UNIONLEADER
Co-founder is honored
Page 4
Playing for a cause
Union music historian hosts ‘Union Rocks’ at Vauxhall Branch Library
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Union is known for many amazing things: It’s historical significance. Home to Kean University. The 212-foot water tower.
But Union is also home to many musicians. Music historian and documentarian, journalist and tour guide Paul Reitz has put together a panel discussion of Union musicians. They’ll be talking about their memories and subsequent musical journeys on Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m., at Vauxhall Branch Library.
Reitz put the panel together to give local musicians the recognition they deserve. “Some of these musicians went on to play clubs. Some kept going,” he said. “It’s a little spotlight. They are part of Union’s history.”
The criteria for the panel were that the musicians had to grow up in Union and graduate from Union High School. They had to have done music commercially, either on their own or as a record deal. And he wanted to have all genres of music.
Three musicians on the panel are Don Erdman, a retired teacher from town who became part of the Asbury Park music scene when Bruce Springsteen was up and coming; Ian Smit, experimental jazz artist; and Danny Solazzi of The Characters, who played with countless famous musicians, including Shirley Jones, Andy Kim and Ron Dante, and opening up for acts such as Three Dog Night.
Reitz, who is also from Union, had a significant career in music entertainment, where he had senior executive positions in sales, marketing and A&R. He’s the recipient of 12 gold and platinum awards for his contribution to the success of artists such as The Offspring, Slipknot and the Baha Men. He’s one of the original VJ pioneers on New Jersey regional television Channel 14 with the 1975 music show “Rock Steady.” This was a precursor to MTV. He’s been profiled in both Billboard magazine and a cover story for College Media Journal for his music industry achievements. He’s been featured in several rock books and has made appearances on both AXS TV’s “Rock My Collection” with Ahmet Zappa and various
DrumTalk TV shows. Items from his collection are now permanent archives of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music. His Bruce Springsteen collection is currently on loan to the Passaic County Arts Center for its “Born to Run” exhibit. His writings on music were highlighted in the Brooklyn Museum’s April 2024 newsletter.
His love for music began at a young age. He started playing drums and his father took him to concerts such as Blood, Sweat, and Tears. He said, “I was the cliché kid who saw The Beatles on television. I wanted to do that.”
In high school, he started putting out his own fanzine and writing for the high school newspaper. Right out of high school, he worked for a PR company and became a DJ. Sony Music hired him because they wanted someone who knew different genres of music. Reitz ended up working for Sony Music for 20 years.
Reitz feels very lucky and has a lot of gratitude for the life he’s lived, doing what he’s done. One of the moments he’s proudest of is having the two fanzines he created, “Inside Rock” and “Teenage Depression,” featured in the Brooklyn
Museum April 2024 newsletter.
For Reitz, he feels his career happened at the right place at the right time. There was no “Plan B.” He said, “It was just a little luck doing a deep dive into music and the history of it. I met people along the way, just being myself, just really passionate about it. True passion opened up doors for me. It was rock ‘n’ roll, 24 hours. I believed in it. Talk to me for six minutes, you knew I was into rock ‘n’ roll. It was me.”
For anyone who wants to get into the music business, Reitz advises finding your focus. He said, “Find out who you like to listen to. Find out who you like to read. Find out who the author is. When you look at the credits on a CD, find out who produced it. Look at the names, reach out to these people. Some of these people will give you mentorship. It’s not going to come to you; you have to put yourself out there. Go to every show. Talk to (merchandise) people. Get yourself engrossed in it. It’s all about connections. I did not go to school. I did not study music business at college. I got mine solely through connections. Don’t bull… Be truthful. If you don’t know the answer, admit it, but learn what the answer is. Talk to everybody, don’t dismiss anyone. You don’t know who they will be.”
Reitz is currently in the process of writing his forthcoming book, “Don’t Dream It’s Over: The story of one boy’s adventure into the world of rock ‘n’ roll.”
He calls himself “boy” because he started very young. He said, “I’m still that 15year-old kid into rock ‘n’ roll – only slightly older. I still look at the world as a 15year-old rock fan.”
The book will include reprints of all his fanzines, one of Tom Petty’s first interviews which Retiz conducted when Petty played The Bottom Line.
“It’s not centered on me,” he said, “but centered on rock ‘n’ roll.”
The title of the book is named after the song by Crowded House. At the end of Reitz’s career with Sony, the song came on the radio. He said, “Is it over? It’s not over. I’m not going to dream it’s over.”
To learn more about Vauxhall Branch Library, visit: https://uplnj.org/hoursand-locations/vauxhall-branch/.
Photo Courtesy of Paul Reitz Paul Reitz
‘The Unwitting Magician’ to feature Broadway/film/TV actors
American Theater Group will once again present The Unwitting Magician, a special work in development by Jeremy Dobrish, on Saturday, May 16, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m., at the DMK Black Box Theater, 1980 Morris Ave., Union. The piece was successfully presented last December as part of ATG’s Free Monday Night Play Reading Series.
The Unwitting Magician is a unique theatrical and magical one-night-only experience. A lone actor steps onto a bare stage – armed with little more than a music stand and a sealed manila envelope. Inside: a script they have truly never seen, its contents a complete mystery. The actor has no idea what sort of play or theatrical experience may unfold. The actor reads the script to the audience and he –or she – is swept into a whirlwind of impossible feats and playful surprises, becoming an unwitting magician and inviting the audience to question who is truly in control – the performer, the script or something more magical still? Presented as a “pay-what-you-wish” event, the minimum donation is $5, with a suggested one of $20; tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theunwitting-magician-an-american-theater-group-production-tickets1987321299504?keep_tld=true Due to the donation pricing, tickets must be purchased one at a time.
The Saturday performance will fea-
ture Eric William Morris, whose Broadway credits include “King Kong,” “Coram Boy” and “Mamma Mia!” Morris frequently collaborates with writer Joe Iconis, starring in “Be More Chill,” Original Cast Recording, Two River Theatre; “Hunter S Thompson Musical,” Signature – 2026 Helen Hayes Nomination for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role; “Things to Ruin,” OCR, 2nd Stage; and “Bloodsong of Love (Ars Nova).” His
television and film roles include: “Fleishman is in Trouble,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Only Murders In The Building,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and the recent feature film “Pinball” on Hulu.
Sunday’s performance will feature Stephanie Kurtzuba, best known for her roles in Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “The Irishman,” as well as “Fly Me to The Moon,” opposite Chan-
ning Tatum. She has recently appeared in the HBO Series “TASK” as Donna, as well as Apple TV’s “Your Friends and Neighbors,” as Diane Miller. She played Capt. McNicols on the CBS Series “Blue Bloods” for three seasons and Clara Truisi on Paramount’s “Tulsa King.” Kurtzuba’s Broadway credits include “The Boy From Oz,” “Mary Poppins” and “Billy Elliot.” She will soon be seen in “Animal Friends,” an animation/live action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds.
Jeremy Dobrish is a director, playwright, artistic leader, creative director, and teacher whose focus has been developing and directing new plays and musicals. He has directed at Second Stage, MCC, Joe’s Pub, The Promenade, The Variety Arts, The Century, Actor’s Playhouse, etc. His productions have received several Lortel and Drama Desk nominations. Regionally, he has directed at The Old Globe, Barrington Stage, North Shore, The O’Neill, New York Stage and Film, Goodspeed and The Village Theatre. He is a nine-time published playwright who founded adobe theatre company, as well as co-founded Midtown Direct Rep, in Maplewood. He has taught at NYU, Juilliard, The National Theatre Institute, The New York Film Academy and Fordham. He is currently a senior creative director at Proscenium, where he writes and directs creative elements for some of the world’s biggest brands.
Photos Courtesy of Mafalda Cavanaugh
Eric William Morris Stephanie Kurtzuba
was one of the first Black crime fighting heroes, debuting in 1934. lower left, Lobo was a Black superhero in Dell comics in 1965. Above, Black Panther made his Marvel debut in 1966. At right, Vauxhall Library Branch Manager Gabriel Ramos leads a discussion on Black masculinities in comic books.
Black masculinitiesincomic books are discussedat Vauxhall Library
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Black superheroes began showing up in comic strips and comic books as early as the mid-1930s. However, in mainstream comic publishing the depictions of Black people were inaccurate.
Recently, at Vauxhall Library, the community gathered to watch the film “White Scripts and Black Supermen: Black Masculinities in American Comic Books” (2012), directed by Jonathan Gayles. The 54-minute documentary examined 40 years of changing representations of Black masculinity in American comic books, focusing on characters from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. The movie featured scholars, artists and cultural critics analyzing how Black superheroes have been burdened by stereotypes and how these images shifted to reflect changing times.
Vauxhall Library branch manager Gabriel Ramos decided on the film when a library patron was talking about comic books.
In the 54-minute film. Gayles began by saying that there were two types of Black characters – Sidney Poitier, who maintained dignity no matter what; or Shaft, who was bad-ass.
Lobo starred in Dell Comics’ little known two-issue series Lobo – December 1965 and September 1966 – and was created by Don “D.J.” Arneson and Tony Tallarico.
In the film, Tallarico said, “Black kids read comics. Why shouldn’t they have a hero to read?”
As the second issue was being published, Tallarico said he got a call to hold everything because the books were not selling. It was discovered that, as they were sending out bundles of comics to the distributors, they were being returned unopened. Tallarico couldn’t figure out why. After scouting around, they learned that many sellers were opposed to Lobo, who was the first Black Western hero.
Black Panther made his Marvel debut
in 1966 and Gayles said he saw himself reflected as a hero. “Everyone in the comic book was Black,” he said in the film.
John Stewart was DC’s first Black superhero, introduced in the 1970s.
Dr. William H. Foster III is a renowned comic book historian, scholar and collector. He’s recognized as a leading authority on the portrayal of African Americans and minorities in American comic books and comic strips. In the film he said, “John Stewart came in with heavy attitude. He caused the death of a planet. He dated aliens. He was the first Black superhero
who stepped out of a small town and into the universe.”
John Stewart, known as the Black Green Lantern, however, was written as a stereotypical angry Black man.
Luke Cage, Hero for Hire, was a Marvel superhero in 1972. He wore a yellow disco shirt, a metal headband and a chain around his waist. He goes to jail for crimes he didn’t commit and a racist guard tries to kill him. Luke was supposed to be urban, but came across as corny. His sayings didn’t reflect real Black language.
Tyroc was a minor DC Comics character in 1976 and showed how diversity was handled badly. He was a character 1,000 years in the future, where Black people were escaped slaves living on an island.
The film notes that, for a long time, white writers and artists primarily created these characters; depiction often originated from a white perspective.
A key takeaway from the film is that white heroes such as Spider-Man were portrayed as normal and relatable. Black heroes were hyper-masculine and spectacularly different, therefore hindering identification for Black readers.
However, a bonus feature on the DVD, “The Black Age of Comics,” which is also by Gayles, introduces independent Black creators who make their own characters and universes.
To learn more about the Union Public Library, including the Vauxhall Branch, visit: https://uplnj.org/.
Luke Cage, Hero for Hire, was a Marvel superhero in 1972 who misrepresented Black people.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Upper left, Lothar
Co-founder/producing artistic director
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
On Sunday, April 26, American Theater Group had its bi-annual Gala Benefit at the Union Arts Center. They honored co-founder and producing artistic director James Vagias, who will be retiring this summer at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Vagias has been involved in the entertainment industry since 1983. The former attorney founded American Theater Group in 2012 with industry professionals Joe Mancuso and Rick Sordelet. Vagias has produced more than 50 new and classic plays and musicals, including 19 world premieres, nine of which successfully transferred to Off-Broadway, such as “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” “Marry Harry,” “Himself and Nora” and “Swingtime Canteen.”
In addition to having served on panels of the ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshops, Vagias has also served as the magic consultant for two Broadway productions. He’s also taught courses on theater management and entertainment law at Montclair State University. He’s been a guest lecturer at Rutgers, Kean University and New School.
Working in theater for many years, Vagias said he thought it was time for ATG to have someone with fresh ideas. Plus, he wants to spend time doing other things and other projects.
a 50-year dream come true. I loved it on Broadway. When we finally got to produce it, it won all sorts of awards.”
Vagias says he still plans on being an ATG audience member. “It will be a little weird at first,” he said. “I think I just want to sit back and relax at this stage of my life. Running a theater is an all-consuming endeavor. It’s 24/7. And, as much as I do love it, it can be exhausting.”
Now with more spare time, Vagias says he’s leaving all options on the table. “I still perform as a magician,” he said. “That is a side passion of mine. I’m not going to leave theater and performing totally. It’s in my blood. I want to do it on my terms, not worry about budgets, ticket sales and schedules. Those are three of a myriad of things you worry about.”
ATG plans on naming a new successor shortly and Vagias has some helpful advice to the person who takes his place. He said, “To keep their head about them. To remember to approach everything they do with heart and passion.”
And when it really gets crazy, he says to stop and step back and realize they had a part in making it possible for all the good things happening. And, of course, to have fun, to relish it.
Nevertheless, he’s leaving behind so many fond memories. “Working with gift-
ed artists and watching them create, watching them hone their craft in front of your very eyes…. seeing a show that had bumps along the way well received by the audience… The production of ‘Purlie’ was
Other plans for Vagias include focusing on his guitar, some teaching, corporate speaking and spending more time with his wife and family.
“It’s been a glorious ride,” he said. “When Joe Mancuso and I started, we wanted to create a place where artists felt they had a home.”
The Gala Benefit featured an open bar, gourmet canapes and appetizers, and a silent auction. Many former ATG performers returned to honor Vagias in video tributes and in live performances, including numbers from past ATG musicals, such as “The Bridges of Madison County,” “A Little Night Music,” “Parade,” “The Evolution of (Henry) Mann,” “Purlie” and “My Fair Lady.”
Photo Courtesy of ATG
Pictured from left are Janine LaManna, Jim Vagias, Michele Pawk and Christine Ebersole at the American Theater Group Gala Benefit in 2024 honoring Pawk. Vagias was honored by ATG at its bi-annual Gala Benefit at the Union Arts Center on Sunday, April 26.
Monday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Wednesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
The brave story of Sojourner Truth is presented at Vauxhall Library
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Sojourner Truth was a slave.
She was also a preacher and activist who fought for equal rights and encouraged many people to take a stand for equality for all. Her famous speech on women’s rights, later known as “Ain’t I a Woman?” demanded equal rights for all women.
Her story was told brilliantly, reenacted by Daisy Century via a captivating performance.
Century is a science major who resides in Philadelphia. She’s part of the American Historical Theater and portrays important women in history including Harriet Tubman, Phillis Wheatley, Mary Fields and Bessie Coleman.
“I always include childhood, so you can see what caused them to go in a certain direction,” said Century.
Describing Truth, Century said, “She was a force to be reckoned with. She could not read or write. She had a photographic memory. People read the Bible and newspaper to her. People underestimated her. Adjectives to describe her were powerful, outspoken – when women were not allowed to speak in public. She was very eloquent. A big, tall woman, walked with a cane, (she) wore glasses. She called God ‘old friend.’ She had an unwavering faith. She was wise. Very witty. Spiritual. Spoke in a low, powerful voice.”
To a full library audience, Century told Truth’s story – as Truth – for the next 90 minutes, describing her travels. “I can’t read nor write,” she said. “The Good Lord gave me the wit of brain cells. Want to hold a debate? I’ll be there.”
Truth was born in 1797, in upstate New York, in the New Paltz area, near Kingston and Liberty. She was born into slavery, to a Dutch family, and grew up with the name Isabelle, also known as “Bell.”
“Mama told me I had 12 brothers and sisters. They were all sold off. I was the only one left,” Century said, as Truth.
Truth’s mother taught her to pray to God, and God became Truth’s best friend.
“When I talked to God, I felt better,” Century said, as Truth. “God did become my best friend.”
Century spoke, as Truth, about her time as a young slave, how she was beaten severely and mistreated. Then, one day, she met and fell in love with a slave named Robert from a neighboring farm. She met with him on Sundays – her only day off. Together, they would sit by a tree and talk about everything, including if they would ever be free. They fell in love and talked about getting married.
However, Robert’s owner, Charles Catton Jr., a landscape painter, forbade their relationship. He did not want the slaves he owned to have children with people he did not own because he would not own the children. Catton and his son savagely beat Robert after he was with Truth one day. Truth never saw Robert again and he died a few years later.
In 1799, the state of New York began to
legislate the abolition of slavery, although the process of emancipating slaves in New York wasn’t complete until July 4, 1827.
Truth thought about everything she’d do as a free woman. Century, as Truth, said, “I’ll learn to read and write and start a school. Build a cabin. Study law and free everybody. I’ll change the world.”
John Dumont, who Truth was sold to in 1810, had promised to grant Truth freedom a year before the state emancipation. He changed his mind, however, claiming a hand injury had made her less productive.
Truth claimed she heard a voice from God, “Walk away, Bell.”
She packed everything in a knapsack and walked away, taking Sophie, her youngest of six children, as she was still a baby. She had to leave her other children behind because they were not legally freed in the emancipation order until they had served as bound servants into their 20s. She walked for three days, find-
ing her way to the home of Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen in New Paltz, N.Y. They took in Truth and Sophie, offering to buy her services for the remainder of the year, until the state’s emancipation took effect.
Truth learned that her son, Peter, then 5 years old, was sold by Dumont and then illegally resold to an owner in Alabama. With the help of the Van Wagenens, she took the issue to the New York Supreme Court. Using the name Isabella Van Wagenen, she filed a suit against Peter’s new owner and got back her son after months of legal proceedings.
The turning point was 1843. Bell changed her name to Sojourner Truth. She chose the name because she heard the spirit of God calling on her to preach the truth. She began dictating her memoirs to her friend, Olive Gilbert, and, in 1850, William Lloyd Garrison privately published her book, “The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: a Northern Slave.” That same year, Truth purchased a home in Florence for $300 and spoke at the first National Women’s Rights Convention in Worcester, Massachusetts.
In 1851, Truth lectured through central and western New York State. In May, she attended the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. It was there she delivered her famous speech on women’s rights, “Ain’t I a Woman?”
During Truth’s travels, people offered her places to stay. Everyone wanted her to speak. She met famous people such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Ulysses Grant, Susan B. Anthony and Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln invited Truth to the White House and commended her for speaking up about women’s rights.
There have been many memorials erected in honor of Sojourner Truth, commemorating her life and work, including memorial plaques, busts and life-sized statues.
To learn more about the Union Public Library, including the Vauxhall Branch, visit: https://uplnj.org/.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Daisy Century portrays the life of Sojourner Truth at Vauxhall Branch Library in honor of Women's History Month.
Winner of ‘Union’s Got Talent 2024’ donates time as a performer for Networking
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Isabella Santos is a second-grader in Union battling a brain tumor.
The township of Union and The Rotary Club of Union hosted the fourth annual Networking for a Cause event on Thursday, April 16, at 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 toward assisting Isabella and her family with medical expenses and educational needs.
The $30 admission fee included connecting with local professionals while enjoying food and drinks. There were also feature raffle opportunities and a 50/50 drawing for additional fundraising.
Gioconda Simmonds, a resident of Union and winner of “Union’s Got Talent 2024,” donated her talents to this event. Carlos N. Sanchez, director of Economic Development, Union Township, explained the cause to Simmonds and her heart went out to the little girl.
“I would feel terrible charging money,” she said. “I can’t even imagine going through that with an 8-year-old battling a brain tumor – oh my goodness! Such a young age going through that.”
Simmonds played classical music on guitar. “I’m classically trained,” she said. “I started when I was 6 years old. I took lessons for 10 years in Manhattan. I stopped between college, marriage and children.”
She said she regrets stopping and that it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that she picked up the guitar again. “My kids had no idea I played,” she said. “I got a new guitar. I found a teacher in Chatham. I’ve been with him three years. I love it. It’s my therapy. My kids are grown. I’m doing what I love to do.”
Simmonds was born in Ecuador but raised in the United States. “I came to the U.S. when I was a month old,” she said. “I’ve always traveled back and forth. I’ve taken my children many times. I’ve never forgotten my roots. I just feel drawn to it. I always loved Spanish music.”
The music Simmonds performs is from Spain. She refers to it as “romantic style, traditional, classical.” She plays a one-of-a-kind handmade custom guitar. “I really wanted something different and I wanted to treat myself,” she said.
Simmonds said her talent runs in the family. “My father played by ear,” she said.
Her parents wanted to enroll Simmonds and her sister in music school and asked them which instrument they would like to learn. Simmonds said, “My sister raised her hand and said, ‘piano.’ I said, ‘I guess guitar.’ He [her father] was ecstatic.”
Simmonds’ father put the girls through private music school. “I had a fantastic teacher,” she said. “I was 6 years old; he was already in his 70s. I was with him for 10 years. At the end, he knew I was serious. He told me, ‘You’re studying guitar, but if you understand piano, it’s the foundation.’ Training yourself to practice when you’re that little – it wasn’t easy.”
Every Saturday, Simmonds and her sister would go for lessons. They’d have performances twice a year. “I would play at school. They’d have these little talent shows,” she said.
But by the time Simmonds hit 18, she knew she wanted to be an architect and had to get serious with her studies. She got her master’s degree at SUNY in Buffalo.
When Simmonds won first place in “Union’s Got Talent 2024,” she couldn’t believe it. She said, “I was so elated. The best part was when I looked into the audience and saw my children.”
Simmonds received a trophy and a thousand dollars. “I wish my parents would have been alive,” she said. “My father would have been so thrilled.”
Photo Courtesy of Gioconda Simmonds
Gioconda Simmonds, winner of Union’s Got Talent 2024, donated her time performing for Networking for a Cause on Thursday, April 16.
Douglas Michael Krueger Scholarship Fund awards more than $100,000 in scholarships and grants
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Douglas Michael Krueger was living his dream.
He was an assistant producer at MTV. As a performer, he was in commercials, had a cameo in the movie Center Stage and was an extra on an episode of “The Sopranos.” He was also loved by everyone.
Then, on Dec. 29, 2004, Douglas Michael Krueger got killed in a horrific car accident. His mother, Marie Krueger Canarelli, of Union, said that a Smithville-area furniture truck crossed over the highway from right to left, striking the car her son was in. “He was killed instantly,” Canarelli said. He was 23 years old.
But Canarelli decided she was not going to allow her son to die. She started the Douglas Michael Krueger Scholarship Fund following the tragic loss – to honor his life in a way that would continue to inspire others by supporting young people who share his passion for the cultural arts.
Since its founding, the organization has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships and grants to local students and arts organizations, helping aspiring creatives pursue opportunities in the performing and cultural arts. Each award represents not only financial support, but also encouragement for young artists to keep pursuing their passions.
A particularly proud milestone came in June 2025, when the township of Union Art Center opened the DMK Black Box Theater, named in
Douglas Michael Krueger’s honor. The fund’s mission continues each year through Union’s Got Talent, an annual fundraiser every November.
“We’ve been working hard,” said Canarelli. “My goal is to keep his name alive. When they built the new theater, the entire town council called me aside and said they were going to name the theater after my son. Every time I see it in print, my heart skips a beat and makes me smile.”
Fondly remembering her son, Canarelli said, “He had a very good heart. All the girls were wild about him. He was very good looking. He was elected to everything he ran for. When he passed away, Holy Spirit Church was filled to capacity.”
Doug’s father passed away in 1996, making the bond between Canarelli and her son stronger. “He was just wonderful,” she said. “An all-around good kid. We’re all proud of our kids. I was proud of all the things he did. We had the theater in common. We would go with family members to the theater a lot. We performed on stage together, performed in ‘Annie’ together. When he was performing when he was younger, I was driving him to auditions in the city.”
And sharing how goodhearted Douglas was, Canarelli said, “The last thing he did, came home around Christmas time with a picture of a young child with Down syndrome dressed as a munchkin. He made a donation to a group that did plays with handicapped children. You could buy a picture of a kid with Down syndrome for $50. That’s the kind of kid he was.”
Photo Courtesy of Marie Krueger Cannarelli
Douglas Michael Krueger
‘End the Silence: A Domestic Violence Awareness Event’
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Domestic violence is a critical issue that deeply impacts communities. It’s often hidden behind closed doors, but leaving lasting trauma on families, children and neighborhoods. In 2024, Union County was among the top New Jersey counties for domestic violence claims filed with the Victims of Crime Compensation Office, accounting for 399 claims. Statewide, reported incidents are rising, with domestic violence occurring every 7.29 minutes and children present in 31 percent of cases.
The township of Union partnered with YWCA Union County on Sunday, March 22, to present “End the Silence: A Domestic Violence Awareness Event,” which was at DMK Black Box Theater. There were inspirational speakers, a mini-women’s self-defense demonstration, women-
owned business vendors or organizations, as well as light refreshments and giveaways. The event was free and open to all.
Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier said the event was inspired by a few situations which happened in Union. “People forget there is violence in the hands of somebody who loves you.”
Sheila Casey, executive director of Josephine’s Place, a safe, welcoming space for women, said they offered classes, programs, and workshops all free of charge. She said women are asked: What would you need? What would you like?
Located in the heart of Elizabeth, the 501c3 charity is a welcoming space designed to facilitate the empowerment of women in the local, urban area.
Women who come to Josephine’s Place are mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers ranging from ages 19 to 80+ and
See DMK, Page 11
Remember and Honor MAY 25, 2026
This message is sponsored by these community minded businesses and organizations
MARANO & SONS AUTO SALES
150 South Avenue Garwood 844-992-3535 www.maranosonsauto.com
PINKAVA’S MOTOR CO.
Auto Repair since 1910 Service is our Hallmark. 4 Caldwell Place Springfield 973-376-0181
THE HOLISTIC BUFFET
Your Health, YOUR way! Quality Supplements $5 off coupon at: www.HolisticBuffet.com GINNY 973-703-7318
VITO MAZZA
HAIR AND SCALP WELLNESS
Hair Loss solutions since 1967
Family Owned and Operated 10 Green Street Woodbridge 732-636-0119
Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier said the event was inspired by a few situations that happened in Union.
IN MEMORIAM
• CARNEY – Margaret “Rita” C., formerly of Union; April 3. Grandmother, 88.
• ERICKSON – Robert H., of Union; March 8. Was 77.
• FLORIAN – Debra Joy, of Union, formerly of Hillside; April 7. Mother, 68.
• GEORGES – Josh, of Union; March 14. Bus driver. Husband, father, 73.
• JAMES – Vincent Patrick, formerly of Union; April 1. Grandfather, 96.
• KARP – Leonard, of Union; April 16. Was 93.
• KRAMER – Anna “Dolly,” of Union, formerly of Irvington; March 29. Mother, 91.
• MEZZO – Catherine S., formerly of Union; Feb. 26. Wife, grandmother, 83.
• MISHKINIS – Gina, of Union; March 27. Pianist, singer, cousin, 84.
• TRAN – Quy Thi, of Union; March 20. Was 72.
THE KENILWORTH DINER 614 Boulevard Kenilworth 908-245-6565 www.KenilworthDiner.com
CHARMING PET GROOMING LLC
Dogs love it there 206 Morris Avenue Springfield 973-405-9509 pet.ltheme.com/explore/charming
Weichert Realtors KATHLEEN GWALDIS 908-400-8409
Union County Specialist 505 Millburn Avenue Short Hills 973-467-7391
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES PLUS 1523 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083
P: 908-964-9010 F: 908-964-5199 1098 Highway 34 Aberdeen, NJ 07747 P: 732-583-5500
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.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, Sheila Casey is executive director of Josephine’s Place, a safe haven for women in Elizabeth. Above center, Danita Gregory, 2024 grand marshal for the Domestic Violence Walk, talks about S.O.F.I.A., Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates, which provides
advocacy and supportive services to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Above right, DMK Black Box Theater was host to ‘End the Silence: A Domestic Violence Awareness Event’ on Sunday, March 22.
DMK Black Box Theater hosts ‘A Domestic Violence Awareness Event’
(Continued from Page 10)
represent many countries.
S.O.F.I.A. – Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates – provides advocacy and supportive services to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Danita Gregory, 2024 grand marshal of the Domestic Violence Walk, said, “We provide services for survivors of domestic violence.”
Located in Montclair, they provide emergency safe housing, legal referral assistance, and a women’s support group which offers a welcoming environment for women to come together to share their experiences and to offer support to one another. They also believe that healing can come through discussion and creativity, so they offer a number of therapeutic arts classes such as aromatherapy, creative writing, painting and drawing, nature walks, soap making, fragrance oil making, massage therapy, yoga and Zumba, and self defense classes. And they have a resource center with free private sessions for a “Basics for Business” program. New workshops are added regularly focused on motivational and financial empowerment.
KPOT
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
