DUI Lawyers in Raritan, NJ

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Natale family after a house fire broke out, with the mom and three children(ages 1, 2, and 5) inside.

Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff

RARITAN, NJ — The community is coming together for a Raritan family after a devastating fire destroyed their home and injured the mom along with three young children on Monday.

The fire was reported at around 2 p.m. at a home on Helene Place near the Bradley Gardens section of Bridgewater, where Codilyn and her three children, ages 1, 2, and 5, were inside.

The 2-year-old child suffered burns to one of her arms and was taken to a local hospital. The 1-year-old child, the 5-year-old child, and Codilyn were also treated for smoke inhalation.

"In a matter of minutes, everything they owned — their belongings, clothes, toys, and irreplaceable memories — was lost in the flames," wrote a family friend Cassie Leight, who started a GoFundMefundraising website for the family. "They are now starting from scratch with nothing but the clothes on their backs."

The family is in urgent need of support to cover the costs of temporary housing, clothing, food, baby supplies, and the long road ahead of rebuilding their lives.

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Since the fundraiser was started one day ago, it has raised more than $10,000 of its $30,000 goal.

"Your kindness and generosity can help give them a fresh start and show them they’re not alone," said Leight.

Leight is also collecting clothes, toys, and diapers(size 5 or Pull-Ups size 2T). Their sizes are 2T (boy), 2T (girl), and 4T/5T (girl). To donate supplies, reach out to Leight via private message on the GoFundMe page.

For more information or to donate visit gofundme.com/f/help-the-natale-family-rebuild-after-devastating-house-fire.

The oldest child also attends North Branch Reformed Church Preschool which also shared an Amazon Wishlist for the family at amazon.com/hz/wishlist.

A diaper collection bin will also be located inside by the drop-off door of the preschool at 203 State Route 28, Bridgewater.

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RARITAN BOROUGH — Cat lovers, rejoice!

Somerset County is getting its first-ever cat café this summer. Catcetera, is located at 42 W. Somerset Street, Suite B, in Raritan.

That's right. You can cuddle with cats in this living room type setting.

What is a cat café?

Cat cafes, or cat lounges, began in Taiwan in 1998 as free-roam lounges with adoptable cats offering unique experiences for people to hang out with the animals, while promoting adoption and reducing euthanasia rates.

The first U.S. cat lounge opened in 2014 in California, which has rescued more than 3,000 cats to date.

The first New Jersey cat lounge opened in 2017, in Asbury Park, called Catsbury Park. Since then, two other cat cafes have opened in the state: Rahway Kitty Hall in Rahway, and Purrsonal Space in Palmyra.

Catcetera

New Jersey residents Wendi Zimmerman and Jessica Adams are the co-founders and co-owners of Catcetera, which plans to open on June 1, 2025.

Currently, there are no cat cafes in Somerset County. By opening one locally, they said they can give people the opportunity to experience a cat lounge and not have to travel far to do it.

Catcetera is an inclusive lounge for the community to come together to share their love of cats and each other, the women said. It’s a space to find joy, feel belonging, and save lives.

“Our mission is to make our community a better place, one cat and one person at a time. Partnering with local animal rescues, we foster adoptable cats in a free-roam lounge, allowing people to enjoy the company of cats in a fun, safe, and comfortable space,” Zimmerman and Adams wrote in a joint statement.

What To Expect

The main cat lounge at Catcetera will house 15 to 20 cats at a time in a relaxed, living room-type environment, the women said. A smaller secondary lounge will house kittens, shy cats, etc., separate from the retail area.

People can enjoy time with the cats by booking an hour online for $20, If space allows, walk-ins will be welcome. For frequent visitors, a membership will be offered at a discounted rate to encourage continued support.

Events

Community outreach events will be a constant at Catcetera. Weekly fun events include cat yoga, drag bingo, movie nights, kids’ story hour, painting with cats, open mic night, crafting with cats, and trivia/game night.

Other events include LGBTQIA+ teen nights, senior mornings, neurodivergent/sensory friendly hours, educational classes on fostering, kitten care, bottle feeding, caring for colony cats, and TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release).

There will also be “Work for Catcetera” blocks during weekday afternoons for those feeling isolated while working remotely. They can visit for multiple hours at a single hourly rate, taking advantage of the facility’s Wi-fi access, and desk space.Merchandise

The retail area found at the main entrance into Catcetera is where customes can find cat-themed items and store-branded items such as t-shirts, hoodies, hats, socks, children’s toys, books, cat toys and treats, gifts and jewelry, pre-packaged snacks to include vegan, gluten-free, and allergy friendly, local artwork, and other quirky fun cat finds.

Partners

Zimmerman and Adams said they are working with local shelters and rescues. Offering Catcetera as a foster space allows the local animal rescues to rescue and save animals.

All adoption fees will go back to the local rescue where the cat is fostered from to help cover the costs of fully vetting the adoptable cats.

It’s More Than Just About Adoptions

People frequent cat lounges for many other reasons besides adoptions, Zimmerman and Adams said. It’s something fun to do while supporting the community. People can socialize with each other and with animals without any pressure. Most come to simply enjoy the company of cats.

Zimmerman grew up with many animals, especially cats. She’s fostered cats multiple times and has owned 14 over the years. She worked at a veterinarian's office as a teenager. Today, she has five cats: Susan, Ruth, Milo, Teddy, and Pico.

Adams was born to parents who were dog and cat enthusiasts. She, too, has had multiple pets in her life at all times, and currently shares a home with her dog Veruca, and cats Alanis and Penelope.

The women hope that three to five cats per week will be adopted once Catcetera opens.

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Play ball NJ: New Jersey baseball pros to watch in the MLB

A fair amount of New Jersey born baseball players have made it to the majors. Heading into 2025, these MLB pros all have NJ roots.

RARITAN, NJ — After almost two and a half years, Bridgewater native Steven Chiocchi closed his Raritan location of Ambee Coffee.

"While this space has been a meaningful part of our journey, the foot traffic in that area has remained too light to sustain the store’s long-term success — especially with our Somerville café just over a mile away," wrote Chiocchi on Ambee Coffee Co.'s social page.

The store at 101 Second Ave. in Raritan in the shopping center off Route 202 near the Somerville Circle, closed on Sunday.

All of the Ambee team members in Raritan will remain working and be moved to the Warren and Somerville stores.

While one door is closing, others are opening for Chiocchi.

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"We're also excited about what’s ahead. We have new locations in the works — places that we believe are truly the right fit for Ambee and our mission. We can’t wait to share more with you soon," said Chiocchi. "Thank you for your continued support and belief in what we’re building. Our journey is just getting started."

Most recently, the Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have partnered with Chiocchi to create a special Jersey Diners Blend of coffee. Read More: Somerset Patriots, Bridgewater Local Team Up To Brew New Coffee Blend

The Jersey Diners Blend, celebrating the Patriots’ award-winning Jersey Diners alternate identity, is a limited-edition dark roast coffee originating from Columbia, Honduras and Timor that features walnut, chocolate and cherries.

The coffee will be available at Ambee Coffee locations in Somerville and Warren as drip coffee. Additionally, 12 oz. whole bean boxes are also available at Ambee Coffee and the Patriots Team Store at the ballpark.

The name of the cold brew shop, Ambee is definitely unique. The name Ambee is a word Chiocchi, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate, made up and is a play on the word ambient. He launched Ambee on Amazon and online before opening his coffee shop in 2018 for his coffee product line. Read More: Somerville Coffee Shop Rebrands Itself Again, This Time For Good

The name also aligns with his organic coffee line that is light- or ambient-themed. The coffee product names include Aurora, Orion, Eclipse, and more.

For more information visit ambee.coffee or facebook.com/ambeecoffee or instagram.com/ambee_coffee.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

The Music Department was the recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education award from the National Association of Music Merchants.

Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The streak continues for the gifted Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Music Department.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District Music Department was the recipient of the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).

According to the NAMM, the award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.

The NAMM announced that 935 school districts are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education for the year 2025.

According to the NAMM, the award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education.

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Matt McCarthy, who is the Supervisor for Arts Education for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, was thrilled when he was contacted by the NAMM with the news on Monday.

"I am incredibly proud to have once again had Bridgewater-Raritan named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. As a department, we don’t take this distinction lightly," McCarthy stated. "Our staff of dedicated music educators is deeply committed to providing only the best opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and intellectually through the study of music."

McCarthy continued to share his pleasure about the elite music program at the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.

"While it is nice to be recognized by outside organizations, the true indication of our status as a Best Community for Music Education is the achievement of our students throughout the district. I invite everyone to attend any of our district concerts and see for themselves."

The community will have that opportunity to accept McCarthy’s invitation.

There is a busy concert schedule on tap in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District for the next few weeks. Here are the spring musical concerts that will be performed in May and June.

— Submitted by Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District

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Raritan Township, NJ (May 13, 2025) – A serious accident occurred in Raritan Township on Monday, May 12, when a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Route 202 in front of Taco Bell at approximately 9:20 PM. Authorities reported that the pedestrian sustained significant injuries, and a medevac helicopter was called to transport the victim to a trauma center.

Emergency responders, including Basic Life Support (BLS) units, were first on the scene to treat the pedestrian before the decision was made to fly the victim to a nearby trauma center via NorthSTAR helicopter. The severity of the injuries has not been disclosed, but the victim’s condition is critical. The helicopter was dispatched shortly after the incident, and the injured individual was airlifted for specialized care.

Route 202 northbound was closed for an extended period to allow for investigation and to ensure the safety of responders and bystanders. The closure began at approximately 10:00 PM, and traffic was diverted while authorities worked to investigate the cause of the accident.

Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian, and we hope for a full recovery. We also extend our appreciation to the emergency responders who acted swiftly to provide care.

Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Incidents in New Jersey

Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern in New Jersey, particularly on busy roadways like Route 202. Incidents such as this highlight the risks pedestrians face when crossing or walking near roadways with heavy traffic. Drivers are urged to be vigilant and follow speed limits, especially in areas with high foot traffic, to help prevent these types of accidents.

In cases of severe pedestrian injuries, quick response and appropriate medical care are critical. The use of medevac services, like NorthSTAR, ensures that victims receive specialized care in a timely manner, improving their chances for recovery.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek immediate medical care and legal assistance to ensure that you are fairly compensated for any medical costs, pain, and suffering resulting from the incident.

For more information or if you have information related to this incident, please contact Local Accident Reports for assistance.