10 Bridgewater Feel Good Stories From 2025 That Will Make You Smile

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The news isn't always bad — far from it. In the Bridgewater area, residents donated a playhouse, officers rescued residents from floodwaters, and some are simply spreading a positive message through ice cream to others.

As we look back on the year, here are some of the stories in the Bridgewater area that made us smile.

Blood Donation Saved Bridgewater Mom's Life After Birth, Now She Is Helping To Save Others

Three Bridgewater mothers, who are uniquely passionate about raising public awareness about perinatal complications and the enormous need for blood, are hosting a blood drive.

This blood drive is especially close to Cattell as she received 22 units of blood to save her life following the birth of her son Nathan in 2017.

Somerset County Family Is Spreading Positive, Inclusive Message One Scoop At A Time

Deeply connected to the neurodivergent and disabled community, the Kolb family is on a mission to spread kindness and inclusivity through their newly opened ice cream shop.

Rich, Jen, and Aly Kolb opened Ice Cream For All at the end of August at 137 Old York Road in the Bradley Gardens section of the Township near Duke Island Park.

"It was important to us to create a judgment-free space where everyone — our customers, their families, and their allies — can feel accepted and celebrated," according to the family's website.

'Life Is Too Short': Cancer Survivor, Somerset County Artist Shares Healing Power Of Art

After defeating cancer, Hillsborough wife and mother, Sarah DeWire, opened Hummingbird Studio in

Raritan to share her passion for art with others.
Now five years later, she continues to share the power of art.

Somerset County VoTech Carpentry Students Build Playhouse For Local Kids At Agape House

Students enrolled in the Carpentry program at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) recently delivered a children’s playhouse to Agape House.

The structure was designed and built by SCVTHS students. The project enabled them to put into practice skills they have learned in the classroom that apply to homebuilding – like cutting, framing and roofing – but on a smaller scale.

Bridgewater Realtor On Holiday Mission To Help Pets Find 'Furever' Homes

Lifelong Bridgewater resident, pet lover, and realtor Michael LoCascio has made it his mission to help shelter pets find their "furever" homes this holiday season.

"I help people buy and sell homes. But I also want to be able to help the animals find their homes, too," said LoCascio, who also volunteers at the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter every week.

Detectives, Good Samaritan Honored For Heroic Floodwater Rescue In Bridgewater: Video

Two Bridgewater Police Detectives and a Good Samaritan were honored for their quick actions and courage that helped save three people trapped inside a car rapidly filling with water during the severe flooding on the night of July 14.

Bridgewater Author Aims To Break Stigma Around Mental Illness Through Memoir

Bridgewater mother, author, educator, and mental health advocate Denise Pimentel doesn't hold back on sharing her journey through mental illness, stroke recovery, and the unshakable faith that carried her through in her newly released memoir, "Unshaken."

Pimentel published the book earlier this year with the hope of removing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Student Turns Passion For Art, Animals Into Fundraiser For Somerset Regional Shelter

Bridgewater-Raritan High School senior Taashvi Shah is merging a passion for animals and art by donating a portion of her pet portrait proceeds to help the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.

"Growing up, I always loved making artwork and crafts, but did it on a more casual basis. In my case, boredom triggered a creative pursuit with art. During the pandemic, I had a lot of time to pass, so I picked up drawing and painting as a hobby," said Shah. "I enjoyed being able to create, the calming feeling from making art, and bringing ideas to life. Over time, through consistent practice, I developed my art skills to what they are now, and continue to learn and improve."

68-Year-Old Historic Fire Truck Donated By Bridgewater Firefighters To Museum

After 68 years of serving the Bradley Gardens Volunteer Fire Company, the historic Diamond T fire truck will soon be getting a new life.

The fire company donated the truck to the New Jersey Fire Museum and Memorial in Allentown on Saturday to be restored and placed on display for everyone to enjoy.

2 Wrestling Bucks With Entangled Antlers Freed By Officer In Somerset County: Video

Two wrestling bucks with entangled antlers were rescued by Branchburg Officer Daniel Soffer on Tuesday. (See video)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.