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Local Lenni-Lenape Sites Mentioned in 1915 Survey Article

The Treaty of Penn with the Indians by Benjamin West.

Years ago, the Dunellen area was not covered by roadways and mini-malls. Instead, the Lenni-Lenape hunted its forests and cultivated its land. However, by the 18th century, most of those surviving disease and intertribal conflict had been pushed out of their homelands and moved west, first to Ohio and then to Oklahoma. (Information on the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe whose headquarters is in Bridgeton, Cumberland County can be found on its website). An article in the 1915 Geological Survey of New Jersey, “Indian Remains near Plainfield, Union County, and along the Lower Delaware Valley by Leslie Spier,” mentions Lenni-Lenape sites that had been identified a century ago. Continue Reading →

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Dunellen High School Class of 2015 graduates

Herg Zhang, salutatorian addresses the graduating class of Dunellen High School.

Dunellen High School’s Class of 2015 graduated Friday June 19, 2015 in Washington Park. The clouds held back the rain that had been threatening the outdoor ceremony which is a unique tradition that allows extended family, friends, and townsfolk to attend, no admittance tickets required. This year’s class was comprised of 89 seniors. Wearing the school colors of red and blue, they entered the park two-by-two, having walked a block from Dunellen High School. Grace Amodeo, who will be attending Westminster Choir College in the fall sang the Star Spangled Banner and Kevin Bluni, secretary of the senior class led the Pledge of Allegiance. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County to host “Clara Barton” on July 4

On Saturday, July 4, 2015, Pat Jordan of the American Historical Theatre will portray “Clara Barton” in a special presentation with performances at 1 and 3p.m. This free event, hosted by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage, will take place inside East Jersey Old Town’s Indian Queen Tavern, located at 1050 River Road in Piscataway. Clara Barton was a celebrated Civil War nurse. She began her career as a teacher and started a school in Hightstown, New Jersey. Barton answered Abraham Lincoln’s request for nurses to join the Union forces. She earned the name “Angel of the Battlefield” for her heroic efforts, including going to the front lines. Continue Reading →

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Rt 529 Corridor Transit & Bicycle–Pedestrian Study

rt 529 corridor study

The first Open House public meeting regarding the Route 529 Corridor Transit and Bicycle–Pedestrian Studywill be held June 15 from 6:00pm –8:30pm at the Westergard Library in Piscataway, 20 Murray Avenue, Piscataway, NJ 08854. The study will evaluate possible improvements to bicycling and pedestrian facilities and enhancements to transit services within the Route 529 Corridor, which includes all of Dunellen. Active participation will provide critical input and feedback to the project team’s development of recommendations. To confirm your attendance and if you have any questions, please contact Danielle A. Britton of the Middlesex County Planning by phone at(732) 745-3835, or via email at danielle.britton@co.middlesex.nj.us. To review downloadable documents from the first Steering Committee meeting held on November 13, 2014 go to: http://goo.gl/wkbx9w Continue Reading →

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County to Offer Backyard Farmer Workshop

The Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is holding a new program for those interested in implementing farming techniques on their residential property. Raising Chickens in Your Backyard will take place on Wednesday, June 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the EARTH Center in Davidsons Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick NJ. This free workshop will be hosted by Dr. Joseph Heckman, who has been raising chickens on pasture since 2005. Dr. Heckman will discuss many details on raising backyard poultry starting with baby chicks, coops, feeder systems, sourcing feed, protection from predators, and the collection and care of eggs. On display will be a small flock of chickens in a movable coop. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County History Day, May 31

History lovers of all ages are invited to East Jersey Olde Towne Village for a site-wide celebration filled with demonstrations, performances, and other family-friendly activities. The first Middlesex County History Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. Olde Towne Village is located inside Johnson Park at 1050 River Road in Piscataway. Demonstrations will include blacksmithing, wool carding, yarn spinning, weaving, chair caning, antique clocks, furniture making and 19th century decorative painting techniques. The Local History Tent will feature exhibits and displays that will be brought to life by the members of 20 historical societies and groups including the Dunellen Historical Society. Continue Reading →

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Diner Exhibit Gallery Talk at Lowe House

A special open house and evening meet and greet with museum staff and guest curator Michael Gabriele will be held on May 21, 7pm at the Cornelius Low House/Middlesex County Museum. This is a unique opportunity to view the museum’s current exhibit “Icons of American Culture: History of New Jersey Diners” with those that helped bring the exhibit together. Copies of Mr. Gabriele’s book “The History of Diners in New Jersey” will be available for purchase and signing. Light Refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Continue Reading →

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Weekend Events: May 15-17, 2015

FRIDAY, MAY 15
DJ Dance Party,club music, May 15 9:00pm, Ellery’s, 701 Lincoln Boulevard, Middlesex
Cinderella, theatre for young audiences, May 15 & 16 and 22 & 23,
Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Saturday 2:00 pm matinee, Adults: $12.00, Children 12 & Under/Seniors: $10.00, Veterans and Active Military: FREE (with valid I.D.), First Presbyterian Church of Dunellen, 218 Dunellen Ave, Dunellen, New Jersey 08812
Steampunk World’s Fair, themed festival, May 15-17, $25-80, The Radisson Hotel Piscataway-Somerset & Embassy Suites Piscataway, Piscataway
St. George Greek Festival, themed festival, May 15-17, $2 admission, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway
Graywood Album Release, rock, May 15 8:30pm-1am, $10, Roxy & Duke’s Roadhouse, 745 Bound Brook Road, Dunellen

SATURDAY, MAY 16
Jason Fox Band, rock, May 16 9pm-1am, Maggie Murray’s Pub House, 119 N. Washington Avenue, Dunellen
Steampunk World’s Fair, themed festival, May 15-17, $25-80, The Radisson Hotel Piscataway-Somerset & Embassy Suites Piscataway, Piscataway
St. George Greek Festival, themed festival, May 15-17, $2 admission, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway
FestiVille, May 16 12n-5pm, $5 wristbands, Division Street, Somerville
Everybody Everything, rock, May 16, Tim Kerwin’s Tavern, 353 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex
Mayfest 2015, rock festival, May 16 6pm, 32.50/advance, $47.50/at door, Brook Arts Theater, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook
Vengeance Fest, metal, May 16 8:30pm-1am, $12, Roxy & Duke’s Roadhouse, 745 Bound Brook Road, Dunellen
Cinderella, theatre for young audiences, May 15 & 16 and 22 & 23,
Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Saturday 2:00 pm matinee, Adults: $12.00, Children 12 & Under/Seniors: $10.00, Veterans and Active Military: FREE (with valid I.D.), First Presbyterian Church of Dunellen, 218 Dunellen Ave, Dunellen, New Jersey 08812

SUNDAY, MAY 17
Friends of Sleepy Hollow Garage Sale, area garage sale, May 17 9am-4pm, Sleepy Hollow section of Plainfield
Jazz Jam, 20s-40s music, May 17 1pm-5pm, Maggie Murray’s Pub House, 119 N. Washington Avenue, Dunellen
Steampunk World’s Fair, themed festival, May 15-17, $25-80, The Radisson Hotel Piscataway-Somerset & Embassy Suites Piscataway, Piscataway
St. Continue Reading →

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Dunellen Recreation to hold summer camp

The Dunellen Parks and Recreation Department will be holding its Summer Camp “Good Times” from June 22 to August 7. The redesigned program will have a different focus for each weekday: Monday, sports; Tuesday, science; Wednesday, a Day in Dunellen; Thursday, Movie Day at Dunellen Theater; Friday, road trip. Road trips will include a visit to Turtleback Zoo and Bowcraft Amusement Park. Dunellen children, ages 5-12 will be able to participate for one week or the entire six week session. Costs vary according to how many weeks and length of days (6-8 hours). Continue Reading →

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County to hold Birthday Party for Nonagenarians

birthday cake dunellen411

The Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services will once again hold Birthday Bashes for senior citizens age 90 and over as part of its National Older Americans Month celebration. Each celebrant is invited with one guest. A few spots remain for this year, but registration is required. “We are happy we can give these special seniors a chance to enjoy the “limelight” with the recognition luncheon and entertainment,” said Gerry Mackenzie, Community Services Department Head. The Piscataway luncheon (scheduled for May 20) will honor residents of Carteret, Dunellen, Highland Park, Middlesex, New Brunswick, Piscataway and South Plainfield. Continue Reading →

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