YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy (MEWSA) Honors Mayor Brian C. Wahler

Metuchen, NJ – May 2022

Piscataway Township Mayor Brian C. Wahler was honored with the Peter J. Barnes, Jr. Community Champion Award at the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy’s (MEWSA) Annual Dinner on May 25, 2022 at the Pines Manor in Edison.  This award is given to an individual who has a legacy of community service, is responsive to and interested in the work of the YMCA, serves as an example for others of leadership, integrity and the core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  Mayor Wahler has served continuously as Mayor of Piscataway Township since elected in 2000.

Under his vision, a unique partnership between the Township of Piscataway and the YMCA of MEWSA was established. In October of 2020, the YMCA at the Piscataway Community Center (YPCC) was completed. Since its opening, the YPCC, an 83,000 square-foot facility that houses an indoor aquatic center with three pools, a full-sized basketball court with overhead running track, a fitness center, dance and art studios, youth activity and community rooms and a café, has provided key services including providing health and wellness services to more than 4,000 families. Beyond traditional services like swimming, sports and fitness, the YPCC has served Piscataway during some really difficult times for the members of our community such as an emergency shelter for residents during Hurricane Ida, becoming a COVID-19 vaccination site, and helping families through food and blood drives.

Also honored during the evening were Bruce Peragallo, Educator and retired Principal of Metuchen High School, who was presented with the Charles S. Edgar Memorial Award and Withum, who was presented with the Community Partner Award. The Mayor was also joined by fellow outstanding youth employees of the YMCA who were awarded the Malinowski Awards for their service to the community. Honorees include Alyssa Waldron from the Edison branch, Andrea Febres from the South Amboy branch, Brandon Wizda from the Piscataway branch and Jennifer Cruz from the Child Care branch.

The Annual Dinner celebrated the highlights of the year as well as commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the nonprofit’s service to the Greater Middlesex County community.  Proceeds from the Annual Dinner go to the Annual Support Campaign, which provides life changing programs and services to families in the community.  If you wish to make a donation, please contact Elizabeth Bennett at elizabeth.bennett@ymcaofmewsa.org or go to www.ymcaofmewsa.org/giving/give.

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About the Y

The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is a charitable, nonprofit organization devoted to supporting individuals and families—regardless of age, income or background—in their quest to realize their full potential through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day we serve over 20,000 YMCA members and 1,000 children in childcare in five communities throughout Middlesex County.  The YMCA of MEWSA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcaofmewsa.org.