FORE!
It’s official, GolfCave New Providence is open at 675 Central Ave. The indoor golf facility is open 24/7, and can be reached at golfcave.com/locations/new-providence or by calling 908-263-2283. At a recent grand opening and ribbon “clubbing,” owner Larry Furino, standing at center, was joined by borough Mayor Al Morgan, fourth from right, and guests who included Suburban Chamber of Commerce board members, from far right, John Inguagiato, Jim Kwan and Joe Eberle. At GolfCave, members combine cutting-edge TrackMan technology, 24/7 access and private simulator rooms called "Caves" at a location that caters to golfers of every skill level and ability. GolfCave offers lessons and private rooms, and can host parties and events.
Berkeley Heights is gearing up for the fourth annual Light Up the Heights Luminary Project, an initiative that has as its goal to spread joy and support multiple local organizations.
Benefitting the Berkeley Heights Gardeners, Boy Scout Troops 68 & 368, the Berkeley Heights Rescue Squad, Girl Scout Troop 55 and the Rotary Club of Berkeley Heights, this year's luminary project features neighborhood captains canvassing the town, distributing flyers and order forms, and encouraging participation.
Luminaries are available in sets of 10 at $25 per package, and include classic white paper bags, candles and sand. Residents can expect delivery of their luminary kits to their Berkeley Heights homes by no later than Dec. 23. Interested residents may place their orders online at bhluminaries.com.
A visual spectacle is set to adorn the town on Dec. 24, with residents encouraged to light up their curbs with the luminaries at dusk, transforming Berkeley Heights into a winter wonderland.
HOLIDAY EDITION 2024
Volume 41 I Issue 5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CO-CHAIRPERSONS:
David Dietze, Peapack Private Wealth Management Marcella Gencarelli, Valley Bank
VICE CHAIR BERKELEY HEIGHTS: James Kwan, Ace Pension Solutions LLC,
VICE CHAIR NEW PROVIDENCE: Joseph Eberle, Weichert Realtors
VICE CHAIR SUMMIT:
Roxanne Giacalone, Christie’s International Real Estate
TREASURER: Paul Kieltyka, Summit Area YMCA
SECRETARY: Joseph Steiner, President Emeritus
DIRECTORS:
Kelly Bonventre, NJ Sharing Network
Adam Brown Esq., The Adam M. Brown Law Group LLC
May Abraham Fridel, Passion for Spices
John M. Inguagiato Esq., Alfonso & Webber, LLC
Roger Mehner Esq., Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper
Kerry Mowry, Overlook Medical Center
David Maskello, Winberie's Restaurant and Bar
THE CHAMBER STAFF
Published by The Suburban Chamber of Commerce
Evelyn Davis , Executive Director
Karen Fern Hadley , Advertising Sales
Joseph Steiner , Publisher
Patricia E. Meola , Contributing Editor
Steven Meyer , Art Director & Layout Design
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
Summit’s Reeves-Reed Arboretum is set to host its fifth annual Festival of Trees, an outdoor winter event that celebrates community and culture, on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11 to 3.
Trees throughout the grounds are sponsored and decorated by local businesses, community groups and families, including title sponsor Lois Schneider Realtor.
Family-friendly activities will include crafts, games and stories that celebrate the season of light and feature Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas and the Winter Solstice. Guests may enjoy photos and visits with Santa, a winter themed scavenger hunt and a woodland story trail.
Local groups including the Summit High School Chorus and The Larks, as well as BOLD Arts dance students, will provide music and entertainment. In addition, shop at the on-site holiday market, deck your halls with fresh wreaths, swags and more from the Arboretum’s holiday garden shop and enjoy seasonal refreshments.
The Festival of Trees is also a key fundraising initiative for the arboretum as it celebrates 50 years. Proceeds support educational programs, conservation efforts and ongoing maintenance of its gardens, grounds and historic buildings.
Adults 21 and older can attend the Festival of Trees Preview Cocktail Party on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests will take a winter walk and get a first look at the lighted trees being featured at Sunday’s festival, as well as enjoy a “spirited” celebration in historic Wisner House with a sampling of holiday cocktails and desserts, music and merriment.
For details and ticket information for the festival and preview, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org or call 908-273-8787, x1010. The Reeves-Reed is at 165 Hobart Ave.
On the evening of Dec. 24, Summit will once again create a "night of light," with its streets aglow with luminaries.
The Summit Luminary Fund began 43 years ago on a handful of streets and has grown into a community-wide event. Last year, more than 175 streets were lined with luminaries, raising more than $136,000 for local charities.
This year’s effort is being spearheaded by Luminary Fund President Francie Cho, who assumed the role after Barbara Romano retired. This year’s area leaders John Blomfield, Liz Branchflower, Victoria Carrigan, Laura Crescenzi, Lisa Curran, Renee Frank, Irene Loschert and Judith McCarthy, and many volunteers, give of their time and efforts to fill tens of thousands of bags with sand and candles. Since almost the inception of the Summit Luminary Fund, Lois Schneider Realtor has been the primary underwriter.
The funds raised by selling the luminaries brighten the lives of many in need throughout the year. This year’s recipients are Bridges' Project Connect (Summit Program), Christ Child Society of Summit (ABC Area Baby Center for Diaper Distribution, Layette and Toddler Programs, School Supply & Backpack Program), Empowering Kids Organization, Family Promise of Union County, G.R.A.C.E., SAGE Eldercare Spend-A-Day, SHIP -Summit Helping Its People, Summit’s Senior Connections, the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, Summit Warm Hearts (Summit Interfaith Council) and the Santa Claus Shop.
Those who would like to participate and haven't received an order form may contact Ms. Cho at summitluminaryfundfranciecho@ gmail.com or stop by Lois Schneider Realtor's office at 431 Springfield Ave. in Summit to pick one up.
The community is invited to the Summit Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. at Summit High School, 125 Kent Place Blvd. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.
On the program for the afternoon are “Christmas at the Movies,” “L’Arlesienne Suite,” “A Klezmer Nutcracker,” “The Christmas Song,” “Sleigh Ride,” “The Nutcracker” Suite and “Saints Hallelujah.”
Musical director of the Summit Symphony Orchestra is city native Michael Avagliano.
The orchestra was formed in 1938 by the Summit Board of Recreation with the dual purpose of providing an arena for qualified non-professional musicians to read and perform orchestral music, and presenting orchestral concerts, free of charge, to residents of Summit and the surrounding areas. It has been performing in Summit every year since.
Currently the roster of musicians for the orchestra includes about 65 active members, often including a few high school students. Rehearsals are held normally at 7:30 on Wednesday nights at either the high school or the middle school. New musicians are welcome at any time, especially in the string sections.
Ever y other year the orchestra sponsors a Young Artist Competition open to all New Jersey high school students. Three winners are chosen to perform with the orchestra at a May concert.
BOYS BASKETBALL: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/19 7:00 PM Johnson
12/23 2:00 PM @ Metuchen
12/27 6:45 PM @ Summit
12/28 TBA @ Summit
12/30 TBA @ Summit
1/7 5:30 PM @ Brearley
1/9 5:30 PM @ Roselle Park
1/11 3:30 PM New Providence
1/14 7:00 PM @ Roselle
1/16 7:00 PM Dayton
1/17 6:00 PM Cranford
1/21 TBA @ Johnson
1/23 4:00 PM Brearley
1/28 4:00 PM Roselle Park
1/30 4:00 PM Newark Global Studies
2/1 2:00 PM @ New Providence
2/3 7:00 PM @ North Hunterdon
2/4 7:00 PM @ Dayton
2/6 7:00 PM South Brunswick
2/10 7:00 PM Roselle
2/11 5:30 PM @ Delaware Valley
2/20 7:00 PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
2/22 11:00 AM Koinonia
GIRLS BASKETBALL: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/19 4:30 PM @ Summit
12/21 11:30 AM Bridgewater-Raritan
12/23 10:00 AM @ Mount St. Dominic
12/27 12:00 PM @ Bernards
1/4 1:00 PM Johnson
1/7 4:00 PM @ Dayton
1/9 4:00 PM Union Catholic
1/11 TBA New Providence
1/14 4:00 PM Roselle
1/16 4:00 PM @ Oak Knoll
1/18 10:00 AM Cranford
1/21 4:00 PM Summit
1/25 12:30 PM St. Elizabeth
1/28 5:30 PM @ Johnson
1/30 4:00 PM Dayton
2/1 12:30 PM @ New Providence
2/4 4:30 PM @ Roselle
2/6 7:00 PM Oak Knoll
2/8 10:30 AM @ Millburn
2/10 5:30 PM Hunterdon Central
2/21 5:30 PM @ J.P. Stevens
2/24 4:00 PM @ Union Catholic
WRESTLING: VARSITY
DATE TIME LOCATION
12/14 8:00 AM St. Thomas Aquinas
In-Season Tournament
12/14 9:00 AM Ridge
12/14 9:00 AM Jefferson
12/14 9:00 AM Colonia
12/20 3:30 PM @ Glen Ridge
12/21 TBA @ Delsea
12/21 9:00 AM @ Mount Olive
12/28 11:00 AM @ Hunterdon Central
1/3 7:00 PM Rahway
1/4 9:00 AM @ Newton
1/8 7:00 PM Westfield
1/10 7:00 PM Roselle Park
1/11 TBA @ Middletown North
1/15 5:30 PM @ Johnson
1/18 TBA @ Union
1/22 TBA @ Elizabeth
1/24 7:00 PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood
1/29 7:00 PM Brearley
1/31 7:00 PM @ Cranford
2/1 9:00 AM @ West Windsor-Plainsboro South
2/1 10:00 AM @ West Windsor-Plainsboro South
BOYS HOCKEY: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/6 8:30 PM @ Livingston
12/9 8:35 PM Bridgewater-Raritan
12/11 6:50 PM @ Pope John
12/16 8:35 PM Middletown North
12/18 7:30 PM @ Ramapo
12/23 6:35 PM @ Cranford
12/28 9:30 AM @ Summit
12/30 8:35 PM Westfield
1/5 7:00 PM @ Glen Rock
1/6 8:35 PM Summit
1/10 8:35 PM Cranford
1/13 8:35 PM West Essex
1/17 6:30 PM @ West Essex
1/27 8:35 PM Livingston
1/29 8:30 PM @ Westfield
1/31 9:10 PM Glen Rock
BOYS SWIMMING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/12 3:30 PM @ Summit
12/17 6:15 PM Westfield
12/19 6:15 PM Plainfield
1/3 6:15 PM Orator y
1/7 3:00 PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
1/10 3:00 PM @ Union
1/15 3:45 PM @ Cranford
1/17 3:45 PM @ Cranford
1/21 6:15 PM New Providence
1/22 4:15 PM @ Elizabeth
1/23 4:15 PM @ Elizabeth
GIRLS SWIMMING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/12 3:30 PM @ Summit
12/17 6:15 PM Westfield
12/19 6:15 PM Plainfield
1/3 6:15 PM Oak Knoll
1/7 3:00 PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
1/10 3:00 PM @ Union
1/13 6:15 PM Kent Place
1/15 3:45 PM @ Cranford
1/17 3:45 PM @ Cranford
1/21 6:15 PM New Providence
1/22 4:15 PM @ Elizabeth
BOYS FENCING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/11 6:00 PM @ Chatham
12/17 4:00 PM @ Montclair Kimberley
1/7 6:30 PM Millburn
1/10 7:00 PM McNair
1/16 6:30 PM West Orange
1/21 6:30 PM Newark Academy
1/23 6:30 PM @ Mendham
1/28 6:30 PM Orator y
GIRLS FENCING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/11 6:00 PM @ Chatham
12/17 4:00 PM @ Montclair Kimberley
1/7 6:30 PM Millburn
1/9 6:30 PM Oak Knoll
1/10 5:00 PM McNair
1/16 6:30 PM West Orange
1/21 6:30 PM Newark Academy 1/23 6:30 PM @ Mendham 1/28 6:30 PM Kent Place
1/30 6:00 PM @ Livingston 2/4 6:30 PM Columbia
TRACK & FIELD INDOOR: VARSITY
DATE TIME MEET LOCATION 12/11 4:00AM Relays Staten Island Ocean Breeze Track Facility
1/4 8:30AM UCIAC Relays Jersey City Armory 1/18 10:00AM Relays Toms River' Sports Complex 1/22 9:00AM UCIAC Individual Finals Staten Island-Ocean Breeze Track Facility
1/30 5:15PM Invitational NYC Armory 2/3 5:00PM Classic NYC Armory
2/9 9:00AM NJSIAA Sectional Toms River' Sports Complex
2/22 9:00AM NJSIAA Gr Championships Toms River' Sports Complex
3/2 TBD Meet Of Champions Staten Island-Ocean Breeze Track Facility
3/4 5:00PM Eastern States Championship NYC Armor y 3/13 TBD Nationals
BOYS BASKETBALL: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/12 4:30 pm @ Colonia
12/19 7:00 pm @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
12/21 1:00 pm Cranford
12/23 2:00 pm @ Ridge
12/27 6:45 pm Gov. Livingston
12/28 TBA W atchung Hills
12/28 TBA Gov. Livingston
12/30 TBA Gov. Livingston
1/4 1:00 pm @ Orator y
1/9 7:00 pm @ Rahway
1/11 2:30 pm @ Roselle
1/14 7:00 pm Hillside
1/16 7:00 pm New Providence
1/18 1:00 pm W estfield
1/19 TBA W estfield
1/21 7:00 pm Scotch Plains-Fanwood
1/23 6:00 pm @ Cranford
1/25 TBA @ Union
1/28 7:00 pm Orator y
1/30 7:00 pm @ Johnson
2/1 12:00 pm Rahway
2/4 TBA @ Hillside
2/6 7:00 pm @ New Providence
2/18 4:15 pm @ Pingr y 2/21 7:00 pm Hanover Park
GIRLS BASKETBALL: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
2/19 4:30 pm Gov. Livingston
12/21 11:30 pm @ Johnson
12/27 TBA Linden
12/28 TBA Linden
1/3 4:00 pm @ Lenape Valley
1/4 10:00 am Dayton
1/6 4:00 pm @ Montclair
1/7 6:00 pm Union Catholic
1/9 6:00 pm Roselle
1/11 1:00 pm @ Hanover Park
1/14 4:00 pm @ Oak Knoll
1/15 5:30 pm @ Brearley
1/17 6:00 pm Union
1/18 TBA @ V eritas Christian
1/21 4:00 pmp @ Gov. Livingston
1/23 6:00 pm Johnson
1/28 4:00 pm @ Dayton
1/30 4:00 pm @ Union Catholic
2/1 12:00 pm @ Roselle
2/4 6:00 pm Oak Knoll
2/6 5:30 pm @ Hunterdon Central
2/8 12:00 pm @ W estfield
2/11 6:00 pm V oorhees
WRESTLING: VARSITY
D ATE TIME OPPONENT
12/14 9:00AM @ Dover
12/30 9:00AM @ Parsippany Hills
1/3 6:00PM Roselle
1/4 9:00AM @ Mountain Lakes
1/8 6:00PM Linden
1/10 5:00PM @ David Brearley
1/11 9:00AM Multiple Schools
1/15 6:00PM @ Roselle Park
1/18 9:00AM @ Union High School
1//24 5:00PM @ New Providence
1/25 9:00AM @ Governor Livingston
1/29 5:00PM @ Union High School
2/1 9:00AM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
2/5 6:00PM Plainfield
2/7 5:00PM @ Arthur L. Johnson
BOYS SWIMMING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/10 3:30 pm @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
12/12 3:30 pm Gov. Livingston
1/3 3:30 pm Bridgewater -Raritan
1/7 4:00 pm Cranford
1/14 TBA Elizabeth
1/15 3:45 pm @ Orator y
1/21 TBA Union
1/22 3:00 pm Plainfield
1/29 4:00 pm W estfield
GIRLS SWIMMING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/12 3:30 pm Gov. Livingston
1/3 3:30 pm Bridgewater -Raritan
1/7 4:00 pm Cranford
1/14 TBA Elizabeth
1/21 TBA Union
1/22 3:00 pm Plainfield
1/29 4:00 pm W estfield
BOYS ICE HOCKEY: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
2/3 6:35 PM vs. Bridgewater-Raritan
12/6 3:45 PM vs. Glen Rock
12/9 6:35 PM @ Cranford
12/11 4:00 PM @ Livingston
12/13 3:45 PM vs. West Essex
12/17 7:00 PM vs. Westfield
12/19 8:40 PM @ Watchung Hills
12/20 7:30 PM @ Glen Rock
12/28 9:30 AM Gov. Livingston
1/3 3:45 PM Livingston
1/6 8:35 PM @ Gov. Livingston
1/7 6:35 PM @ North Hunterdon
1/9 3:30 PM @ W estfield
1/14 6:35 PM V erona
1/15 4:00 PM @ West Essex
1/17 3:45 PM Morris Knolls
1/28 8:35 PM @ Cranford
2/7 8:40 PM @ Freehold Township
2/14 4:10 PM Morristown
GIRLS ICE HOCKEY: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/6 5:45 PM @ Trinity Hall
12/10 5:15 PM @ W estfield
12/11 4:45 PM Cranford
12/13 7:45 PM @ Chatham
12/17 3:30 PM @ Cranford
1/8 4:45 PM Chatham
1/10 4:45 PM Kent Place
1/22 4:45 PM Trinity Hall
1/24 4:00 PM Randolph
1/27 4:00 PM @ Kent Place
1/29 4:45 PM W estfield
TRACK & FIELD INDOOR: VARSITY
DATE TIME MEET LOCATION
12/16 5:15PM Spiked Shoe Holiday Festival New York City Armory 1/4 9:00AM Union County Relays Jersey City Armory
1/15 5:00PM Novice Meet New York City Armory
1/16 4:30PM NJSIAA Group Relays Bennett Center
1/22 9:00AM Union County Championships Ocean Breeze
1/30 5:00PM Invitational New York City Armory
2/15 4:00PM NJSIAA Sectional Bennett Center
2/22 9:00AM NJSIAA Group Championship Bennett Center
3/4 10:00AM NJSIAA Meet of Champions Ocean Breeze
BOYS BASKETBALL: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/19 7:00 PM @ Rahway
12/21 1:00 PM @ Hillside
12/27 1:30 PM Cranford
12/28 3:00 PM Mount Olive
12/30 7:00 PM @ Chatham
1/4 1:00 PM @ Dayton
1/7 7:00 PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood
1/9 7:00 PM Cranford
1/11 3:30 PM @ Gov. Livingston
1/14 7:00 PM @ Orator y 1/16 7:00 PM @ Summit
1/18 1:00 PM Madison
1/19 TBA @ Johnson
1/21 7:00 PM Rahway
1/23 7:00 PM Hillside
1/25 1:00 PM @ Iselin Kennedy
1/30 7:00 PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
2/1 2:00 PM Gov. Livingston
2/4 7:00 PM Orator y
2/6 7:00 PM Summit
2/8 2:30 PM @ Cranford
2/11 7:00 PM Chatham
2/15 1:00 PM Madison
2/20 4:00 PM @ Millburn
2/22 1:00 PM Bridgewater -Raritan
GIRLS BASKETBALL: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/19 TBA Elizabeth
12/21 1:00 PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood
12/23 3:00 PM Ewing
12/27 1:30 PM W est Morris
12/28 12:00 PM @ Mount St. Dominic In-Season Tournament
1/2 6:00 PM Teaneck
1/4 12:00 PM @ W estfield
1/6 7:00 PM @ Chatham
1/7 5:30 PM @ Plainfield
1/9 4:30 PM @ Roselle
1/11 TBA @ Gov. Livingston
1/13 4:00 PM @ Dayton
1/14 7:00 PM Roselle Catholic
1/16 7:00 PM Cranford
1/18 1:00 PM @ Glen Ridge
1/21 4:15 PM @ Elizabeth
1/23 7:00 PM @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood
1/25 11:30 AM Oak Knoll
1/28 7:00 PM W estfield
1/30 7:00 PM Plainfield
2/1 12:30 PM Gov. Livingston
2/4 5:30 PM @ Roselle Catholic
2/6 5:30 PM @ Cranford
2/8 11:30 AM Johnson
WRESTLING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/12 6:30 PM @ Ridge
12/20 3:00 PM @ Montgomer y
1/4 9:00 AM Glen Rock
1/4 9:00 AM Madison
1/4 9:00 AM Millburn
1/4 9:00 AM Whippany Park
1/4 10:00 AM Boonton
1/11 9:00 AM Middletown North
1/11 9:00 AM W estfield
1/15 4:00 PM @ Plainfield
1/29 6:00 PM @ Linden
1/31 7:00 PM W atchung Hills
2/1 10:00 AM @ Cresskill
2/7 7:00 PM @ Cranford
BOYS SWIMMING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/12 3:15 PM Orator y
12/17 TBA Union
1/7 4:00 PM Plainfield
1/14 2:30 PM @ W estfield
1/15 3:00 PM Scotch Plains-Fanwood
1/21 6:15 PM @ Gov. Livingston
1/24 TBA Elizabeth
1/28 3:45 PM @ Cranford
GIRLS SWIMMING: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
2/17 TBA Union
1/7 4:00 PM Plainfield
1/14 2:30 PM @ W estfield
1/21 6:15 PM @ Gov. Livingston
1/24 TBA Elizabeth
1/28 3:45 PM @ Cranford
BOYS HOCKEY: VARSITY
DATE TIME OPPONENT
12/6 8:30 PM @ Livingston
12/9 8:35 PM Bridgewater-Raritan
12/11 6:50 PM @ Pope John
12/16 8:35 PM Middletown North
12/18 7:30 PM @ Ramapo 12/23 6:35 PM @ Cranford
12/28 9:30 AM @ Summit
12/30 8:35 PM Westfield
1/5 7:00 PM @ Glen Rock
1/6 8:35 PM Summit
1/10 8:35 PM Cranford
1/13 8:35 PM West Essex
1/17 6:30 PM @ West Essex
1/27 8:35 PM Livingston
1/29 8:30 PM @ Westfield
1/31 9:10 PM Glen Rock
TRACK & FIELD INDOOR: VARSITY
DATE TIME MEET LOCATION
12/11 4:00 PM Meet Ocean Breeze-Track Facility
1/6 9:30 AM Relays Jersey City Armory
1/10 5:30 PM Meet New Providence HS
1/12 3:00 PM Relays Toms River Sports Complex
1/17 4:00 PM UCIAC Championships Ocean Breeze-Staten Island
1/23 5:00 PM Meet Toms River Sports Complex
2/4 9:00 AM NJSIAA Championships Toms River Sports Complex
2/17 9:00 AM Championships Toms River Sports Complex
3/3 10:00 AM Meet of Champions Ocean Breeze-Staten Island
3/4 5:00 PM Eastern States Championship NYC Armor y 3/13 TBD Nationals
Members of the Summit Fire Department are poised to relocate to a new headquarters just a few blocks east of their current Broad Street building.
While the 1940s-era SFD home has been added to and retrofitted numerous times over the years, the new site boasts features that could never have been part of 396 Broad, such as a home for the local emergency operations committee, an elevator, offices for officers, a modern locker room, private bathroom/shower facilities and even a training room that can be made completely dark and has windows designed for specialized skill training.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Chief Eric Evers. “Ground was finally broken for the project in the fall of 2022, after a new firehouse had been discussed by various iterations of Summit Common Council for nearly 30 years.”
Much of what has been incorporated into the new building, the chief said, was created in support of keeping the city’s firefighters “safe, and keeping us ready.” He mentioned that while the architectural firm hired by the city specializes in fire headquarters, “We happen to have many talented contractors on the fire department, including members with skills in plumbing, electric and general contracting.”
Chief Evers said, “We have four platoons and 33 career firefighters, plus volunteers. These firefighters are the heart and soul of our fire department, and during this project, they spent hours and hours of their time here.”
The building was a $16.1 million project “all-in,” the chief said, and he noted, “At the end of the day, we did not go over budget.” Chief Evers said there were a few
major goals in constructing the building. They included: to fit the department’s current and future needs; to build in firefighter safety; and to build in training opportunities that don’t involve having to leave headquarters, which he noted is more efficient “and saves money at the end of the day.”
Another feature of the new headquarters building is its gym, which was described by Lt. Michael Mammone as geared towards all fitness levels. “We as firefighters have to be fit,” the lieutenant said, “but we also have to be strong. We wear 100 pounds of gear when we’re working.” He noted that not only is the room “motivating, but a lot of bonding takes place in here.”
Yet another addition to the department is a decontamination area, and there are also bunks with two beds in each room, in case shifts are doubled-up during a storm, when it’s 24/on, 24/off. Normally, the men and women are on duty for 24 hours and then off for 72. There is even a overflow four-bunk room, in case someone like the police chief or mayor needs to be on scene around the clock during an emergency. Battalion Chief Brian Harnois said a generator feeds the entire fire headquarters. That is essential, he noted, in part because the building will be the local emergency operations center during times of crisis.
Deputy Chief Paul Imbimbo noted that the administrative offices are located on an upper floor in the front of the new building, while currently eight men share one office at the old site. A conference room overlooks the Overlook Hospital campus a block away, with a bird’s eye view of the helipad. Firefighter Jess Fulkes, the SFD’s unofficial historian, has
been working on gathering original photos and other memorabilia related to the department’s 100-plus year history, and a first floor room will be dedicated to displays of items including billy clubs that were used by local fire wardens years ago. She shared a framed photograph of the city’s first firehouse, which stood on Park Avenue, while a mannequin dressed in full gear dominated one corner of the room.
The creation of a new fire headquarters after so many years of planning was a true community effort, said Chief Evers. He noted a permanent plaque honoring donors to the project will be hung in a prominent spot.
908 Enterprises (908) 263-0408
Ace Pension Solutions, LLC (908) 295-2692
The Adam M. Brown Law Group LLC (908) 379-9731
Adams Fine Clothing (908) 665-0800
Adobe Acrobat (408) 753-5826
AFC Urgent Care New Providence (908) 402-3338
AFC Urgent Care Short Hills (973) 671-5350
AIP Mobility Plus (973) 370-8918
Alfonso & Webber, LLC (609) 807-8643
American Pension LLC (908) 757-5151
Americans for Fair Taxation (908) 578-4975
Ani Ramen House (908) 679-8157
Anova
Apex Consulting Ser vices LLC (863) 267-5987
The Arc of Union County (973) 315-0000
Art Of The Arch & Aesthetics LLC (908) 608-4655
Bake Baker y (908) 522-9270
Bancnotes Wealth Management (848) 200-9765
Barth's Market (908) 464-8555
Bassett Associates (908) 277-1176
Berkeley Cleaners (908) 464-9859
Berkeley Heights Board of Education (908) 464-1718
Berkeley Heights YMCA (908) 464-8373
BHHS Fox & Roach, Realtors (908) 273-0400
BIG. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) (908) 337-5402
Blow In Blow Out (908) 273-4947
Borough of New Providence (908) 665-1400
Bourne, Noll & Kenyon (908) 277-2200
Boxcar (908) 485-7275
Brandywine Living at Summit (908) 522-8852
BrightStar Care (908) 322-8200
The Broadway Diner (908) 273-4353
Care 1st Training Group (908) 443-1277
cerb.one (848) 205-9658
Christie's International Real Estate (908) 516-4790
Christmas Decor of NJ (908) 303-0081
Ciel Power LLC (201) 632-3463
Citizens Bank - Berkeley Heights (908) 464-0860
Citizens Bank - New Providence (908) 286-1075
Citizens Bank - Summit (201) 286-4926
The City of Summit (908) 277-9400
Classic Construction Ser vice (908) 273-5252
Clear Point Designs (917) 797-7923
Club Z! Tutoring Services (908) 460-1855
Clyde Paul Insurance Agency (201) 991-7598
Coldwell Banker Realty (908) 522-1800
Colonial Appliance (908) 665-1212
Color Me Mine (201) 966-4017
Comparion Insurance Agency (908) 585-1372
Cove Carpet One Floor & Home (908) 273-0220
CP Travel Advisor - LetsGlobetrot.com (908) 517-1107
Daniel Krisiloff, New York Life (908) 938-6856
Davies Insurance Management (973) 985-9275
Dear Dental (551) 222-0072
The Debar y Inn (908) 277-0005 Delicious Heights (908) 464-3287
Dempsey & Sheehan (908) 277-0388
Dental Studio of Summit (908) 273-1525 Donna Donaldson Home (908) 277-0400 Don-Tre Professional Driving School, Inc (973) 376-8118 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 Edward Jones - Bob Competiello Financial Advisor (973) 377-2377
Edward Jones- Kevin Mack (908) 263-7135
Elefante Music & School For The Performing Arts (908) 464-5928 Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights (908) 897-1970 Family Promise (908) 273-1100
Farinolio (908) 392-3426
Farmers Insurance- Hector Lugo Agency (908) 527-1700
First Energy (973) 401-8497
Five Star Painting of Summit (908) 358-4782
Floor & Decor (908) 514-5689
Four Monkeys Bistro (908) 483-2288
The Friends of the Summit Free Public Library ( 908) 337-5402
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers (848) 482-7230
Gearhart Law (908) 273-0700
General Plumbing Supply (732) 752-2020
GolfCave (908) 263-2283
Goodman's Deli (908) 898-0900
GRA Architect, Inc (908) 464-0106
Graphic Imager y, Inc. (908) 755-2882
Guitars'n Jazz (908) 273-7171
Haven Savings Bank- Berkeley Heights (908) 790-0770
Haven Savings Bank- Summit (908) 522-0090
Home For Good Dog Rescue (908) 598-8212
The Hub Murray Hill by BW Premier Collection ( 908) 665-9200
J. McLaughlin (908) 918-1801
Jacadi Paris (917) 794-7785
Jaeger Lumber (908) 686-0073
JAG Physical Therapy (908) 396-6780
Jersey Garbage Can Cleaners (908) 540-6767
Joseph Steiner (908) 337-9536
Junior League of Summit (908) 273-7344
Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties- Summit (908) 273-2991
Kitchen Expressions (908) 273-4442
Kumon of Berkeley Heights (908) 725-2857
Lantern Hill, an Erickson Living Community ( 908) 516-9136
The Learning Experience (908) 679-8976
The Liberty Group (908) 964-8390
Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper (908) 273-1212
Linda's Creative Gifts (908) 473-0982
Lisa Allen
Liss Copy and Print (908) 277-3500
Liss Medical Arts Pharmacy (908) 522-0111
Lois Schneider Realtor (908) 277-1398
Lyons Veterinary Hospital (973) 283-5515
M&T Bank - Summit (908) 273-0122
Madison Reed Inc. (908) 739-6511
Main Street Movers (973) 732-3700
Marco Polo Restaurant & Tavern (908) 277-4492
Marmon Industrial Water, LLC (908) 516-1425
The Max of New Providence (732) 616-4870
Mind Body Wellness Center (908) 522-1861
Monk's Home Improvements (973) 635-7900
Minuteman Press (908) 857-4644
My Gym Children's Fitness Center (908) 665-2122
Natale's Summit Baker y (908) 277-2074
New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble (908) 723-5622
New Providence Board of Education (908) 464-9050
New Providence Chiropractic (908) 665-1818
New Providence Dentistr y (908) 376-9297
New Providence Fuel (908) 464-7277
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
The Office Tavern Grill (908) 522-0550
Office Evolution (908) 280-1813
Optimal Facility Management Solutions LLC (617) 775-9038
Orator y School of Summit, NJ (908) 273-1084
Overlook Medical Center (908) 522-2000
Partners Transportation Group (908) 341-0298
Passion for Spices (908) 380-0644
Payless Rugs (866) 786-7123
Peapack Private (908) 598-1717
Pearly Whites (908) 464-6789
Peter Wallburg Studios (908) 277-2078
Piattino (908) 219-4801
The Pipes of Christmas (917) 584-4180
Plastic Palmtree, Inc. (310) 733-9015
Play-PKL (609) 200-0430
PNC Bank (908) 522-3441
Polycarp Flowers (908) 723-8208
Prime Bank Card INC. (201) 306-0216
Primrose School of Berkeley Heights (908) 286-0900
Prominent Properties Sothebys International Realty (908) 273-8808
Provident Bank- Summit (908) 522-6555
PuroClean Restoration Ser vices (908) 577-9120
QuickSilver Counseling Center (888) 477-8941
Rad Theatricals (973) 713-2543
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (908) 273-8787
Rewey Asset Management (917) 306-0384
Robinwood Kitchens Inc. (908) 665-5900
ROSEN KELLY CONWAY Architecture & Design (908) 273-6565
SAGE Eldercare (908) 273-5550
Schroth and Lorenson Jewelers (908) 273-1676
Serena & Lily (908) 913-7265
Skin Deep Salon and Spa (908) 508-1800
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 Family & Cosmetic Dentistr y (908) 522-0077
The Summit Foundation
Summit Frame & Art, Inc. (908) 273-8665
Summit Hearing Aid Center (908) 277-6886
Summit Oaks Hospital (908) 277-9107
Summit Ski Rental and Ser vice (908) 277-4170
Summit Soundz Entertainment LLC (908) 265-2169
Summit Speech School (908) 508-0111
Summit Sport and Spine LLC (908) 263-7043
Summit Transcendental Meditation Program (908) 522-0820
Sunrise of Summit (908) 673-1400
Susan Julia, Olive Oil Etc (551) 427-7452
TAP Into Local LLC (908) 279-0303
Taylor Law Group, LLC (908) 219-7771
Terrana Orthodontics (908) 838-9220
The Connection (908) 273-4242
Thomas Chase LLC (917) 549-6472
Timothy Lowe, LLC (908) 499-0340
TLC Computer Ser vices (877) 926-8852
Total Home Cleaning (908) 273-8774
Township of Berkeley Heights (908) 464-2700
Tri-Force Energy LLC (201) 298-0218
Two Fields Bakeshop (908) 647-7337
Union County College (908) 709-7501
United Way of Greater Union County (908) 353-7171
Valley Bank (973) 220-0546
Vibrance For Life (973) 218-1199
Virginia Jordan
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (908) 273-9121
Vivid Stage (908) 514-9654
Wealth Enhancement Group (212) 584-8999
Weichert Realtors- Summit (908) 277-1200
Weichert Realtors- Joseph Eberle (908) 868-4800
Wharton Arts (908) 790-0700
Winberie's Restaurant and Bar (908) 277-4224
Window Tailors (908) 464-0644
Windows & Doors by the Men with Tools (908) 224-7997
Woodward Properties, REALTORS (908) 598-0155
YogaSix (908) 315-3165
Zadie's Nurturing Den (908) 277-8584
ZenBusiness (512) 765-4985
As the holiday season begins, I want to take a moment to reflect on the strength and spirit of our wonderful town. This time of year is about coming together — celebrating our traditions, cherishing our loved ones and looking ahead with hope and optimism.
I would especially like to thank all of you for your incredible generosity in supporting the Other Fellow First Foundation’s annual turkey drive. Thanks to your kindness, we were able to provide meals for many families who otherwise might have gone without. Your giving spirit is a true reflection of what makes our community so special.
As we gather with family and friends, let’s continue to spread the goodwill that makes our town such a welcoming place for all.
Be sure to enjoy all of the wonderful events planned by our Department of Community Programs, Summit Downtown, Inc., and all of our non-profit organizations.
From my family to yours, I wish you joy, peace and a holiday season filled with love.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Mayor Elizabeth Fagan Summit
November in Berkeley Heights was a time for gratitude and reflection.
On the 5th, we voted in the General Election, and on the 14th, we gathered at the Berkeley Heights Public Library for my Mayor’s Book Club to discuss “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters,” by Priya Parker. Our meetings offer good company and a relaxing break, and all are welcome – even if you haven’t had a chance to finish the book. Check the township website to keep up to date with our selections and meeting dates.
Our wonderful Recreation Staff members and their volunteers hosted a Thanksgiving lunch for seniors on Nov. 22. It’s always great to see both new and familiar faces at events like that.
This time of year, we now move into holiday mode. Santa arrives in town for a visit during Dec. 7’s Winter Walk, which is followed by a tree lighting and fireworks. Please join us.
I hope your holidays are filled with love, laughter and cherished moments. See you around town!
Mayor Angie Devanney Berkeley Heights
We are excited for the holiday season!
We have new decorations in Centennial Park, thanks to our Beautification Committee in partnership with our Recreation Department, funded through donations from organizations, local businesses and generous contributors. We also have wonderful family-friendly events and activities including our annual Night of a Thousand Stars Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in Centennial Park. All are welcome.
The holiday season can be an especially challenging time for many of our friends and neighbors. Please be kind. Please be patient. And please be generous if you are able, and help support local families in need so everyone can have joy and peace this time of year. Organizations that support local such as our CSA (csanewprovidence.org/home ) and LINC Food Pantry (lincnj.org) help ease difficult times. If you need help, please contact them. If you are able to donate, all contributions are very graciously appreciated. If you are in crisis, please call 988.
This is also the time of year when we are diligently working on the budget and planning upcoming projects and borough improvements for next year. The borough is financially sound thanks to years of prudent fiscal planning. New Providence was also named 12th best place to live by New Jersey Family Magazine out of 565 municipalities thanks to all of you!
I wish you peace, joy, happiness and a safe, happy, healthy holiday season and new year ahead!
Mayor Al Morgan New Providence
On Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Santa Claus will make a stop at the Lower Level of Town Hall in Berkeley Heights, 29 Park Ave., in the Recreation Multipurpose Room.
Admission is free, and the event will include wagon rides, photo scenes (participants should bring their own cameras), hot cocoa and the Governor Livingston High School Band.
Children are invited to write letters to Santa. Include a return address, and Santa will respond.
Letters may be dropped off to the red mail box in the vestibule at Town Hall through Dec. 10.
In addition, unwrapped toys for boys and girls will be collected for The Saint Joseph Gift Drive through Dec. 15, and may be dropped off in the lobby at Town Hall.
The events and collection are sponsored by the Berkeley Heights Recreation Commission.
The Mount Carmel Society in Berkeley Heights recently announced the opening of ticket sales for Breakfast with Santa. This year’s event takes place Sunday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mount Carmel Society event hall, 56 River Road. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-12. Children younger than four eat at no charge.
The full breakfast buffet includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, donuts, muffins, coffee, tea, juice, milk and hot chocolate.
Santa Claus will be available for photos.
Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped gift for children, and donated gifts will be provided to patients at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.
“Tickets are now on sale,” said members of the Mount Carmel Society, “and we are excited for you to join us for this Berkeley Heights tradition.”
The Mount Carmel Society celebrates the Feast each July and hosts and supports activities and charitable events in Berkeley Heights.
For more information, or to purchase tickets for Breakfast with Santa, email The Mount Carmel Society at mcbhnj@gmail.com or visit mountcarmelberkeleyheightsnj.com.
Downtown Summit boasts unique shops, restaurants and services yearround that at this time of year cater to festive holiday needs. Add in live holiday music, free parking, horse-drawn carriage rides, a scavenger hunt and special offers from one end of the business district to the other and you have a true destination for holiday shopping and entertainment.
HILLTOP ELVES have been hidden in more than 100 different downtown businesses or in storefront windows, just waiting to be found. The more elves you locate, the better the chance to win prizes of Summit VISA Gift cards. No purchase is necessary. Winners will be drawn on Jan. 2.
SCAVENGER HUNT
forms are available at all participating businesses and may also be downloaded from the Summit Downtown, Inc., website.
Completed forms must be returned by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 17, community members are asked to take part in Brandywine Living’s Stuff the Bus: Clothing and Gift Card Drive.
Help Brandywine staff bring holiday cheer to residents at the N.J. Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park by dropping off large-sized men’s and women’s sweatpants, sweatshirts, zip up and button sweaters, long-sleeved T and polo shirts, stretch pants or gift cards to Amazon, Target or Walmart. Donors will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket and a $200 gift card to The Highlawn in West Orange. Winners need not be present.
Participants are welcome to join Brandywine at 11 a.m. on Dec. 17 and enjoy photos, a hot chocolate bar, cookies and giveways.
In Summit, Brandywine is at 41 Springfield Ave., 908522-8852. Items may be dropped off seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
FREE HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES
will board at Lyric Park (at the corner of Bank Street and Beechwood Road) on Saturdays Dec. 7, 14 and 21 from 1 to 4 p.m., though the line may need to be cut earlier.
Throughout downtown each weekend, there is live holiday music, including strolling carolers and brass bands. Some of SDI’s favorite Street Sounds musicians will be playing holiday standards, and Mr. Socks will spin DJ hits.
BUY ONE, GET ONE VISA CARD
Just in time for the holidays, SDI is sponsoring a bonus program for people purchasing SUMMIT VISA GIFT CARDS . For every $50 spent by a customer, he or she will receive an additional $10 in cards. The maximum limit per customer per transaction is $100.
Purchases of the VISA cards may only be done in person at SDI’s office, while supplies last, on Fridays Dec. 6 and 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. SDI offices are at 18 Bank St., Suite 201.
Last but not least, SDI and the City of Summit are offering 90 FREE MINUTES OF DOWNTOWN PARKING from Saturday, Dec. 14, through Tuesday, Dec. 31. All 90-minute onstreet parking spots (time limits will be strictly enforced), the Bank Street lot and the first level of the tiered garage off Springfield Avenue are covered in the offer.
The Junior League of Summit, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary, invites community members to mark their calendars for Sunday, Feb. 2 (snow date Feb. 16).
From 1 to 4 p.m. that day at Summit High School, 125 Kent Place Blvd., the League will host its fourth annual Intergenerational Leadership Summit. The theme is “Let’s Dig In!,” and the goal is to explore pressing issues currently facing the community. The event will feature workshops, panel discussions and networking.
Keynote speaker is former long-time Summit resident KAREN OLSON , who founded and is CEO emeritus of Family Promise, a national non-profit dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families that has trained more than a million volunteers in the last 30 years.
Among the honors presented to Ms. Olson over the years was the 1992 Points of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush.
Most recently, Ms. Olson is the author of “Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose.”
The book has been described by its author as a “call to action.” She said, “When you reach out beyond yourself and seek to make a difference in the lives of others, happiness will catch up with you.”
For details about “Let’s Dig In!” visit jlssummit.org.
All of the region’s towns are hosting various holiday-related events in the near future, including:
B ERKELEY H EIGHTS
The annual kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. Springfield Avenue will be transformed into a winter wonderland set to feature activities and fun for all ages.
The evening concludes with the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. in Peppertown Park, which will be followed by a Garden State Fireworks Show that will light up the night sky.
N EW P ROVIDENCE
The borough’s Police Benevolent Association Local 132 is again hosting its annual Toys for Tots collection through Dec. 9.
New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off into the collection box in the front vestibule of the Municipal Center.
The effort is sponsored nation-wide by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. For details, visit toysfortots.org.
S UMMIT
Congregation Ohr Shalom will host a menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 6 p.m. on the Village Green.
The Summit Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays Dec. 8, 15 and 22. For details, visit summitdowntown.org.
