Hello 08840! Oh spring, you are here at last! So excited to enjoy the warmer weather, hear the birds chirping and watch the beautiful flowers bloom. I am also excited for you to check out our Spring edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Metuchen.
We start our issue with the Windows of Understanding Public Art Project that unites artists, organizations, and businesses to promote awareness and engagement around social justice and environmental issues impacting local communities. Building a healthy community was the center of this year’s initiative. On the local level, the project brings the Metuchen Arts Council, New Brunswick Community Arts Council, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, the South Plainfield Arts Commission, the Highland Park Arts Commission and ASquared in Rahway together. In Metuchen, the Metuchen Arts Council focused on climate change and spotlighted the inter-connected work of the Metuchen Environmental Commission, the Peter Barnes Wildlife Preserve Commission and the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. Learn all about the project, which is in its seventh year starting on page 5.
Next, we meet the owners of Maria’s Brunch where “Mi Casa Es Su Casa” … “My house is your house” as Maria Nicolas puts it. Opening its doors in September 2022, Maria’s Brunch has been bustling with customers from the start! Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nicolas has been working tirelessly to serve her customers but after working extremely hard to get where she is today, she wouldn’t have it any other way. With a rich background in cuisine from Mexico as well as years in the kitchen with family recipes, the food menu at Maria’s Brunch is nothing short of unique. From their sweet Teo’s French toast topped with caramelized bananas and a drizzle of special Kahula sauce – yummmmm – to their savory Brunch Burger stacked high with fried egg, bacon and American cheese (with a side of fries, of course) there is something for everyone on the menu. What stands out the most in Nicolas’ mind is the chorizo. Learn all about the yum starting on page 9.
We round our issue with Metuchen CARES, a borough committee working on prevention and education concerning substance use disorders. “To me, it’s really important to reduce the stigma [of drug addiction] and give people hope,” said Rita Brown, who is a licensed social worker and worked as a case manager and therapist throughout her career. Metuchen CARES is part of the international movement that recognizes Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 each year. Along with the movement, the committee provides resources and/or programs on problems from gambling addiction to screen addiction – whatever the need is – to the availability of Narcan and family support too. Learn all about Metuchen CARES starting on page 12.
Also check out Metuchen on the Move for future community events. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Enjoy!
