It was another busy week across Central Jersey. Rahway leaders abruptly halted their plan to explore selling the city’s water utility after weeks of public backlash, while a free-speech lawsuit connected to Rahway politics picked up new attention after the ACLU of New Jersey sought to join the case. In Woodbridge, the Township Council marked Women’s History Month and highlighted the contributions of women leaders across the community.

Looking ahead, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are beginning to pop up across the region. This week, you can learn about Irish traditions during a St. Patrick’s Day–themed program at the Edison Public Library, try your hand at creative photography during a Polaroid workshop at Rutgers’ Zimmerli Art Museum, or catch the comedy show Late Nite Catechism: Sister’s Irish Catechism at the Avenel Performing Arts Center.

Next weekend brings even more to explore. Nature lovers can join a Monmouth County Park System naturalist to learn about the salamanders that emerge each spring along the Jersey Shore. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for major St. Patrick’s Day parades in Union County, South Amboy, and Woodbridge — events that draw thousands of visitors and signal that the region’s busiest festival season is right around the corner.

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.

Rahway abruptly halted its plan to explore selling the city’s water utility just one month after unanimously voting to solicit bids. The move came after weeks of public backlash and intense debate over whether privatizing the system could drive up rates or reduce local control. City leaders say they want more time for discussion, but the sudden reversal raises new questions about how the proposal moved forward in the first place.

In Woodbridge, the Township Council opened its meeting by recognizing Women’s History Month, highlighting the contributions of women in the community. Council Vice President Lizbeth DeJesus spoke about the importance of honoring women who lead, serve, and organize across the township, noting that the month is an opportunity to reflect on both past achievements and the work that remains ahead. The council later moved into its regular agenda, approving several routine measures and discussing upcoming township initiatives.

Meanwhile, a closely watched Rahway legal fight took another turn this week. The ACLU of New Jersey is seeking to join a free speech case tied to the Rahway Community Voice Facebook group, arguing it raises broader First Amendment questions that could have implications beyond the city. The move adds more weight to a case already drawing attention from residents, activists, and local officials.

Farmers market season is starting to return to Central Jersey — and Highland Park is already leading the way.

The Highland Park Farmers Market opened for the season on March 6, bringing fresh produce and locally made goods back to the community. The market also accepts SNAP benefits and community food pantry vouchers, helping ensure that healthy food remains accessible to residents of all income levels.

Beyond food, the market doubles as a community hub. Organizations like Global Grace Marketplace’s Be The Change Health Van, the Highland Park Public Library, and Sustainable Highland Park regularly offer resources, information, and programs alongside local vendors and small businesses. The result is more than a farmers market — it’s a weekly gathering designed to strengthen community health, support local entrepreneurs, and make sure neighbors look out for one another.

Thinking about making your home a little greener? Princeton’s 3rd Annual Sustainable Home Expo is a great place to start.

The free event brings together sustainable contractors, architects, solar installers, and landscapers to help homeowners explore options such as heat pumps, rain gardens, energy-efficiency upgrades, and more. It’s designed as a one-stop opportunity to ask questions, compare services, and learn how to make environmentally friendly improvements at home. Some vendors will even offer special pricing for attendees.

The expo runs Saturday, March 14, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Princeton Middle School (217 Walnut Lane). Registration is encouraged but not required, and walk-ins are welcome. You can find more details here.

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Recent reporting by The Central Jerseyan has shown how quickly information can change the conversation in our communities. After we reported on a proposed council pay raise in Edison, residents attended the next meeting, outraged. The council soon delayed the ordinance. In Rahway, coverage of the city’s plan to privatize its water utility gave residents the chance to scrutinize the proposal, and weeks later, the mayor announced the bid process would be canceled.

This is what independent local journalism is supposed to do: bring important decisions into the open so the public can respond. If you believe Rahway, Edison, Woodbridge, and the surrounding towns deserve reporting that asks questions and holds leaders accountable, please consider becoming a Citizen Supporter. Your financial contribution keeps this news organization at meetings, digging into documents, and recording the decisions that shape our communities.

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This week’s trivia: What Central Jersey landmark, completed in 1932, was once the longest vehicular tunnel in the world?

Hint: It connects Jersey City and Manhattan and was named after a railroad president.

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The horse became New Jersey’s official state animal in 1977 after a campaign led by students Michael McCarthy of Harrington Park and James Sweetman of Freehold. Horses played a major role in New Jersey’s agricultural economy and transportation network, and their importance is reflected in the state seal, which features a horse’s head symbolizing strength, speed, and independence. Governor Brendan Byrne signed the law at the Sussex County Fair, noting that thousands of horse farms and a thriving racing industry make the horse a defining part of New Jersey’s heritage.

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week:

🌤️ Monday, March 9: Mostly sunny and chilly — temperatures range from 21°F to 32°F.

🌧️ Tuesday, March 10: Snow and freezing rain possible early, turning to rain later in the day — temperatures range from 32°F to 41°F.

🌧️ Wednesday, March 11: Mostly cloudy with periods of rain likely — temperatures range from 35°F to 50°F.

☁️ Thursday, March 12: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain — temperatures range from 33°F to 44°F.

🌧️ Friday, March 13: Rain likely during the day with cloudy skies — temperatures range from 34°F to 43°F.

🌧️ Saturday, March 14: Mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers possible — temperatures range from 29°F to 44°F.

🌧️ Sunday, March 15: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain or snow showers — temperatures range from 29°F to 40°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!