Daily Rundown, Tuesday, Sept. 26
South River sailor promoted to chief
Daniel Billowitz of South River, son of Alice Matts of South River and Wesley Billowitz of South Plainfield, was promoted Sept. 15 to the rank of chief petty officer while assigned to Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) Romania, located in Deveselu, Romania. Billowitz became a candidate for chief petty officer after passing a written exam. He was selected by a committee from a pool of other candidates.
“Being selected and promoted to chief petty officer is the proudest thing I’ve ever achieved,”Billowitz said in a statement. “I am deeply honored and humbled by this title and will strive to continue the deep heritage of integrity and outstanding leadership. ”
Promotion to chief petty officer marks a major step in Billowitz’s naval career after 13 years of honorable service. The rank of chief is reserved for sailors across the fleet that demonstrate the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment to the highest degree. Billowitz paid respect and appreciation to his family and mentors following his promotion.
READ: Daily Rundown, Monday, Sept. 25
Man wanted in shoplifting
East Brunswick police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an alleged shoplifting suspect. At about 6:20 p.m. Sept. 19, the East Brunswick Police Special Investigations Unit was investigating a shoplifting at ShopRite in the Mid-State Mall on Route 18 North when the suspect took off on foot, police said. The suspect is a clean-cut, slim-built male in his early 20s, about 6 feet tall with long brown hair. He was last seen wearing a lavender-colored polo, black jeans and black sneakers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Brunswick Detective Bureau at 732-390-6990 or its Confidential Tips Line at 732-432-8477. Emails may be sent to InvestigativeDivision@ebpd.net. All information will be kept confidential.
Meeting on new community center
Edison will seek suggestions and advice from residents about the types of programs and services they would like to see offered at a new municipal community center during a public forum from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, in the Council Chamber at the Municipal Complex, 100 Municipal Blvd., off Route 27. Suburban Consulting Engineers is conducting a feasibility study and developing a conceptual plan for a new community center. People who are unable to attend may submit their comments to Melissa Perilstein, Edison Administrator of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at mperilstein@edisonnj.org.
'Drug Trends' slated for Sept. 27
"Drug Trends" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at First Presbyterian Church of Dunellen, 218 Dunellen Ave. Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. Email dunellenma@gmail.com.
Kirschenbaum is Angel in Adoption
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) will celebrate Liza Kirschenbaum, as a 2017 Angels in Adoption awardee for her outstanding advocacy on adoption and foster care issues. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which orchestrates the Angels in Adoption Program, will honor Kirschenbaum at an awards ceremony Sept. 26 and gala Sept. 27 in Washington, D.C. Kirschenbaum is being honored for her work with Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey Inc. (CASA of NJ). She is being honored for her work in taking an organization with no resources or infrastructure, and growing it into a fully functioning, statewide operation serving thousands of formerly abused and neglected children, 2,236 of whom have been adopted over the last 10 years into safe homes with loving families. For more, visit www.ccainstitute.org/ and www.casaofnj.org.
University Outing Club schedule
The University Outing Club has announced a revised schedule for October. Trips include walks through a South Brunswick park, a trail in Marlboro and the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy, the home of the first governor of New Jersey. Also planned are visits to Columcille, known as the American Stonehenge. Two trips are offered: one weekday and one weekend. Those interested in walking, hiking, touring new sites and visiting old ones are invited to join the club. Dues are $20 per year for individuals, $30 for couples/families. Visit www.universityoutingclub.org.
Occupational therapy program
Beginning in January, Raritan Valley Community College will be the first community college in New Jersey to offer an Associate of Applied Science Degree for an in-demand career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Occupational Therapy Assistants collaborate with Occupational Therapists to help people improve their functions so they can carry on daily life activities. Prospective students interested in learning more about the new program are invited to attend an information session from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in the RVCC Conference Center (Room 101), at the college’s Branchburg campus. The program begins Jan. 22. To register for the Thursday, Oct. 5, info session, visit www.raritanval.edu/visit. For info about the program, contact Beau Younker, Occupational Therapy Assistant Coordinator, at 908-526-1200, ext. 8416, or beau.younker@raritanval.edu.
Bound Brook has medicine drop box
As part of the state's “Project Medicine Drop” initiative, the Bound Brook Police Department has installed a Project Medicine Drop Box in the front lobby of police headquarters, 226 Hamilton St. Residents may visit headquarters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to dispose of their unused or excess medications with no questions asked. More information about “Project Medicine Drop," including the full list of “Project Medicine Drop” locations, can be found at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/meddrop.
Project collects kids' winter clothing
The Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women is conducting its eighth annual Project Warm Your Heart to collect new or gently used coats, mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for children only. Donations are requested by Oct. 31. Children of families served by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and other organizations will benefit from this winter-clothing drive, which follows the commission’s recent collection of school supplies held during the summer months. Donations may be dropped off to the Somerset County Freeholders’ Office on the third floor of the county administration building at 20 Grove St., Somerville. For more info, contact Commissioner Beverly Briggs-Lawson at 732-433-2706.
Greyhound Meet & Greet booth
New Jersey Greyhound Adoption Program (NJGAP) will host a Meet & Greet booth from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Readington River Buffalo Farm Hay Day, 937 County Road 523 Flemington. NJGAP volunteers and and their dogs will be there to talk to the public about greyhound rescue and adoption. Visit www.facebook.com/NJGAP. Prospective adopters should email NJGAP at njgap@hotmail.com to request a pdf
pre-adoption application. NJGAP's hotline is 908-713-9344.
Register for veterans program
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s nationally ranked Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Madison has announced the fall course, Veterans Launching Ventures (VLV), is open for registration. Starting on Thursday, Oct. 5, this program provides the skills and support that veterans need in order to seize entrepreneurial opportunities and launch small businesses. This certificate course will be taught at an undergraduate level and includes six workshops. The program is free and open to all veterans including their spouses and/or children. A refundable deposit of $100 will be required of veterans who participate in the program. This deposit will be secured by credit card or check, and will be returned to the veterans who successfully complete the course. Visit http://fdu.edu/vlv or call 973-443-8842.
Tewksbury police blotter
On Sept. 19, officers arrived at the residence of John Henry Grant to serve two outstanding warrants totaling $5,750. During the arrest, Grant also was charged with marijuana possession and taken to the Somerset County Jail.
Raritan Township police blotter
RE/MAX co-sponsors wine tasting
The RE/MAX Preferred Professionals' second annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network is scheduled for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Marriott Hotel, 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater. Among the activities will be a 50/50 raffle and beautiful baskets to be auctioned. Tickets are $75. For more info, call Rosanne Aragona at RE/MAX Preferred Professionals, 1170 Route 22 East, Suite 300, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, at 908-685-0700, ext. 23.
