NJ's Top 5: Our Most Popular Facebook Stories This Week

From a new Brick proposal to force puppy stores to sell only rescue animals to a new Aldi in East Brunswick, check out the stories Georgia Patch readers were sharing, reading and commenting on for the week of April 17.

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day Coming Up At Ocean County Health Department

The Northern Ocean County Animal Facility is inviting prospective pet owners to pick out a dog or cat and give them a forever home on April 30. The emphasis is on forever. Adoption fees for all animals are waived on the day of the event. Adopters will be given a goodie bag with treats and toys for their new best friend.

Brick Proposal Would Force Puppy Stores To Sell Only Rescue Animals

Valerie Macaluso's voice cracked as she spoke to the Brick Township Council Tuesday night, recounting the story of Brody, the Rottweiler puppy she purchased at Breeders Association of America in March that died eight days later. Macaluso was one of several people who spoke a council meeting to share concerns about the Route 70 store that has been the focus of growing complaints about sick puppies and questions about its business practices.

New Aldi Opening in East Brunswick

A new Aldi store is opening in East Brunswick on Thursday, April 20. The Aldi will be located at 50 Racetrack Road off Rt. 18 (in the same complex as the AutoZone and the Burlington Coat Factory). Aldi sells discount groceries at prices up to 50 percent less than other grocers. To celebrate the opening of its first East Brunswick store, Aldi will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m., on Thursday. The public is invited to attend.

Atlantic Highlands Deli Sells Winning $75K Lottery Ticket

Mike’s Deli on 1st Avenue in Atlantic Highlands sold a winning lottery ticket that will split the $75,428 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from the April 20 drawing, the state lottery announced Friday. Each ticket is worth $37,714. The winning numbers were: 02, 04, 32, 42 and 43, and the XTRA number was: 02.

4 New Middletown Streets Dedicated to Fallen Veterans

On May 13, four streets in Middletown Township will be dedicated to military veterans who were killed in their service to our country. The veterans' families, neighbors residing on the street to be dedicated and the general public are invited to attend. The ceremonies will include a color guard and the playing of taps. More than 50 signs have been added township-wide to honor Middletown veterans killed in action from World War I to present.

Photo credit: Humane Society of the United States