Central Jersey was buzzing this past week with St. Patrick’s Day festivities and spring celebrations. Highlights included Rahway’s Spring Fling for seniors and a special visit from the Easter Bunny for Woodbridge’s annual Egg Roll in Fords.

Looking ahead, the Asbury Park Film Festival kicks off this week. Don't miss Emmy winner Joseph Cola at Brookdale Community College on Tuesday ($10), or catch free AI workshops at the Edison and Metuchen libraries. For those with a green thumb, the Middlesex County EARTH Center hosts gardening workshops this Tuesday and Thursday.

The weekend offers a mix of entertainment and culture. Friday features Seussical the Musical at Bell Works and a dance competition in New Brunswick. Saturday brings the rescheduled Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade and local egg hunts, while Sunday wraps up with Women’s History celebrations at the Zimmerli Museum.

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.

Since this past week was a rare, quiet one for local headlines, we’re shifting our focus entirely to the busy slate of public meetings and decisions scheduled for the days ahead. Here is your township-by-township guide to staying involved in the coming week:

It is a heavy week for the Edison Municipal Council, starting with a Worksession on Monday at 6:00 PM, followed by a Regular Meeting on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. According to the official agenda, key items include a $375,000 grant reimbursement for the North Edison Branch Library, a $478,000 contract for a new "America 250" playground, and a resolution to vacate a portion of Thomas Place.

Rahway residents have two distinct opportunities for engagement this week. On Monday at 7:00 PM, the Social Justice Commission meets at the Recreation Center to discuss community advocacy initiatives. On Tuesday, the focus shifts to education as the Board of Education holds a Tentative Budget Meeting at 7:00 PM at Rahway High School—a must-attend for those interested in the upcoming school year's fiscal priorities.

In Woodbridge, the Township Council will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday at 6:00 PM. While the township's agenda remains lighter than its neighbors this week, these sessions provide the primary forum for residents to speak on local ordinances and township business directly to their elected representatives.

Edison Township is celebrating the quick thinking of crossing guard Lisa Lancia, who is being hailed as a hero for her actions on March 10. According to the police department, while on duty near 835 New Dover Road, Lancia noticed smoke billowing from the rear of a residence. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, banging on the doors to alert the occupants of the growing fire.

Thanks to her immediate intervention, everyone inside was able to escape safely before the flames spread, and no injuries were reported. The Edison Township Police Department recently presented Lancia with a formal commendation, noting that the community is incredibly "grateful and thankful to have her on our team." It’s a powerful reminder of how our local staff members often go above and beyond to keep our neighborhoods safe.

East Brunswick: 4-H Brunch With The Bunnies Join the Middlesex County 4-H Junior Council for their annual Brunch with the Bunnies fundraiser on Sunday, March 29. This family-friendly event features a hearty brunch of pancakes, sausage, and muffins, alongside spring activities like a petting zoo with 4-H bunnies, an egg hunt (bring your own basket!), and photos with the Easter Bunny.

The event held at the Middlesex County 4-H Youth Center offers two seatings at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Tickets are $12 for guests ages 2 and up, with all proceeds supporting local 4-H community service projects. Please note that while the 9:30 AM session is currently listed as sold out on the 4-H site, you can check for 11:00 AM availability or contact the 4-H office directly at 732-398-5261 for more information.

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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: The 15th Amendment, granting African-American men the right to vote, was formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution on March 30, 1870. One day after it was adopted, Thomas Peterson Mundy of New Jersey became the first African American to vote under the authority of this new law.  What was the name of the Central Jersey city he voted in?

Hint: It is known as “City by the Bay".

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week:

🌦️ Sunday, March 22: Expect light rain during the day and showers at night — temperatures range from 42°F to 67°F.

☀️ Monday, March 23: Bright and sunny with clear skies at night — temperatures range from 31°F to 48°F.

☀️ Tuesday, March 24: Another sunny day, followed by a cloudy evening — temperatures range from 30°F to 46°F.

☁️ Wednesday, March 25: A gray, cloudy day and night — temperatures range from 34°F to 54°F.

☁️ Thursday, March 26: Cloudy skies with light rain moving in after dark — temperatures range from 48°F to 63°F.

🌦️ Friday, March 27: Light rain during the day giving way to a clear night — temperatures range from 34°F to 49°F.

☀️ Saturday, March 28: Crisp and sunny, though clouds may drift in at night — temperatures range from 31°F to 46°F.

🌦️ Sunday, March 29: Light rain is likely throughout the day and night — temperatures range from 31°F to 48°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!