Hi everyone! This is Ara, Senior Program Director at the Raritan Valley YMCA and I’m so excited to tell you about something new and super fun happening right here at the YMCA, it’s called Boccia (pronounced bot-cha), and it’s a game that everyone can play together!
We are starting our Boccia program for kids ages 6–12 on November 7th to help make our YMCA an even more welcoming space for everyone, especially kids of all abilities. It’s all about inclusion, teamwork, and having fun while trying something new!
What’s Boccia?
Boccia is a game where players try to get their balls as close as possible to a small white target ball, called the jack. You can throw, roll, or use a ramp to send your ball across the floor.
It’s kind of like bowling or marbles, but instead of knocking things down, you’re trying to land your ball in just the right spot. You can play one-on-one or in teams, and every round feels exciting and different!
Everyone Can Play!
What makes Boccia really special is that anyone can play, no matter their ability level. It was first created for people with physical disabilities, but now people of all ages and abilities play all around the world.
At the Raritan Valley YMCA, we love that Boccia brings everyone together, kids can play side-by-side, help each other out, and cheer each other on. It’s a perfect way to build friendships and confidence while celebrating what makes each of us unique.
More Than Just a Game
Boccia isn’t just fun, it helps you practice focus, strategy, and patience. You have to think carefully about where to aim, when to roll, and how to get your ball closest to the jack. Sometimes, you might even knock another ball out of the way or move the jack to a better spot!
Every game is a chance to learn, laugh, and think creatively.
A Sport with Big Heart
Did you know Boccia is actually a Paralympic sport? That means athletes from around the world play it at the Paralympic Games! But here at the Y, our goal isn’t medals, it’s making sure everyone has a place to play, belong, and feel included.
When you join our Boccia program, you’re not just learning a sport, you’re helping make our community a more welcoming place for all.
Join the Fun at the Raritan Valley YMCA!
If you’re between 6 and 12 years old and love trying new things, come give Boccia a try! You’ll make new friends, learn cool skills, and be part of something truly special.
Here at the Raritan Valley YMCA, we believe inclusion means everyone belongs, and Boccia is one more way we’re building that community together.
So, grab a ball, take your best shot, and get ready for some Boccia fun!
In a world that feels louder and faster every year, East Brunswick has quietly held onto something rare — an evening of gratitude, reflection, and harmony that’s now celebrating its 50th year. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the East Brunswick Clergy Council invites the community to gather once again for the 50th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, hosted at St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, 470 Ryders Lane, at 7:30 p.m.
For half a century, this service has been more than a calendar event. It’s a tradition that transcends faith lines and politics — a night where residents set aside the headlines and simply come together as neighbors. The sanctuary fills with warmth, familiar faces, and the kind of music that can only come from people who truly love this town.
A Night of Music and Meaning
This year’s service features performances by the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra musicians, the E.B. High School Honors Concert Choir, and the East Brunswick Interfaith Choir — three ensembles whose harmonies remind us that gratitude doesn’t just live in words, but in the way people blend their voices for something larger than themselves.
For those who can’t attend in person, EBTV will broadcast the service starting Thanksgiving Day on Comcast channels 26, Verizon 37 & 38, and on their YouTube pagehere.
Giving Thanks Through Giving Back
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Aldersgate Outreach Community Center Food Pantry. It’s a small gesture that ripples outward — a way for one act of kindness to help another East Brunswick family gather around their own table this holiday season.
A Half Century of Shared Light
Fifty years is a milestone worth celebrating. For five decades, this Interfaith Service has woven together voices from local churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques. It’s been a space where gratitude sounds the same in every language, where music and prayer meet under one roof, and where people walk out feeling a little lighter — reminded that community is still one of the greatest blessings of all.
Whether you attend every year or have never been before, this golden anniversary is the perfect time to be part of a cherished East Brunswick tradition. Come as you are. Bring a friend. And take a moment to simply give thanks — together.
Quick note: The drone ordinance I wrote about was introduced 5–0 but hasn’t been adopted yet. A 5–0 vote typically means it would have passed easily — since only a majority of three is needed — but the pushback has clearly made a difference. This post has reached over 20,000 views, and several residents have stepped up to challenge the proposal before next week’s public hearing.
I’ve since updated the blog with two minor changes to reflect that clarification. Thank you to everyone who’s shared information and raised their voices — it shows how powerful community awareness can be when people pay attention and speak up.
Just because the Town Council doesn’t like it doesn’t mean they can ban something that can’t legally be banned.
Don’t worry — this won’t stop the Eyes on EB Sky Spy from keeping an eye on what’s happening down here. But it might stop you.
On Monday night, the East Brunswick Town Council introduced Ordinance 25-36, a proposed law that would ban almost every kind of drone use in town. The measure passed its first reading 5–0, with no discussion, no hesitation, and no acknowledgment that residents came prepared with facts, law, and logic. The final vote will come after next week’s public hearing.
The new ordinance prohibits drones from flying below 400 feet without written consent, bans them from passing over roads, parks, or public buildings without police permission, forbids night flying, and outlaws any “sensing device” — which is every camera, GPS, or stabilization feature in existence.
It’s honestly baffling how something this poorly researched made it through five pairs of hands and a mayor’s signature. The ordinance reads like it was written by people who never bothered to Google “FAA drone laws” — let alone consult state statutes. It’s the legislative equivalent of grounding a 747 because someone didn’t like a paper airplane. If this much legal overreach slipped through without a single question, it makes you wonder what else is sliding past unnoticed at Town Hall. Maybe the real drone problem isn’t in the sky — it’s on the dais.
East Brunswick just proposed banning drones. Essentially all of them.
The Legal Problem They Just Created
Here’s the thing — the Town Council doesn’t own the sky.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does. Federal law gives the FAA exclusive authority over U.S. airspace. That means towns like East Brunswick can make rules about where drones take off and land, such as township property or schools, but they cannot regulate how or where they fly once airborne.
In Singer v. City of Newton (2017), a federal court struck down a nearly identical local drone ban for exactly that reason: it intruded on federal airspace jurisdiction. The FAA doubled down in 2023 with updated guidance making it crystal clear — local governments may not regulate flight altitude or airspace access.
So when East Brunswick says you can’t fly below 400 feet, it’s directly contradicting federal law.
And It Gets Worse — New Jersey Already Has a Law for This
The New Jersey Drone Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-27) already regulates drone use statewide. It bans using drones to harass, endanger, interfere with emergency responders, or violate privacy. It also explicitly says state rules preempt any inconsistent local ordinances.
Translation: East Brunswick didn’t need to write this ordinance — and by doing so, they created a legal mess that’s already been sorted out at higher levels of government.
The point of the state law was consistency — so residents wouldn’t face one rule in Old Bridge, another in South River, and a third in East Brunswick. The Council just ignored that and decided to make its own airspace law anyway.
A Ban in Disguise
The ordinance’s supporters will claim it’s about privacy. But make no mistake — this isn’t about stopping a drone from hovering outside someone’s window. It’s a blanket ban that criminalizes virtually all drone use, from hobbyists to homeowners checking roof damage.
If your drone has a camera, you’re out. If you want to film at sunset, you’re out. If you fly safely under 400 feet, as required by the FAA, you’re out.
Even the ordinance itself admits it “does not override state or federal law.” So the natural question becomes: why pass something you know conflicts with both?
What Comes Next
East Brunswick may soon discover that the sky they just tried to regulate isn’t theirs to control. Federal and state preemption are clear: local governments can’t close the skies.
Privacy matters. Safety matters. But so do fairness, reason, and respecting the laws that already exist.
Until this gets fixed — or challenged — the message is clear: if you live in East Brunswick, you can’t fly here. But rest assured, Eyes on EB will still be watching — from above, from the ground, and wherever common sense still applies.
Every December, East Brunswick reminds us what community really means. It’s not just about lights, music, or shopping — it’s about kindness in action. This year, the Township of East Brunswick and the Interfaith Clergy Council are once again joining forces for the Holiday Cheer Drive, helping local families who need a little extra support during the holidays.
Instead of collecting toys or canned goods, the drive focuses on something simple and powerful — gift cards. These small cards give parents the freedom to choose what their family truly needs, whether it’s groceries, warm clothes, or something to make a child’s morning special.
How You Can Help
You can donate a Target or Walmart gift card in denominations of $5, $10, $20, or $25. Donations are being accepted now through Thursday, November 21, 2025, so they can be distributed in time for December holidays.
Gift cards may be dropped off at:
Township of East Brunswick Recreation, Parks & Community Services 334 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Use the metal drop box by the office front door)
East Brunswick Municipal Building – Clerk’s Office Window 1 Civic Center Drive, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Making It Easier to Give
We know life gets busy — not everyone has time to run to the store or make a special trip. So if you’d like to help but can’t get out to buy a card, email us at rob@eyesoneb.com or rachel@eyesoneb.com. We’ll help make it easy for you to participate and ensure your donation goes directly where it’s needed.
A Community Built on Compassion
The Holiday Cheer Drive is part of East Brunswick’s ongoing effort to uplift neighbors through partnership and compassion. Organized by the East Brunswick Interfaith Clergy Council alongside the Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Services, this initiative shows what happens when people of all backgrounds come together to care for one another.
A small gesture — a single card — can mean a lot more than a number on a receipt. It can mean hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging for a family right here in town.
So as the season of giving arrives, let’s continue what East Brunswick does best: looking out for each other.
Let’s start here, “Towns can have laws that are stricter than state or federal ones in many areas (like noise ordinances, curfews, or building codes). But not when it comes to drones, because the FAA has exclusive authority over the nation’s airspace.”
At the October 27 East Brunswick Town Council meeting, Mayor Brad Cohen used his closing remarks to deliver a pointed reminder to residents: this year’s only local election—East Brunswick’s Board of Education race—carries lasting importance for the community’s future.
“This is the last council meeting before the election,” Cohen began, “and I wanted to emphasize how important it is—this particular election. We are at a crossroads when it comes to the school system here in East Brunswick.”
Cohen highlighted that the district is entering a new chapter under a new superintendent, calling this moment “an opportunity that will not come again for a very long time.” He underscored the need for voters to reflect on what has not worked in the past and to select leaders capable of bringing transparency and collaboration back into the relationship between the township and the school board.
“It is no secret that there has been difficulty between the township and the school board over the past couple of years,” he said. “This is a time for a reset—a brand new beginning.”
Cohen pointed to a lack of transparency as one of the factors that has strained communication between the two entities. “There has been an attempt to look at them as their own island,” he said. “They’re not good at often sharing with the township in a way that promotes what’s in the best interest of the township.”
He reminded residents that the responsibility of setting the district’s course lies squarely in the hands of the voters. “The township does not run the school district,” Cohen stated. “That is run by the Board of Education—and that’s in your hands to pick those people.”
The mayor also emphasized the broader impact of strong schools on the entire community, noting that even residents without children in the district are affected by the district’s performance. “People move to this township because of the quality of our schools,” he said. “Property values—whether you have students in the schools or don’t—are predicated on that fact.”
Cohen concluded with a call to action: “Whatever is wrong with the ship is not so far gone that it can’t be corrected. But it is all in your hands. Vote. Analyze the people that are out there. Make good choices. And let’s all work together to do what we’ve all been elected to do—look out for the interests of everybody that lives, works, or travels through this great township.”
Continuing Coverage from Eyes on EB
Here at Eyes on EB, we’ve been closely following every aspect of the Board of Education—from the $12 million budget shortfall and program cuts to ongoing issues of transparency and leadership transitions. As Mayor Cohen noted, this election represents a crucial turning point for East Brunswick’s schools, and our commitment remains the same: to keep you informed, engaged, and equipped with facts that matter.
We’ll continue to lead the way in covering this Board of Education election—tracking the candidates, the conversations, and the decisions shaping the future of our district. Stay tuned to Eyes on EB for updates, insights, and post-election analysis as East Brunswick chooses the leaders who will help steer our schools forward.
We’ve queued up the video from the meeting so you can hear Mayor Cohen’s full remarks — check it out below.
There’s a growing sentiment in East Brunswick and surrounding towns that Trunk-or-Treats have quietly killed traditional trick-or-treating.
It’s a bold claim, but scroll through any local comment section this time of year and you’ll see dozens of people nodding in agreement. Parents who remember what Halloween used to be — the thrill of racing down dimly lit streets with pillowcases full of candy, the freedom to explore, the independence of choosing your next stop — now watch as Halloween night has been replaced with folding tables, parking lots, and plastic pumpkin buckets filled before dark.
The Magic of the 70s and 80s Halloween
Back in the late 70s and early 80s, Halloween wasn’t an organized event — it was an adventure.
Parents rarely went with you. Maybe they’d remind you to wear something reflective, maybe they’d tell you to stay off certain blocks, but once you hit the sidewalk, you were on your own.
You had to make choices — which house looked welcoming, which ones might have full-size bars, and which ones were better to skip because that one guy always handed out raisins. There was a sense of earned candy — a reward for every doorbell you rang and every creepy yard you dared to enter.
And there was something about being out there as a kid in a mob of other kids — some older, some younger, all running in different directions. You learned to navigate, to look out for cars, to remember which streets got good traffic and which ones didn’t. It wasn’t just trick-or-treating; it was a night of freedom and exploration.
How Trunk-or-Treat Changed the Game
Trunk-or-Treats came from a good place. They started as safe alternatives — a way for families to celebrate together in one secure, well-lit space. Churches, schools, and community centers embraced the idea, setting up parking lots full of decorated cars and candy trunks.
But over time, something shifted. Parents began to see Trunk-or-Treat as a replacement, not an addition. And kids, especially younger ones, got used to the idea that Halloween was something that happened in a parking lot before dinner — not something that stretched into the night under streetlights and glowing porch pumpkins.
Now, on October 31st, entire neighborhoods that once buzzed with laughter and flashlight beams sit quiet and dark. The once-magical feeling of seeing kids darting from house to house is fading, replaced by organized events with time limits and sign-ups.
A Loss of Adventure
Maybe this is what people mean when they say Trunk-or-Treat “killed” Halloween — not that it took away the candy or costumes, but that it removed the adventure.
It made something wild and unpredictable into something neat, tidy, and convenient. It traded risk for routine, and in doing so, took away one of the few nights a kid could be independent — to get a little lost, to be a little brave, to see what was waiting at the next porch light.
And if you’ve noticed lately, it’s not just the kids who disappeared — it’s the whole feeling of Halloween night. You used to hear laughter echoing down the street, doors opening, and candy hitting buckets. Now you hear nothing but silence — maybe a handful of trick-or-treaters, if that. You get those one or two neighbors every year who swear, “We were packed!” and you can’t help but wonder if they really were… or if everyone just ended up at the same Trunk-or-Treat.
Halloween used to be a night where kids ruled the streets. Now, it feels more like another family outing on the calendar.
Can We Bring It Back?
The streetlights still come on every October 31st. The pumpkins still flicker on porches. But now, most of the doors stay closed — and that silence says everything.
It’s not too late. Maybe the kids can still have it all! Maybe neighborhoods can come back to life with porch lights and jack-o’-lanterns — the safety of community events and the thrill of old-school trick-or-treating.
Because for those who remember — the sound of leaves under your sneakers, the pillowcase getting heavier by the block, the feeling of being out past dark on a “school night” — it wasn’t just candy. It was freedom, friendship, and a tiny taste of growing up.
It was a packed week across East Brunswick athletics, with multiple tournament runs, rivalry matchups, and standout performances. From another GMC title in field hockey to a strong soccer push, here’s how the Bears stacked up across every sport.
🏑 Field Hockey: Five Straight GMC Titles
GMC Final – Oct. 25 East Brunswick 3, Old Bridge 1 The Bears captured their fifth straight Greater Middlesex Conference Championship, defeating Old Bridge behind goals from Molly Blatties, Alexa DeRado, and Arianna DeMaio. Assists came from Rachel Gerould and Julia Rose, while Ella Balsamo was sharp in net with nine saves. Record: 14-3-1 (6-2 GMC Red)
GMC Semifinal – Oct. 23 East Brunswick 3, South Plainfield 0 EB advanced to the finals with goals from DeRado, Logan Hooper, and Julia Rose. Balsamo stopped one shot in the shutout.
GMC Quarterfinal – Oct. 21 East Brunswick 8, South Brunswick 0 The Bears exploded for eight goals, led by Hooper (2) and Rose (2). Additional goals came from Carissa Kovarcik, Gerould, DeRado, and DeMaio. Molly Blatties assisted on two.
⚽ Boys Soccer: Rolling Through the GMC Tournament
GMC Quarterfinal – Oct. 23 East Brunswick 5, Perth Amboy 1 The Bears moved into the semifinals with a commanding win. Giovanny Sousa and Ben Lyons each scored twice, with John Matos adding one more. Assists were credited to Sebastian Vargas, Sean Li, and Lucas Henriques.
GMC First Round – Oct. 21 East Brunswick 3, South Plainfield 1 EB started its postseason strong with goals from Li, Robert Perillo, and Mateo Dela Cruz. Aiden Hanas, Rosario Volino, and Ty Hecht combined for six saves in goal.
⚽ Girls Soccer: Bears Fall in Double Overtime
GMC Quarterfinal – Oct. 22 Spotswood 3, East Brunswick 2 (2OT) The Bears’ tournament run ended in a heartbreaking double-overtime loss. Samantha Baker scored early, and Jacqueline Goldovsky added one more in the second half, with assists from Hannah Cheraibi and Baker. Goalkeeper Caylin Docherty made four saves in the effort.
🏐 Girls Volleyball: Monroe Sweeps Quarterfinal Match
GMC Quarterfinal – Oct. 21 Monroe 2, East Brunswick 0 (25–20, 25–23) Despite a hard-fought effort, East Brunswick fell in straight sets to Monroe. Kristina Latosh led Monroe with nine kills and Adhya Mukunda tallied 14 assists.
🏈 Football: Bears Fall to South Brunswick
Oct. 24 South Brunswick 43, East Brunswick 18 East Brunswick dropped to 2–7 after a tough road loss in Big Central Conference play.
🤸♀️ Gymnastics: Bears Top Hightstown
Oct. 21 East Brunswick 98.4, Hightstown 93.95 The Bears turned in one of their best meets of the season. Isabella Wasserman led the team with an all-around score of 33.225, followed by Ellah Levi (32.15) and Alexandra Cooperman (32.0). EB dominated the beam and floor routines to secure the win.
🐻 Summary
It was another big week for East Brunswick athletics — highlighted by the field hockey team’s fifth straight GMC championship and boys soccer’s deep tournament push. With postseason play still underway, the Bears continue to represent EB with pride and momentum heading into late October.
Good news, East Brunswick — you don’t have to wait until the last minute to make your voice heard. New Jersey’s in-person early voting option is back for the 2025 General Election, and it’s designed for anyone who likes to get things done early — whether that’s grocery shopping, holiday decorating, or voting for the future of your town.
Let’s break it down so you can plan your ballot run like a pro.
🗳️ Middlesex County Early Voting Locations
(You can vote at any of these, regardless of where you live in the county.)
Municipality
Location
Address
East Brunswick
East Brunswick Community Center
721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
Edison
Minnie B. Veal Recreation Center
1070 Grove Avenue, Edison
Monroe
Monroe Public Library
4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Hub Teen Center
411 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, New Brunswick
Old Bridge
Old Bridge Civic Center
1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge
Perth Amboy
Jankowski Community Center
1 Olive Street, Perth Amboy
Piscataway
John F. Kennedy Public Library
500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway
Sayreville
Sayreville Senior Center
423 Main Street, Sayreville
South Brunswick
South Brunswick Community Center
124 New Road, Monmouth Junction
Woodbridge
Acacia Youth Center (formerly Hungarian Manor)
95 Port Reading Avenue, Woodbridge
🏛️ Where and When
Location: East Brunswick Community Arts Center (yep, the one everyone calls the Community Center) 📍 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
Early Voting Runs for Nine Days: 🗓️ Saturday, October 25 through Sunday, November 2, 2025
Hours:
Monday – Saturday → 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday → 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
No appointment needed — just walk in any day during the early voting period, cast your ballot, and enjoy the satisfaction of being ahead of the curve.
🖥️ What to Expect
Early voting feels exactly like regular voting — minus the long lines and the stress. You’ll sign in electronically, get your voter activation card, and head to a sleek touchscreen machine. Make your picks, review them on the summary screen, hit “Cast Ballot,” and you’re done.
It’s fast, secure, and convenient — the trifecta of good civic engagement.
💡 Why It’s Worth Doing
Life happens. Work runs late, kids have practice, or maybe Netflix just gets the best of you on November 4. Early voting takes the pressure off. You can pop in any day that week, even on a lunch break or after dinner.
Plus, you can vote at any early voting site in Middlesex County — so if you’re in Edison for work or in Old Bridge visiting family, you can still cast your East Brunswick ballot.
📨 Prefer Mail-In Voting Instead?
You can still go that route — just apply for your mail-in ballot by October 28 (if mailing the request) or by 3 p.m. on November 3 if you apply in person at the Middlesex County Board of Elections (11 Kennedy Boulevard, East Brunswick).
But remember: once you request a mail-in ballot, you can’t vote in person at the polls. So if you love the energy of voting in person, early voting is the perfect middle ground.
📅 Election Day Is Still November 4
If you’re a traditionalist who likes to wait until Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. across East Brunswick. Check your sample ballot or the county poll locator to confirm your spot.
❤️ Your Vote, Your Voice
Whether you vote early, vote by mail, or show up on Election Day, what matters most is that you show up. Our local elections shape the community we live in — from schools and roads to the future of downtown East Brunswick.
So grab a friend, take a selfie at the Arts Center, and celebrate democracy, Jersey-style.
Early voting runs October 25 through November 2 at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road.
See you there, East Brunswick — let’s make this election season one for the books!
Building Confidence, Connection, and Community Through Movement
At the Raritan Valley YMCA, sports and fitness are about so much more than just the scoreboard — they’re about growth, confidence, and belonging. This season, Senior Program Director Ara Farley, M.B.A. is leading the charge with new and expanded offerings that invite children, teens, and seniors alike to get active, stay connected, and discover the joy of movement.
“We’re excited to introduce several programs designed to give more children opportunities to stay active and have fun — especially during evening hours,” Farley shares. “As a parent myself, I know how valuable it is to have options outside of weekends so families with young children can participate too!”
Youth Sports Highlights
This season brings an exciting variety of new and returning programs to the Raritan Valley YMCA, giving every child — from preschoolers to pre-teens — a chance to shine.
For our youngest athletes (ages 3–5):
Pre-K Soccer – A playful introduction to teamwork and ball control.
Fitness Scavenger Hunt – Movement meets adventure as kids explore, run, and learn.
Yoga Adventure Story – Story-based yoga that builds balance, flexibility, and focus.
Expanding skills for older youth:
Soccer Basics and Advanced Soccer – Children ages 5–7 and beyond can develop skills at their own pace.
Basketball with Camryn – Led by standout East Brunswick High School player Camryn, this program builds confidence through teamwork and attention to detail.
Tennis with Varsity Players Ojas and his teammate – North Brunswick Varsity coaches bring fresh energy, mentorship, and technique to young players.
Agility & Games – For kids who love action and friendly competition, this class boosts coordination, speed, and fun.
Boccia – An inclusive, strategy-based game similar to bowling, open to children of all abilities.
Farley emphasizes that these programs are not just about athletic ability — they’re about confidence, teamwork, and joy.
Coaching Philosophy: A Balanced Approach
The Raritan Valley YMCA’s coaching philosophy blends structure with playfulness.
“Our coaching style is a balanced mix of instructional and recreational,” explains Farley. “Each class is designed with skill development in mind, but we know kids learn best when they’re having fun. Our coaches are flexible — if the group needs to refocus or switch things up to stay engaged, we make that happen.”
With both high school and adult coaches working side by side, young athletes benefit from role models who bring energy and relatability, along with the structure and experience needed for growth.
Parents often comment on the warmth and encouragement they see in every class. Kids leave each session not just stronger in skill, but also in self-esteem and connection. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
Standout Moments
One of Farley’s favorite success stories centers on volunteer tennis coach Ojas.
“I was leading the class, but as a left-handed coach, I sometimes struggled to demonstrate certain skills for our beginners,” Farley recalls. “When Ojas stepped in, the energy completely shifted — the kids became more engaged, confident, and eager to learn. A huge shout-out to Ojas for making such a meaningful impact!”
Stories like these highlight what makes the YMCA unique: a community where mentorship thrives and every participant — coach or child — grows through shared experiences.
Senior Wellness: A Matter of Balance
The YMCA’s commitment to health extends beyond youth. For older adults, A Matter of Balance is transforming lives through practical, empowering strategies to reduce fear of falling and promote independence.
“Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults, yet many falls are preventable,” Farley explains. “When I learned how effective A Matter of Balance is in helping seniors build confidence, stay active, and remain independent longer, I knew it was something our community needed.”
This free program supports adults 60+ who have experienced falls, worry about balance, or have reduced activity due to fear of falling. Participants report measurable improvements in:
Balance and mobility
Strength and flexibility
Confidence in daily movement
Social connection and independence
Farley reminds participants that staying active is the best fall prevention. “Fear of falling actually increases the risk. Small, consistent changes in balance and strength can make all the difference.”
The YMCA runs A Matter of Balance twice a year — and many participants continue exercising together long after the program ends.
How to Register and Get Involved
The upcoming season begins October 27th and runs through December 19th. Most youth sports allow flexible registration throughout the session — but spots fill quickly!
To learn more or register, visit www.raritanvalleyymca.org or stop by the front desk to speak with the Fitness & Sports team.
Why It Matters
At its core, the Raritan Valley YMCA is about more than fitness — it’s about community. From preschoolers scoring their first goal to seniors regaining balance and confidence, each program is a reminder that movement brings people together, strengthens families, and builds lifelong habits of health and connection.
As Farley puts it best:
“We’re not just coaching sports — we’re helping people of all ages find joy, confidence, and belonging.”
When you talk about East Brunswick athletics, few names carry as much weight as Coach Cindy Todoroff. For years, she’s been the backbone of the Bears’ field hockey program — the kind of coach who doesn’t just build teams, but builds traditions.
At Friday’s Rutgers Field Hockey alumni game, that tradition came full circle. In the pre-game huddle, alumni led the circle with the same energy and heart that Coach T instilled years ago. The stands might have been filled with Scarlet, but there was plenty of East Brunswick pride on the field too — including one alum in black representing our town with the same fire she had back in high school.
Coach Todoroff has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of East Brunswick Field Hockey, helping it grow into a competitive, spirited program that continues to thrive. She’s also been a steadfast supporter of girls’ lacrosse, always showing up to champion the athletes who give their all for their school and teammates.
Sometimes influence isn’t loud — it’s consistent, steady, and deeply felt. That’s what Coach T represents. Her players still carry her lessons long after they hang up their jerseys, and moments like this remind us how far her reach truly extends.
