The Week in Union County

Every week Patch takes a look back at the headlines that made news across Union County. Read on to see what you missed.

Board of Education Fills Vacant Seats

The Mountainside Board of Education announced their decision to appoint candidates Jeane Parker, a journalist and Kate Motz, a small business owner to fill the seats vacated by Carolyn Williams and Marybeth Schaumberg earlier this year.

Despite the fact that Motz and Parker abstained from voting on any resolutions, their presence added an ease and flow to board proceedings.

After returning from an executive session BOE President James Ruban commented on the appointment of Motz and Parker.

“I would like to take a moment to again thank the community. We had seven incredible candidates; our deliberation was very difficult. The community did itself proud. We welcome our two new members,” Ruban stated.

BOE member Cathy Jakositz also commented on this process. “It was such a pleasure to see seven candidates come out. We thought we would only get one or two. We thank you so much for recognizing what a wonderful endeavor this is.”

Gov. Livingston Adcances to Semi Finals of Girls Soccer Tournament

The year was 2006 -- the last time Gov. Livingston made the final four in the Union County girls' soccer tournament.

And thanks to their 1-0 victory over Cranford Thursday afternoon, the Lady Highlanders advance to the semi-final round Sunday where they will take on Scotch Plains-Fanwood at 5 p.m.

The lone goal came with three minutes left in regulation. On a free kick, Jen French served a ball into the box, which bounced around for a few moments before freshman striker Julia Stirpe redirected the ball to senior forward Jessica Jankowski who tapped it in from 6 yards out.

The third-seeded Highlanders improved to 11-2-1, while Cranford fell to 3-7-2 on the season. Goalie Casey Krause and the GL defense notched their eighth shutout of the season.

Gov. Livingston won their only UCT girls' soccer title in 2004 with a 1-0 victory over Cranford under current head coach Mike Roof, who is in his 9th season at the helm.

Cranford

There were few surprises at Tuesday night's among the four candidates running for two seats on the Township Committee. Issues involving flood control and redevelopment were the primary focus as residents continue to feel the after effects of Hurricane Irene. Hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Cranford Jaycees, the debate took place in council chambers at town hall between Democratic candidates Dan Aschenbach and Thomas Hannen Jr. and Republicans Andis Kalnins and Lisa Adubato Nesi.

In sports, with a final score of 20-6, the snapped an eight-game losing streak against Rahway Saturday, defeating the Indians for the first time in 14 years.

Springfield

The Springfield schools system garnered national media attention with the announcement that two elementary schools are preventing students from wearing Halloween costumes during school hours. School officials say the  while many parents and children argue the costumes and parties are critical childhood milestones.  



After Springfield Patch’s original report early this week, the story was picked up by Fox News and CBS and featured on the Drudge Report. Meanwhile,  continues to collect votes and comments, with a wide majority of readers speaking out in favor of letting kids wear costumes in class.

New Providence

On Nov. 8, New Providence residents will decide whether or not to allow for the sale of consumption liquor licenses in the borough through a referendum question on the ballot. To relay the facts and address any concerns from the community,  with a panel consisting of Borough Attorney Carl Woodward, Councilman Rob Munoz and Deputy Police Chief Scott Torre. Panelists said if the referendum were to pass, council would be entitled to sell four licenses based on the current population of just over 12,000. Council would then have control over placing licenses out to bid at any time. From there, only restaurants with attached bars would be considered qualified bidders under the current draft ordinance and a license would be awarded to the highest qualified bidder. A restaurant would be required to prove that at least 50 percent of their revenue would come from food sales and would have a minimum seating capacity of 25 tables. Borough zoning regulations could also restrict the hours of operation, how large the bar is compared to the dining facility, and prohibit happy hours and drink specials.

New Providence kicked off the beginning of Red Ribbon Week on Friday afternoon at Centennial Park with members of the New Providence Alliance to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 30 Peer Leaders from the New Providence Middle School and Mayor J. Brooke Hern, who read a proclamation to the students before the entire group tied ribbons on trees throughout the borough. Beginning Monday, there will be a , sponsored by NP Alliance, including an anti-drug themed poster contest in the middle school; a prescription drug information program for seniors; age-appropriate programs at the Elementary schools; and a high school assembly, to name a few. This year, local businesses are also joining in to help raise awareness for Red Ribbon Week and support the Alliance in their efforts to run programs that inform. Local residents can visit the following local businesses in the next week for discounts, to make a contribution, or just to thank them with your business for their support of the community: Angelo's Pizzeria, Skin Deep Day Spa, Kidding Around Childrenswear, Braunschweiger Jewelers, CVS Pharmacy.

Summit

A Summit resident filed a New Jersey open records request for emails he says show members of Summit's Common Council were violating open meetings laws. At issue are several emails that were copied to five members of the council during discussions about a hotly contested downtown shopper parking ordinance. The ordinance was later defeated. 

The Summit Hilltoppers clinched their volleyball division this week, giving them a push as they look to take the prize in the Union County Tournament. The Summit Volleyball team finished the season with a 15-1 record.

Summit School Board members gave presentations about this year's nearly $60-million budget. However, parents were most vocal about class sizes at  Lincoln-Hubbard Elementary School, where several parents expressed frustration about third and fourth grade classes with 24-25 students.

Clark

The Clark Planning Board held a meeting to discuss the condo project planned for the Miele's Greenhouse property. Nearly 200 residents attended the meeting which adjourned before any action could be taken due to time limits. 

said Superintendent of Schools Theresa Quigley at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night. Of the six incidents, three were considered substantial harrassment, two were deemed normal conflict and one is still being investigated. 

Picketers were out clamoring for fair wages and benefits as their contracts are set to expire at the end of this year.

At Monday night's council meeting Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso updated residents about the