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🌱 Patch AM: What really happened at Bridgewater-Raritan’s fiery library policy showdown?

Make time for ACEing Autism Tennis Clinic Begins on the Bridgewater Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Bridgewater? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What really happened at Bridgewater-Raritan's fiery library policy showdown?
  • Why did the latest Bridgewater school board meeting turn so tense?
  • What does Bridgewater's new Project Brighton mean for clean tech locally?

Also on today's calendar: ACEing Autism Tennis Clinic Begins and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Not as warm with a shower, with a high of 74 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Thursday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 85, low: 69.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 86 and low of 60 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Bridgewater-Raritan BOE Hears Allegations of Indoctrination Over Books, Superintendent Defends Librarians, Staff (tapinto.net) — Bridgewater parents and students packed the Aug. 25 Bridgewater-Raritan school board meeting as one board member accused district libraries of carrying sexually explicit books, prompting a heated debate over policy and parental oversight. The superintendent and several board members strongly defended Bridgewater-Raritan librarians, rejected claims of indoctrination, and ultimately voted down a proposal to sharply restrict and track student access to certain library materials.
   

2. Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing: 8/31/2026 (insidernj.com) — A recent Bridgewater Board of Education meeting reportedly turned tense, signaling ongoing friction around local school issues that residents may want to watch closely. The statewide briefing also highlights other New Jersey towns grappling with budgets, safety, data centers, and school policies, offering context for how Bridgewater's challenges fit into broader trends.
   

3. Exclusive: Avnos Launches Hybrid DAC Operations At Project Brighton (carbonherald.com) — Bridgewater is now home to Avnos' Project Brighton, a new carbon-capture facility on Milltown Road designed to remove 450 tons of CO2 a year while producing clean water. Backed by major federal and corporate funding, the operation has drawn praise from Somerset County business leaders and could position the area as a hub for emerging clean-tech infrastructure.
   

4. Cellares layoffs 2026: 68 Bridgewater workers to lose jobs (nj.com subscription) — Dozens of local workers will be affected as biotech firm Cellares plans to lay off 68 employees at its Bridgewater facility, effective Nov. 19, as part of a company-wide restructuring. The firm says it is refocusing resources after losing a major pharmaceutical partner, and its CEO has pledged support for departing staff during the transition.
   

📸 Around Bridgewater

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • JAG Physical Therapy Celebrates Kearny, NJ Clinic with Ribbon-Cutting —Cara Sutherlan Read on Patch
  • JAG Physical Therapy Opens Clinic in North Brunswick, NJ —Cara Sutherlan Read on Patch
  • Obituary: Vic Corbo, grew up in Bridgewater —Lisa Corbo Read on Patch
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
    Found on August 30, 2026 in Bridgewater, NJ 08807 near Brown Road and Washington Valley Rd Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Bridgewater)
  • Good morning Nextdoor neighbors,
    For those of you that don't know, today is Overdose Awareness Day. I lost my husband December 14, 2024 at the young age of 52. We were friends since… (Nextdoor Finderne)
  • Johnston & Murphy posted a job opening for Part-Time Stock Associate in Bridgewater. Apply here.
  • Set And Service Resources posted a job opening for Store Merchandising Rep - 962 Bridgewater, NJ (Local applicants only) in Bridgewater. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bridgewater here.

Ok Bridgewater! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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