BBBS Offers ‘One Sweet Ride’ Car Raffle
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County has announced that the Sweet Ride Car Raffle will culminate in a “Winning Ticket Pull Party” on Thursday, September 11, at Rossi’s Bar & Grill, in Hamilton, where the winning ticket will be drawn amidst celebration and camaraderie. Local musician Ernie White will provide entertainment. All proceeds of the raffle benefit the mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County.
This initiative, presented in partnership with Haldeman Automotive, offers participants in the raffle the chance to win their choice from a selection of cars provided by the Haldeman Dealerships or a $35,000 car voucher to use towards a vehicle of their choice from Haldeman Automotive. A total of 999 tickets are available for purchase, each priced at $100.
“We are incredibly excited to culminate the 2025 ‘Sweet Ride Car Raffle’ as a fun and impactful way to support the life-changing mentoring programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County,” said Stephanie Karpowitz, executive director of the organization. “Thanks to the generosity of our partner, Haldeman Automotive, one lucky winner will drive away with an amazing prize, all while helping us empower more young people in our community.”
Tickets for the “Sweet Ride Car Raffle” are available for purchase by visiting www.mercerbbbs.org/sweetride or by contacting the office at 609-656-1000.
Cyclists Gear Up for the 14th Annual Sourland Spectacular
Cyclists of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the Sourland Spectacular, returning for its 14th year on Saturday, September 13. Hosted by the Sourland Conservancy, this community event promises a day of biking, beautiful views, delicious food, and meaningful impact — all in support of the Conservancy’s ongoing forest restoration efforts.
“We’re putting together four really great rides to accommodate cyclists of every skill level: from the ‘Almost Flat Family Ride’ on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail to the challenging Metric Century,” said Sourland Conservancy Board President Cliff Wilson, who serves on the event planning committee. “All riders will enjoy glorious views, and the proceeds will help our staff and volunteers reach our goal of planting 10,000 trees this year.”
Participants can choose from four scenic routes winding through the stunning Sourland region: a Family Ride along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, a 27-mile or 42-mile option, or the challenging 63-mile “metric century” with a 3,926-foot climb. All rides begin and end at the Watershed Institute at 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington. For details visit www.sourlandspectacular.com/routes.
Proceeds from the event will help the Sourland Conservancy combat the devastation caused by the emerald ash borer, which has destroyed more than one million trees in the region. Since 2020, Conservancy staff and volunteers have planted more than 57,000 native trees and shrubs as part of a long-term restoration effort.
Riders are invited to add a little friendly competition to the cause. Cyclists who raise $200 or more in donations will receive a limited-edition t-shirt. The top fundraiser will win the “Fuel & Fitness” prize basket full of gifts valued at more than $900, thanks to generous donations from MAX Challenge, Lone Eagle Brewing, and Lo Ré Pasta Shop. Second highest individual fundraiser will receive a gorgeous native planter donated by My Backyard at Nectars in Titusville. Full details are available at www.sourlandspectacular.com/fundraising.
The registration fee includes a light breakfast; rest stops stocked with snacks, water, and porta-potties; SAG (Support and Gear) services, including rides back to the start, if needed; lunch including a Lone Eagle Brewing beer (21+), seltzer, or soda; and a reusable 21 oz. Sourland Spectacular water bottle (while supplies last.
This year’s commemorative forest green t-shirt will be on sale for $25 on the event website or at the event while supplies last.
Registration is $70 for adults and $25 for children 13 and under. Walk-up registration is open from 7 to 10 a.m. on event day. Riders are encouraged to choose a start time that allows them to finish by lunch.
Take the Canal House Challenge
The Delaware & Raritan Canal Watch hosts its second annual Canal House Challenge, a three-county history adventure, on Sunday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the only time of the year when all homes are open to the public at the same time.
The goal is to visit five of the remaining Delaware & Raritan Canal houses from Lawrence Township to northern Franklin Township in a single day. Some were bridgetender houses, some were locktender houses, and some were both. While visiting each site, participants learn about the history of the home. Participants who visit all sites win a prize.
The event, which is free, helps to promote New Jersey’s canal heritage. Donations are purely voluntary but gratefully accepted at each house. Participating locations and organizations include:
• East Millstone Bridgetender’s House (East Millstone Historical Society)
• Blackwells Mills Bridgetender’s House (Blackwells Mills Canal House Association)
• Griggstown Bridgetender’s House (The Raritan-Millstone Heritage Alliance)
• Kingston Locktender’s House (Kingston Historical Society)
• Port Mercer Bridgetender’s House (Lawrence Historical Society)
All donations go toward the preservation of our historic homes along the D&R Canal.
For more information about the challenge, please visit the Lawrence Historical Society’s website at: www.thelhs.org/canal-house-challenge
Learn more about the D&R Canal Watch by visiting their website at www.canalwatch.org.
