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Jonathan Scott Holloway, whose tenure is being shaped by a profound political reckoning and other global challenges, told an audience gathered for his inauguration as Rutgers’ 21st president that he believes education paired with public service can save democracy as he announced initiatives to make the university a leader in serving the common good. “Our daily news cycles have left us with a national rhetoric about politics, knowledge, citizenship and service that seems to take delight in mocking efforts to shore up institutions, to pursue ideas, to disagree civilly, to serve the common good and to share in our wealth,’’ Holloway said in his address, which was livestreamed at watch parties on the Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rutgers-Newark, Rutgers-Camden and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences campuses. “I despair at this state of affairs, but instead of seeing colleges and universities as a manifestation of all that is wrong in our society, I see them as all that can be right.’’

Holloway highlighted his belief in the excellence that exists at Rutgers and his plans to build toward something even greater as he outlined his vision that focuses on access, research and service. “When I look at Rutgers, I want to see a place that aspires boldly to be both a leading engine of world-changing research and a vehicle for social mobility for students across the socioeconomic spectrum,” Holloway said. “This is what excellence looks like.”

Holloway’s inauguration, traditionally the official installation of the president, took place more than a year after he joined Rutgers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. READ MORE

If you are reading this and have not yet voted early or by mail, please get to your polling place Tuesday, Nov. 2, 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Democracy is fragile, and voting is the glue that holds it together. Even though the two Highland Park Council members Stephany Kim-Chohan and Tara Canavera are running unopposed for re-election to council, they need to know that people care. With your vote, you can hold them accountable for their job of representing you in an ethical, intelligent, and caring manner.  In all the other positions on the ballot including that of governor, the incumbents have challengers.  Earn the privilege of citizenship by voting. There are two public questions to be voted upon. READ MORE

The Borough’s “town tables” on portions of South 3rd Ave. and North 4th Ave. will be temporarily removed and relocated to make way for PSE&G utility work, as well as to comply with state law regarding street closures near state highways. But the town will move forward with permanently closing those streets to through traffic. READ MORE

The intersection of Raritan Avenue and North Fourth Avenue is being investigated by Highland Park Place as an intersection of concern, after two people in two different incidents were hit by cars at this  during the month of October. In  the first incident, the man succumbed to his fatal injuries. A man in his 70s riding a bike was hit by a car there on the morning of Oct. 17.  Then on the morning of  Oct. 19, a woman was hit trying to walk across the same intersection. READ MORE

All Rutgers University faculty and staff must be vaccinated by Dec. 8 for the university to comply with an executive order signed by President Joe Biden, Antonio Calcado, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a message to university employees. Biden signed Executive Order 14042 on Sept. 9 requiring that employees of entities with federal contracts be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Guidance from the Federal Worker Safety Task Force affirmed that the order applies to Rutgers. READ MORE

Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences celebrated the Classes of 2020 and 2021 in an extended weekend of pomp and circumstance that recognized their resilience and gave recent grads a chance to participate in beloved traditions missed during the pandemic. “We didn’t get the closure that we wanted, and I lacked it for both of my graduations,” said Alya Bukhari, who received an undergraduate degree in 2020 from the School of Arts and Sciences and a degree from the Graduate School of Education in 2021. “This was a moment to get that closure. For me, Rutgers was meeting the most important people and having them, along with my friends and family, support me. It was all worth it.”

The celebration began early Thursday with a formal hooding ceremony for doctoral graduates at the Rutgers Athletic Center and concluded late Sunday afternoon upon the Lawn at Wood Lawn Mansion with the School of Engineering. READ MORE

Bomb threat under investigation

Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred Scott, and Director Anthony A. Caputo of the New Brunswick Police Department announce on Monday October 25, 2021, a bomb threat to the Superior Courthouse of Middlesex County is under investigation. Earlier this morning, the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department was made aware of a bomb threat concerning the Superior Courthouses located at 50 Paterson Street and 120 New Street in New Brunswick. The Courthouses and Middlesex County Administration Building were subsequently evacuated by the Sheriff’s Department. The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department at (732)745-3271 or the New Brunswick Police Department at (732)745-5200. READ MORE

After careful consideration and comprehensive research, and in recognition of the increasing threat that severe weather poses to Johnson Park, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners have made the decision to close the Johnson Park Animal Haven. The process to move all animals from the haven to new homes across the state is underway. “For generations, Middlesex County families have visited the animals at the Johnson Park Animal Haven; the park has not only brought joy to those families on their visits but provided a much-needed home for animals that would otherwise be euthanized or be unable to survive in the wild. We recognize and appreciate the support that has been given to the haven throughout the years,” said the Board of County Commissioners. “Due to Johnson Park’s location within a flood plain and the real, undeniable threat of climate change, it is in the best interest of the animals to close the Johnson Park Animal Haven and rehome them in more resilient locations.”

Middlesex County officials, including those within the Office of Parks and Recreation, worked closely with resident groups advocating on behalf of the animals, including the Friends of the Johnson Park Animals, as well as local animal sanctuaries and zoos to determine the correct course of action. READ MORE

American Repertory Ballet (ARB) announces a unique collaboration with Mexican fashion design brand Pineda Covalin as part of its upcoming program at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, October 23 and 24. Pineda Colavin’s exquisite and vivid prints will become integral parts of the costumes and scenic projections for choreographer David Fernandez’s ballet titled Mexican Music. New Partners

Invited by Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel to make a new work for American Repertory Ballet, Fernandez envisioned a piece that would celebrate both the Company’s return to the stage – and his own Mexican heritage. Fernandez immediately reached out to the team at Pineda Covalin, founded by Cristina Pineda and Ricardo Covalin. “I dreamed that someday I would choreograph a ballet with costumes by Pineda Covalin. READ MORE

The grace period on utility shut offs ends on December 31, 2021, after which your utilities can be disconnected for non-payment.  It is critical that anyone with outstanding balances apply for utility assistance programs now.  

During Utility Assistance Week, NJBPU and DCA will be highlighting assistance programs across the state at several events including a virtual Utility Summit for non-profits, faith-based, civic, and other organizations to alert people to the December 31 deadline and to encourage people to apply for assistance.   New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the Department of Community Affairs announced new and expanded efforts to provide financial assistance for New Jersey residents with utility bill arrearages as part of “Utility Assistance Week,” October 18 – 22, 2021.    

Also, NJBPU has temporarily expanded its USF Program to moderate-income families so that households who encountered a financial setback during the pandemic can receive assistance. For example, a family of four can make up to $106,000 per year and qualify for the program. USF provides not only monthly credits on electric and gas bills, but also a pathway to energy debt forgiveness through the USF-Fresh Start Program. 

DCA’s LIHEAP program’s income eligibility criteria changed from 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to 60% of the State Median Income, resulting in an increase of the income threshold for a family of four from $4,039.00 gross monthly income to $6,439.00 gross monthly income. READ MORE