This past week was an adjustment for many of us after springing ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time. Spring is indeed close, even if it doesn’t quite feel that way yet. It’s been chilly since last week’s snowfall, but the few warm days we had beforehand were a reminder that there’s light at the end of this icy tunnel.

As the days slowly grow longer, the local calendar is starting to fill up with events across Central Jersey this week.

Kick off National Handwriting Week by practicing your calligraphy at Edison’s Main Library on Monday at 7 p.m., or try the Journal Writing Workshop at the Highland Park Public Library on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, stop by the North Edison Temporary Branch for a “Mighty Microgreens” taste test and learn how to grow your own indoor garden. Want to go to Mars? At 7 p.m. Thursday, Sharife Gacel—an analog astronaut who has completed two missions—will discuss space exploration at the East Brunswick Public Library. Or travel back in time with the Ghost of Hannah Caldwell at the Woodbridge Main Library and learn about the echoes of the Revolutionary War in Union County.

Friday offers a theatrical experience at the Gallery Space with the 60-minute In Her Footsteps exhibit opening reception at 3 p.m. or 6 p.m., celebrating Women’s History Month. Later that evening, families can enjoy a “Popcorn and Pajamas” screening of The Lego Batman Movie at 7 p.m.

Saturday features Makers Day activities for families at libraries in Metuchen and East Brunswick, a Wicked musical sing-along at the Avenel Performing Arts Center, and the New Brunswick Kennel Club’s purebred dog exhibition in Edison. Adults may prefer Carteret’s Uncork Spring Wine Tasting, a Woodstock-themed event at Bell Works in Holmdel, or an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute concert in New Brunswick.

On Sunday, the Edison Main Library celebrates Makers Week with an RPG Dice Bracelet workshop at 2 p.m., while the State Theatre New Jersey hosts Dog Man: The Musical for kids at 3 p.m.

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.

Leaders in Edison kept things relatively light at their most recent town council meeting, focusing on community recognition rather than major legislation. Council members celebrated the remarkable season of the Edison Jets Cheer team, which recently captured a national championship and brought national attention to the township. The council still has not held an expected final vote on a proposed pay raise ordinance, leaving the issue unresolved for now.

Meanwhile, in nearby Metuchen, the mayor and borough council took steps to align local law with New Jersey’s updated affordable housing requirements. Officials advanced an ordinance that would overhaul the borough’s affordable housing regulations, repealing older code sections and replacing them with a new chapter designed to comply with the state’s Fair Housing Act and the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls. The council also approved a resolution adopting a fourth-round affordable housing trust fund spending plan, part of the state-mandated process for municipalities to address their housing obligations.

Separately, Metuchen leaders considered redevelopment-related ordinances affecting properties on Pearl Street and updates to the borough’s arts district redevelopment plan, signaling continued focus on managing growth while meeting housing requirements. 

Kashinda T. Marche founded Kreative on Purpose to bring hope and support to people in her community, especially those living with chronic health conditions. Living with chronic illness and disability herself, Marche has turned her experience into a mission to uplift others—focusing on mental health, healing from trauma, and creating spaces where people in the Black community can reconnect with hope and purpose. She is also the author of The Triumph in Me, a novella that explores the physical and emotional realities of chronic illness through the story of a young single parent.

This Saturday, Marche will share her story during a conversation and book signing at Coffee Box Cafe in Rahway, moderated by her daughter. The event will offer an opportunity for community members to hear about her journey and the message behind her work: that even in difficult circumstances, hope and resilience can still take root.

📖 Rahway: Your Story Your Power at Coffee Box Cafe
Enjoy a Q&A and book signing with author Kashinda T. Marche, founder of Kreative on Purpose, a developing organization focused on empowering, educating, and inspiring women.
Saturday, March 21
🕒 Time: 6 p.m.
📍 Location: Coffee Box Cafe, 1465 Irving Street, Rahway

Looking for the ultimate low-stress family night? Head to Hamilton Stage on Friday, March 20, for a special "Popcorn & Pajamas" screening of The LEGO Batman Movie. For just $10 per person, your family can enjoy a night out that includes a free bag of popcorn and a pre-show craft table starting at 6:00 PM. It’s the perfect excuse to let the kids wear their favorite PJs for a hilarious, action-packed adventure that is significantly more affordable than a standard night at the megaplex.

By grabbing your tickets, you’re doing more than just planning a Friday night; you’re directly supporting the Union County Performing Arts Center. As a nonprofit historic theater, UCPAC relies on community attendance to preserve its beautiful venues and keep quality arts programming accessible to the region. It’s a rare win-win: a "treat yourself" budget-friendly outing that keeps the heart of our local arts scene beating.

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Local decisions are often made in the dark, but The Central Jerseyan is proving that clear, independent reporting can fundamentally change a community’s trajectory. From Edison, where public scrutiny delayed proposed council salary raises, to Rahway, where the city canceled a water privatization bid after residents were given the facts, our coverage ensures your voice is heard before decisions are "locked in." We don’t just record history; we provide the transparency required for neighbors to take action and hold local leaders accountable.

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This week’s trivia: Love watching those viral videos of Punch the monkey? Can you tell which of these trending social media videos are AI?

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The Holland Tunnel, which opened in 1932, was once the longest vehicular tunnel in the world. Connecting Jersey City and Lower Manhattan beneath the Hudson River, the tunnel was a groundbreaking engineering achievement of its time. Named after engineer Clifford Milburn Holland, it introduced an innovative ventilation system that made long underwater automobile tunnels safe by continuously circulating fresh air. Its completion helped transform travel and commerce between New Jersey and New York, quickly making it one of the busiest crossings in the region.

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week:

☀️ Monday, March 16: Bright and sunny, but keep your coat on — temperatures range from 25°F to 41°F.

🌧️ Tuesday, March 17: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Rain showers likely in the afternoon — temperatures range from 34°F to 45°F.

🌬️ Wednesday, March 18: Very windy with skies clearing later in the day — temperatures range from 30°F to 43°F.

🌤️ Thursday, March 19: Partly sunny — temperatures range from 35°F to 48°F.

🌤️ Friday, March 20: The first day of spring arrives with a mix of sun and clouds — temperatures range from 35°F to 48°F.

🌧️ Saturday, March 21: Periods of steady rain expected — temperatures range from 40°F to 47°F.

🌤️ Sunday, March 22: Peeks of sunshine between clouds — temperatures range from 33°F to 46°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!