Union Leader - May 2024

Being there for pets

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Third annual Easter Egg Hunt is all it’s cracked up to be

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

The weather outside was nasty but the heavy rain didn’t stop Union Township’s third annual Easter Egg Hunt from happening.

The event recently took place at Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, Union. It was originally planned to take place at Rabkin Field, but due to the bad weather, the event was moved indoors. It was certainly a déjà vu moment, as the same thing occurred the year before.

Mayor Manuel Figueiredo said, “For the second year in a row, Mother Nature has forced us indoors, but our community still made it out to celebrate spring. I’m glad to see hundreds of children here enjoying themselves and having fun.”

Approximately 450 children and their parents showed up throughout the day. The event was open to all Union residents and attendance times were staggered for a sensory-friendly group, toddlers, ages 5 and younger, and ages 6 and older. Children were encouraged to bring their Easter baskets. There was a photo booth, giveaways and prizes. And, of course, there was a visit from the Easter Bunny as well.

Eggs weren’t hidden, but rather spread across the school gym, making them easier for the young ones to find. The eggs were ordered from a company called Sunny Bunny — a job placement program for adults with special needs, providing meaningful employment since 1966. Sunny Bunny offers plastic Easter eggs that could be purchased in bulk. Their eggs are specially engineered to be easyto-assemble, allowing nearly anyone, regardless of their ability, to construct or open the eggs.

The sensory-friendly group included larger and faceted eggs that were filled with silicone wristbands to provide the

Two Easter Bunnies were at Union Township’s third annual Easter Egg Hunt to provide joy to all the children taking part in the event. Moved inside Hannah Caldwell Elementary School due to bad weather, approximately 450 children and their parents showed up throughout the day.

children with a tactile toy inside.

The infant/toddler age group featured empty eggs so parents wouldn’t need to worry about choking hazards for their young children.

The 6 and up age group was the largest group with about 250 children total.

“The group was so large, we had to run a second egg hunt for them,” said Robert Cowper, superintendent of recreation.

More than 17,000 eggs were collected throughout the day. All children received chocolate bunnies and other prizes. Some won baskets and even bicycles.

The DJ played a mix of children’s party

favorites and Top 40 hits.

About 20 volunteers from Union High School’s National Honor Society helped out, with the direction of adviser Joe Daly.

“We’re grateful so many families attended our annual Easter Egg Hunt,” Cowper said. “The event wouldn’t be possible without the coordination of all the township departments, including Recreation, Administration, DPW, Police, Fire, EMU, Public Information and UnionTV.”

To learn more about Union Township, visit: https://www.uniontownship.com/ or for more information, call 908-686-4200.

Photo Courtesy of Robert Cowper, Superintendent of Recreation

Rescue and adoption center helps out dogs as well as the community

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

Shake A Paw Rescue and Adoption Center is a family business. Officially formed in the spring of 2012, it provides dog rescue and adoptions services in their regular pet store.

The shelter, located at 2195 US Hwy 22, Union, is a New Jersey non-profit and charitable organization. Shake A Paw is a contributor and sponsor of more than 20 animal welfare organizations, community youth groups and local charities, including the township of Union Animal Shelter and Summit Educational Foundation. It’s also its eighth year as primary sponsor for the Mayor’s Day 5K. Run/Walk, which will be later this year.

It recently partnered with the Union County Sheriff’s Office to supply its K9 dogs with K9 vests and supplies; and has partnered with Union High School to provide volunteer opportunities for its students.

Owner Jeffrey Morton is also active with the Union Chamber of Commerce.

Jeffrey’s son, Charlie Morton, who works as adoption manager, oversees the animal shelter. “This mainly includes handling (the) intake and outtake of our dogs, and ensuring each dog finds a new, happy, forever home,” he said.

Rescues are surrenders from the community. “We accept small, friendly dogs under 30 pounds,” said Charlie Morton.

The success rate of their adoptions is 100%. “We have a zero-kill policy. We never have. We never will,” Charlie Morton said. “Every single dog that is accepted into our shelter will be adopted, no matter the circumstances. They all go home.”

While Shake A Paw has such a high success rate, there are still challenges. “Seeing a hopeless, innocent dog be surrendered is an emotional process that never gets easier,”

Charlie Morton said. “However, I know that a better future for the dog is coming where we can match the dog with a new, proper family that will give the dog a loving new home and spoil him!”

And it’s certainly rewarding for Charlie Morton when he sees the expressions of the dogs and families when the pets go to their forever homes. “Dogs have an incredible intuition and seem to know when they are getting adopted!” he said. “Also, to see the joy on the adopter’s face when taking home their new dog is always priceless. Being able to match a family with a new dog is truly a rewarding experience.”

Buddy is a corgi/shepherd mix available for adoption. He’s been at Shake A Paw three or four weeks, said Charlie Morton. Buddy’s former owners surrendered him because they were moving to an apartment that didn’t allow dogs.

“It’s very sad,” said Charlie Morton.

There’s also Millie and Lola, mother and

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Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

From left, Jeffrey and Charlie Morton sit behind Buddy, who is available for adoption. The father and son run Shake A Paw Rescue and Adoption Center in Union together.

See SHAKE,

Shake A Paw comes to the rescue for pets

(Continued from Page 2)

daughter mini-Australian shepherds, which Shake A Paw is trying to adopt together.

Echo is a terrier mix who just arrived, is very shy and is just beginning to open up. Echo is recommended for someone who is home a lot.

While Shake A Paw has had many happy stories, Charlie Morton’s favorite story is the very first rescue: Penny, a Pitbull mix who ended up staying with them.

“Penny came from a fighting kennel in Newark, bruised, battered, beaten,” he said. “We took her in, grew attached. We couldn’t let her go. She kick-started us (into) opening the shelter. She was the best.”

Shake A Paw’s adoption process is relatively easy and only takes between one and three days. Applications can be found on the Shake A Paw website. To learn more, visit: https://www.shakeapawrescue.org/.

Photos Courtesy of Shake A Paw Above, Buddy, a friendly Corgi/shepherd mix, is waiting for his forever home. Above center, Penny, when she first came to Shake A Paw Rescue and Adoption Center. Above right, Penny became the official Shake A Paw mascot for many years before her death – happy and healthy.

HOURS

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

Union dance company celebrated at gala in Maplewood

An evening benefiting the arts education and community impact of Carolyn Dorfman Dance of Union took place on Thursday, April 11, at the Maplewood Country Club, 28 Baker St., Maplewood.

The event, billed as REACH “an evening of fundraising and recognition,” featured performances by the Carolyn Dorfman Dance dancers and “Spotlight Friendz.” It honored longtime board member and company supporter Rabbi Stuart Gershon, according to a press release from the dance company.

Gershon has been a stalwart supporter of Carolyn Dorfman Dance for more than 15 years and he has served on the Board of Trustees since 2016. Gershon retired as a

congregational rabbi in 2019 after a 30-year career. Currently, he is rabbi emeritus at Temple Sinai, in Summit, where he served for 25 years.

The “Spotlight Friendz” are eight individuals who are supporters of the company and are taking part in dances created by Dorfman.

The event also included an open bar, buffet dinner, performances and awards, all emceed by Broadway performer, Pilates instructor, author, and podcast host Allisa Alter. The company performed excerpts from repertory favorites “Just a Gigolo,” “Battle of the Beats,” “Kaffeeclatch” and “Portrait.”

“We are thrilled to present this event, which is a little

different from galas we have had in recent years. We will be reaching to connect and build community as everyone supports Carolyn Dorfman Dance,” said artistic director Carolyn Dorfman. “With MOVE HUMAN as our lead, our company has been bringing dance to K-12 schools, colleges/universities, community organizations, senior citizens and organizations that work with disabled people and audiences in and outside of New Jersey for more than 40 years. We hope that everyone can come and support our work and cheer for a DJ to the stars, the brilliant student performers as they bring new life to a work celebrating women, and of course, support our wonderful Spotlight Friendz in performance!”

a daily driver or fleet of vehicles look no fur

Carolyn Dorfman stands in the middle of a collection of dancers during a show in Morristown last year.

Photo Courtesy of Whitney Brown

Annual chamber gala hosted

The annual Gala of the Greater Union Township �Chamber of Commerce, serving the chambers of Union, Roselle Park, Kenilworth and Hillside, will be Thursday, May 2, at 6 p.m., at Galloping Hill Caterers, 1085 Galloping Hill Road, Union.

Islander Food and Music Festival will be on Saturday, May 4, from noon to 4 p.m., on Stuyvesant Avenue, between Morris and Axton avenues. The rain date is Saturday, May 11.

Board of Health to meet

$28.00 - 10 and under 1/2

5 and under FREE Tax and Tip additional RESERVE EARLY Menu subject to change

Scrambled Eggs

“with cheddar”, bacon, breakfast potatoes

Italian Sausage Roasted Garlic Potatoes

French Toast Sticks, Bagels (butter/jelly)

Chicken Francaise

Roasted Honey Ham

Swedish Meatballs

Assorted Salads

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Shrimp & Asparagus Scampi

Roasted Turkey & Swiss Croissants with Honey Dijon Mustard

Dessert Bar

Coffee, Tea & Soft Drink Included

Regular menu available all day

Mimosa For All

Winners are: the President’s Award, Union County Orthopedic Group; the James T. Schaefer Civic Service Award, Kathy Arminio, president, Union Rotary Club; the George D. Thomas Spirit of Union Award, Hillmann Consulting; the Chamber Champions Award, Mike Young, The Restoration Group, Kenilworth; Chris Hoeker, International Tool and Machine, Hillside; John Kruse, J-Way Transportation; and Jay Robaina, councilman, borough of Roselle Park

�Registration link to come soon, but in the meantime, mark your calendars.

Food and Music Festival returning to Union, May 4

The Asian American and Pacific

The Union Board of health will meet on Wednesday, May 8, at 6 p.m., in the Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Ave., Union.

Board of Adjustment to meet

The Union Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on Wednesdays, May 8, 15 and 22, at 7:30 p.m., in the Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Ave., Union.

Township Committee to meet

The Union Township Committee will meet on Tuesdays, May 14 and 28, to have a conference at 6:30 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., in the Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Ave., Union.

LOCAL, POSITIVE, COMMUNITY NEWS

Communication students learn about media careers through Disney

A group of Kean University communication students networked with top professionals in the entertainment industry and got a behind-the-scenes view of broadcast television production as part of the Disney Behind the Screens program.

Twenty-five undergraduate and graduate students from Kean’s Department of Communication, Media and Journalism participated in a six-part virtual series in which professionals talked about their work in different areas of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. The students received career advice and, in a highlight of the program, visited ABC Studios in New York City to learn about network television careers. They toured the facility, attended a networking event and were part of a taping of the “Tamron Hall Show.”

Dayana Velasco, of Piscataway, a Kean graduate student who also interned with the Disney College Program, said it was one of the best networking opportunities she has had.

“I gained so much knowledge about The Walt Disney Company, the entertainment industry and how to make myself a strong candidate for any role I plan to pursue,” she said.

This is the second time that Kean CMJ has partnered with Disney/ABC Behind the Screens. Associate professor Brian Oakes said Kean was the only university invited to visit the studio.

Disney Behind the Screens engages, educates and empowers diverse students to enter the workforce and achieve their career aspirations, according to company materials about the program. It exposes students to specialized areas of network television and educates them on varied careers in sales, entertainment marketing, programming, ESPN, production, news and network operations.

Yahnay Coursey, a senior from Edgewater Park studying media and film, joined the program to get experience to help her launch her career after graduation in May.

“This program exposed me to different jobs in the industry and helped better prepare me for my future career," she said. “Overall, I'm really glad I was a part of it.”

Jennifer Brooks, CMJ managing assistant director who coordinated the program with Oakes, said the students learned about the industry through multiple lenses.

“We are very fortunate that Disney has chosen to return to Kean,” Oakes said.

“It’s really a fantastic experiential learning opportunity for our students. They get to interact with a variety of professionals at Disney and see firsthand how a television show is produced.”

Riley Pond of Clifton, a graduate communication student who hopes to work in public relations in the future, described her experience as “spectacular.”

“I have always wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes at Disney. My dad and I constantly watch programs like The Imagineering Story on Disney+ because we share the same curiosity,” she said. “I still cannot believe how much technology is involved, how many wires there are hidden in the walls, the number of TV screens and the thousands of keyboard keys, each with buttons with a special purpose.”

“Disney/ABC Studios have gone out of their way to create an interactive and engaging experiential opportunity for our students,” Brooks said. “Every area was covered; so many students discovered a segment or niche they might not have considered before. We plan to partner with them again and are happy to partner with anyone willing to share their time and talents with the next generation.”

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Kean University students network with top professionals and get a behind-the-scenes view of broadcast television production at Disney Media and Entertainment.

Union baseball falls to Cranford on opening day

By JR Parachini Sports Editor

A possible Opening Day pitcher’s duel was in place as seniors Dylan Falk for Cranford High School and Matthew Mendez for Union High School showed signs of dominating right from the start.

Falk, who competed on the junior varsity last year, pitched to only three batters in the top of the first. The left hander picked off the only baserunner he allowed on a hit-by-pitch.

Mendez, a returning varsity hurler, allowed a run on a ball that could have been caught. However, the right hander struck out the side in the bottom of the first, getting his first two strikeouts each on just three pitches.

The reason why the Union County Conference-crossover baseball clash didn’t turn into a battle of mound men was that Falk’s fielders backed him up, whereas Mendez did not receive the same defensive support. A slim, one-run Cranford lead in the bottom of the second quickly turned into a large, seven-run Cougar advantage due to four Union errors.

Cranford scored in every inning, including two-run homers blasted over the left field fence by seniors Sean Riley and Ryan Carracino in the fourth, en route to a commanding 12-0 season-opening win at home against Union in the contest on Monday afternoon, April 1, at Memorial Field.

Lway we played,” first-year Union head coach Lou Clemente said. “Our first game was nothing to write home about. We had tough luck defensively and that happens in this game sometimes.”

Mendez on the mound was a bright spot for Union. The first four batters he retired were all on strikeouts.

“I thought Matt was fabulous,” Clemente said.

Falk hit the first batter he faced, Union leadoff batter Matthew Perrotto, and then, after the inning’s first out on a bunt attempt that he caught, Falk picked Perrotto off first base on a 1-3 play, with Cranford first baseman Eddie Toy applying the tag. Falk then got the next batter

Mendez struck out five, walked one, hit one batter and allowed three earned runs on four hits in a 70-pitch stint that was three innings complete. Cranford caused havoc on the basepaths with four stolen bases.

Cranford senior center fielder Dennis McCaffery drove in three runs, with an

Photos by JR Parachini

Above, head coaches Lou Clemente of visiting Union High School at left and Dennis McCaffery of host Cranford High School at right stand together on Monday, April 1, for Opening Day at Cranford’s Memorial Field. At right, Clemente and McCaffery shake hands before the game.

This message is sponsored by these community minded businesses and organizations

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Theater lovers

New

Theater Project’s annual FundRacing program. Theater Project General Manager Gary Glor of Union and actor/director Will Budnikov of Matawan are participating for the sixth consecutive year.

CARMEN’S

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Since 1986-The Job Done Right Every time. 48 North Avenue E. Cranford

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Jewelers & Pawnbrokers

1000 Stuyvesant Avenue Union

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Theater lovers can walk, run, bike to support The Theater Project

Theater lovers from New Jersey and beyond have the opportunity to support The Theater Project – TheTheaterProject.org, a leading incubator for rising talent and a showcase for New Jersey artists, through the non-profit organization’s unique FundRacing initiative.

Through Sunday, June 30, supporters can run, walk or bike to enable The Theater Project to continue to bring audiences and artists together to share new work and enjoy area talent.

“This event helps support all our programs,” said The Theater Project’s founding artistic director, Mark Spina. “Three annual one-act festivals of new work, a mainstage season, young playwrights program, adult playwrights workshop, actors reading with kids and so much more.”

Theater supporters are asked to do either a 150-mile Walking, Biking, or Running Fitness Challenge between now and Sunday, June 30, or a 5K walk/run

from Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30. Supporters receive their own personal fundraising page, which they share with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues who sponsor the participant.

Walking, Running and Biking Challenger participants can accumulate the 150 miles whenever and wherever they want and are given a virtual tracking map to keep them motivated and sponsors up-to-date.

“This is our sixth year of doing this type of fun fundraising activity and it has become more popular each year,” said TTP board member and FundRacing coordinator Alex Gomez, who has entered the 150-mile Biking Challenge. “We even have entire families participating, supporting our commitment to the arts.”

For more information, to sign up for one of the challenges or to support a FundRacing participant, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Union/TTPRace or phone 908-809-8865.

IN MEMORIAM

• PEOPLE – Karen L., of Union; March 16. Was 77.

• RAGAN – Jean, of Union, formerly of Newark; March 27. Newark library department manager. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 90.

• SCHWAIGERT – Iris E., of Bonita Springs, Fla., formerly of Union; April 7. Secretary, homemaker, church singer. Widow, mother, grandmother, aunt, 91.

• SUMSKY – Dolores, of Union, formerly of Ozone Park, N.Y., Germany and Granite City, Ill.; March 22. Widow, mother, grandmother, 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.

Photo Courtesy of The Theater Project

from

Jersey and beyond are already walking, running and biking as part The

American Sign Language Club scores with event at NJ Devils Game

Kean Unicversity’s American Sign Language Club teamed up with the New Jersey Devils and other partners to celebrate the deaf community at ASL Night, during one of the NHL team’s home games at the Prudential Center.

About 175 people representing Kean and other colleges and high schools attended the community outreach event on Thursday, March 7, at which they received ASL Night T-shirts and got to walk on the ice. Kean senior Kyle Nosseir, a psychology major and the public relations director of the university’s ASL Club, worked with the Devils and Prudential Center to promote the event and boost ticket sales.

“I told Kyle during the game, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without his support, promoting the event and getting so many people out,” said Jay Cariaso, senior account executive with the team and Prudential Center. He estimated that

‘I wanted to take part in this event because the deaf community is often overlooked and there are not many opportunities or fun social events at this scale that are accessible to them.’

— Kyle Nosseir

faces using ASL to communicate without feeling stressed about using my phone to communicate with someone who does not know sign language,” Bacino said. “I felt welcomed.”

about half of the people in the ASL Night section were deaf.

ASL Night invited the deaf community, friends and supporters to enjoy a special evening at the hockey arena. Attendees sat in a special section and enjoyed a performance by the Ocean ASL Society Performers. The event was accessible, with ASL interpreters signing the game, loudspeaker announcements and the National Anthem.

“I wanted to take part in this event

• 4 Hour Open Bar

• Buffet Cocktail Hour

• Sit Down Dinner

• Coffee, Tea & Wedding Cake

• Unlimited Italian Wine On Table

• Champagne Toast

because the deaf community is often overlooked and there are not many opportunities or fun social events at this scale that are accessible to them,” said Nosseir, who lives in Monroe Township.

Kean ASL program coordinator and ASL Club advisor AnnMarie Bacino, who is deaf, said the event was “an opportunity for deaf and signing individuals to gather and socialize as a community.”

“It was really good to see old and new

Kean is an official partner of the New Jersey Devils. The Devils and Prudential Center expect to have an ASL Night again next year and Kean is again invited to participate. Bacino hopes to see a deaf performer selected to sign the National Anthem next year, rather than a hearing interpreter.

Nosseir, who is not deaf, said he began studying ASL because a friend was taking it, and he found the language fascinating. He was also inspired by Bacino. Nosseir graduates in May and will begin Kean University’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program this summer. He said he hopes to use ASL in the future when working with clients or working cooperatively with speech therapists.

People come out to enjoy the Easter Scavenger Hunt

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

The Easter Bunny had a secret message. Children were encouraged to unlock the message by visiting participating businesses and grabbing an egg, which was filled with a special treat. Children had to visit all locations in order to unscramble the message.

There were also goodie bags, balloon twisting, face painting, OMG Bubbles, the Easter Bunny, character photos and games.

The event was Easter weekend at Union Center and was sponsored by the township of Union and the Union Special Improvement District. William Reyes, administrator, said, “The event brings out residents and visitors to our center. Over 15 businesses are participating.”

Rosanny Duran, of Union, was there with her 3-year-old daughter Helen for the first time. She said she loved everything about the event, especially the face painting.

Cristina Terrezza had an Easter bean bag toss table. She said the children were “loving it too much,” because they didn’t want to leave.

William Johnson, of Union, is a former resident of Manhattan. It was the first time he and his family attended the event. “It’s family-oriented,” he said. “A good, young, growing community of families.”

Autumn, 11, of West Orange, was busy trying to crack the Scavenger Hunt puzzle. She said the restaurants of Union are “really nice.” Reagan, 9, of Union, agreed that the Scavenger Hunt code was hard. Nevertheless, she was enjoying herself. “There’s a lot of fun things to do,” she said enthusiastically.

Silvio Valladares, owner of Fruit Republique Juicery, said, “The event represents what township is. I’m happy to be here and welcome kids to our establishment.”

Juan Lopez, owner of Conca D’Oro Italian Pastry Shop, said the event brings a lot of activities to the center. It is also helpful for business. Children come in to get the eggs and parents purchase products to bring home. “It’s good help for small business owners,” he said.

Conca D’Oro Italian Pastry Shop was in business for 89 years. Lopez began working

Above

Magical

Helen,

Scavenger Hunt. Above

Cristina Terrezza

a thumbs up as she stands behind the popular bean bag toss table. Below left, Autumn 11, of West Orange, tries to crack the Scavenger Hunt puzzle. Below center, Raegan, 9, of Union, enjoys herself at the Easter Scavenger Hunt. Below right, Juan Lopez, owner of Conca D'Oro Italian Pastry Shop, said he was glad to take part in the annual event, which brings a lot of activities to Union Center.

there in 1990 and bought the business in 2002.

Joe Leo, owner of Here’s the Story Bookstore, said, “It’s a fun, nice day to see so many kids and family come out. It’s been a tradition for many years.”

Other businesses who participated in the Scavenger Hunt included Beyond Nails, Bradshaw Creative Services, Flamin Feathers, 20th Legislative District Office, Peruvian Flavors Restaurant, The Pink Room Shapewear and Fitness, Piri Piri BBQ, Sabor De Mi Tierra, Norma’s Flowers and Union Public Library.

To learn more about the township of Union and the Union Special Improvement District, visit: https://www.uniontownship.com/232/Union-Center-Business-District.

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

left,

3, and Ellie of Magical Events enjoy the annual Easter Scavenger Hunt in Union. Above center, William Reyes Jr., assistant township administrator of the township of Union Administration, stands with Ellie of

Events at the

right,

gives

Campus community gets starry-eyed about rare solar eclipse

The solar eclipse that dazzled crowds across the country on Monday, April 8, became an impromptu event at Kean University, drawing students and employees outside to don protective glasses and look up at the sky.

Conveniently arriving during college hours – the eclipse’s 3:25 p.m. peak in New Jersey matched Kean’s scheduled break from classes – the natural phenomenon was a hit.

Ava Camargo, an English writing senior from Union, called watching the eclipse a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

“I watched the sun almost completely disappear and then reappear a few seconds later, and I was grateful to see that moment,” Carmago said. “It’s a great experience to see an eclipse that has a pathway from coast to coast. It’s something that everyone will remember.”

Crowds of students, faculty and staff watched the spectacle as the moon slowly crossed over the sun – making the sun look like a bright orange slice, through protective glasses – until it covered 90% of the sun’s light for several minutes.

The plaza around the clock tower outside of the Miron Student Center developed a festive atmosphere as groups of

ly important for me – I love all things having to do with the environment,” Cruz said.

Ventura, holding her eclipse glasses, was thrilled to experience her first solar eclipse.

“The fact that I could see the eclipse with my friends was my favorite part of it. Being able to explore it, see it for the first time and learn about it was a lot of fun,” she said.

Jarenin Plasencia of Perth Amboy, a junior biology education major, took pictures with her friends, posing in eclipse glasses outside Miron Student Center.

“I got the glasses from him,” referring to her boyfriend, who joined her. “We’re probably going to be here for about 15 minutes, until the sun gets covered.”

students, faculty and staff gathered to enjoy the moment. Elsewhere on campus, Kean’s lacrosse team, fine arts students and others posed for group photos, all wearing eclipse glasses.

Outside Kean Hall, President Lamont O. Repollet, took a break to join in.

“It’s great to see our university enjoying a natural, astronomical event that captures the imagination and draws the community together,” he said. “Today, Kean

Cougars climbed higher and looked skyward.”

Anaya Milian-Cruz, an environmental science junior from Roselle, watched from outside the Learning Plaza gazebo with friends Sadeishy Garcia Ventura, a junior criminal justice student from Jersey City, and Nathalie Guerra, a junior criminal justice student from Newark.

“I'm out here today because I'm an environmental science major. This is real-

Also taking in the celestial happening was Kean Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Birdsell, who watched with a group of coworkers near the clock tower.

“The eclipse was a spectacular reminder that we are all part of a much, much larger universe,” Birdsell said. “At Kean and across the country, it was wonderful to see people coming together to share their sense of wonder at the solar system's majesty.”

V

SE HERE

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Kean University students Anaya Milian-Cruz, Sadeishy Garcia Ventura and Nathalie Guerra, pictured from left, enjoy the solar eclipse together on the university’s Union campus.

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