How are you riding out Central Jersey’s snowstorm this weekend?

After days of buildup, the winter storm officials have been preparing for is now moving through the region. While forecasted snow totals have eased slightly, steady snowfall is expected to continue throughout Sunday, with slick roads and lingering impacts into the week ahead.

State and local officials have urged residents to stay off the roads when possible and to check in on neighbors who may need extra help. The Central Jerseyan has the latest storm updates, safety guidance, and information on the state of emergency.

Once the snow clears, the rest of the week offers plenty of ways to ease back into things. Heat up at Flamenco Night in Rahway on Thursday, then look ahead to a full weekend that includes the final Saturday of Rahway’s Soup Stroll, concerts and comedy across the region, and an interactive wedding murder mystery at Woodbridge’s Avenel Performing Arts Center.

On Sunday, families can stay close to hope by attending the Black History Month flag raising in Rahway, head to New Brunswick for The Little Mermaid sing-along at the State Theatre for just $10, or venture a bit farther to Holmdel for the Bell Works Valentine’s Day Market.

Please note that Monday events may be rescheduled due to storm conditions, so it’s a good idea to double-check before heading out.

Sick of winter and being stuck inside? Drive down to Princeton’s Terhune farms on Sunday, and from 1 PM to 4 PM, you can drink hot cider and make as much noise as you want to scare away evil spirits in the annual Wassailing the Apple Trees event.

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

Local decision-making and public safety were front and center in Central Jersey this week.

In Woodbridge, the Township Council approved expanded funding for affordable housing initiatives during its latest meeting, signaling a continued focus on long-term housing access as redevelopment moves forward. The meeting also included a range of routine business items that will shape municipal priorities in the months ahead.

The region also grappled with tragedy and accountability questions after an Iselin man was killed in an industrial accident at the Bayway refinery in Linden. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation, raising renewed attention to workplace safety and oversight at one of the state’s largest industrial sites.

Meanwhile, in Monmouth County, the Shrewsbury Board of Education announced it is seeking community input as it plans for the district’s future, inviting residents to help shape upcoming decisions.

In the wake of the deadly High Street fire in Rahway, the community has responded with an extraordinary show of compassion and support.

Neighbors, local organizations, and residents across the region have rallied around the affected family, contributing donations, resources, and messages of solidarity during an unimaginably difficult time.

As of this weekend, more than $36,000 has been raised to support those impacted, a reflection of how quickly Central Jersey communities come together when it matters most. The response highlights the power of collective care and mutual aid, even in moments of profound loss.

Rahway’s annual Paws and All event brought residents together for rabies shots and pet licensing, plus paw prints, a picture station, treats, giveaways, raffles, and educational materials. COVID tests and sanitizer were also available on site.

“Most people see us as an enforcer, but this event shows we’re here to help,” said Health Director Andrea Alvarez.

The event on Saturday offered a reminder that public health work is about support and access, including for pet family members.

To support a local business, try the yellow lentil soup at Maaoz in Rahway. The recipe will be featured during the final Saturday of the Soup Stroll. You can visit from 11 AM to 10 PM any day of the week for some delicious Egyptian or vegetarian food platters, all 100% halal. 

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This week's trivia:  Can you name Edison’s sister cities? 

Hint: There are two.

Answer to last week’s trivia:  Martin Luther King visited Newark, Orange, Jersey City, and Paterson on March 27, 1968, as part of his Poor People’s Campaign.

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week.

🌨️ Monday, January 26: Light snow during the day, clearing at night — temperatures range from 12°F to 30°F.

☁️ Tuesday, January 27: Mostly cloudy during the day and clear at night — temperatures range from 5°F to 18°F.

☁️ Wednesday, January 28: Mostly cloudy with night snow showers — temperatures range from 5°F to 22°F.

☁️  Thursday, January 29: Still frigid, maybe snow — temperatures range from 6°F to 21°F.

⛅ Friday, January 30: Partly sunny and partly cloudy — temperatures range from 6°F to 20°F.

☀️ Saturday, January 31: Some sunshine with periodic clouds — temperatures range from 10°F to 26°F.

☀️ Sunday, February 1: Mostly sunny and partly cloudy — temperatures range from 14°F to 28°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!