Last weekend’s blizzard forced a handful of cancellations across Central Jersey, but the calendar is already bouncing back.

If you were disappointed by the cancellation of the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade, there’s good news: the event, which typically draws more than 100,000 people, has been rescheduled for March 28. Want a Celtic fix sooner? New Brunswick’s State Theatre still has tickets available for Celtic Woman: A New Era on Friday night. At the same time, Grammy Award–winning singer Lalah Hathaway takes the stage at UCPAC in Rahway.

Saturday offers something for everyone. The Chocolate Expo returns to Edison, while Woodbridge libraries host free programs, including a computer skills workshop at the Inman branch and a living-history presentation with a costumed interpreter at the Main branch.

On Sunday, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations continue in Asbury Park and Woodbridge. You can also return to Edison for day two of the Chocolate Expo or head to East Brunswick Library for a free Holi celebration.

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.

“It was beautiful and heartwarming.”

That’s how one student described the immigration rally organized by Toms River High School North students who planned the protest on their own terms, with speeches, music, and a clear message about how federal immigration enforcement is affecting young people. The protest adds to a growing wave of student activism across New Jersey, and this time, students say they wanted to set the tone themselves.

In Rahway, Mayor Raymond Giacobbe used his State of the City address to defend his record as he faces a new challenger in November. The speech outlined his vision for the city’s future while also signaling that this year’s mayoral race could be more competitive than usual.

Meanwhile, in Edison, council members tabled a proposed pay raise and rejected an ordinance that would have extended public comment to six minutes. The votes came after pointed remarks from residents, underscoring the continued tension between officials and the public.

And in Rahway, the Library Board approved a new policy outlining how books can be formally challenged, establishing clearer procedures as debates over library content continue statewide.

Looking for a small way to support Rahway’s library?

The Friends of the Rahway Public Library have launched a “Shamrock Fundraiser” drawing set for March 21. Tickets are just $5, and the winner will receive $75 worth of lottery tickets. It’s a simple, St. Patrick’s Day–themed way to give back while taking a chance.

The group is also working on something bigger: a custom Monopoly-style board game featuring Rahway businesses. Volunteers are currently visiting local shops to secure sponsorship spots, and once the board is complete, it will be produced and sold as a community fundraiser.

It’s a creative reminder that strong libraries aren’t just funded, they’re built by neighbors.

Hugo’s (Rahway)
Rahway has no shortage of great Peruvian food, but Hugo’s stands out. I stopped by on Friday and left impressed by the generous portions, bold flavors, and prices that won’t wreck your budget. Yelp reviewers rave about the lomo saltado, calling it the “best ever.” You can find them at 1505 Main Street, just a block from the train station.

Global Grace Marketplace & Café (Highland Park)
This nonprofit café makes every purchase count. Preorder dinner for your family — this week’s homemade specials include pistachio eggplant and Venezuelan lasagna — and know that proceeds support programs serving refugees, asylum seekers, re-entering citizens, and survivors of trafficking.

Stop in at 208 Raritan Ave. (open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM) for a quick bite or to browse fair-trade goods made without child labor and under ethical working conditions.

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

This week on Patreon, I shared a post titled “This Is What Local Democracy Looks Like.”

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to cover school boards, council meetings, protests, and policy debates — and why showing up matters. Local democracy isn’t abstract. It’s residents at the microphone. It’s students organizing. It’s votes that shape your taxes, schools, and neighborhoods.

If you believe this kind of reporting deserves to exist — and to stay independent — consider becoming a supporter. Your subscription helps make sure someone is always in the room.

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This week’s trivia: Designated in 1977, what is the official state animal of New Jersey?

Hint: It’s tied to the state’s farming tradition — and you’ve been seeing it mentioned a lot because of the Lunar New Year.

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
On February 22, 1796, the New Jersey Assembly passed “An Act to regulate the Election of Members,” explicitly confirming that women — along with men — could vote if they met property requirements by adding the words “he or she.” A New Jersey resident needed to own 50 New Jersey pounds of currency to qualify.

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week:

🌤️ Monday, March 2: Mostly sunny and cold — temperatures range from 16°F to 32°F.

🌨️ Tuesday, March 3: Snow and freezing rain likely in the morning, turning to steady rain in the afternoon and evening — temperatures range from 21°F to 41°F. Little to no ice accumulation expected.

🌧️ Wednesday, March 4: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain during the day and evening — temperatures range from 39°F to 50°F.

🌧️ Thursday, March 5: Cloudy with a chance of rain during the day, rain more likely overnight — temperatures range from 43°F to 62°F.

🌧️ Friday, March 6: Cloudy with scattered rain showers possible — temperatures range from 42°F to 54°F.

☁️ Saturday, March 7: Mostly cloudy — temperatures range from 42°F to 62°F.

🌤️ Sunday, March 8: Sunny during the day and cloudy at night— temperatures range from 52°F to 66°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!