CHAMBER’S STEINER HONORED WITH TITLE OF PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Joe Steiner was recently honored with a new title to add to his long list of professional accomplishments.

The board of directors of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, represented by co-chairs David Dietze and Marcella Gencarelli and executive director Karen Hadley, presented Mr. Steiner, a long-time Summit resident, with the title of President Emeritus of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce.

The plaque given to Mr. Steiner reads, “For his exemplary and commendable service that has made an extraordinary impact on the Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the broader communities of Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights, exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, dedication and personal integrity, exhibiting extraordinary vision and leadership and for inspiring Officers and Members of the Chamber by example in mentorships as President of the Suburban Chamber Of Commerce.”

After making the presentation, Mr. Dietze noted, “I was honored to present on behalf of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce an award bestowing on him the title of Honorary President. Joe has worked tirelessly on behalf of the chamber – and indeed the entire community – since 1977. No one is more deserving of this award. Congratulations, Joe, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do.”

In accepting the honor from his colleagues, Mr. Steiner said he has “enjoyed every day that I have spent working with and for you, our members. Thank you to all who were in attendance, and those who have sent emails and texts and Facebook messages. I appreciate all of the wonderful wishes.”

It’s never too early to start dreaming of summer, and what better way to enjoy it than with a dip in a pool? Don’t have one? Check out the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA, which offers opportunities to swim, relax and soak up the sun all summer at a facility only three years old. Join before Feb. 28 and save with early bird pricing.

The pool offers water slides, lap swims, yoga and Zumba, with amenities that include a main pool, a zero-entry kiddie pool, diving boards, lounge chairs, playground and showers.

Throughout summer, members can take advantage of a range of recreational and fitness activities for all ages, including leisure swim, lap swim, aquatic exercise classes and swim lessons. There are camp options and a swim team, as well as lifeguard training and first-time water experiences for infants and toddlers. In addition, the Y hosts social events throughout the summer.

There are separate rates for Berkeley Heights residents and non-residents. For early bird pricing, use promo code EBP23 at checkout by visiting thesay.org.

As a mission-based nonprofit, the YMCA exists to serve all -every age, every ability, every person. Members support an organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

All are invited to check out the Y by exploring member benefits and available programs, or schedule a tour.

In celebration of its 100-year commitment to equality for all, The Connection hosted a conversation with Heather McGhee, author of New York Times bestseller The Sum of Us, in partnership with the Summit Interfaith Council AntiRacism Committee.

An expert on the American economy, Ms. McGhee explores in her book the true cost of racism not just for people of color, but for everyone. Ms. McGhee shared with an audience of 250 what she learned about racism from looking at data and what led her to delve into the root of the most complicated issues.

She shared stories of hope and solidarity encountered on a road trip across America for her podcast, also titled “The Sum of Us,” before sitting down with co-moderators Jayne Graepel, former associate executive director of The Connection, and Michelle Fielder from the AntiRacism Committee. Attendees were encouraged to submit questions ahead of time and the comoderators led a conversation during which Ms. McGhee spoke about racism in politics and policymaking, how addressing those issues would benefit all and what individuals could do to help.

“Since the moment The Connection opened as the YWCA of Summit, our foundation has been built upon values that foster diversity and inclusion. The choice to be fully integrated — and anti-racist — was made deliberately, and without reservation,” said Wendy Graeb, executive director of The Connection.

Aprogram of the Summit Interfaith Council, offers respite Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 at Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Working with volunteers, organizers work to keep costs low.

Overnight hospitality is provided from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. every night by St. John’s Lutheran, Fountain Baptist Church and Christ Church.

Through the program, unhoused neighbors receive warm meals, access to showers, necessities and coordination with social workers. These services are made possible by partnerships with various community groups and non-profits.

Members of the community are being asked to assist the effort fund its work. Suggested donation amounts include:

• Sponsor one night for one neighbor: $23.80

• Sponsor a week for one neighbor: $166.60

• Sponsor a night of the program for all participants: $357

• Sponsor a week of the program: $2500

Organized by Mayor Nora Radest, the working group behind Summit Warm Hearts includes members of the Summit Police Department, faith communities, SHIP, Atlantic Health System, GRACE and other community organizations and stakeholders. The goal is to provide short- and long-term support for homeless individuals in Summit.

Donations may be made via gofundme.com/f/immediate-vacancies.

Overlook Medical Center has again been named one of America's 50 best hospitals.

For the fourth consecutive year, the annual ranking released by Healthgrades — an online healthcare information company — places Overlook among the top one percent of nearly 4,500 hospitals nation-wide.

Morristown Medical Center and Overlook, both part of the Atlantic Health System, are the only two in New Jersey named among the best hospitals in the country.

Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country to identify the top-performing hospitals.

This year’s analysis revealed significant variation between America’s 250 Best Hospitals and hospitals that did not receive the distinction. If all hospitals performed similarly to America’s 250 Best, more than 160,000 lives could have been saved, the study found.

"As some of America’s best hospitals, these members of Atlantic Health System consistently deliver better-thanexpected outcomes for the patients in their communities and are setting a high national standard for clinical excellence," said Brad Bowman MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades.

The Summit Elks recently presented SAGE Eldercare with $10,000 for its food panty and meal delivery.

The Summit-based SAGE runs Meals on Wheels for local homebound seniors. Volunteers deliver hot meals midday Monday through Friday. Those who are 60 and older, frail, homebound or disabled are eligible for the program. Eligibility includes those recuperating from an illness, those who are mentally or physically impaired, individuals without family or friends to shop for them, and someone requiring a special diet.

The Elks also ran a food drive with their 2,700 members and collected canned vegetables and soups, dry pasta and bottled sauce, canned tuna, peanut butter, fruit jam, bottled water, nutrition drinks and cleaning products.

“The Summit Elks delivered over 10 carloads of food pantry items to SAGE Eldercare. These non-perishable food items will allow SAGE to prepare ‘dry bags’ of food for Meals on Wheels participants so they have a stocked pantry of food for the weekend when we don’t deliver hot food or for days when we can’t deliver due to inclement weather,” said Terry Kaniuk, SAGE’s volunteer manager for Meals on Wheels.

Rick Wolffe, exalted ruler of the Summit Elks, said, “For over 150 years, the Elks have supported numerous charitable causes and funded projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.” Since the inception of SAGE 69 years ago, the Elks have been a community partner. In addition, many SAGE trustees and volunteers have been Elks members.

Donations of non-perishable food are accepted year-round by SAGE, Monday through Friday, before noon. To volunteer for deliver Meals on Wheels, contact tkaniuk@sageeldercare.org or call 908-273-5554.

Union County is hosting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages over the upcoming President’s Day weekend.

“February Festivities” will take place at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, on Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19. Programs are recommended for families with children aged four and older.

Pre-registration is required. Visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to the secure online signup page. The fee per person per program is $7 for Union County residents and $8 for others.

"The Journey of Sap to Syrup" meets from 9:30 to 10:30 and 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will see how real syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test.

"A Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt" is offered from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Investigate the winter woods for buck rubs, bird nests and bright red berries. Warm up around a campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows, and review the findings.

On Saturday, visitors can learn about interesting animals from all over the world during the featured matinee, “Unique Creatures.” Audience members will have the opportunity to be up close to live animals including snakes, lizards, insects, birds and mammals. This program will be offered from 12 to 1 and again from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Adults and children alike can enjoy “The Science of Magic” on Sunday from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Using mirrors, magnets and optical illusions, performers will educate and captivate while demonstrating principles of light, reflection, magnetism and more.