Hello 08840! In the midst of summer, I just love those relaxing pool days, trips to the beach, and barbecues! Tan lines anyone? I am also excited for you to check out our Summer edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Metuchen.
We start our issue with trees. On a rainy day in May, members of the Tree Ambassadors program made up of Metuchen High School students led by Kenneth Sammond, chair of the Metuchen Shade Tree Commission, were busy digging holes and planting trees around the Metuchen Public Library. June, the program was recognized in a big way. Find out how Learn all that they do on page 6.
Next we go out on the front lines as Metuchen buzzed with PRIDE. From the Metuchen Downtown Alliance’s annual Downtown Pride celebration to the schools’ Gender Sexuality Alliance clubs, Metuchen has been an inclusive and vibrant place for years, ensuring every person feels seen, safe, and valued. But there is always work to be done — especially in today’s climate. So a small but mighty independent grassroots organization took shape this past fall – OutFront Metuchen – to address some real challenges close to home. Learn more on page 8.
So, when you reach the age of 125, you would want the ultimate birthday bash. And that’s what the Borough of Metuchen community did to celebrate the borough’s birthday with a dance party on the plaza and a custom 15th anniversary birthday cake courtesy of AwesomeYO’s Kitchen. The borough also worked with the Metuchen-Edison Historical Society to create a series of historical banners displayed downtown, each with an image relevant to its history. Dance your way to page 12 to celebrate.
We round our issue with power couple Luisania (Lu) Moronta and Juan Carlos Valdez. They opened Pastry Lu in April 2021 offering their popular Tres Leches. In August 2024, they landed at a new and even bigger location right on Main Street offering their assortment of baked goods and a wide array of coffees, both hot and cold. Follow your sweet tooth to Page 16.
Also check out Metuchen on the Move starting on page 5 for future community events and hear what your neighbors have to say, “Where’s Your Must Visit Local Spot During the Summer?” on page 2. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Enjoy!
