UNIONLEADER
Author on book tour
See Page 2
Celebrated coach dies
Union Public Library has much to offer
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Last year, the Union Public Library’s main branch was newly renovated.
The gorgeous new building has three levels. On the lower level, there’s an art gallery, the Black Box Theater, and a podcast room. There’s a main level. And on the upper level, there’s an outdoor patio and cozy fireplace. There are individual study rooms, including a learning laboratory for classroom activities, and restrooms on every level.
Now that the new year is upon us, Union Public Library is going strong with featured programs throughout the year.
“This year marks a showcase of everything our library offers to the community, much more than books, with free resources that enrich the lives of community members of all ages,” said Karen Jason, assistant director of the Union Public Library.
Union Public Library Director Kassundra Miller has been with the Union Public Library since 2022. She’s worked at several other libraries, including Hillside Public Library and Montclair Public Library. But what makes Union Public Library different and special is she appreciates the support. Miller said, “There’s so much support from the township. This is how the new library came about, through the township. We love it. The dedicated staff, the dedicated Board of Trustees… I feel we all work very well together.”
One exciting thing on the horizon for Union Public Library will be the official opening of the sensory room, with a future date to be announced.
They are also digitizing the city directories. Miller said, “We have the physical copies of city directories from the 1940s to the 1980s.” There are also land developer maps from the Vauxhall area around the early 1900s, which will also be digitized.
“The physical copies deteriorate. Anything can happen to them,” said Miller. “We want to preserve them and have access for all to do research online. We’re happy about that.”
The next exciting event at Union Public Library is Puzzle Palooza, which is happening on Saturday, Jan. 24, for all ages. “It’s a first-time event,” said Miller. “It’s in honor of National Puzzle Month in January.”
Union Public Library Director Kassundra Miller and Karen Jason, assistant director of the Union Public Library, pose for a photograph in the library.
They will be doing puzzles on site. There will be a speed puzzling contest and teams, with the winning team receiving a prize.
In April, there will be a workshop on “How to Research Family History and Immigration Records.”
There will be a presentation through the Union Historical Society on Mayor F. Edward Biertümpfel in May.
In June, there will be a program through Liberty Hall called “Stitches in Time: Three Centuries of Hem Lines, Neck Lines and Everything In-Between.”
There will be other collaborations with Liberty Hall throughout the year, including “American Revolution” in July.
During the month of August, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta will be presenting “Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember.”
A book festival for local authors will be happening in September.
“Best of Show: History of the New Jersey Dog Show” will be presented in October. There will also be a Diwali Festival of Lights in October.
In November, “The Trader and the Spy,” which is about Benedict Arnold. will be presented.
“Under the Tree at Liberty Hall” will be
presented in December. Miller said, “Discover how Christmas gifts and traditions have changed over the years in the eyes of Liberty Hall residents. Former children of Liberty Hall explore the Christmas gifts left behind by former residents. It’s lecture style.”
In addition to all the magnificent programs Union Public Library has to offer, there’s also a “Library of Things.” Everyday items can be borrowed from the library. They include musical instruments, household items like a DVD player, a hand-held steamer, board games, puzzles, cookie cutters, cake pans, and binoculars. There are also electric and acoustic guitars; gardening tools; a universal adaptor, for when you travel to different countries; and fitness products, such as an abdominal wheel and hand weights. All items are brand new.
“The steamer I used when my daughter went to prom,” said Miller. “The steamer came in handy.”
The Union Public Library also has a “seed library.” Residents can come in and get packets of seeds for free.
For more information on programs and what Union Public Library has to offer, visit: https://uplnj.org/.
Photo Courtesy of Josue Simao
Local author’s book tour has appearance at Union Public Library
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Union resident Scott Mehno has been busy this holiday season. He’s been promoting his book, “Shorte List,” at various locations throughout New Jersey, with Union Public Library being one of his last stops.
“Shorte List” is Mehno’s first novel and is available in bookstores and on digital platforms. It’s a funny, universal holiday story set in a small New Jersey town struggling to reinvent itself in the 21st Century.
On Christmas Eve in Townlee, New Jersey, the small town’s hopes are all riding on Bailey Hatchell, an overworked artificial intelligence/hologram designer who’s created an AI Charles Dickens. In the book, the AI Charles Dickens is so advanced that he can come to someone’s house for dinner. When Mehno wrote the book 10 years ago, he didn’t know AI was going to be big. He said, “Sixty percent of Americans use it.”
As for Dickens, during his research for the book, Mehno read letters he had written. “He complained about everything,” said Mehno. But when Dickens did readings, people lined up around the block. “In 1867, he was a superstar,” said Mehno. “He was larger than life, like his characters.”
Continuing, Mehno said, “The great thing about Dickens, he was the first
writer to put his money where his mouth is. He donated to orphanages. He knew the importance of what it is to be humane.”
In “Shorte List,” Mehno says that all sorts of crazy things happen. “The story is for ages 10 to 99,” he said. “I’ve been to 12 towns (promoting the book). A big crowd or a small crowd, they’re all pretty intrigued.”
Mehno has been writing for artists and companies in the entertainment industry for more than two decades. While living in New York, he’s written for MTV, Spin and various record companies for diverse artists, including Metallica and The Who, who he still works with doing public relations and writing liner notes.
Working in the music business, he knows how hard it is to get one’s work recognized. He said, “One song in 10,000 becomes a hit.”
But as fate would have it, a friend of Mehno’s knew a Hollywood producer, Chip Diggins, who made “A Walk in the Woods,” with Robert Redford. Diggins is going to make “Shorte List” a movie. Those who love the book will be able to see “Shorte List” on the big screen. However, Mehno points out that making a movie is a long process.
To learn more about Scott Mehno, visit: https://scottmehno.com/.
Visit the Union Public Library at: https://uplnj.org/.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Above left, Union resident Scott Mehno appeared recently at Union Public Library to promote his novel, ‘Shorte List.’ Above right, Mehno’s version of an A.I. Charles Dickens, which was used in his book ‘Shorte List.’
Celebrated coach Jim Jeskey dies at the age of 91
By JR Parachini Sports Editor
Jim Jeskey was a nice man.
In his case, against Leo Durocher’s argument, nice guys finished first.
He meant a lot to many and lived a long life.
We should all be so thoughtful and caring of others.
Jeskey, the Union High School head boys soccer coach for 47 seasons, from 1961 to 2007, and to all just a great person to get to know, surrounded by his loving family, died on Jan. 6 at the age of 91.
Never one to seek the spotlight, Jeskey, who resided in Livingston, was completely touched when the varsity soccer field was named after him in September 2008.
“It’s very nice and I’m moved by it,” Jeskey said that fall day more than 17 years ago, when he was 74.
The varsity baseball field was named after Gordon LeMatty, the head baseball coach at UHS for 33 seasons, from 1959 to 1991, shortly afterward in April 2009.
Jeskey and LeMatty, who led the baseball team to 641 wins, were joined at the hip as coaches, with Jeskey serving as an assistant baseball coach all those years with LeMatty, Jeskey coaching first base and LeMatty third base. “Get the soccer players to come out for baseball,” was the mantra back then.
LeMatty, surrounded by his loving family members, passed away peacefully at his home in Union on July 18, 2025, at the age of 92.
“I enjoy everybody coming out and seeing guys that played for me all the way back to the beginning,” Jeskey also said the day the soccer field was dedicated in his honor.
One of those players was Bobby Johnson, UHS Class of 1962. Johnson was a senior all-state goalie on Jeskey’s first team in the fall of 1961.
“I still call him Mr. Jeskey after all these years,” said Johnson that day in 2008, who became a Union resident again. “It was a different time.
“Mr. Jeskey and Mr. LeMatty kind of took everybody under their wing. They made sure you were on the straight and narrow.
“They were friends and mentors more than anything else. It stayed with me my whole life. I learned a lot from both of them.
“It almost brought a tear to my eye seeing his (Jeskey’s) name up on the scoreboard. It’s a well-deserved honor. Because of the respect that he showed us, they really showed him respect by doing this.
“Dr. (Theodore) Jakubowski said his kids call him Mr. Jeskey. I call him Mr. Jeskey and he’s only 10 years older than I am. I would never think of anything but Mr. Jeskey and Mr. LeMatty.”
Johnson played soccer one year in college at Monmouth and then in Germany on a team when he went into the service.
Above left, Jim Jeskey was a well-respected educator and coach at Union High School for 52 years. He passed away Jan. 6 at the age of 91. Above right, Lester Lembryk, at left, succeeded Jeskey, at right, as head varsity boys soccer coach at Union High School in 2008. Jeskey guided the Farmers to more than 500 wins during his 47-season tenure, from 1961 to 2007. Lembryk is still the head coach and said that he learned a lot from Jeskey when he first came to Union nearly 20 years ago.
“It’s a testament to Mr. Jeskey that he never lost the passion for the kids,” Johnson said. “He always wanted to teach the kids. With him, it was always about everybody else.”
Jeskey, who pitched at Seton Hall University for head coach Mike Sheppard Sr., taught and coached at UHS for 52 years. Jeskey guided the boys soccer team to more than 500 victories, including the program’s first four of its five Union County Tournament championships in 1967, 1978, 1990 and 1999.
“It was something to always look forward to,” Jeskey said. “It carried you right through the school year. I then looked forward to baseball season. It was good. I think players should play two or three sports and not specialize in one. It makes you a better athlete I think.”
Union is one of the largest schools in New Jersey and has such a big-time tradition in many of its sports.
“You go different places and they’ve heard of Union and they knew its sports program and all sports were top-notch and it was great,” said Jeskey, a Caldwell High School graduate, who graduated from there three years after former New Providence legendary head football coach Frank Bottone did. Bottone was the head coach at New Providence for 46 seasons, ending with a North 2, Group 1 title his final year in 2010.
“When I came here the first day, I never looked to go anywhere else,” Jeskey said of Union.
Jeskey was thought of by many as so much more than just a coach.
“Jim is a gentleman and very few gen-
tlemen are still involved in coaching,” said George Chapla in 2008, who played on Union’s first UCT championship team in 1967, which was his senior season, with Chapla being a 1968 UHS graduate.
Chapla, now 76, was also Jeskey’s assistant coach for 30 years. Jeskey always referred to Chapla as him being the best soccer player ever at UHS – among many other great ones as well.
“Jim really went over and above,” Chapla said. “He never had any problems with an official, which is very unusual for a coach nowadays with them screaming and yelling.
"He was a competitor – don’t get me wrong – and he competed. He always handled himself as a gentleman in situations with parents and players.
“One thing that really stands out with Jim is that he was always there. For example, I had surgery and he visited me in the hospital and he showed concern for my kids with a phone call and this just goes to show what he was all about.”
Union’s second, third and fourth county championships in 1978, 1990 and 1999 were attained with Chapla an assistant to Jeskey during those fine seasons.
“I was with Jim along the way and Jim was very good because he would give me a lot of leeway,” Chapla said. “I would say something and he would say, ‘OK, let’s try it.’”
There have only been three head varsity boys soccer coaches at Union. LeMatty was the first for two years in 1959 and 1960, with Jeskey assisting. Then it was Jeskey for 47 seasons, from 1961 to 2007. Next it was and still is
Lester Lembryk, beginning in 2008. This fall will be Lembryk’s 18th season at the helm of the Farmers. For medical reasons, he did not coach in 2024. That’s it. Just three head coaches since 1959.
‘He was a class act,” Lembryk said in a Tuesday, Jan. 13, phone interview. “He was a tremendous guy. Not only in sports, but in the community he made such an impact.”
Lembryk’s 2018 squad went 16-0-4, just one year after the 2017 team finished 0-16-2. The 2018 Farmers shared the UCT title with Westfield for the fifth in Union program history.
“I learned a lot from Jim,” Lembryk said. “A lot of what he passed on we’re doing today.
“Jim was a pioneer for the program. His success went beyond counties and states. It was his impact on all of his players that really meant something.
“I started teaching in the same building with Jim and worked under him for a period of time and asked him as many questions as I could. He provided sound advice.
“Jim used to do fitness as a way of his players selecting their uniforms in the order they came in.
“No matter what, he had time for you."
Born in East Orange and raised in Irvington and Livingston, Jeskey continued his athletic career at Panzer College – now Montclair State – and Seton Hall University. He pitched to an impressive 0.63 earned-run average at Seton Hall in 1955.
Jeskey earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and later earned his master’s degree in education. Jeskey also served two years in the U.S. Army and played on an exhibition basketball team while stationed in Germany.
Jeskey was also an avid runner, competing in 49 marathons. Jeskey excelled in the National Senior Games in basketball and track, traveling around the country for more than 20 years.
I will always remember Jim saying to me that, when the New York Yankees traded to obtain Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers for Alphonso Soriano in February 2004, he felt the Yankees should have moved Derek Jeter to center field so that “A-Rod” could remain playing shortstop. He felt that would have better served the Yankees. He might have been right.
I was always comfortable in Jim’s presence. He always treated me with the utmost respect and I could never remember a time when he wasn’t smiling. The last time I was with Jim was at a sports dinner in 2019, sitting at the same table as he was sitting.
For me, it was an honor to have had the privilege to get to know the man.
My condolences and thoughts and prayers at the moment continue to be with Jim Jeskey and his family.
Photos Courtesy of Lester Lembryk
Above left, Sally Straus, of Union, enjoys her visit to Caldwell Parsonage’s open house recently. Above center, a demonstration is performed of a musket being used during the Battle of Connecticut Farms at the 1780s Caldwell Parsonage and Tool Museum in its
Caldwell Parsonage and Tool Museum hosts an open house
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The public was recently invited to visit the 1780s Caldwell Parsonage and Tool Museum in its adjacent 1800s Carriage House. Tours were given by members of the Board of Trustees.
“It’s a wonderful event,” said Sally Strauss, of Union. “I love that the Caldwell Parsonage is preserving history in Union to see our past and to look forward to our future.”
The story of The Battle of Connecticut Farms was told. It was one of the last major battles between British and American forces in the northern colonies during the American Revolutionary War.
In the house, there is a room dedicated to the Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church, featuring a large variety of artifacts. Dennis LaMort was hosting this room and answering questions. There is
adjacent 1800s Carriage House. Above right, Lila, 13; Emily, 14; DeAnna, 13; and Dylan, 12, play Pick Up Sticks at Caldwell Parsonage. Kathy Arminio explained that Pick-Up Sticks originated in Colonial times.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
A special exhibit of Newark State College, Kean University and the Union Public Library Then and Now, including the ‘History Board,’ was displayed. The exhibit was created by Anita Centeno. See OPEN, Page 8
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Union will be hosting Black History Month 2026 Expo
The township of Union has announced the Black History Month 2026 Expo, a vibrant community celebration dedicated to honoring cultural achievements and uplifting the rich legacy of the Black community. This free event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 6 p.m., at the Jefferson Elementary School auditorium, 155 Hilton Ave., Vauxhall.
“We are incredibly excited to host this Expo as it officially kicks off our monthlong Black History Month celebration,” said Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier. “This year is particularly significant as we join the nation in recognizing the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. It is a time to reflect on a century of formal recognition and to celebrate the enduring contributions that continue
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To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
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Boy Scouts prove themselves in an environment that challenges their courage and tests their nerve. After they’ve been given the proper guidance from those with experience and know-how, they take their own lead, going places they’ve never gone, seeing things they’ve never seen, and diving into the rugged world of outdoor adventure, relying on teamwork and character to accomplish what everyone else thinks is impossible.
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• Live music and dynamic performances: Enjoy a lineup of local performers showcasing a variety of musical and cultural acts throughout the afternoon;
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IN MEMORIAM
• BASTIEN – Raymonde, of Union; Nov. 8. Was 68.
• BAYER – Valerie Kathleen, of Union; Jan. 20. More than 20 years as Livingston Public Library clerk. Mother, sister, grandmother, 84.
• DREIZIN – Charles H., of Mountainside, formerly of Union; Jan. 14. Worked in car dealerships. Past exalted ruler of BPOE Lodge 1583 in Union. Brother, 71.
• FOTI – Romilda “Roma,” of Bloomington, Minn., formerly of Union and Baltimore; Nov. 29. Mother, grandmother, 96.
• HAAG – Robert William, of Bridgewater, formerly of Union; Dec. 13. Father, grandfather, 59.
• HUTYUM – Igor, of Union, formerly of Chernivtsi, Ukraine, and Garwood; Oct. 31. Business owner. Son, brother, godfather, 29.
• JACOBS – Alva, of Tinton Falls, formerly of Irvington, Maplewood, Union, Millburn; Dec. 15. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 101.
• MAHER – Dolores M. “Dee,” of Whiting, formerly of Union and Lakehurst; Dec. 9. Usher at Cathedral of the Air Church. Sister, mother, grandmother, 82.
• MONSEES – Waltraud Christa Elinor, of South Orange; formerly of Ithaca and Union; Nov. 20. Sunday school teacher. Widow, mother, grandmother, 91.
In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.
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Open house hosted by Caldwell Parsonage and Tool Museum
(Continued from Page 4)
a photo of the Rev. Street and his wife. Street was the longest serving pastor. He was there for 51 years. Other artifacts included a foot warmer, used with hot coal; a hymn book; a collection box for coins; and a communion plate. There is a beautiful oil painting of the Rev. James Caldwell; his wife, Hannah; and their child, Maria, by Larry Felder. There are also historic photos for sale.
Tom Beisler was showing exhibit maps of the town of Union during the early 19th century. He explained that some of the old buildings are still here.
A special exhibit of Newark State College, Kean University and the Union Public Library Then and Now was displayed. The exhibit was created by Anita Centeno.
There was a children’s playroom moderated by Kathy Arminio. Children were intensely concentrating on the old-fashioned game, Pick-Up Sticks. “It’s so much fun. We watch their faces light up when they play non-technology games,” said Arminio. She explained that PickUp Sticks originated in Colonial times. “Stick branches were whittled and sanded down so they are safe to play with,” she said.
Above left, Dennis LaMort shows artifacts from The Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church at the recent open house at the 1780s Caldwell Parsonage and Tool Museum in its adjacent 1800s Carriage House. Above center, Anita Centeno talks about Victorian fashion. Share created the special exhibits of Newark State College, Kean University and the Union Public Library Then and Now. Above right, a four-poster rope bed from the 18th century is on display at Caldwell Parsonage.
Centeno was giving a talk about Victorian fashion. She said, “The waist was cinched from the back. You can’t breathe.” She explained that Victorian women used small, decorative bottles for smelling salts – ammonium carbonate –to revive themselves from fainting spells, which was common due to corsets.
“Women’s rights didn’t just come from voting,” said Centeno. “Fashions of the day limited their activity. For the longest time, they idolized the small waist. The Victorian age lasted a long time. People think of Victorian people as weird. They had gargoyle architecture, a lot of black. They became fascinated with the afterlife and Spiritualism.” Centeno continued to speak about Houdini debunking the spiritualists.
To learn more about the Caldwell Parsonage, visit: https://www.uniontownship.com/1063/Caldwell-Parsonage.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Union native participates in a live fire exercise aboard USS Arlington
from Union, fires an M9 pistol during a small arms gun shoot aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington, LPD 24, while underway in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, Dec. 11. Arlington is the eighth San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock and third named after Arlington County. It is also one of three ships named in honor of the victims of Sept. 11, alongside the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS New York, LPD 21, and USS Somerset, LPD 25.
Rodriguez takes oath of office for New Jersey General Assembly
Ed Rodriguez received the oath of office on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin to become a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. He now represents the 20th Legislative District in Union County, alongside Assemblywoman Annette Quijano.
“Through his efforts to expand housing and strengthen support for families in Elizabeth, Ed has proven himself to be a powerful advocate for the people,” said Coughlin, D-Middlesex. “Assemblyman Rodriguez brings with him a deep understanding of the cities and towns he represents and a real commitment to serving those who call them home. I know he will be a strong voice for his district and New Jersey.”
Rodriguez spent more than a decade as the director of planning and community development for Elizabeth, where he oversaw seven divisions. During his tenure there, he took many steps to bolster building infrastructure in the city, reducing the number of abandoned properties and increasing the number of housing units. Earlier in his career, Rodriguez was a law clerk for Judge Esther Suarez in Passaic County.
“I’m a strong believer that progress is only possible when people roll up their sleeves and get to work,” said Rodriguez,
D-Union. “That’s a value my parents instilled in me from a young age and a concept I’ll bring as I hit the ground running in the Legislature. I look forward to tackling issues head-on and fighting for my constituents every single day.”
Rodriguez lives in Elizabeth and has two sons. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at Rutgers University, a law degree from Rutgers Law School and his master’s degree at NYU Stern School of Business.
Photo Courtesy of Vincent Onofre Ed Rodriguez
Photo Courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brent Whorton Safeties observe as Ensign Jacob Randolph,
Vauxhall Public Library focuses on community, continuing with great programming in 2026
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Gabriel Ramos, library branch manager, is now approaching his third year at Union Public Library – Vauxhall Branch. Ramos has been working in libraries since 2003. Prior to Vauxhall, he earned his experience at Edison Public Library, Montclair Public Library and Metuchen Public Library.
He was immersed in libraries at an early age. His mom took him to the bookmobile in his hometown of Edison. When his dad came home from work, they’d take him to library programs.
With a degree in marketing, Ramos had a hard time finding a job due to the economy. Having a friend who worked at the library helped him get his foot in the door. He said, “I fell in love and wanted to pursue that career path.”
What Ramos loves most is interacting with the community and offering programs and services to meet their needs. He feels that Vauxhall Library is very personable. He said, “We strive to give great customer service. We have a very supportive community. I’m very lucky to have very supportive and hard-working co-workers.”
In order to better service the community, a survey was conducted to see what Vauxhall library patrons wanted. This year’s line-up of programs is geared towards the community’s wants and needs.
Career Ready, from Westfield, will be offering six library programs that will help patrons in their job search. There will be more food demos, including Chef Jesse returning, arts and crafts programs, and programs on health will be offered.
Weird NJ will be having two big programs in May and October, based on Union County folklore, oddities and interests.
There will be more music-related programs, including a musician’s panel on a career in the industry. Rhonda Denet will be returning in December for a Motown Christmas. “One thing I’m excited about,” said Ramos, “we’re going to be doing the Vauxhall Vinyl Music Club, where we focus on one specific album, talk about tracks, the musicians (and) an in-depth look at their lives.”
Since 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be programs focusing on that theme in both the Vauxhall and the Union Public Library – Main Branch.
And to cap off 2026, there will be a large Kwanzaa celebration. Ramos said, “The community values and knows to come to our library and celebrate Kwanzaa. We do a program and a community pot-luck lunch afterward.”
There will also be more children’s programming in 2026.
Visit the Union Public Library and Vauxhall Branch at: https://uplnj.org/.
‘The Color Purple’ is staged at DMK Theater as part of Black History Month celebration
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, Daryl Stewart Productions will present the Tony Award-winning musical “The Color Purple” at the Union Arts Center’s DMK Black Box Theater.
The year 2026 marks a century of progress and persistence. What began in 1926 as “Negro History Week” has evolved for 100 years into a definitive cultural observance. To commemorate this centennial, DSP has select-
ed a story that mirrors the century’s themes of resilience, reclamation, and the triumph of the human spirit.
“We’re thrilled to have ‘The Color Purple’ headlining our Union Arts Center during such a historic year,” said Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier. “As we celebrate 100 years of recognizing Black history in America, hosting this powerhouse production in an intimate space like the DMK Black Box will create an unforgettable, soul-stir-
ring experience for our residents.”
The show will take place on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are available to the community for $10, with discounted tickets for senior citizens at just $5. Tickets are available now at uniontownship.com.
For additional details, visit uniontownship.com and follow @unionartscenternj on social media.
Photo Courtesy of Gabriel Ramos Gabriel Ramos, branch manager Union Public Library Vauxhall Branch
American Theater Group’s ‘Purlie’ wins four Audelco Awards
American Theater Group’s criticallyacclaimed production of Purlie was honored at the 53rd annual Audelco Awards Recognizing Excellence in Black Theatre with four awards including “Best Revival of a Musical.”
Produced in partnership with UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage, the March 2025 production of “Purlie” was directed by Kenny Ingram’ who was awarded “Best Director of a Musical.” The veteran director/choreographer was previously nominated for a 2023 Audelco Award for his direction of James T. Lane’s Triple Threat Off Broadway at Theatre Row.
Gary Mitchell Jr. was awarded “Outstanding Musical Director.” He regularly collaborates with renowned singers, instrumentalists, artists and ensembles throughout the world. Nicole Powell, whose Broadway credits include “Ragtime” and “Hairspray,” was named “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for her portrayal of Missy.
Overall, the production received eight nominations in seven categories. Timothy Ware-Hill, Broadway’s “Kinky Boots,” was
Courtesy of Lianne Schoenwiesner, Spotlights Photography American Theater Group’s production of ‘Purlie’ recently won four Audelco Awards.
nominated for his portrayal of Purlie Victorious in the category of “Lead Actor in a Musical.” Tyson Jennette, Broadway’s “Book of Mormon” was nominated for
“Best Featured Actor in a Musical” as Gitlow. Virginia Woodruff, Broadway’s “Violet and Leap of Faith,” was nominated for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for
her portrayal of Idella, while Kenny Ingram received an additional nomination for “Best Choreographer.”
“Purlie” is the 1970 musical adaptation of Ossie Davis’s comedic play “Purlie Victorious.” Featuring an unforgettable score, it tells the story of a traveling preacher who returns to his hometown in Georgia and concocts a scheme to reclaim his church while ringing the bell of freedom for plantation workers. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction and Best Choreography, the original Broadway production launched the careers of Melba Moore, Cleavon Little and Sherman Hemsley. “Purlie” was written by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell, with music by Gary Geld.
“Producing ‘Purlie’ was the realization of a dream project of mine and this Audelco recognition is enormously gratifying,” noted ATG Producing Artistic Director Jim Vagias. “To be competing in such heady company with top theaters, including the Public Theater and Lincoln Center Theater, makes our success even sweeter.”
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