By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | September 24, 2026
Prior to formal business, the Montgomery Township Committee issued proclamations at their September 14 meeting recognizing several local youth athletic organizations for notable 2026 season performances and honored dedicated public servants upon their retirements. In addition, Montgomery school officials expressed interest in a parcel of vacant land next to the high school.
Cheryl Chrusz: Assistant Planning Director, was commended for 38 years of guidance across the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Economic Development Commission.
Michael Krupsky: Construction Official, was recognized for 27 years of service in building code enforcement and public safety oversight.
Anne Gong: Police Records Clerk, honored for 24 years of public service to the Montgomery Police Department. She was not present at the meeting.
Tamara "Tammy" Garaffa: Community Information Officer, was recognized for 23 years of service to public. communications and local environmental initiatives. She was not present at the meeting.
Lori Huff: Honored for her multi-year volunteer leadership as chairperson of the Montgomery-Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance.
Advertisement
Montgomery Baseball League: The 8U Cougars Travel Team (USAB Spring Championship), Minors Division Brewers Rec Team (undefeated 12-0 season), and Babe Ruth Division Patriots Rec Team (Town Rec League Championship).
Montgomery Softball League: The Cougars Gold Rec 12/14U Team, celebrating their Inter-Town Tournament of Champions title.
The Montgomery Baseball League's 2026 season was an exceptional one, highlighted by outstanding accomplishments from teams across multiple divisions. The 8U Cougars Travel Baseball Team of Sharvin Barhate, Zachary Benson, Joey Ciano, Cooper DeLisi, Bryce Iannuzzi, Noah Kim, Liam Kitto, Mathieu Lejeune, George Maher, Dhruv Marupudi, Gavin McDonnell, Kamran Mian, Quinn Molfettas, Pierce Rezvani, Jack Riedlinger, Emmett Rothenberg and Brayden Tucker, coached by Brian Maher, Bill DeLisi, Ramin Rezvani and Alex Kim, completed a remarkable season with a 10-1 record, capping their outstanding season with a 13-1 victory over Flemington, capturing the USABL Spring Championship.
The Minors Division Brewers Rec Team of Brayden Borchardt, Hunter Calabrese, Landon Calulo, Chase Caruso, Tej Davey, Scott Hagan, Tanay Lakhotiya, Matthew Mitchell, Akihiro Moriyama, Reyansh Narayan, Leon Reisen, Andrew Stelmakh, and Shiva Ulavapalli, coached by Glenn Calulo, Brad Caruso, Dave Borchardt and Logan Mitchell, enjoyed a perfect 12-0 season with a 15-14 victory to secure the Minors Division Rec Championship.
The Babe Ruth Division, Patriots Rec Team of Thomas Calabrese, Cash Carty, Ryan Englert, Matthew Grundy, Harrison Kessler, Tyler Kwon, Ryan McDonnell, George Pasigos, Grayson Ruppert, Nikhil Shah, Noah Girgenti-Seguin, coached by Ashley Cease and Aman Shah, captured the Inter-town Rec League Championship with a 12-4 victory over North Hunterdon, earning victories throughout the playoffs over Hillsborough and previously undefeated Flemington.
Montgomery Softball League’s Cougars Gold Rec 12/14U Team of Palmer Brandt, Melanielynn Cefarello, Brooke Diaz, Mackenzie Ewans, Irene Forehand, Gia Girgenti-Sequin, Alyse King, Diya Kiran, Ayonna Martinez, Nora McGlynn, Olivia Mistretta, Allison Mitchell, Alana Patel, Emily Rizkalla, Scarlet Schuster, Madison Shanholzer, Pranada Srivatsa, Lauren Trevena, coached by Os Diaz and Eric Seguin, captured the Inter-town Tournament of Champions with a 9-6 victory over Hillsborough and a monumental win over perennial powerhouse South Brunswick during the season.
Superintendent Mary McLoughlin and Montgomery Board of Education Vice President Maria Spina expressed formal interest on behalf of the Montgomery Township School District in potentially acquiring a state-owned parcel of land adjacent to the high school football field off Skillman Road for future school facility enhancements.
The land is currently part of a larger tract of property being considered for acquisition by the township from the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
Advertisement
Speaking on behalf of the district, Superintendent McLoughlin requested that the Township Committee consider making the specific parcel available to the school system as discussions with the state progress.
"The school district believes that this property could provide significant value to our schools and community, particularly given its location immediately adjacent to the existing athletic facilities," McLoughlin said, noting that the expression of interest does not yet constitute a financial or legal commitment.
McLoughlin emphasized that crucial details—including the property's fair market value, physical condition, and associated obligations—must be thoroughly evaluated once an official appraisal is completed, subject to ultimate approval by the Board of Education.
Township Committee members voiced support for the school district's request. Committee Member Ahn noted that securing the property for the district would address key facility and safety needs. He also pointed out that the current football field and track facilities lacks dedicated outdoor restrooms and concession space, forcing game attendees to walk back and forth into the main school building.
"I'm a band parent," Ahn said, "so I see this every football game."
"Securing the school is important," Ahn said, adding that proper facilities like outside bathrooms and concession stands would bring Montgomery in line with neighboring schools while helping keep visitors in one designated area to enhance safety.
Township officials confirmed that discussions with the state are ongoing, with plans to prioritize the school district's request as land acquisition negotiations move forward.
