Day: July 14, 2023

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Swagath Gourmet Opens in Hamilton

July 14, 2023

HAMILTON, NJ – Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin, along with Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, former Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, and West Windsor Mayor Hemant Marathe, Ph.D. were present to welcome the new restaurant Swagath Gourmet, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 7, 2023. 
Swagath Gourmet, located at 133 Youngs Road, is a restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine. Owners and brothers, Sesha Iyengar and Murali Iyengar, with support from Padma Iyengar and Maha Lakshmi, carry on the tradition, the taste, and the authentic spices of their menu, truly making it a family affair. The Iyengar Family has been in the restaurant business for many years. Before moving to Hamilton, they had a very successful restaurant in Edison, which opened in 1991. The Iyengar Family decided to move to Hamilton for a larger location that offered an excellent ambiance for guests.  
This new restaurant offers a vegetarian menu for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. Their weekday lunch buffet features a rotating selection of dishes, ensuring that there’s always something new to try. And if you’re feeling adventurous, their karaoke nights are a fun way to spend an evening with friends. Overall, this restaurant is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious food in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Swagath Gourmet is committed to sustainability, creativity, and authenticity and takes pride in offering a unique culinary experience that celebrates the flavors and culture of India. They invite you to come and experience the warmth of their hospitality and the richness of the cuisine at Swagath.
“I am delighted to announce the grand opening of this exciting new Indian restaurant in our vibrant town. This restaurant will not only offer delicious food, but also add to our diverse culinary scene,” comment Mayor Jeff Martin. “I extend my warmest congratulations to the owners and wish them great success. Let’s come together to support this newest addition to our town’s dining options and experience the flavors of India right here in our own community.” 
To learn more about Swagath Gourmet, visit their website, swagathgourmet.com, Facebook account www.facebook.com/SwagathGourmetHamilton, and Instagram account @swagath_amma. Visit www.HamiltonNJ.com/EconomicDevelopment to learn of the new businesses that have recently opened or have relocated to Hamilton and read up on why Hamilton is a great place for businesses to call home!

Allentown, Allentown, Monmouth County, State of NJ, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Fight to save NJ’s Revolutionary War sites could gain strength from new grant program

July 14, 2023

By: Press Release, Assembly Republicans

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Alex Sauickie has introduced a measure that would create a grant program to save Revolutionary War sites under threat of development.

“New Jersey, which is known as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” played too pivotal a role in our nation’s fight for independence to put profits over preservation,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said.

Because of New Jersey’s location between Philadelphia and New York, the state was the setting for more Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes than anywhere else.

“The fate of America was decided in several significant battles on New Jersey soil. Every effort must be made to preserve as much of that history as possible for future generations,” Sauickie continued. 

The site of a Revolutionary War skirmish in Allentown and Upper Freehold, which was critical in helping George Washington plan the Battle of Monmouth, could soon be home to two giant warehouses. Once an encampment of Redcoats, the 66 acres looks like it did in 1778, but developers who purchased it have plans to transform it into storage facilities with more than 100 loading docks for the hundreds of trucks that will come through.

As residents look for ways to save the site, Sauickie saw an opportunity to create a state grant program that would allow local governments and nonprofits to preserve Revolutionary War battlefields, encampments and skirmish sites in New Jersey. Under the proposal, the State Department would award grants to towns and organizations to save Revolutionary War sites that are endangered by development. 

“We are three short years away from celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. To lose a part of our American Revolution history now to storage facilities that could be located elsewhere would be devastating,” Sauickie added. “Hoping that historical preservation prevails in this fight is not enough. We must support the people and towns that put in the work to save the sites and stories that make us Americans. This grant program is a way to bolster their tireless efforts.”

The bill (A5677) has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.

5677_I1Download

“The fate of America was decided in several significant battles on New Jersey soil. Every effort must be made to preserve as much of that history as possible for future generations,” Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

The site of a Revolutionary War skirmish in Allentown and Upper Freehold, which was critical in helping George Washington plan the Battle of Monmouth, could soon be home to two giant warehouses. Once an encampment of Redcoats, the 66 acres looks like it did in 1778, but developers who purchased it have plans to transform it into storage facilities with more than 100 loading docks for the hundreds of trucks that will come through.

Midjersey.news file photos

Bridgewater Township, Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Point Pleasant Beach, Somerset, Wall

Local High School Students Awarded Scholarships for Advocacy and Support of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation

July 14, 2023

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Ten New Jersey high school students were awarded scholarships from the Sharing Network Foundation for their passion and dedication to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The Class of 2023 graduates were presented with their scholarship awards at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence. The Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarships are made possible thanks to several of the organization’s family and partner funds: 

  • Hearts for Emma Partner Fund – created in celebration of Emma Rothman’s life-saving heart transplant to support high school education and donation advocacy efforts.
  • Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund – created in memory of Jim Rhatican, a NJ Sharing Network Volunteer, liver transplant recipient and retired teacher and coach of 35 years.
  • Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund – created in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Missy Rodriguez’s life-saving liver transplant to follow her passion as a college counselor through scholarships for high school students.
  • Riley’s Path – created in memory of organ donor Riley Kogen to provide financial assistance to transplant patients in times of crisis, and to award scholarships to high school students and advocacy heroes.

 The 2023 scholarship recipients are: 

  • Sophia Fliegler of Mendham, NJ (2023 graduate of Randolph High School) received a scholarship from Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. Sophia’s heart failed when she was only two weeks old. She was given a second chance to live life to its fullest thanks to a successful heart transplant. She has made it a priority to honor the memory of her heart donor by advocating for NJ Sharing Network’s mission. Sophia has participated in transplant reunions, online discussion forums, social media chats, and the 5K Celebration of Life. She plans to attend the County College of Morris in the fall. “I like to think that I am living a life for both myself and my donor, as my donor never had the opportunity to do so,” said Sophia. “I hope that my donor is looking down and happy with the life ‘we’ are living.
  • Emily Blomkvist of Asbury, NJ (2023 graduate of North Hunterdon High School) received a scholarship from Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. Emily’s father received a life-saving heart transplant six years ago. Since then, her two greatest missions have been promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation and the need for blood donation. Emily has been recognized for her tireless efforts to promote events at North Hunterdon High School and in her local community. She plans to attend Lehigh University in the fall. “I will never forget that we were at my cousin’s sixth birthday party when my dad received a call from the hospital telling him to get there as soon as possible because they had found a heart for his transplant,” said Emily.
  • Caitlin Knorr of Berkeley Heights, NJ (2023 graduate of Governor Livingston High School) received a scholarship from the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. Caitlin was born with a Hemangioendothelioma of the liver, a rare and deadly disease. She received a life-saving liver transplant when she was just five weeks old, and a second liver transplant three weeks before her second birthday. Caitlin’s experiences inspired her, her mother, and her sister to become certified volunteers for NJ Sharing Network. She has shared her story at community events and encouraged her classmates to register as organ and tissue donors. Caitlin plans to attend the University of Arizona in the fall. “I feel blessed, and my life experiences are why I have chosen to pursue my studies in the medical field,” said Caitlin. “I will continue to be a huge advocate for organ and tissue donation for the remainder of my life. I want to give hope to those who are waiting for a life-saving transplant.”
  • Maxwell Moore of West Milford, NJ (2023 graduate of West Milford High School) received a scholarship from the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. Maxwell had just turned 15 years old when he developed severe shortness of breath while on vacation with his family. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. His condition continued to become more critical until he received a double-lung transplant in July 2020. Since his near-death experience, Maxwell has been passionate about advocating for organ and tissue donation, including leading educational presentations for the Safe Driver’s Club and the Driver’s Education class. Maxwell plans to attend Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts in the fall. “As I go off to college, I hope to bring awareness to my fellow classmates about the importance of organ and tissue donation,” said Maxwell. “I will proudly share my story with anyone who wishes to listen.”
  • Amelia Rowniewski of Wallington, NJ (2023 graduate of Applied Tech High School) received a scholarship from the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund. Amelia was just two years old when she had severe cold symptoms and was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Unfortunately, Amelia’s condition worsened as her kidneys began to fail and she struggled to breathe. Her life was saved thanks to a successful kidney transplant in 2008. Amelia honors the memory of her donor by volunteering for NJ Sharing Network and the American Kidney Fund. She has met with members of Congress to advocate for policies to support kidney patients and their families and has shared her personal story to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors. Amelia plans to attend American University in Washington D.C. in the fall. “Thanks to my donor hero, I have been able to attend concerts, make close friends, and be accepted to college,” said Amelia. “Most fulfilling of all, I’ve been able to meet and mentor younger people with organ transplants and help them get through their everyday struggles.
  • Veronica Sutkowski of Carteret, NJ (2023 graduate of East Brunswick Charter School) received a scholarship from the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund. Veronica was in second grade when her mother’s life was saved thanks to a successful liver transplant. This emotional experience helped Veronica understand the powerful impact of organ and tissue donation and inspired her to volunteer for NJ Sharing Network. She even proudly wore NJ Sharing Network’s Miss Pumps mascot costume to bring energy and fun to community events and activities. Veronica plans to attend Rutgers University in the fall. “My mother’s hard road to transplant allowed me to realize that things are not as easy as they may seem and there will be challenges in life to get to the good parts,” said Veronica. “I aspire to be in the medical field and possibly help with transplant recipients like my mother one day.”
  • Nina D’Apolito of Wall, NJ (2023 graduate of Wall High School) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. As a member of Wall High School’s Donate Life Club, Nina took the lead in developing new and creative ways to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. Nina played a key role in creating a “Celebration of Life Garden” in the school courtyard. She, along with her peers, painted and decorated “Donate Life” rocks that were used in a scavenger hunt and then placed along the flowerbeds of the garden and in the school’s media center. Nina also promoted the club’s efforts on social media to raise additional awareness. Nina plans to attend the University of Vermont in the fall. “Everyone deserves a chance to experience the highest possible quality of life,” said Nina. “I am proud to be a registered organ and tissue donor. It gives me peace to know that when I pass away, I can potentially save up to eight lives.”
  • Jacob Grabell of Bridgewater, NJ (2023 graduate of Bridgewater Raritan High School) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. Last year, Jacob’s family suffered a terrible tragedy when his father died suddenly from a heart attack. Jacob has shown great resiliency and maturity by supporting his mother and younger siblings while also volunteering his time to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Jacob has served as an assistant Hebrew school teacher and as a coach in youth basketball and soccer. He also coordinated a bone marrow drive during the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center Community Day. Jacob plans to attend Rutgers University in the fall. “My father made sure that my siblings and I understood the importance of having a lasting impact on the community,” said Jacob. “He was also a registered organ donor, in hopes of saving others. He put others before himself and this ever-lasting lesson is one of many things I will take with me from our time together.”
  • Charbel Hachem of Franklin, NJ (2023 graduate of Franklin High School) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. Charbel will never forget the many times that he and his family rushed to the hospital to visit his father during his battle with cancer. After many surgeries and procedures, the only hope for Charbel’s father was an organ transplant. One of their family members donated part of their liver and pancreas to save his life. This inspired Charbel to help educate his classmates about the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor. He also began volunteering with the American Red Cross to support local communities. Charbel plans to attend Concordia University in Canada in the fall. “It is my ambition to one day work in a hospital, performing the very same innovative surgeries that saved my father,” said Charbel.
  • Noah Kuzloski of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (2023 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. In July 2022, Noah’s family experienced an unthinkable tragedy when his aunt and 3-year-old cousin passed away following a motor vehicle accident. Noah’s cousin saved the lives of three young boys through the miracle of organ and tissue donation. Since that moment, Noah has shared his story with friends and classmates to encourage them to register as organ and tissue donors. He plans to attend SUNY Maritime College in the fall. “Organ and tissue donation has greatly impacted my life because it brought me peace knowing that my cousin was able to save the lives of others,” said Noah. “It also gave me a way to deal with the pain of losing her. She is a hero.”

 The Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarship program provides an opportunity to recognize and award graduating high school seniors whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities and advocacy for organ and tissue donation. Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2011, more than $120,000 has been awarded to 55 dedicated student advocates. 

“We are grateful for the generous support of our partner funds and their ongoing commitment to rewarding students who share a commitment to our life-saving mission,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation. “We know that all of our scholarship awardees will continue as strong leaders educating others about donation and transplantation throughout their college years and beyond.” 

Front Row – (Left-to-right) The Sharing Network Foundation’s 2023 scholarship recipients Noah Kuzloski of Point Pleasant Beach, Maxwell Moore of West Milford, Jacob Grabell of Bridgewater, Veronica Sutkowski of Carteret, Emily Blomkvist of Asbury, Caitlin Knorr of Berkeley Heights, Sophia Fliegler of Mendham, and Amelia Rowniewski of Wallington. Not pictured are Charbel Hachem of Franklin and Nina D’Apolito of Wall. (Back Row – Standing behind students – Left-to-right) Julie Nelson and Jay Rhatican of the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund, Mitch Kogen of the Riley’s Path Fund, Nancie Rothman of the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund, and Missy Rodriguez of the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund. Photo Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network

Belmar, Monmouth County

Belmar Man Indicted For Manslaughter And Numerous Drug Charges

July 14, 2023

  FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned a 37-count indictment against a man charged with being responsible for a fatal overdose that took place in 2021, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Belmar Police Department Chief Tina Scott announced in a joint statement on Friday.

Robert M. Clayton, 39, was indicted on one count of second-degree Manslaughter, along with two counts of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute, twelve counts of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute while on or within 500 feet of a Public Park, twelve counts of third-degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, and ten counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.

On January 2, 2021 at 1:21 p.m., Belmar Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of Third and River Avenues for a caller reporting an overdose in progress in the front seat of his car.  The car was located on Fifth Avenue with the passenger-side door ajar and a male subject crawling out of the vehicle face-first.  Upon contact with the Belmar Police officers, the individual crawling out of the car yelled, “Narcan him!”

One of the responding Belmar officers immediately retrieved his first-aid equipment and administered two doses of Narcan to an adult male, later identified as Jonathan Amato, who was seated in the front passenger seat in a reclined position, unconscious and not breathing.  Amato was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.

An investigation involving members of the Belmar Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Amato overdosed and died as a result of controlled dangerous substances that he ingested at the residence of Robert Clayton.

A subsequent search of Clayton’s home by the Belmar Police Department recovered the following narcotics: 919 Xanax pills, 101 Carisoprodel pills, 26 wax folds of heroin, 2 bags of powder heroin, 3 bags of MDMA (“Ecstasy”), 97 doses of LSD, 1 bag of Crystal Meth, 2 bags of Ketamine, 111 Methadone pills, 51 Adderall pills, 62 Tramadol pills, 2 vials of liquid Xanax, 11 Oxycodone pills and numerous other small amounts of pills, in addition to used hypodermic needles, vacuum-sealed packaging bags, hundreds of unused wax folds, 4 scales with CDS residue, 2 whipped-cream-dispensers, and 200 whippet canisters. In addition, 34 thumb memory drives were recovered, along with a computer and seven cellular phones.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Director of Investigations/Assistant Prosecutor Hoda Soliman.

Robert Clayton is being represented by Sarah H. Surgent, Esq. with an office location in Woodbridge.

A conviction for Manslaughter carries a period of up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act (N.E.R.A.), meaning that he would have to serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.  The additional second-degree charges also carry up to 10 years in prison; the third-degree charges carry up to 5 years in prison.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Monmouth County, Neptune

Two Men Admit To Roles In Neptune Township Double Homicide

July 14, 2023

FREEHOLD – The two men criminally charged in connection with a shooting that left a man and a woman dead in Neptune Township early last year have both admitted to their roles in the killings, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.

Gabriel J. Brathwaite, 20, of Keansburg pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree Murder and a related weapons offense, admitting that he fatally shot 18-year-old Samore Edwards of Plainfield and 19-year-old Isaiah Williams of New Brunswick.  Braithwaite’s codefendant, 24-year-old Jeron D. Dearin of the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen pleaded guilty to second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault in connection with the incident. The pleas were entered during a hearing yesterday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux.  

Shortly before 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, members of the Neptune Township Police Department responded to the 1300 block of Washington Avenue on a report of a shooting. At that location, officers found the two victims in a parked vehicle; Edwards was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene, while Williams was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

An intensive investigation involving members of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, the Neptune Township Police Department, and the Keansburg Police Department resulted in Braithwaite and Dearin being identified as suspects in the case.  The pair ultimately were arrested without incident less than a month after the shooting. They have remained in custody at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) since.

Sentencing in the case has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 7 before Judge Lemieux, at which time the State intends to recommend terms of 45 and 10 years, respectively, for Brathwaite and Dearin – with 85 percent of each sentence to be served before the possibility of parole under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA).

The pleas being announced today were negotiated and agreed to after consulting with the families of Edwards and Williams.  

This matter is being prosecuted by MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, Director of the Major Crimes Bureau, along with Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan. Braithwaite is being represented by Joshua M. Hood, Esq., while Dearin is being represented by Carlos Diaz-Cobo, Esq., both attorneys with an office in Freehold.    

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Mercer County, Trenton

Trenton, NJ, Woman Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For Vehicular Homicide That Killed Off Duty Police Officer

July 14, 2023

MAYS LANDING, NJ – Taquaysha M. Bell, 31, of Trenton, NJ was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Dorothy Garrabrant, J.S.C. to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for the June 19, 2020 vehicular homicide in which 53-year-old off-duty Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko, Sr. was killed. Bell was also sentenced to five years New Jersey State Prison for an aggravated assault on another victim, Chanelle Morgan, who was a passenger in Bell’s vehicle at the time of the crash.  

Luko, Sr. was also a former Egg Harbor City Police Officer.

On May 26, 2023, Defendant pleaded guilty to the following charges:

Count 1 – Vehicular Homicide – 2nd degree

Count 2 – Assault by Auto with Serious Bodily Injury – 3rd degree  

Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutor Tiffany deGrandmaison prosecuted the case for the State.  

Defendant will be required to serve 85% of the seven-year sentence before she will be eligible for parole. Bell’s driver’s license will also be suspended for five years after her release from prison.

Taquaysha M. Bell

Taquaysha M. Bell  

Release Revoked For Trenton Woman Indicted Vehicular Homicide

Taquaysha M. Bell, 31, of Trenton, NJ was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Dorothy Garrabrant, J.S.C. to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for the June 19, 2020 vehicular homicide in which 53-year-old off-duty Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko, Sr. was killed. Bell was also sentenced to five years New Jersey State Prison for an aggravated assault on another victim, Chanelle Morgan, who was a passenger in Bell’s vehicle at the time of the crash.