Good evening, everyone.

I just want to welcome everybody to the January 12th work session for tonight's meeting.

Let's play all please rise for this pledge of allegiance.

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice.

Councilmember Russia.

Councilmember Coyle.

Councilmember Dima?

Here.

Councilmember Kentos?

Here.

Councilmember Patel?

Here.

Councilmember Petille?

Yeah.

Councilmember Schmuel.

Adequate notice of this meeting is as required by the Open Public Meeting Act of 1975 has been provided by the annual notice sent to the Home News Tribune, Starledger, Desi Talk and News India Times on November 17th, 2025, and post the municipal complex on that same date.

Well, thank you everyone for joining us here tonight.

For those who are watching and have anything to say, you certainly can email me at J Coyle at Edison NJ.gov or email any council member and you can speak to the clerk for their emails.

Again, good evening, everyone.

This year's uh 2026 committee, all across the countries will be participating in America's 250 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.

Tonight, Edison will kick off America's 250 Edison, a celebration of unity in Edison and Pride in the United States.

For months, this growing committee of township employees, historic community leaders such as Walter Stoshel and many others have together planned a series of events that recognize Edison's revolutionary heritage.

Events that in Edison have traditionally done so much as Memorial Day parade and the July 4th celebration will enhance to include America's 250 uh celebrations at new events are being planned for all ages and all parts of the township.

As a lifelong resident of Edison, I know this will be an exciting year.

All of us are excited.

From settlements of this air era in 1666 to the Edison we know today.

These minutes will tell our history in a visual way.

Tonight, we will prepare one of the minutes uh that have been filmed, the presentation by the Edison High School drama class of Life in Edison, 1776, a presentation of America's 250 flag to the township.

So now without further delay, let's a celebration begin.

During the British colonial era, what is now Edison was part of Piscataway and Woodbridge Townships.

This continued after independence in 1776 for nearly 100 years.

Then on March 17th, 1870, the western half of Woodbridge and the eastern side of Piscataway were combined to create a new township.

The people considered naming this new town Metutchin Township or Washington Township, but chose Raredon Township after the river.

Partially because several municipalities in the state also shared the name Raritan.

The name the voters selected was Edison, named of course after Thomas Alba Edison, the genius whose wizardry at Menlo Park brought the world among other numerous inventions, the first sustainable electric light bulb and recorded sound.

The first sustainable electric light bulb and recorded sound.

Situated between New York and Philadelphia, our county has become a constant route for marching armies.

British troops occupy nearby New Brunswick, using it as a supply base along the Raritan River.

From there, they move through our towns, demanding food, shelter, and loyalty to the crown.

The war has divided our community.

Citizens battle over.

Still, we endure.

Women manage farms and homes while men fight, flee, or hide.

Children grow up quickly, learning the true cost of war.

Though fear follows us daily, many of us remain hopeful, believing that liberty, once won, will be worth every sacrifice.

Thank you.

Now I'd like to recognize Joseph Runyon, a young resident from 1776.

My name is Joseph Runyon.

And though I am young, the revolutionary war has shaped my life here in Middlesex County.

Even the children must do their part.

But he escaped, proving his skill and determination.

News of victories in places like Princeton, not too far from here, filled us of hope.

And each battle reminds us that this land, our land, is one worth defending.

And I believe history is being written right here in Middlesex County.

One day, when this struggle is over, I will say that I live not just through the revolution, but within it.

Thank you, Joseph Runyon, and thank you to all the residents of 1776.

Great job.

And uh from understanding you have a flag to present to the council.

Would the council like to join me up front?