Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church presents its annual Easter cantata
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The Easter cantata is a beloved community tradition that kicks off Holy Week.
A cantata is a collection of songs with some sort of narration. This year, the choir will perform “Let All Heaven Rejoice,” by David T. Clydesdale.
This performance will take place on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m., at Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church. Admission is free.
The event is directed by Dewey Moss, an award-winning writer, director and producer, whose career has spanned Broadway, opera and commercial theater. Moss has been a musical director with Connecticut Farms for 13 years.
For the Easter cantata, Moss chose the work of David T. Clydesdale, because he grew up singing some of his music. “He’s still out there, writing and doing a lot of work. It’s a bit older, but still contemporary.”
“Let All Heaven Rejoice” begins with the temptation of Christ and moves through the resurrection. George Heath sings the bass baritone part of Satan. The part of Jesus was written as a tenor and is performed by Jeffrey Sharp.
Moss says it’s almost literally from scripture, though not word for word. “It’s a nice, big dramatic musical type cantata,” he said. “I always try to choose something that’s going to challenge the choir. This one is a particular challenge. It has interesting chord structures.”
In choosing music to perform for the cantatas, Moss tends to lean toward music that is on the contemporary side, but has a strong message – and an easy message that makes things more accessible.
He said, “Overall, just about anything I choose is going to have a strong message of love, a strong message of healing. I seek out those kinds of things. A lot of that powerful music was written earlier, in contemporary Christian music genre. Now, it’s very rock and pop music sounding. Back then, it combined classical with contemporary music. That’s where I find the sweet spot for making something like this accessible for an audience of all ages.”
There are no costumes in the performance. In addition to the roles of Satan and Jesus, there’s a narrator, Mother Mary,
Above, the Choir of Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church is pictured after its annual 2025 Easter cantata. Below, Dewey Moss conducts the choir of Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church as it sings during a morning service. It will perform ‘Let All Heaven Rejoice’ on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m. It’s free and all are welcome.
Mary Magdalene and some other solos.
“It’s a lovely piece of music,” said Moss. “Guest soloists from opera or Broadway love to come out and sing with us. The choir is always welcoming to them. They are grateful the choir works so hard. It’s a nice evening. It’s low pressure, but everyone does their best to do a good
job. I press my little choir quite hard. We only rehearse once a week.”
Following the performance, there will be a reception and guests can enjoy some food.
Visit Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church at: https://www.ctfarmschurch. org/.
Photos Courtesy of Dewey Moss
Caldwell Parsonage hosts another Open House
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
For the second time this year, the public was recently invited to visit the 1780s Caldwell Parsonage and Tool Museum in its adjacent 1800s Carriage House.
“I’m honored to be here. It’s always a pleasure to visit and experience the history,” said Sally Strauss, of Union.
Barbara LaMort, president of the Union Township Historical Society, said, “We’re welcoming visitors from our town and other towns nearby, especially during the 250th anniversary of our country.”
It was the first time visiting the Caldwell Parsonage for Phillip Whyte, of Union. He said, “I like the information and history.”
Robert Amato, of Flemington, used to live across the street from the Caldwell Parsonage in the 1950s. He said, “It was always interesting to me. It’s a great place to come and look.”
Amato graduated from Union High School in 1963. He said that, back then, they had a live goat as a mascot. He borrowed the blanket the goat wore and had forgotten about it. Many years later, he found the blanket and didn’t want to give it back to the high school because he said their display case is all current. Instead, he donated it to the Caldwell Parsonage.
“I knew it would end up in a closet [at
See ANOTHER, Page 3
Above, at the 1780s Caldwell Parsonage and Tool Museum in its adjacent 1800s Carriage House, Dennis LaMort stands beside a vintage ice cream maker. At right, Robert Amato, of Flemington, graduated Union High School in 1963 and kept the blanket that belonged to the goat mascot. He donated it to Caldwell Parsonage.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, Caldwell Parsonage, a historical museum owned and operated by the Union Township Historical Society, at 909 Caldwell Ave. Above, second from left, Barbara LaMort stands with her friend, Phillip Whyte, who was visiting Caldwell Parsonage for the
from
including jacks and a
Another Open House is hosted by Caldwell Parsonage
(Continued from Page 2)
the high school],” he said. “Here, it’s history and appreciated.”
Kathy Arminio was volunteering in the children’s room, reading to them about different chores and activities. She said, “A baby wouldn’t be given a name until a year old because of the mortality rate.” She said, back then, there were no vaccines. “A woman would have 12 children and five would survive.”
Games played in the children’s room included marbles, pick-up sticks, jacks and church dolls. Arminio said, “Services would go on for hours. Children would play with dolls.” There were also Colonial clothes in which children could dress.
Anita Centeno was showing a display she made featuring a special exhibit of Newark State College, Kean University and the Union Public Library – Then and Now. She said, “We have a university right in this town. The public library made tremendous growth in expanding education and opportunity.” She further explained that her display showed how education helped the town with availability of learning. There were also photos of Union’s heyday of shopping in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring photos of Whitney’s Clothing and Thom McCann.
Volunteer Arianna, 16, was telling guests about a frosted mirror. She said, “Sometimes a maid would get distracted seeing themselves.” She also spoke about how jewelry was made with human hair, collected in a hair catcher.
Arianna said she’s really interested in history and seeing the advancements we made.
Dennis LaMort was in the Carriage House, explaining how items of yesteryear worked. There was a vintage ice cream maker. You put the ingredients in and turn the crank for 45 minutes. And there was a dog/sheep/goat treadmill, which churned butter, grinded stones and separated cream.
To learn more about the history of Caldwell Parsonage, visit: https://www.uniontownship.com/1063/Caldwell-Parsonage.
first time. Above, third
left, toys that children played with in the 1800s,
church doll. Above right, Anita Centeno enjoys talking about the growth and opportunity of Union.
Above left, Arianna, 16, is a volunteer who is really interested in history. Above right, Dennis LaMort stands in front of a dog/sheep/ goat treadmill used to churn butter. At right, a hair catcher, which was used to collect hair in order to make jewelry.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Union welcomes new mayor at Union Arts Center
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The township of Union welcomed Patricia Guerra-Frazier with open arms.
The Greater Union Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet the Mayor” event was at Union Arts Center. The New Jersey Fife and Drums marching band performed and El Gordo provided an assortment of mouth-watering Peruvian food.
New Jersey state Sen. Joseph Cryan, Union Township Committeeman Joseph Florio, Union Township Committeeman Manuel Figuiredo and former Mayor James Bowser were in attendance.
James Masterson, executive director/CEO Union Township Chamber of Commerce, was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He introduced the historical video of Union, reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America. “We have a remarkable journey,” he said, of Union.
The brief film featured the histories of Connecticut Farms Church, Caldwell Parsonage and Liberty Hall and how the township of Union was originally a farming community. In 1810, Union had 1,400 residents, tripling by 1900 with 4,300 residents. By then, Union had become a thriving residential and industrial hub.
In 1910, it was the birthplace of the Union Police Department. And in 1920, Union entered the automobile age. Later, the Garden State Parkway brought business to Union. In 1974, Anthony Russo became Union’s first Democratic mayor in 50 years.
By 2000, Union was a vibrant, multicultural community. The Union train station transformed the area for residents working in New York City and Jersey City. By 2020, Union had 60,000 residents.
After the film footage, the township of Union welcomed its new mayor.
“It’s truly an honor to stand before you,” said Guerra-Frazier.
She thanked Masterson for sharing his vision.
Continuing, Guerra-Frazier said,
Above
is the township of Union’s
Patricia Guerra-Frazier, as she prepares to speak at the ‘Meet the Mayor’ event at Union Arts Center. Below left, Lizeth Morales is the owner of El Gordo, a family business for more than 30 years, with six years in Union. Below center, James Masterson is the director and CEO of Union Township Chamber of Commerce. Below right, pictured is the township of Union’s new mayor, Guerra-Frazier.
“What matters most is not history, but the future we build together. When one part grows stronger, the whole community benefits. After several months of operation, the new library proved to be an asset. Since opening, they issued 4,000 new library cards.”
Guerra-Frazier spoke about the arts in the community, that when people come to Union for the arts, they shop locally and eat locally. “That is the eco-
system we’re building,” she said.
Other great things in Union that Guerra-Frazier mentioned included renovations and upgrades at Rabkin Park, including new concessions; recreation programs continuing to grow; having more than 200 new members at the senior center; and public safety provided by police officers and firefighters.
“Union Center is the heart of our township,” she said. “We will encourage devel-
opers that represent Union’s character.” In celebration of the nation’s 250th year of history, Guerra-Frazier said Union will be having more than 30 events honoring America’s founding and Union’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Closing, she said, “As your mayor, I pledge I will continue to meet with residents and business owners all year long. God bless the township of Union and God bless America.”
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, the New Jersey Fife and Drums Marching Band performs as guests gather to meet the new mayor.
right, pictured
new mayor,
Vauxhall Vinyl Music Club kicks
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Vauxhall Branch Library started a club for avid music fans and vinyl lovers.
The Vauxhall Vinyl Music Club is free and meets monthly at Vauxhall Branch Library. The first meeting featured Marvin Gaye’s 11th studio album, “What’s Going On,” in honor of Black History Month.
The club is presented in collaboration with two diehard music fans: Vauxhall Branch Manager Gabriel Ramos and Union resident Paul Reitz, who worked with Sony for more than 20 years. Records are played in their entirety on a portable Victrola. Ramos and Reitz go into depth on the making of the album and notable tracks. There is also audience participation to share thoughts and ask questions.
Reitz shared that he grew up buying records and would listen with friends and then discuss the record. He wanted to bring that concept back to the Union community. “We want your opinions,” he said. “We want your thoughts.”
Ramos said, “It’s a place for music fans to come together, leaving with a better appreciation of music.”
“What’s Going On” was an album with a message released in 1971. Marvin Gaye felt restricted by Motown’s “behind-thetimes hit machine.”
He wanted to write and produce something with more depth. Gaye’s world view was expanding and bright three-minute Motown songs seemed less appealing.
Reitz said, “It’s a concept album – war, poverty, environmental issues. It ended up being timeless.”
Each song on the album blends seamlessly into the next. “What’s Going On” stayed on the Billboard Top LPs for more
library books
put the needle to the
to create the Vauxhall Vinyl
than a year. The two top hits from the album were “What’s Going On” and “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).”
Other notable tracks on the album included “What’s Happening Brother,” about Gaye’s brother Franky’s experience in Vietnam; “Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky,” about drugs; “Save the Children,” a prayer to save the children in the early ’70s; and “God is Love,” a call for people to love each other.
Reitz called the album “a masterpiece.”
Library attendee Angela Monto, of Union, said, “I love his [Gaye’s] style of singing.”
Don Erdman, of Union, said, “He [Gaye] broke the mold. Broke out of Motown and was true to his vision.”
Tyrone Tutt, of Vauxhall, said, “So relevant, so timely.”
Lynn Stradford, of Union, said she liked the consciousness of his albums.
Ramos let attendees know that the library had several biographies on Marvin Gaye that could be borrowed with a library card.
The next Vauxhall Vinyl Music Club will be on Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m., and will be featuring the album “Rumors,” by Fleetwood Mac.
To learn more about Vauxhall Library, visit: https://uplnj.org/hours-and-locations/vauxhall-branch/.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Top left, Marvin Gaye’s full album ‘What’s Going On’ was played at the Vauxhall Vinyl Music Club;
on Marvin Gaye were available to borrow with a library card. Bottom left, Paul Reitz
turntable and the magic began. Above right, Gabriel Ramos and Reitz collaborated
Music Club.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade sees great turnout in Union
The 29th annual Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade saw a great turnout on Saturday, March 14, in the township of Union.
Hundreds of people marched in the parade, which was dedicated to people with disabilities. Among the dignitaries were Grand Marshal Kerry Schardien-Ricci, General Chairperson Gabby Sully and Adjutant James Holmes.
Honored in this year’s parade was Harry Leonard, Protocol Division, Memorial Division; Joseph Thomas “Joey” Matthews, First Division, Honorary Division; Trooper Thomas J. Hanratty, Second Division, Memorial Division; Barbara Mahon, Third Division, Honorary Division; and Mary Ellen Ewing O’Neill, Fourth Division, Memorial Division.
merges
Photos by Steve Ellmore
LEGO architectural workshop is part of 250th anniversary celebration
The township of Union 250th Anniversary Committee has announced the LEGO Building Workshop, a unique, hands-on event that combines local history, architecture and creativity. This highly anticipated gathering is a key highlight in the series of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, inviting residents to participate in a piece of local history.
“As we celebrate 250 years of our nation, we want to highlight the local landmarks that make our town so special,” said Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier. “This LEGO workshop is only one of many events we are hosting to mark this great anniversary. It is a hands-on way to celebrate our past while we look forward to the future of our community, recognizing the important role our local landmarks play in that national story.”
The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, running from 2 to 4 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place in the Union High School Gym and costs $25 per group to participate.
Participants will work alongside renowned architect Stephen W. Schwartz of Building Blocks Workshops. With thousands of LEGO building blocks at their disposal, teams will learn basic architectural principles to visualize the township of Union’s historic landscape as never before. Teams will be assigned a wellknown local landmark, such as the Town Hall, the Caldwell Parsonage, Liberty Hall Museum, the Union Public Library or historic heritage houses, to recreate as a scaled model.
This is a family-focused event. Teams can have as many as four members, with each group requiring at least one adult and no more than three children. At the end of the two-hour session, all scale models will be displayed together on a large map, forming a detailed miniature version of the township of Union. Participants do not get to keep their LEGO creations.
Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, temporary masterpiece and celebrate the history of our community and nation in a truly imagina-
Junior Mayor Leadership Program for local youth launched
The township of Union has announced the official launch of its Junior Mayor Leadership Program, a dynamic civicengagement initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of local leaders. This program is currently seeking moti-
vated students in grades five through eight who are eager to make a tangible difference in their community.
Applications are now open to all eligible students in the township of Union via uniontownship.com.
tive way. Spectators are invited to attend at no cost, with no registration needed. For registration details and informa-
tion about upcoming 250th events, visit uniontownship.com and follow @twpunionnj on social media.
IN MEMORIAM
• ALVARADO–MEJIAS – Idelfonso, of Union, formerly of Puerto Rico; March 4. Husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, 86.
• BURKE – Elizabeth Jean “Bette,” of Union, formerly of Plainfield, Rockaway and Ocean Pines, Md.; Feb. 6. Nurse, widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 88.
• GALING – Anelia A., of Union, formerly of the Philippines; Feb. 13. Certified public accountant. Mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, 70.
• GAMBA – William Anthony, of Lakewood, formerly of East Orange, Union; March 7. Army veteran. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 94.
• GENOVA – Peter J., of Mendham, formerly of East Orange, Union; Feb. 27. USAF staff sergeant veteran. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 91.
• MARTORANO – Joseph D., of Columbia, formerly of Union, Belvidere; March 5. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, 90.
• MCMURRAY – Eleanor Lauyer, of Whiting, formerly of Union and Colonia; Feb. 23. Secretary, widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, 91.
• O’HARA – Elizabeth, of Union; March 8. Telephone operator for NY Bell Telephone Co. Past Democratic Committee person. Wife, grandmother, 89.
• PETERSON – Anne B., of Summit, formerly of Avon, Union, Buffalo, N.Y., and Roselle Park; Feb. 11. Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 83.
• SHOBAN – Matthew B., of Union, formerly of Linden; March 8. Retired from Physical Education Administration Dept., Kean College. Brother, uncle, 84.
• SOBRAL – Maria V., of Union; Feb. 14. Was 75.
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.
Annual Easter Scavenger Hunt will take place in Union Center
The Union Center Special Improvement District invites the community to its annual Easter Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, April 4. This free, family-friendly event will take place from noon to 3 p.m., kicking off at the Union Arts Center, 1980 Morris Ave.
“Events like the Union Center Easter Scavenger Hunt are a wonderful way for our families to create lasting memories together while directly supporting the small businesses that make Union so unique,” said Mayor Patricia GuerraFrazier. “By bringing foot traffic to our local storefronts, we are strengthening our local economy and celebrating the vibrant spirit of our downtown. We invite everyone to come out, explore the Center and enjoy everything our merchants have to offer.”
Designed to showcase the vibrant local business community while providing a festive afternoon for families, the
— Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier
scavenger hunt encourages participants to explore the heart of Union Center. The fun begins at the Union Arts Center, which will serve as the event hub featuring a variety of interactive activities and games for children of all ages.
After checking in, families can head out to visit a diverse lineup of confirmed local merchants. A major highlight of this year’s route is Norma’s Flowers,
where attendees can stop for a professional-style photo opportunity in front of a stunning flower wall and meet the Easter Bunny in person.
Each participating business will hand out exciting pre-filled eggs and provide a special letter to fill in on the map, unlocking the secret message. These participating businesses include:
• Balloons by JJ Creations
• Blue Ribbon Bakery
• Brooklyn Pizza
• Club Pilates
• Conca D’Oro
• Head and Tails Pet Salon
• Here's the Story Bookstore
• House of Playokee
• Instaclaw
• Jammed Up Bakery
• Qsina 8
• Sabor De Mi Tierra
• The Gym for Kids / Studio for Kids
• The Pink Room
• Ultra Health Pharmacy
“This is such a great, well-attended Annual event,” said Antonio Dei-Medici, executive director of the Special Improvement District. “We look forward to having all friends & families join the Easter egg scavenger hunt for a day of free fun and community engagement. Come and create some memories in the Union Center. See you there!”
The event is open to the public at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their own baskets for the hunt. For more information, visit unioncentersid.com and @unioncentersid on social media.
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Networking for a Cause to support second-grader battling brain tumor
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The township of Union and The Rotary Club of Union are in collaboration to help Isabella Santos. Isabella is a second-grade student who has been battling a brain tumor for the past three years. The township of Union and The Rotary Club of Union are hosting the fourth annual Networking for a Cause event on Thursday, April 16, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Union Arts Center to raise funds to help Isabella, who is undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatments. The medical challenges have profoundly impacted her education. She’s now partially blind in both eyes, making it hard to master foundational skills such as writing her name and learning the alphabet, numbers and shapes. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards assisting Isabella and her family with medical expenses and educational needs.
The $30 admission fee includes connecting with local professionals while enjoying food and drinks. There will also be feature raffle opportunities and a 50/50 drawing for additional fundraising.
The Union County Chamber of Commerce is helping in collecting baskets and getting donations for the event.
Carlos N. Sanchez, director of Economic Development, Union Township, said that, in previous years, as much as $10,000 has been raised to help a family in need. The only requirement is that they are from Union. He said the event is a “call to community.”
Kathy Arminio, president of the Union Rotary Club, said Networking for a Cause began in 2023. “It’s wonderful we’re able to help all different people,” she said. “We see all these people who may not be connected with family but just want to reach out and support someone else. Union is a very big, small town. We’re
close and close knit and we take care of each other.”
If anyone wants to make a basket to donate to the Tricky Tray, they can contact Sanchez at csanchez@uniontownship.com.
To purchase tickets to the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-networking-fora-cause-tickets-1980106249094?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Additional paid parking is available at the following lots:
• Lot 12, 1898 Morris Ave. – Casino Lot; and • Lot 24, 1981 Morris Ave. – Russo Park Lot.
During the event, free parking will be available at the Union Arts Center – Lot No. 4, Town Hall – Lot No. 5 and Library Parking Lots.
Photos Courtesy of Santos Family
Above left, Isabella Santos is a second-grade student in Union battling a brain tumor. Above right, Isabella undergoes chemotherapy treatments.
