Berkeley Heights Business & Civic Group Previews Packed Summer Calendar at May Networking Breakfast at VFW

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. — Checks were presented, dinosaurs were spotted, and Block Party and World Cup plans took center stage Friday morning as the Berkeley Heights Business & Civic group gathered at VFW Post 6259 for its networking breakfast.Honoring VeteransBefore business got underway, BHB&C co-chairs Chris Wang and Kristina Brusco presented a donation check to VFW Post 6259. Tom Lombardi, a post representative, described how the funds support regular visits to the traumatic stress ward at the VA hospital."When we go to the third floor, you're locked in that room with those people. You get one hour. They are not coming out of that hospital. They're there, and they'll stay there till they die," Lombardi said.He also noted that Berkeley Heights' Autumn Lake care facility is home to roughly 10 veterans many residents never knew about.Taste of Berkeley Heights Sells OutBrusco recapped the second annual Taste of Berkeley Heights, which drew more than 350 attendees and sold out completely. Proceeds benefited the Church of Little Flower Food Pantry and the LINK program. Planning for next year's event begins after Block Party season, with organizers targeting March to avoid February weather uncertainty.Block Party Set for June 7The Berkeley Heights Block Party returns Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. Presenting sponsors include G. DeLuca and Sons, The Park and Field House, ABA Behavior Services and Primrose School. About 80 vendors and booths are confirmed, with organizers expecting around 100. Rides and activities are free for families.Businesses can still register as vendors or ride sponsors up to one week before the event. Visit the BHB&C website for details.Little Flower Food PantryCatherine Solfaro and Walter Forrester accepted a donation check on behalf of the Church of Little Flower Food Pantry, which operates Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at Little Flower Church. The pantry serves up to 30 families weekly and up to 70 during holiday distributions."These are families that are working two or three jobs," Solfaro said. "They are the most humble, appreciative families."All donations go directly to food and toiletries. With summer approaching, the pantry is seeking kid-friendly foods to offset the loss of school breakfast and lunch programs. Perishable donations from parties and barbecues are also welcome. A donation bin at Town Hall is filled daily by residents.World Cup Comes to Berkeley HeightsTownship Administrator Liza Viana and event organizer Karen Cassels unveiled a two-month calendar of FIFA World Cup events aimed at driving foot traffic to local businesses throughout June and July.Key events include:June 13 — World Cup Village kickoff at Memorial Park, with an international food court, soccer zone, beer garden, DJ Thoro and Kickback BeveragesJune 19 — "Kick It With a Cop" at VFW Post 6259; U.S.-Australia game streams inside and outsideJuly 19 — Final game viewing at The District at The Park on Connell Drive, with watch parties also at Ami, Delicious Heights, Berkeley Swim Club and Patria Station CafeSadel Wine hosts tastings every Saturday in June and every Friday in JulyIn a headline announcement, the township plans to rename a three-block stretch of Sherman Avenue "Leo Messi Way" — which Carolina Zokalski, owner of Argentinian restaurant, Patria Station Café, said would be the first such street name in the United States and only the third in the world. A Messi mural, potentially painted by an Argentine artist, is also in the works.Sixteen youth ambassadors, mostly from Governor Livingston High School, have been central to organizing the events and will wear identifying T-shirts throughout. More than 50 business and civic partners are signed on.Tote bags with sponsor coupons and gift cards will be sold at FIFA events, with proceeds benefiting the Littell-Lord Farmstead Foundation.Library Brings Dinosaurs to TownAssistant Director Maureen Langley arrived with Bubbles, the library's hippo mascot, in full dinosaur costume to promote this summer's reading theme, "Unearth a Story," focused on dinosaurs, archeology and genealogy. The eight-week program runs for all ages and includes a June 6 kickoff with a magician and giant dinosaur puppets.Local businesses can participate by donating gift cards as prizes or hosting a dinosaur figurine as part of a "Spot the Dino" scavenger hunt. The library will appear at both the Block Party and World Cup Village. Bubbles, it was noted, has recently acquired a soccer outfit.Community NotesDiamond Hill Montessori School celebrates its 25th anniversary.The Thai community hosts its first cultural celebration Sunday, May 17, at Lower Columbia Park from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring Thai food, live dance and a bouncy house. All are welcome. RSVP at https://partiful.com/e/iUHTv8mMWdzzlj8zQuzQBerkeley House, formerly Clarus at 434 Springfield Ave., hosts a public open house on Saturday.The Berkeley Heights Fire Department hosts a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, May 16.The Rotary Club of Berkeley Heights is marking Mental Health Awareness Month as part of a 14-town Mental Health Coalition.Memorial Day Parade: Monday, May 25.Union County Women Mean Business: Wednesday, May 27; Mayor Angie delivers the keynote.The Kimberly and Wilson Foundation 5K Race for Mental Health registration is open for its September race.The Mount Carmel Society Feast returns July 16 to its original site for one day.Community Quick TakesDiamond Hill Montessori School is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is actively planning a major event.Thai Community Gathering — Ryn Wongsant, a Berkeley Heights resident of two years and leader of the local Thai community, announced the community's first cultural celebration, set for next Sunday at Lower Columbia Park from 1 to 5 p.m. The event features traditional Thai food, live dance performances with traditional instruments, and a bouncy house for children. All are welcome; RSVP.Berkeley House — Laura Christie of Greystar announced an , formerly Clarus, at 434 Springfield Ave. The event is next Saturday and is open to the public, with drinks and entertainment.Spaghetti Dinner — The Berkeley Heights Fire Department is hosting a Rotary Club Mental Health — The Rotary Club of Berkeley Heights highlighted May as Mental Health Awareness Month, noting its participation in a multi-county, About Berkeley Heights Business & Civic (BHB&C):Founded in 2018, the mission of the Berkeley Heights Business & Civic organization is to support local businesses and civic groups. BHB&C strives to ensure that Berkeley Heights remains a thriving community for both residents and businesses. The group hosts monthly networking meetings and social hours, and there’s no membership fee to participate.BHB&C has organized popular events like the Downtown Summer Block Party, the Taste of Berkeley Heights, and Battle of the Bulbs. A directory of more than 100 local businesses can be found online at www.bhbcnj.com.