Super thankful to officials in E.B., So. River
O n Sept. 3 I felt very fortunate to be standing at the new South River home of Memorial Elementary School, welcoming students and staff. This would not have been possible without the help of so many people.

I would like to, on behalf of the children and staff of Memorial School and the East Brunswick Board of Education, express my appreciation to East Brunswick's Office of Emergency Management and Department of Public Safety, including both the East Brunswick police and fire departments.

From the time that the first responders arrived at the scene at Memorial School that July evening to the opening of school on Sept. 3, we have had the support of township personnel from these agencies. We are indebted to Emergency Management Coordinator Austin Kosik, Police Director Barry Roberson, detectives Paul Nataliccio and Kevin Zebro, Fire Chief Jim Varick and Fire Inspector Tom Rivicci. All of East Brunswick can feel comfort in knowing that the township's emergency personnel are among the best of the best. We are all fortunate to be in such capable hands.

Also, a special thank you to our neighbors in South River for embracing the Memorial School community. To Rev. John Brundage, pastor of Corpus Christi, Frank De Monico, chairman of the Pastoral Council, and the entire Corpus Christi parish, we are grateful that you have made it possible for us to keep the Memorial School community in tact. I would also like to express my most sincere appreciation to the following South River officials: Mayor Raymond Eppinger, Chief Wesley Bomba, Deputy Chief John Bouthillette and lieutenants Mark Tinitigan and Greg Boldizar of the police department, Deputy Fire Official John Ruzicki of the Fire Prevention Bureau, Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Benn and Ronald Grygo, superintendent of schools, for working with us to ensure a smooth transition.

The Memorial School community can look forward to a safe and successful school year knowing that the officials at the helm of both the municipalities and the school districts are working together in the best interest of the Memorial School students and staff.

Dr. Jo Ann Magistro

Superintendent East Brunswick Public

Schools