Honoring Those Who Serve
Veterans and First Responders
This week, communities across Central Jersey honored the veterans whose service continues long after their time in uniform. That commitment was unmistakable at local Veterans Day ceremonies that pushed ahead despite the weather.
First responders were also in the spotlight. In Edison, more than a dozen animal shelter staff, police officers, firefighters, and county workers received a standing ovation for rescuing dozens of animals from a single home. And in Woodbridge, officers credited with pulling four people from a burning building in Avenel were formally recognized for their heroism.
First up
Honoring Our Vets
From left: Robert Southward, John Sugzda, Gene Kolb, and Ronald Stevinson of American Legion Post 5 attend the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Rahway. (The Central Jerseyan)
An arctic blast couldn’t stop current and retired service members from turning out for Rahway’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday. Temperatures hovered just above freezing before factoring in the wind chill. “It’s only as cold as you make it,” said Robert Southward of American Legion Post 5.
In Woodbridge, the rain held off just long enough on Sunday for the town’s parade down Main Street, but the vets were ready to march either way. “Once you sign up to serve, you never stop,” said VFW Post 4410 Commander Al Jankowski, a Vietnam veteran. “People should never forget: freedom isn’t free. Someone has to pay the bill.”
Next
Edison Celebrates First Responders
Edison leaders gather with every department involved in the rescue of more than 100 animals from a home on Stony Road. (Edison Municipal Animal Shelter via Facebook)
In Edison, the crews behind last week’s massive animal rescue were honored at Wednesday’s town council meeting. Mmbers of the municipal animal shelter, police and fire departments, emergency management, and the County Animal Response Team removed more than 60 chickens, 14 dogs, 34 rabbits, three parakeets, and nine pigeons from a single home on Stony Road. The animals were discovered by a police officer responding to a medical call at the residence.
Also
Woodbridge Honors Hero Officers
From left: Sgt. Jorge Quesada, Det. Owen Sharkey and Officers Robert “RJ” McPartland, Ryan Trudel, and Michael Cronacchia were honored for saving four residents from an October 4 apartment fire in Avenel.
Five Woodbridge police officers credited with saving multiple people from a burning apartment building were honored at Monday’s council meeting. The mayor presented Life-Saving Citations to Sgt. Jorge Quesada, Det. Owen Sharkey and Officers Robert “RJ” McPartland, Ryan Trudel, and Michael Cronacchia for their actions during last month’s fire on St. George Avenue in Avenel. The officers crawled through heavy smoke and flames to reach four trapped residents on the second floor, carrying them out before the structure became fully engulfed.
What’s going on
Where to Be This Weekend & Beyond
📸 Woodbridge American Legion Holiday Photo Fundraiser
Saturday, November 15
Woodbridge American Legion Post 87, 315 Berry Street
The Woodbridge American Legion Auxiliary is holding its 5th annual holiday photo fundraiser, featuring multiple festive backdrops, the giant hot cocoa cup set, Santa Claus, and even a visit from “Mt. Grump’s” resident grump. Families, kids, couples, and pets can book professional photo sessions at a range of price options, all delivered digitally and paired with a cookie-and-cocoa bar. Plus a small gift from Santa. Reservations are recommended—this event sells out every year.
Book a session
More info: [email protected]
🎄 Edison High School Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 15 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Edison High School, 50 Boulevard of the Eagles
Edison High is hosting its annual Holiday Bazaar, featuring handmade wreaths, festive décor, and unique gifts from local makers. It’s an easy stop for teacher gifts, coworker surprises, and early holiday shopping.
🏀 Woodbridge Elks Hoop Shoot Contest
Sunday, November 16
Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street
Kids ages 8–13 can test their free-throw skills at this year’s Woodbridge Elks Hoop Shoot, a free community competition where participants shoot 25 foul shots to see who comes out on top. Boys and girls compete separately, with age-based basketball sizes and adjusted shooting distance for younger players. Registration is staggered by age: 8–9 at 12:15 p.m., 10–11 at 12:30 p.m., and 12–13 at 12:45 p.m.
More info: Email Hank Hart at [email protected]
🚂 Rahway Railroad Story & Exhibit
Sunday, November 17 — 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
This special program explores Rahway’s deep railroad history through rare photos, maps, and stories from local historians. Visitors can learn how the city’s rail lines shaped its growth and see archival materials not usually on display.
🎨 Artist Meetup & Collaboration Night
Tuesday, November 18 — 6:30 p.m.
West Windsor Arts Center, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
Local artists are invited to a collaborative meetup featuring networking time, creative discussion, and an opportunity to share works-in-progress. It’s a relaxed space for painters, designers, photographers, and creators of all levels to connect. $10 registration fee for non-members.
One Last Thing
Power Local Journalism
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That’s it for this week.
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 simply reply to this newsletter or contact me here ➝
Have a great weekend!