Jackson, NJ—A grant from Jackson’s Clean Communities program helped a local organization clear hundreds of trash bags of litter from the city’s roadways this weekend.
New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide program that promotes volunteer cleanup of public lands.
This week, dozens of local groups hit the highways with trash bags and began cleaning the streets.
Each year, the township hosts these public cleanups and reimburses organizations and community groups $500 per mile of road cleaned. That funding comes from the NJ DEP’s New Jersey Clean Communities grant.
This year, approximately 30 groups, directed by Jackson DPW under Shawn Bolinksy hit the roads and cleaned up over 200 bags of trash. That doesn’t include the tires or wood pallets discarded along the roadside, which were also collected.
Jackson Council President Jennifer Kuhn worked alongside the Jackson Thunder Travel Little League to clean up Grawtown Road.
“This is a great way for the community to pitch in and help keep our roadways clean,” Councilwoman Kuhn said. I want to thank all of the organizations that came out to pitch in today.”
The Clean Communities Program was organized under Mayor Michael Reina’s administration. It was previously managed by Patricia Wood, who grew the program over the years before her passing in 2021.
- New Jersey Weather Forecast: Cold Grips New Jersey Through Friday
TRENTON, N.J. – A calm but chilly pattern will settle over New Jersey through the end of the week, bringing mostly sunny skies and brisk west winds as temperatures hover in the low 50s.
Forecasters say the state will experience classic fall weather over the next three days, with cool afternoons, clear nights, and a steady breeze making jackets a necessity.
Overnight lows will dip into the 30s and even the upper 20s by the weekend.
Key Points
- Daytime highs will remain near 53 degrees through Friday.
- Overnight lows are expected to fall into the 30s, dropping to the upper 20s by Friday night.
- Mostly sunny skies and occasional gusty west winds will dominate the forecast.
Wednesday: Breezy and bright
Today will be mostly sunny with highs near 53 degrees. West winds of 5 to 15 mph could bring gusts up to 25 mph, keeping the air brisk despite the sunshine. Tonight will turn mostly cloudy before clearing, with lows around 37.
Thursday: Steady sunshine, light breeze
Expect clear skies and comfortable fall sunshine Thursday with highs near 53 and west winds around 10 mph. Gusts could again reach 25 mph before easing overnight as temperatures drop to about 32 degrees under mostly clear skies.
Friday: Cool finish to the workweek
Friday will bring another mostly sunny day with highs near 52 and a light west breeze of 5 to 10 mph. By nightfall, skies will remain clear and temperatures will fall to around 29, signaling a cold start to the weekend.
- Jackson Honors Those Who Served at Annual Veterans Day Memorial Service
The Jackson community gathered this on Tuesday for the township’s annual Veterans’ Day memorial service at the Jackson Veterans Memorial Garden to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn spoke at the ceremony, delivering a heartfelt message of gratitude and reflection. Surrounded by veterans, local officials, and residents, she spoke about the enduring importance of service, sacrifice, and community in preserving the freedoms Americans hold dear.
The annual event is a joint effort between the Jackson Veterans Memorial Garden Foundation and the board and residents of Westlake.
“Today, we gather here in this beautiful veterans memorial garden to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made significant sacrifices in service to our nation,” Mayor Kuhn began. “On this Veterans Day, we take a moment to reflect on their courage, dedication, and the enduring commitment they have shown to protect our freedom and way of life.”
Mayor Kuhn also took the opportunity to honor a milestone in U.S. military history—the 250th anniversaries of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Army.
“Each branch represents a legacy of strength and commitment that has shaped the very foundation of our nation,” she said. “For two and a half centuries, these services have stood guard over the values we cherish most—freedom, honor, and unity.”
Mayor Kuhn also recognized and thanked her brother, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served during the Global War on Terrorism.
In addition to recognizing the veterans in attendance, Mayor Kuhn expressed gratitude to those within the Jackson community who continue to serve veterans through ongoing local efforts, including the Jackson Veterans Commission.
“I would like to thank Councilman Ken Bressi and Westlake resident Charlie Garofano for their continued service to all veterans in Jackson through the Jackson Veterans Memorial Garden project and foundation,” she said. “Their tireless work ensures that this sacred space remains a place of honor and remembrance for generations to come.”
Both Bressi (USMC) and Garafano (US Army) are Vietnam War veterans and the founders of the Jackson Veterans Memorial Garden.
As the ceremony came to a close, Mayor Kuhn offered a powerful reflection on the shared responsibility to care for those who have served.
“Let us not only remember the sacrifices of the past,” she said, “but also pledge our support to those who continue to serve and those who are transitioning back to civilian life. It is our duty to ensure they receive the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve.”
Her final words captured the solemn and grateful spirit of the day: “Thank you to all our veterans for your bravery and service. Today, we honor you and express our gratitude. Let us continue to strive for a world worthy of your sacrifices.”