The Collection Magazine, Holiday 2022 Edition- a publication of The Suburban Chamber of Commerce

Sleigh bells will be jingling and carolers will be crooning during the Berkeley Heights Winter Walk on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Created by and fully funded as a way for township businesses and organizations to give back to the community that supports them throughout the year, Winter Walk is open to all who wish to gather and enjoy a festive and fun afternoon downtown. For a complete activity map, and participant and sponsor directory, visit berkeleyheightsdowntown.com.

A trolley will run between Upper and Lower Columbia School and Peppertown Park, which is the locale at 6 p.m. for a tree lighting and pyrotechnics donated by Garden State Fireworks.

Leading up to that will be activities set to include an artificial ice rink, balloon artists, a beer garden and football field goal challenge, music, a bubble dance party, a caricature artist, cookie decorating, two walk-in snow globes, cornhole, cotton candy, crafts, a free throw shooting zone, game trucks, hot chocolate and cookies, and numerous other giveaways and samples.

Springfield Avenue will be closed to create a safe and pedestrianfriendly atmosphere for all ages.

Presenting sponsors of the afternoon are The Park, Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights and Round Table Studios.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN: David Dietze, Peapack Private Wealth Management

FIRST VICE CHAIR: James Kwan, Ace Pension Solutions LLC

TREASURER: Cristina Cruz, Haven Savings Bank- Summit

SECRETARY: Joseph Steiner

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR: Marcella Gencarelli, Lakeland Bank

DIRECTORS: Melanie Cohn, Visual Arts Center of New Jersey

May Abraham, Fridel, Passion for Spices

Kelly Bonventre, NJ Sharing Network

Ian Brodsky, Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights

Robert J. Davies, Davies Insurance Management

Joseph Eberle, Weichert Realtors- Joseph Eberle

Jimmy Joseph, Mortgages By Jim Joseph

Gordon Kline, Investors Bank - Summit

Roger Mehner Esq., Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper

Kerry Mowry, Overlook Medical Center

The Benevolent Associations of Summit’s police and fire departments will host their annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots holiday drive through Thursday, Dec. 15.

Members of the community are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys to the donation boxes at the following locations during normal business hours by Dec. 15:

• Summit Police Headquarters (512 Springfield Ave.)

• Summit Fire Department (396 Broad St.)

• Summit Community Center (100 Morris Ave.)

• Summit High School (125 Kent Place Blvd.)

• The Little Gym (545 Morris Ave.)

• Peapack Gladstone Bank (48 DeForest Ave.)

• Serra Doce (21 Union Pl.)

• Village Trattoria (103 Summit Ave.)

The PBA and the FMBA members will deliver the donated toys to the Marine Corps Reserve on Dec. 16, and they will be distributed throughout Union County and the surrounding area. Since 1947, the effort by the Marines has collected and distributed more than 604 million toys to 272 children in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Wehope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we here at NP Fuel, wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We hope you will make NP Fuel your first stop when heading out to visit family and friends this Holiday season.

We are a full-service gas station with 2 local locations: 50 South Street, New Providence, NJ 07974 1789 SpringfieldAve.,New Providence,NJ 07974

Stop in to winterize your car or truck, get new tires, change the oil, lights, belts and brakes! We are fully staffed with experienced mechanics at our South Street location. Our friendly, attentive service is reminiscent of small town, family run businesses.

Since March 22, 2011, NP Fuel has received an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, recognizing factors such as length of time business has been operating. My staff are proud to meet BBB accreditation standards. Pumps are open 7 days a week (Mon-Th: 6:30am-9pm; Fri 6:30am–10pm; Sat 7am-9pm and Sun 7am–9pm).

Don’t forget we also rent many types of cars from our South Street location, at very reasonable prices. Come Spring, visit us at Murph Farms, run by me, my wife Eliza and our beautiful daughters. Located at 49 Meyersville Rd in Green Village, NJ. The farm features freshly grown tomatoes, cucumbers, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. We also sell homemade honey year-round.

Family is important to me and everyone who works at NP Fuel, NP Rental Cars, and Murph Farms. You are our family!

Happy Holidays – See you soon!

Don Murphy

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum, a non-profit public garden in Summit, will be celebrating its third annual Festival of Trees: A Multicultural Celebration of the Holidays.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., all are invited to learn about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and the Winter Solstice. More than 30 themed trees will be scattered throughout the grounds for guests to enjoy, each decorated by a local non-profit, business, family, school or Scout group. Guests vote for favorites and prizes are awarded. The day is rounded out with crafts, activities and games, a holiday market, food vendors, music, photos with Santa, a woodland story walk and more. Tickets and tree sponsorship information are available at reeves-reedarboretum.org.

For the 21-plus crowd, the Arboretum will host its first Trees Preview Party on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 7-9 p.m. Adults can tour the lighted trees and enjoy a “spirited” celebration in the historic Wisner House by sampling a collection of cocktails and desserts. Details available at reeves-reedarboretum.org.

The Arboretum will also be hosting its annual Holiday Greens Sale, featuring custom wreaths, swags, centerpieces, mint julep cups and more. Items will be for sale during the Festival of Trees event on Dec. 11, and also on Dec. 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10, from 10 – 4.

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is at 165 Hobart Ave. For details on the Festival of Trees, Greens Sale or other programs and events, call 908-273-8787, x1010, or email info@reeves-reedarboretum.org.

The Reeves Reed Arboretum will host its annual Festival of Trees on its historic grounds, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit.

During a past Festival of Trees, sponsor Polycarp Flowers went with a floral theme…of course

Warm woolen mittens were the theme when Wool & Grace, a shop in downtown Summit, decorated for a past Festival of Trees.

New to the Festival of Trees this year will be a preview party, open to guests 21 and older.

FAMILIES PREP TO MOVE INTO HABITAT HOMES IN SUMMIT

Next year, 12 families will move into their new Summit homes, condominiums in an L-shaped building newlyconstructed by Morris Habitat for Humanity at 146 Morris Ave., former site of the Italian-American Club.

Qualified families were selected via lottery last spring. Household size must be from two to six, and 30-year mortgages are provided via Morris Habitat. The homes at The Crossings at Morris Avenue will have a 30-year deed restriction that allows modest equity upon resale, but mandates that they be sold at an affordable price to other income-eligible families. Prospective homeowners contribute a minimum of 300 hours of sweat equity to the project.

Sponsors of the homes include the Summit Civic Foundation, and pro bono and reduced-fee professional services have been contributed by architect Seth A. Leeb; attorneys Schenck, Price, Smith, & King, LLP; environmental consultant Eikon Planning and Design, LLC; Stewart Surveying & Engineering, LLC; engineering consultant Bowman Consulting; and real estate appraiser Property Research Associates.

Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers to help build The Crossings. Sign up to volunteer in groups of five to 10 by contacting constructionscheduling@ morrishabitat.org or by calling 973-891-1934 to schedule a Team Build Day.

HOME SWEET HOME -- A dozen families will soon call home a condominium building being constructed in Summit by Habitat for Humanity at 146 Morris Ave. Each family has contributed 300 hours of “sweat equity” to the project.

BOYS BASKETBALL: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT

12/15 7:00PM

12/20 7:00PM

12/22 5:30PM

@ Jonathan Dayton

@ New Providence

@ Abraham Clark

12/27 Tournament @ Summit High School

12/28 Tournament @ Summit High School

1/3 4:00PM Roselle Park

1/5 5:30PM

@ David Brearley

1/7 3:30PM Arthur L. Johnson

1/10 7:00PM Jonathan Dayton

1/12 5:30PM Central jersey College Prep

1/14 1:00PM Cranford

1/17 7:00PM New Providence

1/19 4:00PM Abraham Clark

@ Roselle Park

1/21 11:30AM

1/24 7:00PM Morris Hills

1/28 11:30AM @ Rahway

1/30 7:00PM Oratory Prep

2/1 7:00PM @ Arthur L. Johnson

2/4 UCIAC @ TBA

2/7 UCIAC 1st Rnd @ TBA

2/9 UCIAC 2nd Rnd @ TBA

2/11 UCIAC Quarterfinal @ TBA

2/11 2:00PM

@ Scotch Plains-Fanwood

2/13 7:00PM Koinonia Academy

2/15 UCIAC Semi Rnd @ TBA

2/15 4:00PM Rahway

2/18 UCIAC Championship @ TBA

2/20 NJSIAA Sectional 1st Round @ TBA

2/22 NJSIAA Sectional Qrt Finals @ TBA

2/24 NJSIAA Sectional Semi Final @ TBA

2/27 NJSIAA Sectional Championship @ TBA

GIRLS BASKETBALL: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT

12/15 4:00PM

Union Catholic Regional

12/17 11:30AM @ Plainfield

12/20 4:00PM Kent Place

12/22 4:00PM Delaware Valley

12/28 Tournament @ Metuchen High School

12/29 Tournament @ Metuchen High School

1/3 5:30PM @ Jonathan Dayton

1/5 4:00PM Elizabeth High School

1/7 1:30PM Arthur L. Johnson

1/10 4:00PM

@ Union Catholic Regional

1/12 4:00PM Plainfield

1/14 12:00PM Cranford

1/17 :00PM @ Kent Place School

1/19 4:00PM

@ Oak Knoll School

1/21 10:00AM @ Roxbury High School

1/24 4:00PM Jonathan Dayton

1/26 4:00PM

@ Elizabeth High School

1/28 1:30PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood

1/30 6:00PM Rahway 2/2 5:30PM

1/21 Union County Championships @TBA

1/25 Match 7:00PM Westfield

1/27 Match 7:00PM Elizabeth High School

1/28 Quad 9:00AM @ Ridge High School

2/1 Match 7:00PM @ Cranford High School

2/6 NJSIAA 1st & 2nd Rnds @TBA

2/8 NJSIAA Sectional Championship @ TBA

2/11 Dual 9:00AM @Madison High School

2/18 NJSIAA Districts TBD @ TBA

2/24 NJSIAA Region TBD @ TBA

2/25 NJSIAA Region TBD @ TBA

3/2 NJSIAA Individual Finals @ Atlantic City Convention Center

3/3 NJSIAA Individual Finals @ Atlantic City Convention Center

3/4 NJSIAA Individual Finals @ Atlantic City Convention Center

BOYS HOCKEY: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/9 5:15PM Glen Rock @ Ice House

12/10 5:45PM Livingston @ Richard Codey Arena

12/12 8:35PM West Essex @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

12/15 5:10PM Ridge @ Bridgewater Sports & Ice Arena

12/19 8:35PM Westfield @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

12/23 8:00PM Hillsborough @ Flemington Ice Arena

12/28 6:35PM Westfield @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

12/30 9:30AM Summit @ Beacon Hill Club

2/2 8:35PM Summit @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

2/4 8:00PM Verona @ Richard Codey Arena

2/6 9:10PM Morristown @ Union Sports Arena

2/9 8:35PM Middletown HS North @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

2/16 4,6 & 8pm UCIAC Qrtl Rnd @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

2/18 6 & 8pm UCIAC Semi Rnd @Warinanco Ice Skating Center

2/20 5:30PM UCIAC Final Round @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

1/23 8:35PM Glen Rock @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

1/25 5:45PM Randolph @ Sportscare Arena - Randolph

1/27 9:10PM TBA @ Union Sports Arena

1/30 8:35PM Verona @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

2/3 8:30PM West Essex @ Richard Codey Arena

2/4 6:30PM TBA @ Union Sports Arena

2/6 8:35PM Livingston @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

2/10 9:10PM McInnis Cup 1st Rnd @ Union Sports Arena

2/13 8:35PM McInnis Cup 2nd Rnd @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

2/17 TBD McInnis Cup Finals @ Richard Codey Arena

2/20 8:35PM NJSIAA Sectional 1st Rnd @ Warinanco Ice Skating Center

BOYS SWIMMING: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/8 4:30PM Elizabeth High School @ Dunn Sports Center 12/15 6:15PM Cranford @ Morris Union Jointure Pool 12/19 6:15PM Union High School @ Morris Union Jointure Pool 12/20 6:15PM Oratory Prep @ Morris Union Jointure Pool

1/3 6:15PM New Providence @ Morris Union Jointure Pool

1/10 6:15PM Plainfield @ Morris Union Jointure Pool

1/11 6:15PM Summit @ Morris Union Jointure Pool 1/12 6:15PM Summit @ Morris Union Jointure Pool 1/17 3:00PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood @ YMCA of Fanwood 1/24 2:30PM Westfield @ Westfield YMCA 1/29 TBD UCIAC Championships @ Rutgers University Pool

2/7 TBD NJSIAA Sec 1st Rnd @ TBA 2/10 TBD NJSIAA Sec Qrt Finals @ TBA 2/14 TBD NJSIAA Sec Semi Final @ TBA 2/17 TBD NJSIAA Sec Championship @ Raritan Bay YMCA 3/4 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT 3/5 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

GIRLS SWIMMING: VARSITY

BOYS & GIRLS TRACK & FIELD INDOOR

DATE TIME MEET LOCATION

12/19 5:00PM Spiked Shoe Holiday Festival @ New York City Armory

1/7 TBD UCIAC Relays @ JerseyCity Armory

1/15 TBD NJCTC Relays @ Bennett Center

1/18 5:00PM Novice Meet @ New York City Armory

1/25 5:15PM Invitational @ New York City Armory

1/29 TBD UCIAC Championships @ Bennett Center

2/4 TBD NJSIAA Sectional @ Bennett Center

2/18 TBD NJSIAA Group Championships @ Bennett Center 3/5 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ Bennett Center

BOYS FENCING: VARSITY

DATE TIME MEET LOCATION

12/15 6:00PM @ West Essex West Essex High School

12/17 10:00AM @ S t. Benedicts, McNair Academic St. Benedicts 12/22 5:00PM @ Saint Peter's Prep St. Peters Preparatory HS

1/3 6:30PM @ Livingston Livingston HS

1/6 7:00PM Montclair Governor Livingston HS

1/12 6:30PM Montclair Kimberley Academy Columbia Middle School

1/17 6:30PM Oratory Prep Columbia Middle School

1/19 5:00PM @ Columbia Columbia High School

1/21 NJSIAA @ TBD Drew University

1/23 6:30PM @ Morris Hills Morris Hills HS

1/25 4:00PM @ Pingry Pingry School

1/26 6:30PM Bernards Columbia Middle School

1/31 6:30PM Millburn Columbia Middle School

2/2 6:30PM Hunterdon Central Columbia Middle School

2/8 6:30PM Watchung Hills Reg Columbia Middle School

2/10 6:30PM Newark Academy Columbia Middle School

2/12 NJSIAA Districts Montgomery High School

2/13 NJSIAA - @ TBA TBA

2/14 NJSIAA Sec 1st Rnd - @ TBA TBA

2/16 NJSIAA Secl Qrt Finals - @ TBA TBA

2/21 NJSIAA Sec Semi Final - @ TBA TBA

2/23 NJSIAA Sec Final - @ TBA TBA

2/26 NJSIAA Individual Finals @ Morris Knolls Morris Knolls HS 3/3 6:00PM @ Chatham Chatham Middle School

GIRLS FENCING: VARSITY

DATE TIME MEET LOCATION

12/15 6:00PM @ West Essex West Essex HS

12/20 4:00PM @ Oak Knoll Affa

1/3 6:30PM @ Livingston Livingston HS

1/5 6:30PM McNair Academic Columbia Middle School

1/6 5:00PM Montclair Governor Livingston HS

1/12 6:30PM Montclair Kimberley Academy Columbia Middle School

1/17 6:30PM Kent Place Columbia Middle School

1/19 5:00PM @ Columbia Columbia High School

1/22 NJSIAA @ TBA Drew University

1/23 6:30PM @ Morris Hills Morris Hills HSl

1/25 4:00PM @ Pingry Pingry School

1/26 6:30PM Bernards Columbia Middle School

1/31 6:30PM Millburn Columbia Middle School

2/2 6:30PM Hunterdon Central Columbia Middle School

2/8 6:30PM Watchung Hills Reg Columbia Middle School

2/10 6:30PM Newark Academy Columbia Middle School

2/12 NJSIAA Districts - @ TBA Montgomery High School

2/13 NJSIAA @ TBA TBA

2/15 NJSIAA Secl 1st Rnd-@ TBA TBA

2/17 NJSIAA Sec Qrt Finals - @ TBA TBA

2/21 NJSIAA Sec Semi Final - @ TBA TBA

2/23 NJSIAA Sec Final - @ TBA TBA

2/26 NJSIAA Ind Finals - @ Morris Knolls Morris Knolls High School 3/3 6:00PM @ Chatham Chatham Middle School

BOYS BASKETBALL: VARSITY

DATE TIME

12/15 7:00PM

OPPONENT

@ Scotch Plains-Fanwood

12/17 1:00PM @ Freehold Township

12/20 7:00PM @ Oratory Prep

12/23 3:00PM New Providence

12/27 Tournament @Governor Livingston

12/28 Tournament @ Multiple Schools

1/5 4:00PM @ Cranford

1/10 7:00PM Rahway

1/12 7:00PM @ Hillside

1/15 1:00PM @ Union High School

1/17 7:00PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood

1/19 7:00PM Oratory Prep

1/21 2:00PM @ New Providence

1/24 7:00PM Cranford

1/26 4:00PM @ Rahway

1/28 1:00PM Bernards

1/30 4:00PM @ Westfield

2/1 7:00PM Hillside

2/4 UCIAC Prel Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/7 UCIAC 1st Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/9 UCIAC 2nd Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/11 UCIAC Qrt Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/15 UCIAC Semi Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/16 5:30PM Abraham Clark

2/18 UCIAC Championship @ TBA

2/20 NJSIAA Sectional 1st Round @ TBA

2/22 NJSIAA Sectional Qrt Finals @ TBA

2/24 NJSIAA Sectional Semi Final @ TBA

2/27 NJSIAA Sectional Championship @ TBA

GIRLS BASKETBALL: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT

12/12 4:00PM

@ Morristown Beard School

12/15 6:00PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood

12/16 6:00PM @ Oak Knoll

12/20 6:00PM New Providence

12/22 6:00PM Roselle Catholic

12/27 Tournament Elizabeth High School

12/28 Tournament Summit High School

1/3 6:00PM Cranford

1/5 4:00PM @ Westfield

1/10 7:00PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood

1/12 7:00PM Oak Knoll

1/17 5:30PM @ Arthur L. Johnson

1/19 7:00PM @ Roselle Catholic

1/21 12:30PM @ New Providence

1/23 7:00PM

Union Catholic Regional

1/24 5:30PM @ Cranford

1/26 6:00PM Westfield

2/2 6:00PM North Hunterdon HS

2/4 UCIAC Prel Rnd

2/7 UCIAC 1st Rnd

Multiple Schools

WRESTLING: VARSITY

DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION

12/16 Match 4:00PM @ Arthur L. Johnson HS

12/17 Tournament 8:00AM @ Dover HS

12/21 Match 6:00PM Linden HS

12/22 Match 6:00PM Plainfield @ Chatham HS

12/29 Tournament 8:00AM @ Parsippany HS

1/4 Match TBD @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood

1/6 Match TBD @ David Brearley

1/7 Quad 10:00AM Multiple Schools

1/11 Match 6:00PM Rahway

1/14 Tri-meet 10:00AM @ Eastside High School

1/18 Match 6:00PM Hillside @ Chatham HS

1/21 UCC Champ 9:00AM @ Kean University

1/25 Match TBD @Elizabeth High School

1/30 Tri-Match 5:00PM @ St. Rose High School

2/1 Match TBD @ Union High School

2/3 Match 6:00PM New Providence

2/11 Quad 9:00AM @ Woodbridge HS

2/18 NJSIAA Districts 9:00AM @ Delaware Valley Reg. HS

2/25 NJSIAA Region 9:00AM @ North Hunterdon HS

3/2 NJSIAA Individual Finals @ Atlantic City Convention Center

3/3 NJSIAA Individual Finals @ Atlantic City Convention Center

3/4 NJSIAA Individual Finals @ Atlantic City Convention Center

BOYS HOCKEY: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/12 6:00PM Verona @ Codey Arena

12/14 6:00PM West Essex @ Codey Arena

12/16 6:30PM Livingston @ Codey Arena

12/21 6:30PM Westfield @ Warinanco Skating Center

12/23 5:45PM Randolph @ Sportcare Arena

12/26 7:00PM Ramapo @ Ice Vault Arena - Wayne, NJ

12/28 7:15PM Seton Hall Preparatory @ Ice Vault Arena - Wayne, NJ

12/30 9:30AM Governor Livingston @ Beacon Hill

1/2 8:30PM Governor Livingston @ Warinanco Park

1/3 6:30PM Glen Rock @ Warinanco Skating Center

1/6 4:10PM Morris Knolls @ Union Sports Arena

1/10 6:30PM Middletown South @ Warinanco Skating Center

1/13 4:10PM Bergen Catholic @ Union Sports Arena

1/16 4:40PM Quarterfinals @ Union Sports Arena

1/18 6:00PM Semifinals @ Warinanco Skating Center

1/20 4:40PM Multiple Schools @ Union Sports Arena

1/24 6:30PM Livingston @ Warinanco Skating Center

1/25 7:20PM Glen Rock @ Montclair State University

1/27 4:10PM West Essex @ Union Sports Arena

1/31 6:30PM Westfield @ Warinanco Skating Center

2/3 4:10PM Verona @ Union Sports Arena

2/7 6:30PM Ridge @ Warinanco Skating Center

2/10 4:40PM McInnis Quarterfinals @ Union Sports Arena

2/15 8:15PM McInnis Finals @ Codey Arena

2/21 6:30PM Multiple Schools @ Warinanco Skating Center 2/24 TBD Multiple Schools @ Union Sports Arena

GIRLS HOCKEY: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/9 4:45PM Randolph @ Warinanco Skating Center 12/16 7:45PM Trinity Hall @ Jersey Shore Arena, Wall NJ 12/19 4:45PM Morristown Beard @ Twin Oaks Rink 12/21 4:45PM Oak Knoll @ Warinanco Skating Center

1/5 4:00PM Princeton Day @ Lisa McGraw Skating Rink

1/6 4:45PM Westfield @ Warinanco Skating Center

1/11 4:45PM Morristown Beard @ Warinanco Skating Center 1/13 4:45PM Princeton Day @ Warinanco Skating Center 1/17 4:10PM Oak Knoll @ Rock Ice Center - Dunellen

1/19 4:00PM Pingry @ Bridgewater Sports Arena

1/20 3:45PM Pingry @ Warinanco Skating Center

1/25 4:45PM Cranford @ Warinanco Skating Center

2/1 5:00PM Trinity Hall @ Warinanco Skating Center

2/3 4:45PM Multiple Schools @ Warinanco Skating Center

2/6 4:00PM Kent Place @ Barnabas Ice Hockey House, 25 Lafayette St., Newark

BOYS SWIMMING: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/13 3:30PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood @ Summit YMCA

12/21 4:00PM Cranford @ Cranford Memorial Pool

1/3 4:00PM Union High School @ Union Boys & Girls Club

1/5 3:30PM Westfield @ Summit YMCA

1/6 3:00PM Union High School @ Union Boys & Girls Club

1/10 3:30PM Elizabeth High School @ Summit YMCA

1/12 6:15PM Governor Livingston @ Morris Union Jointure Pool

1/17 3:30PM New Providence @ Summit YMCA

1/21 TBD UCC Championship @ Kean University

1/24 3:30PM Oratory Prep @ Summit YMCA

1/25 3:30PM Plainfield @ Summit YMCA

1/29 TBD UCIAC Championships @ Rutgers University Pool

2/7 TBD NJSIAA Sec 1st Rnd @ TBA

2/10 TBD NJSIAA Sec Qrt Finals @ TBA

2/14 TBD NJSIAA Sec Semi Final @ TBA

2/17 TBD NJSIAA Sec Championship @ Raritan Bay YMCA

3/4 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

3/5 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

GIRLS SWIMMING: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/13 3:30PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood @ Summit YMCA

12/21 4:00PM Cranford @ Cranford Memorial Pool

1/5 3:30PM Westfield @ Summit YMCA

1/6 3:00PM Union High School @ Union Boys & Girls Club

1/10 3:30PM Elizabeth High School @ Summit YMCA

1/12 6:15PM Governor Livingston @ Morris Union Jointure Pool

1/17 3:30PM New Providence @ Summit YMCA

1/18 4:00PM Kent Place @ Farleigh Dickinson Univ.Madison Campus

1/21 TBD UCC Championship @ Kean University

1/24 3:30PM Oak Knoll @ Summit YMCA

1/25 3:30PM Plainfield @ Summit YMCA

1/29 TBD UCIAC Championships @ Rutgers University Pool

2/7 TBD NJSIAA Sec 1st Rnd @ TBA

2/10 TBD NJSIAA Sec Qrt Finals @ TBA

2/14 TBD NJSIAA Sec Semi Final @ TBA

2/17 TBD NJSIAA Sec Championship @ Raritan Bay YMCA

3/4 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

3/5 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

TRACK & FIELD INDOOR: VARSITY

DATE TIME MEET LOCATION

12/19 5:00PM Holiday Tournament @ NYC Armory

12/28 9:00AM Holiday Tournament @ Staten Island

Ocean Breeze Track Facility

1/25 5:15PM Invitational @ New York City Armory

1/29 TBD UCIAC Championships @ Bennett Center

2/4 TBD NJSIAA Sectional @ Bennett Center

2/18 TBD NJSIAA Group Championships @ Bennett Center

3/5 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ Bennett Center

BOYS BASKETBALL: VARSITY

DATE TIME

OPPONENT

12/15 7:00PM Arthur L. Johnson

12/17 1:00PM Jonathan Dayton

12/20 7:00PM Governor Livingston

12/23 3:00PM @ Summit

12/26 Tournament

@ Chatham High School

12/27 Tournament @ Chatham High School

12/29 Tournament @ Chatham High School

1/3 7:00PM Abraham Clark

1/5 7:00PM @ Roselle Park

1/7 TBD

1/10 7:00PM

@ Governor Livingston

@ Arthur L. Johnson

1/12 7:00PM @ Jonathan Dayton

1/16 12:30PM @ South Plainfield

1/17 7:00PM @ Governor Livingston

1/21 2:00PM Summit

1/24 5:30PM @ Abraham Clark

1/26 7:00PM Roselle Park

1/28 1:00PM @ Oratory Prep

1/30 7:00PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood

2/1 7:00PM David Brearley

2/4 UCIAC @ TBD

2/7 UCIAC 1st Rnd. @ TBD

2/9 UCIAC 2nd Rnd. @ TBD

2/11 UCIAC Quarterfinal Rnd @ TBD

2/11 1:00PM Madison

2/13 7:00PM Rahway

2/15 UCIAC Semifinal Rnd @ TBD 2/16 7:00PM Millburn

2/17 7:00PM @ Mountain Lakes

2/18 UCIAC Championship @ TBA

2/20 NJSIAA Sectional 1st Round @ TBA

2/22 NJSIAA Sectional Qrt Finals @ TBA

2/24 NJSIAA Sectional Semi Final @ TBA

2/27 NJSIAA Sectional Championship @ TBA

GIRLS BASKETBALL: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT

12/15 5:30PM @ Cranford

12/17 1:00PM @ Westfield

12/18 TBD @ Hudson Catholic

12/20 6:00PM @ Summit

12/22 7:00PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood

1/3 7:00PM @ Oak Knoll

1/8 TBD @ Red Bank Catholic

1/10 7:00PM Cranford

1/12 7:00PM Westfield

1/14 11:30AM University 1/17 7:00PM @ Chatham

1/19 7:00PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood

1/21 12:30PM Summit

1/24 7:00PM Oak Knoll

1/26 5:30PM @ Columbia

1/28 11:00AM @ Roselle Catholic

1/30 6:00PM Pope John XXIII

2/1 5:30PM Roselle Catholic

2/7 6:00PM Sparta

2/4 UCIAC Prel Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/7 UCIAC 1st Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/9 UCIAC 2nd Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/11 UCIAC Qrt Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/15 UCIAC Semi Rnd @ Multiple Schools

2/18 UCIAC Team Finals @ Multiple Schools

2/20 NJSIAA @ Multiple Schools

WRESTLING: VARSITY

DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION

12/16 Match 6:00PM Plainfield

12/17 Tournament 9:00AM @ Governor Livingston HS

12/23 Match 3:00PM @ Union High School 12/28 9:00AM Home-Multiple Schools

12/29 Quad 9:00AM Home-Multiple Schools

1/3 Match 6:00PM @ Ridge HS

1/6 Match 5:00PM Hillside

1/7 Classic 9:00AM TBD

1/11 Match 6:00PM Roselle Park

1/13 Match 5:30PM @ Somerville HS

1/14 Quad 9:00AM @ Montville High School

1/18 Match 6:00PM Arthur L. Johnson

1/21 Union County Championships TBD

1/27 Match 5:00PM Home-Multiple Schools

1/28 Quad 9:00AM Home-Multiple Schools

2/1 Match 6:00PM @ David Brearley

2/3 Match 6:00PM @ Summit

2/4 Quad 9:00AM @ Multiple Schools

2/6 NJSIAA Sectional @ TBD

2/18 NJSIAA Districts 9:00AM @ Delaware Valley Reg. HS

2/25 NJSIAA Region 9:00AM @ North Hunterdon HS

BOYS SWIMMING: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/8 3:45PM Cranford @Memorial Pool, Cranford

12/13 4:15PM Elizabeth High School @ Elizabeth High School

12/21 3:00PM Kent Place @Berkeley Aquatic

1/3 6:15PM Governor Livingston @ Tokash Aquatic Center

1/10 5:30PM Multiple Schools @ Berkeley Aquatic

1/11 3:00PM Plainfield @ Berkeley Aquatic 1/17 4:00PM Summit @ Summit YMCA

1/18 7:30PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood @ Berkeley Aquatic

1/24 4:00PM Union High School @ Union High School

1/25 7:30PM Westfield @ Berkeley Aquatic

1/29 Union County Tournament @ TBA

2/7 TBD NJSIAA Sec 1st Rnd @ TBA

2/10 TBD NJSIAA Sec Qrt Finals @ TBA

2/14 TBD NJSIAA Sec Semi Final @ TBA

2/17 TBD NJSIAA Sec Championship @ Raritan Bay YMCA

3/4 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

3/5 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

GIRLS SWIMMING: VARSITY

DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION

12/8 3:45PM Cranford @Memorial Pool, Cranford

12/13 4:15PM Elizabeth High School @ Elizabeth High School

12/21 3:00PM Kent Place @Berkeley Aquatic

1/3 6:15PM Governor Livingston @ Tokash Aquatic Center

1/10 5:30PM Multiple Schools @ Berkeley Aquatic

1/11 3:00PM Plainfield @ Berkeley Aquatic

1/17 4:00PM Summit @ Summit YMCA

1/18 7:30PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood @ Berkeley Aquatic

1/24 4:00PM Union High School @ Union High School

1/25 7:30PM Westfield @ Berkeley Aquatic

1/29 Union County Tournament @ TBA

2/7 TBD NJSIAA Sec 1st Rnd @ TBA

2/10 TBD NJSIAA Sec Qrt Finals @ TBA

2/14 TBD NJSIAA Sec Semi Final @ TBA

2/17 TBD NJSIAA Sec Championship @ Raritan Bay YMCA

3/4 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

3/5 TBD NJSIAA Meet of Champions @ GCIT

DOWNTOWN HOSTS HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR ALL AGES, INTERESTS THIS

MONTH

Wreaths are up and the lights are hung, so it’s must be December in downtown Summit.

As in past years, Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) is featuring a variety of holiday events and initiatives. For details, visit summitdowntown.org.

Free Downtown Parking

In partnership with the City of Summit, SDI invites shoppers to enjoy free parking from Dec. 10-31 at 90-minute on-street meters, in the Bank Street Lot and on the first floor of the Springfield Avenue Tier Garage. Time limits will be enforced.

HillTop Elf Scavenger Hunt

This festive and popular little guy returns for another holiday season, and through Saturday, Dec. 17, children and adults alike are invited to look for the elves that will have found seasonal homes inside more than 100 different downtown businesses and in storefront windows. The more elves you spot, the greater your chances are of winning a prize, and no purchase is necessary. Businesses taking part are listed on the SDI website.

Scavenger hunt forms are available at participating locations, and may also be downloaded from the website. Players check off and identify where they saw an elf at each business. Completed forms must be turned in by 4 p.m. on the last day of the hunt.

A grand prize winner will be selected to receive a $500 Summit Visa Gift Card, and 10 runners-up will each win a $100 gift card. Winners will be notified via email.

Summit VISA Gift Cards

For those looking to support local businesses while giving a gift to someone special, Summit Visa Gift Cards are accepted at more than 150 Summit establishments. Visit the SDI website for details.

Horse and Carriage Rides

In addition to enjoying to strolling carolers and musicians, visitors are invited to hop aboard free horse-drawn carriage rides from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The boarding location is Lyric Park, at the corner of Beechwood Road and Bank Street.

Ice Sculpting, Santa Photo Booth

On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., ice carver Kevin O’Connell will be creating holiday sculptures at The Promenade on Springfield Avenue. Afterwards, the sculptures will remain outdoors there for as long as weather permits. Nearby, Mr. Socks will be spinning tunes.

All SDI holiday events are sponsored by Summit stores and businesses.

908 Enterprises (908) 516-0776

Ace Pension Solutions, LLC (908) 295-2692

Adobe (502) 530-0418

AFC Urgent Care Short Hills (973) 671-5350

AIP Mobility Plus (973) 607-3211

Allsure Insurance Brokerage (917) 533-9564

American Pension LLC (908) 757-5151

Americans for Fair Taxation (908) 578-4975

Ani Ramen House & MOCHINUT (908) 679-8157

Anything Floral (908) 464-5445

B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) (908) 337-5402

Bake Bakery (908) 522-9270

Barth's Market (908) 464-8555

Bassett Associates (908) 277-1176

Berkeley Cleaners (908) 464-9859

Berkeley Hardware & Paint (908) 464-2900

Berkeley Heights Board of Education (908) 464-1718

Berkeley Heights YMCA (908) 464-8373

Berkeley Heights, Township of (908) 464-2700

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services - Summit (908) 273-0400

Blow In Blow Out (908) 273-4947

body align physical therapy (646) 328-2525

Boll and Branch (800) 678-3234

Bourne, Noll & Kenyon (908) 277-2200

Brandywine Living at Summit (908) 522-8852

BrightStar Care (908) 322-8200

Broadway Diner (908) 273-4353

Bubbakoos Burritos (908) 922-3375

Care 1st Training Group (908) 443-1277

Chatham and Short Hills Lifestyle Media (973) 635-7377

Christie's International Real Estate (908) 516-4790

Christmas Decor of New Jersey (908) 303-0081

CIel Power (201) 632-3463

Classic Construction Service (908) 273-5252

Clear Point Designs (917) 797-7923

Club Z! Tutoring Services (908) 460-1855

Coldwell Banker Realty (908) 522-1800

Colonial Appliance (908) 665-1212

Color Me Mine (201) 966-4017

Connection, The (908) 273-4242

Constantine Village/Goldberg Realty (908) 277-2041

Cove Carpet One Floor & Home (908) 273-0220

Creative Wallcoverings & Interiors, Ltd. (908) 665-7997

Cruise Planners Travel AdvisorLetsGlobetrot.com (908) 517-1107

Davies Insurance Management (973) 985-9275

DeFabio Chiropractic & Sports Rehab LLC (908) 771-0220

Delicious Heights (908) 464-3287

Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan (908) 277-0388

Don-Tre Professional Driving School, Inc (973) 376-8118

Donna Donaldson Home (908) 277-0400

Door Boy (908) 464-1440

Dr. Rosalind S. Dorlen, Clinical Psychologist (908) 522-1444

Dunkin' Donuts- Berkeley Heights (908) 879-5878

DUXIANA (908) 522-8200

Elefante Music & School For The Performing Arts (908) 464-5928

Elements Massage (908) 464-1860

Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights (908) 897-1970

EMedical Offices (908) 464-6700

Family Promise (908) 273-1100

First Energy (973) 401-8497

Fitness Factory, The (908) 665-9500

Five Star Painting of Summit (908) 358-4782

Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylo (201) 843-5858

Gabriele Fitness and Performance (908) 464-4441

Gearhart Law (908) 273-0700

General Plumbing Supply (732) 752-2020

Genualdi Orthodontic Associates (908) 273-7450

Goodman's Deli (908) 898-0900

GRA ARCHITECT, INC (908) 464-0106

graham relf Design (908) 273-1790

Grand Summit Hotel, The (908) 273-3000

Graphic Imagery, Inc. (908) 755-2882

Graver Water Systems, LLC (908) 516-1400

Harlee's Tap & Grille (917) 548-0293

Haven Savings Bank- Berkeley Heights (908) 790-0770

Haven Savings Bank- Summit (908) 522-0090

Hoboken Farms (800) 854-4644

Home Again Design (908) 464-8800

Home For Good Dog Rescue (908) 598-8212

Hometown Doc, LLC (908) 376-6550

Investors Bank - Berkeley Heights (908) 464-0860

Investors Bank - Corporate Office (973) 376-5100

Investors Bank - New Providence (908) 286-1075

Investors Bank - Summit (908) 273-8150

Jaeger Lumber (908) 686-0073

Joseph Steiner (908) 337-9536

Junior League of Summit (908) 273-7344

Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties Summit (908) 273-2991

Keys 2 Success (908) 883-0887

KIKA STRETCH Studios - Summit (908) 219-9187

Kitchen Expressions (908) 273-4442

Kumon of Berkeley Heights (908) 725-2857

Lakeland Bank (908) 522-6555

Lantern Hill, an Erickson Living Community (908) 516-9136

Linda's Creative Gifts (908) 473-0982

Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C (908) 273-1212

Liss Copy & Print, Homecare & Music Center (908) 277-3500

Lois Schneider Realtor (908) 277-1398

Luminous MedSpa & Salon (908) 464-8208

M&T Bank - Summit (908) 273-0122

Macy's Short Hills (973) 912-5655

Main Street Movers (973) 732-3700

Manhattan Bagel (908) 516-2641

Marco Polo Restaurant & Tavern (908) 277-4492

Mind Body Wellness Center (908) 522-1861

Minuteman Press (908) 857-4644

Monk's Painting & Carpentry (973) 635-7900

MORTGAGES BY JIM JOSEPH (718) 812-7798

Mr. Handyman of S. Orange/ Westfield/Scotch Plains (908) 259-4080

My Gym Children's Fitness Center (908) 665-2122

Natale's Summit Bakery (908) 277-2074

New Jersey Dance Theater Ensemble (908) 723-5622

New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra (908) 603-7691

New Providence Board of Education (908) 464-9050

New Providence Chiropractic (908) 665-1818

New Providence Dentistry (908) 376-9297

New Providence Fuel (908) 464-7277

New Providence, Borough of (908) 665-1400

NJ Sharing Network (908) 516-5400

Noke and Heard, LLP,CPA's (908) 277-4145

Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child (908) 522-8118

Office Evolution (908) 280-1813

Oratory Preparatory School (908) 273-1084

Our House Inc (908) 464-8008

Overlook Medical Center (908) 522-2000

Paolo's Kitchen, LLC (908) 219-4166

Passion for Spices (908) 380-0644

Pastrami House (908) 464-2600

Peace of Mind Yoga (908) 363-1825

Peapack Private Wealth Management (908) 598-1717

Peapack-Gladstone Bank (908) 273-2890

PEARLY WHITES (908) 464-6789

Peter Wallburg Studios (908) 277-2078

Piattino (908) 219-4801

Primrose School of Berkeley Heights (908) 286-0900

Private Prep (908) 577-2390

Professional Appraisal Associates (908) 273-2412

Prudential Advisors (917) 837-9161

PuroClean Restoration Services (908) 577-9120

Reeves-Reed Arboretum (908) 273-8787

Regal Bank- Summit (908) 275-9450

Richard V. Carney Electrical Contractors, Inc (908) 277-6961

Robinwood Kitchens Inc. (908) 665-5900

ROSEN KELLY CONWAY Architecture & Design (908) 273-6565

Royal Caregivers (800) 668-2317

SAGE Eldercare (908) 273-5550

Schroth and Lorenson Jewelers (908) 273-1676

Skin Deep Salon and Spa (908) 508-1800

Small Business Development Center at Kean University (908) 737-4220

Smith + Schwartzstein LLC (973) 206-1725

Smoothie King (908) 918-1464

Smythe Volvo Inc. (908) 273-4200

Snapology Summit NJ (646) 512-2196

Stony Hill Players (888) 817-3013

Suburban Chambers of Commerce (908) 522-1700

Summit Area YMCA (908) 738-2170

Summit Board of Education (908) 273-3025

Summit Dental Partners (908) 499-8707

Summit Downtown, Inc. (908) 277-6100

Summit Frame & Art, Inc. (908) 273-8665

Summit Hearing Aid Center (908) 277-6886

Summit Junior Baseball & Softball (917) 439-8819

Summit Oaks Hospital (908) 277-9107

Summit Prep (908) 277-0128

Summit Ski and Sport (908) 277-4170

Summit Smiles (908) 737-1313

Summit Sport and Spine LLC (908) 263-7043

Summit Tech Partners LLC (908) 739-3102

Summit Transcendental Meditation Program (908) 522-0820

Summit, City of (908) 277-9400

Sunrise of Summit (908) 673-1400

Super Kids Child Care/Learning Center (908) 598-8383

Sweets to Crave (609) 630-0005

TAP Into LLC (908) 279-0303

TapSnap (862) 276-6749

Terrana Orthodontics (908) 838-9220

The Adam M. Brown Law Group LLC (908) 379-9731

The American Yoga Academy (973) 731-9960

The Arc of Union County (973) 315-0000

The Bar Method (908) 522-1550

The Body Shop Studio (908) 307-3777

The Dental Studio of Summit (908) 273-1525

THE GODDARD SCHOOL (908) 991-7373

The Hub Murray Hill (908) 665-9200

The Liberty Group (908) 964-8390

The Meat House (908) 228-5960

The Office Tavern Grill (908) 522-0550

The Pipes of Christmas (917) 584-4180

The Summit Foundation

The Summit Playhouse (908) 273-2192

The UPS Store 1108- New Providence (908) 771-9600

Thomas Chase LLC (917) 549-6472

Tide Dry Cleaners (908) 219-4525

TLC Computer Services (877) 926-8852

Total Health (908) 665-0770

Union County College (908) 709-7501

United Way of Greater Union County (908) 353-7171

Vibrance For Life (973) 218-1199

Virginia Jordan (908) 273-1985

Virtue (908) 273-6936

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (908) 273-9121

Vivid Stage (908) 514-9654

Weichert Realtors- Summit (908) 277-1200

Weichert Realtors- Joseph Eberle (908) 868-4800

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. / Berkeley Heights (908) 522-5453

Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts (908) 790-0700

Winberie's Restaurant and Bar (908) 277-4224

Window Tailors (908) 464-0644

Woodward Properties, REALTORS (908) 598-0155

You Can Be Found (732) 462-6019

Your Kid's Urgent Care (908) 420-5091

Zadie's Nurturing Den, Inc. (908) 277-8584

ZenBusiness (512) 814-6420

Nearly a decade ago, JoAnn Naklicki took a walk in a local park while a fair was taking place. She crossed paths with a stranger wearing a vest featuring a number of military emblems and insignias, and asked if he’d pause so she could get a closer look. They had a conversation that changed her life.

The man, Ms. Naklicki said, “was running a program through a YMCA that helped veterans. He asked if I’d consider working with him.” She said she would.

Fast forward to 2022. Ms. Naklicki is still dedicated to assisting veterans, now through a three-year-old partnership between the Berkeley Heights VFW and Lyons VA in Bernards Township.

In time for the December holidays, the effort is seeking donations to help veterans

in the PTSD Unit at Lyons.

“Every dollar raised goes to buy different holiday gifts,” Ms. Naklicki said, such as hats and enamel dog tags. In addition, funds collected pay for monthly trips to stock the kitchen in the PTSD unit at Lyons that is used by the men, who she said “love to cook, and it helps it make it feel more like home for them.” The residential program typically lasts about 45 days, she noted, though participants, most of whom served in Afghanistan and Iraq, go home on weekends.

“These vets have been through so much,” she said, “and are so appreciative for the kindness and support they receive from people who don’t even know them.” The effort spearheaded through the Berkeley Heights VFW, she noted, has no overhead, no salaries and no expenses.

“All money raised is used throughout the year to make life a little better for our PTSD vets at Lyons,” said Ms. Naklicki. Checks made out to Berkeley Heights VFW Post 6259 may be send c/o JoAnn Naklicki, 13 Brandywyne Drive, Florham Park 07932.

“Please share the holidays – and your love – with our nation’s heroes,” she said. “They have given so much life to keep us safe.”

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

Local businesses and eateries continue to face challenges, and added woes include unplanned-for product shortages and many customers coming to rely on on-line merchants during the worst of the pandemic.

Customers are asked to show their love for local in ways that include:

Try to order a meal at least once a week from a local restaurant or food shop.

Purchase a gift card from a hometown establishment. Think teachers, neighbors, hard-to-buy-for-colleagues whose names you drew in gift-giving grab bag drawings…

If you can’t make it in person, reach out to local businesses anyway. Most continue to provide curbside pickup, and many offer local delivery.

Give thought to every purchase you make. Placing an online order via a website or big box store? Ask yourself if perhaps the same items could be purchased from – and support -- a local business.

Leave a good review online for a local merchant.

Interact with social media accounts of businesses with which you are familiar. Like their posts, follow their accounts and share what you like about them.

Understand and be supportive of hard decisions being made by business owners. Hours may have to be reduced and wait times may be longer. Be patient and kind.

The holiday season is upon us, and there is no better time to live, work or visit Summit. Our downtown is beautifully dressed for the holidays, and there is a host of cheery holiday events planned by the Department of Community Programs, Summit Downtown, Inc., and others.

As we enjoy our celebrations in abundance, I encourage you to think about those in need. The economic downturn is projected to impact holiday giving, and there are so many worthwhile organizations to support in our community.

My heart is filled with the ongoing community support and generosity that continue to feed and clothe families in need, work on solutions to homelessness, improve environmental sustainability and increase citizen activism.

As we look forward to a new year and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead 2023, I remain committed to listening, learning and carrying forward our work as a community that cares about one another and the extraordinary city that we call home.

My warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a Happy Hannukah, Merry

Christmas, blessed Kwanzaa and all-around joyous holiday season. Have a happy, health, and successful New Year.

Mayor Nora Radest Summit

But township business is always moving:

On Veterans’ Day, Berkeley Heights was one of only 11 other municipalities awarded “We Value our Veterans” by Governor Murphy at the N.J. Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum. This is one of the most humbling and revered experiences I have had as mayor. It was a near year-long journey of putting forth a veteran-centric agenda in the township that I know will grow as time goes on.

On Nov. 2, the Army Corp of Engineers and DEP toured Berkeley Heights. Discussing residential flooding on the Passaic River in April with a coalition of mayors, Congressman Malinowski committed to set up a site visit with the Army Corp, DEP and Union County with

the assistance of Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner and our Berkeley Heights team. We took the first steps and are hopeful our project will qualify for federal and state assistance. Thank you to Mayor Al Morgan and Mayor Nora Radest for taking on the fight with Berkeley Heights to explore a legacy project beyond de-snagging and de-silting the river. This federal, state, county and local team is a tremendous group of professionals.

I want to congratulate the amazing work by the Berkeley Heights Police. They were quickly certified as a "Safe Place" because they had been working on this initiative prior and now first in the County. The initiative was developed by Seattle PD in 2015 to assist the victims of hate crimes and student bullying to know there are designated space that they can go and be safe. The program forms a collaboration among police, businesses, social organizations and schools.

Angie D. Devanney

Happy Holidays to all of the residents of Berkeley Heights! I hope you are taking time to reflect on the small things, as they are the most worthwhile.

Mayor Berkeley Heights

Al Morgan New Providence

TOWN EARNS MASTER PLAN HONORS FROM STATE PLANNING OFFICIALS

Berkeley Heights recently received a New Jersey Planning Officials’ (NJPO) Achievements in Planning Award for its 2022 Master Plan, the creation of which took nearly three years.

The new plan was adopted in May by the Planning Board, and the Sherman Avenue concept to revitalize that corridor and make it more pedestrian-friendly was presented to and approved by the Township Council in June.

“We knew we had a Master Plan to be proud of, given all of the hard work that went into this planning document and that feedback from the community was directly integrated into the plan,” said Mayor Angie Devanney.

At its core, township officials noted, the Master Plan provides the policy foundation to inform the planning and zoning boards, the mayor and township council’s decision making on land use and development matters. It also serves as a guide for business owners, community groups, potential investors, residents and other stakeholders to understand how land use, transportation, natural resources and other factors will shape the built environment and quality of life in Berkeley Heights.

“We are thrilled for Berkeley Heights to receive this recognition,” said Keenan Hughes, principal planner with Phillips Preiss Grygiel Leheny Hughes LLC, the firm that wrote the plan for the township.

The Union County Human Relations Commission is seeking nominations for its 2023 Unity Achievement Awards, which honor ordinary people who do extraordinary things on behalf of others. Nominees must live, work and/ or go to school in Union County.

The award is presented to individuals, organizations and businesses that have distinguished themselves in the broad realm of human dignity, human relations and human rights.

Rabbi Avi Friedman of Congregation Ohr Shalom - Summit Jewish Community Center was selected as one of the recipients of the 2020 Unity Achievement Awards.

“We need the public’s eyes and ears to alert us to local unsung heroes who dedicate their time and effort to not only enhance others’ experiences and quality of life, but raise and honor the human spirit,” said Commission CoChair Dr. Martin Dickerson.

Nominations for 2023 must be received by Wednesday, Dec. 22. Awards are scheduled to be presented in May 2023.

Nominations may be submitted online at ucnj.org/uchrc/2022-unityachievement-award-nominations, emailed to uchrc@ucnj.org or mailed to the UCHRC, c/o Karen Positan, AKR Building, 32 Rahway Ave., Elizabeth 07202.

The goals of the Union County Human Relations Commission are to promote a more peaceful and tolerant society throughout the county, primarily by addressing the issues of prejudice, bias and racism and their impacts on local schools, workplaces and neighborhoods, and working to eradicate the conditions that cause them.

SAGE: FREE MEDICARE ADVICE OFFERED DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT

SAGE Eldercare’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors are available -- at no charge -- to discuss Medicare plans and options for 2023 Open Enrollment, which runs through Dec. 7.

SAGE is hosting a Zoom webinar every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. and Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 during Open Enrollment. Attendees are asked to have a prepared list of questions. To register and receive the link, visit eventbrite.com/e/ preparing-for-medicare-open-enrollment-tickets-416847029687.

SAGE serves as the SHIP representative for Union County. Staff and volunteers are available for free, personalized, confidential and objective Medicare counseling regarding program options, claims, billing, appeals and information about programs for people with limited income and resources. Counselors receive ongoing training from the Division of Aging Services, N.J. Department of Human Services

Anyone who is a Medicare beneficiary and resident of Union County may call 908-273-6999 or send an e-mail to ship@ sageeldercare.org for free, objective and confidential services. Those outside Union County may visit medicare.gov or call 1 800 MEDICARE to get phone numbers of SHIP representatives in other N.J. counties or in other U.S. states

SHIP counselors do not provide legal advice or sell, recommend or endorse any specific insurance product, agency, insurance company or HMO.

Anew Union County community initiative, Safe Place, represents a partnership among local police departments, businesses, social organizations and schools to further New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s state-wide efforts to combat bias, hate and violence.

Safe Place participants in towns including Berkeley Heights, Summit and New Providence will display a decal designating their establishments a “safe place” for any individual to enter and call law enforcement should they feel unsafe. This initiative began in Seattle as an effort to reduce LGBTQ+ bias incidents and hate crimes, but

has grown since its inception and includes all forms of hate and bias incidents, as well as student bullying.

With all 25 law enforcement agencies in Union County committed to participating, 23 of them being certified as of the rollout, Union County is the first county world-wide to collectively execute the program.

Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said, “Our Union County Safe Place program is designed to assist all victims of hate, bullying and bias offenses that include race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin or ethnicity. Any individual who sees a Safe Place logo will know the that the establishment displaying the decal will provide a safe place where victims of these offenses can seek refuge while the police are notified and arrive to assist them.”

According to Summit Police Chief Steven Zagorski, “It is our hope every Summit business and organization will join us to make the initiative successful and help ensure people who live in Summit and visit here feel safe and supported.”