At this point, you’re probably very familiar with the term ‘Arctic blast’. The region is getting its third round of sub-zero windchill temperatures in as many weeks. It’s the time of year when many of us don’t want to spend much time outside. You can combat the cabin fever by curling up with a stranger. That’s because the Rahway Public Library is holding a “Blind Date with a Book” event. Submitted book reviews earn the chance to win a $25 gift card.

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast. If you need a last-minute gift, you can rarely go wrong with chocolates. If you want something more unique, then you’re also in luck. Bell Fresh in Holmdel is hosting a Valentine’s Day Market twice this week. The first is on Wednesday and the second on Valentine’s Day. Others may prefer to sing “Love Stinks” Adam Sandler-style at UCPAC’s Karaoke Night, also on Wednesday. 

For Black History Month, consider visiting a special exhibit at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University. Nearby, the New Brunswick Library has an interactive, immersive exhibit titled “An African American Patriot’s Experience.”

Any time of the year is a good time to support Black-owned businesses. And next weekend, Woodbridge Center Mall has an event called “Still We Rise: Celebration of 100 Years of Black History in Motion.” 

Looking ahead to President’s Day, Roosevelt Park in Edison will have three sessions of ice skating. If you’re sick of the cold or just need to warm up, you can head back to Woodbridge Center for indoor roller skating. Both are being offered at an affordable price.

As always, you can check out our full events calendar for everything happening around Central Jersey, and if you have a community event you’d like listed, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Central Jerseyan’s article about the Edison student protest was our most popular story this week. The Rahway City Council’s discussion about possibly privatizing the public water utility also generated strong reactions from residents.

The Woodbridge Council meeting shared some positivity with its annual Black History Month Flag Raising and ceremony, which this year honored Police Officer Thomas Hendricks as Officer of the Year. 

There were also important public safety stories this past week. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office sent out a scam warning to Verizon and Xfinity customers, and investigators in Cranford are searching for suspects accused of burglarizing an occupied home earlier this week.

The Flanzbaum family could use your support to help Lily's medical bills as she fights an extremely rare condition called mosaic KRAS G12D-driven Schwannomatosis. A spaghetti fundraiser is being held Sunday afternoon, February 15, at the Edison VFW Memorial Post 311 on National Road. Tickets are $20 for pasta, salad, breadsticks, and drinks. Children under five eat free. There will also be tricky trays and a 50/50 raffle. Takeout meals will be available.

Back to chocolates! Sweet treats for your loved ones can be found at Highland Park’s Birnn Chocolates. More people should know about this hidden gem that has offered a delicious selection of chocolates since it moved to Highland Park in 1932. The shop is independently owned, Fair Trade, GMO-free, and has the kindest staff you will ever meet. While you’re there, pick up some chocolate-covered Oreos for yourself. You can also have some goods delivered through their website.

Another hidden gem is Piece of Cake in Rahway, which serves some of the state's finest gelato. Their signature Sampler Ice Cream Pie offers plenty of options to inspire you to show some love to someone in your life. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday and also offer online deliveries.

Want to advertise with us or shout out a local business? Contact us here ➝ 

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This week's trivia: Two truths and AI: Can you figure out which heroic dog is fake?

Answer to last week’s trivia: The Central Jersey town that owns the state record for the most snowfall in one day is Long Branch, which received 29.7 inches of snow over 24 hours during the Blizzard of 1947.

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week.

☁️ Monday, February 9: Cloudy skies throughout the day and night — temperatures range from 9°F to 31°F.

☁️ Tuesday, February 10: Overcast conditions persisting all day — temperatures range from 13°F to 32°F.

🌨️ Wednesday, February 11: Possible light snow in the early morning, but it's warming up! Temperatures range from 27°F to 43°F.

☁️ Thursday, February 12: Mostly cloudy and chilly — temperatures range from 25°F to 40°F.

⛅ Friday, February 13: Sunshine in the morning with increasing afternoon clouds — temperatures range from 21°F to 38°F.

☀️ Saturday, February 14: Mostly sunny skies for a bright Valentine's Day — temperatures range from 24°F to 40°F.

☀️ Sunday, February 15: Clear and sunny throughout the day — temperatures range from 29°F to 38°F.

⛅ Monday, February 16: Intervals of sunshine with broken clouds — temperatures range from 26°F to 42°F.

As always, you can see even more events on The Central Jerseyan website. See the full events calendar ➝ 

Have an event you’d like included in this newsletter or a tip for a local news story? You can reply to this newsletter or contact me here ➝ 

Have a great week!