A Rare Super Blue Moon Will Shine Above New Jersey This Week (2024)

FLEMINGTON, NJ—The annual Flemington Opa! Festival is set to delight attendees from June 7 to June 9 at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, located at 85 Vorhees Corner Road. Held rain or shine, this vibrant event promises a rich taste of Greek culture through its cuisine, entertainment, and charitable efforts.

Festival-goers can enjoy a variety of Greek dishes, either indoors or outdoors under a tent. The menu features classic oven-baked items along with popular grilled selections such as souvlaki and gyros. Complementing the feast are Greek pastries, coffee, and a selection of wine and beer.

The festival is not just about food; guests can also partake in carnival games, explore shopping opportunities, and enjoy traditional folk dancing performances. This year, the event is dedicated to supporting a notable cause—the construction of the St. Nicholas National Shrine at Ground Zero, among other charitable activities.

With free parking available, the Flemington Opa! Festival invites all to experience the joy and hospitality of Greek culture in a family-friendly atmosphere.

BALTIMORE, MD – The Baltimore Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to identify and locate the family of a child found early this morning. Eastern District officers discovered the child in the 1400 block of Biddle Street, following a call from a concerned citizen who noticed him walking alone around 4 AM.

The police have released an image of the child and are urging anyone who recognizes him or knows his identity to immediately contact 911. The Eastern District officers are actively working to ensure the child’s safety and reunite him with his family.

SOMERSET, NJ—The 38th Annual Lebanese Festival, locally known as Mahrajan, will take place from June 7 to June 9 at 526 Easton Avenue. This renowned event invites the community to come together for a vibrant celebration of Lebanese culture through food, music, and dance.

Festival-goers can savor an array of traditional Lebanese dishes including falafel, shawarma, hummus, spinach pies, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves. A tempting variety of Middle Eastern pastries will also be available for those with a sweet tooth.

Each day of the festival will feature live music with performances by different singers, alongside dancing and folkloric shows that highlight Lebanese traditions. Additional attractions include raffles, prizes, souvenirs, and games of chance, making it a fun-filled event for all ages.

Recognized as one of the most outstanding annual events in the community, the Lebanese Festival draws attendees not only from New Jersey but also from Pennsylvania and the Tri-State area. Admission and parking are free, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience and enjoy the rich cultural offerings.

HOLMDEL, NJ—The Bayshore Greek Fest, a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, is set to take place from June 6 to June 9 at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, located at 20 Hillcrest Road. This annual event invites everyone to enjoy a rich array of Greek cuisine, music, and traditional folk dances.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of gourmet Greek dishes, including lamb shanks, pastit*io, moussaka, and delectable pastries like tiropites (cheese pies) and spanakopites (spinach pies). The culinary experience is a major highlight, offering a taste of Greece’s famous flavors.

Adding to the gastronomic delight, the festival features folk dancing performances by children in traditional costumes from the various Kimisis dance groups, providing a lively showcase of Greek heritage. Continuous music and entertainment throughout the weekend ensure that the festive atmosphere remains vibrant.

For convenience, free parking is available at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, with a free shuttle service transporting visitors to and from the festival site. On-site parking is also provided for those requiring easier access. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in Greek culture right in the heart of New Jersey.

Investigation Launched into Yearbook Erasure of Jewish Student Group in EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

An independent investigation has been initiated by East Brunswick Public Schools into the removal of a Jewish student group from the East Brunswick High School yearbook. This inquiry, led by Brisman Law, aims to determine the cause and culpability behind the group's photo being replaced with one of Muslim students and the erasure of their names.

The review started Friday, with Superintendent Victor Valeski expressing confidence in the thoroughness of the investigation, noting that the law firm has full authority to explore all relevant aspects of the incident.

This issue first emerged after approximately 375 yearbooks were distributed, revealing the omission and replacement on Tuesday. The superintendent has issued apologies to both the Jewish and Muslim student communities for the distress caused.

Mayor Brad Cohen of East Brunswick labeled the incident a "blatant Anti-Semitic act" and advocated for the investigation to assess if it constitutes a hate crime. He emphasized that neither hate nor anti-Semitism would be tolerated in the community.

The New Jersey office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also urged a transparent and fair investigation, highlighting the unintended negative consequences faced by Muslim students who were unaware of the misuse of their photo.

In a statement,CAIR-NJ Interim Communications Manager Aya Elamroussisaid:

“It is crucial that school officials ensure theirinvestigation is transparent, fair and thorough so those responsible are held accountable. This incident has triggered heinous backlash against some Muslim students who had no knowledge on their photo beingmisused.

“The hate comments attacking Muslim high school students are deplorable. We call on East Brunswick’s mayor and public schools superintendent to offer support to their Muslim student community and be leaders for the entire township.”

A six-year-old girl, Lucy Morgan from Stockholm, New Jersey, died this week after a badminton racquet accidentally struck her, causing severe head trauma. The incident occurred on June 1, during a family vacation in Limerick, Maine, approximately 30 miles west of Portland.

Lucy was watching her siblings play badminton in the front yard of their lake cottage when the accident happened. Her father recounted that a racquet broke during a downward swing, sending a sharp piece flying into Lucy's skull while she sat on the sidelines.

The family was enjoying their last full day at a lake cottage, a sabbatical gift from their church, when the tragedy unfolded. After the accident, Lucy was unresponsive and was quickly transported by helicopter to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

At the hospital, doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve pressure on Lucy's brain and address her injuries. Despite efforts to save her, Lucy remained in critical condition with minimal brain function and sporadic breathing. She was intubated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The family remains in mourning, clinging to memories of Lucy. Just weeks before the accident, she had expressed a desire to understand religious salvation, which her mother, Bethany, explained to her. Lucy chose to pray independently, affirming her faith.