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The Curious Case of Farrington Lake: A Dip into History, Hazards, and Hearsay

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It started with a U-turn.

In a quiet moment of directional improvisation, N.D. stumbled upon what she described as “some water behind B2 Bistro.” Innocent enough—until she posed the question that cracked open a local floodgate:

“What body of water is this, and is it safe to swim my dog in?”

Spoiler alert: The answer is a resounding “probably not.”

From U-Turn to Deep Dive

The mystery lake in question is Farrington Lake, a dammed reservoir formed by the Lawrence Brook and a longtime staple of East Brunswick and neighboring Milltown. But as the Facebook thread exploded, so did the facts—and the folklore.

One user, L.M., chimed in with some sobering clarity:

“Human swimming is not permitted. As with many fresh waterways in the state, the risk of Harmful Algae Blooms increases during the summer, and cyanobacterial toxin poisoning can be fatal for dogs.”

If that wasn’t enough to convince dog owners to stay on land, others warned of snapping turtles, leeches, and yes—even alleged lake monsters.

“We Used to Swim in It…”

The back-and-forth wasn’t without nostalgia.

“I’ve been rope swinging that water since I was 13, and I’m perfectly fine,” said J.K., giving off big ‘survived-the-90s’ energy.

A.K. added, “I’ve swam in there with dogs before.”

But for every lake-dipper defending the joy of a cooling plunge, someone else responded with a firm no. Some cited bacteria, others simply gave off a vibe of ‘I’ve seen things.’

One especially vivid warning came from C.S.:

“There are TONS of leeches in that lake. Stay away!!”

Beneath the Surface: A Superfund Past

What many residents may not realize is that East Brunswick has long carried environmental baggage. A few commenters remembered.

S.G. posted:

“I grew up off Riva Ave in EB with a Superfund Site on Fresh Ponds in our backyard. This was the 80s & the groundwater there is still contaminated.”

And G.G. backed it up:

“It is still listed as a Superfund site today. They’re trying to clean it up but yes, definitely still a source of contamination.”

Superfund status, for those unfamiliar, is a federal designation for the most polluted sites in the nation requiring long-term cleanup. New Jersey holds the dubious title of having the most Superfund sites in the U.S., with over 100.

That number includes areas near Farrington Lake. Even if not every inch of the lake is toxic, the stigma lingers.

The Bottom Line (and Maybe a Few Leeches)

Is Farrington Lake a scenic gem? Absolutely.
Is it a great place for kayaking, fishing, and snapping Instagram pics at sunset? Totally.
Is it a safe spot to let your dog paddle around like it’s a chlorinated puppy pool? That’s where the locals draw the line.

And sometimes, the best way to enjoy the water is from the shore, with your dog leashed, your shoes on, and a healthy respect for both nature and history.

As one local summed it up:

“New Jersey water is nasty.”

Take that as you will.

Breaking Tradition: A Graduation Overshadowed by Retaliation

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In East Brunswick, traditions used to mean something.

At high school graduation, it’s customary for formal Board members—past and present—to sit on stage only if they’re handing a diploma to their child. It’s a moment of dignity, recognition, and community, to this day.

This year, Superintendent Victor Valesky decided that Jeff Winston, a former member of the Board of Education, would not be allowed to sit on stage for the entire graduation ceremony. Not because there’s a new rule. Not due to any capacity or protocol issues. But because Victor doesn’t like him.

Let’s be clear:

This is not a misunderstanding.

This is not a change in tradition.

This is pure, bitter retaliation.

Jeff Winston stated, “Victor is taking a situation he created, which now impacts students—and he’s using it to be vindictive.”

One community member echoed that sentiment, calling the decision “not a misunderstanding… not a change in tradition. This feels like retaliation.”

Jeff Winston, who served on the Board in this town, didn’t ask for special treatment. He asked for the same respect that had been shown to every other board member before him. He asked to honor his two youngest sons the way others have been allowed to do for decades.

Instead, he got stonewalled.

Winston spoke with Assistant Vice Principal Yanazzo—who played the middleman in this shameful debacle. Jeff reportedly told him:

“I get it, you’re stuck in the middle. But if this is what Victor wants to do, I’ll go legal—file an injunction, sue the Board and Victor personally. And when I’m back on the Board in January, I’ll make sure every bit of this comes back to bite.”

Winston added:

“He’s treating me differently. It’s discrimination, and everyone knows it.”

What makes this decision even more disgraceful is that even recent past board members have been allowed to sit on stage for the entire graduation ceremony—without issue, without interference, and certainly without a personal battle to make it happen. It was understood. It was respected. Until now.

But this year, Jeff Winston—who served this community just like those before him—has been singled out and shut out. No explanation holds water. Just a message from the top: Victor believes that Jeff Winston is responsible for his failures, but Victor won’t take responsibility for that.

Let’s not pretend this is about rules. It’s not.

It’s about ego and control. It’s about Victor Valesky sending a message:

“Cross me, and I’ll embarrass you—publicly, personally, and at your child’s expense.”

This should terrify every parent in East Brunswick.

Because if Victor can do this to a former board member, what has he done to your children, to you, and to staff members? Perhaps that’s the reason why he’s leaving.

Graduation should be about students. About celebration. About family.

Instead, it’s become a stage for one man’s vendetta.

And like all petty tyrants, Victor doesn’t need a reason; as Mel Brooks said in History Of The World Part One, “It’s good to be the king.”

A Delayed Response to Literacy Legislation and Community Concerns

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June 10, 2025
___________
Allegra Seidler

After a saga spanning more than half a year (and with roots from over a year ago), at the June 6, 2025 Board meeting, East Brunswick Public Schools announced the planned pilot studies of Amplify CKLA and Being A Reader. In a Tap Into EB article, Dr. Joyce Boley, Assistant Superintendent of Academics is quoted saying, “We’re excited to collaborate with the State and the LEAR Office to ensure that all students, from the very beginning of their academic journey, have the tools and support they need to become confident, capable readers.” This comes mere months after administrators responded to parental concerns by presenting on the current ILA curriculum and Gifted and Talented services at the 2/13/25 school Board meeting. During these presentations, the current curriculum was touted as well-rounded and meeting students’ needs. And now, Dr. Boley thanks the community for its ‘partnership.’ But based on the district’s past actions, many families are left asking: What does partnership really mean in East Brunswick?

Community concern surfaced in November of 2024 when parents took to sharing testimony of their experiences with the current balanced literacy curriculum at EBPS Board meetings. All meetings are recorded and available to view here. These testimonies often addressed how various members of the administration denied and dismissed issues, and even delayed identifying reading disorders. They also addressed how teachers were instructed to respond to concerns about the ILA curriculum (including a written memo that went out in the Spring of 2024 telling teachers what to say if a parent dared ask about the ILA curriculum).
Prior to these public comments, I spent about a month corresponding with district administrators via emails that were forwarded to both Superintendent Valeski and the full Board before I ever spoke at a meeting. When I couldn’t obtain sufficient answers to multiple questions, including how much the district invested in the revised Units of Study in 2023, I decided to move this conversation into the public sphere. To my surprise, many parents came forward with disappointing stories of their frustrations with the ILA curriculum on all ends of the spectrum.

Between November 21, 2024, and now, our group of parents has spoken at nearly every Board meeting. Board testimony was sometimes anonymous, and sometimes shared by parents themselves. In addition, some parents did meet with administrators and continued to experience uphill battles, ultimately making very little headway. One parent, who is also an educator, was told her child did “not qualify for intervention at this time”, but chose to have him assessed outside of the district. This assessment revealed he required pull-out intervention. Somehow, this was not officially picked up within our school system, despite clear struggles. Without strong advocacy from this student’s parents and teachers (who knew the limitations of the current assessments and curriculum), there was not only no plan to intervene, but a complete denial of any need.

Another parent had voiced concerns beginning in kindergarten, when her child was “reading” memorized leveled books with her eyes closed, and again in first grade when spelling was not being taught in school. Another, also an educator and Certified Dyslexia Specialist, has been advocating for changes to the Tier 1 curriculum, literacy screenings, and intervention methods for at least four years. Despite these suggestions being part of an ongoing state initiative in partnership with East Brunswick neighbor, Rutgers University, she has encountered pushback every step of the way. Another parent was told by her child’s teacher that they could no longer answer her questions about this topic and that upper administration was handling it. These are not isolated incidents—they’re representative of a larger, systemic issue.

Part of what our group of parent-advocates worked towards was anonymously surveying teachers for their input on the elementary language arts curriculum. Why? They had already expressed concern about the curriculum, were upset that the district had purchased the revised Units of Study, felt their hands were tied when it came to getting kids the services they needed in a timely manner, and claimed administrators were fully bought into balanced literacy and not open to change.

At this time, no teachers are willing to go on record due to fears of retaliation, but the district did survey teachers. Despite several sharing with us how they had previously broached the topic of a need for a shift in pedagogy, administration has claimed to be caught off-guard by these public complaints and the results of the surveys. To our knowledge, and in spite of at least one Board member’s 2/13/25 request that the results be shared with the Board once obtained, no one outside of administration has seen the unedited responses. We do know only 35% of solicited teachers responded, and I would wager many of those who didn’t are non-tenured and/or likely not fans of the current setup. Maybe one day those results will be made public in their unedited form…

So, what exactly does “partnership” mean to East Brunswick Public Schools? I honestly couldn’t tell you. To all of these parents, the ones who met with administrators, the ones who were told nothing is wrong, the ones who continue to be told to accept less than best practice … the ones who know better … this announcement is the ultimate gaslighting. The district is “excited to collaborate with the State and LEAR Department”? This legislation was passed in June of 2024 and signed into law on August 13, 2024. That is before I broached this topic in an email or at a Board meeting. This legislation and the March 2025 recommendations of the Working Group are exactly what we have been advocating for—some of us for years. We are being told the selections are based on evaluations from EdReports and The Reading League, issues with EdReports withstanding – what was their review of the previous product, which the foundation of our curriculum was based on? Nothing good, and there’s a lot more where that came from. The revised Units of Study was updated to address weaknesses, but has yet to be officially evaluated, which was part of my questioning of why EBPS would choose to invest in this revised curriculum in the face of extensive data outlining the issues with the author’s previous work.

What we said not only meant nothing, but was pushed back on heavily. So much so that in November 2024, I received a response from Dr. Boley (reviewed by Dr. Valeski) that read:
“Media frequently features so-called experts who may have ties to specific companies, which can introduce bias into public discussions. In light of recent narratives that may misrepresent our approach, it’s crucial that we remain focused on supporting East Brunswick’s teachers as they help students grow in reading, writing, phonics, learning, and overall well-being.”

And:
“The criticism directed at Calkins, Fountas, and Pinnell has been heavily funded by organizations, corporations, and private equity groups that favor a limited selection of basal textbooks, which push all students to read the same texts simultaneously. East Brunswick has firsthand experience with a one-size-fits-all approach filled with workbooks and textbooks, turning language arts into a monotonous experience. This method does not allow teachers to facilitate the essential, assessment-based small groups that are crucial for students’ success.”
Some may be familiar with the “Southern Surge” or “the Mississippi Miracle,” and maybe even the separation of Lucy Calkins from Columbia Teachers College. The district’s focus on media narratives is predicated on the ongoing international campaigns to remove balanced literacy, including the podcast, Sold A Story. This media-bias claim proved to be an ironic point, as many of the sources supplied in this response were either Lucy Calkins (the author of Units of Study) or Heinemann (the Units of Study publisher) – all extremely neutral parties.

On multiple occasions, EBPS administration not only chose to ignore, but to deny the existence of any problem(s) and the impending state requirements. Not using a universal screener, such as DIBELS, and not automatically informing parents of results is a choice the district made. There is no reason we needed to wait until September 2025 to do this. DIBELS is not new, and a version can be accessed for free, meaning if the district wanted to, they could easily screen beyond third grade (it can be used through 8th grade). Parents need to be aware that these changes are being made only because the district’s hand was forced. If this were a true partnership, these changes would have occurred organically because of internal identification of need (e.g., the low percentage of students being adequately served by Tier 1 curriculum), because of parental concerns, because of teacher feedback, and not because of state legislation, recommendations, and public outcry. Nothing in these recommendations is new, nor was it new when the district purchased the revised Units of Study.

Before this moment, shutting parents down in private meetings was the primary response. That is unacceptable. Parents deserve a visible, meaningful seat at the table. We want to be involved in committees, such as a Curriculum Committee. We want to be able to transparently partner with the amazing educators of EBPS without their employment being put at risk, and without having to wonder if we’re getting the full story. We want best practices accessible to all children, not only the ones whose parents can scream the loudest or pay for tutoring. Our children are the
ultimate stakeholders here; their time is valuable, their education is important, and they have only us to represent their interests.
How will an administration that so fervently defended the current curriculum be capable of committing to perform a robust pilot study and reverse course on its ideological commitment to the pedagogy of balanced literacy, especially in such a short time? Are you okay leaving this to chance? I’m not, which is why I am continuing to advocate for reform and accountability in our district.

We need a clear policy guiding the requirements for and structure of pilot studies. A policy that requires meaningful incorporation of stakeholders, including parents and teachers. A policy that requires publicly debriefing the Board. A policy that requires disclosure and parental consent for participation. A policy that requires assessment metrics. A policy that incorporates how educators are selected to participate. We need a Board that completely understands its position is designed to represent the interests of the public and not the administration. I have asked the Board for this, and I am urging you to do the same. This cannot happen again. Not with language arts, not with math, not at all.
East Brunswick Public Schools has done everything they could to avoid addressing this, and referring to this move as embracing recommendations or partnering with parents is categorically false, at best. Every single parent in this district needs to know what they are up against: A culture of deny, dismiss, and delay for as long as possible, at the expense of your children. They have no time to spare, and this is why we remain concerned.
For more information, please visit:

https://linktr.ee/Accountability4EB

A Concerning Look at the Lancos v. East Brunswick Lawsuit

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When Policy Fails People

A Routine Benefit Turns Into a Legal Battle

The lawsuit filed by East Brunswick Police Detective Julia Lancos and her wife Katherine wasn’t just a legal dispute—it was a painful, real-life example of what happens when public systems break down.

What started as a simple question about employee health benefits turned into a year-long legal saga. At the heart of it was Julia’s attempt to access fertility treatment through her township-issued insurance plan—only to be told, after thousands of dollars were spent, that she didn’t qualify.

Misinformation, Denial, and Contradiction

Despite being told by Human Resources and the township’s benefits administrator, Meritain Health, that her treatments were covered, Detective Lancos was later denied IVF coverage. The reasons kept shifting:

  • First, it was that she hadn’t completed six IUIs.

  • Then it was that the plan didn’t recognize same-sex couples.

  • Then the plan was amended—only to later have old, exclusionary language reinserted quietly.

Even after the Township acknowledged the error and stated that the plan was being made equitable, the requirements continued to change—from 6 IUIs to 12, then back to 0.

In the meantime, Julia and her wife paid out of pocket and suffered unnecessary emotional and financial stress, all while simply trying to start a family.

The Lawsuit and the April Settlement

The lawsuit, filed in July 2022, alleged discrimination, breach of contract, and civil rights violations under New Jersey law. Named defendants included the Township of East Brunswick, Mayor Brad Cohen, HR Manager Jennifer Stetson, and the township’s third-party health consultants.

On April 9, 2025, legal documents filed by the Township’s attorneys confirm that the matter was formally settled, leading to the withdrawal of the Township’s motion for summary judgment just days before it was scheduled to be heard in court. The letter, submitted to Judge Rivas, made the settlement official and public.

According to legal precedent and New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA), the settlement agreement is a public document. Any resident of East Brunswick can request to see it.

What This Means for East Brunswick

This case wasn’t just about health insurance. It was about accountability, transparency, and the real-world impact of administrative failure. A veteran officer of the East Brunswick Police Department was failed by the very system she served.

The Township waited years after the law changed in 2017 to amend its fertility policy to include same-sex couples. When it did finally make the change, it allegedly backpedaled in secret. That’s not just poor governance—that’s betrayal.

Where Is the Oversight?

Several law firms were involved in this case—including Hoagland Longo, Wilson Elser, and Calcagni & Kanefsky. With that many legal minds reviewing the facts, the township didn’t just settle out of generosity. They were aware of the risk of going to trial.

So now the public is left with questions:

  • What exactly did the township agree to in this settlement?

  • How much taxpayer money was used to resolve this case?

  • Have proper safeguards been put in place to prevent this from happening again?

Final Thought

This was a case that never should have happened. It was avoidable. It was foreseeable. And it was preventable.

“????? ???? ????? ????? ????? ????? ?????????? ??? ?????? ????????. ??? ???? ? ????????? ???????? ????????? ?????? ??????? ???? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ??????, ??? ??? ??? ???? ??????, ???????, ??? ?????????? ??????????????.”

Words are easy. Policies are harder. And accountability is rare.

Residents of East Brunswick should demand answers—not just from lawyers, but from elected officials. Because when the system fails one of its own so spectacularly, everyone should be paying attention.

Notice of Withdrawal of Summary Judgment Motion Due to Settlement

Verified Complaint and Civil Case Information Statement – Lancos v. Township of East Brunswick (Docket No. MID-L-003493-22)

This blog post is based on publicly filed legal documents and settlement notices. All individuals are presumed innocent of any wrongdoing unless a court determines otherwise. The views expressed here are protected opinions and intended for informational purposes only.

If I Were a Republican Strategist in East Brunswick…

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38% With Zero Effort? That’s Not a Fluke

In the last mayoral election, Republican Eugene DeMarzo didn’t campaign. At all. No signs. No ground game. No Facebook ads. Despite that, he still walked away with 38% of the vote. That’s not just impressive—it’s a roadmap.

The Winning Formula: Divide and Conquer

If I were running strategy with no moral compass, here’s how I’d flip East Brunswick:
Find an “independent” (he / she is out there) who leans just liberal enough to attract disillusioned Democrats but not so far off-center that they alienate the middle. A clean image. A few populist buzzwords. Maybe even a subtle dig at “career politicians.”

The goal? Split the left-leaning vote just enough to let a Republican sneak in with 40%.

Find the Right Republican—and Let Them Speak

Here’s the real move: find a Republican who can speak clearly, confidently, and passionately about the issues. Someone comfortable in front of a camera. Someone with real leadership skills who listens to residents and actually wants the job for the right reasons—not just the title.

These people exist. They’re just in hiding right now—because they believe there’s no path to victory.
But what if there was?

When Leaders Forget Who They Serve

Parties lose their way. Politicians get too comfortable. And that’s exactly what’s happening with our current mayor. The same man who once made people feel heard now feels distant—more focused on optics than outcomes. More loyal to political alliances than to the residents who put him there.

This Can Happen—And It Might Already Be Happening

Don’t assume East Brunswick is safe. A divided vote is all it takes. One more cycle of frustration, one more wave of local issues brushed aside, and the math starts working against the incumbents.

If you’re not paying attention, the switch will happen before you even realize it.

East Brunswick Tournament Recap – Late May 2025

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? ⚾ Baseball – First Round Exit in CJG4

Game: East Brunswick vs. Franklin
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Tournament: NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 – First Round
Final Score: Franklin 2, East Brunswick 1
Record: EB ends season at 11–14

East Brunswick’s baseball team couldn’t quite get the bats going against Franklin’s ace Dylan Shah, who fanned 9 Bears over six innings. Hayden Dziubeck went the full 7 innings for EB, allowing just 2 earned runs on 6 hits, but the offense came up short, managing only 3 hits and a lone RBI from Tyler Zeichner. A tough, low-scoring loss to close out the season.

? Boys Tennis – CJG4 Quarterfinal & Semifinal Run

Quarterfinals: EB vs. Montgomery

Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Final Score: East Brunswick 4, Montgomery 1
Record After Match: 11–6

The Bears bounced Montgomery out of the playoffs behind wins from Andrew Cui (1st singles), Ashwin Deodhar (3rd singles), and both doubles teams. EB’s second doubles duo of Ajay Geria and Timur Savin came up clutch with a 10–6 win in a third-set tiebreak.

Semifinals: EB vs. Marlboro

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Final Score: Marlboro 3, East Brunswick 2
Final Record: 11–7

A tight one. EB’s doubles teams swept again—shoutout to Jayden He and Romit Shah for their straight-set win—but the singles couldn’t hold up against a tough Marlboro lineup. The Bears fall just one win shy of the sectional final.

? Softball – Rolling Through CJG4

First Round: EB vs. Hillsborough

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Final Score: East Brunswick 11, Hillsborough 5
Record After Match: 24–3

Behind a dominant 4-run performance by Makenna Gay and 3 RBIs from Christina Lee, East Brunswick exploded for 15 hits. Anabella Stagliano went the distance in the circle, striking out 5 to advance to the quarters.

Quarterfinals: EB vs. South Brunswick

Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
Final Score: East Brunswick 3, South Brunswick 0
Record After Match: 25–3

Stagliano was lights out, tossing a complete-game 2-hit shutout with 10 Ks. Maria Rampolla, Arianna DeMaio, and Stagliano each had RBIs in a clean, controlled win. EB heads into the semifinals with serious momentum.

? Girls Lacrosse – CJG4 First Round

Game: East Brunswick vs. Bridgewater-Raritan
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Final Score: Bridgewater-Raritan 20, East Brunswick 2
Final Record: 8–12–1

A dominant showing from Bridgewater, led by Giada Catanzaro’s insane 13-assist performance. Yana Popova and Gianna Stavola each found the net for EB, but the game got out of hand fast. A rough end to the season.

? Boys Lacrosse – CJG4 First Round

Game: East Brunswick vs. Hillsborough
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Final Score: Hillsborough 13, East Brunswick 4
Final Record: 9–11

East Brunswick struggled to gain traction offensively, while Hillsborough’s Kevin Jones went off for 3 goals and 4 assists. Despite flashes of grit throughout the season, EB couldn’t pull together a playoff run.

Let me know if you want this formatted for a blog post, social post, or email blast—and I can adjust the tone and layout.

$28,000 to Remove Backstops—And a Whole Lot of Nerve to Borrow for It

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A Scoreboard Upgrade, Backstops Removal… and Nobody to Answer for It?

In a move that’s left many East Brunswick residents scratching their heads, the Township Council recently approved an $11.5 million bond ordinance. The money will be used for a long list of school district “capital improvements,” including:

  • A new roof for Irwin School ($3.5 million)

  • A replacement scoreboard

  • Turf field installation

  • PA systems and camera upgrades

  • Five new school buses

  • And, for reasons unknown to mankind, $28,000 to remove backstops

Let that sink in. In a district that just weathered a multimillion-dollar budget crisis—with program cuts and staff layoffs—we’re borrowing money to tear down a couple of backstops. Not fix it. Not replace it. Just remove it.

And the person behind this list of upgrades? The outgoing superintendent, who—along with the assistant superintendent—refused to show up and explain any of it. Councilman Wendell had asked them to attend a public meeting prior to the vote. They ghosted. Twice.

One Councilmember Deserves Credit

While most of the Council voted yes, Councilwoman Dana Winston abstained—a quiet but clear signal that something doesn’t sit right. In East Brunswick politics, that’s as close as you get to standing up and saying, “Nope, I’m not cosigning this mess.”

And she’s right.

How does a town approve millions in new debt when the very people requesting it won’t even face the public? How do you justify scoreboard upgrades and turf fields while cutting programs and preparing for another shortfall?

Some Things Are Needs. Others Are Just Expensive Impulses.

No one’s arguing that the Irwin School roof doesn’t need to be replaced. That’s real. Built in 1958, it’s been patched for decades. A bad roof ruins classrooms and costs more the longer you wait.

But a new scoreboard? A turf field? A $28,000 backstops removal?

That’s like saying, “Yeah, I can’t afford rent next month… but I really want a 75-inch TV and some patio lights to brighten the mood.”

If you’re broke, you don’t swipe the credit card on nonsense. You cut what’s non-essential and focus on survival. But in East Brunswick, the strategy seems to be: act like the money will magically appear, and hope no one notices until it’s too late.

Spoiler: people are noticing.

Red Flags Everywhere: What the Public Is Saying

Residents sounded the alarm well before this passed.

“While the need for a new roof may be justified, the remaining proposed projects do not appear to be urgent or of critical priority… The reappearance of this ordinance on the agenda, without substantial public discussion, raises concerns about a lack of transparency and the possibility of decisions being made outside the public eye.” – JW

There’s also the issue of how this bond is being handled. Several residents pointed out that if the school board had issued the bond directly, it would’ve required a public vote—and potentially even state reimbursement of 40%.

But they didn’t. They used the township’s bonding authority instead, likely to bypass voters and avoid scrutiny. That’s the kind of maneuver that would make a political strategist blush.

“If there’s money left over—say the roof comes in at $3M instead of $3.5M—that extra $500K can just roll into the Board of Ed’s general fund. They can spend it however they want, within legal bounds, and no one gets a say.” – Jonathan F.

“The fact that it is back on the agenda suggests a lack of transparency meeting must have happened. Who knows what was said at that time.” – JW

“Apparently Valeski, McEvoy, Brad, Guas, and Wendell had a private meeting about this bond. Who knows what promises were made.” – JW

“They didn’t even show respect when asked to show up and justify their request.” – Ronni W.

“Total and complete mismanagement of money yet again. Behind closed door deals. East Brunswick, New Jersey, Washington, D.C.—shit flows downhill.” – David C.

Recap

  • ✅ $28,000 remove backstops—during a budget crisis

  • ✅ New scoreboard and turf field—while academic and arts programs are cut

  • ✅ Superintendent and assistant superintendent ghosted every public meeting

  • ✅ Councilwoman Dana Winston abstained from the vote—and deserves credit for it

  • ✅ Residents are demanding transparency and accountability

Final Thought

If this is what we call “capital improvements,” East Brunswick needs to rethink its definition of urgency.

You don’t finance vanity projects when your district is bleeding cash.  And you sure as hell don’t wrap a necessary roof repair in a blanket of fluff so you can sneak it all through in one vote.

But here we are.

? Your move, East Brunswick.

East Brunswick’s Brightest: TikTok, Smoke, and the Rise of USB Arsonists

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It all started with a Facebook post that lit up East Brunswick faster than a Chromebook with a graphite-filled USB port.

My child came home from Hammarskjold and told me that another student blew up his district computer? The story sounds wacky to me. Anyone else hear something from their kids today?
— DL, Concerned Parent Who Sparked the Conversation

Was it sabotage, stupidity, or a malfunction? Either way, East Brunswick may never look at USB ports the same way again.

The Brightest Minds and the Dumbest Ideas

Turns out, yes, something did happen. A 6th grade boy allegedly inserted pencil graphite into his Chromebook’s port, causing it to smoke up the classroom like a malfunctioning fog machine at a middle school dance.

And before you say, “Kids these days,” remember—these are East Brunswick kids. We have math team champions, gifted and talented students, and at least three kids who can solve a Rubik’s Cube behind their back.

But even the brightest minds can fall for the dumbest TikTok challenges.

TikTok: The Real Arsonist

A flood of comments followed. Turns out, this is part of a TikTok trend known as the Chromebook Challenge. In it, kids stick paper clips or graphite into USB ports to make their school laptops short-circuit—because nothing screams clout like an educational electronics fire.

Several parents confirmed their kids saw it. One said the fire department showed up. Another heard about it happening in multiple classrooms. Others mentioned getting emails from the district… weeks ago.

So naturally, the question is: Why are kids trying to set fire to their computers?

The answer, like all things in 2025: Because someone filmed it doing numbers on TikTok.

The Comment Section Where IQ Goes to Die

As the story unraveled, so did the comment section.

  • One parent insisted it was lead, not graphite.

  • Another fired back with a history of pencil composition.

  • A science teacher ghost somewhere in the ether wept.

And then came the chorus of generational wisdom:

  • “These kids are dumber than we were.”

  • “In my day, we just passed notes and hoped no one saw us playing Snake on our Nokia.”

  • “Bring back paper and pencil!” (A popular refrain from people who will absolutely be the first to lose their minds when their kid forgets to submit an assignment on Google Classroom.)

Smoke, Fire Trucks, and Good Intentions

Yes, a fire truck was reportedly at the scene. And yes, the district had warned parents weeks ago. And yes, there should be consequences for turning a Chromebook into a smoke machine.

But the bigger story here isn’t just about one kid being foolish. It’s about a cultural wave of viral challenges feeding a generation that’s desperate for attention and dangerously under-supervised on their phones.

Let’s Laugh a Little… But Also Maybe Parent

DL, knowingly or not, gave the town a gift. His post sparked a conversation, a dozen mini science lessons, and at least 14 passive-aggressive mom comments.

But underneath it all, this was a wake-up call. For parents. For schools. And for TikTok’s lawyers.

Yes, it’s funny in a “what the hell is happening” kind of way. But also—let’s not forget—this could have caused a serious injury or fire.

In Conclusion: The Chromebook Survived. Did We?

So what have we learned?

  • Kids will be kids, but TikTok is turning “kids being kids” into “kids being arsonists.”

  • Graphite is not lead. Write that down.

  • The Facebook comment section is the true emergency room of East Brunswick parenting.

And to DL: thank you for being one of East Brunswick’s brightest. Not just for reporting the Chromebook incident, but for reminding us that sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is ask a dumb question out loud.

Welcome to parenting in 2025. Bring a fire extinguisher.

TAPinto the Silence: Why Did It Take 11 Days to Post the Valeski Story?

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By Eyes on EB
Published October 25, 2024

If you’re wondering why some East Brunswick residents are raising their eyebrows this week, it’s not just allergy season — it’s because a major news story was announced on May 7… and didn’t make it to TAPinto East Brunswick’s Facebook page until May 18.

That’s an 11-day delay for a retirement story involving the Superintendent of Schools — you know, the person who oversees our kids’ education and eats up a good chunk of the town’s budget.

Naturally, people had questions.

It All Started with a Comment in East Brunswick Group of True Transparency

The thread began when M.S., one of the more vocal contributors on local Facebook forums, asked:

“Anyone want to speculate as to why this was published in TAPinto Milltown/Spotswood and not East Brunswick?”

Great question. It was a TAPinto EB story… just not posted by TAPinto EB. At least, not until people started noticing.

The Delay Heard Around Town

The story eventually appeared on TAPinto East Brunswick’s website, but not on their Facebook page, which is how most residents stay up to date.

So where did it show up?
Milltown/Spotswood. Because that makes sense…?

“Apparently, it’s not considered EB news ??‍♂️” — M.S.

Enter R.W., a rising contributor and a master of subtlety:

“I’m sure there’s a good reason… I love being diplomatic, Rob.”

Translation: This is sketchy, but I’m not trying to get kicked out of the group today.

Speculation Brews Like a PTA Coffee Clash

Then S.D., a group admin, casually floated:

“I have a few wild theories surrounding V.V.’s ‘retirement.’”

While we won’t publish those theories here (yet), the real kicker came from M.S., who offered this blunt assessment:

“The toxic environment is/was of his own making… The effort to suppress Figueroa’s vote put him past the point of no return… We need forward thinkers – Not Cover-up Conspiracies.”

Oof. If Facebook comments could be entered into the public record, this one would be laminated.

Eyes on EB Chimes In

When we joined the thread, we pointed out the obvious:

“This platform has been protecting the establishment for years. They are part of the status quo… If they posted the article and shut off the comments, they’d hear it from many of us.”

And perhaps most importantly:

“Once you make too many friends in this ‘business,’ it becomes hard to be truthful.”

TAPinto’s Statement and… Finally, a Facebook Post

After all the back-and-forth, TAPinto East Brunswick finally posted the article on their page — on May 18.

“As confirmed Friday by the Office of the Middlesex County Superintendent of Schools, Valeski is one of six school superintendents who have announced that he is leaving his current position.”

Glad to see it! But… shouldn’t the leading source for town news be the first to post it, not the last?

When a superintendent announces his retirement, it’s not a footnote — it’s a front-page moment. And for some reason, the article was initially shared on neighboring towns’ pages, which only added to the weirdness.

Final Thought

When a local news outlet delays posting one of the biggest education stories of the year, it’s no wonder people start to ask questions. TAPinto East Brunswick describes itself as an objective source for local news — and as part of a network that claims to fill the gap left by traditional journalism, residents expect timely and transparent coverage.

So it’s fair to ask:
Why did TAPinto Milltown get there first?
Why did it take 11 days for TAPinto East Brunswick to post it on Facebook — especially when that’s where most people follow the news?

We’re not saying there’s an agenda.
We’re just saying… people notice.

And in East Brunswick, they always notice.

— Eyes on EB ?️
“Because if we don’t watch… who will?”

Fuel One and the Five Dollar Heist: East Brunswick’s Great Gas Station Showdown

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One and the Five Dollar Heist East Brunswick’s Great Gas Station Showdown

$5 CHANGE, 4,000 PENNIES, AND A TOWN UNITED

It started with a simple fill-up at Fuel One next to Papa John’s. What followed was nothing short of a community uprising, a tale of betrayal, determination, and revenge best served… in Ziploc bags.

An East Brunswick resident, known here only as S.W., dared to pay for his gas in cold, hard cash. He handed the attendant $60 for $40.59 in gas. Easy math, right? Not at Fuel One, where reality is negotiable and change vanishes faster than a BOE meeting agenda. After a bizarre exchange of bills and disbelief, S.W. was shorted $5. When he demanded the proper change, the attendant stared him down and delivered a line that will live in infamy: “Check your wallet.”

NO RECEIPT, NO JUSTICE, JUST VENGEANCE

Instead of just walking away angry like most of us do after a mild injustice, S.W. announced his revenge plan: return to the scene of the crime with exactly $40 worth of pennies. Four. Thousand. Pennies. “Count it up! It’s all there, you SOB,” he declared with the kind of energy that fuels local legends.

One commenter (C.M.) gave the plan their full endorsement: “I love the penny idea!!! Do it!!!” But others were skeptical. D.D.T. warned, “He won’t take pennies or any change!” And therein lies the plot twist. Would the attendant even accept such a coppery payload? Or would this spiral into a full-on showdown involving law enforcement, Ziploc bags, and a whole lot of jingling?

A PATTERN OF SHADY PUMP PRACTICES?

Turns out S.W. wasn’t alone. S.P. revealed she’d been shorted twice at the same station — by two different workers. N.M. chimed in: “Kept my change and told me he was keeping it for a tip.” Another (J.A.O.C.) refused to leave without her extra dollar — and apparently, the attendant coughed it up like it was his last breath of dignity.

This isn’t just an isolated oopsie. It’s a pattern. Commenters flooded the post with similar stories, comparing scars like veterans of the Gas Station War. From credit card upcharges to unsolicited tip requests, one thing was clear: East Brunswick has had enough.

FROM GAS STATION TO STAGECOACH ROBBERY

“I’m 60 years old,” said I.Y.P., “and I never thought I’d say this, but I’m really starting to dislike people!” Another local hero A.C. took it a step further: “I refused to pay the extra. Told him to syphon it out. Cop sided with me. I drove off with the gas.”

We salute you, ma’am.

One helpful soul (D.W.) dropped the bureaucratic equivalent of a mic with links to the FTC, NJ Consumer Affairs, and the BBB, encouraging the masses to report the station. “They won’t be pulling this stunt long,” he warned, “and they’re getting what happens to be their first Google review right now.”

THE FINAL FILL-UP

So now we wait. Will S.W. return with his bag of pennies? Will the attendant accept them, or call the cops over legal tender? Will someone finally bring a receipt printer to that station? Or will East Brunswick rise up, armed with coins and consumer complaints?

Only time will tell. But until then, remember this:

Tip your waiter. Tip your barber. But if your gas station attendant has sticky fingers? Bring pennies. Lots of ‘em.

—

Eyes on EB: Watching so you don’t get shortchanged — literally.

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