Perth Amboy, NJ – The past week in Perth Amboy was packed with community pride, public service, and preparation for the months ahead. The city welcomed three new recruits to its Fire Department, held its annual Battle at the Bay Volleyball Tournament, and hosted a neighborhood-wide clean-up event with sweet rewards. Residents also paused to honor fallen Officer Thomas Raji on the 17th anniversary of his End of Watch.
Meanwhile, city officials announced the upcoming citywide expansion of automated garbage collection, aiming to make waste pickup safer and more efficient.
As summer winds down, Perth Amboy is preparing for a packed schedule of events in late August and into September—including back-to-school celebrations, health and housing workshops, cultural festivals, and community wellness activities.
Highlights from August 14–22:
- August 15: Three new recruits—Kenneth Taylor III, Jonathan P. Torres, and Nathaniel J. Guile—were officially welcomed to the Perth Amboy Fire Department.
- August 16: The Battle at the Bay Volleyball Tournament brought teams, first responders, and locals together for competition and camaraderie.
- August 16: “I Clean for Ice Cream” mobilized volunteers across the city for a cleanup campaign followed by a community ice cream celebration.
- August 22: The city honored Officer Thomas Raji, 17 years after his line-of-duty death.
- August 22: NJDOT announced overnight closures of the Route 35 Bridge between Fayette Street and New Brunswick Avenue.
Upcoming Key Events:
August 23:
- Back to School Bash at Sadowski Parkway Waterfront Park (10 AM–2 PM)
- Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Festival (from 12 PM at 697 Cortlandt St.)
- God in My Family at Caledonia/Roessler Park (from 12 PM)
August 25–29:
- Youth Soccer League kicks off the week of August 25
- First-Time Homebuyer Workshop (Aug. 27–28)
- Ice Cream Social & School Supply Drive (Aug. 28)
- Last Summer Concert with Gio Sensación (Aug. 28, 6:30 PM)
- Summer Lunch Program Ends (Aug. 29)
- Healthy Credit Check-In at Chase Bank (Aug. 29)
September Preview:
- Sept. 2: Free haircuts and beauty services for youth at the 4th Annual Cuts & Beauty
- Sept. 4: First day of school for Perth Amboy students
- Sept. 6: Paint the Town Positive 5K and free rabies vaccine clinic
- Sept. 11: Patriots Day Ceremony at Market Square
- Sept. 13: Perth Amboy Day with a fishing derby, exhibits, and cultural displays
- Sept. 21: Hispanic Heritage Street Fair and Back to Church Sunday
- Sept. 24–27: A series of health and resource-focused events, including the Senior Health Walk, Blue Cares Fair, and a Mental Health Awareness Walk
From celebration to service, Perth Amboy is closing summer with unity and stepping into fall with purpose.
