News Archive

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 …

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…

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 gene…

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 educa…

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 effi…

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 Sum…

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 provi…

Westfield, NJ – The Westfield Public Schools Green Team proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Earth Day Poster Contest, showcasing the artistic talents and environmental awareness of students across the district. This annual event encourages students to express their commitment to sustainability through creative artwork.​ ● Lincoln School: Lyla Conoboy, Kindergarten ● Franklin School: Hazel Boneparth, Grade 3 ● Jefferson School: Shae Baker, Grade 3 ● McKinley School: Peyton Powers, Grade 5 ● Tamaques School: Lara Chandrasekaran, Grade 5 ● Washington School: Maya Shur, Grade 3 ● W…

“They fasted so others could be fed.” In a powerful act of empathy and service, the youth of First Presbyterian Church of Cranford recently participated in the 30 Hour Famine, going without food to raise awareness about global and local hunger—and to live out their faith by helping those in need. Instead of simply skipping meals, these teens spent their fast serving at the Cranford Elmora Soup Kitchen, where they helped prepare more than 250 healthy bagged meals. The meals were then distributed through Rahway Food for Friends, reaching neighbors across the region who rely on community…