Today is Flag Day, kicking off six weeks of celebrations leading up to America’s 250th birthday on July 4th. This week, there’s no shortage of ways to mark the moment right here in Central Jersey, from a Juneteenth flag raising at a Revolutionary War-era tavern to a lecture on how tea sparked a revolution. Here are 5 patriotic and historic picks for the week ahead:

🎵 The Duprees | Mon, June 15 | 7:30–9:30 PM | Joseph R. Lewis Concert Field, Woodbridge High School | Free
One of America’s great classic harmony groups takes the stage for Woodbridge Township’s summer concert series. The Duprees, known for their doo-wop and pop standards, are a perfect way to kick off the 250th anniversary season under the stars. No tickets needed. Just bring a lawn chair.

🚗 Woodbridge Downtown Cruise Night | Wed, June 17 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Woodbridge Township Main Street | Free
Classic American iron rolls into downtown Woodbridge for the first cruise night of the 2026 season. Americana on four wheels, a beloved tradition that perfectly fits the spirit of the country’s 250th birthday summer. Come see the cars, walk the strip, and soak in the summer evening.

🍵 “Tea Traditions in 18th Century England & America” | Thu, June 18 | 1:00–3:00 PM | Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge | Reservations Required (Call 732-634-0413
How did a tax on tea ignite a revolution? Historian Judith Krall-Russo brings this story to life, tracing the colonial rituals around tea and how the British Tea Act of 1773 galvanized American women to lead the rebellion. A timely talk for America’s 250th anniversary year.

🏛️ Juneteenth Celebration & Flag Raising | Sat, June 20 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, 1632 St. Georges Ave., Rahway | Fre
One of the most fitting events of the 250th anniversary summer is a Juneteenth flag-raising at Rahway’s historic Merchants and Drovers Tavern, a building that dates to the Revolutionary era. Hosted by the City of Rahway, the celebration includes live music, drumline, vendors, and community programming. The Tavern itself is a reminder that the story of American freedom is still being written.

As always, you can check out our full events page for more on what’s happening around Central Jersey, and if you have a community event you’d like listed, don’t hesitate to reach out.

There was a lot of news this week. In Edison, the township’s plan to acquire a mine-resistant vehicle from the military raised lots of questions. Rahway advanced plans for a new downtown park, and Woodbridge took a step closer to converting an empty apartment building into supportive housing.

The Edison Township Council voted 3-2 to authorize the police department to acquire a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle through the federal 1033 Program, which transfers surplus military equipment to civilian departments at no purchase cost. Before the vote, Councilmember Ajay Patil pressed the administration for basic facts about the vehicle’s condition and maintenance costs. He got no answers, moved to table the resolution, lost that vote, and ultimately abstained. By the end of the night, a colleague had called the council dysfunctional. Read the full story →

Rahway’s City Council approved a construction contract for East Cherry Street Park, moving a long-discussed project from concept toward reality. The city hired USA Architects to complete the design and serve as construction administrator, with work expected to begin this fall. Mayor Giacobbe has said the project is being funded largely through a federal grant. The site, once considered for apartments, has already been activated as a temporary outdoor space this summer. Read the full story →

Woodbridge is converting a failed luxury apartment building along Route 440 into 28 units of supportive housing for residents with disabilities and high medical needs. The project, called Sunrise Village, is a partnership between the township and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, which will operate the facility. The township has committed nearly $5 million; other funding is coming from the state, Middlesex County, and partner organizations. A closing is expected in July. Read the full story →

Head to Habit Burger & Grill in Avenel this Tuesday and let your dinner do some good. From 4–9 PM, Habit Burger is donating a portion of sales to the JFK High School Marching Mustangs, one of Woodbridge’s most beloved student programs. Enjoy the food, soak up some early summer sun, and support local kids doing something great. Just mention the fundraiser when you order.

🍔 Habit Burger & Grill | Tue, June 16 | 4:00–9:00 PM | 996 St. Georges Ave., Avenel

This week’s newsletter took real work.

Tracking the Edison council vote meant sifting through a lengthy public meeting. The Rahway park story required digging into public records and following up on months of city council meetings. The Sunrise Village story meant multiple interviews and fact-checking a complicated funding structure involving four government partners.

None of that happens by accident. It happens because someone is out there doing it, and that someone needs your support to keep going.

Rahway readers have shown up for this, and I am deeply grateful. If you’re in Edison or Woodbridge and you’ve been meaning to chip in, this is a good week to do it. These are your stories too.

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This week's trivia: Thomas Edison ran his famous Menlo Park laboratory in what is now Edison Township, Middlesex County. In what year did he first successfully demonstrate the incandescent light bulb there, and on what street was the lab located?

Last week’s trivia:  Sandy Hook Lighthouse, in Monmouth County. Built in 1764 — just twelve years before the Declaration of Independence — it has guided ships through the treacherous waters at the entrance to New York Harbor for more than 260 years without interruption. It is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and remains an active aid to navigation.

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week:

☀️ Monday, June 15: Tstorms early, but clearing out to broken clouds and a more comfortable day — temperatures range from 61°F to 78°F.

☁️ Tuesday, June 16: A mostly dry, overcast day with thick broken clouds straight through the evening — temperatures range from 61°F to 78°F.

⛈️ Wednesday, June 17: High humidity returns with overcast skies and widespread afternoon thunderstorms — temperatures range from 65°F to 78°F.

🌧️ Thursday, June 18: Noticeably warm and muggy with heavy rain showers and overcast skies throughout the day — temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F.

🌦️ Friday, June 19: Completely overcast conditions with persistent, light passing showers moving through the area — temperatures range from 71°F to 80°F.

⛅ Saturday, June 20: Mostly cloudy to start, but clearing out with late afternoon sun and dropping humidity — temperatures range from 66°F to 85°F.

☀️ Sunday, June 21: A beautiful, bright, and completely sunny close to the weekend with great conditions — temperatures range from 64°F to 77°F.

Have a great week!