Heidi Heleniak

Recent Articles

Sydney McLaughlin Receives Additional Honors

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Sydney McLaughlin, Gatorade AOTY

Dunellen athlete Sydney McLaughlin has added two more awards to her list of recognitions. The USA Track & Field Association (USATF) named the Olympian and world junior record holder Youth Athlete of the Year. She will be honored, along with eight-time 2016 WMA gold medalist Irene Obera who was chosen to be Masters Athlete of the Year, on Saturday, December 3, at the Jesse Owens Awards in Orlando, Florida. “This has been the most incredible year of my life,” McLaughlin told USATF. “I couldn’t have achieved what I did this year without the constant support and guidance of my parents, my brother, and my coach and teammates. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Dunellen, Sports, sydney mclaughlin

Breakfast with Santa at 4-H Petting Zoo

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On Saturday, December 3, Middlesex County 4-H is hosting “Breakfast with Santa and His Furry and Feathered Friends” at the Middlesex County 4-H Center, 645 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. Parents and children are invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast, meet Santa, and meet Santa’s furry and feathered friends at our petting zoo. There are two seatings for breakfast and activities: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children (age 9 & under), and includes a pancake breakfast, one picture with Santa per family, the petting zoo, and more. Reservations are required. To register, call the 4-H Office at 732-398-5261. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Middlesex County

Open House for Sheriff’s Explorer Program, Jan 10

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The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office will have an open house for Middlesex county residents age 14 – 20 and their parents to learn about the Sheriff’s Office upcoming Sheriff’s Explorer program. The Explorer leadership program will give young adults an opportunity to “explore” a possible career in law enforcement by working and training with members of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office. The program emphasizes leadership, academics, character development and self-discipline as well as encouragement to give back to the community. The event is on Tuesday, January 10, 7 pm at 701 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick. Those interested should attend with a parent or guardian. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Middlesex County

Friendsgiving Gatherings in Dunellen

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turkey graphic in color

Those coming home to Dunellen for Thanksgiving often meet up with friends the night before for impromptu high school reunions. Here’s a list of what’s happening at four of Dunellen’s watering holes:
Avellino’s: The pizzeria’s house band Sloppy Joe will be playing. Maggie Murray’s Pub House: Comprised of several DHS alums, Twopenny Porters will be performing celtic, blues, and rock. Roxy and Duke’s Roadhouse: The weekly “Lenny’s Night Out Jam” will feature Jim Hart, Lenny D, and special guest Bob DeRosso on house guitar with any talented locals who decide to drop in to play. Zupko’s Tavern: Local fave Munkee Zunkel will be getting the bar rocking around 9:30pm. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Dunellen

Sydney McLaughlin named T&FN High School Athlete of the Year

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Dunellen resident Sydney McLaughlin and her brother Taylor reveal the new sign in front of Columbia Park, acknowledging her 2016 athletic accomplishments.

Dunellen resident, Sydney McLaughlin was recently named 2016 Track & Field News (TFN) High School Girls Athlete of the Year. According to TFN, she was chosen by a national panel of prep experts. Her third-place finish in the 400m hurdles at the Olympic Trials is a World Junior Record. She also broke other records in 2016 and was named Gatorade Athlete of the Year earlier this year. The Union Catholic High School senior ran away with the win, receiving 31 votes more than Vashti Cunningham, who was her roommate at the Rio Olympics. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Dunellen, Sports

Dunellen Police Participating in “No-Shave November” Fundraiser

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Dunellen Police Department - No-Shave November 2016

Officers from the Dunellen Police Department (DPD) and other local police departments are participating in No-Shave November, a month-long event that funds cancer research and education, help prevent the disease, and aid those fighting the battle. Participants are encouraged to grow their facial hair out during the entire month. Monies raised will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Prevent Cancer Foundation, and American Cancer Society. So far, the No-Shave November campaign raised over $3.5 million dollars. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Police

Former Dunellen Residents Run for Office

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Two former Dunellen residents are running for political office. Ed Albertson, now a resident of Heath, OH is running as the Democratic nominee against Republican incumbent Pat Tiberi for Ohio’s 12th Congressional District seat. According to Albertson, he lived in Dunellen from “about 1980 until 1985.” He was elected to the Board of Education in 1984 and resigned 15 months into his three-year term when he moved to Whitehouse Station. He has fond recollection of one particular accomplishment. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Dunellen

Two Vying to Win Open BOE Position via Write-In Votes

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Dunellen High School

Two Dunellen residents are looking to become members of the Dunellen School District’s Board of Education. Voters can write in the names of either Douglas Meyer or Gerard Trotta for the one-year term position which does not have any candidates on the official ballot. Douglas Meyer
“My name is Douglas Meyer. I am asking voters to write in my name for the uncontested one-year seat for Dunellen BOE. I have lived in Dunellen 24 years. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Dunellen, boe, election

Dunellen Police Report | October 2016

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On 10/30/2016 at 10:01 pm – A Plainfield resident was arrested for contempt of court following a motor vehicle stop on North Avenue. An investigation revealed that the man had a no-bail warrant out of Union County. He was transported to Dunellen Police Headquarters for processing and later turned over to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. On 10/30/2016 at 2:40 am – A Bound Brook resident was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit breath samples, and contempt of court following a suspicious vehicle check. Patrol units found the man sleeping in a vehicle which was parked the wrong direction on North Avenue. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Police, police report