Glassboro named one of the best small towns to visit by Smithsonian Magazine

It’s Monday, New Jersey!

☀️Weather: Mostly sunny, high 87

👀What’s on tap today

• Protect against tick and mosquito bites this summer

• Glassboro named a best small town to visit

• Upcoming events

Up first….

Glassboro named one of the best small towns to visit by Smithsonian Magazine

The New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (NJTT) is proud to announce that Glassboro, New Jersey, earned recognition in the Smithsonian Magazine’s much celebrated, “The 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2024” annual editorial feature. 

Located in Gloucester County in the southern portion of the Garden State, Glassboro’s population tops just 23,987 residents. Founded in 1923, Rowan University is a Carnegie-classified national doctoral research institution and remains the town’s centerpiece. Within this charming “quintessential college town,” Smithsonian Magazine’s Kiniry spotlights the highly anticipated 2024 opening of the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University. 

The 65-acre fossil park will be the only site east of the Mississippi to allow locals and visitors to dig for fossils from over 66 million years ago, lending Glassboro to be called by the magazine a “fossil-filled small town.” The Edelman Park & Museum of Rowan University is also noted for its “eco-friendly structure,” as the space features geothermal heating and cooling systems, readying it the largest public net-zero facility in the entire state. 

Glassboro earns attention by the outlet for its many diverse establishments, including the Heritage Glass Museum, which is located in the Downtown District and showcases local antiques and handblown glass, paying homage to the town’s 1779 roots and century’s long history in glass manufacturing. Fine eateries like LaScala’s Fire and Angelo’s Glassboro Diner are highlighted in the piece, as well as Glassboro’s Town Square, which serves as a hosting ground for community events. 

Protect against tick and mosquito bites this summer

Each year, the start of warmer weather brings the emergence of ticks and mosquitoes and the threat of related diseases, such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. The New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH), Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and Agriculture (NJDA) urge residents to protect themselves from these bugs for a safe and healthy summer season.

When infected blood-sucking pests (such as mosquitoes and ticks) bite someone, they can spread vector-borne illnesses. “June 16 through 22 is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness about infected mosquitoes that can spread West Nile and other diseases. Warming weather also increases exposure to ticks, which can result in illnesses such as Lyme disease," said Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, M.D. “The best defense is to take precautions to avoid being bitten, like using effective bug spray and protective clothing, and to do regular tick checks after time in nature. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible.”

While the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in New Jersey is West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon virus are also causes for concern.

People over age 50 years and those with weak immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness from mosquito-borne illnesses. Mild symptoms are flu-like and may include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes a rash. Severe symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, and swelling of the brain. There are no specific treatments or vaccines for West Nile virus. Early symptoms may be confused with COVID-19 or several other common viral illnesses, and blood tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis. The best way to prevent the disease is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Steps to control mosquitoes include using insect repellent and treating clothing and gear; wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants; emptying or changing outdoor standing water weekly to stop mosquito breeding, and using window and door screens.

NAVIGATING AGING

• GLP-1 Medicine Mounjaro May Be First Drug to Ease Sleep Apnea Health Day

• Driven to Serve: Retired RV enthusiasts travel the country to assist others. Next Avenue

• Plane Hygiene: Staying Healthy at 35,000 Feet Health Day

• How Hearing Aids Help Cognition and Relationships: High prices and social stigma are common reasons people with hearing loss resist wearing the devices. Next Avenue

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 24 – 30 – The North To Shore Jersey festival (Newark, Essex County)
June 26 – Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, at Kennedy Plaza (Atlantic City, Atlantic County)
June 26 – 28 – Montville Independence Day Celebration (Montville, Morris County)
June 27 – Montclair Film’s Summer Showcase- Opening Film: SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPER REEVE STORY (Montclair, Essex County)
June 28 – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band Live in Concert (Newton, Sussex County)
June 28 – Car Cruise (Smithville, Atlantic County)
June 28 – Annual North Beach Atlantic City Fireworks Celebration  (Altantic City, Atlantic County)
June 28 – Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point (Somers Point, Atlantic County)
June 28 – 30 – Rock, Ribs, and Ridges Festival (Augusta, Sussex County)
June 29 – ‘Share The Love’ Fundraiser for the KB Foundation & Atlantic City Ballet (Somers Point, Atlantic County)
June 29 – Margate Beachstock (Margate, Atlantic County)
­June 29 – Downtown After Sundown (South Orange, Essex County)
June 29 – Brew at the Zoo (West Orange, Essex County)
June 29 & 30 – Win & Wine Festival (Oceanport, Monmouth County)
June 29 & 30 –  School’s Out Food Truck Fair! (New Egypt, Ocean County)
June 29 & 30 – Makers Alley Spring/Summer 2024 Exhibition (Lambertville, Hunterdon County)
June 30  – Firefly Festival (Princeton, Mercer County)
June 30 – Hopatcong Monthly Market (Hopatcong, Morris County)

TODAY IN HISTORY

🚀On June 24, 1983, the space shuttle Challenger, carrying America’s first woman in space, Sally Ride, coasted to a safe landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

🎂Happy 82nd birthday today to Scott Johnston of Barnegat Light! Wishing you a day filled with sunshine, good times, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Here's to another year of making memories on the Jersey Shore! ️ Enjoy your special day, Scott! 🥳🎈🍾

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Scott include musician Mick Fleetwood, 77, (Fleetwood Mac) actor Michele Lee, 82; actor Sherry Stringfield (ER) 57; and actor-producer Mindy Kaling, 45.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

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