Union Leader - April 2024

UNIONLEADER

Police, Fire departments promote annual ‘Read Across America Week’

Celebrating musicians — See Page 2 Irish eyes are smiling!

— See Page 11 Professor’s roadmap

— See Page 13

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

Every year, to honor Dr. Seuss on his birthday, March 2, “National Read Across America Day” is celebrated. During the week of Monday, March 4, through Friday, March 8, the Union Police Department and the Union Fire Department joined forces, once again, with local Union elementary schools to promote “National Read Across America Week.”

“National Read Across America Week” celebrates the importance of learning, reading and literacy. During the week, first responders read to more than 100 students. Sgt. Mike Loguidice said this is the third year the police department is participating. It started in 2020, when schools went back to “in person” after the lock-down during the pandemic.

First responders visit classrooms wearing Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat top hats. They read to the children, from prekindergarten to first grade, and give them a different book to take home and read with their family. This year they are reading “Pete the Cat’s Not So Groovy Day.”

There’s a total of 112 classes with approximately 1,725 students. Schools include the Deron School of New Jersey in Union, which is a private school for children with severe special needs; and Union Township Community Action Organization Inc., a non-profit childcare center.

“It’s very important to build a bond with children at a young age,” said Loguidice. “Do something educational. Reading a book with them is wonderful. We have so many generous sponsors that allow kids to take these books home. The township of Union and police department stand behind this program.”

Continuing, he said, “It’s pretty amazing. The way we organize, we have an officer and a firefighter team up together. One will read while the other is showing the book itself. The looks on their faces are amazing. It’s captivating watching them. It’s an amazing time.”

Last year, Loguidice had a special moment. His wife is a teacher at one of the schools in Union and he was able to read in her classroom and meet with her students. They have two children of their own.

First responders participate in Read Across America from previous years. You can easily recognize them by the Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat top hats they were wearing.

Photos Courtesy of Shontel Robinson, Staff Services Bureau, Union Police Department

Female musicians are celebrated at Vauxhall Branch Library

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

Gabriel Ramos, Vauxhall Branch manager of the Union Public Library, has a passion for music. It took him just a couple of days to put together a 90-minute trivia program called “Saturday Morning Trivia: Women Rock!” The program was a nod to Women’s History Month and had five women and two men in attendance. It took place recently at the Vauxhall Branch Library, 123 Hinton Ave.

Attendees were split into two teams. It was an exciting journey through musical history, with topics such as “Name the Artist,” “Name the Album,” “Mixed Bag,” “Queen of ___,” “Record Holders,” “Movies,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame” and “Duets.”

The questions covered all genres of music throughout history: rap, rock, country, disco, alternative, pop, jazz and easy listening. Many female names came up. Some included MC Lyte, Alanis Morrisette, Nina Simone, Donna Summer, Stevie Nicks, Ella Fitzgerald, Bjork, Cher, Billie Holiday, Dionne Warwick, Joan Jett, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Tina Turner, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Willow Smith and Miley Cyrus.

The winning team received gift certificates to Wawa.

Carol Fisher is a Union resident with a second home in England. She said that Joni Mitchell, without a doubt, is her

favorite female musician. She saw Mitchell perform in 1968 at the Bitter End Café in New York City. Neil Young was the opening act. At the time, Mitchell had just one album out. “She’s a wonderful voice for women,” Fisher said.

After Fisher lent the album to a friend, he told Fisher, “(Mitchell) had a way with words.”

“Talk about the understatement of the year,” said Fisher.

Fisher is married to Matthew Fisher, an English musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his longtime association with the rock band Procol Harum, which included playing the Hammond organ on the 1967 single “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” for which he sub-

sequently received a songwriting credit.

Tyrone Tutt, of Vauxhall, favors Whitney Houston. “She just had a range,” he said enthusiastically. “She could sing anything.” Tutt caught Houston’s 1986 show at Symphony Hall in Newark.

Peggy Harrison, of Vauxhall, saw Stephanie Mills perform in “The Wiz” and

See VAUXHALL, Page 15

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Above left, ladies in attendance at the ‘Saturday Morning Trivia: Women Rock!’ program at the Vauxhall Branch Library get psyched up for the game. Above right, Gabriel Ramos, the Vauxhall Branch manager, used his passion for music to assemble a 90-minute trivia program called ‘Saturday Morning Trivia: Women Rock!’

The Characters are working on deluxe edition of debut album

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

In 1976, Danny Solazzi was just 12 years old when his sister took him to see Paul McCartney and Wings. “It just blew me away,” he said. “The hits, the production … It was an amazing concert.” After the show, he asked his mother for a guitar.

Solazzi began The Characters with friends he knew in grade school and high school, who were all like-minded and all lived in Union. “We’re not the jocks, we’re not the brains; we like ’60s rock groups,” he said. “We were all born 1963, all in the same grade. Same town. Same school.”

The Characters formed in 1982 and began playing out in 1983. The original members were Solazzi on vocals/rhythm guitar, John Grecco on drums, Chris Roselle on lead guitar and Larry Muhlgeier on bass.

They used to go see a very popular ’80s dance band called Strutter. Solazzi became friends with the guitarist, Billy Baker, who then came to see The Characters. “We were only together three months. He loved us,” Solazzi said.

Baker offered The Characters many opportunities to open for Strutter, then eventually The Characters played on their own. “We played around Jersey clubs a couple years, making demos, trying to get a record deal,” Solazzi said.

The Characters had a song called “Maryann,” which made its way to Rodney Bingenheimer, a Los Angeles disc jockey. He began playing the song on the air.

Meanwhile, back on the east coast, The Monkees had their 20th year anniversary in 1986 and they began doing concerts again. They had a Monkees convention in Philadelphia and MTV was now playing The Monkees.

Solazzi asked the people running the convention if

original members of The Characters,

they’d be interested in having a band perform and The Characters ended up playing. Later that year, The Monkees had a convention in California, which The Characters also played. Bingenheimer also got The Characters a

gig playing with Dramarama. Then, every month, they’d fly out to California to play the Roxy Theatre or the Whisky a Go Go.

Photo by Henry Diltz

The

Danny Solazzi on vocals/rhythm guitar, John Grecco on drums, Chris Roselle on lead guitar and Larry Muhlgeier on bass.

See BAND’S, Page 8

Diamondettes are ready to shine at recent competition

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

It’s still February, but the batons are already twirling for Diamondettes Baton & Dance LLC, in preparation for the upcoming season.

Roselle Park resident Giuliana Concetta Schultz, 5, represented the Diamondettes in Boston during President’s Day Weekend at the Freedom Cup Championships at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., about 11 miles from downtown Boston. Giuliana began twirling at age 3, when she entered her first competition season in the category of Basic Strut.

At the Freedom Cup competition, she competed in Novice One Baton Solo, Basic Strut and Show Twirl to the song “Frozen” to which she performed components of one baton, two batons at once and streamer. Giuliana was the youngest solo competitor at this contest.

“This was the first competition,” said Nicole Marie Placca, owner and director of Diamondettes Baton & Dance LLC, in an interview with LocalSource on Friday, Feb. 23. “Giuliana was the only one to represent our studio. It was the entire Presidents Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, at Brandeis University in Boston.”

“I wish more girls went but only she could go.”

Placca said it was an absolute honor to attend competitions of this stature, as some of the most talented, well-known athletes travel from all states to participate. She said it was certainly a big deal to be there, not only in presence, but to experience the sport of baton twirling at its truest level.

Diamondettes Baton & Dance LLC is the first baton twirling program to come to Union since the decade-run Patti’s Dolls. The program is offered in a variety of Union County locations and the competition teams are run out of Cranford and Union.

“I’ve been twirling since I was 10,” said Placca. “I officially became a business last year, but I’ve been giving private lessons for three years. I’ve been doing this for at least 20 years.”

“I teach Spanish at Union High School,” she added.

“There used to be a studio in Union, Patti’s Dolls, and she was a teacher in Roselle Park and she must have had 50, 60 kids, even more, and she ran the studio for decades,” said Placca, explaining how she got into baton twirling. “She was the reason there was so much baton twirling. It kept the program going here at the high school. When she retired, I worked on continuing to build her teaching and her legacy. I keep in touch with her often. I always remember to thank her for all the gifts she’s given me. The impact she had is certainly seen now.”

Placca said she knows the value of this sport and takes pride in designing a program with delivery of instruction that

going a couple of years back, that allowed me to start this program. They were the main catalyst. And recently, Sunburst Gymnastics of Union has given me a consistent time slot.”

Right now, she explained, she’s the primary force running the company.

“It’s really me,” Placca said. “I have different locations where I run mini-sessions, but the competition part of the program is run out of Union and Cranford.

“I went from one competition team to three, on top of girls who take individual lessons. I have almost 30 students right now who take general classes but 19 are in competition. Kids who want to can take four-week sessions.”

“I have a total of three teams and seven soloists,” she continued. “I have 19 competition students. They’re from Newark, Short Hills, Union, Cranford, Roselle Park, Hillside; mainly from Union County, but I do have a handful from South River.”

Placca stressed that baton twirling is unlike common youth sports because of the social/emotional instruction and creation involved in making up the programs her girls perform.

“It’s definitely a different kind of sport,” she said. “You have to make the most of what you’re given because time goes so fast.”

Placca said everyone who gets involved in baton twirling gives their all, even the parents.

“I have really amazing parents, this year particularly, who ensure that their kids come to every practice, and that makes a big difference when you’re trying to perfect a routine and choreograph it,” she said. “It’s that personal connection that makes a difference in how they learn.”

greatly differs from the common youth sports. She said she uses her experience as a teacher to design classes that caters to the needs of the individual — not only physically, but socially and emotionally.

Right now, she’s looking forward to upcoming competitions.

“Our season starts in April and we’ll be attending all the ones we did last year, including the one in Wildwood, local New Jersey events and those in the USTA, the United States Twirling Association,” Placca said.

“We’ll also attend local state championships and all East Regional Championships. They’ll be in a combination of Rahway, Bloomfield and Wildwood for the regionals.”

“We stay mostly in Union County,” she added. “Wildwood is our furthest one.”

The program is based on the ideology that every child can be an athlete and experience success as reflective of their own needs and abilities. More importantly than learning the sport itself is to instill the mindset that everyone has the ability to shine bright, like a “Diamond-ette” in anything they want to achieve. The program also focuses on normalizing mis-

takes and accepting them as a natural, important part of the learning process.

“The facilities have been wonderful for having a consistent full competition program,” Placca said. “Diamond Gymnastics of Cranford, they were the first place,

In the meantime, Placca said she is going to keep giving her all to the sport she loves so much.

“I’m really proud of it and I hope it continues. It’s such a special sport. It really gives these kids so much.”

Photo Courtesy of Nicole Marie Placca Diamondettes Baton & Dance LLC owner and director Nicole Marie Placca stands beside Giuliana Concetta Schultz at the recent Freedom Cup Championships at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.

Monday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Tuesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

First responders participate in Read Across America from previous years. You can easily recognize them by the Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat top hats they were wearing. They read to the children, from prekinder-

‘Read

(Continued from Page 1)

“My 11 year old likes to read anything she can,” he said. “She started off with ‘Cat in the Hat.’ My son, who is 8, is more into sports things. He just read the ‘Dog Man’ book.”

garten to first grade, and give them a different book to take home and read with their family. This year they are reading ‘Pete the Cat’s Not So Groovy Day.’

As a child Loguidice was into comic books, anything from Star Wars to Superman. But nowadays, most of his reading is job-related. “Honestly, most of my reading has to do with keeping up with the educational portions of law enforcement,” he shared. “I like to read war novels.”

The Union Police Department and Union Fire Department have been able to participate in “Read Across America Week” thanks to the following sponsors: Union PDA, Local 69; Union FMBA Local

40; Union Township Education Association; Union County Education Association; VFW Michael A. Kelly Post 2433; Teamsters Local Union 641; IUPAT District Council 21; Da Silva Stone; and Here’s the Story Bookstore.

Monday-Thursday 12:00PM–08:30PM

Friday-Saturday 12:00PM–09:00PM

Sunday 12:00PM–08:30PM

Photos Courtesy of Shontel Robinson, Staff Services Bureau, Union Police Department

Band’s history will be celebrated on deluxe edition

(Continued from Page 3)

Since The Characters were making more headway in their careers, they ended up living in California for a year. When Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna — Jett’s longtime producer, songwriting partner and partner in their label, Blackheart Records — were guests on Bingenheimer’s show, he played “Maryann.”

“Kenny loved the song,” Solazzi said. Laguna ended up managing The Characters and they returned to New Jersey and opened for Joan Jett all over the East Coast.

Then Solazzi started working at the Blackheart record label. At the time, Laguna was managing The Kinks as well and Solazzi was running errands for Ray Davies. Laguna got The Characters a gig with The Kinks in Maine.

The Characters put out their first album in 1994. In 2005, “The Early Characters” was released.

During their career, The Characters played with many famous musicians. “We had Shirley Jones onstage with us,” Solazzi said. “Andy Kim, Ron Dante from The Archies … Julie Newmar got up on stage and danced …” They also opened up for acts such as Micky Dolenz and Three Dog Night.

Nevertheless, they weren’t without challenges but Solazzi believes that having four or five people show up with a common goal kept it all pulled together. “People like a winning team,” he said.

After trying hard being an original band, The Characters returned to doing covers. “People don’t go out and support original music,” Solazzi said. “It’s not as much fun if you don’t know the songs.”

The Characters started out doing covers and Solazzi said, “It’s a good way to learn your craft.” Then they always threw originals into the set.

Going back to their roots, they play the songs they grew up on. “When you see us and we’re doing songs like ‘Cecilia’ or ‘Hey Jude,’ we love those songs,” expressed Solazzi. “We know how to entertain people. We’ve built up a following of people who want to come out and have a good time. It’s a different animal (than playing originals) but at least you’re playing. Quitting your job and going out in a van is a young man’s game. We did that for years. We made no money.”

The Characters are playing all the time and Solazzi is looking into doing some original shows in addition to playing covers. They’re currently working on a 30th anniversary deluxe edition of The Characters debut album, which is planned to be released in the fall.

Solazzi continues to be inspired by The Beatles, Joan Jett, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones. But he likes newer music, too. “Grace Potter has unbelievable stuff,” he said.

To learn more about The Characters, visit https://www.thecharacters.net/.

Photo by Ron Akiyama Danny Solazzi, appearing on the cover of the debut album of The Characters.

The Greater Union Township Chamber of Commerce recently elected its slate of officers and installed new directors. Members of the Board of Directors are a group of dedicated volunteers representing a crosssection of local businesses who help the chamber in its mission of promoting and serving its members.

Elected each year, officers have ultimate responsibility for chamber operations, policy and overall direction. They also oversee and support proposed activities, events and projects that best serve the interests of members.

The incoming executive board consists of: President Claudia Schiavone of Northfield Bank; Senior Vice President Laura Bretzger, citizen member; Vice President of Finance Julie D’Aloia of ConnectOne Bank; Vice President of Membership, Programs/Special Events Sharon Patel, Patel Printing Plus; Vice President of Membership Joseph Stampone, Major Printing Company; Vice President of Business Support and Engagement Jeff Morton, Shake A Paw Center for Res-

cue and Adoption; Vice President of Community and Government Relations Barbara La Mort, president, Union Township Historical Society; and immediate Past President Marie Maguire, BCB Community Bank.

Also inducted as a new director was Dr. Andrew Iuzzolino of Progressive Edge Physical Therapy, Union.

The new slate will be officially inducted at the chamber’s annual gala on Thursday, May 2.

“The chamber’s Board of Directors is composed of dedicated individuals who truly advocate for and represent the interests and needs of all of our member businesses,” said James Masterson, chamber CEO. “We are grateful for the ways in which they generously give of their time and talents for the betterment of the professional community.”

The Union Township Chamber of Commerce is a professional association dedicated to strengthening, uniting, promoting and representing member businesses. Its affiliates include the chambers of Union, Roselle Park, Kenilworth and Hillside.

strombolis, hot and cold sub sandwiches, wraps, platters, party trays, paninis, pasta, gluten-free dishes. And, of course, more than a dozen varieties of great pizza.

Photo Courtesy of James J. Masterson Incoming President Claudia Schiavone

IN MEMORIAM

• BRAUSS – John J., of Wabasha, Minn., formerly of Union; March 13. Retired funeral director, McCracken Funeral Home. Father, grandfather, 93.

• DIEHL – Gladys I., of Irvington and Union; Feb. 21. Was 86.

• MCDONALD – Nancy Trugman, of Morristown, formerly of Newark,Union; Feb. 26. Retired attorney, business owner. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, 69.

• TRAMUTA – Caterina, of Union; Feb. 25. Wife, mother, grandmother, 73.

• YESENKO – Michael Robert, of Union; Feb. 24. U.S. Army veteran. Union High School teacher. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, 94.

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.

“Babadara is a three-sport athlete here at Union High School. He played center and defensive tackle for our football team in the fall and is a member of our track and field team in the winter and spring. Babadara finished second at the North 2 Group 4 Championships.”

— Athletic Director Ron Zieser

Babadara Olowe, shot put

What were your goals this season?

My goals this season was to see progress in my distance for my sport as well as seeing a shift in my athletic ability.

How do you get ready for a game?

Usually to prepare for my meet, I would do a lap around the building and listen to music to get me ready to throw.

What was your biggest accomplishment this season?

My biggest accomplishment this season was how quickly I was able to achieve the numbers I wanted for the season.

What’s the most important thing your coach has taught you?

The most important thing that my coach has taught me was to dream about the outcome you want prior to that meet so if your goal was to throw 40 ft. dream about you hitting that mark.

Who are your favorite professional athletes?

My favorite professional athletes are Jason Kelce, Aaron Donald and Chris Jones.

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is history.

What other hobbies do you have?

Outside of school, I play football and do track and field. I guess cooking would be a hobby of mine.

What are your plans after high school?

My plans after high school would be to go to a good college, where I would be able to continue my athletic career for football and major in political science.

Union Center hosts soggy but superb St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Despite rainy weather, the 2024 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade went off without a hitch, to the delight of those in attendance and those participating as well. The march along Morris Avenue included pipe bands, police and fire departments, Boy Scouts and other groups, all in authentic Irish spirit, taking about an hour to complete the route. There was no dampening the luck of the Irish on this March morning.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Artist’s culturally rich solo exhibition opens at Kean

Artist Jacoub Reyes recently unveiled his site-specific art installation, “Esconderte del mundo y en ti mismo esconderte,” meaning “hide from the world and hide in yourself,” at Kean University. A brilliant transformation of space, Reyes delivers an experience steeped in the history of Puerto Rico’s sugar plantation system.

Reyes, an interdisciplinary artist based in Central and South Florida, primarily works in printmaking and large-scale installation. His work utilizes experimental techniques to unravel his complex mixed-cultural heritage and build an imagined future based on belonging and resistance.

The exhibition, on display in the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery, located in the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons on Kean University’s Union campus, showcases Reyes’s work and ability to navigate different mediums. In partnership with the Galleries at Kean, Reyes was joined for the opening reception by the Raíces Cultural Center New Brunswick for a special Bomba dance performance at Kean's Viser Lab.

“This is my homecoming,” said Reyes. “I used to sit in the back of the classroom at Kean University while my mother took classes. To return years later and present my work and partner with local community organizations, is deeply personal and rewarding.”

of multimedia, including video, audio, assemblage, screen prints, woodcuts, painting and textile works. Through these, he aims to excavate histories lost, forgotten and buried beneath us.

“Reyes’ work is grounded deep within his cultural heritage, as someone born to a first-generation Catholic Caribbean mother and South Asian Muslim immigrant father,” said Lynette Zimmerman, associate vice president of the Liberty Hall Academic Center and Galleries at Kean. “He traverses multiple mediums and deepens the relationship between them through his own layered identity. Each work resonates with cultural context and is developed through research into his ancestry, systemic failures and human existence. His personal journey exemplifies his ability to embrace complex emotions, feelings of belonging and how art is his wellness.”

The exhibition is inspired by Julia de Burgos’ best-known poem, “Rio Grande de Loiza.” In this poem, Burgos’ childhood landscape emerges as a driving force for her memories and reveals the harm and grief of her island, enslaved by colonialism.

Throughout this installation, Reyes

uses contrasting visual tropes to create connections between displacement, memory, cultural preservation and notions of home. He focuses on the lasting social, political and ecological effects of the colonial experience through the interior of a sugar mill ruin. “Esconderte del mundo y en ti mismo esconderte” features a variety

Reyes will return to Kean on Thursday, March 28, for a workshop with local middle and high school art teachers as part of a Galleries at Kean professional development day.

“Esconderte mundo y en ti mismo esconderte” will be on display through Friday, June 21, in the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery at the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons on Kean’s campus, 1000 Morris Ave., Union. Visit galleries.kean.edu for more information.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Artist Jacoub Reyes’ exhibition, ‘Esconderte mundo y en ti mismo esconderte,’ will be on display through Friday, June 21, at Kean University.

Professor shares a roadmap to choosing a career

“A Career Is a Promise: Finding Purpose, Success and Fulfillment,” the latest book written by Kean University professor Robin Landa of Michael Graves College, is a guide to career development for anyone, including students. In this interview, she speaks about her book and work.

Q. You've written 26 books about advertising, design, branding, creativity and idea generation. Is “A Career Is a Promise” your first book about career development?

Embarking on career development is not uncharted territory for me. A few years ago, I authored “Building Your Own Brand: Strategies, Prompts and Exercises for Marketing Yourself, a book proudly housed in Simon & Schuster's collection.

Now, extending beyond design domains, “A Career Is a Promise: Finding Purpose, Success and Fulfillment” delves into a broader spectrum, providing a tried-and-true framework for individuals across diverse fields. This book is a comprehensive guide offering roadmaps, prompts, inner-directed questions and self-assessment tools designed to help readers unearth what truly excites them professionally.

Q. What prompted you to write this book? What is the significance of the title, “A Career Is a Promise”?

The impetus behind writing this book is encapsulated by the title, “A Career Is a Promise.” Beyond serving as a salary, a career symbolizes a commitment to personal growth, success and fair treatment — an oath to oneself for a fulfilling professional journey. The book urges readers to reflect on the promises they make to their own careers, often eclipsed by expectations from employers. The content challenges readers to establish a personal code — a deliberate examination of desires, the setting of meaningful goals and the

in the Michael Graves College, overseeing the BFA in advertising. Witnessing the need for graduates to smoothly transition into the professional realm, I’ve focused on imparting conceptual, creative and strategic skills essential for immediate employment. Our graduates’ successes at top agencies and corporations, such as Droga5, Disney and Google, validate my approach.

Q. What is the most important takeaway of the book?

The book’s core message resonates with the reality that many of us overlook discovering what truly ignites our passion and propels our careers to remarkable heights. In a world where we invest over a third of our lives in work, the importance of ensuring our careers hold the promise of fulfillment cannot be overstated. A career, as the book underscores, is a profound promise one makes to oneself.

The most vital takeaway of “A Career Is a Promise” lies in its invitation to unlock your career promise, fostering a path of self-awareness and purpose that transforms careers.

Q. Where should students like Kean University’s start in building their careers?

ty mentorships are foundational steps. Beyond academia, strategic networking plays a pivotal role — securing internships, obtaining external mentors and leveraging platforms such as LinkedIn to craft a compelling professional profile enriched with relevant keywords.

Initiating professional connections is crucial; personalized messages expressing genuine interest can pave the way for insightful “coffee” meetings with experts in a student’s chosen field. Joining professional organizations amplifies exposure and provides access to valuable resources. Furthermore, students should explore free resources, maximizing every avenue to enhance skills and industry knowledge.

empowerment of aspirations. “A Career Is a Promise” is a compass for navigating toward unprecedented possibilities and the fulfillment of one's genuine potential.

Q. You mentioned in the book that you've "guided thousands of university students." How has working with students informed your writing of the book?

The motivation behind writing this book stems from my extensive experience guiding university students toward fulfilling careers, particularly through my role

For students, the key lies in seizing every educational opportunity. Actively participating in classes and seeking facul-

A crucial piece of advice is to cultivate career-building relationships focusing on mentorship and sponsorship. A mentor, someone with more experience, offers valuable advice, guidance and feedback. This mentorship can extend beyond the workplace, encompassing professional organizations, networks or even a trusted professor. A sponsor utilizes their influence and position to advocate for your career advancement. This multifaceted strategy, embracing education, networking and relationship-building, establishes a robust foundation for a successful career launch.

Photo Courtesy of Robin Landa via Kean University

“Christine was a senior on the wrestling team. This was her second year wrestling. She placed first at the Girls Union County Wrestling Tournament at 185 pounds. She finished third in North Region 2 and qualified for the New Jersey State Wrestling Tournament in Atlantic City.”

— Athletic Director Ron Zieser

Professor’s book is a guide to career development

(Continued from Page 13)

Q. You’re a prolific writer and you have another new book coming out in June. What can you tell us about that?

Columbia University Press is set to publish “Shareworthy: Advertising That Creates Powerful Connections Through Storytelling,” which I co-authored with Greg Braun, retired deputy global chief creative officer of Commonwealth/McCann. Greg’s illustrious career includes spearheading campaigns for iconic brands such as United Airlines, Starbucks and Hyundai, creating spots for the Super Bowl, the Oscars and the FIFA World Cup.

In an era defined by global competition, brands must captivate audiences with meaningful stories across diverse media channels. This book, a harmonious blend of practitioner and academic insights, presents a comprehensive roadmap for conceiving and developing advertising campaigns that render brand stories truly shareworthy.

Shareworthy is a beacon for advertising, branding and marketing students, educators and professionals, illuminating the path to crafting compelling stories, forging connections with audiences and embracing social responsibility throughout the creative process.

Christine Pierre-Louis, girls wrestling

What were your goals this season?

My goal was to get down to 185, so I would be able to get to regions and hopefully get to state with my cousin, Alissa Alcindor.

How do you get ready for a game?

I would listen to gospel music to help get me in the right headspace. Then, coach Bobby would help me stretch and warm up.

What was your biggest accomplishment this season?

Getting third place in regionals. I always wanted to at least qualify for regionals. Winning it was surreal.

What’s the most important thing your coach has taught you?

To have fun! This sport is very mental and it’s very hard to get all caught up. They always told me to go out there and have fun. Yes, winning is nice and all, but having fun is important, too.

Who are your favorite professional athletes?

I love Serena Williams. She has done so much for black girls all over the world that I can’t help but admire her.

What is your favorite subject in school?

I love ceramics. Any subjects where I am able to get creative and work with my hands is the subject for me.

What other hobbies do you have?

I love anything where I can get active. I try to stay involved in sports to stay active. It’s a great way to get exercise and fun.

What are your plans after high school?

After high school, I will be going to college to study criminal justice and psychology. I have dreams of becoming a police officer and becoming a juvenile detective.

Q. Research and interviews are a big part of developing your ideas. Who are some of the experts you’ve turned to in writing both books?

“A Career Is a Promise” unveils inspiring personal narratives of triumph as professionals harness their strengths, expertise and sense of purpose. Dr. Joan Fallon, CEO of Curemark, dedicates her career to enhancing children's health. Ilana Kloss, CEO of the Billie Jean King Enterprise, channels her passion for tennis — first as a professional player and now in creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in sports.

Shareworthy presents candid interviews with expert practitioners. Greg Hahn, Mischief’s co-founder and chief creative officer, advised that one thing “we have to instill in our clients and in ourselves, is that the riskiest thing to do is put something out there that nobody notices, because then you risk blowing your whole ad budget.” Guan Hin Tay, creative chairman of BBDO Singapore, counseled, “Stories that are real and authentic resonate on a personal level. Predictably is the death of any good stories, so always be unboring.”

These interviews forge a connection between readers and industry leaders, offering insights into the challenges faced by these experts, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

This commitment transforms both books into valuable resources, offering credible and dynamic resources that not only educate but also inspire and captivate the readers’ imagination.

AT THE LIBRARY

Events are offered at Union Public Library

The Union Public Library is hosting several events throughout the year.

To stay fully informed of library activities, sign up for the UPL newsletter at uplnj.org/subscribe-to-ournewsletter/.

The UPL main library is at 1060 Stuyvesant Ave., 908-851-5450, and the Vauxhall branch is at 123 Hilton Ave., 908-851-5451.

For more information about the following programs, call the library or visit the website at uplnj.org.

Children’s events at UPL

Union Public Library will hold the following upcoming virtual youth programs. Program details are subject to change; contact the library to confirm.

To register for programs, visit uplnj.org. For programs broadcast on Facebook Live, non–Facebook users should email childrensdepartment @uplnj.org for access.

• Virtual Biographical Storytime,

Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Learn about important figures from the past and present at this event for all ages, which is broadcast on Facebook Live and subsequently available on Instagram. No registration required.

• Virtual Storytime, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Spend this time listening to a story and singing songs and rhymes. These events for all ages are broadcast on Facebook Live and will subsequently be available on Instagram. No registration is required.

• Take-home craft kits, weekly. The library offers different take-home projects each week.

Pick up a project kit at the library and follow along with the library’s �instructional video to create a craft from home. Instructional videos available to view on Facebook and Instagram. Call 908-851-5450, ext. 4, to schedule a pickup appointment. Project kits are available while supplies last.

• Virtual Volunteering for Teens offers virtual volunteering opportunities for teens. Send an email to teens@uplnj.org for more information.

At left, attendees correctly guess song lyrics from Aretha Franklin during the program. Above, the winning team of the program at the Vauxhall Branch Library is, from left, Carol Fisher, Peggy Harrison, Jay Dibble and Tyrone Tutt.

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fell in love with her. “She has a strong voice,” she said. Jay Dibble, of Elizabeth, is a Stevie Nicks fan. “She has great inflection in song,” he said. Dibble never saw Nicks live, but he’s seen Fleetwood Mac tribute bands Tusk and Gypsy. “Tusk is better,” he said.

Nancy Rocha, of Union, said she likes Madonna. “I grew up with her music in high school,” she said Vicky Spiratos, of Livingston, has been to a lot of concerts and says she likes “everybody.” Her female favorites include Sheryl Crow, Gwen Stefani, Madonna and Martina McBride.

Irene Mykietiuk, of Union, said she loves Tina Turner, who she saw in Las Vegas.

“I really admire how she came back, after what happened with Ike, and rebuilt herself.”

To learn more about the Union Public Library and the Vauxhall Branch, visit https://uplnj.org/.

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta