WWeellccoommee ttoo MMeettuucchheenn
A short guide to the Brainy Borough
Compliments of the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce
January 2020
Welcome! Living, working, and raising a family in Metuchen has given me an appreciation for all that our town has to offer. Our central location, active downtown, wonderful schools, historic neighborhoods, and a diverse and engaged community make it an ideal place to grow up or raise a family. But it is more than that; it is also a place that our seniors choose to stay after retirement, and where creative professionals come to be near cultural hubs. We’re not just a railroad town, but one surrounded by technology companies, universities, and medical centers. There is no one thing that has kept Metuchen a vibrant village for all these years, it is the many things we offer that is the source of both our strength and our enthusiasm for the future. I welcome you to our community and know that you will come to be a part of the ‘Brainy Borough’ just as much as its many lifelong residents are. -Jonathan Busch, Mayor
Contents Animal Shelter ...... 6 Houses of Worship ...... 14 Annual Events ...... 20 Library ...... 10 Borough of Metuchen ...... 1 Local Resources ...... Rear Cover Business/Service Directory ...... 24 Middlesex County ...... 7 Chamber of Commerce ...... 18 Municipal Pool ...... 11 Committees & Commissions ..... 6 Parking ...... 5 Community Organizations ...... 19 Parks & Playgrounds ...... 15 DPW (Public Works) ...... 5 Police Department ...... 2 EMS/First Aid Squad ...... 4 Post Offices ...... 9 Fire Department ...... 3 Public Transportation ...... 8 History ...... 16 Senior Citizens Center ...... 9 Hospitals ...... 4 Schools ...... 12 YMCA ...... 11
This guide was compiled with information from the Borough of Metuchen and its Committees & Commissions, the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce, the Borough Improvement League of Metuchen, and the Metuchen-Edison Historical Society. However, any omissions or errors are the responsibility of its editor, Tyreen Reuter. Please contact the Chamber office with any corrections or additions.
Borough of Metuchen
Metuchen is administered under the Borough form of New Jersey municipal government, with a governing body consisting of a Mayor and six-member Borough Council elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The Mayor is elected to a four-year term of office, and the Council members are elected to serve three-year terms. Metuchen is included in the 6th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 18th State Legislative District.
Metuchen is approximately 2.75 square miles in size with 5000 households and a population of just under 15,000. The borough is completely surrounded by Edison Township, a 32-square-mile township of more than 100,000 residents. From the center of Metuchen it is 17 miles to Newark, 25 miles to New York City, 30 miles to Sandy Hook, 40 miles to Trenton, and 70 miles to Philadelphia. The borough is easily accessed by a number of major roadways; the New Jersey Turnpike (I- 95), the Garden State Parkway, Route 287 (and 440), and US Route 1. State Highway 27 and several County Roads.
The Borough’s website at www.metuchennj.org contains a wealth of information about things such registering to vote, licensing pets, signing up for emergency alerts & notices (NIXLE), applying for marriage licenses, obtaining reports, paying property taxes, etc.
Metuchen Borough Hall 500 Main Street (at Middlesex Avenue) 732-632-8540 www.metuchennj.org
Page 1 Police Department
The headquarters of the Metuchen Police Department is within Borough Hall, with the main entrance located on Main Street side of the building.
The department’s mission is to serve all people within their jurisdiction with respect, fairness, and compassion. They are committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace, order, and safety; the safe enforcement of laws and ordinances; and, safeguarding our constitutional guarantees.
To educate borough residents about department procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, and demands of personnel that guide police decision-making, the department offers a “Citizen Police Academy." The 13 week training is open to Borough Residents, business owners, and school faculty within the Borough of Metuchen who are over the age of 18 and who successfully complete a background investigation.
Applications for the Citizen Police Academy, as well as to serve on the Auxiliary Police, are available on the Borough website. Please note that Home Security alarms must be registered with the police, with permit forms also available on the website.
Metuchen Police Department EMERGENCY: 911
Non-Emergency Line: 732-632-8500
Traffic Safety Issues: 732-632-8546 or [email protected]
To sign up for NIXLE emergency alerts, visit http://www.metuchennj.org/metnj/Alerts/Nixle/
See Page 17 for more about our borough's name & Chief "MeTochen"
Page 2 Fire Department
The Metuchen Volunteer Fire Department is the agency responsible for providing fire and rescue services to the residents of Metuchen. The firehouse is located on Middlesex Avenue across from Borough Hall.
Annually, the department responds to between 300 and 400 calls for assistance with structure fires, car fires, alarm activations, carbon monoxide emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, utility emergencies, flooded basements, providing mutual aid assistance to other communities, and more. In addition, members also participate in special fundraising projects, parades, fairs, public education events, and an ever increasing list of community-oriented events.
The department holds an annual open house during Fire Prevention Week, but also looks for opportunities year round to remind residents of important safety tips such as installing and regularly checking smoke alarms and keeping neighborhood hydrants clear of snow and debris. Note that if you keep medical oxygen tanks at home, as a courtesy please notify the department.
As an all-volunteer organization, the department is always looking for new members to enhance its ranks. For information on joining the department, contact the Chief or stop by the firehouse on Wednesday evenings between 7:00pm and 7:30pm during their Weekly Drill.
EMERGENCY: 911
Non-Emergency: 732-767-1147 http://metuchenfd.com [email protected]
“Protecting Lives and Property Since 1882”
Page 3 EMS/First Aid Squad EMERGENCY: 911 1 Safety Place (off Essex Avenue/Route 27) www.metuchenems.org
The Metuchen First Aid Squad’s mission is to provide high quality emergency medical care and ambulance transport for the residents and visitors of Metuchen. Their volunteer members have been proudly offering this free service to the community since 1948. The squad also staffs community events and partners with the Police and Fire departments to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Volunteers are always welcome to join the Metuchen First Aid Squad Cadet Program (ages 16-18), the Metuchen First Aid Squad Certified EMT Program (for NJ State Certified EMTs), or the Metuchen First Aid Squad Auxiliary. In addition to donations, funding for the organization comes from rentals of its social hall, which accommodates up to 90 and includes on-site parking, tables & chairs, and kitchen use.
Hospitals Hackensack Meridian Health, JFK Medical Center is located just north of the Metuchen border at 65 James Street in Edison. Founded in 1967, it is a non-profit, 498-bed community hospital, serving residents of Middlesex, Union, and Somerset counties. They offer a complete array of advanced services, including general and specialized surgery, cardiac care, maternity and pediatric care, and emergency medicine. Their Neuroscience Institute has been rated as the number one hospital in New Jersey for the treatment of stroke and complex neurological disorders, and their Johnson Rehabilitation Institute received a national designation in rehabilitation medicine & traumatic brain recovery. Main Telephone: 732-321-7000 www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org
Several other hospitals are located in New Brunswick, approximately 8 miles southwest of Metuchen.
Page 4 DPW The Department of Public Works is responsible for all areas of the borough including sanitation, recycling, curbside collection of yard waste, streets and roads, sewers, parks and playgrounds, shade trees, and public buildings. Collection schedules are based on the four regions of Metuchen as divided by Main Street and the Northeast Corridor line (NE, NW, SE, SW).
Email: [email protected] Telephone: 732-632-8519.
Parking The Parking Authority (PA) manages several surface lots in the borough as well as the parking meters. The new smart meters accept coins and credit cards, and have a 10-minute free parking option by hitting any button on the meter. Applications for commuter parking permits for available surface lots can be made through the borough website or by contacting the PA office. Metuchen Parking Authority 732-548-5553, [email protected]
The downtown parking deck, operated by Nexus Parking Systems, provides over 700 spaces offering short and long term parking for residents, local businesses, commuters, and visitors. They also offer free parking for any three hour period on weekends (between Friday at 5pm and midnight on Sundays). Nexus Parking Systems 866-220-2299, www.nexusparkingsystems.com
Residents eligible for on-street parking near their homes should contact the Metuchen Police Department at 732-632-8500 to obtain the appropriate stickers.
Page 5 Borough Committees & Commissions The Borough of Metuchen has a wide range of volunteer Boards, Commissions, and Committees that work to improve the quality of life in the Borough. Many of these have a page on the Borough website (www.metuchennj.org), and applications to serve are always welcome.
Accessibility Commission Emergency Management Board of Assessment Commissioners Parking Authority Board of Health Planning Board Dismal Swamp Preservation Pool Commission Commission Recreation Commission* Environmental Commission Senior Citizen Commission Historic Preservation Committee Shade Tree Commission Human Relations Commission Traffic and Transportation Library Board TV & Technology Advisory Metuchen Arts Council Committee Municipal Alliance Committee Zoning Board of Adjustment
*The Recreation Commission organizes family events throughout the year and offers numerous camps during school vacations. Contact them at 732- 632-8502 for more information about those & sports leagues.
Animal Shelter Located within the Edison Municipal Complex, the Edison Animal Shelter serves Metuchen, Piscataway, Dunellen, Scotch Plains, and Edison. If you have lost a pet or are looking for a new pet, please call or visit the shelter. Please note that cats and dogs must be licensed through the municipality of residence, and forms are available on the Metuchen website. 100 Municipal Boulevard (Edison) [email protected], 732-248-7278 Emergencies/After Hours: 732-248-7400
Page 6 Middlesex County
The Borough of Metuchen is one of 25 municipalities that comprise Middlesex County. The other municipalities in the county include:
Carteret Borough North Brunswick Township Cranbury Township Old Bridge Township Dunellen Borough Perth Amboy City East Brunswick Township Piscataway Township Edison Township Plainsboro Township Helmetta Borough Sayreville Borough Highland Park Borough South Amboy City Jamesburg Borough South Brunswick Township Middlesex Borough South Plainfield Borough Milltown Borough South River Borough Monroe Township Spotswood Borough New Brunswick City Woodbridge Township
At more than 800,000 residents, the county is governed by an elected Board of Chosen Freeholders with administration offices at 75 Bayard Street in New Brunswick (732-745-3827, www.middlesexcountynj.gov). 18 county parks offer recreational and cultural opportunities such as playing fields, playgrounds, jogging paths, picnic groves, hiking trails, a skating rink, and an outdoor amphitheater. The Office of Parks and Recreation can be reached at 732-745-3900.
Page 7 Public Transportation
Train service to the borough is served by the NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor Line between New York Penn Station and Trenton Station.
Metuchen Station is located at Main Street, with northbound platforms and the main station building off Woodbridge Avenue, and the southbound platforms along Pennsylvania Avenue. The Northeast Corridor Line provides direct access to Newark International Airport to the north, and to Philadelphia via connections in Trenton. Amtrak trains are accessible at Metro Park, one station stop north of Metuchen on the Northeast Corridor Line.
Metuchen Station also serves as a connection point for many local NJ TRANSIT bus routes (810, 813, and 819) with connections to Fords, Plainfield, Perth Amboy, Raritan, Piscataway, and Edison.
NJ TRANSIT www.njtransit.com 1-973-275-5555
Taxi and Limousine service in and around the borough is available via local companies, one of which is open 24 hours and located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the southbound train platforms.
Metuchen-Edison Taxi http://metuchentaxi.com 732-549-7777
Page 8 Post Offices Metuchen has two post office locations, both of which offer post boxes and money orders. The main office also has passport services. The ZIP code for the entirety of Metuchen is 08840.
Main Office Brainy Boro Post Office 360 Main Street 195 Central Avenue (at Woodbridge Avenue) (near Durham Avenue) 732- 549-5511 732-549-8623
Senior Citizens Center The Metuchen Senior Center is a drop-in facility for citizens aged 60 and over. A full range of services is offered, including recreation, information and referral, health screening, counseling and income tax preparation. A monthly newsletter, including a calendar of activities, is available upon request. General hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9am to 2:30pm.
Minibus transportation is available for Borough residents aged 60 and over. The mini bus is wheelchair accessible, and caregivers may accompany riders (no children). Service is provided from residents’ homes free of charge for medical appointments, shopping, hair appointments, and center activities. It is for Metuchen residents only and is generally available Monday to Friday, 9:30AM to 2:30PM.
Senior Center & Minibus 15 Center Street, 732-632-8525 www.metuchennj.org
Page 9 Library 480 Middlesex Avenue 732-632-8526 [email protected] www.metuchenlibrary.org
The Metuchen Public Library is located on Middlesex Avenue, adjacent to Borough Hall and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Parking is available at the rear of the building and along Library Place. The mission of the Library is “to inform, enrich, and empower the public; support intellectual freedom; encourage lifelong learning; and strengthen community engagement in a welcoming environment.” The Board of Trustees consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor.
The Library provides a wide variety of events and programs, including children’s story time, yoga, senior living seminars, cultural heritage events, foreign film festivals, job/employment workshops, and more. There is a large children’s room, a young adult section, an art gallery, cubicles with free wireless, computer stations with printing services, a Metuchen Makery workroom, a community room, and a large reading room area. Metuchen-Edison Historical Society's Grimstead Room archives are also housed in the library.
Library cards are free to residents and provide access to innumerable materials at the Metuchen location, inter-library loan, and on-line resources such as movies, books, databases, and language tutorials. With exceptions for holidays, inclement weather, and special events, hours are as shown.
The Friends of the Metuchen Library (FOTML) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the programming schedule and the acquisitions of the library through fundraising, volunteer hours, membership dues, and gifts. Visit their website at www.fotml.org and don’t miss their legendary book sales!
Page 10 Municipal Pool The Municipal Pool is located at 50 Lake Avenue, near Edgar Middle School. It opens for the season beginning with weekends in June, then is open every day from the end of the public school year in June until the beginning of the public school year in September. Each year there are many seasonal employment opportunities for young adults at the pool. The pool grounds include a gated kiddie pool area, snack bar, outdoor volleyball court, and changing rooms with showers. Chairs are available for use. Passes can be purchased through the Borough's website, and early bird discounts are available for advance registration. Metuchen residents can purchase individual and family seasonal memberships, and may bring guests for an additional nominal fee. For more information, contact www.metuchennj.org or 732-494-9442.
YMCA The Metuchen Y is a supportive, non- profit organization dedicated to bringing quality programs and services to our community. Since 1921, they have been bringing people together to help realize their potential and accomplish their goals. The Y is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities through programs that develop values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The YMCA serves all people, regardless of age, religion, gender, or financial means and is committed to helping everyone develop a healthy spirit, mind and body. The corporate offices are located at 483 Middlesex Avenue, and the main Metuchen facility – which includes pools, fitness rooms, classrooms, indoor basketball court, and much more – is at 65 High Street. For more information, contact 732-548-2044 or www.ymcaofmewsa.org.
Page 11 Public Schools www.metuchenschools.org
The Metuchen Board of Education is made up of nine elected members who serve three-year terms. Meetings are held twice per month, generally the first & third Tuesdays. The Administrative and District Offices, including that of the Superintendent, are located on the lower level of Moss School, 16 Simpson Place, 732-321-8700. The Metuchen Schools colors are blue and white, and the mascot is a Bulldog.
Moss School (Kindergarten) Formerly the Washington School 16 Simpson Place, 732-321-8700, ext. 1000
Campbell Elementary School (First through Fourth Grades) 24 Durham Avenue, 732-321-8777
Edgar Middle School (Fifth through Eighth Grades) 49 Brunswick Avenue, 732-321-8770
Metuchen High School (Ninth through Twelfth Grades) 400 Grove Avenue, 732-321-8744
Very few of the school events held at Moss, Campbell, and Edgar are open to the public, but there are concerts and plays held throughout the year in the High School Auditorium to which the public are encouraged to attend.
A PT Council and school PTOs generously support these schools and can be contacted through the district's website.
Page 12 Private Schools
Metuchen Christian* Academy is a co-ed school for Kindergarten through Eighth Grade (732-549-7854, www.metuchenchristian.org), with DaySpring Child Care Center (732-549-1020, www.dayspringchildcare.org) offering Pre-K. Both schools are located on the grounds of and are associated with the Metuchen Assembly of God Church at 130 Whitman Avenue. Their nickname is “The Bears.”
St. Francis Cathedral School is a Catholic* co-ed school for Pre-K through Eighth Grade students. The School colors are red & white and their nickname is “The Crusaders.” In 2017, St. Francis received a National Blue Ribbon School Award for Exemplary Performance. The school is located at 528 Main Street and can be reached at 732-548-3107, or at their website: www.stfranciscathedralschool.org.
St. Joseph High School, operated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, is a Catholic* all-boys college preparatory school located on 70 acres in Metuchen and Edison. The school colors are green & white and their nickname is “The Falcons.” Contact: 145 Plainfield Avenue, 732-549- 7600, www.stjoes.org.
Union Catholic is a Catholic* co-ed high school located at 1600 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains (Union County). Their nickname is “The Vikings.” For more about UC, visit their website at www.unioncatholic.org.
Wardlaw + Hartridge is a private, preparatory school, founded in 1882, offering an enriching experience for students grades PreK-12 located at 1295 Inman Avenue in Edison. For more information, contact 908-754-1882 or visit their website at www.whschool.org.
*Students of all faiths are welcome
Nursery schools, pre-Ks, and Kindergartens in the Borough, including:
• Centenary/YMCA • Little Genius Academy • Community Nursery School • Neve Shalom • Friends of the Family Child Care Center • YMCA Child Care
Page 13 Houses of Worship Many of the houses of worship listed here are collection sites for local foodbanks, and some host support groups as well.
ACTS Church New Hope Baptist Church 24 Patrick Avenue (Edison) 45 Hampton Street www.webacts.org www.nhbchurch.com
Centenary United Methodist Church Reformed Church of Metuchen 200 Hillside Avenue 150 Lake Avenue www.centenaryumcnj.org www.rcmetuchen.org
Church of Jesus Christ Second Baptist Church 31 Hampton Street 100 Durham Avenue www.thechurchofjesuschrist.org Shree Ram Mandir Congregation Neve Shalom 10 Carlton Road 250 Grove Avenue www.shreerammandir.org www.neveshalom.net St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral First Baptist Church 32 Elm Avenue 225 Middlesex Avenue www.stfranciscathedral.org http://www.fbcmonline.org/ St. Luke’s Episcopal First Presbyterian Church 17 Oak Avenue 270 Woodbridge Avenue www.stlukesmetuchen.org http://fpcweb.org/ St. Paul's Lutheran Church Masjid Al-Wali 445 Old Post Road (Edison) 10 Olsen Avenue (Edison) stpauls-edison.weebly.com www.masjidalwali.org Temple Emanu-El Metuchen Assembly of God 100 James Street (Edison) 130 Whitman Avenue, www.edisontemple.org www.metuchenag.org
Page 14 Parks & Playgrounds The Metuchen's many parks, playgrounds, and green spaces offer something to everyone. In addition to the public school playgrounds, there are small neighborhood parks for children, nature preserves, playing fields, a special park for our canine companions, and more.
• Center Street Park (between Midland & West Chestnut) • Dismal Swamp (nature preserve, foot of Liberty Street) • Edison-Metuchen Dog Park (Whitman Avenue) • Greenway Park (Middlesex Avenue & Memorial Parkway) and Greenway (3.5 mile linear park, see www.edisongreenways.org) • Hampton Park (Middlesex Avenue & Volkmar Place) • Kentnor Street Park (off Essex Avenue) • Memorial Park (Memorial Parkway & Essex Avenue) • Myrtle/Charles Park (foot of Myrtle Avenue, with parking lot accessed by East Walnut) • Oakland Park & Community Mural (Grove & Oakland Avenues). **Oakland Park was renovated and reopened in 2017 to provide barrier free play to children with all abilities. • Olmezer Park (Main & Christol Streets) • Roosevelt Park (Edison) • Tommy’s Pond (Lake Avenue & Franklin Place) • Woodwild Park (nature preserve, Middlesex Avenue)
Page 15 History European settlers began living in the section of Woodbridge Township that eventually became Metuchen during the late 1600s, setting up homesteads and farm lots within an area long populated by Native Americans and named for its leader; “’MeTochen’ is called from ye name of ye chief of this place and meanth "slowe-dog" for that chief is lame and goeth slowly." (John Ayers, 1720). Like many early New Jersey towns, it experienced some Revolutionary War activity when General George Washington marched up what is now Main Street. Evidence of our early history lays in the fact that there are still more than a dozen homes here that date back to the 18th century.
In the 1830s, the railroad came to Metuchen and development as a village began to pick up speed, hastened by the proximity to New Brunswick, Newark, and New York City. By the end of the 19th century, Metuchen had grown into a thriving residential community populated by commuters, long-time local residents, immigrant workers in the local clay mines, and a growing culture of literary and artistic notables whose influence spread far and wide. Many of our “Victorian” and Colonial & Classical Revival homes date from this period.
In 1900, residents voted to separate from the surrounding Raritan Township and officially incorporate as their own Borough, effectively making it the “hole in the donut.” Soon afterwards it acquired the title of “The Brainy Borough.” For more about the fascinating story behind the nickname, visit the Historic Preservation Committee page on the Borough's website.
Page 16 History, continued
Metuchen’s downtown during the early to mid 20th century was filled with retail establishments, services, and light industrial concerns; appliance dealers, clothing retailers, an ice-cream manufacturer, banks, meat markets, and more. As the nature of commercial retail has changed, Metuchen’s downtown has become home to a diverse array of restaurants and smaller, distinctive shops. But those things that have made Metuchen an ideal community remain; location & mass transit, wonderful homes and schools, vibrant community life, and a ‘walkable’ downtown district.
The following historic resources in Metuchen are listed on, or have been identified as eligible for, the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. While this list may seem small in light of the historic atmosphere of the Borough, the Historic Preservation Committee is committed to exploring steps to strengthen Metuchen’s commitment to historic preservation and further recognizing the historic resources in the Borough. Ayers-Allen House (ID#1844) Metuchen Post Office (ID#4717) Metuchen Railroad Station (eligible) Mary Wilkins Freeman House (ID#5594) Middlesex Avenue-Woodwild Park Historic District (ID#5349) Old Franklin Schoolhouse (ID#5349) Washington Hose Company (eligible)
For more local history, including an additional, annotated list of historic sites and a walking tour of its residential architecture, contact the Metuchen-Edison Historical Society at www.metuchen- edisonhistsoc.org. The Society's archives are housed in the Metuchen Public LIbrary.
Page 17 Metuchen Area Chamber Of Commerce
The Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce works to advance the civic, professional, commercial, and industrial interests of the Borough of Metuchen and vicinity, to maintain a high standard of integrity in business practices, and to accumulate and distribute information of value to its members. The Chamber reflects the neighborly, small town spirit of Metuchen and is a partnership of businesses, professionals, and residential volunteers working together to keep Metuchen a thriving enterprising community. Metuchen’s Chamber was first organized in 1918, nearly 100 years ago, and in 1950 the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce was officially incorporated.
Members of all categories are welcomed by the Chamber: General Membership, Home-Based Business, Non-Profit Organization, and Friends, and each category comes with a range of special benefits. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and managed by a part-time staff consisting of an Executive Director and two Administrative Assistants at the office 10am to 2pm weekdays.
Some of the Chamber's activities include:
• Annual Golf Outing • Referrals & Recommendations • Business Seminars • Restaurant Week • Classic Car Cruise Nights • Ribbon Cuttings • Gift Certificate Program • Spring Street Fair • Metuchen Country Fair • Town Wide Garage Sale • Networking Events • New Resident Welcome • Quarterly Meetings Packets
Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce 323 Main Street, Suite B, Metuchen, NJ 08840 732-548-2964. ~ [email protected] www.metuchenchamberexchange.com
Page 18 Community Organizations
The Metuchen area has a rich tradition of volunteerism, as evidenced by the many community groups in existence. This list is by no means comprehensive, but clearly shows that Metuchen Runs on Volunteers!
American Legion, Metuchen Education Fugle Hummer Post #65 Foundation, Inc. Bike-Walk Metuchen Metuchen Elks Lodge #1914 Borough Improvement Metuchen Grapplers League/Old Franklin Schoolhouse Metuchen Lions Breaking the Chains through Metuchen PT Council/PTO Education Metuchen Seniors, Inc. Daughters of the American Revolution (local chapter) Metuchen-Edison Hadassah Dirty Jersey Roller Derby Metuchen-Edison Historical Society Develop Philippines Mt. Zion Masonic Lodge #135 Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Nails in the Wall-Gallery at St. Friends of the Metuchen Library Luke's Garden Club of Metuchen The Quiet Hour Club Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts Rise Up Chorus Kicks are for Kids, Inc. Rotunda Gallery at Borough Hall Library Gallery Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Metuchen Area Chamber of Park/Edison Memorial Tower Commerce Transformations Gallery Metuchen Bulldogs Pop Warner SCORE Professional Skills Metuchen Downtown Alliance Woodwild Park Association
Page 19 Annual Events The Metuchen area offers a wide range of events throughout the year. Some of those, but not all, are included here. Be on the lookout for notices in The Criterion, on the Chamber's website, and via the online resources listed on the rear cover for specific details. Those event noted below with a pineapple are organized by the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce.
Art in the Garden Tour ...... Art, Music
Bob, Bikes, & Beer...... Music
Brainy Borough Chili Challenge ...... Fundraiser, Food & Dining
Cruise Nights ...... Family Event 1st Wednesday, May - September, Downtown Metuchen
Easter Egg Hunt...... Family Event
Eat, Drink, & Buy Art ...... Art
Fishing Derby ...... Family Event
FUCE 5K ...... Race
Golf Outing ...... Fundraiser Early May, at the Metuchen Golf & Country Club
Halloween Treat 'Parade' ...... Family Event Sunday before Halloween, Metuchen High School
High Tea ...... Fundraiser, Food & Dining
Holiday House Tour ...... Fundraiser
Jingle Bell Run ...... Race
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony ...... Parade Memorial Day, A Metuchen tradition since 1927
Metuchen Country Fair ...... Fair/Festival Early October, Downtown Metuchen
Page 20 Metuchen Farmers Market ...... Food & Dining
Metuchen Open Mic Nights ...... Live Music
Pancake Breakfasts with Santa ...... Fundraiser
Plays-in-the-Park Summer Series ...... Theater
Pumpkin Carving ...... Family Event
Restaurant Week ...... Food & Dining Week-long Restaurant Promotions
Schoolhouse Songwriter Series ...... Live Music
Scarecrows on Main ...... Family Event
Spring Street Fair ...... Fair/Festival Late May, Downtown Metuchen
Town Wide Garage Sale ...... Family Event Each Spring, Free to Friends of the Chamber
Winter Festival Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting ...... Parade Thanksgiving Sunday, Downtown Metuchen
Zombie Hunger Walk ...... Fundraiser
Memorial Day Parade, May 30, 1952. Photograph Courtesy of the Metuchen-Edison Historical Society
Page 21 Local Resources
Borough of Metuchen 500 Main Street, 732-632-8540 www.metuchennj.org
Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce 323 Main Street, Suite B, 732-548-2964 metuchenchamberexchange.com
Borough Improvement League Owners of the Old Franklin Schoolhouse www.boroughimprovementleague.org
The Criterion Sentinel Local Free Weekly News & Services www.CriterionSentinel.com
Metuchen Downtown Alliance 10 Station Place www.downtownmetuchen.org
Metuchen-Edison Historical Society “Saving the Past for the Present” www.metuchen-edisonhistsoc.org
www.MetuchenCalendar.Org On-line collaborative calendar of events
Metuchen Matters Local News Forum, MetuchenMatters.com
Metuchen Mirror Monthly Newspaper focused on the Brainy Borough www.metuchenmirror.com
Metuchen Living People, Events, & Places, metuchenliving.com
Welcome Guide, TAR, January 2019. All Rights Reserved.