Berkeley Heights

Patch Poll: The Berkeley Aquatic Club Proposal

It's no secret that the Berkeley Aquatic Club's proposed 51,000 square foot facility is still causing a stir among local residents on both sides of the aisle. Here, Patch recaps this controversial issue and asks residents to vote in our polls. Two Emerson Lane residents, Karen R. Freudenberger and Denise Foy, submitted letters to the editor, stating reasons why the facility should not be built on Emerson Lane, a quiet residential neighborhood on the border of Warren Township.

Residents Gather For VFW's First Pig Roast

Members of Berkeley Heights VFW Post 6259 and local residents hit the VFW's first annual Pig Roast on Saturday, Sept. 22. Locust Avenue, where the VFW hall is located, was blocked off for this town-wide event, which included live music, a bouncy castle for the kids, a dunk tank that featured Mayor Joe Bruno, and 50/50 drawings and gift certificates. The roast included a smorgasbord of hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted pork, chicken, salads, and a variety of desserts and beverages. View our photo gallery here.

Sports And Health Festival Planned For Sept. 30

Summit Medical Group is hosting its third annual “Live Well Sports and Health Festival” Sept. 30 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, on its campus, located at 1 Diamond Hill Road. Local community members can look forward to meeting 2012 London Olympians, participate in a variety of activities and learning experiences, watch demonstrations and taste test samples of healthy foods from top local chefs, and hear sports-health lectures from some of state’s top sports doctors.

Numerous Car Burglaries Reported

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, officers responded to numerous reports of thefts from motor vehicles at residences on McMane Avenue, Grassman Place, Martins Lane and Diamond Hill Road in Berkeley Heights. Several items were stolen, including a laptop computer, binoculars, money and various electronics.

Clark

Landmark Diner Undergoes Transformation

Clark's landmark Windsor Diner is being transformed into family restaurant Johnny K's, which will open in November. The new restaurant will still feature some Windsor signature dishes, plus a tapas menu and more upscale offerings. The all-new space will include banquet/conference rooms, an open-windowed patio, a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling waterfall, new bar and more. 

Miele's Battle May Not Be Over

The battle over what will become of the Miele's Greenhouse property in Clark may not be over yet. Though the Sangiuliano Group's proposal to build 39 townhomes on the five-acre property was approved by the Clark Planning Board in March (after months of meetings, acrimony and objections from residents), a group of objectors are now appealing the board's decision. 

Clark Homicide Investigation Continues

Now nearly three months after the death of Clark's Vera Pecoraro, the Union County Prosecutor's Office reports that the investigation into the homicide is ongoing and encourages anyone with information that may help identify Pecoraro's murderers to come forward. "The investigation continues," a spokesperson from the Prosecutor's Office told Patch on Thursday. "With any homicide there are a number of factors to consider and explore. The members of the Union County Homicide Task Force are working to examine evidence and sort through statements and other relevant information." Pecoraro, 73, was found with her throat slit on July 7 at her home on Rolling Hill Way in Clark. Police say there was no sign of forced entry into the home and they believe she knew her attacker.

Cranford

Drivers Asked To 'Put The Brakes On Fatalities'

Police announced that motorists in Cranford and throughout New Jersey and the nation will be asked to join a day-long effort on Oct. 10, designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keep the state’s roadways fatality free for one-day. Known as "Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day," the national initiative was designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up, every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel.

Scouts Return From the 'Journey Of A Lifetime'

The Venture group from Boy Scout Troop 80 of Cranford recently returned from a challenging trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.

Fanwood

Fannywood Day Celebration Planned

Fanwood will hold the17th annual Fannywood Day fair this Sunday. The fair will consist of musical performances, a pet parade, multiple eating contests, a kid zone and much more.

Garwood

Council Discusses Sending Quarterly Newsletter

At Tuesday's Garwood Council meeting residents and council members discussed whether the borough should – and could afford to – produce a quarterly newsletter.

New Providence

Water Main Ruptured During Construction

During road construction on Wednesday afternoon on Pearl Street in New Providence, a major water main ruptured near the intersection of Hawthorne Drive, which caused significant damage to the roadway and flooding in the immediate area. Repairs were made overnight and crews worked to further repair the road.

Scotch Plains

Special Olympic Triathlete Competes In Asbury Park

A Scotch Plains Special Olympic Athlete competed in a triathlon in Asbury Park. Courtney Dreyfus, 15, swam, ran and biked to complete the full triathlon with a time of 1:46:42.3.

New Municipal Manager Named

Scotch Plains township receives new Municipal Manager. The new manager, Henry Underhill, has worked in municipal government since 1979 and has the merging of the Scotch Plains and Fanwood police departments as a top priority.

Springfield

Baltusrol To Join Improvement District

Springfield’s Business Improvement has drafted the Baltusrol Golf Club into its organization. The famed golf club was left out of the BID’s list of participating businesses after debate among officials and business owners but the BID members voted unanimously to have the club join.

Gaudineer Educator Named Teacher of The Year

In recognition for her excellence in the classroom, state officials have named Sarah David Union County’s Teacher of the Year for 2012-13. The Gaudineer Social Studies instructor was selected by a cross-section of administrators, teachers, parents and county education association representatives.

Summit

New Hyperlocal Website Launches in Summit

Not to be confused with a news site, Tips From Town provides a fresh, concise look at local Summit info, including events, restaurants, movie times, school news, sports sign-ups, etc. with informative town tips.

Is There a Problem With People 'Camping Out' at Summit Station?

A local commuter who uses the Summit train station emailed Patch to share a complaint about people sleeping on the waiting area benches in the morning.

Summit Library Director to Leave

"On November 9, 2012, I will be retiring as Director of the Summit Free Public Library. Twenty-five years ago, when I was hired as the new Head Cataloguer, the library was a very different place."

Westfield

Westfield voters soundly defeated the $16.9 bond referendum that would have funded district-wide roof repairs and a lighted turf field to be built at Westfield High School. Twenty-five percent of residents came out for the vote, with 3,874 votes against the bond and 1,508 in favor of it. Following the vote, schools superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan and Board of Education President Rich Mattessich said the Board's Facilities Committee would be meeting within the week to discuss how to proceed.

Bovella's Bakes For The Boss' Birthday

Bovella's Pastry Shoppe had a hand in making Bruce Springsteen's 63rd birthday that much sweeter. The bakery created a true-to-size replica of the yellow and black Fender Telecaster "the Boss" plays. Bovella's owner Ralph Bencivenga, who together with this crew spent six hours preparing the rock icon's cake, said the driver who delivered it was escorted backstage and given front row seats to that evening's concert.

Feraro's Reopens For Dinner Service

Ferraro's reopened for dinner Tuesday evening. Nearly 17 months after a six-alarm fire destroyed the landmark eatery, the restaurant celebrated a soft opening. While it is not open for lunch just yet, diners packed the place Tuesday night.