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HOLIDAY 2021
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Volume 38, Issue 7
F eatures
Barths Festive Holiday Meal.........................................................5 Family Promise Meet Romona......................................................6 Holiday Events Planned for Downtown Summit.......................................9 Board of Directors THANK YOU............................................10-11 Meet the Merchants................................................................12-13 Mayors Corner.............................................................................16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman: David Dietze, Peapack Private Wealth Management Vice Chair: Jim Mooney, Minuteman Press Treasurer: Joe Steiner Secretary: Bob Davies, Davies Insurance Management Immediate Past Chair: Marcella Gencarelli, Lakeland Bank Directors: Melanie Cohn: Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Kenneth Cole: Overlook Foundation, Cristina Cruz: Haven Savings Bank May Abraham Fridel: Passion For Spices, Ginny Jordan, Jimmy Joseph: Mortgages by Jim Joseph Gary Kapner: CWI.DESIGN, James Kwan: Ace Pension Solutions Agapios Kyritsis: Marco Polo Restaurant & Tavern Roger Mehner: Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper
THE COLLECTION STAFF Published by The Suburban Chamber of Commerce Karen Fern Hadley, Executive Director Patricia E. Meola, Contributing Editor Kelly Gagliano, Advertising Representative Steven Meyer, Art Director E-mail us at collection@suburbanchambers.org
Direct Mailed to Every Home, Apartment and Business in: Summit • Berkeley Heights • New Providence
And Demographically Selected Single Family Homes in: Short Hills • Chatham • Mountainside • Springfield
PO Box 824 • Summit, NJ 07901
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t had been a long time since Suburban Chambers of Commerce members and their guests gathered in person for an evening event, so there was much to celebrate in Berkeley Heights during the informal networking that took place over cocktails during "Thankful Thursday" on Nov. 18. Hosted by Ralph Acquaviva at Delicious Heights in the township, the "business after hours"themed gathering was a chance to catch up with colleagues and associates new and old, and represents only one of the many perks available to Chamber members. For details about Chamber membership or upcoming events, contact Karen Fern Hadley, the executive director, at 908-522-1700 or khadley@suburbanchambers.org.
Romona and her kids are excited to decorate their first Christmas tree. This year, they’ll finally spend the holidays in their own home. Last spring, after a long period of unstable housing, the family was evicted through no fault of their own. With the support of Family Promise, they found a new home. Today, Romona’s excelling at work and taking college classes, her children are thriving, and she has regained her self-confidence. “When we came to Family Promise, I couldn’t smile, but now I can breathe,” she says.
“We can’t wait to celebrate Christmas in our own home!” Every year, Family Promise’s homelessness prevention, shelter, and stabilization services empower thousands of families like Romona’s to overcome challenging situations and achieve lasting independence. Since 1988, Family Promise has been changing the future for families battling homelessness, and we'll continue to do so.
www.familypromise.org
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At the end of October, the community was invited to join city officials as they broke ground on a new headquarters for the Summit Fire Department at 301 Broad St. The 32,000-square-foot building is expected to take about 18 months to complete, and plans include eight equipment bays, training classrooms and streetscape simulation areas, decontamination zones, an emergency operations center and a history room.
development to ensure taxpayers’ dollars were spent wisely and designs stayed within budget,” said Fire Chief Eric Evers. “Our headquarters will be constructed with many features that are essential in a modern-day fire station. Today, fires burn hotter and
Breaking ground for the new Summit Fire Department headquarters were, from left, City Administrator Michael Rogers, the Reverend Dr. Denison Harrield from Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Councilmember Greg Vartan, Councilmember Susan Hairston, Mayor Nora Radest, Deputy Fire Chief Paul Imbimbo, Fire Chief Eric Evers, Fire Lt. Brian Harnois, contractor Rob Russo, architect Christopher Kehde, and retired chiefs Christopher Cotter and Joseph Houck.
“The breaking of ground for a new fire headquarters is a significant moment in the history of the Summit Fire Department,” said Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “The firefighters are not just physically moving to a new location a few blocks away on Broad Street -- the Summit Fire Department is moving forward.”
approved in 2019 by Common Council. It was designed by architects LeMay, Erickson and Wilcox, and will be built by Brahma Construction.
Research for the project began in 2012, city officials noted, and a final concept was
“We went through an extremely in-depth value-engineering process during concept
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faster and are more dangerous than ever. Having the ability to train onsite will give our firefighters the flexibility to pursue training activities geared towards successfully handling and surviving those challenges.” For details on the Summit Fire Department, visit cityofsummit.org.
HOLIDAY 2021
HOLIDAY EVENTS PLANNED FOR DOWNTOWN SUMMIT
S
ummit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) is planning a variety of holiday events and initiatives for December. For details, visit summitdowntown.org. HillTop Elf Scavenger Hunt The popular HillTop Elf Scavenger Hunt returns this year and runs through Saturday, Dec. 18, designed for children and adults alike. The Elves have found holiday season homes inside more than 100 different downtown Summit businesses and in storefront windows. The more elves you find, the better chance to win, and no purchase is necessary. Scavenger Hunt Forms are available at all participating businesses and may be downloaded from the SDI website. Participating businesses are listed on the form, on which shoppers identify where they saw the elf at each business. Completed forms must be turned in by 4 p.m. on Dec. 18 to be entered to win a $500 Summit VISA Gift Card. In addition, 10 runners up will each win $100 gift cards. Winners will be drawn on Monday, Dec. 20, and notified by email
Horse & Carriage Rides Visitors are invited to take a break from shopping to enjoy holiday music, strolling carolers and brass, and free horse and carriage rides from 1-4 on Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18. The boarding location will be Lyric Park, at the corner of Bank Street and Beechwood Road.
Ice Sculpting, Santa Photo Booth Even more holiday fun is in store for Saturday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., when an ice carver will be creating holiday sculptures at The Promenade, 426 Springfield Ave. While carving will take place until 3 that day, the sculptures will remain at The Promenade for as long as weather permits. New this year is the Santa Photo Booth, where all are welcome to take free photos with Santa at The Promenade. Major Sponsor for this event is Christie’s International Real Estate, Summit Office, 47 Maple St.
Free downtown parking Courtesy of the City of Summit and Summit Downtown, Inc., enjoy free holiday shopper parking from Dec. 11-26 at 90-minute on-street meters, in the Bank Street Lot and on the first floor of the Tier Garage on Springfield Avenue.
Summit VISA Gift Cards Lastly, if you’re looking for a way to support local Summit businesses while giving a gift to a special someone, Summit VISA Gift Cards are accepted at more than 100 Summit businesses and are available for purchase at summitdowntown.org.
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908 Enterprises - Social Media Marketing Ace Pension Solutions LLC AFC Urgent Care Short Hills AIP Mobility Plus Allsure Insurance Brokerage American Boys Preparatory Academy American Pension LLC Americans for Fair Taxation Angelo & Associates CPAs PC Ani Ramen House & MOCHINUT Anything Floral Arthur J Gallagher & Co. Balloon Design Studio Barth's Market Bassett Associates Berkeley Cleaners Berkeley Hardware & Paint Berkeley Heights Board of Education Berkeley Heights VFW Post 6259 Berkeley Heights YMCA Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New Jersey Properties- Summit Best Western PLUS Murray Hill Hotel & Suites BIG. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) Blow In Blow Out body align physical therapy Body Pure Chiropractic Boll and Branch Borough of New Providence Bourne, Noll & Kenyon Brain Balance of Summit BrightStar Care Care 1st Training Group Chatham and Short Hills Lifestyle Magazine Chemetall US, Inc. Christmas Decor of NJ Ciel Power LLC
(908) 516-0776 (908) 295-2692 (973) 671-5350 (973) 607-3211 (917) 533-9564 (908) 516-4231 (908) 757-5151 (908) 578-4975 (732) 382-2272 (908) 679-8157 (908) 464-5445 (973) 467-0444 (908) 295-1840 (908) 464-8555 (908) 277-1176 (908) 464-9859 (908) 464-2900 (908) 464-1718 (908) 508-0999 (908) 464-8373 (908) 273-0400 (908) 665-9200 (908) 337-5402 (908) 273-4947 (646) 328-2525 (908) 771-0707 (908) 473-9920 (908) 665-1400 (908) 277-2200 (908) 517-1101 (908) 322-8200 (908) 443-1277 (973) 635-7377 (908) 464-6900 (908) 303-0081 (201) 632-3463
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CivicStory Classic Construction Service Clear Point Designs Coldwell Banker Realty Colonial Appliance & Electronics Inc. Color Me Mine Connection, The ConnectOne Bank- Berkeley Heights ConnectOne Bank- Summit Constantine Village/Goldberg Realty Cove Carpet One Floor & Home Cruise Planners Travel Advisor-LetsGlobetrot.com CWI.Design-Creative Wallcoverings & Interiors, Ltd. Danielle Putis | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NJ Properties Davies Insurance Management DeBary Inn, The DeFabio Chiropractic & Sports Rehab LLC Delicious Heights Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan Dinerman Leadership Solutions Don-Tre Professional Driving School, Inc Donna Donaldson Home Door Boy LLC Dorlen, Dr. Rosalind S. drybar Dunkin' Donuts- Berkeley Heights DUXIANA Edible Arrangements of Summit Edward Jones - Bob Competiello Financial Advisor Elefante Music & School For The Performing Arts Elements Massage Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights eMedical Urgent Care eRepairPlus Family Promise First Energy
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(813) 951-0419 (908) 273-5252 (917) 797-7923 (908) 522-1800 (908) 665-1212 (201) 966-4017 (908) 273-4242 (908) 771-5588 (908) 598-0077 (908) 277-2041 (908) 273-0220 (908) 517-1107 (908) 665-7997 (201) 788-3500 (908) 363-4433 (908) 277-0005 (908) 771-0220 (908) 464-3287 (908) 277-0388 (908) 403-7430 (973) 376-8118 (908) 277-0400 (908) 464-1440 (908) 522-1444 (973) 830-7429 (908) 879-5878 (908) 522-8200 (908) 273-0100 (973) 377-2377 (908) 464-5928 (908) 464-1860 (908) 897-1970 (908) 464-6700 (908) 656-6219 (908) 273-1100 (973) 401-8497
Fitness Factory Five Star Driving School Five Star Painting of Summit Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor LLC Gabriele Fitness and Performance Gearhart Law General Plumbing Supply Genualdi Family Partners, LP Goodman's Deli GRA ARCHITECT, INC Graham Relf Design Graphic Imagery, Inc. Graver Water Systems, LLC Harlee's Tap & Grille Haven Savings Bank- Berkeley Heights Haven Savings Bank- Summit Hoboken Farms Home Again Design Home For Good Dog Rescue Hometown Doc, LLC HomeTowne Television Investors Bank - Berkeley Heights Investors Bank - Corporate Office Investors Bank - New Providence Investors Bank - Summit Jaeger Lumber John Leatherbee Joseph Steiner Junior League of Summit KAD Associates LLC Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties- Summit KIKA STRETCH Studios - Summit Kitchen Expressions Lakeland Bank Lantern Hill, an Erickson Living Community Linda's Creative Gifts Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper
(908) 665-9500 (908) 473-0104 (908) 358-4782 (201) 843-5858 (908) 464-4441 (908) 273-0700 (732) 752-2020 (908) 273-7450 (908) 898-0900 (908) 464-0106 (908) 273-1790 (908) 755-2882 (908) 516-1400 (917) 548-0293 (908) 790-0770 (908) 522-0090 (800) 854-4644 (908) 464-8800 (908) 598-8212 (908) 376-6550 (908) 277-6310 (908) 464-0860 (973) 376-5100 (908) 286-1075 (908) 273-8150 (908) 686-0073 (908) 273-2793 (908) 337-9536 (908) 273-7344 (732) 943-2192 (908) 273-2991 (908) 219-9187 (908) 273-4442 (908) 522-6555 (908) 516-9136 (908) 473-0982 (908) 273-1212
Liss Copy and Print, Homecare a Lois Schneider Realtor LRG Wealth Advisors Luminous MedSpa & Salon M&T Bank - Summit Macy's Short Hills Main Street Movers Manhattan Bagel Marco Polo Restaurant & Tavern Massage Envy - Berkeley Heigh Mind Body Wellness Center Minuteman Press Monk's Home Improvements MORTGAGES BY JIM JOSEPH Mr. Handyman of S. Orange/We Plains & Metuchen My Gym Children's Fitness Cen Natale's Summit Bakery New Jersey Dance Theatre Ense New Jersey Intergenerational O New Providence Board of Educa New Providence Chiropractic New Providence Dentistry New Providence Fuel NJ Sharing Network Noke and Heard, LLP, CPA's Oak Knoll School of the Holy Ch Office Evolution Orangetheory Fitness Oratory School of Summit, NJ Our House Inc Overlook Medical Center Paolo's Kitchen, Inc. Partners Transportation Group Passion for Spices Pastrami House Peace of Mind Yoga
HOLIDAY 2021
nd Music Center (908) 277-3500 (908)277-1398 (646) 434-3138 (908) 464-8208 (908) 273-0122 (973) 912-5655 (973) 732-3700 (908) 516-2641 n (908) 277-4492 hts (908) 464-0070 (908) 522-1861 (908) 857-4644 (973) 635-7900 (718) 812-7798 estfield/Scotch (908) 259-4080 nter (908) 665-2122 (908) 277-2074 emble (908) 723-5622 Orchestra (908) 603-7691 ation (908) 464-9050 (908) 665-1818 (908) 376-9297 (908) 464-7277 (908) 516-5400 (908) 277-4145 hild (908) 522-8118 (908) 280-1813 (908) 458-9353 (908) 273-1084 (908) 464-8008 (908) 522-2000 (908) 219-4166 (908) 241-9600 (908) 380-0644 (908) 464-2600 (908) 363-1825
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Peapack Private Wealth ManagementNew Providence Office Peapack Private Wealth Management Peapack-Gladstone Bank PEARLY WHITES Peter Wallburg Studios Pfaltz & Woller, PA Piattino Primrose School of Berkeley Heights Private Prep Professional Appraisal Associates Prudential Advisors PuroClean Restoration Services RE/MAX Achievers Reeves-Reed Arboretum Regal Bank- Summit Renna Media Richard V. Carney Electrical Contractors, Inc. Robinwood Kitchens Inc. Roosters Men's Grooming Center ROSEN KELLY CONWAY Architecture & Design Royal Caregivers SAGE Eldercare Schroth and Lorenson Jewelers Skin Deep Salon and Spa Small Business Development Center at Kean University Smith + Schwartzstein LLC Smoothie King Smythe Volvo Inc. Snapology Summit NJ Stony Hill Players Suburban Chambers of Commerce Summit Area YMCA Summit Board of Education Summit Dental Partners Summit Downtown, Inc.
(908) 464-0102 (908) 598-1717 (908) 273-2890 (908) 464-6789 (908) 277-2078 (908) 273-1974 (908) 219-4801 (908) 286-0900 (908) 577-2390 (908) 273-2412 (917) 837-9161 (908) 577-9120 (908) 522-9444 (908) 273-8787 (908) 275-9450 (908) 418-5586 (908) 277-6961 (908) 665-5900 (908) 516-2974 (908) 273-6565 (800) 668-2317 (908) 273-5550 (908) 273-1676 (908) 508-1800 (908) 737-4220 (973) 206-1725 (908) 918-1464 (908) 273-4200 (646) 512-2196 (888) 817-3013 (908) 522-1700 (908) 738-2170 (908) 273-3025 (908) 499-8707 (908) 277-6100
Summit Frame & Art, Inc. Summit Hearing Aid Center Summit Junior Baseball & Softball Summit Oaks Hospital Summit Prep Summit Ski and Sport Summit Smiles SUMMIT SPORT AND SPINE LLC Summit Tech Partners LLC Summit Test Prep & Tutoring Summit Transcendental Meditation Program Sunrise of Summit Super Kids Child Care/Learning Center Take On College, LLC TAP Into Local LLC TapSnap Taylor Rental Center TD Bank (Marco Moreno Lending Group) TD Bank - Berkeley Heights TD Bank - Summit Terrana Orthodontics The Adam M. Brown Law Group LLC The American Yoga Academy The Arc of Union County The Bar Method The Body Shop Studio The Broadway Diner The City of Summit The Dental Studio of Summit The Goddard School The Grand Summit Hotel The Lewis-Chester Group The Liberty Group The Meat House The Office Tavern Grill The Pipes of Christmas
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(908) 273-8665 (908) 277-6886 (917) 439-8819 (908) 522-7071 (908) 277-0128 (908) 277-4170 (908) 737-1313 (908) 263-7043 (908) 739-3102 (908) 516-4199 (908) 522-0820 (908) 673-1400 (908) 598-8383 (908) 447-7752 (908) 279-0303 (862) 276-6749 (908) 464-9111 (908) 884-6484 (908) 790-9605 (908) 598-0943 (908) 838-9220 (908) 379-9731 (973) 731-9960 (973) 315-0000 (908) 522-1550 (908) 307-3777 (908) 273-4353 (908) 277-9400 (908) 273-1525 (908) 991-7373 (908) 273-3000 (908) 273-6100 (908) 964-8390 (908) 228-5960 (908) 522-0550 (917) 584-4180
The Summit Playhouse The UPS Store 1108- New Providence The Woodhouse Spa - Summit Thomas Chase LLC Tide Dry Cleaners TLC Computer Services Total Health Township of Berkeley Heights Union County College United Way of Greater Union County Verizon Wireless Vibrance For Life Virginia Jordan Virtue Tile & Design Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Vivid Stage WashClub Laundry Weichert Realtors- Summit Weichert Realtors- Joseph Eberle Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. / Berkeley Heights Wells Fargo Bank- NP Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts Wilde Capital Management Winberie's Restaurant and Bar Window Tailors Woodward Properties, REALTORS You Can Be Found Your Kid's Urgent Care Zadie's Nurturing Den ZenBusiness
(908) 273-2192 (908) 771-9600 (908) 608-1120 (917) 549-6472 (908) 219-4525 (877) 926-8852 (908) 665-0770 (908) 464-2700 (908) 709-7501 (908) 353-7171 (908) 516-2544 (973) 218-1199 (908) 273-1985 (908) 273-6936 (908) 273-9121 (908) 514-9654 (888) 970-9588 (908) 277-1200 (908) 868-4800 (908) 522-5453 (908) 286-6157 (908) 790-0700 (866) 894-5332 (908) 277-4224 (908) 464-0644 (908) 598-0155 (732) 462-6019 (908) 420-5091 (908) 277-8584 (512) 814-6420
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M
EET OUR MERCHANTS!
These pages are dedicated to connect the community with the heart of our commerce, our merchants! Get to know them, their thoughts and their business here, then go visit them and check out their offerings- they’d love to see you and mention you saw them here!
RANDY MACKENZIE
H
as taught Transcendental Meditation® and advanced programs full time around the world to over 2000 students. More recently, my teaching partner, Alice Brickman, and I offer weekly courses and life time follow up programs for Summit and all of central NJ.
I
We Can Help You Take a Vacation Twice a Day!! Transcendental Meditation® is uniquely different from other meditation techniques, proven easy to learn and practice. Effective from the start. Recommended by doctors. Classes every week here in Summit. Grants and scholarships available.
The Co-Co is a COMMUNITY: We uniquely empower our members to grow genuine, supportive relationships. The Co-Co is WELCOMING and inclusive: We are empathetic and curious about one another's unique stories.
Enjoy the Holidays Stress Free and Start the New Year off with a Proven Technique for Increased Mental Clarity, Better Health and Improved Social Behavior. It is a Great antidote to the Stress of Covid!!
The Co-Co is INNOVATIVE: Our creativity fosters a welcoming space to listen, learn, and explore new ideas.
www.tm.org/summit 908 522 0820 12 Bank St. Suite 104 Summit, NJ 07901
Come visit us at our new Summit location on the 2nd floor of 426 Springfield Avenue above Marigolds.
MICHELE ELEFANTE
Are thrilled to introduce a sweet new flavor to their portfolio of restaurants: Mochinut, the happy union of Japanese rice cake and American donuts. The playful, fun elements of Japanese culture have always been a part of the Ani Ramen brand, and with a name that translates to “big brother”, guests are always welcomed with family-style warmth. In March 2020, not long after he opened the Summit location of Ani Ramen, New Jersey Monthly named Luck Sarabhayvanija one of “10 Millennials To Watch”. He is inspired by family, work ethic and the joy found in the kind of genuine hospitality that brings communities together over food.
Co-owner of majority womenowned business Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts in New Providence and Scotch Plains, was recently awarded a scholarship to attend The Smart Women in Music Fund’s 2nd Annual SWIM Leadership Summit. Held at the NAMM Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA, Ms. Stivalo was one of only 19 women nationwide chosen to attend this event. SWIM supports women working in the music products industry to develop their leadership aspirations and to broaden and deepen their leadership proficiencies.
1790 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974 (908) 464-5928 www.elefantemusic.com
427b Springfield Ave, Summit (908) 473-9194 www.suburbanchambers.org
s the premier Women-focused Networking Community in New Jersey with physical gathering spaces to work, learn, and have fun.
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HOLIDAY 2021 Come visit us at our new Summit location on the 2nd floor of 426 Springfield Avenue above Marigolds.
MEET JANETTE
Owner and maker at NJ's largest zero waste, refill & homegoods shop. She's on a mission!
In March 2020, not long after he opened the Summit location of Ani Ramen, New Jersey Monthly named Luck Sarabhayvanija one of “10 Millennials To Watch”. He is inspired by family, work ethic and the joy found in the kind of genuine hospitality that brings communities together over food. Luck and his Ani Ramen team have built seven locations, with plans for several more. “Ani” translates to “big brother”: at Ani Ramen, guests are welcomed with a family-style warmth and the best quality ramen.
"Tired of buying plastic pollution? Refill laundry detergent, cleaners, personal care, & more. Sustainable Haus in Summit, NJ has all your package free home needs! w w w. s u s t a i n a b l e h a u s . c o m ( 9 0 8 ) 2 7 3 - 4 4 9 4 2 2 1 B r o a d S t r e e t S u m m i t , N J 0 7 9 01
427 Springf ield Avenue, Summit , NJ 908.679.8157
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City officials including Mayor Nora Radest (who wielded scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon), Suburban Chamber of Commerce board members Karen Fern Hadley and May Fridel, family and friends joined Dr. Michael Sammarro at the recent grand opening of Summit Sport & Spine, 308 Springfield Ave., 908-263-7043. The downtown location offers chiropractic, acupuncture and strength and conditioning (personal training) services. Dr. Sammarro said the goal of the practice is to consider all aspects of a patient’s daily life, not just the physical, “to help you do the things you love without restrictions, and grow better every day.”
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HOLIDAY 2021
C
T
ate Elefante, age 10, has added another role to her resume – the character of Kate in NBC’s “Annie Live,” scheduled to air the evening of Dec. 2.
heater-goers of all ages are invited to enjoy “Elf Jr., The Musical,” which will be staged at The Summit Playhouse from Dec. 3-12. The play chronicles the adventures of a young orphan named Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Raised there until his enormous size and poor toymaking abilities cause him to face the truth, Buddy -- with Santa's permission -- embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity (and true love) and help the Big Apple remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Cate is a lifelong student at Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts, with headquarters in New Providence and Scotch Plains, where the classes she has completed include Broadway Beginners, Songwriting and Monologues. Cate has performed on stage, film and TV, including being cast as Lulu in Broadway’s “Waitress” and Little Cosette in the Broadway National Tour of “Les Miserables.” She has appeared on “Sesame Street” and played the young Amanda Seyfried in the feature film “A Mouthful of Air.” In addition to private and group lessons, camps and instrument rentals and repairs, Elefante is home to the New Jersey Jazz Academy.
For details and to purchase tickets, visit thesummitplayhouse.org.
For details, call 908-464-5928.
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This production of “Elf Jr.” is produced by Kristina Yadlon and directed by Kimberly Jonny, with musical direction by Natalie Pereira and choreography by Megan Ferentinos. Proof of vaccine and photo ID are required at the door for entry into the Playhouse for all audience members 12 and older. Masks are required for all audience members and must be worn at all times while inside the building. Attendees may present their original vaccine cards, a photocopy/ printout, a digital picture or vaccine verification via a mobile app such as Docket.
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We are all aware that 2021 has proven to be another challenging year, but our collective strength, grace and courage have helped navigate us through these difficult times. As we round out another year, let’s celebrate the wonder ful things that happened along the way! Our children went back to school full-time and got to connect in person again with teachers and friends. A new police chief, Jason Massimino, was appointed, expanding our community policing initiatives. We opened the new municipal complex, providing librar y ser vices, recreation programs and senior classes. A new 23-foot Nor way spruce was planted at Veteran’s Memorial Park. FiSer ve, a For tune 500 company, will relocate and expand to 3,000 jobs here in Berkeley Heights. Our advocacy helped save the Berkeley Caterers parcel from development, and it will become a permanent par t of the park system that will ser ve as a gateway into Berkeley Heights. Finally, Winter Walk has retur ned, and I anticipate even more of our favorite events and community kinship as we head into 2022. This holiday season, please tr y to savor ever y moment spent with family. I will cer tainly do the same!
The ho lid ays ar e a w o n d er f u l t i m e t o l o o k b ack w ith grat it u d e an d t o c e l e b ra t e t h e c o m i n g year w ith opt imis m an d en t h u s i a s m . A s w e r e fle c t u po n o u r m a n y b l e s s i n g s , I am sincer el y g r at e fu l to y o u a n d a l l o u r n ei g h b o rs f or you r c o n t in u e d c o l l a b o ra t i o n , c o o p e ra t i o n an d suppor t t h e s e pas t ( a l m o s t ) t w o y ea rs o f d eal i ng w ith the CO VID- 19 c ri s i s . Working t o g e t h e r, w e k ep t m e m b e rs o f our commun it y h e alt h y a n d s a f e , a n d o u r l o cal busines s e s s t r o n g . Wh i l e i t h a s n o t b e e n ea s y, we made it h appe n . My w ar me s t w is h e s t o y o u a n d y o u r l o ved ones f or a joyo u s h o lid ay s ea s o n a n d h e a l t h y, s u c c e s s f ul New Year.
Mayor N o ra Rad e s t Summi t
Angie D. Devanney Mayor Berkeley Heights
STAY ‘PIONEER STRONG,’ AND BE KIND TO OTHERS This holiday season, let us be thankful, kind, safe, charitable, help those in need and do all we can to help ease suffering. A kind word and deed go a very long way. It has been a very hard year for so many. Please be generous whenever and wherever you can. Please keep our lost, afflicted, their families, all our first responders, our essential workers and everyone on the forefront and affected by the pandemic in your thoughts and prayers. Please also remember those protecting us at home and abroad. We are so thankful for their service and sacrifice. It is ever so important to shop and support our local businesses this holiday season, too. Please shop NP! I would like to thank our Borough Council, our first responders, all our generous volunteers, our local businesses, our dedicated employees and our community for a great year in New Providence. We are Pioneer Strong! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and joyous holiday season! Mayor Al Morgan New Providence
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HOLIDAY 2021
T
hough some events hosted for senior citizens in New Providence are beginning to be offered in person, there are still opportunities to stay active from the comfort and safety of home.
ZOOM FROM ROOM
YOUR
LIVING
Borough residents aged 65 and older are invited to take part in virtual exercise classes via Zoom four days each week, on their computers or phones. To register, send an email to decorsocenter@newprov.us. The class schedule includes: Mondays, In Control at 9 a.m. and Chair Yoga at 11 a.m., Tuesdays, Balance and Conditioning at 9:45 a.m. and Tai Chi at 1 p.m.; Thursdays, Strong YOU! at 9:30 a.m.; and Fridays, Zumba at 9 a.m.
CALL-IN BINGO VIA PHONE Weekly bingo call-in games will continue on Fridays at 11 a.m. Call 908-665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us in advance to register and receive the call-in information.
TAKE THE SHUTTLE TO SHOP-RITE The New Providence Senior Shuttle is continuing Shop-Rite trips on Tuesday mornings with pick-ups at about 7 a.m. Call the center on Monday mornings to reserve a spot.
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CONSUMERS WARNED: PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST UTILITY SCAMS PSE&G took part in November’s annual Utility Scam Awareness Week.
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“The pandemic has created financial hardship and escalated stress levels for many of our customers, and that is a perfect environment for scammers,” said Deb Affonsa, PSE&G’s vice president of customer care and chief customer officer. “Bad actors create the impression of an urgent problem in the hopes that our customers will panic, preventing our customers from seeing all the clues…I want to reinforce, PSE&G is not currently shutting off residential customers for nonpayment.”
hat happens when you cross Japanese rice cake (mochi) with American-style donuts? You get Mochinuts, which are now available in downtown Summit. After originating in Hawaii, the connecte d circles of eight dough balls have made their way to the mainland and come in a rainbow of colore d glazes. Flavors range from Ube (purple yam) and Matcha to Black Sesame, Re d Velvet, Cookies and Cream, Peanut Butter, Strawberry Funnel and Milk Pebble.
Ms. Affonsa described scams that demand immediate bill payment via prepaid credit card or digital money transfer, or offering a customer a bill discount due to good payment history.
Among those who celebrate d the recent Mochinut grand opening at 427B Springfield Ave. in downtown Summit were Suburban Chambers of Commerce re presentatives Karen Fern Hadley, Bob Davies, Marcella Gencarelli, David Dietz, and Claire Toth, Israel Jiles-partner in Ani Ramen/Mochinut, who joine d staff from the Montclair Hospitality Group and Nancy Adams from Summit Downtown, Inc., at a celebratory ribbon cutting officiate d by Mayor Nora Radest.
She also warned about calls informing customers a new meter is required, with a demand that
a deposit must be paid. PSE&G does not require such a deposit. As another reminder, she said PSE&G does not accept payment via prepaid gift cards or digital money transfer apps. If a genuine PSE&G representative calls, Ms. Affonsa said, he or she will ask to speak to the account owner, explain the reason for the call and provide the account name, address and current balance. If a customer receives a call and doesn’t believe it to be legitimate, “it’s perfectly acceptable to hang up the phone,” according to Monica Martinez, executive director of the consortium Utilities United Against Scams. “Scammers are extremely sophisticated in their tactics, and by simply ending the call, you can end their scam. If you’re unsure, call back the utility by dialing the number found on your bill or on their website, and they will provide you with the correct information.”
CHAMBER MEMBERS AGAIN GATHERING IN PERSON FOR NETWORKING
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mong the perks of membership in the Suburban Chambers of Commerce is the opportunity to attend a number of formal and informal networking events over the course of the year.
breakfast in a year, at the Broadway Diner on River Road in Summit. Leaders of the local business communities chatted and got caught up over coffee and pancakes as they shared what’s new and interesting at their places of work and in the Most recently, more than two dozen chamber members and area’s downtowns and commercial districts. guests gathered for the organization’s first in-person Friday For details about chamber membership or about upcoming events, visit suburbanchambers.org or call Karen Fern Hadley, the executive director, at 908-522-1700.
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION – Suburban Chambers of Commerce members and guests gathered in November for an in-person First Friday event. Welcoming them to Summit’s Broadway Diner were, at center holding the sponsors’ sign, David Dietze of Peapack Private Wealth Management, chamber chairman, and his predecessor, Marcella Gencarelli from Lakeland Bank.
www.suburbanchambers.org
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HOLIDAY 2021
Volume 38
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HOLIDAY 2021