When Ben Chrnelich was thinking about what he wanted Real Central New Jersey’s outfit in the Women’s Premier Soccer League to look like this is it.

A strong team capable of winning a division title that is bolstered largely by local players from the soccer-tradition rich Greater Trenton area.

“Our mission is to continue providing a professionally run soccer organization program to the highest caliber and most committed players in the area,” said Chrnelich, who serves as Sporting Director for the women’s team. “We enjoy seeing players who have competed against each other in high school and academy leagues join together at RCNJ to represent our area.”

Season number four for RCNJ gets underway on Sunday night when it hosts West Mont United at 7 p.m. on the turf at Rider University’s Ben Cohen Field.

RCNJ will compete in the Colonial Division of the Mid-Atlantic Conference alongside Delaware Ospreys, Fever SC, Penn Fusion, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals, SJEB FC and West Mont United.

SJEB and Penn Fusion are both ranked in the preseason top-25.

The 10-game schedule begins on Sunday and runs through June 30, with playoffs to follow as teams compete for the Jerry Zanelli Cup. Rosters consist of collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep athletes.

“The club has experienced significant growth in the programs offered, fan interest and community support,” Chrnelich said, pointing to increased attendance since moving from Mercer CC to Rider University for home games last season.

“In additional to the Women’s team being consistently a top ranked WPSL team, the club has seen notable success with its youth teams (U13, U15 & U18) competing at the USL Academy Cup. Our attendance has grown every year with the WPSL games seeing over 250 supporters in attendance, plus many more watching the live stream. Our focus on a player centric environment continues to attract top players to our program and recommendations from collegiate coaches to play and train with Real Central NJ in preparation for the fall college season.”

The roster is highlighted by familiar names.

It includes former CVC Player of the Year Sophia Lis (Lehigh University/ Princeton High) and this fall’s Prep and Area Co-Player of the Year Morgan Kotch (Villanova University/ Pennington School).

Some other notable players include captains Ava Curtis (TCNJ/ Hillsborough High) and Stella Kahn (La Salle University/ Eastern Regional High), Brooke Steel (American University/ Shawnee High), Riley Hayes (Bucknell University/ Hun School), Kirsten Ruf (Rice University/ Princeton Day) and Nicola Mosionek (Rider University/ Hopewell Valley) among others.

Brian Thomson returns as head coach for his fourth season, and he’ll be assisted by Jamie Skarupsky, a former goalkeeper for the team, and Allentown High head coach Kim Maurer.

“Trenton’s soccer roots are deep and we are proud to play our part in continuing to ensure players can stay local while competing against the best talent up and down the East Coast,” Chrnelich said.

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While the season technically doesn’t start until June 20, Memorial Day marks the official start of summer in New Jersey. And, between parades, festivals, markets and more, there’s plenty of ways to start the season off right here in North Jersey.

So, if you haven’t quite figured out how you’d like to spend your Memorial Day weekend — besides just relaxing, which is a great option — we have some suggestions for you.

Here are three Memorial Day weekend events taking place in North Jersey, and a big list of other parades, commemorations and more.

L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival at Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus

Each year, L.E.A.D. — Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence — holds its annual carnival at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus. The event, which is open most days from May 23 to June 9, kicks off on Memorial Day weekend, making it the perfect place to celebrate the start of summer.

At the event, there will be amusements available like rides and carnival games, as well as an array of classic theme park foods like pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, cheesesteaks and more. Plus, there will be live entertainment taking place during each night of the carnival. Admission to the carnival is $5 per person, and ride tickets must be purchased separately. MegaPasses are also available for $25 when purchased online, which include admission and unlimited rides from open until close during one day of the event.

Hours: 5 p.m. until close Wednesday through Friday, and 3 p.m. until close Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day.

Go: One Garden State Plaza, Paramus; theleadfest.com/events/garden-state-plaza.

The Ridgewood Run, Ridgewood

If you’re looking for a healthy and active start to the summer season, while also supporting some good causes, considering participating in The Ridgewood Run on Memorial Day.

The 47th year of this Memorial Day celebration, The Ridgewood Run has several family-focused activities throughout the day, including a 10K, 5K, the Ridgewood YMCA Kid’s Fun Run, a competitive mile and a mile community run. The event is also home to the Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K, where some of the world’s fastest wheelchair athletes are set to compete.

The cost to signup for the event varies based on the type of run, and prices are discounted when you sign up online. And, proceeds from the event go towards supporting the Special Olympics of New Jersey, the Kessler Foundation, the Ridgewood YMCA and several other local organizations.

Go: Veterans Memorial Field, 156-158 Northern Parkway, Ridgewood; runsignup.com/race/NJ/Ridgewood/TheRidgewoodRace.

Hopatcong Monthly Market, Hopatcong

The Hopatcong Monthly Market is held on the last Sunday of each month from May through November. And, the first Sunday of the market’s season falls over Memorial Day weekend.

During the market, there will be an array of vendors available for you to explore, including farms, food vendors, crafters, artisans, artists, direct-sale vendors, local businesses, vintage dealers, non-profits, community groups and much more. The market is free to visit, pending any purchases from their unique vendors, of course.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month from May through November.

Go: 120 River Styx Road, Hopatcong; jjvendorevents.square.site/2024-hopatcong-monthly-market.

And, if that’s just not enough for you: Here’s a list of some other Memorial Day weekend activities in North Jersey:

Bergen County

Emerson

The Borough’s ceremony will be at 9 a.m. May 27 at Monument Park, across from Villano School. American Legion Post 269 and the Emerson Mayor and Council will honor and remember those members of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Light refreshments will be donated by Dunkin Donuts on Kinderkamack Road.

Fort Lee

The Annual Memorial Day Parade will be held at 10 a.m. May 27, beginning at the Jack Alter Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace. The parade will proceed north on Center Avenue, west on Main Street, then south on Anderson Avenue to the community center for a ceremony and refreshments. All residents are encouraged to join at the end of the parade to honor those who served our nation. 

Glen Rock

The Memorial Day Commemoration will begin with opening remarks at the Rock at 10 a.m. on May 27, then proceed up Rock Road to the memorial at Borough Hall for the ceremony. Any groups wishing to march should form up on Concord beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Mahwah

The parade will be at 10 a.m. May 27 at Veterans Park.

Midland Park

The parade will be at 10 a.m. May 25, followed by a service at Veterans Plaza at 11 a.m.

Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake

The Tri-Boro Memorial Day Parade, 10:30 a.m. to noon May 27, will start at the Montvale Fire Department and end at the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department.

Oakland

A parade, followed by the American Legion ceremony in Veterans Park, will be May 26 starting at 1 p.m. After the ceremony, the legion will serve refreshments at its Post building on 65 Oak St.

Old Tappan

The parade on May 27 lines up at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Northern Valley Old Tappan High School and step off at 9:30 a.m. It will end at Oakes Park on Central Avenue around 10:15, where a ceremony will be conducted. The ceremony will include parading the colors, the national anthem, invocation, the mayor’s address, a memorial wreath placement, a rifle salute and Taps.

In the event of inclement weather, the fire department siren will be sounded at 8:15 a.m. advising that the parade is canceled. In that event, the ceremony will be held in the Charles DeWolf School gym at 9:30.

Ridgefield

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on May 27 at the intersection of Route 5 and Elm Avenue, and will concludeat Veteran’s Memorial Park. All are invited to stay as the marching bands perform in front of the viewing stand. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Ridgefield Park

The annual service will take place at 11 a.m. May 27 at the Veterans Memorial, Mt. Vernon Street and Euclid Avenue.

River Edge

The Borough, American Legion Post 226 and VFW Post 876 will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. May 27 at the Veterans Memorial. The rain location is Roosevelt Elementary School. Headstone dedication: Senior Airman Elliott Goff.

Wallington

Participants will assemble at the Church of the Transfiguration on Hathaway Street at 9 a.m. on May 27. Members of the Pavlick Foster VFW Post 2640 will march at 9:30 a.m. along Union Boulevard to the Veterans Memorial (Hartmann/Tursik Veterans Plaza) for a service to begin at 10 a.m.

Wood-Ridge

A remembrance honoring our deceased military service men and women will be held on May 22 at 6 p.m. at the Walk of Freedom, located at the corner of Hackensack Street and Highland Avenue.

Essex County

Glen Ridge

On May 27, the Memorial Day Parade will assemble at the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Baldwin Street at 10:30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. will march to the memorial in front of the Ridgewood Avenue School where the traditional service of remembrance will be held.  In the event of rain, the service will be held in the auditorium. Following the service, weather permitting, all residents are invited to the town picnic at the train station for food and amusements. 

Montclair

Services will be held at Edgemont Memorial Park at 10 a.m. May 27. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors at the Montclair Municipal Building.

Millburn

Presented by the Township and American Legion Post 140, the parade will be at 11 a.m. May 27, from Millburn High School to Taylor Park. Write to administrator@millburntwp.org for information.

Morris County

Dover

The annual Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony will be held on May 27 at 10 a.m. The parade will march down Blackwell Street to Hurd Park where the ceremony will follow.

Kinnelon

Honor past, present and future soldiers at the Memorial Day Celebration on the Kinnelon Green at 10 a.m. May 27.

Long Hill

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 27 at Main Avenue and Mercer Street, then proceed north to Central School, where there will be an observance. Local groups can contact the Recreation Department at recreation@longhillnj.gov or 908-647-8000 ext. 219 for information about joining the parade.

Mine Hill

There will be a ceremony and barbecue, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 27 at Veteran and First Responders Memorial Park, 12 Baker St., organized by the Mine Hill Community Committee. For information, contact 973-366-9031 ext. 6 or KWild@minehill.com.

Netcong

The American Legion parade will begin at 1 p.m. May 27 at Netcong Elementary School with a ceremony at Lake Musconetcong. The parade will proceed through Main Street in Stanhope and end at the A.L. post on Route 183 in Stanhope.

Parsippany

The parade will be held at noon May 27 on Route 202.

Rockaway Township

The parade at 11:30 a.m. May 27 will begin at Edith Drive and proceed down Fleetwood Drive to Mt. Hope Road, ending at McKinley Place.

Roxbury

The township will have its traditional Memorial Day parade and ceremony on May 27. Lineup for parade participants is at 9:15 a.m. at 25 Meeker St., Succasunna, and the parade starts at 10. The ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on the Horseshoe Lake Island begins at 11.

Stand along the parade route to cheer on the veterans. The parade starts at the corner of Meeker Street and Hillside Avenue in Succasunna (near Roosevelt School), travels south on Hillside, turns left onto Main Street, travels past the library and churches, turns right onto Eyland Avenue, crosses over Route 10, passes Eisenhower Middle School, enters the Horseshoe Lake recreation complex at 72 Eyland Ave., and ends at the War Memorial.

The ceremony at the War Memorial is presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2833 and the Township. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. In case of rain, check the Township’s website and Facebook page for announcements the morning of the event. If the parade is cancelled, the ceremony will still be held at 11 a.m. at the Horseshoe Lake picnic pavilion. In case of wind-driven rain, the ceremony will be inside the Senior Center.

Passaic County

Clifton

The Clifton Veterans Avenue of Flags will raise more than 2,100 flags on May 26 at 6 a.m. and lower them on May 27 at 6 p.m., weather permitting. Volunteers are needed for this tradition that honors those who served our country making the ultimate sacrifice. Visit cliftonnj.org search under “Avenue of Flags” to learn how to support this ongoing project.

The Fire Department memorial service will start the day at Firehouse 5, 8 a.m. May 27 at 51 Brighton Road. Led by the Clifton Mustang Band, the parade will begin at 9 a.m. at Valley Bank on Allwood Road, as Scouts, ROTC, baseball teams and Passaic County Sheriff’s officers proceed down Allwood Road. The parade will bear left at Market Street to Merrill Road and end at Chelsea Park, where the Allwood memorial service will be at 9:30. The city-wide ceremony will be at 11 at Main Memorial Park. At noon, the Military Order of Purple Heart service will take place at City Hall/Flag Barn. At 2 p.m., a service will be held at Athenia Veterans Post on Huron Avenue.

To donate to the Clifton Parade Committee, send a check payable to City of Clifton, earmarked for Clifton Parade Committee, to City of Clifton Parade Committee, 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013.

Hawthorne

The Memorial Day service and parade will take place on May 27. Services begin at noon at Borough Hall, with the parade commencing at 1:30 p.m. from the corner of Lafayette Avenue and Rea Avenue. 

Little Falls

On May 25 at 10 a.m., the American Legion Singac Post 108 and the Township of Little Falls will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade will start at the American Legion Post 108, 591 Main St. All participants will march down Main Street to Wilmore Road Park to complete the parade which will conclude around 11:15 a.m. After the parade, a ceremony at Wilmore Road Park hosted by the American Legion Singac Post 108 will take place to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces, with an expected start time of 11:30 a.m.

North Haledon

A ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. May 25 at American Legion Post 428, 512 High Mountain Road. Co-sponsored by the North Haledon Mayor & Council and the Public Events Committee.

Pompton Lakes

The Amazing Bloomingdale Big Band will perform from 1 to 3 p.m. May 25 on the lawn of the Pompton Lakes Free Public Library, 333 Wanaque Ave., remembering our fallen veterans,

Sussex County

Andover Borough

A wreath ceremony will be held at May 27 at 9 a.m. at Andover Borough Park.

Hopatcong

A parade and celebration will be held at 10 a.m. May 25, rain or shine. The parade route will be from the Municipal Building, 111 River Styx Road, Hopatcong, to Veteran’s Field Memorial Park, 351 Flora Ave., Stanhope. A memorial celebration will follow. For information, call Roseann at 862-217-6938.

Montague

A service remembering and honoring all who served will take place at 11 a.m. May 27 , at the Township Community Center, 275 Clove Road.

Newton

A parade will take place on Spring Street on May 27 at 10 a.m., followed by a remembrance of fallen heroes at Memory Park. To participation in the parade, applications must be submitted to the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce by May 15. Visit newtontownhall.com for the application.

Stanhope

The Musconetcong American Legion Post 278 will be celebrate with a parade on May 27 at 1 p.m, with a ceremony to follow. The parade will begin at the Netcong School on College Road in Netcong and will end at the American Legion on Route 183 in Stanhope.

Stillwater

The Township’s Memorial Day Service will be at 10 a.m. May 27 at Veterans Memorial Park, Pond Brook Road, rain or shine. Honor and remember all those who have sacrificed and served our country to ensure our rights and liberties as Americans. All veterans are encouraged to participate. Call Lou at 862-268-3553 with questions.