ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters responded to a fire alarm inside CJ Foods TMI Manufacturing at 2 Applegate Drive yesterday October 19, at 5:35 p.m. Upon arrival firefighters found a smoke condition inside the plant and searched for the source of the smoke. Firefighters located an industrial motor on fire and extinguished the fire. Two ambulances and a paramedic unit were called to the scene for workers exposed to smoke but no employees were transported to the hospital. Fire departments remained on scene for quite some time evacuating smoke and overhauling the fire. The Robbinsville Health Department was called to the scene as normal protocol since the fire was in a food manufacturing plant. The Robbinsville Township Fire Marshal is investigating the fire.
Responding agencies: Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hamilton Township Fire Department, Hope Fire Company of Allentown, East Windsor Fire Company, Hightstown Fire Department, Robbinsville EMS and Capital Health Paramedics.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Project Freedom celebrated 30 years of operation today at it’s Freedom One location now known as the Legacy Location on Hutchinson Road. Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried presented a special Proclamation to new Executive Director Tracee Battis and co-founder Norman Smith on this most festive day. Co-founder Norman Smith who is known as a trailblazer for Project Freedom was honored with a special award for 30 years of service and celebrating his legacy at Project Freedom.
Project Freedom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that develops and operates barrier-free housing to enable individuals with disabilities to live independently. Supportive services such as recreation, training and advocacy are offered.
In addition to being a developer of accessible, affordable housing, Project Freedom also offers supportive services, whereby self-directed people with disabilities empower themselves to live independently in a non-medical environment.
Co-founder of Project Freedom Norman Smith
Co-founder of Project Freedom Norman Smith with Proclamation from Robbinsville Township
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried and Hightstown Borough Mayor Lawrence D. Quattrone are proud to announce a historic shared services agreement to construct a new police station and court on the site of the current Robbinsville Township Municipal Complex at 1117 Route 130.
The new facility will house both the Robbinsville and Hightstown Police Department headquarters and each town’s municipal court. The existing and outdated Robbinsville/Hightstown Municipal Court trailer will be permanently closed and removed from the site.
“Making sure our respective police departments and shared municipal court have the best facilities and every tool possible to perform their duties to the best of their abilities is of paramount importance to both Mayor Quattrone and all of us here in Robbinsville,” Robbinsville Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried said. “This is a historic agreement between two neighbors which have the utmost respect for each other and their constituents.”
The shared services agreement is for an initial term of 50 years, with a mutual option to extend the agreement for an additional 50 years. Each municipality will pay its share of the costs to construct the facility (approximately $9.8 million) based upon each municipality’s proportional use of the facility’s square footage. The municipalities will share utility costs in the same proportion as the construction costs.
The Robbinsville and Hightstown Police Departments will each occupy their own dedicated space within the new facility and remain separate and distinct departments. Additionally, the Hightstown Police Department will operate a sub-station located in the new municipal complex building at 230 Mercer Street in Hightstown and will continue to maintain the same 24/7 police coverage within the Borough of Hightstown that it currently provides.
“We have shared our court and jail cells with Robbinsville for several years, so expanding the partnership further by sharing a police station is a natural fit,” Hightstown Mayor Quattrone said. “Not only do our hardworking police benefit from the new state-of-the-art facilities, but our residents will continue to receive the same response and dedicated service from the officers they respect and love.”
The Robbinsville and Hightstown Municipal Courts will continue to operate in the new facility under its existing agreement to share facilities, employees, equipment and supplies. This new shared services agreement will not change each municipality’s status as separate and distinct municipal courts.
Ground-breaking for the new police and court facility is scheduled for 2022 and construction is expected to take approximately 12 months.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A grand opening was held this morning for New Jersey’s newest Wawa at 1220 Route 130. As part of the celebration NJ Native, Ari Shiner who is Wawa’s first ever supported employment associate was honored for being with the company for 40 years. Wawa has a longstanding partnership with Eden Autism Services and Ari Shiner led the way in opening the door for individuals with Autism to gain employment.
“At Wawa, our core purpose is to fulfil lives and that starts with providing a meaningful experience for our 37,000 associates across 940 stores,” said Chris Gheysens, President & CEO of, Wawa. “This new store opening also marks the 40th year of our supported employment program with Eden Autism Services, a very important and valued partner. Eden’s emplyment program for adults with autism (WERCS) started in 1981 when we hired Ari Shiner in our Princeton store. Today, we are thrilled to honor Ari on 40 years of service and all that he has provided to our company and to our customers though the years. Happy 40th Wawaversary Ari!”
Today, Wawa’s supported employment program includes over 750 associates across the company and partnerships with dozens of supported employment programs.
“Ari was truly a pioneer in the field of supported employment,” said Scott Kent, Area Manager for Central New Jersey Wawa stores. “When customers come in and see Ari in the store, they immediately smile and go over to say hello!”
The Wawa Foundation presented Eden Autism Services with a $100,000. grant to support their ongoing expansion of services to the autism community.
Wawa’s Hoagies for Heroes hoagie-building competition was held between the Robbinsville Township Police Department and the Robbinsville Township Fire Department. $1,000 was presented to each departments charity of choice. The Robbinsville Township Police chose Robbinsville Township C.A.R.E and the Robbinsville Fire Department chose Robbinsville American Legion Post #530.
Robbinsville Wawa at 1220 Route 130 at the corner of Medowbrook Road and Route 130
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The rescheduled date for the Robbinsville Wawa Grand Opening is October 14, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. During the celebration Wawa will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of New Jersey Native Ari Shiner, Wawa’s First Supported Employment Associate from 1981. With the help of Eden Autism Services and other supported employment agencies, Wawa has provided hundreds of employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities for the past 40 years and invites local friends and neighbors to celebrate this milestone at the newest store in New Jersey.
File photos of the Robbinsville Wawa at 1220 Route 130
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:52 p.m. a vehicle overturned on the NJTP ramp to I-195 West with a lane blockage. One person appeared to suffer minor injuries. Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS were on location. Robbinsville EMS transported one to RWJ Hospital at Hamilton. NJ State Police were on scene and set up a detour until the vehicle could be towed away. NJ State Police is investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.
Overturned vehicle on New Jersey Turnpike outside exit Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) Ramp to 195 West blocked. https://t.co/VIk7tkadId
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–According to the NJ State Police at approximately 6:04 a.m. several vehicles struck debris, described as a metal gate, in the roadway located in the area of mile post 61 northbound on the inner roadway of the New Jersey Turnpike. Approximately 14 vehicles sustained tire damage.
Accused: Juan Garcia Age 29 East Windsor, NJ Charged: Driving While Intoxicated Reckless Driving Careless Driving Failure to Maintain Lane Unregistered Vehicle
Accused: Rosia Hill Age 35 Browns Mills, NJ Charged: Possession of CDS Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Hindering Apprehension
Charged and released pending Court.
DWI Date: September 20, 2021 Time: 2019 Location: Washington Blvd Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan
Accused: Bart Watson Age 57 Hamilton, NJ Charged: Driving While Intoxicated Reckless Driving Careless Driving Open Container of Alcohol
Charged and released pending Court.
Burglary/Theft Date: September 22, 2021 Time: 0050 Location: 2300 Block of Route # 33 Reporting Officer: Patrolman Colin Lockwood
Accused: Arianna Marquette Age 22 Robbinsville NJ Charged: Burglary Trespassing Theft Accused: Justyn Roman Age 20 Robbinsville, NJ Charged: Burglary Theft Trespassing Criminal Mischief Accused: Christina DeoCampo Age 32 Robbinsville, NJ Charged: Burglary Trespassing
All three were charged and released pending Court.
Theft Date: September 23, 2021 Time: 2007 Location: Amazon Warehouse Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan
Accused: Arisleidy Deoleo-Hernandez Age 27 Trenton, NJ Charged: Theft of Merchandise Value of $408
Charged and released pending Court.
Fraud/Hindering Date: September 25, 2021 Time: 1219 Location: Santander Bank Reporting Officer: Sergeant Peter Galazka
Accused: Edward Jatkowski Age 56 Philadelphia, PA Charged: Possession of Fictitious Documents Hindering Apprehension
Charged and released pending Court.
DWI Date: September 26, 2021 Time: 0205 Location: South Main Street Reporting Officer: Patrolman Michael Slininger
Accused: Jenny Barillas Age 21 Lawrence, NJ Charged: Driving While Intoxicated Reckless Driving Careless Driving Open Container of Alcohol
Charged and released pending Court.
DWI Date: September 26, 2021 Time: 0234 Location: South Main Street Reporting Officer: Patrolman Colin Lockwood
Accused: Erik Osorio-Moreno Age 26 Lawrence, NJ Charged Driving While Intoxicated Reckless Driving Careless Driving Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing
Charged and released pending Court.
DWI Date: September 26, 2021 Time: 0801 Location: Route # 130 Reporting Officer: Sergeant Eric Bakay
Accused: Kulwant Sanghera Age 56 Fallington, PA Charged: Driving While Intoxicated Reckless Driving Careless Driving Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing
Charged and released pending Court.
DWI Date: September 30, 2021 Time: 0000 Location: Route # 130 Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan
Accused: Anthony Pinto 49 Trenton, NJ Charged: Driving While Intoxicated Reckless Driving Careless Driving Failure to Maintain Lane
Charged and released pending Court.
All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The seventh incarnation of Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried’s groundbreaking “Pay it Forward” initiative, and the first since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a huge success Tuesday at The Stone Terrace By John Henry’s. As part of his annual State of Robbinsville Township address, Mayor Fried and his team raised more than $50,000 to help Robbinsville resident Kelly Breden, 17, purchase a service dog to help with for her rare disease, PACS-1.
Kelly is one of three individuals in New Jersey, and among just 160 people around the world, who suffer from PACS 1 – also known as Schuurs-Hoeijmakers syndrome.
Robbinsville resident Kelly Breden, 17
Past SOTT recipients include the Shepherd Family, Quilts for Comfort, Deborah Dauer, the C.A.R.E. Program, Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and the We Love Our R’ville Neighbors campaign. Since 2015, those efforts have raised over $400,000.
Classified as non-verbal autistic, Kelly is having increasing difficulty with movement and is frequently subject to falling – often without warning. Following a long and painstaking process, Kelly has been approved for a dog provided by Little Angels Service Dogs based in Bartlett, New Hampshire. She will receive the dog when it has completed its specialized training for Kelly’s special needs.
“This is a very special family and an awesome kid who deserves everything good this world has to offer,” Mayor Fried said in front of a crowd of over 230. “I always get excited as we gear up for our annual Pay it Forward event, but the opportunity to come together to help her acquire this service dog through a wonderful organization such as Little Angels is why I do what I do.”
The Breden Family For Kelly’s Independence has raised over $7,000 toward the cost of the service dog, a grand total that will be close to $55,000 upon the completion of specialized training, according to Josh Drew of Little Angels, who also spoke at the event.
“The goal is for the dog to help Kelly’s brace for balance while walking and standing up, alert me to falling episodes, and give her deep pressure therapy to help relieve anxiety and autistic stims,” Elizabeth Breden, Kelly’s mother, said. “The dog will also be trained to work next to Kelly’s wheelchair. The more she can do for herself, the better her quality of life. You’ve heard the saying, “happy wife, happy life.” We say, “happy Kelly, happy life.”
Fundraising for this effort is still open. To donate via PayPal, CLICK HERE.
Little Angels Service Dogs is a charitable nonprofit 501c3 corporation which reaches across the United States partnering service dogs with individuals with special needs. Founded in 2006, Little Angels is dedicated to providing the highest quality dogs for needs such as diabetes detection, mobility, psychiatric disorders, seizure, hearing impairment and autism.
“We’re so excited to be part of this journey with Kelly, her family and Robbinsville,” Director of Recipient Relations Darlene Drew said.
As for Township business, Mayor Fried touted an unprecedented ninth straight year of either flat or reduced taxes, the distribution of over 20,000 face coverings at the start of the pandemic, a 24 percent increase in Robbinsville property values from 2017-2021, a net debt decrease of 21 percent over the past five years, and a historic shared services partnership with neighboring Hightstown to build a new police station and municipal court.
“People of all backgrounds want to move into our community,” the mayor said. “As of the 2020 Census, in addition to those rising property values, Robbinsville is also one of the most culturally diverse in all of Mercer County. For almost every family, a home is one of the largest investments they will ever make so we are proud to help protect that investment every day.”
Mayor Fried also presented a “Key to the City” – the Township’s highest honor – to former Councilman Dan Schuberth, along with a special COVID-19 recognition award to Robbinsville Police Lieutenant and Office of Emergency Management Coordinator, Mike Polaski.
“Mike’s coolness under pressure and firm guidance helped us weave our way through the pandemic and we could not be more thankful for his contributions,” Mayor Fried stated.
As for the generosity of the Robbinsville community, Mayor Fried said: “These past seven years have been among the most humbling experiences of my life. Having you all here again means the world to all of us in Robbinsville, and only reinforces the deep pride and appreciation I feel to be your mayor. Remember to be kind to one another out there.”
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department, EMS and Robbinsville Police responded to Route 33 in front of the Township building for a multi vehicle accident. Upon arrival there were several vehicles involved in a rear end type collision. There were no serious injuries reported in the crash. The Robbinsville Township Police Department is investigating the crash.
Photos sent in by a reader and fan of MidJersey.news
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—A group of concerned parents gathered in protest in front of Robbinsville High School this morning about the school’s COVID-19 closure and how it was handled. The Robbinsville High School was closed on Friday September 17, 2021 after the School District consulted with the State Department of Health in an emergency meeting that included physicians, epidemiologists and other experts in the area of COVID-19. The health experts strongly advised the Robbinsville School District to close the high school for five days immediately as stated by, Brian J. Betze, Superintendent of Robbinsville Public Schools.
Rich Ferm one of concerned parents told MidJersey.news in a statement, “This is about getting our kids back in school and staying in school, including sports, bands and activities. This is about holding our district accountable to higher standards and better protocol when dealing with covid and contact tracing etc.”
“We are not against vaccination. We are not against quarantining. We want proper protocol and proper leadership and accountability. We want awareness for the mental health of our children. We never want what happened on Friday to happen again to our kids. It’s about asking for more sensible quarantining to reduce the spread as in quarantining any close contact regardless of vax status. It’s has been proven in just three short weeks of school how the Admins poor strategy has failed our kids. And how the actions of one superintendent on Friday affected an entire community and is damaging so many kids.” according to Rich Ferm.
The protesting parents had seven points of concern they wanted the public to be aware of including:
No school should be closed right now. Period.
The mitigation measures put forth by the school are subpar. Basically, they’re ridiculous and don’t exist. They are hiding behind the guidelines put forth by Jill Swanson at the county that are nonsensical. It is a reward system for vaccinated students that does not keep anyone safe, even the vaccinated.
This was not a political issue or vaccine issue until Mr. Betze made it one in his email and video, along with his incorrect statistics.
Children’s mental health are at risk now more than ever.
There needs to be checks and balances as to the decision process of our superintendent. He is going rogue. Where is the control of the BOE.
We are very sensitive regarding the sick student and pray for their recovery. But the school district did not actively implement a system to keep the students safe by only quarantining unexposed unvaccinated students.
The high school needs to reopen Monday. And sports and activities need to reconvene -especially outside that never should have been cancelled. Senior nights need to be rescheduled and Homecoming should proceed as planned.
According to Ferm, he stated that as the last report there were 22 infected with COVID. When doing contact tracing before shutdown , the Super only quarantined the unvaccinated kids. That’s not following any protocol or science as vax kids got infected too as well as contact traced kids.
Ferm, also said that, 84% are vaccinated in high school.
According to Danielle DeSimone, “The tipping point for many of us here today was the manner in which the decision to close the high school was executed on Friday evening. Some of our athletes were pulled from the field with roughly 5 minutes left in their game. Our football team was pulled from the field in Hightstown and then left standing there without busses to transport them back to RHS. We know tough decisions must be made as we make our way through this pandemic. But those decisions need to be executed better. Our kids have endured so much loss these past 18 months and how everything unfolded Friday night added to that loss and disappointment. “
“Additionally, we believe we need smarter mitigation when a positive case occurs in order to better control the outbreak. Contrary to the narrative that is being pushed by some individuals in our town, we are in support of public health measures and effective mitigation to protect our students both physically and mentally.” said, DeSimone.
Louise Shea said, “We are not a group of anti-safety, anti-vaccine, anti-mask parents. We are concerned group pushing for better mitigation measures to be implemented to keep our students and staff safe and schools open. The current guidelines put forth from the state and county are failing- cohort quarantines do not work. Contact tracing does. We want better management of protocol, leadership and better implementation of uniform standards that are readily available for parents and students to access. We need our administrators to lead by example and be transparent and all on the same page.”
Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried released a statement this afternoon, “Some parents and students are very upset, and rightfully so. While some mistakes were clearly made in the execution and communication phases of the district’s plan to go back to remote learning until September 27, it takes a big person to be able to admit that … and Superintendent Brian Betze did that (Tuesday). None of us are perfect. Owning your mistakes, apologizing, and learning from them so it doesn’t happen again is the professional thing to do. We have made tremendous improvements in our schools and we will continue to work together to make our schools the best they can be, which includes the mental health of all our students. Let’s remember we are all in this together.”
Davena Moore a concerned mother with 3 children in the school system said, “The narrative gets muddied when politics, bullying, and hate fill the gaps of voices. Us parents have been directly asking for clear health metrics/protocols since the end of last school year, in line with the increased covid immunity within Robbinsville. In anticipation that this virus like others, mutate, strong leadership indicators would have had a clear plan of action. Our requests were ignored.”
“Failure to do so ultimately resulted in damage control from knee jerk reactions, more unfortunate community division, and significant mental health stresses. Robbinsville can avoid negative press through immediate process transparency, changed safety protocols that do not put students/staff unnecessarily at risk irregardless of vaccination status. The school bubble was broken this week during virtual learning a sub-par education. Competing with open schools puts our students at a distinct disadvantage when our current metrics have us opening and closing as the year progresses. This is a health concern that we believe we can all get behind!” said, Moore.
Letter sent to Robbinsville Parents and Students yesterday September 21, 2021 by Brian J. Betze, Superintendent of Robbinsville Public Schools:
As you are aware, due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in our community, as Superintendent of the Robbinsville Public Schools, I made a decision to close our high school from Monday, September 20, 2021, through Friday, September 24, 2021.
Let me assure you, this decision was not made lightly. Unfortunately, due to the fast-moving chain of events on Friday, our plan’s execution and communication phases could have been done better and may have caused unnecessary confusion for some parents and students. For that, I apologize and take full responsibility. The situation abruptly impacted sports and other extracurricular events on Friday and Saturday. While we intended to ensure the safety of everyone involved, we should have been more sensitive to the impact of these actions. The buck stops with me, and you have my word that we can – and will – do better.
On Friday afternoon, the West Windsor Health Department, which serves Robbinsville and Hightstown, confirmed that the number of COVID cases in Robbinsville High School – as well as the Township at large – had spiked over a very short period of time. As a result, we agreed to have an emergency meeting with the State Department of Health – a call that included several physicians, epidemiologists, and other experts in this area. After reviewing our numbers and the overall situation, they strongly advised us to close our high school for five school days immediately.
Each outbreak is unique. The following facts and data were taken into consideration which is why the state-level health officials were involved:
Robbinsville Township has the most positive number of COVID per 100,000 residents in Mercer County.
Total cases were increasing significantly. During the first week of September, there were five confirmed cases in the high school. As of last Friday, there were 22 confirmed cases with more tests results pending.
In addition, there were 36 pending PCR tests, and 85 students were in quarantine.
We had three unrelated confirmed outbreaks (three or more students) at RHS; state guidance from last year states that two unrelated cases would have initiated remote learning.
Due to the volume of cases, contract tracers were unable to keep up with determining where and how students were getting infected (at school versus not at school).
Our high school positive infection rate of students is 2.10%, with 36 tests pending. An infection rate above 1.0% is considered cause to close a school and the metric we used last year. We are more than double that rate, with additional cases pending.
The disease is impacting both vaccinated and unvaccinated students and staff.
Considering these factors and the interpretation and guidance of numerous health experts, I believe we made the right decisions for our students, staff, and the entire community.
While the high school is closed this week, our nursing staff is working diligently with Mercer County, state, and local health officials on further contract tracing and ways to get students back in class as safely and quickly as possible.
The high school administration is rescheduling as many, if not all, athletic and extracurricular activities that were canceled. Practices will begin this coming Saturday, and we fully intend to reopen our high school by Monday, September 27. We all want our students and staff back in person and with their peers as quickly and safely as possible.
At this time, our elementary and middle school buildings are open and continue to follow all applicable local, state, and CDC health guidelines. There are no plans to close Sharon Elementary or Pond Road Middle School.
We started this school year focused on mental health and committed to providing resources for all students who need help. We understand the impact COVID-19 has had on students, staff, and their families. Events like this do not make it any easier. Please understand, these are not arbitrary decisions. We want nothing more than to offer a vibrant and productive educational experience. Sadly, closing our high school for five days was the right choice at this time. We realize some parents and students may not be happy with the decision, but our number one goal is to ensure that we do everything possible to keep our schools and community safe.
Looking back over the past couple of days, there are many lessons learned. Some issues should have been handled differently. As the District’s Superintendent, I accept responsibility for the decisions and what went wrong. Looking forward, I can assure you that all of our teams are working hard to meet the needs of our students. If you feel your child needs help in a particular area, please reach out to their teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, building administrators, or my office.
Finally, for any family that may be eligible and interested, there is a free vaccine clinic at Pond Road Middle School on Thursday, September 23, from 4-7 p.m.
As always, we encourage productive dialogue and a strong relationship with all who are part and engaged in our school community.
Working together, we can get through this.
Robbinsville High School, Wednesday September 22, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on the NJ Turnpike at mile marker 61.5 South Bound Inner Roadway, near the West Manor Way Bridge at 10:29 a.m. When firefighters and EMS arrived they found one injury and the ambulance transported the person to a local hospital. The NJ State Police is investigating the crash.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–At 11:33 a.m. the Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township Fire Departments and EMS were sent to a crash in the area of Exit 7A with a person with a head injury. The accident was at a different location than originally reported, and was found on the north bound exit ramp from the inner roadway to Exit 7A fly over bridge and was blocking traffic. The person was transferred to the ambulance and paramedics were called and met the Robbinsville ambulance near the toll plaza. The person was transported to the trauma center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. NJ State Police controlled traffic and is investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Unfortunately, most of the 2021 Robbinsville Community Day was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns about an outbreak of the virus in the Robbinsville School District. The planned fireworks were held on schedule shortly after 8:00 p.m.
See update below the photo gallery from Brian J. Betze, Superintendent of Robbinsville Schools about the latest COVID-19 information.
Photo gallery:
September 18, 2021
Dear Robbinsville Community,
I am providing an update on the COVID-19 outbreaks within our schools and the next steps we can take to slow the public health outbreak we are currently seeing in our schools.
As we began the school year, I stressed the importance of safety and health for all of our students, staff and faculty. I asked families/guardians to please follow the health safety guidelines. Our Board of Education and the administration want to have our students in the classroom. We are committed to providing quality education and focusing on the mental health of our students.
Currently we know that only 62% of our students in the 12-17 age category are vaccinated. This crosses our middle and high school students. The Department of Health has made us aware that the Delta variant is very different in being able to combat COVID-19.
The number of COVID-19 positive cases have increased significantly at our high school this past week. Working in partnership with the State of New Jersey Department of Health and local health department we have determined that it is in the best interest to temporarily close the high school for five school days. Conversations over the past few days have taken place with the State of NJ Epidemiologist, multiple infection disease doctors from the State of New Jersey and the local health department to determine where the outbreaks are coming from within the community.
Robbinsville High School will be closed from September 20 – 24, 2021. Students may return on Monday, September 27th, as long as they do not exhibit symptoms, have a positive COVID test or are waiting on the results from a COVID test and the Department of Health does not require us to be closed for a longer period of time.
We do have a significant number of students at Pond Road who are quarantined and one class at Sharon Elementary that is quarantined, but based on current contract tracing and feedback from health officials, we feel that the precautions in place allow us to continue in person learning. We are continuing to monitor and work with families for contract tracing and parent notification at all of our schools. It is important that if you receive a call, please assist us in contract tracing efforts. If you have not received a call at this time your child has not been identified as being in close contact with an individual who is positive. If you have needs for technology or meals for a student that has been asked to quarantine, please contact your respective principal.
Remote instruction will begin on Monday, September 20th for all high school students. All students are expected to be at home for remote instruction. This will give the state and local officials time to conduct contact tracing and the district the ability to do a deep cleaning of the high school.
If you receive special education services, your case manager will reach out to discuss how your IEP will be implemented during remote learning.
Additionally, it is important for the community to understand that none of the decisions that have been made about our sports teams, clubs and activities that had to be canceled were done lightly. These cancelations were done based on the guidance and direction from health officials and working in partnership to stop the spread we are seeing in our schools. Our goal is that we are only pausing for now and able to resume quickly. We understand the importance of these activities and are working to get special senior activities rescheduled or recognized at a separate date. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.
I remind families/guardians that if your child(ren) need counseling support that resources are available in the district. Please visit the counseling page for your respective school building – Robbinsville High School, Pond Road Middle School or Sharon Elementary School.
Our administration will continue to work in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health and the local health department. State and local health department officials along with the administration have been in constant communication about the outbreaks and what we can do to limit the spread. The decision to close the high school for five days was made in partnership and in an effort to best stop the spread of COVID-19 and control the public health outbreak we are seeing in Robbinsville.
We will continue to work in partnership with all health officials to get our students back in the classroom, but we need the community to work with us, as well. Please be honest in completing the COVID form, please work with school officials to assist with contact tracing. We appreciate the support of the Board of Education, Mayor Fried and other local leaders for also working in conjunction with the health department and canceling events in an effort to get in front of these outbreaks. If we work together, we can get through this time and be stronger for it.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Community Day Festival Cancelled For Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 Due To COVID-19 Concerns and outbreak at all three Robbinsville schools.
Statement from Robbinsville Mayor & Director of Public Safety Dave Fried
“It is with profound regret that due to an outbreak of COVID-19 at all three Robbinsville schools and a spike in cases throughout Robbinsville Township, tomorrow’s Community Day Festival at Community Park has been canceled. Fireworks will still take place at approximately 8 p.m., but we are asking residents to remain with their vehicles and maintain a safe social distance. We’re obviously incredibly disappointed and heartbroken about this sudden development, as we were really looking forward to getting back to normalcy. However, the safety of our residents is paramount and comes before everything else. I know how disappointed many of you must be, but I cannot in good conscience move forward with this event in light of this outbreak. We wish a speedy recovery to all those infected and we will continue to work to ultimately break the back of this virus.”
Fireworks from the 2019 Robbinsville Community Day
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville’s long awaited WaWa will have a grand opening sometime in Mid-October. (Once we receive the update we will let you know)
The event will be much more than a grand opening — It’s a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Ari Shiner, Wawa’s First Supported Employment Associate from 1981!
With the help of Eden Autism Services and other supported employment agencies, Wawa has provided hundreds of employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities for the past 40 years. It all started with Ari, the Eden participant who is still working at Wawa today.
Eden Autism, would also like to take this opportunity to highlight our wonderful partnership with Robbinsville. From Eden’s residences in town to the new Project Freedom development, Robbinsville has been a champion for individuals with disabilities, and we’d like to celebrate Robbinsville’s commitment to helping improve the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Robbinsville WaWa on September 15, 2021
Robbinsville WaWa as seen July 30, 2021
Robbinsville WaWa is located at Meadowbrook Road and Route 130 the former site of National Pools and Spas that has relocated down the road. January 27, 2020 photo.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Sometime before 4:00 p.m. a tractor trailer took out the north bound guardrail divider between the inner and outer roadway of the New Jersey Turnpike north of Exit 7A. The accident backed up traffic for over three miles at times until Haines Towing from Bordentown, NJ could remove the vehicle off the guardrail. The NJ Turnpike shut down a lane after the truck was removed to make emergency repairs.
Roadwork, roadwork on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) 1 Left lane of 3 lanes closed to traffic for guardrail repair until further notice https://t.co/LaoXCFuDlW
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) All lanes open 1 1/2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/AVmLhTFat1
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) 2-3 miles delay https://t.co/FEjoj2UjPV
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton is offering an opportunity for people to honor their heroes with the second annual Flags for Heroes patriotic display, November 1-19, on the grounds of RWJ University Hospital at Hamilton. Sponsorships of 3 feet by 5 feet American flags start at $50 for individuals and $275 for businesses. Deadline to buy a sponsorship is October 20. Net proceeds raised by the Club are donated to local charities and other organizations through the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For more information and to sponsor a flag, visit www.rhrotary.org and www.facebook.com/RobbinsvilleHamiltonRotary.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001 was remembered today in Robbinsville at the 9/11 memorial on Lake Drive. The memorial is dedicated to Robbinsville Township resident Pamela Gaff and all others who lost their life on September 11, 2001.
Chief Daniel Schaffener said, “Twenty years ago today a terrible National tragedy unfolded in front of us, the worse terrorist attack against our nation killed thousands, including hundreds of firefighters and police officers. A beautiful September morning turned into a horrific chapter of our history. Although we can never erase those memories, we gather today to remember the fine Americans whose lives were taken from us.”
Robbinsville resident Pamela Gaff worked with the insurance broker Aon Corporation on the 102th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center. She reported to work that beautiful September morning as did so many other Americans not knowing the terrible fate before them. According to Pamela’s family she was scheduled to become vice president of Aon in April of 2002.
Two wreaths were placed in the memory of Pamela Gaff and the 343 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City Police Officers, 37 Port Authority Police Officers and all those who died on September 11, 2001.
A signal 5-5-5 was transmitted using a bell for all those who died on September 11. A moment of silence was held for signifying the collapse of the South Tower collapse of the World Trade Center at 9:59 a.m. on September 11, 2001. The names of 343 New York City firefighters were read.
Fed. funds will help fire dept. expand emergency response services for growing town
September 9, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department will receive a federal grant totaling $1,349,440 from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to hire four new full-time firefighters, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today.
“The firefighters and first responders at the Robbinsville Township Fire Department put their lives on the line every day to protect their neighbors when emergencies strike and help ensure overall safety and well-being,” said Rep. Smith, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “This substantial federal grant will enable the town to expand its fire crew and to continue providing quick and effective emergency response services to those in harm’s way who need immediate help as the Robbinsville community continues to grow.”
“Mayor Fried, Fire Chief Schaffener and all those serving at the Robbinsville Township Fire Department are to be congratulated for their steadfast commitment to the town and their tenacity in applying for and earning this significant federal grant,” Smith said.
Supported by Smith, the Robbinsville Township Fire Department applied for the SAFER grant earlier this year, competing against thousands of other fire departments around the country seeking federal assistance to expand and improve their life-saving operations.
“Without the direct support of our application and the overall program support of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program by Congressman Smith, our department would be faced with difficult realities regarding the safety of our firefighters and residents,” said Robbinsville Fire Chief Dan Schaffener. “The addition of four firefighters will provide an enhanced level of staffing to our growing community, while reducing risk in order to better meet the present and future needs of Robbinsville residents.”
The SAFER funds awarded to Robbinsville will cover all of the costs—including salaries and benefits—associated with hiring the new firefighters over three years, increasing the town’s fire crew from 17 to 21 firefighters.
“Grant support such as this via SAFER will enable our firefighters to meet the needs of our ever-expanding community,” said Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried. “Rep. Smith has been a longtime advocate for not only our Fire Department, but for all of Robbinsville Township in the form of important legislation and unwavering support. The benefits of this award for our Fire Department and local residents, and the help it provides to our municipal budget over the next three years, is immeasurable.”
Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the SAFER grant program supports fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities, including hiring more firefighters; retaining or recruiting volunteer firefighters; and increasing response capabilities to fires and other emergencies in the local community.
“The Robbinsville Township Fire Department is extremely thankful to Congressman Chris Smith and his staff for their assistance and support during the application process,” said Fire Chief Dan Schaffener.
Since 2002, the Robbinsville Township Fire Department/Township of Robbinsville has received $3,090,401 in federal funding to assist the mission of protecting its residents, according to municipal officials.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township firefighters were called to the NJ Turnpike, North Bound Service Ramp to the Woodrow Wilson Service Area for a truck fire at 5:05 a.m. When firefighters arrived they found a well involved tractor trailer fire and the driver disconnected the trailer to save the tractor. The truck was reportedly hauling vegetables and the original fire started in the brakes/wheels areas of the trailer and quickly spread to the contents. Additional tankers were called to the scene for additional water supply. The NJ State Police shut down the north bound ramp to the service area while firefighters extinguished the flames. Firefighters were sill on scene at the time of this report but some engines and tankers were released around 6:40 a.m.
No further information is available at this time.
Truck fire on New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway northbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) right lane blocked https://t.co/ex0BrVvwuz
Truck fire on New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway northbound entering at Woodrow Wilson Service Area (Hamilton Twp) entrance ramp blocked https://t.co/cFuoqnPAHV
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Police Department Blotter for August 2021:
DWI Date: August 1, 2021 Time: 0016 Location: Route # 130 Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan
Accused: Kevin Guns Age 23 Yardville, NJ Charged: Driving While Intoxicated Reckless Driving Careless Driving Failure to Maintain Lane Charged and released pending Court.
Narcotics Date: August 4, 2021 Time: 1508 Location: Route # 526 Reporting Officer: Sergeant Scott Kivet
Accused: Sanine Brosseau Age 43 Cream Ridge, NJ Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Suspended Driver Charged and released pending Court.
Narcotics/Eluding Date: August 11, 2021 Time: 0935 Location: Union Street Reporting Officer: Patrolman Justin McLaughlin
Accused: Jonathan Holm Age 41 Roanoke, VA Charged: Eluding Obstructing Administration of Justice Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Reckless Driving Suspended Driver Improper Passing Charged and released pending Court.
Accused: Jamison Parker Age 36 Roosevelt, NJ Charged: Unlawful Possession of CDS Possession of Hypodermic Needle Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charged and released pending Court.
Theft Date: August 15, 2021 Time: 1440 Location: 1100 Block of Route # 130 Reporting Officer: Detective Sergeant Adrian Markowski
Victim reported Catalytic Converter removed from the vehicle during overnight hours. Value of $500
Narcotics Date: August 17, 2021 Time: 1406 Location: Old York Road Reporting Officer: Sergeant Scott Kivet
Accused: Arnaldo Vargas Age 43 Toms River, NJ Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charged and released pending Court.
Theft Date: August 18, 2021 Time: 1223 Location: 300 Block of Gordon Road Reporting Officer: Patrolman Michael Slininger
Victim reports that $600 worth of copper was removed from his property.
Narcotics Date: August 18, 2021 Time: 1245 Location: I-195 Reporting Officer: Sergeant Scott Kivet
Accused: Nicole Dekker Age 33 Forked River, NJ Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Accused: Dale Kessler Age 31 Levittown, PA Charged: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charged and released pending Court.
Hindering Apprehension Date: August 19, 2021 Time: 1252 Location: Route #130 Reporting Officer: Patrolman Thomas Septak
Accused: Carlton Andrean Age 47 Trenton, NJ Charged: False Identity Hindering Apprehension Suspended License Failure to Maintain Lane Charged and released pending Court.
Theft Date: August 29, 2021 Time: 0828 Location: Stark Drive Reporting Officer: Patrolman Michael Slininger
Victim reported 2021 Mercedes SW was stolen from the driveway. Value is $76,000.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 12:13 p.m. the Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS were dispatched to the NJ Turnpike for a motorcycle down in the area of 65.4 South Bound inner roadway by the Old York Road overpass. While responding there were reports of up to three motorcycles down but that ended up to be fellow motorcyclists stopping to help. Some good Samaritans stopping to help, some even ran across six lanes from the shoulder of the outer roadway to the inner roadway Jersey barrier. East Windsor First Aid Squad was added due to the reports of multiple bikes down. When the ambulance arrived they reported that it was a one motorcycle accident and were performing an evaluation. Robbinsville arrived and blocked the shoulder and EMS stood. The motorcyclist was able to walk away from the accident and ended up refusing medical transportation and was able to leave on his own power on the motorcycle.
ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville and Allentown EMS were sent to the New Jersey Turnpike at mile marker 63 north bound outer lanes for an accident. Apparently a Dodge Ram pickup truck hit a car and there were reportedly injuries at the scene. Robbinsville and Allentown transported the injured to a local hospital for treatment. NJ State Police is investigating the crash. No further information is available.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 8:30 p.m. last night August 23, the Robbinsville Township Fire Department and Hightstown Fire Department were dispatched to a vehicle fire at mile marker 65 north bound inner roadway. Radio reports say that a vehicle traveling north in the outer roadway crashed and overturned and ended up in the inner roadway and burst into flames. When firefighters arrived they found a vehicle fully involved at mile marker 65 and quickly extinguished the fire. Ambulances from Robbinsville Township and Hightstown First Aid Squad transported accident victims for what appeared to be minor injuries to local hospitals. No further information is available at this time.
Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Henri flooded the area overnight with up to eight inches of rain in the Central New Jersey area. Many people traveling on flooded roadways were trapped in the vehicles and needed to be rescued.
Hightstown Fire Company reported responding to at least 10 incidents with the majority being water rescues. Hightstown firefighters rescued eight civilians who were trapped in their vehicles or relocated to the roof of their vehicles due to flood waters.
The National Weather Service reported that 4 to 8 inches of rain fell from the storm and that Middlesex and Mercer Counties were particular hard hit.
[9:12 AM] Torrential rain across portions of the region, mostly focused in central NJ. 4-8 inches of rain has been reported in several counties, with Middlesex and Mercer counties particularly hard hit with some evacuations occurring. DO NOT drive through flooded roadways! #njwxpic.twitter.com/fX5CrvHmXD
Tropical Depression #Henri Advisory 28A: Henri Weakening But Still Expected to Produce Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Across Portions of Southern New England and The Northern Mid-Atlantic States Through Monday. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
Runway is flooded at Trenton Robbinsville Airport N87 this morning
Sections of Route 130 was closed in several areas for flooding, East Windsor, Cranbury, South Brunswick until floodwaters receded.
Flooding in the area of Cranbury-South River Road and CR614 Dey Road, several cars were submerged and local fire departments made rescues earlier in the morning. A house and business was flooded near the location.
Flooding in the area of Cranbury-South River Road and CR614 Dey Road, several cars were submerged and local fire departments made rescues earlier in the morning. A house and business was flooded near the location.
Flooding in Jamesburg, NJ at the Lake Manalapan dam at West Railroad Avenue.
A Helmetta Public Works truck responds to flood waters and adds and resets cones blocking the road the many cars were going around and though the flood waters.
Flooding on Cranbury South River Road in South Brunswick near NJ Turnpike Exit 8A
A car stalled from flooding on Route 130 is being towed by Georges Garage at the Cranbury Township, South Brunswick Township border.
