Community Corner
Cicada Invasion, Underage Drinking Parties, Judge Pleads Not Guilty Top Regional News
Officials consider improvements for Summit's downtown, Westfield school resource officer debate continues also make headlines this week.
Stakeholders Explore Ideas to Improve Downtown Summit
This initial meeting included a presentation of preliminary plans for enhancing the downtown and surrounding areas as well as gaining feedback and suggestions from residents and business owners. Several citizens suggested pedestrian safety, the city's historical status, religious organizations, senior citizens and WiFi access be included in the final downtown action plan, which should be presented to the public this fall.Why Are There More Cicadas in Scotch Plains and Fanwood Than Neighboring Towns?
It's a question we've wondered and so we turned to a few cicada experts for the answers. "Seeing a lot of cicadas, means what people have done to the town has not driven them out," says Stony Brook ecology professor and cicada researcher Christopher Sellers. "Cicadas are most prevalent where there are mature, big trees that haven’t been cut in the process of development, and where there hasn’t been intensive farming."Berkeley Heights Artists Honored at 2013 Union County Show
Artists Eileen Bonacci and Henry Bunton, both from Berkeley Heights, won first place in their respective fields at the 2013 Union County Senior Art Show, according to the Suburban News.Bonacci won in the professional mixed-media category. Buntin won in the non-professional acrylic category.
Woodbridge Judge Pleads Not Guilty to Harboring Alleged Armed Robber
Carlia Brady, 41, pleaded not guilty to two counts of hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, NJ.com reported.
Superior Court Judge Robert Reed ordered Brady to surrender her passport, stating that she could not leave the state or country, the article said.
No Tolerance on Underage Drinking Parties, Mayor Says
Mayor Sal Bonaccorso says the Clark Police Department has his full support to arrest any residents hosting underage drinking parties as graduation approaches this week. "Parents, it's not my business to pass judgement on what you choose to do, but what is my business is the laws in town that we will fully enforce," said Bonaccorso at Monday night's Clark council meeting. "If you are found hosting an underage drinking party you will be arrested and charged."
Find out what's happening in Summitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Armed Policeman is Not the Answer, Retired School Teacher Says
"Let us separate the issues: counseling and security. On one hand, a Student Assistance Counselor is what is needed, that is a trained counselor/mentor familiar with teens' concerns and/or problems. On the other hand, security building issues can be resolved with command posts monitors, apps, and electronic gadgets," writes Viviane Levy.
Turf Field Construction Ongoing
In September of 2012, ground was broken on the athletic field which represents a partnership between Springfield Township and the Board of Education. The artificial athletic field has been an active cause among Springfield parents for several years. In 2012, the vision took a huge leap towards becoming reality when the Springfield Township Committee and Board of Education passed a “land swap” deal to offset costs of the $3.4 million project.Find out what's happening in Summitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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