Union County remembered September 11 in a number of thoughtful and moving ceremonies throughout its towns. The County held a candlelight memorial at Echo Lake Park (here).

Other town events included:

• Springfield's Township Committee meeting coincided with the eleventh anniversary of September 11.First Presbyterian Church Minister Victoria Ney read a prayer asking God for healing and peace. Committee member Rich Huber recounted his personal experience of escaping from the World Trade Center during the attack.
• In Westfield, in a brief and moving ceremony, nearly 200 Westfielders commemorated the 11th anniversary of September 11th at 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Site at North Avenue and Broad Street.
• Clark resident Maria Bordas recalls her experience escaping from the 65th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center. Bordas talks about how her life has changed since the terrorist attack.
• While residents gathered at James Nelson Memorial Park in Clark to honor her father and all those lost on 9/11, Caitlin Nelson was at Ground Zero, reading the names of victims and sending a special message to her dad: "And my father, James Nelson, Port Authority police officer. Daddy – Mommy, Annie and I love you and miss you everyday. Butterfly kisses always." Watch video of Nelson reading names. 
• In Summit, former deputy fire chief Rich Degroot sounded the Memorial Bell to acknowledge those lost during Sept. 11, 2001. See the video here.

In other news:

Woman Punches Train Conductor, Pulls Emergency Brake

A Plainfield woman allegedly punched a conductor and pulled the emergency brake of the 5:10p.m. train arriving into Summit, according to NJ Transit Police. Nadine Canty, 48, is being charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief and interference with transportation, said NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder.

Support Builds for Westfield Bond Referendum

Westfield will have the opportunity to make one decision that will determine the fate of two separate multi-million dollar capital projects. Though it remains unclear whether the public will vote to approve or deny the much-discussed bond referendum that will be on the ballot on Sept. 24, the answer does seem to be becoming clearer as the crucial date approaches.

Two Students Struck By Vehicle Near Union County College

According to police, the two victims were waiting at the traffic light to cross Springfield Avenue on Sept. 11 on their way to the UCC Cranford campus, when a motor vehicle accident occurred at the same intersection. During the incident, one of the vehicles, spun around, striking the two students.

Underage Drinking Party in Cranford Leads To Multiple Arrests, Charges

Following a police response to a fight in progress call in Cranford on Sept. 2, 28 people were charged with alcohol related violations, according to the Cranford Police Department. Police became aware of the incident on Sept. 2, at 11:26 p.m. when calls were received reporting a fight in progress on the 400-block of Denman Road.

Summit Students Get Julliard Training

Two ambitious Summit middle schoolers. Marcus Stevenson and Catherine Juliano of Summit middle school have joined the Julliard School Music Advancement Program (MAP). The weekend program runs through May of next year and includes several concert performances.

New Providence Community Comes Together to Makeover Media Center

On Thursday night, the New Providence Board of Education met in the newly minted media center and those involved in the makeover were recognized for their efforts. The vision for a town media center came together with involvement from members of the New Providence Board of Education, New Providence Education Foundation, AWR PTA, the Spring Fling Fundraiser Committee, AWR Parents, Library volunteers and the AWR Class of 2012.

Springfield Public Safety Director Position Departs

Springfield no longer has a director of Public Safety. Richard Rosell, who has for the last two years overseen Springfield’s fire and police departments and the office of emergency management, is leaving the job. Rosell was the only one to hold the job and will not be replaced. 

New Springfield Fire Captain Sworn In

At the Sept. 11 Springfield Township Committee meeting, Marc Corea became the newest member of the Fire Department's command staff. Corea, a longtime member of the department who has taken an active role in community engagement, was promoted to Captain.