SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL – Local Media NJ

Summit’s Bea Mendez Named Union County School Nurse of the Year

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Bea Mendez The Summit Public Schools community is proud to recognize Bea Mendez, school nurse at Jefferson Elementary School and Jefferson Primary Center, as the Union County School Nurse of the Year. The honor was awarded by the Union County School Nurses Association. With nearly 17 years of service to the district, Ms. Mendez has been a steady and compassionate presence for students, staff, and families. Her work extends beyond medical care—she plays a vital role in supporting student wellness and fostering a safe, healthy environment across both schools. This county-wide recognition highlights...

Summit Launches Fundraising Drive for Tatlock Playground Project

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

The City of Summit’s Department of Community Programs has launched a fundraising campaign to help complete the Tatlock Playground renovation project. With a total project cost of $1.3 million, the city is seeking $400,000 in donations to close the funding gap. The initiative follows previous funding allocations, including $750,000 from the city’s 2024 and 2025 municipal capital budgets. The project has also received $102,000 through a combination of the New Jersey Local Recreation Improvement Grant and the Union County Kids Recreation Trust Fund Grant. “We are excited about the future of Tatlock...

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Raises More Than $300,00 at Spark Art’s Impact Gala

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

By Visual Arts Center of New Jersey On Saturday, April 26, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) held its annual spring gala at Canoe Brook Country Club, hosting roughly 200 guests, donors, and sponsors in a celebration of the arts. The signature event raised over $300,000 to support the Art Center’s powerful arts programming. “Our annual gala is always a powerful reminder of the incredible community we have at the Art Center. This year’s theme, ‘Spark Art’s Impact,’ truly came to life as guests went above and beyond to support our mission. We’re deeply grateful for their generosity,”...

Award-Winning Educator Inspires Young Environmental Stewards

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s Althea Llewellyn Honored with National Award for Environmental Education Althea Llewellyn, Director of Education at Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, has been awarded the Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award for Early Environmental Education by The Garden Club of America. Established in 1992, the Hull Award honors individuals who work with children under the age of 16 to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. Llewellyn was nominated by the Summit Garden Club in recognition of her outstanding contributions to youth environmental education. Through...

Advantages of Virtual Medical Care

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Virtual medical care is a relatively recent development that gained significant traction in the 2010s, propelled by technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, which solidified telemedicine’s role in American healthcare. While a supportive regulatory environment has fostered this growth, recent threats to reimbursement policies could hinder the progress and benefits achieved through virtual care. Virtual medical care offers several advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar facilities, including increased accessibility for diverse populations, reduced costs, and improved efficiency....

Union County Honors Summit Heroes at 2025 Unity Achievement Awards

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Thirteen individuals and organizations were honored at the Union County Human Relations Commission’s 22nd annual Unity Achievement Awards for their exceptional efforts in promoting human rights, dignity, and understanding across the county. The ceremony was held May 12 at the Kean University STEM Center in Union Township. This year’s honorees included students, educators, nonprofit leaders, business owners, veterans’ advocates, and law enforcement officials — all recognized for work that uplifts communities and bridges divides. Among the recipients were Geoff and Ginger Worden of Summit, founders...

As high school graduation and other celebratory events approach us, please take the time to speak to your teen(s)

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in Local Health, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Underage drinking can have serious consequences for teens and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 6 youth under 21 die every day from non-driving alcohol-related causes (such as drowning and suicide). Studies have shown that alcohol consumption by adolescents results in brain damage (possibly permanent) and impairs intellectual development. When drinking is delayed until age 21, a child’s risk of serious alcohol problems decreases by 70%. Underage drinking is against the law, and it is also against the law for adults to serve or provide alcohol...

GRACE in Wonderland raised more than $191,000 to ensure happiness, health and security for all of our neighbors in need.

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

GRACE Giving & Receiving Assistance for our Community’s Essentials All photos used with permission. Fisk Foto LLC @FiskFoto27 and bgotoff_photography Step through the looking glass and believe six impossible things before breakfast. Have a slice of unbirthday cake and your dreams will grow. Drink from the “Drink Me” bottles from Summit House, and our community’s problems will shrink. GRACE in Wonderland was a success as our community raised more than $191,000 to ensure happiness, health and security for all of our neighbors in need. There were delights for all the senses as we stepped...

The Popular Family Fun Night Returns to Downtown Summit!

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) is thrilled to announce the return of one of the community’s most beloved traditions: Family Fun Night (FFN)! On Thursday, June 12 from 4:00–8:00 PM, Beechwood Road and Bank Street will be transformed into a high-energy, carnival-style celebration filled with free activities, live entertainment, and plenty of fun for the whole family. This year’s lineup includes exciting new attractions and some crowd favorites. The main stage at the top of Beechwood Road near Springfield Avenue will host a rotating schedule of family-friendly performances, including the return of...