As a resident of Garwood for the past 21 years, my family and I have benefited from its excellent services, reasonable taxes, and traditional small-town feel. My husband and I have raised our three kids here and have loved being able to walk everywhere we need to go around town, especially the parks.

I am a classically trained flutist and music educator by profession. After finishing my musical studies at Northwestern University and the Juilliard School, I was fortunate to live and work in Spain as an orchestral flutist. The experience of learning a new language and culture really opened my world of understanding and spurred a lifelong love of learning.

In 2009, I became a public school instrumental music teacher in the New Brunswick Public Schools after many years as a self-employed flutist and private teacher. Since 2003, I have been co-chair of the scholarship committee for a local non-profit, providing financial assistance to students from Union County pursuing a degree in music.

“If I am so honored to be elected to Garwood’s Borough Council, I would work collaboratively with my colleagues on the Council to provide the fiscally responsible quality services the people of Garwood expect and deserve.”

The desire to help and serve others is a value I share with many of my Garwood neighbors. From food and toy drives to creating gardens for everyone to enjoy, our community knows how to show we care about each other. In the coming months and years, Garwood will be welcoming many new neighbors to our town through new development, and I would like to ensure that as we grow and move forward, these shared values continue to flourish.

As a musician, arts educator, and advocate, I know that access to vibrant visual and performing arts programming enriches people’s lives in many ways while creating opportunities for local businesses. If elected, I would like to create an Arts and Culture Commission to bring a variety of arts and cultural experiences for us to share as a community.

If I am so honored to be elected to Garwood’s Borough Council, I would work collaboratively with my colleagues on the Council to provide the fiscally responsible quality services the people of Garwood expect and deserve. As a team, we will be guided by our shared commitment to a balanced budget, quality services, and most importantly to the residents of Garwood.

Clarissa Nolde
Candidate for Borough Council
Garwood