🌱 How a scam trail through Branchburg left a widow owing $117K

Hey there, Branchburg! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a scam trail through Branchburg left a widow owing $117K

Also on today's calendar: 🩰Nutcracker Magic at Old York Cellars Winery and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: A snow shower in the p.m., with a high of 35 and low of 22 degrees.
• Friday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 38, low: 23.
• Saturday: Some brightening, with a high of 39 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Scammers stole $2M from a shattered N.J. widow. Now she's on the hook for $117K in taxes. (nj.com subscription) — A New Jersey widow lost nearly $2 million to sophisticated scammers, making large cash withdrawals from branches in several Somerset County towns, including Branchburg, before handing the money to a fake bank courier. Now she faces a $117,000 state tax bill on stolen retirement funds, highlighting gaps in New Jersey’s fraud protections and tax laws that could affect other local seniors. Lawmakers are considering new safeguards for older residents’ accounts.
   

📸 Around Branchburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Branchburg

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Sunday December 14

• 4th Annual "Washington's Landing in New Jersey"
  Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center Museum, Titusville
  11:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Friday December 12

• Open Archives
  Somerville branch -
  3:00 pm
• Winter Choral Concert (snow date)
  Somerville High School , 222 Davenport Street , Somerville
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 13

• 🩰Nutcracker Magic at Old York Cellars Winery
  Old York Cellars, 80 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ, 08551
  2:00 pm

Sunday December 14

• Photos with Santa & Custom Labeled Wine Bottles at Old York Cellars
  Old York Cellars, 80 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ, 08551
  12:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• Winter Instrumental Concert
  Somerville High School , 222 Davenport Street , Somerville
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Kids' Night Out
  Frenchtown Riding Club , 39 Warsaw Rd , Frenchtown
  4:30 pm
• Sleigh Bell Swing
  Raritan Valley Community College - Nash Theatre – 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ
  7:00 pm

📣 Branchburg Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 11

• Tot Walks: Winter Trees
  Echo Hill Park , 42 Lilac Drive , Flemington
  9:30 am
• Baby Storytime
  Bridgewater branch - Story Well
  10:15 am
• Drop In Craft: Holiday Greeting Cards
  Somerville branch - Programs 2
  3:00 pm
• Choir Concert
  Hillsborough High School , 466 Raider Boulevard , Hillsborough
  7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• EDIT*** The interested party is not me.
  Im just helping. Is there any private companies that will hire and train a person to be a caregiver with options for certification. (Nextdoor Branchburg)

🗞 Nearby News

Hillsborough

• Firefighters Stop Spread Of House Fire In Hillsborough (patch.com)
• Fully Engulfed Garage Fire Closes Route 601 For Hours In Montgomery (patch.com)

Somerville

• Wreaths Across America Helps Somerville Pay Tribute To Veterans Laid to Rest at New Cemetery (tapinto.net)
• U.S. News Best Maternity Hospitals 2026 lists 27 in NJ (njbiz.com)
• Interior Finish Summit Brings Industry Leaders Together at STI Headquarters (wconline.com)

Bridgewater

Ok Branchburg! 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: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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