The Lawrence Ledger

01/16/2025

Join Central Jersey Newspapers for our Health & Wellness Fair at Quaker Bridge Mall on Saturday, January 25 from 11-3 to learn about local health and wellness opportunities available in 2025. Pre-register for this FREE event at CJhealth25.eventbrite.com.

Are you interested in sponsor or vendor opportunities at this event? Email us at [email protected] for more information today! There are limited spaces remaining.

01/14/2025

Join Central Jersey Newspapers for our Invest in Yourself event at MarketFair THIS SATURDAY, January 18 from 11-3 for an afternoon of learning how to improve your physical, mental, financial, and personal wellness in 2025. Pre-register for this FREE event at Invest25.eventbrite.com.

Are you interested in last minute sponsor or vendor opportunities at this event? Email us at [email protected] for more information today!

01/11/2025

Photo by Lea Kahn/Staff Historic reenactors fire off several volleys before setting off on the two-mile march during annual reenactment.

A hardy band of marchers commemorated the 63rd annual Col. Edward Hand Historic March on a cold and windy Saturday morning, exactly 247 years and two days after the American soldiers delayed British and Hessian troops on their way to the Second Battle of Trenton on Jan. 2, 1777.

The annual march, which was held Jan. 4, started at the Lawrence Township Municipal Building and ended at the banks of the Shabakunk Creek on the Notre Dame High School campus.

The event is a reenactment of the American soldiers' delaying tactics as they held off the British and Hessian troops from reaching Trenton to retake it from Gen. George Washington's army, which had occupied Trenton.

Photo by Lea Kahn/StaffHistoric reenactors fire off several volleys before setting off on the two-mile march during annual reenactment.A hardy band of march

01/11/2025

Photo Courtesy of Gary LehmanAn osprey returns to its nest.

Courtesy of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife

The bald eagle and osprey have been removed from the state's list of endangered species.

This has been a culmination of more than 40 years of work to restore these iconic birds to New Jersey's landscape, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said.

The Murphy Administration adopted regulatory changes on Jan. 6. The delisting of eagles and ospreys is contained within a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as a rule through publication in the New Jersey Register. The adopted rule makes more than 100 additions, deletions and conservation status updates. The status of the bald eagle has changed from endangered to special concern, and the osprey from threatened to stable.
&Wildlife

Photo Courtesy of Gary LehmanAn osprey returns to its nest.Courtesy of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & WildlifeThe bal

01/10/2025

It's the last call for Captain Paul's Firehouse Dogs.

Paul Tweedly, who is the "captain" in Captain Paul's Hot Dogs, has put the business up for sale because of health issues.

A sign in the window stated that the business at 2230 Princeton Pike would be closed Dec. 14 to March for the customary winter break, but in a Facebook post Dec. 28, Tweedly announced that he was pulling back from Captain Paul's Firehouse Dogs on the advice of his physician.

"I had surgery on Dec. 23 and the doctor said I would have more surgeries upcoming if I didn't slow down," Tweedly wrote.

"Janice and I can't thank you enough for your support over the past 15 years. All the friendships we have made makes this a very difficult decision."

Captain Paul's Firehouse Dogs was a landmark and mainstay in Lawrence Township. The hot dog and ice cream business offered support for many nonprofit groups by donating a percentage of the day's proceeds for the groups' one-day fundraisers.

It's the last call for Captain Paul's Firehouse Dogs.Paul Tweedly, who is the "captain" in Captain Paul's Hot Dogs, has put the business up for sale because

01/09/2025

HIRING COMPANIES WANTED: Join The Sun Newspapers at our next Job Fair Friday, February 28, 2025 at Quaker Bridge Mall from 10-2. For more information on how to get involved, email us at [email protected] before February 21st.

If you are interested in attending this event as a job seeker, pre-register at CJjob25.eventbrite.com

01/08/2025

Two newly re-elected school board members and one newcomer were sworn into office and board officers were chosen at the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education's reorganization meeting Jan. 2.

Jo Ann Groeger, Olga Martinez and Kevin Van Hise were sworn into office for a three-year term. Groeger and Van Hise have served since 2011. Martinez was elected to the school board in November 2024.

School board member Michele Bowes was appointed to serve as school board president. Amanda Santos was appointed to serve as the school board vice president. The term is for one year.

Bowes said she was thrilled to be elected to a second term as the school board president.

"I want to express my deep gratitude for the journey that we are taking together," Bowes told her colleagues.

Two newly re-elected school board members and one newcomer were sworn into office and board officers were chosen at the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board o

01/08/2025

VENDORS & SPONSORS WANTED: Join Central Jersey Newspapers at our Health & Wellness Fair at Quaker Bridge Mall from 11-3 on Saturday, January 25. We are looking for businesses seeking to improve all facets of wellness within our local community in the new year.

Email [email protected] for more information. Final deadline is January 15. There are limited spaces available!

If you are interested in attending this FREE event as a guest, pre-register at CJhealth25.eventbrite.com

01/06/2025

VENDORS & SPONSORS WANTED: Join Central Jersey Newspapers at the Invest in Yourself: A Health & Wellness Event at MarketFair from 11-3 on Saturday, January 18. We are looking for businesses seeking to improve all facets of wellness within our local community in the new year. Email [email protected] for more information. Final deadline is January 8. There are limited spaces available!

If you are interested in attending this FREE event as a guest, pre-register at Invest25.eventbrite.com

01/04/2025

A leak from a repackaging facility in Branchburg has been identified as the cause of drinking water odor and taste issues experienced by New Jersey American Water (NJAW) customers.

Updating the public on Dec. 27, NJAW said the water utility is working closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which has been conducting an investigation, to manage the impacts from the repacking facility leak into a tributary of the Raritan River.

"According to the NJDEP, the material of the spill consisted of compounds, most notably alpha-pinene, which are commonly used as fragrance and food additives," they said in a statement, adding that NJAW continues to collect sampling results, modify their treatment process as well as conduct targeted hydrant flushing in areas as NJDEP directs remediation efforts at the repacking facility leak site in Branchburg.

"As of Dec.

A leak from a repackaging facility in Branchburg has been identified as the cause of drinking water odor and taste issues experienced by New Jersey American Wat

01/02/2025

Join Central Jersey Newspapers for our Invest in Yourself event at MarketFair on Saturday, January 18 from 11-3 for an afternoon of learning how to improve your physical, mental, financial, and personal wellness in 2025. Pre-register for this FREE event at Invest25.eventbrite.com.

Are you interested in sponsor or vendor opportunities at this event? Email us at [email protected] for more information today!

12/30/2024

The annual Hogmanay bonfire, which welcomes in the New Year, is set for New Year's Eve from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Township-owned Brearley House at the end of Meadow Road, off Princeton Pike.

The bonfire traces its origins to a Scottish tradition. This year, two bonfires will be lighted at 5 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Lawrence Historical Society. Donations are welcome.

A bagpiper will be on hand to entertain attendees, and food vendors also will be present. The historic Brearley House will be open. There will be children's activities, including a scavenger hunt, in the house.

Attendees will be asked to park in the rear parking lot at the Lenox Corporate Center near 2000 Lenox Drive, off Princeton Pike. They may either take a shuttle bus to the Brearley House or walk to the house along the lighted Lawrence Hopewell Trail.

The annual Hogmanay bonfire, which welcomes in the New Year, is set for New Year's Eve from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Township-owned Brearley House at th

12/28/2024

As we come to the end of 2024, here’s a look back at the top stories in Lawrence Township.

Photo Courtesy of Lawrence TownshipA third study of the township's firefighting program will examine whether the three volunteer fire companies should be consolidated and if so where should they be housed.

New fire station

Lawrence Township officials have been discussing the township's firefighting program since 2017. Two studies have been completed - one that was released in 2020 and another that was released in 2023.

The studies offered assorted recommendations, including a recommendation to build a new fire station.

The 2020 study prepared by The Rodgers Group LLC did not suggest a specific site, but the 2023 study prepared by Cotter Strategies LLC recommended a location on township-owned land on the corner of Route 206 and West Long Drive.

Now, a third study is expected to be commissioned in January.

As we come to the end of 2024, here’s a look back at the top stories in Lawrence Township.Photo Courtesy of Lawrence TownshipA third study of the township

12/24/2024

New Jersey American Water (NJAW) has informed customers that the odor and taste changes from its Raritan system are not a public health risk, according to the water utility in a statement on Dec. 22.

"There are currently no drinking water advisories in place for customers as the water meets state and federal standards," NJAW said in its statement. "Since Wednesday, Dec. 18, we've tested over 200 compounds across 49 sample sites, from the source to tap.

"We are in consistent contact with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and diligently assisting their investigation to get to the root of the problem and keep our customers informed."

The company, which supplies 126 million gallons of water a day, says it will continue to assist the ongoing investigation by NJDEP to address the issue, maintain targeted hydrant flushing in areas, and monitor and sample the water quality throughout its system.

New Jersey American Water (NJAW) has informed customers that the odor and taste changes from its Raritan system are not a public health risk, according to the w

12/24/2024

By Christine Barcia

While many joyfully await the change of seasons from summer to fall, others dread this time of year. As the days get shorter and daylight hours are reduced, many enter a state of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight, according to Frank A. Ghinassi PhD, ABPP, senior vice president of Behavioral Health Services at RWJBarnabas Health and president and Chief Executive of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

"While anyone can experience SAD, it is most common in people who live in regions like New Jersey with long winters and shorter daylight hours," Ghinassi explained. "SAD is thought to be linked to the lack of sunlight, which can disrupt the body's internal circadian rhythm and lead to decreased levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood."

About 5% of the U.S.

By Christine Barcia While many joyfully await the change of seasons from summer to fall, others dread this time of year. As the days get shorter and daylight

12/22/2024

Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties

As holiday celebrations continue into December, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood or platelets this month. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to help ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in the coming weeks.

For a limited time, those who come to give through Dec. 15, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Those who come to give Dec. 16 to Jan. 3, 2025 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on both offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.

Don't wait until there's a crisis to give – donors of all blood types, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care all season long.

Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset countiesAs holiday celebrations continue into December, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the&nbs