THE BRIDGEWATER BULLETIN
AswemoveintoMarch,I’mgratefulforthemanymomentsoverthepastseveral weeksthathavebroughtourcommunitytogetherincelebration,service,andshared prideinBridgewater
Wewerehonoredtowelcomethegrand openingofPatidar,awonderfuladdition to our local business community New businesses bring new energy to our township, and it was exciting to see so manyresidentscomeouttosupportthis opening.WewishthePatidarteamevery successastheybeginthisnewchapter
February also brought an inspiring afternoon at the Go Red Fashion Show at BridgewaterCommons.Thisannualeventcontinuestoraiseawarenessaboutheart healthwhileshowcasingthestrengthandspiritofourcommunity.Itwasamemorable dayfilledwithgenerosity,enthusiasm,andanimportantmessageabouttakingcareof ourselvesandthosewelove
We also had the pleasure of celebrating Lunar New Year not once but twice! The celebrationswerevibrantandjoyful,offeringresidentsanopportunitytoexperience traditions,culture,andfellowshipaswewelcomedthenewyear
IwouldalsoliketorecognizethededicatedmembersofourTownshipCouncil JoanGeiger,AndrewBucko,RidwanaIsla,MichaelKirsh,andTimothyRing who have been out and about throughout the community attending events, meeting residents,andrepresentingBridgewaterwithenergyandcare.Theircommitmentto stayingconnectedwiththepeopletheyserveisdeeplyappreciated.
Bridgewater is at its best when neighbors come together, support local businesses, celebrate traditions, and take prideintheplacewecallhome.Asweheadintotheearly daysofspring,Iwishallofourresidentscontinuedhealth, happiness,andmanyopportunitiestoenjoyeverythingour communityhastooffer.
Township Calendar
Bridgewater Welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse with Two Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebrations
BridgewaterTownshipproudlywelcomedtheLunarNewYearwithtwobeautifulcommunity celebrations, each honoring the rich traditions of our Chinese American neighbors and the spiritofrenewalthatmarksthebeginningofthelunarcalendar
This year ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, a sign traditionally associated with energy, courage,determination,andforwardmomentum:qualitiesthatresonatestronglywithinour owndiverseanddynamiccommunity
AFestiveCelebrationatBridgewaterCommons
ThefirstcelebrationtookplaceatBridgewaterCommonsMall,whereresidentsgatheredtoring in the new year with music, color, and centuries-old tradition. The unmistakable rhythm of ceremonialdrumsechoedthroughthemallasliondancersmovedwithpowerandprecision a performancemeanttobringgoodfortuneandwardoffmisfortuneintheyearahead.
Familiespausedtowatchtraditionaldances,admirevibrantredandgolddecorationssymbolizingprosperityandhappiness,andexperiencecultural displaysthatconnectgenerationstohistory
Mayor Matthew Moench issued an official proclamation recognizing Lunar New Year in Bridgewater,highlightingtheimportantcontributionsoftheChineseAmericancommunitytothe Township’scivic,professional,andculturallife TheproclamationnotedthatLunarNewYearisa timeforfamily,reflection,gratitude,andrenewedpurpose themesthatstrengthencommunities everywhere
AWarmandMeaningfulGatheringattheSeniorCenter
ThecelebrationcontinuedattheBridgewaterSeniorCenter,wheretheBridgewaterChinese American Association hosted a special Lunar New Year event for seniors and community members
Inasettingmarkedbyfellowshipandculturalpride,attendeesenjoyedtraditionalperformances,music,andreflectionsonthemeaning of the Fire Horse year In Chinese tradition, the Horse represents vitality, independence, and resilience, while the element of Fire symbolizespassion,transformation,andboldness Weallhopetoembodythesecharacteristicsthisyear
RedlanternsandfestivedécortransformedtheSeniorCenterintoawelcomingspacefilledwithwarmthandcommunityspirit For many,theeventwasbothacherishedreminderofheritageandameaningfulopportunitytosharetraditionswithneighbors
ACommunityThatCelebratesTogether
Together,thesetwoeventsreflectedsomethingenduringaboutBridgewater:weareacommunitythathonorsheritage,valuestradition,andembraces opportunitiestolearnfromoneanother
WeextendoursincerethankstotheBridgewaterChineseAmericanAssociation,BridgewaterCommons,performers,volunteers,andallwhohelped makethesecelebrationspossible.MaytheYearoftheFireHorsebringstrength,prosperity,andboldnewbeginningstoallwhocallBridgewaterhome.
Heart Healthy: Heart Strong
BridgewaterOfficialsAttendGoRedFashionShowatBridgewaterCommons
BridgewaterTownshipwasproudtotakepartintherecentGoRedFashion Show & Family Health Festival at Bridgewater Commons, hosted in partnership with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in recognitionofAmericanHeartMonth
Mayor Matthew Moench attended the event alongside Council President Joan Geiger and Council Vice President Andrew Bucko to support the importantefforttoraiseawarenessabouthearthealthandtheimportanceof regularheartscreenings.
Adding a special family touch to the afternoon, Mayor Moench’s two daughters participated as models in the fashion show. The event brought together community members,healthcarepartners,andlocalleaderstoencouragehealthylivingandremind residents to take proactive steps to care for their hearts Participants were treated to music,exhibits,fashion,andhealthscreenings
TheTownshipthanksalloftheorganizers,volunteers,andparticipantswhomadethe eventasuccessandhelpedshineaspotlightonhearthealththroughoutourcommunity
Township Officials Attend Washington Camp Ground Association Meeting
OnFebruary21,2026,CouncilPresidentJoanGeiger,Councilman MichaelKirsh,andBoardofEducationMemberJeremyLiattended the Washington Camp Ground Association’s annual February meeting.
Founded in the 19th century, the Washington Camp Ground Association is a historic organization in Bridgewater dedicated to preserving the traditions and legacy of the Washington Camp Ground,asitewithdeeprootsinthecommunityandtheAmerican Revolutionary War era. The Association continues to play an importantroleinmaintainingthegroundsandhostingeventsthat celebratelocalhistoryandpatriotism.
Duringthemeeting,CouncilmanKirshwaselectedtoserveonthe Association’s Board of Trustees. Township officials congratulated him on this appointment and look forward to continued collaboration with the Washington Camp Ground Association in preservingthisimportantpieceofBridgewater’sheritage.
Patidar Supermarket Opens in Bridgewater
Bridgewater Township recently welcomed a new business to the community with the grand opening of Patidar Supermarket on Route 28 near the Somerville Circle The new store occupies the former Buy Buy Baby location and represents a significant addition to the Township’s growing and diverse retail landscape
Patidar Supermarket is known throughout Central New Jersey for offering a wide selection of authentic Indian and South Asian groceries. The Bridgewater location features fresh produce, traditional spices and pantry staples, specialty foods, and other international grocery items, along with an open-style kitchen and additional services for customers The new store brings these offerings to a newly renovated space of approximately 32,000 square feet
With existing locations in North Brunswick, East Windsor, and Hillsborough, the Bridgewater store marks another step in the company’s continued growth in the region Community members and local officials joined the owners and staff to celebrate the grand opening and welcome the business to town
The Township is pleased to welcome Patidar Supermarket to Bridgewater and looks forward to the continued success of this new addition to the local business community
Lead Paint Inspection Letters: What Residents Should Know
Some Bridgewater property owners may have recently received a letter regarding New Jersey’s Lead-Safe Certification law. The Township has received calls from residents concernedthatthenoticemaybeascam.Theletterislegitimateandrelatestoastatewide requirementforcertainrentalproperties.
Under New Jersey law, most rental units built before 1978 must undergo periodic inspectionstoidentifypotentiallead-basedpainthazards.Therequirementisintendedto protecttenants especiallychildren fromexposuretodeterioratingleadpaintinolder homes
Bridgewaterusedmunicipalrecordstoidentifypropertiesthatmayberentalsandsent notificationlettersaccordingly TheTownshiphaspartneredwithLEWEnvironmental to provide inspection services and assist property owners with meeting the state requirement
Itisimportanttonotethatthisrequirementappliesonlytorentalpropertiesandthere areseveralexemptions,includinghomesbuiltafter1978orpropertiesthathavealready beencertifiedlead-free
If you received the letter but your property is not a rental, you can contact LEW EnvironmentalsothatTownshiprecordscanbeupdated Rentalpropertyownerswho aresubjecttotherequirementmustscheduleaninspectionbyMarch20,2026
ResidentswithquestionscancontactLEWEnvironmentalorvisittheTownshipwebsite foradditionalinformation
Department Updates
Springisalmosthere(wepromise)!
BesuretocheckoutallwehavetoofferthisSpringandSummerontheCurrent Programspageofourwebsite,https://brdleagueappscom/campsIfyouseea programthatinterestsyou,pleaseclickontheprogramnametoviewallofthe details
TravelSoccerTryoutRegistrationisOpen!
TheBridgewaterUnitedSoccerClub(BUSC)willbehavingtryoutsfortheFall 2026andSpring2027seasonsduringthefirstweekofMayYoucanfindmore informationaboutourclubandabouttryoutsontheBUSCwebsite, https://bridgewaterunitedleagueappscom/ Allplayersmustberegisteredinordertotryout!
ThanksforSharingtheLove
AspecialthankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedustocheerontheBRHSGirls VarsityBasketballteamonFebruary14th,astheysoundlydefeatedWest Windsor-PlainsboroSouth,44-23.Theteamgreatlyappreciatedoursupport!
Fire Safety Department Updates
The Office of Constituent Relations
Bridgewater Municipal Complex 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-725-6300 extension 5888
OCR@bridgewaternj.gov
Department Head Directory
TownshipAdministratorMichaelPappas twpadmin@bridgewaternj.gov908.725.6300x5000
PoliceChiefJohnMitzak jmitzak@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x4034
TownshipClerkGraceNjuguna gnjuguna@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5025
TaxAssessorAnthonyDiRado taxassessor@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5125
TaxCollectorBlancaLyons taxcollector@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5143
DirectorofMunicipalServicesThomasGenova tgenova@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5515
ConstructionOfficialJohnTillotson bwtcode@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5565
Dog&CatLicenses
PublicWorksandSewerUtilitySuperintendent RichardShimp publicworks@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x6000
DirectorofHealth&HumanServices
ChristineMadrid cmadrid@bridgewaternj.gov908.725.6300x5045
RecreationSuperintendentRachelBarrett recreation@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5300
SeniorServicesCoordinatorJenniferOsterberg seniors@bridgewaternjgov9087258020
CourtAdministratorJenniPeterson jpeterson@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5404
DeputyAdministratorRobField rfield@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5001
mayor@bridgewaternj.gov
jgeiger@bridgewaternj.gov
Council Vice President Andrew Bucko abucko@bridgewaternj.gov
risla@bridgewaternj.gov
Councilman Tim Ring Councilwoman Ridwana Isla
Michael Kirsh
mkirsh@bridgewaternj.gov
tring@bridgewaternj.gov
StateLawrequirestheownersofalldogsandcatsseven(7)monthsofageORwith permanentteethtoapplyforalicenseannually.WhileLicensingisconducted throughouttheyear,DogLicensesaregenerallyissuedinthemonthofJanuaryandCat LicensesaregenerallyissuedinthemonthofJune.
CostforDogs:$1500Alteredor$1800ifNOTAltered
CostforCats:$500,Nolatefees
Note:LateFees(forDogs)areanadditional$300afterFebruary1stand$1000after June1stperlicense IFPAYINGBYCASH,EXACTCHANGEISREQUIRED
RABIESVACCINATIONMUSTbegoodforthelicensingperiodwhichmeansit
mustbegoodthroughNovember1ST(Dogs)&May1ST(Cats)ofthelicensingyear Proofofcurrentrabiesvaccinationmustbeprovidedifnewtooursystem,near expiration,orexpired Proofofspaying/neuteringisrequiredunlesspreviously provided
Ifadog/catisalreadyinoursystem,anapplicationisnotrequired
