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Winter Storm Near Miss: Southern Ontario Could Still See Heavy Snow

  A major winter storm developing across the central United States is expected to track close enough to southern Ontario this weekend to bring the risk of significant snowfall. While the core of the system is projected to remain south of the border, its northern edge may still sweep across regions from Windsor to the Greater Toronto Area. Forecasters say the exact path remains uncertain, but current projections suggest that areas along and south of Highway 401 could see notable accumulations if the storm shifts even slightly north. Some models indicate the potential for 10–20 centimetres of snow, with locally higher amounts possible if lake‑enhanced bands develop. The storm threat comes as southern Ontario braces for a surge of bitter cold. Wind chills dipping into the minus twenties may precede the system, creating conditions that could intensify snowfall rates and make travel more difficult. Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory closely. Residents are enco...
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Unexpected Oasis: The Buddha Statue in New Jersey Unites Faiths

 

Just off a bustling state highway in Franklin Township, New Jersey, stands one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States. Rising 30 feet high from the woods near Princeton, this statue has become an unexpected interfaith hub and spiritual home for many.

Built a decade ago under the leadership of a Sri Lankan monk ordained in Theravada Buddhism, the statue is part of the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. The monk's dream was to unite people of all faiths, and today, that vision is a reality.

The center has become a gathering place for practicing Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians, reflecting New Jersey's diverse religious landscape. Among the regular visitors is Daniel Choi, a Princeton University professor who grew up in a Korean Christian church and now follows Tibetan Buddhism. He has been meditating in front of the Buddha statue since 2015 and describes it as a "public shrine" where people from various backgrounds come together.

The center also hosts interfaith gatherings and maintains a peace garden, tended to by a leader of the local Nepali community. Visitors often find themselves surrounded by colorful Tibetan prayer flags and an interfaith peace mural painted by local students.

"It's uniquely New Jersey," Choi said, noting the mix of people and the untraditional location of such a shrine. "You hear traffic, you hear people chatting, and yet, there's a sense of peace and connection here."

The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara follows Theravada Buddhism but welcomes all Buddhist traditions and other faiths. This inclusive approach has made it a beloved spot for curious tourists and passersby who come to sit in front of the statue, take in the moment, and soak in the vibe.

In a world where finding common ground can be challenging, this unexpected oasis in New Jersey offers a place for people of different faiths to come together, find peace, and connect.



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