Welcome to Township of South Brunswick

For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

MAYOR ORDERS FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF AGRICULTURAL PIONEER ROBERT VON THUN SR.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Nov. 1)— Mayor Charlie Carley has ordered all municipal flags across the Township of South Brunswick to be flown at half-staff in memory of longtime resident, local agricultural icon, and third-generation farmer Robert Von Thun Sr., who passed away at the age of 96.

Lovingly known to his family and community as “Pop Pop,” Robert Von Thun Sr. dedicated his life to the land and played a pivotal role in shaping the rich agricultural heritage of South Brunswick.

The Von Thun family farm, whose roots trace back over a century to 1913, grew under his stewardship from a traditional potato and grain operation into a renowned farm market and beloved destination for Jersey Fresh produce, agritourism, and family traditions. In 1986, he formed a partnership with his son, Bob Von Thun Jr., expanding the farm into a cherished community landmark that has welcomed generations of local families. He retired in 2004 after decades of hard work and devoted service.

In a tribute shared on social media, Von Thun’s Country Farm Market reflected on his enduring impact:

“As we remember Robert Von Thun Sr., lovingly known as ‘Pop Pop,’ we celebrate the generations of hard work, family, and dedication that helped shape our farm into what it is today. His legacy is woven into the roots of Von Thun’s Country Farm Market and will continue to live on for generations to come.”   

Mayor Carley extended his sympathy on behalf of the township, honoring the quiet strength and community spirit Robert Sr. represented:

“Robert Von Thun Sr. embodied the grit, humility, and generosity of South Brunswick’s agricultural roots,” said Mayor Carley. “For decades, his steadfast commitment to farming helped nourish and unite our township. He didn’t just build a thriving farm; he helped cultivate the very heart of our community. On behalf of the Township Council and all of South Brunswick, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire Von Thun family as we honor a life so exceptionally well-lived.”   

Visitors to the South Brunswick farm this weekend are invited by the family to stop by the Heritage Barn to honor his memory and look back at the history of Von Thun’s Country Farm Market. Municipal flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of his life and lasting contributions to South Brunswick Township.   

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Monday. November 2, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, located at 616 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 3, at 10:00 AM, with burial following at Dayton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Dayton Presbyterian Church or The Grace Presbyterian Church.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP UNVEILS OFFICIAL NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL COMMISSION MARKER AT HISTORIC LONGBRIDGE FARM

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 30)— South Brunswick Township officially unveiled its new New Jersey Historical Commission marker commemorating Longbridge Farm, celebrating an 800-acre historic site deeply tied to the Revolutionary War and early struggles for freedom in New Jersey.

Installed at the parking area and entrance to the Township’s Freedom Trail—a 1.5-mile walking and biking trail—the marker provides high visibility for residents and visitors to learn about the property’s profound historical footprint. Erected by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of the New Jersey Department of State, the marker honors two major chapters of the site’s history:

• Revolutionary War Encampment: Established in the 1730s by Thomas Lawrence, Mayor of Philadelphia, and later owned by the Mershon and Rowland families, Longbridge Farm served as a crucial stopover on George Washington’s “Road to Monmouth.” On June 25, 1778, General George Washington and his Continental Army troops encamped on the plantation ahead of the Battle of Monmouth—an event notably documented in the journal of colonial soldier Jeremiah Greenman.
• The Legacy of Peter Ridley: Operating as a plantation with enslaved labor during the colonial and Revolutionary eras, the farm was also the birthplace of Peter Ridley, a Black man born to free parents around 1761. After being forcibly transported to Long Island by an overseer and later returning to the area, Ridley’s freedom was legally confirmed in 1785 by the Supreme Court of New Jersey following a writ of habeas corpus, aided by local resident affidavits.

In attendance for the unveiling were Mayor Charlie Carley, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Councilwoman Archana “Ann” Grover, Councilwoman Patty Germain, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, Public Affairs Coordinator Jennifer “Jen” Poppy, Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks Mike Grennan, Foreman Brian Sirois, Library Director Chris Carbone, Local History Librarian Kelan Amme, and members of the Historic Preservation Commission, including Terry Caruso and John Daly.

Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman was unable to attend, but he highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing these complex local histories.

“This historical marker ensures that the full story of Longbridge Farm—from General Washington’s troops marching toward Monmouth to the resilience and freedom of Peter Ridley—remains part of our community’s living history,” said Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman. “Placing this marker at the entrance of our Freedom Trail allows residents and visitors to reflect on our shared past, the struggles for liberty, and the diverse individuals who shaped South Brunswick.”

Approved Marker Text:

“Longbridge Farm was established in the 1730s by Thomas Lawrence, Mayor of Philadelphia, and later owned by the Mershon and Rowland families. On June 25, 1778, before the Battle of Monmouth, George Washington’s troops encamped on this 800-acre plantation. The farm operated using enslaved labor during the colonial and Revolutionary eras. It was the birthplace of Peter Ridley, a Black man with free parents, who was forcibly transported to Long Island by an overseer. Upon returning to Longbridge, the Supreme Court of New Jersey confirmed Ridley’s freedom in 1785, aided by affidavits from local residents.”

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK SCOUTING TROOPS SHINE THROUGH REGIONAL CONSERVATION, LEADERSHIP, AND DISTRICT HONORS

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 29)— Local youth and adult leaders from across the region recently demonstrated the core values of Scouting America during an action-packed weekend highlighting community service, advanced outdoor skills, and district-wide recognition.

The weekend kicked off as Scouting America Troop 10 spent Friday and Saturday nights camping out at Sondek Park. Bright and early Saturday morning, scouts participated in a Monmouth Council-wide Clean Waterways conservation event organized by Dana Gopal. Demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, the Scouts gathered at 201 John T. O’Leary Blvd in South Amboy for a hands-on beach sweep, removing trash to protect local aquatic ecosystems and earning valuable conservation hours toward rank advancements. Troop 10 was assigned to Sparrow Lake, Deerwood Park, Howell Township.  They collected close to 100 lbs. of trash in 8 bags along the lake surroundings.

On Saturday afternoon, the focus shifted to youth empowerment and capability building. Senior scouts took the lead, providing hands-on instruction to their peers on critical outdoor disciplines, including proper woods tool handling, fire safety, and Flag Color Guard execution. 

Troop 10 carries a distinguished tradition of patriotism and adventure. The troop’s American travel flag has flown over numerous campouts, regional camporees, and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters in Afghanistan. The Troop 10 unit flag has even journeyed all the way to the North Pole. 

The busy weekend culminated on Sunday evening at the annual Middlesex District Dinner, which brought together multiple troops to celebrate outstanding adult volunteer leadership. The evening’s prestigious Unit Award of Merit was presented to dedicated leaders across several area units, honoring their exceptional service to youth development. Honorees included: 

• Mahesh Reddy Maramreddy of Troop 10 

• Meaghan Grim of Troop 90 

• Jovani Reaves of Troop 102G 

“The success of this weekend—from environmental conservation and peer-to-peer mentoring to celebrating our incredible adult volunteers—truly embodies the spirit of Scouting,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Chris Hurley.

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For further information, contact:

Jennifer Poppy

   South Brunswick Township

Public Affairs

    732-329-4000, ext. 7275

SOUTH BRUNSWICK HONORS WORLD WAR II NAVY VETERANS HERBERT & SHIRLEY TAINOW WITH STREET DEDICATION

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Oct. 27)— South Brunswick Township dedicated Tainow Lane at the intersection of Kendall Road and Leahy Road in honor of Aviation Radioman First Class Herbert Tainow and Specialist Third Class Shirley Tainow, decorated World War II United States Navy veterans and longtime Kendall Park residents.

Herbert and Shirley Tainow’s family—including their son, Bert Tainow, with his wife Donna; grandchildren Mark, Jill, and Krystal; and great-grandchildren—joined Mayor Charlie Carley, Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilmembers Jo Hochman, Archana “Ann” Grover, and Patty Germain, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, representatives of local veterans’ organizations including the VFW and American Legion, members of the South Brunswick Police Department and Honor Guard, and community residents for the ceremony honoring their military service and legacy. Their grandson, Jesse, who is currently deployed in service to our country, was recognized in spirit during the ceremony.

The commemorative street sign was unveiled as part of the Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, which inscribes the names of wartime veterans on secondary street signs along existing municipal roads to ensure their service and sacrifice inspire future generations.

Born in Newark in 1925, Herbert Tainow entered the United States Navy on November 18, 1942. During World War II, he served with distinction as an Aviation Radioman First Class and operational aircrewman—taking on vital roles as belly gunner, radioman, and bombardier aboard Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bombers assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CV 38). He was honorably discharged on February 13, 1946. For his exemplary service, Aviation Radioman First Class Tainow was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Also born in Newark in 1925, Shirley Tainow entered the United States Navy WAVES on March 8, 1945. She served with distinction as a Specialist (International Business Machine Operator) Third Class stationed at Headquarters, Eleventh Naval District in San Diego, California, during World War II. She was honorably discharged on February 22, 1946, and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for her exemplary service.

Following their military discharge, Herbert and Shirley Tainow became longtime residents of Kendall Park on Kendall Road, raising their family and leaving behind a proud legacy of service, civic dedication, and personal integrity. Following her service, Shirley went on to teach as a computer science professor at Middlesex County College. Their son, Bert, continues to reside in the family home today.

“Tainow Lane will carry two names, a husband and wife who both served in the Navy in World War II and then built a life here,” Mayor Charlie Carley said. “Every neighbor who turns at Leahy Road will see that sign, and some will ask who they were. Now we can tell them.”

The ceremony featured opening remarks from Public Affairs Coordinator Jennifer “Jen” Poppy, the Pledge of Allegiance and military history presented by VFW Post Commander Scott Weyd, and the official council resolution reading by Councilwoman Patty Germain. Remarks were shared by their son, Bert Tainow, before their grandson, Mark Tainow, unveiled the new street sign. Bert Tainow nominated his parents for the program.

For more information about South Brunswick Township’s Veteran Street Sign Program, visit southbrunswicknj.gov/public-relations/veteran-street-sign/

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