Union Leader - April 2023

UNIONLEADER

Wrestler finishes 6th

Liotta honored with star on Walk of Fame

Union native Ray Liotta, who died last summer, has been back in the news recently, acting in the movie “Cocaine Bear” and having a star dedicated to him posthumously on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Liotta was 67 years old when he died in his sleep on May 26, 2022, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during the filming of “Dangerous Waters.”

Liotta had already finished his work on “Cocaine Bear,” which is currently being shown in theaters, at the time of his death. He plays a drug lord trying to recover his lost product.

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New fitness center opens

The star in Hollywood was dedicated on Feb. 24 with his daughter Karsen collecting the recognition on his behalf. Liotta’s star was the 2,749 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Motion Pictures.The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has managed the Walk of Fame since 1960.

“Ray Liotta’s all-around career made him a triple threat and sadly his passing was devastating to the entertainment world,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “The characters he portrayed will always be etched in Hollywood’s film history.”

Among those at the star unveiling were actor/director Elizabeth Banks and actor Taron Egerton. Banks spoke during the ceremony, saying she had always admired Liotta and that he was charming and “a little mischievous.”

“Cocaine Bear,” which Banks directed for Universal Pictures, opened in theaters on Feb. 24, the same day as Liotta’s star ceremony.

Liotta grew up in Union and graduated from Union High School in 1973.

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Above

the New Jersey Hall of Fame on May 7, 2017, in Asbury Park. He was also inducted into the Union High School Hall of Fame. Above right, Liotta as he appeared during his days at Kawameeh Junior High School in Union and, lower right, Liotta’s UHS Class of 1973 high school yearbook photo.

Commissioners welcome NBC anchor

In celebration of National Women’s History Month 2023, the Union County Board of County Commissioners presented Jen Maxfield, Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor for NBC New York, to discuss her first book, “More After the Break: A Reporter Returns to Ten Unforgettable News Stories,” on Tuesday, March 7, at Union College of Union County.

The event took place at the Student Center at the Union College Cranford Campus, 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford.

“We are honored to bring Jen Maxfield to our Union County community, especially during Women’s History Month,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “She has had a long tenure in the journalism world covering stories at all levels and it is through her work, as well as mentoring students and professionals along the way, that makes her a true inspiration to all.”

“Jen Maxfield is a wonderful example of the enriching contributions that women have made to the profession of journalism throughout the history of our nation, and we are very proud to welcome her to Union County,” said Commis-

sioner Vice Chairperson Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Each year, the National Women's History Alliance designates a theme for Women's History Month. The 2023 theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” in celebration of women who have engaged in both journalism and storytelling across a wide range of media including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news and social media.

Maxfield is also an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, where she teaches broadcast journalism, and she has extensive experience as a professional coach.

This special Women’s History Month program in Union County is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission and is presented by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about this event and other activities and programs of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

left, former Unionite Ray Liotta at his induction into

Photo by David VanDeventer

Above left, Union High School junior wrestler Alissa Alcindor, who was seeded first at 235 pounds, pinned her opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals before being pinned herself in the finals by Talisha Lewis. Alcindor finished in second place for Region 4. Above center and above right, Alcindor competes at 235 pounds during the Region 4 competition. At left, Alcindor shakes her opponent’s hand at the Region 4 competition. At right, Alcindor walks off of the mat following one of her matches.

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Photos Courtesy of Kristin Nunes

Female wrestler from Union finishes sixth in the state

By JR Parachini Sports Editor

Alissa Alcindor first tried her hand at field hockey, completing her second season this fall in the midfield.

A teacher of woodworking at Union High School, Daniel Eberenz, UHS Class of 1974, got Alcindor’s ear and discussed the possibility of Alcindor going out for wrestling.

There was a time in the 1970s when Eberenz was a standout wrestler for head coach Al Lilley, who in the early 1960s was a two-time state champion for the Farmers.

Eberenz, who was a district and region champion his senior season of 1974 at UHS, placing first in Region 4 at 135 pounds, made a big impression on Alcindor. It was a pitch to which she paid attention.

“He mentioned girls wrestling and the possibility of maybe a scholarship,” Alcindor said. “He was my motivation to keep going.”

Alcindor not only had a successful first season on the mat for the Farmers, but made it all the way to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association finals at Phillipsburg on Sunday, Feb. 26, where she placed sixth at heavyweight, 235 pounds.

Wrestling season concluded Saturday, March 4, at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, with the girls NJSIAA Tournament finals taking place there for the first time before the boys. The rest of the girls NJSIAA Tournament was competed at Phillipsburg on Sunday, Feb. 26.

The state wanted to highlight the girls finals by putting them at AC right before the boys. In the heavyweight bout, Lakeland Regional High School sophomore Caroline Biegel was defeated by Ewing High School junior Shellitha Collins by pin in 2:15. Collins placed fifth in the state finals at heavyweight last year as a sophomore.

Alcindor said she can be proud of the fact that she defeated Biegel twice in two

tries this year, both by decision. Once was at Elizabeth and the other time at an event in Suffern, N.Y.

“Oh yeah,” proclaimed Alcindor when talking about her two wins over Biegel.

In her final competition, Alcindor went 3-3 at Region 2 at Union High

School to finish a more-than-solid first season of wrestling at 17-4.

Alcindor highlights from girls competition:

• Sixth at NJSIAA Tournament at Phillipsburg High School;

• Second at Region 2 at Union High School;

• Won Elizabeth Tournament;

• Won Bergen County Invitational; and

• Undefeated at Somerville Jamboree.

“I found the wrestling to be more physical in the beginning,” Alcindor said. “It was a growing and learning experience from the first day.”

Alcindor said she wants to study health in college, with designs on becoming a respiratory therapist.

“Winning my first tournament at Elizabeth proved what I was capable of,” Alcindor said. “It was my first time doing something on a mat.”

Alcindor won all five of her matches at Elizabeth to finish first at her weight. The tournament took place at the Thomas Dunn Sports Center and included 12 weight classes. Alcindor defeated Biegel by decision in the championship match.

Those who assisted Alcindor include her cousin, Cristine Pierre-Louis, also a junior at Union, and the only other Union female wrestler to finish the season. Pierre-Louis also competed at heavyweight.

“She helped me so much, words can’t describe,” Alcindor said. “Her determination really helped. She continued to practice even though she didn’t compete in states.”

Alcindor’s coaches were Nick Curcio, a math teacher at Union; Bobby Mautone, who coaches wrestling at Union; and varsity head coach Dino DeBellonia.

“They helped me calm down,” Alcindor said. “Learning how to wrestle has a lot to do with control of the mind. It’s a very mental and physical sport.

“I proved that I could keep my word and stick with something.”

Alcindor is 17, with her 18th birthday on Dec. 15, right when her senior wrestling season will commence.

“Placing in the states was a big accomplishment,” Alcindor said. “After each match, I’m not really satisfied. I know I can do even better, if I put my mind to it.”

Photo Courtesy of Alissa Alcindor

Union High School junior wrestler Alissa Alcindor holds her medal for finishing second for Region 4 as she stands next to her cousin, Cristine Pierre-Louis, also a junior at Union and the only other Union female wrestler to finish the season.

Newspaper welcomes new editor

To our readers, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself.

My name is Joe Ungaro and I was recently named editor at Worrall Community Newspapers. I’ve been a Maplewood resident for the last 14 years and have been involved in various activities around town, including youth sports (baseball, football, soccer and wrestling) and activities at our church, St. George’s.

My wife and I have two children; one attends Columbia High School while the other is, well, let’s just say he’s “finding himself” right now.

I’ve spent more than 30 years in journalism, working at four newspapers, The Providence Journal, The Daily-Post Athenian in Athens, Tenn., The Norwich Bulletin in Connecticut and the Daily Record of Morris County, N.J. I also spent about 10 years with The Associated Press in the New York City bureau.

I’ve worked as a reporter, editor and most recently as general manager in Morris County. I also owned and operated a sandwich shop but that’s a story for another time.

I’m excited about this opportunity and I look forward to our being involved in the community. If you have information you would like published and post-

Premiere Stages announces ‘Camp Premiere 2023: A Summer of Theatrical Adventures’

Premiere Stages, the professional theater company at Kean University, has announced that Camp Premiere, the annual summer theater program for middle school and high school students, will be held on Kean University’s East Campus.

Premiere Stages will offer two, twoweek sessions this summer.

• Theatremakers, July 10 to 21, for students entering grades six through eight. Students translate their creative ideas into brand new, original material for the stage. Through structured improvisation, storytelling exercises and acting games, campers craft and star in their own, original theatrical presentation for friends and family.

• Actors Studio, July 24 to Aug. 4, for students entering grades nine through 12. Students focus on the craft of acting through physical and vocal warm-ups, improvisation, acting technique and scene study. Working closely with industry pro-

fessionals, campers perform scenes from contemporary plays, selected specifically for unique talents and areas for growth. This camp culminates in a performance of the campers’ work for friends and family.

Registration is now open. Premiere Stages is committed to ensuring that all students who are interested in Camp Premiere are afforded the opportunity to participate. An Early Bird discount, a savings of $50, is currently available through Wednesday, March 15. A limited amount of scholarships will be available for families in need of financial support.

Camper Registration and Tuition Payment Portal and Scholarship Applications can be found on Premiere Stages’ website premierestagesatkean. com/camp-premiere/.

Any Camp Premiere inquiries can be emailed to Nick Gandiello, Education and Play Festival manager, at ngandiel@kean.edu.

ed on the web or you have a story tip, you can email me at jungaro@thelocalsource.com or call me at 908-6867700, 129.

Best,

Worrall newspaper editor honored

Yael Katzwer, an editor at Worrall Community Newspapers, was honored with a second place award from the New Jersey Press Association in the Arts and Entertainment category for her story “Hypnotism and Improv to Meet on UCPAC stage,” which appeared in the Union County LocalSource.

Joe Ungaro

Joe Ungaro

Premiere Stages and Kean Stage present ‘SMALL’

Premiere Stages and Kean Stage copresented “SMALL,” written and performed by actor and dancer Robert Montano and directed by Jessi D. Hill, on Saturday, March 18, at Kean University’s Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Ave., Hillside.

In “SMALL,” Robert Montano shares a wild autobiographical ride in his one-person play about the wears of childhood, family, racism, bulimia and the misunderstood life of being a jockey. Nearly ravaged by addiction in order to stay small, Montano ignites complex and universal themes of struggle and sacrifice to pursue a passionate dream, first to race horses and then to be a professional dancer. A “Rocky” story of the racetrack, “SMALL” is about a boy transforming into a man by following his heart … and his feet.

“After seeing a showcase of the play in New York, I knew ‘SMALL’ would be an excellent fit for our audiences.” said John J. Wooten, the producing artistic director of Premiere Stages. “Robert’s writing and acting are equally effective in bringing this powerful and captivating story to life.”

“SMALL” had its world premiere at Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, N.Y., in March 2022, with Joe Brancato, artistic director, and Andrew M. Horn, executive director.

Hill remounted the play for this presentation. Karen Schleifer was the “SMALL” production manager. The presentation team for “SMALL” also included sound designer Brian Ronan.

Montano was raised in Hempstead, Long Island, close enough to Belmont Park Racetrack where he had his first career as a professional racehorse jockey. But by age 18, Mother Nature caught up to him and he outgrew his silks. Smitten by the film “Saturday Night Fever,” Montano traded his jockey boots for ballet slippers and applied to Adelphi University's dance department at age 20 without any prior training. He was accepted and offered a full scholarship. One week shy of graduating, he booked his

first professional job in “Cats.” Montano has worked with Hal Prince, Rob Marshall and Jerome Robbins. He has also had the pleasure of working with the legendary Chita Rivera in “Kiss Of The Spider Woman,” as well as her act, “Chita Plus Two …” He sang and danced with Peter Allen in “Legs Diamond” and starred as

Union National Guard soldier receives new rank and new responsibilities

Farley Joseph from Union, assigned to the 1156th Engineer Co., received a promotion on Monday, Aug. 8, to the rank of sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

Ozzie in “On The Town,” directed by the innovative George C. Wolfe. On television, he guest starred in Showtime's “City On A Hill,” “Bull,” “Prodigal Son,” “Blue Bloods,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Elementary,” “Search Party,” “Sex In The City,” “CSI: Miami,” “Law & Order” and HBO’s film “Undefeat-

ed,” directed by John Leguizamo. On film, he appeared in “Shame” with Michael Fassbender, played opposite Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix in “The Yards” and partnered with Catherine Zeta-Jones in “Chicago.” Other notable work includes “Center Stage,” “It Runs in the Family” and “Passionada.”

LOCAL, UNIONLEADER

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BY: Worrall Media 1291 Stuyvesant Avenue Union NJ 07083 908-686-7700

Editorial@TheLocalSource.com

Publisher: David Worrall

Editor: Joe Ungaro

Managing Editor: David Jablonski

LATHAM, NY — Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Sunday April 9th $26

Higher ed computer science enrollment gets boost from latest tech

The prevalence of computer technology in everything from car dashboards to virtual assistants is fueling a boom in computer science enrollment at Kean University and throughout higher education.

Kean’s computer science and information technology program enrollment has more than tripled since 2008, driven in large part by students interested in cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, software design and other technological innovations.

Another factor behind the increase is the labor market, with high-paying, indemand jobs with top companies available for Kean’s computer science and technology graduates.

“Computing and technology are driving many, if not all, of the technologies and services in today’s world,” said Kean professor Patricia Morreale, chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Technology at The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology. “Students all use computers, and many want to learn more about them.”

The roll call of Kean alumni includes computer science graduates working at Apple, Amazon, JP Morgan, Ford, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Department of Defense and more.

Morreale said she expects Kean’s enrollment to grow another 10-20 percent for fall 2023. Between semesters, her department usually adds about 50 stu-

dents; this year, it gained 100 students, many of them women, an underrepresented group in the industry.

“Students are changing majors, they’re earning a second degree or they come to Kean and want to be a computer science major,” Morreale said.

All told, Kean’s graduate and undergraduate computer science and information technology programs totalled 721 students in 2022, an increase of 175 from 2008.

Nationally, the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in computer and information sciences and support services also increased, to 97,047 in 2019-2020 from 47,702 in 2005-2006, according to the

National Center for Education Statistics.

“Many of our students want to create tomorrow’s technology,” said George Chang, dean of CSMT, adding that Kean students are earning as much as $150,000 in their first jobs after graduation. “It’s not just computers — it’s anything that can connect to the internet, such as cell phones, refrigerators, toys. It’s the ‘internet of things.’”

Computer science enrollment nationally has fluctuated dramatically since the peak in the mid-1980s when personal computers were popularized. Interest dropped in the 1990s, then returned with the dot-com boom in the late 1990s.

Enrollment fell again in the early 2000s when the dot-com bubble burst.

Kean has built up its program since computer science became its own department in 2007, adding options such as cybersecurity; hiring additional faculty; and receiving numerous grants, including those supporting diversity in computer science.

State initiatives requiring computer science education in K-12 schools, such as one New Jersey adopted in 2018-2019, are also generating interest among students and should fuel further growth in enrollment.

“I expect enrollment will boom in the next five years,” Chang said.

Isabel Morais, a 2019 Kean computer science graduate, is one of Kean’s many successful alumni. A software engineer at Ford Motor Company, she works in the area of vehicle software updates.

Morais, who just moved back to Union from Michigan as part of Ford’s remote work plan, said computer science “is a field that keeps growing.”

“Kean is a good school to study computer science. At Kean, I was able to learn solid fundamentals and be part of different research opportunities that helped me grow my technical skills and soft skills,” she said.

Long-term, Morais said she plans to remain a software engineer but become more involved in system design.

“There are many opportunities with a computer science degree,” she said.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Kean University’s computer science and information technology program enrollment has more than tripled since 2008, driven in part by the growing prevalence of computer technology in students' lives.

Join the county commissioners’ Literary Circle in celebration

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced the launch of the new Commissioners’ Literary Circle Book Club, presented in celebration of Women’s History Month 2023 by the women of the Commissioner Board: Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and commissioners Bette Jane Kowalski, Rebecca Williams, Lourdes Leon and Angela R. Garretson.

Union County residents who are interested in joining the new Commissioners’ Literary Circle Book Club can register online at ucnj.org/bookclub23 to participate in community discussions on Zoom.

“As commissioners in the first majority-female Commissioner Board in New Jersey history, we are proud to raise our voices in celebration of women writers who share their enriching insights with readers both here in the United States and around the world,” said Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Each month, members of the Commissioners Literary Circle Book Club will read and discuss a book recommended by a female member of the commissioner board. Spanning works of fiction as well as biographies and other non-fiction, the selections will highlight strong female

characters, authors and historical figures.

The first Commissioners’ Literary Circle book is “More Stories We Tell: The Best Contemporary Short Stories by North American Women,” selected by Williams.

“The theme of Women’s History Month 2023 is ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell our Stories,’ and ‘More Stories We Tell’ conveys the rich variety of storytelling among contemporary women writers,” Williams said. “The collection includes 24 works by Joyce Carol Oates, Margaret Atwood, Mary Gaitskill, Alice Munro, Sandra Cisneros, Lorrie Moore and many more literary lights.”

“More Stories We Tell: The Best Contemporary Short Stories by North American Women” was published by Pantheon in 2004 and edited by Wendy Martin, chairperson of the Department of English at Claremont Graduate University in California. It is a followup to her 1990 collection, “We are the Stories We Tell.”

The Commissioners Literary Circle is a project of the Union County Office on Women in the Department of Economic Development. For more information, visit online at ucnj.org/women or contact the office coordinator Jen Erdos at jerdos@ucnj.org.

IN MEMORIAM

• BAYER – Donald Charles, of Point Pleasant, formerly of Union; Feb. 10. Electrical engineer. Father, brother, grandfather, uncle, 82.

• CIFELLI – Elaine Marianne, of Union; March 14. PTA board member, school volunteer, catechist, eucharistic minister. Wife, mother, grandmother, 69.

• D’AGOSTINI – Patricia M., of Livingston, formerly of Union; Jan. 29. Medical assistant. Wife, mother, sister, step-sister, grandmother, 65.

• GLASER – F. Robert “Bob,” of Union; March 5. Army veteran. Retired machine designer, Becton Dickinson. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 92.

• JOYA – Carmen, of Livingston, formerly of Newark, Union; Feb. 24. Newark school administrator. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 93.

• MARCHWINSKI – Ellen F., of Mount Laurel, formerly of Union; Feb. 12. Bank teller. NY Yankees fan. Widow, mother, grandmother, 92.

• MAZZARACO – John J., of Union; Feb. 4. Was 59.

• MCENROE – Joseph E., of New Providence, formerly of Union; Feb. 26. Union electrician, IBEW member. Widower, father, brother, uncle, granduncle, 79.

• MENDELSON – Stanley, of Somerset, formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y., Union; March 15. Physical therapist. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 92.

• PEINS – Edward C. Sr., of Waretown, formerly of Union; Feb. 21. Custom woodworker. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, 70.

• RIVKEES – Beverly, of Union; March 20. Widow, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, 92.

• SCHREIHOFER – Kenneth A., of Union; Jan. 30. Active in the Republican Party. Past chairperson of the Board of Adjustment. Widower, father, brother.

• SMITH – Clare M., of Little Egg Harbor, formerly of Newark and Union; March 5. Enjoyed dancing, shopping and vacations. Wife, 78.

• TUCKER – Wayne, of Union; Feb. 20. Was 57.

• WALKER – Hazel, of Union; Feb. 13. Mother, sister, grandmother, greatgrandmother, great-great-grandmother, 96.

In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.

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Renovated fitness center opens for university students and staff

The Kean Fitness Center has been revitalized with updated equipment, more space and longer hours for Kean Cougars to climb higher and run faster, lift more and stretch farther.

With updated cardio and weight-training equipment; a new turf workout area; bigger, brighter video monitors; colorful LED lighting and a new entryway to the fitness center in D’Angola Gym, the Kean Fitness Center encourages students, staff and faculty to embrace wellness.

“This year, we’re focusing on wellness as a whole at Kean University. We’ve done some great work with our facilities, athletic fields and recreation spaces, and this world-class fitness center is another option we are giving students, faculty and staff to work out and improve their overall wellness,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet.

Repollet visited the Kean Fitness Center, which is in D’Angola Gym near Harwood Arena, for the launch in late January.

The updated fitness center is open to students, staff and faculty from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“This is an open space full of light and positive energy,” said Kean Director of Athletics Director Kelly Williams. “The Kean community is going to benefit by having something new and fresh. We’re excited that this fitness center is a part of the Kean experience.”

Kean’s fitness center and weight room,

originally designed and opened in 2006, had the look and feel of a typical gym, catering mostly to athletes doing weight training. The entrance in a side corridor of D’Angola was not easy to spot, which gave it a “back room” feel. The entrance is now in the main corridor connecting

D’Angola with Harwood Arena.

“This allows you to appreciate the volume of the space and the 21-foot ceiling height,” said Tracie Feldman, managing assistant director in Kean Facilities and Campus Planning.

There are new treadmills, ellipticals

and other cardio equipment on the mezzanine, with a glass wall on that level illuminated by an LED color light array. The center’s audio system has been upgraded and the facility now sports a video display with two 85-inch monitors. Accessibility to the center has also been improved.

Steve Remotti, vice president for Campus Planning and Facilities, said the project took about a year to complete. “I’m very happy to see all the students using the equipment in a whole new way,” he said.

A number of Kean students were on hand and working out when Repollet and other Kean officials opened the new space. Roy Crawford, a senior communication major from Bridgeton and a Kean football player, said the fitness center is beautiful. “They took their time and thought about a lot of things to make sure everybody was comfortable and safe,” he said.

Nick McAllister, of Pleasantville, a senior exercise major, said he was also impressed.

“I’m excited to see how many more people come to the gym,” he said.

Grace Gigliotti, a freshman exercise science major from Asbury and a Kean softball player, called the fitness center “amazing.”

“It’s a really awesome facility,” Gigliotti said. “It feels really big; there’s a lot of equipment and a lot of space. You want to come here.”

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

The renovated Kean University Fitness Center has updated equipment, more space and extended hours to support the health and wellness of students, staff and faculty.

Union County announces its 2023 recycling schedule

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising residents that schedules for free countywide, drivethrough recycling programs are now available online at ucnj.org/recycling. Along with two locations for scrap metal recycling, there will be traveling locations for secure paper shredding of personal documents and for safe disposal of unwanted household chemicals and other potentially hazardous home and yard products.

“We encourage everyone in the whole Union County community to use our countywide drive-through recycling programs to recover valuable metals for recycling, prevent identity theft, and help keep hazardous products out of the environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados. “I would also like to thank our municipal partners for helping to stem the tide of waste with local drop-off programs.”

Union County’s recycling programs are run by the Bureau of Recycling and Planning, and are for household use only. Residents must arrive in a vehicle and remain in their vehicle while staff on-site unload the items.

The following Union County drivethrough recycling programs can be used by any county resident this year, regardless of hometown.

• Scrap metal recycling: Drop off metal appliances, fencing, gutters, kitchenware and more at two locations, in Rahway and Kenilworth. This program begins in April and continues on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month until November. Visit ucnj.org/recycling/scrapmetal for details.

• Secure paper shredding: Union County’s secure, mobile paper shredding program will visit locations in Scotch Plains, Plainfield, Berkeley Heights, Hillside, Clark, Cranford, Rahway, Union Township and Westfield this year. The shredding events, 13 in all, will take place from March to October. Visit ucnj.org/recycling/mobile-paper-shredding for details.

Residents can contact their municipal recycling coordinator to inquire about drop-off locations for recycling plastic film including shopping bags and bubble wrap, block-type Styrofoam packing material, fluorescent light bulbs, electronic goods, motor oil and oil filters. A list of municipal recycling coordinators is available at ucnj.org/recycling/municipalrecycling-coordinators.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County.

University students succeed in publishing creative writing

Students and alumni of Kean’s Department of English Studies have had short stories, poetry and other creative works published, and at least one is close to seeing her novel in print.

“To be able to say I’m a published writer means so much to me and my career,” said Rabia Ashraf, Class of ’20, of Union, who had a poem, an essay and two short stories published and recently signed with a literary agent, as she seeks to publish her novel about a South Asian Muslim mother and her daughter in New York City post-9/11.

The American-born daughter of Pakistani-Indian immigrants, Ashraf said she was encouraged by her Kean professors to share her perspective.

“As a person of color and a daughter of immigrants, I realize the importance of words and the power they possess,” Ashraf said. “Kean University played a huge role in my writing career.”

Kean boasts more than 200 English majors, who learn from faculty, many of whom are published authors themselves.

“Getting published is a major accomplishment that our students, and anyone who achieves it, should be proud of,” said College of Liberal Arts acting Dean Jonathan Mercantini. “Publication shows you have done something new and original and contributed to our larger world. It is a great honor.”

Kean adjunct instructor William Mesce, a screenwriter and author, teach-

es creative writing and other classes. Being published is not required for class, he said, but he looks for student work he feels may fit various literary sources and guides students who want to publish.

“If a student is serious about pursu-

helps a student’s self-confidence. That first publication provides valuable validation for an aspiring writer.”

Kathryn Birchfield, Class of ’22, an English writing major, is now a graduate student in writing studies at Kean. The Alabama native attended Kean to be near New York City, intending to enter publishing sales.

Instead, she fell in love with writing

Rabia Ashraf poses with her mother. The Kean alumna recently signed with a literary agent as she seeks to publish her novel about a South Asian Muslim mother and her daughter in New York City post-9/11.

Union County 2023 high school softball begins

By JR Parachini Sports Editor

When Union and Cranford clashed at Kean University’s Cougar Field on May 11 of last year in the softball Union County Tournament semifinals, a berth in the championship game was on the line.

Cranford High School junior righthander Avery Toddings mowed down the fourth-seeded Farmers and kept them off the scoreboard.

Union High School junior right-hander Alexa Liquori was just as masterful, keeping the top-seeded Cougars off the scoreboard as well.

With the game still scoreless in the bottom of the seventh, Cranford found a way to break through as junior Katie Bendert drove in the game’s only run to send the Cougars to the final.

Cranford proved to be a bit more dominant in the championship game at Kean, rolling to a 9-0 triumph against secondseeded Elizabeth.

For the second time in program history, the Cougars repeated as county champions. Cranford won three straight UCT titles from 2006-2008, so the Cougars will be attempting to three-peat once again this spring.

Standout hurlers Toddings and Liquori are back for their senior seasons. Softball is back and another exciting Union County campaign awaits.

Pitchers and catchers reported Monday, March 13, with practice beginning for the rest of the players Thursday, March 16.

The first scrimmages can be played on Thursday, March 23, a little more than a week before Opening Day on Monday, April 3.

Cranford finished 20-6 last year with first-year head coach Melissa Moreno, who became the first player and coach at Cranford to win a county championship. Moreno won a UCT title as a player as Cranford’s starting catcher in 2010.

“As the season went on, we were able to settle into what we were doing,” Moreno said. “To be here, where I started playing, and to be in this position now, feels really great.”

“As long as we stick together, focus, and play as a team, good things usually happen,” Toddings said.

Moreno gave Toddings the ball and Cranford’s offense did the rest last year, as the Cougars outscored four UCT opponents by a whopping 27-1 margin. David Brearley High School was able to produce

a solo home run in the seventh inning of its quarterfinal at Cranford. That was it.

Toddings tossed a four-hitter in blanking Elizabeth High School in the championship game. Samantha Brunton went 3for-3 with three runs and three singles, while Maddy DeLong and Sophia DeMarco both banged out two hits and scored two runs, each slugging home runs.

On its way to also capturing the Union County Conference’s Watchung Division crown with a 7-1 record, Cranford was just as dominant against Elizabeth in the regular season. Cranford won at Elizabeth 93 in early April and then downed the Minutemen 12-3 at home later in the month.

Cranford fell in its bid to repeat as North 2, Group 3 champs when the Cougars lost at home to West Morris Central High School 2-1 in the semifinals. Cranford beat West Morris in the semifinals the year before.

Union was also guided by a first-year coach, Shannon McMahon. The Farmers turned in a solid 14-10 campaign that included one state tournament victory at

home against Perth Amboy High School 7-0 in North 2, Group 4 play.

David Brearley won the UCC’s Mountain Division crown at 6-1 and went 11-8 overall. The Bears were sparked by senior Brianna Bowles, who led the team in hits with 26, home runs with two and RBI with 16.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School captured the Valley Division title with a perfect 7-0 mark. The Raiders finished 169 overall.

Linden High School and Kent Place shared the Sky Division crown, both coming in with league marks of 7-1. They split against each other in division play, both winning at home. Linden was 8-10 overall and Kent Place 9-9.

Another solid Union County senior last year was Linden’s Allisson Pena-Tavares. She paced the Tigers with 19 hits, 23 runs, two home runs and 14 RBI. Sophomore pitcher Molly McDonald fashioned a total of 129 strikeouts.

Kent Place was sparked by the play of senior outfielder Allie Sussman, junior catcher Kay Lyon and sophomore pitcher Cassie Miller.

Cranford UCT championships

2002: Head coach Terry Biunno

2006: Head coach Shannon Norton

2007, 2008, 2010: Head coach Bob Bruno

2021: Head coach Christine Pemoulie

2022: Head coach Melissa Moreno

‘As long as we stick together, focus, and play as a team, good things usually happen.’

— Avery Toddings

Kean University alumnus named artist-in-residence

Kean University alumnus and contemporary fine artist Ricardo Roig, Class of ’08, will become Kean’s next artist-in-residence, following a unanimous vote by the university board of trustees this month.

Roig, who developed his signature style of art as a student at Kean University, creates innovative, colorful hand-cut prints. As the artist-in-residence, he will create a mural on Kean’s Union campus in the Human Rights Institute, beginning in the fall semester. The Scotch Plains artist will also exhibit new work in Kean’s Karl and Helen Burger Gallery in spring 2024, and will conduct workshops and classes with students.

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet described Roig as “a great example of the talent we have here at Kean University.”

“We love the fact that Kean alumni want to come back, especially to use their talents to invest in our students,” Repollet said. “We are thrilled that Ricardo Roig will share his artistic experience and skills with the community and add his artistic imprint to the campus.”

At Kean, Roig earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and painting/printmaking in 2008 and later earned his teaching certification. He said he includes some blue in every piece in tribute to Kean.

Roig said he is “extremely thrilled” to be named artistin-residence.

“I love how Kean continues to build relationships and bridges to new opportunities for its students past and present,” said Roig, adding that he also loved developing as an art educator at Kean.

“Kean has always supported my unique curiosities as an artist. Now I’m continuing the same practice as I am invited back to share once again,” he said. “It’s easy to love the place that has shown you so much love and understanding.”

Lynette Zimmerman, executive director of the Galleries at Kean, said Roig will create the mural in honor of

the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She said she hopes to have pop-up “watch parties” for the public to watch Roig create. The mural will be completed by late September.

Roig, who owns and operates art galleries in Hoboken, Westfield and Boston, will also collaborate with the Galleries at Kean, College of Liberal Arts, Fine Arts Department and Office of Career Services to enhance the curriculum with hands-on learning through workshops, industry networking, internships, and entrepreneurial instruction on gallery management.

“The Artist-in-Residence program seeks to connect students to opportunity through art,” Zimmerman said. “Having a celebrated artist and industry leader on campus sharing a new body of work, enhancing the curriculum with hands-on learning and expanded understand-

ing of both art and the business of art is what makes this program at Kean University stand apart.”

Roig’s signature style of art uses stencil layers, each patiently hand-cut from paper with a razor blade, then attached to a screen and pulled through with vivid paint colors, layer by layer.

“Ricardo’s work is imaginative, colorful and inspiring. He brings an energy to his art that radiates off of the paper,” Zimmerman said.

His work is exhibited in the W Hoboken Hotel and numerous venues.

He has done commissions for Amazon, Hilton Hotels, The Beekman Hotel, Rockrose Development NYC, the cities of Jersey City and Hoboken, town of Westfield, W Hotels, New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital and many private clients.

Photos Courtesy of Ricardo Roig

Scotch Plains artist Ricardo Roig, who developed his signature style of art as a student at Kean University, has been named the University's next artist-in-residence.

2023 Polar Bear Plunge is a winter delight

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Union County Policemen’s Benevolent Association No. 73 sponsored the “Secret Squirrel 73” team to participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights. This year was the 30th year for the event and featured more than 7,500 plungers and 567 teams. A total of $2.6 million was raised this year to benefit the Special Olympics of NJ, far exceeding the fundraising goal.

The “Secret Squirrel 73” team featured 10 “plungers” that braved the freezing temperatures and bone chilling waters to raise money for a good cause. Union County Police PBA No. 73 current members, retirees and sponsors participated in the plunge and raised more than $1,200 for the Special Olympics. A special thanks was given to S Brothers Construction for its generous donation to help make the event a continued success.

PBA No. 73 President Kenneth Dalrymple said, “It was a frigid day to be jumping into the icy water, but it was worth it. We raised money for a worthy cause that will bring smiles and laughter to a lot of kids. I can’t think of a better way to spend a freezing February day!”

Photo Courtesy of Kenneth Dalrymple