Home Care In East Brunswick, NJ

The young men came up with their invention after they watched people trapped in rubble in earthquakes in Turkey last year:

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — A young man from East Brunswick just took home first place in a 24-hour tech "hackathon" hosted at The College of New Jersey.

The young man is Kyrollos Girgis, who grew up in East Brunswick.

He is currently a student at Middlesex County community college. There, he and two other students, Christopher Hausheer (grew up in South Plainfield) and Dhruv Sethi (grew up in Edison) were joined by a fourth student, Shahnawaz Haque, who is enrolled at NJIT.

The team of four entered something they invented together: An inflatable cylindrical-shaped robot, which they call the “Expand-a-Conda."

The young men said they were inspired by the tragic earthquakes in Turkey last year: After watching search efforts for people trapped in rubble, they came up with the concept for an airbag that could squeeze in and around surfaces of destroyed buildings. The air bag uses heat-sensing technology to find trapped survivors.

They also specifically designed the bag to be puncture-resistant and nimble.

Their invention could be used to help find survivors after an earthquake or other natural disaster, car accident, tunnel collapse or terrorist attack.

Hackathons are competitions where teams typically have 24 hours to build a product — entirely from scratch — that is useful to modern life. Sleep is rare and breakthroughs are common.

The team took home first place in two categories: "Best Overall Hack" and "Best AI Application Built with Cloudflare." For their win, each young man received a state-of-the-art gaming monitor and a gold-plated winner badge.

“I have never created anything similar to this idea before, so I had to rely on my background as an engineering science major in problem solving and prototyping,” said Hausheer, from South Plainfield. “I made iterative goals for myself and tested many prototypes, learning useful information each time to improve the final design.”

“After it was all said and done, I was very pleased with our finished project,” said Girgis. “I would have been satisfied without the win, but it was well deserved for my team and me.”

“The hackathon wasn’t just about code, it was about pushing boundaries, learning from each other and making a significant societal impact.”

All the young men are members of the Computer Science Club.

“I cannot be any prouder than this,” said their faculty advisor, Middlesex College business and computer science professor Dhruv Chunawala. “My number-one goal is to make students ready for the real world. With the club, we always try to touch on the latest and greatest technology and how we can implement it to make the world a better place.”

With AI technology evolving each day, Chunawala admits that classroom experience can only go so far. That’s why he tries to have the Computer Science Club take part in competitions and real-world experiences. With almost 120 members, the Computer Science Club is the biggest club on campus.

Chunawala also said he would love to see Middlesex community college host its own tech hackathon one day.

The township will now strictly enforce the ordinance requiring all loose leaves be left at the curb and not piled in the streets.

Patch Staff

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – After listening to residents’ concerns, East Brunswick has decided to continue with loose-leaf pick-up service, Mayor Brad Cohen announced.

Back in August, when the Township was close to inking an agreement with a garbage contractor, it was announced that East Brunswick would phase out the pick-up of loose leaves.

But the Township has now modified its plan.

The issue with loose leaves pick-up was primarily safety, complying with DEP regulations, and the cost, Cohen said in a public message.

“Regarding safety, first responders uniformly object to the piling of leaves in the streets. Besides narrowing the roads, the coefficient of friction for wet leaves equals that of ice,” Cohen said.

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The township will now strictly enforce the ordinance that requires that all loose leaves be left at the curb and not piled in the streets. Fines will be increased as a disincentive for disregarding this safety measure, Cohen said.

“As for the DEP regulations, the Department of Public Works will provide a schedule that gives a range of dates for pick-ups and divides the township into regions. Since the falling of leaves is unpredictable, the schedule will aim to strike a balance between helping residents prepare for pick-ups and providing the flexibility that the township needs to avoid DEP penalties as it attends to the 184 miles of township roads,” Cohen said.

This service, however, may have an impact on the 2024 budget. But it’s too early for township officials to determine the said impact.

"We will continue to work hard to keep control of municipal taxes as I have had a record of less than one percent per year increases since taking office in 2017. Neither the Township Council, nor I, would like to see that change,” Cohen said.

Earlier this year, East Brunswick signed a contract with their current hauler IWS. They were the only company that responded to the Township’s bid.

“We are working in an environment where many townships have faced 100% increases, and several have given up this service entirely. Despite these obstacles, we sought to improve the service provided to our residents and strengthen our relationship with IWS. Having a good relationship with our hauler helps to maintain the service demands of the township,” the Mayor said.

In the next few days, residents will be receiving a flyer that will highlight the modifications to be expected in January 2024.

East Brunswick opted for a twice-a-week refuse pickup schedule as IWS could not provide a service schedule that changes during the year.

“We would rather go to twice-a-week pick-up all year as opposed to once a week all year. New 95-gallon bins will be delivered in the Spring and each resident will get one for refuse and one for recycling. One armed automated trucks will be used once everyone has received their bins and IWS has secured enough automated trucks,” Cohen said.

The new schedule will still begin on Jan. 1, 2024, using the present garbage cans and the rear-loading trucks. Bulk pick-up will continue at no charge but will need to be scheduled.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Join the East Brunswick Arts Coalition, The East Brunswick Public Library, AAPI of East Brunswick and HuaXia Chinese School East Brunswick for the 3rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 3rd form 11am-4pm at the East Brunswick Public Library.

This year, the celebration includes a variety of cultural presentations and interactive family fun and learning to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, including the famous Dragon Dance.

“It’s our community that’s volunteering their time to showcase their traditions and cultural talents to not only East Brunswick but the region ,” says Kim Conetta, President of the East Brunswick Arts Coalition. “The vibe of this celebration is just so joyful and full of energy. This is what we strive for.”

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The day is full with song and dance from HuaXia Chinese School. Mockingbird Melody and Six to One Band will fill the air with familiar tunes. The NJ Cantonese club will demonstrate traditional tea ceremony. Akihi Bubble Tea is prepped to hand out free bubble tea drinks. Local favorite EB Chinese, CAMHOP-NJ and AAPI of EB on mental wellness, and returning/new art vendors will be there all day. Musen Photography is onsite providing mini-photo sessions for the celebration and Valentine’s Day as a fundraiser for the Arts Coalition. We end the day with a magician at 2 pm and the must see Lion Dance performed by Fong’s Hung Ga at 3pm to close out the celebration.

“Our goal is for the community to come together and celebrate lunar new year customs and traditions. Cultural awareness and inclusivity are integral to building solidarity. All are welcome!” states Maria Katrina Eng, AAPI of East Brunswick President.

For more information, follow East Brunswick Arts Coalition and AAPI of East Brunswick on Facebook and Instagram or visit the websites. Www.ebarts.org; www.aapiofeb.org

According to China Highlights," Different from its portryal in in Western culture, a Dragon in Chinese culture is a mythical, auspicious, and supreme being/creature. In Chinese mythology, Dragons have great power to control wind and rain, soar through the skies, and turn over rivers and seas, as well as bringing prosperity to the world.

Being a believed benefit to farming in an agricultural society, dragons are considered mighty mascots, communicating between heaven, earth, and humans to bring good weather and hence plentiful harvests and/or a boom in wealth.

Therefore, in ancient times, emperors were regarded as real dragons and the sons of Heaven, and Chinese people were assumed to the descendants of dragons. To worship dragons' dignity and divinity, China's ancients put the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, and it has long been the most popular zodiac animal in China. Many Chinese couples choose to have a baby in a year of the Dragon."

At the municipal plaza, doing the Lion Dance for the New YearPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

East Brunswick's Ronnie Li, Empress of LionsPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Wishes for prosperityPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Wishes for good healthPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

EB PL staff on deck for the Lunar New YearPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

EDO Rob Zuckerman, BOE members Barbara Reiss and Liwu Hong, and Mayor Cohen celebrate the new yearPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Families and bubble tea for the New Year in East BrunswickPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Never miss a chance to pet a lionPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Lots of work by many hands made the Lunar New Year event happen.Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

All smiles!Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Superior Decorating of East Brunswick and BOE member Liwu HongPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Lucky cookies for the New YearPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

The eye of the dragon is delicious!Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Jellyman Media was there to meet your techo-communications needs.Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Caring for mental health needs in the Chinese communityPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

East Brunswick's AAPI serves the township's Asian communityPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Offering the Cantonese tea ceremonyPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

There be dragons!Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Orchids for love and beautyPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

A community meets itself in East Brunswick againPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Liwu, Rob, and Brad - the dragons of East BrunswickPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

East Brunswick Arts Coalition Chair Kimberley Conetta hosted the event.Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

Do you believe in magic?Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

A lovely voice and beautiful musicPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

A collective effort made a successful event.Photo Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

At the municipal plaza, doing the Lion Dance for the New YearPhoto Credit: Photos by Mark Carosiello, Ronnie Li, and Maureen Berzok for TAPinto East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Dragons came to East Brunswick this weekend as the community came together to celebrate the Lunar New Year with magic, music, and energy. Several community groups came together to make the event - attended by hundreds of residents and families from 11:00 to 4:00 on Saturday, February 3 - an undeniable success.

The East Brunswick Public Library hosted the celebration with a long schedule of events directed by the East Brunswick Arts Commission that included orchid sales, a tea ceremony, music and song, magic, cookies, and bubble tea. It was a day of joy for East Brunswick with local officials joining members of the township as they "rang in" the Year of the Dragon.

Guests included Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, EB Mayor Brad Cohen, EB Business Administrator Joe Criscuolo, Economic Development Officer Rob Zuckerman, EB Council President Kevin McEvoy, Council Dinesh Behal, President Laurie Lachs, Barbara Reiss, Liwu Hong, Board of Education Board Members, and Dave Lonski, Chair of EB Recreation Parks Community Advisory Board, CAO, EBDO who joined this prestigious event hosted by EB Arts Coalition, AAPI of EB, HuaXia Chinese School EB at the EB Public Library. Sincere gratitude for generous donations of decadent Chinese delights from Suet Chan, EB Chinese Restaurant and refreshing Bubble Tea from Andy Leu, AKIHI of EB, and financial support from Superior decorating of EB.

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The conclusion of the event was the traditional Lion Dance which would make its way out the door of the library and onto the municipal mall to the delight of children and adults who cheered on the two lions who wound through the plaza, dancing and posing to the music of gongs and drums.

In Chinese culture, the lion symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority. People perform lion dances at Chinese festivals or big occasions to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.

The lion dance is one of the most important traditions at Chinese New Year. It is done to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year. The lion dance is also a way to create a festive atmosphere and bring happiness.

Performed in a lion costume, accompanied by the music of beating drums, clashing cymbals, and resounding gongs, lion dances imitate a lion's various movements or demonstrate martial arts agility, depending on the style.

EAST BRUNSWICK - In March, East Brunswick High School will hear its last "Go Bears!" cheer from Principal Michael Vinella, who is retiring from the school district after nearly 30 years.

The Board of Education has accepted Vinella's early retirement effective March 1, Superintendent of Schools Victor Valeski said.

"The search for our new high school principal will begin immediately," Valeski said. "East Brunswick Public Schools is appreciative of Dr. Vinella’s work and his contributions to the high school and district. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

Vinella is not resting on his laurels. He has accepted a position with the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) as director of membership services. His new job begins in March.

"I am sad to leave because I loved East Brunswick," said Vinella, a Hunterdon County resident. "The high school is just an amazing place with amazing people. But these opportunities don't come along often. And I have a lot of respect for the people in NJPSA and what they do. It's going to provide me with an opportunity. In the district, I was able to touch many people here and maybe this opportunity will enable me to touch principals and supervisors from all over the state − to be a support for them."

A past president of the NJPSA, Vinella was the 2020 NJPSA/FEA Visionary Principal of the Year for secondary schools. That year, he also was named the 2020 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) New Jersey Principal of the Year.

With the NJPSA, Vinella also held the posts of field representative, Board of Directors member, and has been a mentor for more than six years.

Principal at the high school since August 2012, Vinella rose through the ranks in the district. He first came to the township in 1995 as a ninth-grade social studies teacher at Churchill Junior High School before moving to the high school in 2000. At the Junior High, Vinella also coached football and wrestling.

After three years of teaching at the high school, Vinella became assistant principal in 2003.

In 2006, Vinella took on the district post of K-12 supervisor of staff development, testing and grants for a year and then K-12 curriculum supervisor of social studies/media in 2007. He remained curriculum supervisor for five years.

More:The future of East Brunswick High School may cost up to $480 million: superintendent

For Vinella, it was never about the "job," but about the students.

"To watch the kids grow and excel in the classroom, on the athletic field or in the arts − that's what it always was about," Vinella said. "And I'm proud that I worked for a bunch of fantastic teachers and administrators that always brought it every day for the kids and did what was best for the kids. That's what I'm most proud about − because I think the best thing is all the kids that graduated from there that went on and did great things. That's what makes our job so special."

Vinella believes under his tenure, he and his staff were able to "live the mission" − "excellence in academic, athletics and the arts."

"I think we truly did." Vinella said. "I wouldn't have gotten those accolades if it wasn't for the fantastic staff, the teachers, the support staff, the others administrators. That was based on the collective effort of everybody."

Since September, Vinella has also been the NASSP state coordinator and has been an NJSIAA executive committee member since June.

A graduate of Rutgers University, Kean University and Walden University, Vinella has been an adjunct professor at both Walden University and Rider University.

Though he believes the district and his staff were caught "off guard" by the news of his early retirement, Vinella has told the district's Central Office that he is willing to do whatever he can to help for a smooth and successful transition.

"Before March and even after March, I'm going to be able to work with whoever's there to help them so they can continue what they're doing for the kids," Vinella said. "I wasn't expected something like this, but this opportunity came along. And it wasn't an easy decision. But, you know, my wife and I made the decision to do it, maybe retire a little bit younger than I originally thought, but I think it caught people off guard to say the least."

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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.