Michael Ellens, a local resident, took center stage to discuss Hydropsy Awareness Month, a cause deeply personal to his family. With his wife Kim and their child Cole present, Ellens thanked the approximately 20 attendees and provided an overview of the Pediatric Hydropsy Foundation, founded in 2009 in their home in Woodbridge. The foundation raises funds for research into hydrocephalus, a condition requiring multiple brain surgeries. Ellens highlighted that the three children present, ranging in age from an infant to 19 years, had collectively undergone 46 brain surgeries.

Ellens emphasized the foundation’s mission to address the national funding gap for hydrocephalus research. He outlined their efforts to develop non-invasive technology to detect shunt failures and their ongoing research to identify causes and potential cures for hydrocephalus. The foundation now operates 25 state chapters and organizes nationwide events, including five in New Jersey. Ellens encouraged participation in an upcoming walk on September 21 and promoted the foundation’s website for donations. He also noted the recent selection of an eight-year-old girl named Ellery as the foundation’s female National Ambassador for 2024.

The council then addressed a permanent shared easement ordinance for properties at 269 through 285 East Smith Street. After a public hearing with no comments, the ordinance was promptly adopted, though one council member abstained. The council then moved to discuss a first reading ordinance scheduled for a public hearing on September 3, 2024, followed by a motion to approve various resolutions, with another abstention noted.

Community events were a focus of the meeting. Councilman Fic provided updates on the Indian Gate Parade, which had positive attendance, and the rescheduling of the Pakistan Independence Parade to September 1 due to inclement weather. He also highlighted the upcoming school year, urging the police to educate students on safe travel to school, particularly emphasizing the use of crossing guards at busy intersections like Route 35. He encouraged community support for local youth sports, specifically the Pop Warner cheer and football programs.

The council discussed various other community events, such as a pep rally for the Woodbridge Broncos on August 30 at Woodbridge High School, and the significance of India Day, particularly appreciating the offerings from local business Eggmania. Additionally, six new career firefighters were sworn in to the Avenel Fire Department, bringing their total to 18 career firefighters.

Councilman Gregg M. Ficarra provided updates on school construction, noting that the addition to School Five will take approximately 12 months, with the parking lot closed off during this period. The principal will communicate drop-off and pick-up procedures to parents as the new school year approaches.

Ficarra also mentioned a senior barbecue scheduled for September 24, with an admission fee of $8 and a requirement to RSVP by September 17. The New Jersey Senior Olympics will take place from September 6 to 8, with Woodbridge residents able to register for three events at a reduced price of $10. The 17th Annual Tour to Woodbridge, a non-competitive event featuring 15 and 30-mile routes, is set for September 22, with some proceeds supporting local Boy Scouts.

Further community updates included a rescheduled community car show on August 26 and the successful annual school backpack giveaway, providing over 500 backpacks to students. The ongoing farmers market at Parker Press, operational every Saturday, and the upcoming St. James Street Fair on September 21 were also highlighted. The Chamber of Commerce’s mayor’s annual breakfast on September 27 and the 60th Annual Chairman’s Awards dinner on October 17 were announced. Local young author Alex Lesnak will host an event at the Sewaren Library on September 21 to promote his new book.