Middlesex County's 10th case of rabies this year

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The case is the first positive rabies specimen in Old Bridge this year and the 10th case of rabies in Middlesex County, officials said in a news release.

groundhog.jpg(Associated Press file photo) 

OLD BRIDGE - A sick groundhog found in the area of Pomona and Raritan Boulevards has tested positive for rabies, according to the Middlesex County Health Department.

The case is the first positive rabies specimen in Old Bridge this year and the 10th case of rabies in Middlesex County in 2015, officials said in a news release.

County officials urge residents to immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to local health departments and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Rabies is caused by a virus infecting all warm-blooded mammals, including humans.

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut.

Bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States, according to the county health department.

PREVIOUSLY: First case of rabies reported in Monroe Township, 9th in Middlesex County

Prevention guidelines include:

  • Washing animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts or scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible if a bite occurs.
  • Immediately reporting any wild animal showing signs of unusual behavior. 
  • Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may move slowly, act as if it is tame, appear sick, have problems swallowing, have an increase of saliva, act aggressive or have difficulty moving.

Additional information can be obtained by calling an Inspection Division Supervisor for Middlesex County Public Health Department, at 732-745-3100.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Coach connection with immigrant community changes face of New Brunswick boys soccer

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Friday in New Brunswick, 31-year-old head coach Rafael Castillo will lead the best-ever New Brunswick boys soccer team into an NJSIAA sectional quarterfinal versus Manalapan, its next game as a top seed and New Jersey’s No. 11 team. The more intriguing part of New Brunswick's success is what may lie ahead. After years in the middle of the pack ...

Friday in New Brunswick, 31-year-old head coach Rafael Castillo will lead the best-ever New Brunswick boys soccer team into an NJSIAA sectional quarterfinal versus Manalapan, its next game as a top seed and New Jersey’s No. 11 team.
The more intriguing part of New Brunswick's success is what may lie ahead. After years in the middle of the pack ...

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