Duke Island Park

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program invites community members to participate in the Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is designed to bring the community together to raise awareness about substance use disorders, celebrate recovery, and connect individuals and families with local treatment and recovery resources.All registered participants will receive an official Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K finisher medal, a commemorative event T-shirt, and a complimentary post-race ice cream. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each age division. Children ages 7 and under are invited to participate in the Kids Dash at no cost.In addition to the 5K run and walk, attendees can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and public safety demonstrations. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit will conduct a demonstration at 10:30 a.m., and the Somerset County SWAT vehicle will be on display throughout the event.More than just a race, the Running for Recovery 5K is a community outreach event that promotes hope, healing, and support for those impacted by addiction. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to walk or run in support of recovery while helping reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to visit resource tables featuring treatment providers, recovery support organizations, prevention agencies, and community partners. Families can also explore interactive displays from local law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations.“Recovery is a journey that no one should have to face alone,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, show support for individuals and families affected by addiction, and highlight the many resources available throughout Somerset County. Every step taken is a step toward hope, healing, and recovery.”Operation Helping Hand is a countywide collaborative initiative that brings together local law enforcement agencies, peer recovery specialists, treatment providers, and community organizations to support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. By working together, these partners provide compassionate outreach, connect individuals to treatment and recovery services, and help reduce the stigma associated with addiction. The program is committed to saving lives, reducing overdose deaths, supporting long-term recovery, and strengthening healthier communities throughout Somerset County. This coordinated approach reflects Somerset County’s commitment to improving public safety, saving lives, and ensuring that recovery resources are accessible to all who need them.Somerset County Operation Helping Hand partners with CiC for Prevention and Recovery, a community-based organization supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and behavioral health challenges. Through consistent participation in Operation Helping Hand and other community outreach efforts, CiC helps build trust and meaningful connections with the community. CiC provides prevention, recovery support, education, and connections to resources from its offices in Bernardsville and Franklin Township, NJ.This event is supported through Operation Helping Hand grant funding provided by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR). The grant reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to expanding access to treatment, recovery support services, and community-based responses for individuals impacted by substance use disorder while strengthening collaborative partnerships that promote public health and public safety.Registration is $15 per participant. As a community awareness event, registration fees help offset the costs associated with organizing and hosting the event. Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, or simply attend to learn more about available resources, your participation helps strengthen a community committed to recovery. Recovery starts one step at a time. Join us on September 12th and take that step together. Together, recovery is possible.For additional information or to register for the event, please visit<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZd1RlNFJLTmRpWXZwM3poc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlp2c4XO3xTOWukYiA7pJDgC4YZ1OZqvnEBc-_4BvH5Ti24hCrBIIBc0L13B_aem_VU0S-jeo6KloZqS-iNFsDQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH</a> or contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program at OHH@somersetcountynj.gov.Prosecutor McDonald and Chief Meredith McKay request anyone seeking addiction services contact OHH by calling (908) 393-8888, visiting the Somerset County OHH website at <a href="https://www.bit.ly/somersetohh?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZd1RlNFJLTmRpWXZwM3poc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpA42G5sL0yT4Xc1F_wdW7WFDim6zpC345AVVIbhXrfp2CNMP1VB9L9gtFlx_aem_hbTkXsnBdB-FmiLa9nauXw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.bit.ly/somersetohh</a> or emailing OHH@SomersetCountyNJ.gov to be connected to services.

Local Event: Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Somerset County

Bridgewater

New Jersey

Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K...

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program invites community members to...

Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Courtney Newman

Mercer County

Sarah Salvadore

New York City Metropolitan Area

Princeton

West Windsor

Lawrenceville

Hopewell-Pennington

Middlesex County

South Brunswick

East Windsor

Alexis Tarrazi

Hillsborough

Bucks County

Dino Ciliberti

Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

Yardley

Pennsylvania

East Brunswick

Manville

Carly Baldwin

New Brunswick

Kelsey Theatre

NJ Lyric Opera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kelsey Theatre's &nbsp;Summer Opera Fest&nbsp;2026 is here!&nbsp; Find tickets for these 4 amazing shows featuring wonderful casts-&nbsp;&nbsp;be sure to reserve tickets today!
This thrilling opera takes stage with a passionate love triangle, a mysterious curse and shocking ending- &nbsp;with the famous&nbsp;"Anvil Chorus,"&nbsp;will leave you on the edge of your seat!Find Tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.purplepass.com/events/377076-njlo-il-trovatore-aug-28th-2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.purplepass.com/events/377076-njlo-il-trovatore-aug-28th-2026</a> 
<figure class="wrap-center"><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/26717760/20260809/015130/a-new-design-8-41___09135129727.jpg" id="A New Design (8) (41).jpg" data-image="A New Design (8) (41).jpg"></figure>
Bizet's The Pearl Fishers
<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/26717760/20260809/015130/pf-kelsey-banner___09135129746.jpg" id="PF Kelsey Banner.jpg" data-image="PF Kelsey Banner.jpg"></figure>
Travel to another world and time in this immersive summer ocean story where two men's vow of eternal friendship is threatened by their love for the soon to be priestess, Leila, featuring the famous&nbsp;Pearl Fisher duet&nbsp;and glimmering soprano arias. Find Tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.purplepass.com/events/377077-njlo-the-pearl-fishers-aug-29th-2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.purplepass.com/events/377077-njlo-the-pearl-fishers-aug-29th-2026</a> 
<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/26717760/20260809/015130/a-new-design-9-28___09135129741.jpg" id="A New Design (9) (28).jpg" data-image="A New Design (9) (28).jpg"></figure>
Romeo and Juliet:
<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/26717760/20260809/020546/a-new-design-35-1___09140545328.jpg" id="A New Design (35) (1).jpg" data-image="A New Design (35) (1).jpg"></figure>
Gounod’s telling of&nbsp;Shakespeare’s&nbsp;masterpiece&nbsp;of&nbsp;star-crossed love&nbsp;comes to life on stage at Kelsey Theatre featuring a stellar cast! The Barber of Seville Find Tickets:<a href="https://www.purplepass.com/events/377078-njlo-romeo-and-juliet-aug-29th-2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.purplepass.com/events/377078-njlo-romeo-and-juliet-aug-29th-2026</a>
<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/4?ui=2&amp;ik=b7c1418bfb&amp;attid=0.1&amp;permmsgid=msg-a:r-6742227660383995074&amp;th=19fd4626839b9cd4&amp;view=fimg&amp;fur=ip&amp;permmsgid=msg-a:r-6742227660383995074&amp;sz=s0-l75-ft&amp;attbid=ANGjdJ-E6M-LEGk1mbav43xlP0svPcwNfS75L-zxY2klwQbY_Ge94v99uNNpEPTJf_qrhTqE-wWFfHFRo7DsAq9DCYKP7obpqAxmoe0Ssyt1fLIEm8jmc_WYdeL32ho&amp;disp=emb&amp;realattid=ii_msgqxjk50&amp;zw" alt="Summer Opera Fest sneak peek.png"> The Barber of Seville Figaro!&nbsp;Figaro! &nbsp;&nbsp;Will love prevail in this new - fun -laugh-out loud comedy of&nbsp;Rossini's The Barber of Seville?&nbsp;Featuring the famous Figaro aria and ensembles in a hilarious staging in this Rossini classic. Find Tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.purplepass.com/events/377079-njlo-the-barber-of-seville-aug-30th-2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.purplepass.com/events/377079-njlo-the-barber-of-seville-aug-30th-2026</a>

<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/26717760/20260809/015130/a-new-design-8-401___09135129735.jpg" id="A New Design (8) (40)1.jpg" data-image="A New Design (8) (40)1.jpg"></figure>
Want to experience all 4?&nbsp; Discount if you purchase all for 4 shows!
Just click the Green Plus sign and select your seats&nbsp;

Local Event: Summer Opera Fest Aug 28-30: Romeo & Juliet, Il Trovatore, Pearl Fishers, Barber of Seville

Summer Opera Fest Aug 28-30: Romeo & Juliet, Il...

NJ Lyric Opera and Kelsey Theatre's  Summer Opera Fest 2026 is here!  Find tickets for these 4 amazing shows featuring...

Summer Opera Fest Aug 28-30: Romeo & Juliet, Il Trovatore, Pearl Fishers, Barber of Seville

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Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

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Duke Island Park, 191 Old York Rd, Bridgewater, NJ

Summer Opera Fest Aug 28-30: Romeo & Juliet, Il Trovatore, Pearl Fishers, Barber of Seville