Union Leader - May 2023

UNIONLEADER

Students get published

Food Truck Thursdays satisfy the hungry

By Javon Ross Staff Writer

Union Township hosted its weekly Food Truck Thursdays event at Biertuempfel Park on Thursday, April 13.

See Page 4 Activities to fight cancer

Since Jan. 12, various food trucks from across the U.S. have gathered at this park in Union each week to serve new and returning customers in efforts to grow their businesses. The event runs through May 25, with food trucks including Cousins Maine Lobster, Mexi-Boys, Big John’s Gourmet Burgers, Twelve Truck and Soup Phantom all making stops every Thursday.

Union Township developed the idea after the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with food trucks to deliver quality food and attract residents to support and boost their businesses. The township also works with local vendors such as Aunt Lullie’s and Grandma Emma’s at these events as well.

“We started working in Union Food Truck Fests in late 2021,” Peter Ferreyra, owner of The Box Mobile Catering, told LocalSource. “We have served a lot of customers from here, South Jersey and Central Jersey. The response has been amazing, so we are pushing forward.”

Many food trucks that attend this festival hope to gain enough customers to expand their businesses and purchase additional food trucks to serve more customers in different areas throughout the United States.

— See Page 8 Exploring the art of war

“The goal is definitely to buy a second truck, possibly a third,” Ferreyra told LocalSource, “to start a small fleet and eventually transition to owning a storefront. Only time will tell, but we continue to move forward (and) with the incredible

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response to our food, we are not going away any time soon.”

Food trucks from Maine, Virginia, Fairfield, Bridgewater and various parts of New Jersey and the East Coast attend

the festival every year to increase business beyond their town and state, to hit new markets and expand their brand.

It also increases foot traffic in Union See FOOD, Page 14

Rotary Club to host Family Fun Fitness event

The Rotary Club of Union, in conjunction with the township of Union and the Board of Education, is hosting a Family Fun Fitness event on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Union High School football field. Bring your children or grandchildren. Events include activities for children, food trucks, a DJ and fitness classes. Take one class or all the classes or just watch, enjoy the music and food.

The event will benefit two elementary school students from our town. Camy Dudek is a second-grader at Washington School. She was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was in kindergarten. Camy will need further treatment, which will require her parents to be away from her three other siblings.

Her mother, Robynn, said, “We just need to get an EKG and echocardiogram and we will be able to start chemo. We will still need to go for extensive testing of the heart, eyes, kidneys, brain and spine every month to make sure (everything) stays stable. We will also need to do biweekly blood work.”

Marciano Rosa is a third-grader at Washington School. He was recently diagnosed with T-cell leukemia and began his two- to three-year-long chemotherapy journey this past November. His mother said, “Marciano is a sweet, kind-hearted, smart and funny boy who has a smile that can light up any room.” All proceeds will be donated to the two families to help offset some of their medical bills as they travel with their children on the road to wellness.

Photo by David VanDeventer Biertuempfel Park is the place to be on Thursday afternoons/evenings as the vendors keep Food Truck Thursdays rolling strong and through May 25.

Students create Easter cards for the cardinal

In celebration of Easter, Catholic school students benefiting from the archdiocese of Newark’s “We Are Living Stones” Catholic Tuition Assistance Program showed their gratitude by sending handmade Easter cards to Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark.

The K-8 students, whose families received $1,500 in partial tuition assistance scholarships to attend archdiocesan Catholic schools in Newark, Jersey City, East Orange, Union and Fairview, created cards featuring Easter- and springthemed drawings with a note of appreciation. Some messages apprised Cardinal Tobin of favorite school activities, while others wished the cardinal a blessed holiday. All shared one common theme, however — every student appreciated the chance to obtain a Catholic education.

Students' notes and drawings included the following:

• “I want to thank you for helping my family pay to send me to this awesome school. There is no other place I want to be. As I get ready to go on an Easter break, I wanted to wish you and your family a very happy Easter.” – Anderson, grade four

• “I’m learning so much in fourth grade and things are going well. We did a great project on the ecosystem and learned about the Declaration of Independence. There is so much great stuff to learn about! I just wanted to take a moment to wish you happy Easter and to thank you

Photos Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn

These Easter cards were made by Catholic school students and sent to Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin. Some of the cards were made by, above, left, Veronica, grade four; second from left, Henri, grade eight; third from left, Ruth, grade three; and right, Christian, grade eight; and below, left, Nayla, grade two; second from left, top left, Allison, grade seven, top right, Gino, grade eight, and bottom, Joshua, grade two; third from left, Alan, grade four; and right, Raphael, grade four.

for helping me have this great year!” –Alan, grade four

• “Because of your generosity, I am able to attend this school and get the quality Catholic education my parents dreamed of for me. You are in my prayers daily and

I hope you have an amazing Easter with your family.” – Jay, grade six

• “Happy Easter! Thank you for your donation. I love you so much.” – Charly, kindergarten

The “We Are Living Stones” Catholic

Tuition Assistance Program is a needsbased initiative facilitated through the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children. To learn more about the program or SFIC’s other scholarship initiatives, visit sficnj.org/.

Kean 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, teaches

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 pursuing writing in any way, they need to learn the ropes — gauging whether a publication may be a good fit for their material, tailor-

ing work for specific publications and dealing with rejection,” Mesce said.

“Even if work is accepted at a small online literary journal, when you make your next submission, it’s part of your pitch. Perhaps most importantly, it 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 and editing, and hopes to become an editor.

“I’ve always said that I write to breathe,” said Birchfield, whose short story, “Cold Love,” was published and republished under the pen name Katie Lane Dei. “I see my story and name alongside all of these other writers and it is kind of crazy. I feel incredibly thankful to these publications for taking a chance on me and my story.”

Amanda Vogel, of Linden, an undergraduate communication studies major, has seen three of her pieces published digitally, and one in print. She said she would like to become a music journalist.

“I love the idea of producing content in a way that people forget they're reading when they read my pieces – something light, fun and maybe a bit funny,” she said. “I love having my work published. It’s like, ‘Hey, Mom, look what I did!’ in such a powerful way.”

The writers all said they’ve experienced rejection, too, part of the process for virtually all who seek to publish.

“It’s a terrifying feeling, but it’s important to remind myself that the work I do matters,” Ashraf said. “All it takes is one yes.”

Alan W. Goldfeder, M.D. • Charles E. Rassier, M.D.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University 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.

SPECIAL DRAGONS NAMES STUDENT OF THE WEEK — Special Dragons is honoring its Student of the Week from Union. This is Marquis. Marquis is one of the most improved students. He has attended the most lessons. Marquis requires less and less guidance in class. He works with his mother and cousin in class, but he is learning to do what is required of him independently. He runs sprints, goes through stretching exercises and basic karate techniques, and learns new techniques. Marquise is learning how to work with others. He will work with a partner, small group and as a single member of the class.

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Physical activity and well-being initiative offered for cancer survivors

he Gateway Family YMCA announced registration for the next Livestrong at the YMCA program, beginning Thursday, May 18, at the Wellness Center Branch in Union. Livestrong at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and wellbeing initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals. The Livestrong at the YMCA program is offered free to cancer survivors to provide support, assistance and a strong community. The program is available at the Wellness Center Branch, 1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, on Thursdays, from 1 to 2 p.m. Interested participants can contact Jodi Pelano at 908-349-9622 or livestrong@tgfymca.org for this program, or to express interest in a future program date or time.

“Research shows exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood and bounce back from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment more quickly,” said Ruth Rechis, Livestrong Foundation vice president of Programs. “But there weren’t enough programs to help people affected by cancer reach their health and wellbeing goals, so Livestrong and the Y joined forces to create Livestrong at the YMCA. The Y is the perfect collaborator

because of its national reach, commitment to meeting the needs of all community members and history of program innovation in support of health and wellness.”

As part of Livestrong at the YMCA, the

Y engages cancer survivors through an approach that focuses on the whole person. Participants work with specially trained staff to build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional abili-

ty. In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors by providing a supportive community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.

“We provide Livestrong at the YMCA to offer those who have been diagnosed with cancer the support they need to build both emotional and physical strength,” said Melynda A. Disla, president/CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “With a mission centered on balance, the Y strives to be a leading voice on health and wellbeing for our community by providing resources and guidance so that all people, no matter what their circumstance, can achieve greater health and well-being in spirit, mind and body.”

Livestrong at the YMCA is part of a collaboration between YMCA of the USA and the Livestrong Foundation. The foundation is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 32 million people around the world living with cancer today. Livestrong at the YMCA, launched in 2008, is designed to improve the health and dayto-day quality of life for the country’s growing population of cancer survivors and their families.

Photos Courtesy of Colleen Clayton

Dirty Deeds to perform at

UCPAC

On Saturday, May 6, at 8 p.m., at Union County Performing Arts Center, Dirty Deeds – The AC/DC Experience recreates the sound of AC/DC by capturing their unique guitar tone, vocal presence and locked-in rhythm section for which they’re known and loved. The onstage antics and appearance of Dirty Deeds, along with their authentic stage production, will keep you wondering if you’re experiencing the real thing as they take you on a theatrical ride through all of AC/DC’s timeless hits and revisit the early music catalog that was at the root of AC/DC’s rise to stardom.

Profits from ticket sales will benefit Hot Rods & Harleys, a nonprofit organization celebrating 20 years in Rahway. Hot Rods & Harleys is a free event showcasing cars, bikes and bands. To learn more, visit hrandh.com.

To purchase accessible seating, call the UCPAC Box Office at 732-499-8226.

IN MEMORIAM

• LLOYD – Arthur E. III, of Union, formerly of Madison; March 22. U.S. Army veteran, Bank vice president, head real estate appraiser. Widower, father, 92.

• MITCHELL – Viola M, of Vauxhall, March 4. Retired postmaster. Loved playing bridge. Wife, mother, grandmother, 82.

• NADZAN – Joseph, of Hamilton, formerly of Union, Springfield; April 5. Mechanical engineer, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, 78.

• PETRICK – Joseph A., of Union, formerly of Irvington; March 24. World War II Marine. Engineer. Widower, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, 96.

• TONNIES – Pamela Gayle, of Union; March 29. Bloomfield teacher. Sister, 73.

• ZUBER – Harold E., of Wall Township, formerly of Elizabeth, Clifton, Union and Spring Lake; April 15. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather.

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.

Higher ed computer science enrollment gets new tech boost

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, in-demand 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 students; 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.

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.

Spring cleaning and recycling tips

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to bring their spring cleaning recyclables to countywide drop-off events. These countywide events provide a free, convenient way to clear out personal documents for secure shredding and recycling, unwanted metal items for resource recovery and household chemicals, smoke detectors and many other potentially dangerous products for safe disposal.

“We encourage everyone in Union County to participate in our countywide recycling events and in their municipal programs, too. There are many opportunities to pitch in and help increase the recycling rate in our community, especially during spring cleaning season when the waste can pile up,” said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados.

Residents can participate in additional recycling programs for plastic film, electronics, block-type Styrofoam, fluorescent light bulbs and used motor oil. These programs are available at municipal drop-off sites with support from the Commissioner Board.

Union County’s Bureau of Recycling and Planning also advises using the “3 R’s” during spring cleaning this year, to avoid creating unnecessary and burdensome waste next year.

1. Reduce: Avoid purchasing new items that are similar to the ones that have been sitting unused in your garage or other storage area.

2. Re-use: Items in good condition can be cleaned up and sold at a garage sale or donated to charity. In some areas, local freecycling programs and online “buynothing” clubs are available for residents to give away unwanted items within their community

3. Recycle: Check with your local recycling coordinator or download the free Recycle Coach app to stay up-to-date on all recycling opportunities in Union County, including local curbside pickup schedules as well as drop-off programs. Recycle Coach also provides a handy “What Goes Where?” feature that makes it easy to sort items for recycling.

Union County residents who have a yard or community garden can also help divert useful resources from the waste stream — and save money — by recycling their kitchen scraps into compost.

Compost is a natural soil enhancer that helps reduce the need for artificial fertilizers. Visit ucnj.org/recycling to learn more about composting.

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.

Imagine welcomes new facilitators to Newark location

Recently, Imagine, A Center for Coping With Loss staff members Sonia Nunez, Newark program manager, and Ashley S. Allen, Newark training and education manager, trained a new team of facilitators to join Imagine’s rapidly growing Newark Night of Support. Many of the new facilitators will be facilitating Imagine’s groups that meet at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark.

The new volunteers spent three full days training in the Teach for America headquarters in Newark. During the training, the new volunteers had an opportunity to share their grief experiences and receive support from one another while learning facilitation and companioning skills.

To join the Imagine community as a volunteer facilitator at either its Newark or Mountainside location, visit imaginenj.org to sign up for an upcoming tour — a good place to start. Imagine is a nonprofit organization that offers free, year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death. Concurrently, support groups are available for the parents and guardians of the children in the groups, and are offered in English and Spanish. Imagine also offers grief and loss education and training to the community. For more information, contact Imagine at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org.

With Imagine’s Newark training and education manager Ashley S. Allen, far left, and Newark program manager Sonia Nunez, second from left, are Cynthia White Shabazz, of Irvington; Christina Macauley, of Union; Idalmi Acosta, of East Orange; and Afina Roberts, of Millburn; and, front row, from left, Marco Antonio Nunez, of Newark; Cari Libysen, of Sparta; and Tiffany Newton, of Newark. Jean Marie Morgan, of Westfield, also recently graduated from Imagine’s volunteer facilitator training, but is not pictured.

Photo Courtesy of Imagine

University historians research Revolutionary War battles

Kean University researchers are taking a fresh look at New Jersey Revolutionary War history, using modern mapping techniques, original documents and more to develop a fuller understanding of two pivotal battles fought near Kean.

With the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States approaching in 2026, a team including historians from Kean and Monmouth universities have launched a new review of the battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield. The conflicts were fought in June 1780 near what is now Kean’s Union campus.

As part of their focus, researchers are exploring the roles of women, blacks and Native Americans during the two conflicts, the last major Revolutionary War confrontations in New Jersey.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we proposed doing a new investigation of the battles. We have some myths; we have some stories. We hope to take advantage of new technologies and conduct a new historic review,” said Kean Acting Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Jonathan Mercantini and colead of the project.

British soldiers marched through what is now Kean, passing Liberty Hall, and fought the Continental Army on June 7, 1780 in Connecticut Farms, now Union Township. The Battle of Springfield occurred two weeks later.

Union County memorializes this history in the county seal, which depicts the death of Hannah Caldwell, a minister’s wife shot during the Battle of Connecticut Farms.

Researchers will use GPS technology to plot battle sites and geographic locations and will employ archaeological techniques to look deeper into the conflicts.

Researchers are planning a public event in June to share their findings.The three-year project includes developing new signs, an audio self-driving tour in

multiple languages, and K-12 educational activities.

“We hope to share our research with the widest possible public audience, to make this scholarly work relevant to the region and beyond,” Mercantini said. “The location of the sites in what are now diverse communities presents an opportunity for engaging a diverse audience.”

The project received an $18,550 grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Kean honors history alumnus Nicole

Skalenko ’20, now a Rutgers-Camden graduate student, is conducting research with historic documents including orderly books — records kept by military leaders in both armies — as well as 18th-century newspapers and translations of Hessian soldiers’ diaries. Hessians were German troops hired to fight for the British.

Earlier published research focused on prominent military leaders, Skalenko said, without considering women and other people.

“It became increasingly evident there were other individuals who held important roles during these battles, and their service should be recognized as well,” she said. “I think this perspective is really important.”

Skalenko found one interesting entry in a Hessian soldier’s journal. The soldier wrote that it was impossible to surprise Continental Army forces because civilian homes in the area served as “advertising posts” and farm families, including wives, daughters and servants, notified Continental regiments of Hessian movements.

“The battles deserve a closer look,” she said.

Richard Veit, interim dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University, is a co-lead on the project. Also on the team from Monmouth are Geoffrey Fouad, an associate professor of geography; Melissa Ziobrio, a specialist professor of public history; and student Matthew Kramer.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

An artist's depiction of the Battle of Connecticut Farms, fought in modern day Union.

Food Truck Thursdays serves residents on the go

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and improves the livelihood of the residents according to the township.

“This festival helps to bring in more customers from North Jersey who come to Union and experience the township,” Jeffrey Fama, owner of the Twelve Truck, told LocalSource. “I opened my food almost four years ago and was recruited by Union Township to come to the Food Truck Fests in 2020, after the pandemic, to bring comfort and support.”

Given the continued success of his food truck, Fama has ambitions of expanding to New York, Virginia and Hoboken.

“I would love to have two or three food trucks to attend the food truck festivals at Pier 13 in Hoboken, or in New York and Virginia, where I have family,” Fama said. “We get invited to other festivals, but cannot always attend, due to scheduling conflicts. My late brother grew up in Virginia Beach, so I would love to bring my business there and represent him and my family.”

The Food Truck Festival is at Biertuempfel Park, 1300 Winslow Ave., every Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Above left, Food Truck Thursdays has become the place to meet up at for local students in search of a tasty treat. Above right, Big John and his gourmet burgermobile is one of the many delicious reasons that Food Truck Thursdays have the hungry flocking to Biertuempfel Park through May 25.

Photos by David VanDeventer

Union Foundation awards 10 grants to teachers

The township of Union Education is awarding 10 grants to teachers in the township of Union public schools for the school year 2023-2024.

Mini-grants of as much as $750 were awarded to the following teachers:

• Cathy Jakositz, Kawameeh Middle School, has been awarded a grant for replacement parts for the aeroponic garden which she received from a prior grant from the Foundation. Jakositz has used the garden as a catalyst for a garden club, which was a place where general education students and students with special needs could join and work together to learn how to grow not only plants but friendships as well.

• Nicole Kelly, eighth-grade English teacher at Kawameeh Middle School, and Danielle Stabler, eighth-grade science teacher at Kawameeh Middle School, will receive a 3D printer which will enable the science students to visualize abstract concepts by creating physical models, as well as to design and create prototypes that can be tested and further improved upon as part of the engineering process. Students in the English classrooms can create visual representation of literary settings, historical monuments as they read novels, poems and plays in a way to visualize the setting and understand the context better.

• Lauren Kohn and Marcy Musarra, who teach English self-contained grades 9-12 at Union High School, will receive funds for sets of books for each special

needs student in their class. These students will be exposed to a variety of genres, explore literature as a form of entertainment and make connections to real life skills.

• Thomas Lubanski, CAST teacher at Union High School, and Sandra Mangarella, Screenwriting 9-12 and other Language Arts classes teacher at Union High School, requested funds that will enable their students to enter nationwide contests where they can showcase their talents in screenwriting and television production. Having entry fees paid will provide students with a chance to build a professional portfolio, which they can showcase to industry professionals and receive feedback and national recognition for their efforts.

• LaShanna Armour, integrated preschool teacher at Hannah Caldwell, has been awarded a grant to purchase materials, which will support her preschool students with extra support and guidance in mastering the early stage of self-regulating their strong emotions with materials for stimulating experiences to creatively explore and engage in tactile play.

Macro-grants of as much as $5,000 have been awarded to:

• Lisa Krauze, media specialist at Kawameeh Middle School, and John Irwin, media specialist at Burnet Middle School, cooperated on a grant proposal for both schools which requested funds for materials that are print books and also

contain an audio component, which allows students to read along to help strengthen the reading skills and help students to learn to pronounce new words as they learn them. These books are especially geared towards students with special needs and students who are learning the English language. These books will enable students at all reading abilities and levels to select and read printed books on their own.

• Jha’Lon Motley, prekindergarten teacher at Hannah Caldwell, will receive materials that will enable the young students to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math through play. These specially designed kits will be able to be used for years to come.

• Alexia Moriello, Trisha Davis, Nicole Filippone and Ashley Maynard, teachers of self-contained prekindergarten and self-contained autistic students at Hannah Caldwell School, will receive materials for a sensory room, that students can use throughout the day to help with selfregulation in order to help them increase the ability to refocus and promote positive classroom behaviors.

• Melissa Antolovich, library media specialist at Hannah Caldwell School and Battle Hill School, requested funds to add a graphic novel and manga book collection to the school libraries. These novels are an accessible way for all students, including those with disabilities, to spark a love for reading. Students will learn to

interpret both text and images, a skill needed for students in our media rich age.

• Mary Ellen Patricco, fourth-grade teacher at Connecticut Farms School, will receive materials for a grant called “Building Math Success.” Patricco believes that students need hands-on and engaging materials to learn math. The students will use “Math Stackers” and “Math Magnets” to help students learn the “why” behind math.

These teachers will be honored at a reception on Thursday, May 18, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus, 1034 Jeanette Ave., Union.

The donation per person is $35. For information, call 908-851-9869.

KPOT is a unique, hands-on all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors –but modernized with a full bar and a nightlife-like atmosphere.