Berkeley Heights Buzzing With Community Events, World Cup Countdown Begins

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. — With just over a month until the first kick, Berkeley Heights is gearing up for what promises to be one of the most eventful summers in recent memory — and Tuesday night's Township Council meeting made clear the community calendar is already packed well beyond the World Cup.World Cup Is ComingThree anchor events will mark Berkeley Heights' celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the United States.On June 13, Veterans Memorial Park will be transformed into a World Cup village for the kickoff celebration, featuring DJ Thoro, an international food court, a Kid Zone and local business partners. On June 19, the Berkeley Heights Police Department will host "Kick It with a Cop" at the VFW, an engagement event for kids that doubles as a watch party for the USA versus Australia match. And on July 19, the Finals watch party will take place at the lawn at The District at Connell's The Park, currently under construction but expected to be completed in time, featuring a live stream on a large outdoor screen, games, music and local food vendors.The events are being spearheaded by Karen Cassels and the Youth Ambassadors, with Lauren Cassels among the primary organizers."I travel a lot throughout the state for various reasons, and I have not seen this many cool events in any other community," Mayor Angie Devanney said. "They are killing it."The township also expects to learn as soon as Wednesday whether it has been awarded a $50,000 grant to help fund World Cup activities."If we get that, it's going to be like that times 50 in terms of how we can amplify these activities," Business Administrator Liza Viana said.In a nod to the global event coming to the region, street signs are already up on Sherman Avenue West designating the block Lionel "Leo" Messi Way — reportedly the first street anywhere to be named after the Argentine soccer legend."Anyone who doesn't know who Leo Messi is — he's one of the soccer legends, best of all time," one council member noted.The location is no coincidence. Patria Station Cafe, an Argentine restaurant on the block, will be hosting watch parties for Argentina's matches throughout the tournament. Follow them on Instagram @Patria_Station_Cafe for more information.Senior Information Fair This SaturdayThe Senior Affairs Committee is hosting a Senior Information Fair this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Hall, bringing together a wide range of community resources for older residents.The fair will also serve as a launch point for the age-friendly community survey, part of a five-year initiative to help Berkeley Heights earn its designation as an age-friendly community. Hard copies of the survey will be available at the fair, along with devices for residents who prefer to complete it online. Surveys will also be available at the library, the recreation department and the tax assessor's office."We really want our older adults to tell us the things, the tools, that they need to age in place in Berkeley Heights and not have to be displaced," Mayor Devanney said.Bulk Pickup UnderwaySpring bulk pickup began this week. Residents are reminded to have all items out the night before the first day of their scheduled pickup. If crews finish a section early and move ahead, they will return — so residents should not panic if trucks come through before expected. Click here for related article.Spring brush pickup is also ongoing. Full schedules and rules are available at berkeleyheights.gov.Measles AlertThe Board of Health received notice of New Jersey's first reported measles case of 2026. The individual was unvaccinated and had traveled internationally — the most common route of infection in the United States. New Jersey is not currently experiencing an outbreak, which is defined as three or more related cases.Councilman Alvaro Medeiros urged residents to take the report seriously, noting that the U.S. vaccination rate for measles stands at 92 percent — below the 95 percent threshold recommended by the World Health Organization."I pray that we all continue to exercise common sense in vaccinating children and ensuring that they are all protected against this and many other preventable diseases," Medeiros said.Vacation Watch ProgramResidents heading out of town this summer may not be aware of a quiet but valuable service offered by the Berkeley Heights Police Department — the Vacation Watch Program. By registering with the department before leaving, residents can have officers keep an eye on their home while they are away.Council Vice President Susan Poage learned about the program for the first time at a recent Rotary Club event with the police chief and encouraged others to take advantage of it."When you get out and listen to the mayor and our chief, you learn something," Poage said.Information on how to register is available through the Berkeley Heights Police Department.Mahjong ManiaMonday night Mahjong Mania at the Highland Room continues to draw a crowd, with 45 players turning out last Monday. The free drop-in program has become one of the township's most popular recurring events.Coming UpThe next Township Council meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal complex, where the council will take up the final adoption of the operating budget, public hearings on the e-bike ordinance and building fee updates, and a flag raising for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at 6 p.m. — just prior to the meeting.National Law Enforcement Week begins May 10. EMS Week begins May 17. Residents are encouraged to take a moment to thank the men and women who serve the community on the front lines every day.