Citing an increase in property related fraud in New Jersey -- and around the country -- Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is reminding property owners that the free Property Fraud Alert Notification system enables owners to respond quickly to unauthorized, potentially fraudulent activity.
"Property fraud is especially insidious because seniors are often the target, and the victims often have no idea that their property rights have been compromised until it's too late. The Property Fraud Alert system enables property owners to identify a potential problem as quickly as possible, and take action to re-establish their property rights," said Ms. Rajoppi.
Property owners in Union County may subscribe by registering at propertyfraudalert.
com/njunion or contacting the Property Fraud Alert call center at 1-800-728-3858.
Subscribers can opt to receive alerts by phone or email. Please note that users with common names may receive multiple alerts. Property owners may also register additional names free of charge, to cover common misspellings. Subscribers will be notified when the name they registered is used in recording activities within the office of the County Clerk.
When an alert is received, the subscriber is advised to visit clerk. ucnj.org to check for unauthorized activity. The online system is accessible 24/7. Subscribers may also call 1-800-728-3858 during weekday business hours.
Subscribers should report any suspicious activity to their local police department.
Local organizations that serve Summit residents are invited by the city’s Department of Community Programs to promote their non-profit efforts at the 13th annual Community Night on the Village Green.
The event is held in conjunction with the Hot Summer Nights Concert Series, and will take place on Tuesday, July 22. More than 1,000 attendees are expected at the concert that night.
No fundraising can take place, but literature distribution and giveaways are permitted. Participating groups must have nonprofit status.
Volunteers and staff may set up beginning at 5 p.m., must be ready for visitors by 5:45 and the event kicks off at 6:30. Participants supply their own tables and chairs (one table per organization, no larger than 8’ in length), and pop-up tents no bigger than 10’x10’ are also allowed. In 2024, more than 45 organizations took part.
City staff will be on hand to assist with unloading and loading materials.
RSVPs are required, and may be done via the Civic Rec link on summitcommunityprograms.com.
For details, call David Guida at 908-277-2932 or email him through the DCP website.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRPERSON:
James Kwan, Ace Pension Solutions
VICE CHAIR BERKELEY HEIGHTS: Jim Ramentol, GRA Architect, Inc
VICE CHAIR NEW PROVIDENCE: Joseph Eberle, Weichert Realtors
VICE CHAIR SUMMIT: May Abraham Fridel, Passion for Spices
TREASURER: Kim Ryan, Provident Bank - Summit
SECRETARY: Evelyn Simmons Davis, Suburban Chamber of Commerce
DIRECTORS:
Kelly Bonventre, NJ Sharing Network
Adam Brown Esq., The Adam M. Brown Law Group LLC
David Dietze, Dietze Wealth Management Group
John M. Inguagiato Esq, Paris Ackerman LLP
David Maskello, Winberie’s Restaurant and Bar
Roger Mehner Esq., Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper
Kerry Mowry, Overlook Medical Center
THE CHAMBER STAFF
Published by The Suburban Chamber of Commerce
Evelyn Davis , Executive Director/Publisher
Sarah Murphy , Administrative Assistant
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
•
Berkeley Heights is forming a World Cup 26 Task Force, with the goal of positioning the township to capitalize on opportunities presented when New Jersey hosts a portion of the event next year.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will host eight games, including the final on July 19, 2026. Overall, the tournament is expected to generate more than $2 billion in economic activity and draw more than a million visitors to the NY/NJ area
The Berkeley Heights task force will comprise of up to 10 members, including the mayor, the township administrator, a representative from the police department, a member of the township’s Economic Development Committee and
up to six community members representing sectors such as local business, hospitality and youth sports.
Key task force priorities are to include goals such as working with local merchants to create “fan zones” and watch parties; positioning Berkeley Heights as a destination for fans seeking accommodations, dining and shopping during the tournament; and collaborating with local youth soccer organizations to create events and activities that inspire and involve young athletes.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our community, our diverse heritage and history, support our local businesses and the multi-cultural cuisines they offer, and create lasting memories for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Angie Devanney.
It’s summer in the suburbs, and you know that that means in Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Summit – a series in each town of free outdoor concerts, with performances to suit every musical taste.
Berkeley Heights
The township kicked off the season Wednesday, June 25, at Veteran’s Memorial Park with Mission Dance, whose members describe the group as an “all decades cover band.”
Lost in Place, whose members cover classic rock, comes to town Wednesday, July 2, also at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Modern country music will be featured at the park on Wednesday, July 9, when Austin City Nights takes to the stage.
On Wednesday, July 23, the groove moves to The Grove, 200 Connell Dr., when Top 40 cover band Audio Riot performs.
The series wraps up Wednesday, July 30, at The Grove with First Responders Appreciation Night, when the sounds of cover band The Nines fill the air.
New Providence
The three-part concert series in the borough will also feature magician Simon Mandel, free hot dogs from The Prestige Diner cooked by members of the New Providence Lions Club and free ice cream from Zita’s.
The concerts are held rain or shine at 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, moving indoors to the Municipal Gym if necessary. Guests are reminded to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
This year’s concerts kick off Thursday, July 13, with The 1910 Fruitgum Company, a nationally-known pop band with three gold records.
On Thursday, July 20, Kinderhook will play country rock.
The series wraps up on Thursday, July 27, with Asbury Fever, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band.
Summit
The city’s Hot Summer Nights Concert Series is hosted on the Village Green, 356 Broad St., and organizers promise music, dancing, food trucks and fun. The start time is 7 p.m. (For weather updates, visit summitcommunityprograms.com or call 908-277-2932.)
This year’s line-up is: July 15, Taylor Swift impersonator Almost Eras; July 22 is Community Night, and will feature the band Steppin’ Out; July 29, Ladies of the 80s; Aug. 5, which is National Night Out, the performers are Element K; Aug. 12, Twilight Disciples; and Aug. 19, Brian Kirk and the Jirks.
All are invited to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's Farewell Tour during a special historical experience in downtown Morristown. The Lafayette Pop-Up Museum, presented by the Woman's Club of Morristown, offers visitors a look at rare artifacts, documents and art that honor the Marquis de Lafayette's legacy.
This temporary exhibit features items on loan from three collectors, offering a glimpse into Lafayette's enduring impact. From portraits to period pieces, each artifact connects directly to Lafayette's life, ideals and deep ties to American history. Guests will see unique items not typically on public display.
The exhibit takes place in the circa 1797 home of Dr. Lewis Condict, just off the Morristown Green. Dr. Condict had welcomed Lafayette to Morristown in 1825 during his Farewell Tour. Walking through the same rooms Lafayette visited adds depth and authenticity to this immersive historical experience.
The Lafayette Pop-Up Museum is free and open to the public for two days only, Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No tickets or registration are required, but early arrival is encouraged to enjoy the full exhibit at your own pace.
For more than 50 years, the Suburban Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a scholarship program for college-bound seniors from the public high schools in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit. Each year, the nominees are stellar students, athletes, musicians, artists, and volunteers in both their schools and communities. 2025 is no exception .
From Governor Livingston High School Breanna Garcia
Breanna has had a strong academic career at Governor Livingston. She has taken six Advanced Placement Classes ranging from United States History to Statistics. Breanna is also a member of the National Honor Society.
She has served in a number of leadership roles across diverse activities such as: President of Student Auxiliary; being on the Executive Board of Student Ambassadors; and, the secretary for art club. Many of these activities compliment her hobbies of playing guitar and flute, as well as other arts and crafts.
Most importantly, Breanna is committed to serving the community with over 120 hours of volunteer experience. Some of these include: creating Halloween goody bags to be donated to the Children’s Specialized Hospital; volunteering with the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter; packaging items for poverty-stricken mothers and children through Moms Helping Moms; and, encouraging child literacy at the Berkeley Heights Public Library.
Breanna’s career goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner and to help her community, while using the skills she learned volunteering. She is also certified in both adult and pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED.
From New Providence High School,
Nina De Souza Ferreira Illipronti
Nina is involved in a variety of school activities and volunteer programs.
She is a member of the Future Civic Leaders Club at New Providence High School. As part of the club, Nina has had the opportunity to interact with the Education Careers and Lifelong Community (ECLC) School in Chatham, a branch of the ECLC of New Jersey. There, she interacts with students that have disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or Down Syndrome. This experience has taught her invaluable lessons about
leadership, compassion and community.
In addition, Nina has been actively involved in her church’s Catholic Heart Work Camp for the past four years. The camp brings volunteers to a nearby city for a week to help area residents in need. During these trips, Nina worked seven hours a day on houses, gardens and trailers to make an impact on the residents lives.
From Summit High School
Jimena Chavis-Chacon
Jimena has spent her time in high school balancing academics, work, and community service.
“She is ambitious and hardworking,” said Jimena’s college counselor, Alison Grill. This is exemplified through her service as the treasurer and secretary of Union Hispana, as well the student council’s media chair. Additionally, Jimena has managed both the girls and boys volleyball teams. During her junior, she was selected as the captain of the girls’ JV team. She is also a member of Students Helping Students, The Food Science Club, Cooking for Comfort, and hair/makeup crew for Summit High School’s theatre productions.
Outside of the classroom, Jimena has shown her ambition by holding two jobs. She learned her work ethic from her parents, who are Costa Rican immigrants. Her jobs have taught her numerous skills including customer relations, communication, and general business practices. This experience also gave Jimena important time management skills, as well as teaching her discipline and responsibility.
Early on, Jimena was selected to be a part of PEP (Providing Educational Possibilities). While meeting the demands of this rigorous college-access program, she became involved with a local non-profit, GRACE. While volunteering her time, she organized and distributed food and other essentials to families in need.
Jimena plans to study business in college, and has a special interest in finance. She has become intrigued about how the stock market not only affects economic events, but social and political ones as well.
A New Providence-based effort has its aim to collect two million tennis balls over the next few years for recycling.
The local chapter of Net Love’s co-founders are Lily and Maggie Liu, who with a group of fellow volunteers are spreading the word that, “Whether you’re a tennis coach, professional player, high school student or simply a concerned citizen, everyone is welcome to join our team.”
One tennis ball, the Liu sisters noted, will take about 400 years to decompose, and every year, used tennis balls generate an estimated 20,000 tons of methane – a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide – and non-compostable waste.
By reusing and repurposing used tennis balls, Net Love’s goal is to minimize waste created by the estimated 125 million tennis balls disposed of annually that end up in landfills.
Representing New Providence High School as the first and second singles players on the varsity girls’ team, the sisters said, “We want to help make tennis a ‘net love’ sport to protect our environment. We believe our generation’s future existence hinges on how much we can reduce our carbon footprint to combat climate change.”
Current recycling locations include Centercourt Athletic Club, Chatham; the West Orange Tennis Club; the Morristown Field Club; Strand Tennis, Chatham; the New Providence Rec Center; and the New Providence Tennis Courts. Other locations are detailed on the group’s website, netlovenj.org. To learn more about the local efforts, call 732-828-8821. The effort is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, and financial donations are also welcome.
New Providence Recreation and Sustainable New Providence are hosting the second annual New Providence Green Challenge, funded by a 2025 PSEG Foundation Sustainable Jersey Grant, from June 30 - July 25. Taking part is free and aims to encourage small, sustainable changes that make a big difference in the community and for the environment as a whole.
Each week, participants receive an e-mail offering information about living life with a smaller carbon footprint and the challenge of a weekly sustainability task. The same task will be posted on the NP Recreation Facebook page @NPRecreation.
Participants are rewarded for sending an e-mail to nprec@newprov.us or commenting on the Facebook post
with a note about how it's going, a story about a change they made or a result, success or failure. For each communication, participants receive a drawing entry and have a chance to win prizes.
The challenge will help New Providence work towards its goal of educating the community about programs like the PSEG Quick Home Energy Check-Up and ways to save natural resources such as recycling and unplugging appliances after use.
Just for signing up for the Green Challenge, participants will be entered for a chance to win prizes.
There will be a Green Challenge celebration on Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. in Centennial Park, prior to the weekly "Music in The Park" event, where the live drawing will take place.
The New Providence Memorial Library has unveiled a redesigned website, newprovlibrary.org, which features a fresh, modern design, along with new features.
One of the upgrades is the ability for library cardholders to reserve time in new study rooms. Completed in late April, the library added two glass-enclosed private study spaces flanking the main entrance. These bright, quiet rooms are ideal for Zoom meetings, collaborative projects or focused studying. Patrons can now book a two-hour time slot by filling out the online Study Room Reservation form on the website.
In conjunction with this renovation, the library has relocated its book drop-off locations. Visitors can now return materials either at the front door or via a new book drop at the front of the parking lot.
The website also streamlines event participation. Community members may register online for library programs directly through the digital calendar, making it more convenient to sign up for events like craft workshops, book clubs and coding classes.
In addition, the website offers easy access to digital resources including eBooks, streaming services, research database and online learning platforms—all prominently featured at the bottom of the homepage.
Library staff said they encourage all residents to open or renew their library cards to take full advantage of the new services.
THREE SUMMIT STUDENT-ATHLETE SISTERS
Sidney (a recent graduate), rising senior Frankie and soon-to-be-sophomore Audrey Arcella
The three have launched an equipment collection effort that benefits their peers who reside in low-income communities and wish to play youth sports.
“Growing up,” the sisters said, “we have always loved sports and had a passion for them. Last year, we really started to imagine what it would be like if we were restricted from our sports. We would not have made many of the friends that we have today, and would not have our physical and mental strength.”
The sisters said they discussed expenses connected to playing youth sports, and began to think about children prevented from participating due to the costs. Out of those chats was born the Summit Sports Shed.
“We try and collect as many donations as possible,” the trio said, “which includes any sports equipment, used or new. Our main goal is to make a difference in as many kids’ lives as possible, so that they can experience the intensity and fun of sports.”
Labeled clear plastic collection bins have been placed at Tatlock, Soldiers’ Memorial Field and Summit High School. For information, the girls created an Instagram page, summitsports_shed.
Donations sought include balls, bats, masks, gloves, hockey and lacrosse sticks, sneakers, cleats, backpacks and helmets.
Liberty Hall in Union offers a variety of programs and tours during the summer for all ages and levels of interest.
On Morris Avenue, and officially under the umbrella of Kean University across the street, Liberty Hall was originally the home in the 1770s of lawyer William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor, his wife Susannah and their family. Beginning in 1811, the estate became home to the Kean family, and over the years its 14 rooms grew to 50 while that family called the site hom e.
HELD WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 ,
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “Uncork History: Christian Dior Wartime Fashion.” Attendees 21 and older enjoyed learning about how the famed French designer created his iconic fashion house, and gathered in the gardens for wine and finger foods as the sun sets.
SUNDAY, JULY 6 ,
1 to 2 p.m. “A Children’s Tour of Liberty Hall.” Recommended for first through fifth graders, the event includes hands-on activities and a history scavenger hunt. Tickets are $16.
SUNDAY, JULY 20,
1 to 2 p.m. “Uncovering the Enslaved Tour.” Using letters, census records, contracts and details of grave sites in Elizabeth, this tour explores the stories of the enslaved individuals who lived and labored at the home and on its grounds. Tickets are $16.
Other upcoming events include an architecture tour, the “Ladies of Liberty Hall” tour and sunset garden strolls. For details and tickets, visit libertyhall.kean.edu or call 908-527-0400.
I thought I'd take this opportunity to welcome those who are new to Summit. We're happy to have you here, and we look forward to you becoming involved in this city we are so happy to call our home.
Summer is a particularly great time to get to know your hometown and take advantage of great weather and lots of outdoor activities. We've got a series of summer concerts on the Village Green, live music downtown on select evenings, family movies being screened on the Green and a weekly Sunday farmers' market that cannot be missed. People come from all over the region to shop at our market, and we're lucky enough to have it right in our backyard.
Our parks in Summit are fantastic, and there are wonderful playgrounds sprinkled throughout town, in addition to courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball.
Visit the Department of Community Service's website for details about events, camps and classes, and to start planning ahead for autumn registrations. Don't forget to check out our Family Aquatic Center on Ashwood Avenue and the city's own nine-hole municipal golf course at the end of River Road, too!
In addition, Summit abounds with volunteer opportunities, and volunteering is always a great way to get to know the town and meet new people.
Mayor Elizabeth Fagan Summit
I would like to congratulate the township's Gail Fuchs Seely, of the Berkeley Heights Rotary; Daniela Buldo McDonnell, of the Berkeley Heights Education Foundation; Sharon Rubenstein, of the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad; and Marianne Fadel Wilson, of the Kimberly Anne Wilson Foundation. These local women have been honored by being selected to receive 2025 Union County SHERO Awards. I thank them for their dedication and their service to our community.
Congratulations and best of luck to the members of the Class of 2025! Your community is cheering you on every step of the way.
Just as a reminder, everyone is invited to take part in the Mayor's Wellness Book Club, which meets monthly. Our June selection was "The Anxious Generation," by Jonathan Haidt. We meet on the second Thursday of the month. Pick up a copy of the current book at the library or find it on Libby. Join us to talk about the book and our lives, and have some snacks.
See you around town! Hopefully the spring rains are behind us, won't continue into summer and we will have some great outdoors weather for concerts, sports and gatherings with family and friends.
Mayor Angie Devanney Berkeley Heights
The borough will host our annual Downtown Fireworks event on Thursday, July 3, beginning at 7 p.m. Grab some dinner in town and stay for the music, sidewalk chalk and fun. The fireworks start at 9:15 and should be visible from most locations in town, so set up your lawn chairs and settle in at a favorite viewing spot with friends and family.
To add to the fun, there will be a DJ at NP Fuel on South Street, and the members of the roving Fun Team will be handing out giveaways.
Don't forget that summer camp and outdoor fun aren't just for the kids! Our Rec Department is hosting adult courses in coming weeks that include Mindful Meditation, Men's Yoga and Badminton. For details, visit newprov.us.
As always, Municipal Courts - which are lit at night - are available for reservations for pickleball and tennis. Each reservation costs $5, and they are available via CommunityPass only to borough residents.
Looking to stay indoors and out of the heat? Local seniors are invited to the DeCorso Center to hear various presentations, learn Italian, join the Book Club, exercise, play bingo and more. Current senior newsletters are always posted on our borough website.
See you at the fireworks!
Mayor Al Morgan
New Providence
Berkeley Heights residents are being reminded that Township Construction Official Joe Popolo is available to meet with them every Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The Building (Construction) Department is at Town Hall, 29 Park Ave., on the first floor. Go through the main entrance, turn right, then the offices are on the right.
Residents are welcome to talk to Mr. Popolo about their specific construction projects, get permit information or inquire about any other needs they may have from his department. A 19-year employee of the township, working in town as an inspector in addition to his current role as construction official, Mr. Popolo was born and raised in Berkeley Heights.
The construction official's job is to implement local building/construction codes that are in line with the state Uniform Construction Code (UCC) by granting or denying development permit applications in accordance with its provisions. The Construction Official is responsible for enforcement of all construction codes and issuance of construction permits, and provides oversight to the Building Department, which includes full- and part-time employees, as well as fire, plumbing, electrical, building and mechanical inspectors
Overlook Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, has completed its new East Building, a major milestone in the hospital’s “Overlook Ahead” transformation plan. The three-story, 78,000-square-foot expansion brings state-of-the-art updates to maternity care, neuroscience, critical care, and cardiology, further enhancing the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
“This building, and most importantly the care that will be provided here, truly embodies our vision for the future of acute care,” said Stephanie Schwartz, President of Overlook Medical Center and Senior Vice President, Atlantic Health System. “It is no secret that health care is changing fast. We need to stay ahead of the curve, to continue to provide the best care to our community and meet the needs of our region. The advancements in this new space will complement the physicians, nurses and team members who deliver care and will have a profound impact on the patient and family experience and on the team member and physician experience.”
Key features of the East Building include:
• The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Newborn and Family Care Unit on the sixth floor, with private postpartum rooms, cesarean-section operating rooms, and proximity to a renovated NICU.
• The FM Kirby Foundation Neuroscience Center on the seventh floor, home to the Jeneil B. Reeves Neuro ICU and an epilepsy monitoring unit, along with advanced neurosurgical ORs and outpatient space for integrated neurological care.
• The Kevin Bell, MD Critical Care Unit on the eighth floor features
technologically advanced private rooms designed for continuous monitoring and care of the hospital’s most critical patients.
• The Wilf Family Cardiology Center, also on the eighth floor, allows patients to receive varying levels of cardiology care in one location, enhancing safety and comfort. The new Hartman Satellite Caregivers Center supports families and caregivers.
Additional upgrades include a satellite pharmacy, renovated NICU, improved transport systems, and new mechanical systems. The building also incorporates design innovations shaped by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this opening, Overlook has transformed more than 80% of its patient care areas since launching Overlook Ahead. Completed projects include Bouras Emergency Department renovations, a new staff parking garage, the Hersh Children’s Center and the expansion of the John E. Reeves Same Day Surgery Center. Additional upgrades are planned for emergency departments in Summit and Union.
