Union Leader - March 2024

UNIONLEADER

Easter hunt is scheduled

— See Page 8

Riding with Warriors

Locals thrilled about Food Truck Thursdays

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

“I love food!” declared Isabella Villanueba.

The Union resident was waiting for a strawberry/banana/Nutella crepe from Batter Me Up. “I’m here every Thursday,” the young foodie offered. It was hard for her to say which truck is her favorite. She said, “It’s so hard to choose. I really like the lobster dogs and the shrimp dogs (from The Green Dog Mobile). The whole environment is so open and fun. It’s so nice.”

Food Truck Thursdays is offered on Thursdays through May 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Town Hall front parking lot, 1976 Morris Ave. Several trucks feature a variety of foods, including vegan options.

Genaro Ticona, also from Union, favors tacos from The Box Mobile. He came with his family and said, “Thursday is the day we treat ourselves.”

Maria Pinhancos, another Union resident, said, “I love food trucks. It’s good they have it in town. I treat myself once a month. I’m always looking for food trucks on my way home from work. I love the variety.”

Marsha and Kelvin Arrington, who own the Green Dog Mobile, started their truck as a second career. “I was always a foodie,” Marsha said. Their truck features lobster dogs, crab dogs, shrimp dogs, southern baked mac ‘n’ cheese and lobster bisque soup. “We have a great client appeal,” Marsha said. “We’re generous. We’re always nice and friendly. We have cheaper prices. Our lobster dogs are cheaper than lobster rolls.” Served with warm butter, their lobster dog is their No. 1 best seller.

David Gray, owner of Gray’s Area Grille, has been cooking for decades as a chef. The Vauxhall resident offers smoked beef brisket and other smoked barbecue entrees, including sides such as vegetarian baked beans, collard greens and homemade banana pudding.

“My passion is for my product,” he said. “Dad taught me to smoke food when I was a kid. He did fish fries for the family and local bars and restaurants. Mom made breakfast, omelets and quiche.”

Johnny P. is the owner of Latin Bites. He has five trucks, with two in stationary locations — Woodbridge and South River — one in Hazlet, one in Roselle Park and a floater truck without a location. He said the focus is on very traditional dishes and the Pernil rice dish is his best seller.

a second

on Thursdays at Food Truck Thursdays at the Town Hall front parking lot, 1976 Morris Ave. Below, David Gray, owner of Gray’s Area Grille, has been cooking for decades as a chef. The Vauxhall resident offers smoked beef brisket and other smoked barbecue entrees, including sides such as vegetarian baked beans, collard greens and homemade banana pudding.

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Above, Marsha and Kelvin Arrington, owners of the Green Dog Mobile, started their truck as

career. They can be found

Business owner leaves behind a legacy to his community

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

When James F. Hannon Sr. died on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the age of 94, he left behind a legacy of community involvement and a business that has been in Union County for almost 100 years.

“My grandfather started (Hannon Floor Covering) in 1927 and his sons took over sometime after the war and they had it until 2000, when they sold it to us,” said James F. Hannon Jr., in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, Feb. 5. “And now we’re in our fourth generation.”

Born in Newark, in 1930, the son of William Hannon Sr. and Anna Andersen Hannon, he was the fourth born of five brothers.

“There were five brothers and each one was very hands-on about what they did,” said Hannon Jr.

The five brothers were co-owners of Hannon Floor Covering in Union, which was founded by their father in Newark and remains family owned and operated.

Hannon Jr. said that, at one time, their business had three separate locations.

“They were in Newark, East Hanover and Green Brook and eventually consolidated into Union,” he said. “We’ve been here since about 1995.”

“When we put the addition on to the building, we had to raise the funds ourselves and he and his brothers were a big help,” he continued. “His youngest brother is the only one that’s still left. They all lived to be in their mid-90s.”

Hannon Sr. was a dedicated parishioner of St. Theresa’s Parish, Kenilworth. He was also a member of the Newark Elks, Kenilworth Knights of Columbus, Cryan Association and an honorary member of the Kenilworth Fire Department.

“He’s been involved in a lot of Irish organizations,”

said Hannon Jr. “He was involved in the church. He and his brothers started a Hannon organization about 20 years ago and make donations around the holidays.

“He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.”

And the Kenilworth Fire Department?

“We made him an honorary member with the Kenil-

worth Fire Department years ago,” said Hannon Jr. “He was afforded all the rights and privileges of a firefighter. I’ve been a firefighter for 25 years.”

“My son is a firefighter in Union,” he added.

Hannon Sr. was a true family man, married to the love of his life, the late Marie Hannon, for 69 years. Together, they raised a beautiful family. He enjoyed spending his summers at their home in Monterey Beach and countless family vacations to Singer Island, Fla., and the Bahamas.

Hannon Sr. loved taking his daily walks and was known by all in his neighborhood.

He was a kind and gentle man with an infectious smile, an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Hannon Sr. was generous, loyal and full of knowledge. His strong faith, selflessness and positive attitude will continue to live on through the lives of those he touched. He will be greatly missed by all and will never be forgotten.

Hannon Sr. was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marie, in 2022, and his three dear brothers, Billie, Frank and Bob.

As for the business he worked at for so many years, his family continues to own and operate it on Springfield Road in Union.

“Me and my cousins bought the business in 2000 and we sold it to our nephews in 2022,” said Hannon Jr., who still works part-time at Hannon Floors.

Hannon Sr. is survived by his four loving children, Jim Hannon and wife Liz, Peggy O’Malley and husband Bill, William Hannon and wife Helene, Gigi Zoeller and husband Jim, and eight grandchildren who cherished him: Billy, Jimmy H, Allison, Alexa Rae, Jimmy Z, Connor, Colleen and Chase; as well as his dear brother, Donald B. Hannon Sr., and brother-in-law Ted Davis, along with many nieces and nephews.

Interment was at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.

James F. Hannon Sr.

UNION MALE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

“As a sophomore on the basketball team, Trevor is averaging 14 points per game with a season-high 30 points vs Linden on Jan. 25.”

— Ron Zieser Jr., director of Athletics

Trevor Whitaker, basketball

What were your goals this season?

To get a college offer.

How did you get ready for a game? I listen to music.

What was your biggest accomplishment this season? Playing with more confidence.

What’s the most important thing your coach has taught you? What it takes to play at the next level.

Who are your favorite professional athletes?

Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving.

What is your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject is U.S. history.

What other hobbies do you have?

Playing video games.

What are your plans after high school?

To play basketball in college.

Food Truck Thursdays

EVENTS

Food Truck Thursdays is offered Feb. 1 through May 30 on Thursdays, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Town Hall front parking lot, 1976 Morris Ave., featuring various food trucks and pop-up vendors weekly.

Women’s History Month

The township of Union will be celebrating Women’s History Month with events throughout the month of March. For more information, visit www.uniontownship.com.

East Zone trash pickup

The East Zone of the township of Union, from Stuyvesant Avenue to the city of Elizabeth border, will have trash pickup on Fridays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

West Zone bulk and trash pickup

The West Zone of the township of Union, from Stuyvesant Avenue to the township of Springfield border, will have bulk and trash pickup on Mondays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25.

East Zone bulk and trash pickup

The East Zone of the township of Union, from Stuyvesant Avenue to the city of Elizabeth border, will have bulk and trash pickup on Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Recycling collection

The township of Union will have a recycling collection for newspaper, paper and cardboard on Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Garden Club to meet

The Union Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. in the Bonnel Room, second floor, Town Hall, Union.

Zoning Board of Adjustment to meet

The township of Union Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on Wednesday, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, at 7:30 p.m., in the Main Meeting Room, Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Ave.

West Zone trash pickup

The West Zone of the township of Union, from Stuyvesant Avenue to the township of Springfield border, will have trash pickup on Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Union Township Historical Society plans for 2024

The Union Township Historical Society has announced upcoming events for the first quarter of 2024:

• “A Revolutionary Journey: From Colonial Doctor to American Spy,” presentation by Jack Zackin at the Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church, 888 Stuyvesant Ave., Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m.

As Americans look forward to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Union Township Historical Society is working with the township government, the Union School District and the Union Township Education Association to plan a year-long series of events to commemorate that milestone event.

Township Committee to meet twice a month

The Union Township Committee will meet on Tuesdays, March 12 and 26, with a conference meeting at 6:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., in the Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Ave.

Board of Health to meet

The township of Union Board of Health will meet on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., in the Municipal Building, 1976 Morris Ave.

PUBLISHED BY:

Publisher: David Worrall

Managing Editor: David Jablonski

Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

UNION FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

“Samantha Turner is a three-sport athlete who also participates in field hockey and spring track. She currently is in the top 5 in the state of New Jersey in rebounding with 336 this season. She will leave Union High School with 702 rebounds in three years of varsity basketball. Sam was Union High School’s representative for the National Girls & Women in Sports Day at Rutgers University.”

— Ron Zieser Jr., director of Athletics

Samantha Turner, basketball

What were your goals this season?

My goals going into this season were to achieve multiple double doubles, stay consistent, motivated and carry my team to a winning season.

How do you get ready for a game?

When getting ready for a game, I like to take a moment and find a quiet space to breathe and clear my mind with music and breathing exercises. I like to finish this process with a short prayer.

What was your biggest accomplishment this season?

My biggest accomplishment this season is how consistent I’ve been with my hustle and fight when it comes to every game and keeping my position as a leading rebounder in the state and county.

What’s the most important thing your coach has taught you?

The most important thing my coach has taught me was, in life, you can work hard for something and still fail. But it’s the way you respond to the failure that determines if you’ll achieve what you’re working for.

Who are your favorite professional athletes?

My favorite professional athlete is Aliyah Boston. I’ve watched her throughout her college career and continue watching her play her heart out and achieve so much in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever.

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject is history.

What other hobbies do you have?

Some additional hobbies I have are roller skating, doing puzzles and reading poetry books. These all bring me joy and peace.

What are your plans after high school?

After high school I plan to complete my basic training with the National Guard, then go on to college to acquire my master’s degree in American Sign Language in hopes of becoming an interpreter.

Union residents

(Continued from Page 1)

MikeMakesGrill, owned by Mike Tangoria, offers a wide variety of foods. Their big seller is the Marty McFry, which is similar to a Big Mac; and the Chicken Chipotle Cheese Steak.

While Tangoria feels they have their own little niche with MikeMakesGrill, he also likes everyone else’s food at the other trucks.

Urban Burger is a brick and mortar established 2013 in Cranford. Owner, Ricot Jean Baptiste decided to “take the show on the road and expose what we do.”

They have the traditional Urban Burger, which has grilled onions, Swiss cheese and urban “special” house red sauce. Then there’s the Biggie Smalls, influenced by the hip-hop artist of the same name. It’s a double patty with American cheese, dill pickles, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. Vegan options are also available, such as the Impossible Burger.

Peter Ferreyra, owner of The Box Mobile Catering, said, “Not too many people are doing Argentine-based sand-

wiches.” Ferreyra is originally from Queens, was raised in Elizabeth and lives in Hillside. It’s his third year in business.

Originally in the hotel industry, Ferreyra lost his job during the pandemic, so he started his own business.

Big John’s Gourmet Burgers is owned by Jonathan Anderson. His burgers are 7 ounces and cooked with cumin. “That’s what makes my burgers unique,” he said. “They’re big. You need two hands (to eat them).” There’s also a Deluxe Vegan Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. Sides include crinkle cut French fries and onion rings.

This is the fourth year Anderson is doing Food Truck Thursdays. The Plainfield resident was an information technology person for 25 years, working at Time magazine. When he saw the food trucks outside in New York City, he thought to himself, “These guys are probably making more money than me.”

Time downsized in 2016 and Anderson lost his job. He was 51-years-old at the time and said, “I’m gonna do my own thing.”

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Above left, Isabella Villanueba, a foodie from Union, waits for a crepe from Batter Me Up. Above right, Jonathan Anderson, owner of Big John’s Gourmet Burgers, is a Plainfield resident on a second career after being downsized by Time in 2016. He cooks his burgers with cumin and also offers a Deluxe Vegan Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. Sides include crinkle cut French fries and onion rings.

SID Easter Scavenger Hunt scheduled for March 30

The township of Union and the Union Special Improvement District have announced the annual Easter Scavenger Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, from noon to 3 p.m., at Russo Park on Morris Avenue, located behind Van Gogh’s Ear.

“What a great way to celebrate Easter and our Union Center small businesses by having an Easter Scavenger Hunt in our Downtown,” said Mayor Manuel Figueiredo. “This free event is open to kids of all ages, where everyone will have a chance to unlock the Easter Bunny’s secret message!”

Children will be encouraged to unlock the Easter Bunny’s secret message and there will be goodie bags, balloon twisting, face painting, OMG Bubbles, the Easter Bunny and character photos and games. In the event of rain, a modified event will be at the Union Public Library, 1060 Stuyvesant Ave.

For more information and event updates, visit unioncentersid.com or follow @UnionCenterSID on social media.

Happy Happy

Photo Courtesy of the township of Union

The township of Union and the Union Special Improvement District have announced the annual Easter Scavenger Hunt is on Saturday, March 30, at Russo Park.

Riding For Warriors to establish scholarship fund

With the support of the ninth annual Riding For Warriors, The Riding For Warriors Scholarship Fund, sponsored by Hillmann Consulting, LLC, and Michael Nehlsen, has been established to fund the Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program for 2024-2025.

2023’s motorcycle journey was the John F. Ward Memorial Ride, honoring fallen and deceased heroes. Ward served in the U.S. Army and died in action while serving in Vietnam. The 10-day motorcycle journey raised more than $43,000 for Hope For The Warriors.

For the ninth year, the ride was led by Air Force veteran and Hillsborough-based Michael Nehlsen and sponsored by Union-based Hillmann Consulting.

The Riding For Warriors Scholarship Fund will fund two military spouse and military caregiver scholarships for multiple semesters, which include one Restoring Self Scholarship at $2,500 and one New Beginnings Scholarship at $1,800. From fall 2024 through the fall 2025, two Restoring Self Scholarships at a combined

$5,000 and one New Beginnings Scholarship at $1,800 will be funded.

The goal of the scholarship fund is to award recipients with multiple semesters allowing them to achieve their educational goals without interruption. The recipients will also receive $700 per semester to cover educational needs, split between them.

For 2024, additional funds will also be donated to the overall Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program fund and allocated to those pursuing Restoring Self Scholarships – bachelor’s degrees –and New Beginnings Scholarships – certificates and associate degrees.

Scholarships totaling $12,300 were awarded to the following for the 2024 spring semester from The Riding For Warriors Scholarship Fund:

• Laura Hentig of Monument, Colorado: Restoring Self Scholarship, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs; and

• Leslie Blankenship of Weeki Wachee, Florida: New Beginnings Scholarship, Allegany College of Maryland.

Happy Happy

Photo Courtesy of Erin McCloskey Michael Nehlsen stands beside his motorcycle before departing for his 2023 ninth annual Riding For Warriors motorcycle ride. See SCHOLARSHIP, Page 11

Scholarship fund to support military spouses and caregivers

(Continued from Page 10)

Since 2006, Hope For The Warriors has awarded Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships twice a year. The program recognizes and rewards post-9/11 spouses and caregivers for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity as they assume critical roles in the financial wellbeing of their families.

Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families.

“Riding For Warriors for the past ten years has given me the privilege to serve the military veteran community in positive and impactful ways. This includes granting Warrior’s Wishes and providing educational scholarships to military spouses and caregivers,” Nehlsen said.

“I believe in and adhere to the belief that ‘no military veteran or veteran family should ever be left behind.’ For the past two years, I have dedicated myself to the Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregivers Scholarship Program. I have been extremely fortunate and blessed, and I feel giving back to the military community I served is essential. I am deeply grateful for their service and sacrifice and it is an honor to support them in any way I can.”

In nine years, Nehlsen has traveled more than 37,000 miles on his motorcycle, raising more than $469,000 for the Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship and other HOPE programs. In August, Nehlsen will embark on the 10th anniversary of Riding For Warriors, beginning in Geneva, Switzerland, and traveling through France with multiple stops including Macon, Bourges, Le Mans, the D-Day Normandy Beach area and back to Geneva.

“The wish we have for all of our donors is to see and feel the impact their support has on the military families that HOPE serves,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “Thanks to Michael’s long-standing loyalty for HOPE, he truly knows how his fundraising has brought positive change to military families as he’s traveled across the country and now as he embarks on a European ride this summer. We are truly grateful for his continued commitment to serving his fellow veterans and their families.”

The 2024 fall Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship application is open from March 1 to April 30. To receive an application to apply, visit hopeforthewarriors.org and connect for services.

For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Union filmmaker selected for Garden State Film Festival

New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival is celebrating its 22nd anniversary from Thursday, March 21, though Sunday, March 24. The internationally recognized Garden State Film Festival celebrates the independent film genre by bringing a carefully curated and enriching selection of original works from locally produced filmmakers as well as from around the world.

“The upcoming 2024 Festival returns to experience 200 films from over 14 countries over four days in eight venues hosting parties, professional panels, events, special honors and more,” said Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s executive director.

The Garden State Film Festival offers several categories for films and filmmakers of all kinds. Among the selection include feature length and short films, documentaries, comedies, children’s, thrillers, pilots, student films and “homegrown” films shot in New Jersey. The Garden State Film Festival has announced that the film “Skunk Bite,” directed by Union resident Kelly Quinn, will screen at this year’s festival.

“We are extremely proud to present ‘Skunk Bite’ as a part of our 22nd annual Film Festival and to share this work with our global audience,” Sheehy said.

“Skunk Bite” will screen on Saturday, March 23, at 9 p.m., at Berkeley Hotel, Kingsley Room, Asbury Park.

The film’s subject is: After finding out her “Zombie Skunk Bite Disease” can only be cured by giving it to someone else, a ditzy college student must figure out who to pass it on to, before it’s too late.

“Since New Jersey has seen record production numbers in recent years, thanks in no small part to Gov. (Phil) Murphy’s competitive financial incentives and the film-friendly environment created here in the state, including the efforts of the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission, we’re seeing an increase in the number of projects that qualify for this category. It is wonderful to see our filmmakers live

where they work and to fulfill their creative dreams,” Sheehy said. “And since New Jersey offers so many different kinds of locations and settings – mountains, beaches, cities, farms and more – we see Jersey appearing in so many different kinds of films.”

The entire GSFF program of this year’s selections will be presented in multiple venues in the Asbury Park area with special events and screenings each night. A full day of screenings will also be presented at The Cranford Theater in Cranford on Saturday, March 23, starting at noon, with the last screening ending at 10:15 p.m.

The film schedule indicates which films have subtitles available for universalaccess for the hearing impaired. Fee on the website is the GSFF “Cinema for the Ears” series for those with visual impairment. More than 440 students will be attending the sold out 2024 statewide field trip and will be introduced to vocations by UARTS Karl Staven, as well as New Jersey’s place in the birth of film. Check the schedule at www.gsff.org for showtimes and to see which films are screening at which venue.

Following 2023’s successful event, this year’s 22nd anniversary celebration will include world premieres, celebrities, industry panels, parties and networking, along with entertainment for all. Catch the not-to-be-missed panel, “Filmmaking is booming in New Jersey! Find out why that’s good for you,” with special guest speakers on Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m., in the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel Johnny and June Room.

Founder Diane Raver said, “The GSFF is action-packed and there is something for everyone. Come one, come all, it only happens once a year and we don’t want you to miss it.”

Asbury Park highlights include the famous red-carpet Gala on Friday, March 22, at Asbury Lanes. This event includes a cash bar cocktail reception and light fare with industry professionals, red carpet

Film Festival celebrates its 22nd anniversary

(Continued from Page 12)

photos and a film screening starring Matthew Modine, John Cleese, Fiona Glascott, Derek Jacobi and Stuart Townsend in the feature drama “The Martini Shot” – a filmmaking reference to the last shot of a film shoot. Tickets to this event are limited and are available on the website www.gsff.org/tickets.

Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, offer a schedule packed with films for every viewer, plus industry related workshops. Winners of the festival’s Movie Music Competition will have their musical compositions played before the live screenings. All events are open to the public.

This year’s winning Feature Length Screenplay Competition winner will be announced soon. The reading of the winning screenplay by professional actors will take place on Sunday, March 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in the Oval Room on the second floor. The GSFF Screenplay table read is

presented by partner Project Write Now. A ticket is required and available at www.gsff.org.

The weekend culminates with the Garden State Film Festival Awards Dinner event on Sunday evening, March 24, where this year’s honorees will be recognized and festival winners will be announced. The GSFF honorary chairperson is Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach. Kovach begins her fourth term as mayor of Clinton and in 2019 was appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy and received Senate confirmation as a member of the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission, where she assists productions navigating local NJ government.

The GSFF Exceptional Women In Film recipient is Carla Raij, who is a co-producer and UPM that worked with Steven Spielberg on Amblin Entertainment’s “The Fabelman’s” and Educator of the Year recipient David Diianni of FilmAcademy360.

IN MEMORIAM

• BINDER – Ralph John, of Union; Jan. 31. Retired Union firefighter. Church deacon, Crossroads Christian Church. Widower, father, brother, grandfather, 88.

• DZIADZIO – John Francis, of Warren, formerly of Wood Ridge, Union; Feb. 4. Partner, chief financial officer, JL Media. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, 82.

• LAUER – Alma L., of Union, formerly of Bayonne; Feb. 1. Retired H.R. administrator for Xerox Corp. Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 88.

• ULLMER – Emily, of Union; Feb. 14. Worked as a staff assistant at Exxon Research and Engineering in Linden. Cousin, 89.

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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‘New Watchers: The Dead Sea Scroll,’ is a sprawling fantasy epic

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

“This is not a sequel. It’s more of a prequel,” said author Frantz Charles, a 2015 graduate of Union High School, in an interview with LocalSource, about his new book, “New Watchers: The Dead Sea Scroll,” which was released this year. “Different characters, but the same world.”

Charles is referring to his debut novel, “GCP: The First Resurrection,” which he released in 2020, when he was 24 years old. There is, however, a lot more history to this book than that.

“The first book was published in October 2020,” Charles said. “It took me eight years. I initially wrote it in 2012. So I had this eight-year journey. I was 16 when I wrote it.”

At that point, he confessed he had a lot of ideas. All he needed was a little direction.

“When I finished the first book, the idea for part two, part three and part four came to mind. I had an idea for a trilogy. My agent said to aim for the middle-grade market. That’s when I started to work on the new one.

“For my first book, “GCP: The First Resurrection,” the characters were 17, 18 years old. For my second book, “New Watchers: The Dead Sea Scroll,” they were 13, 14, 15 years old.”

Although his target audience is in the middle grades, Charles knew he’d be presenting some serious topics, a reflection of what had happened in his own life.

“I lost my grandpa in 2020 and I wanted to talk about loss in the second book,” he said. “The main character, Selena, lost her mother and she loses her father, but she says ‘I’m not going to stay down: I’m going to save my world.’ I thought: I’m not going to let my grandpa’s death hold me down. So I put my life lessons in my book to help my readers.”

With that in mind, he started writing in December 2021 and had his second book finished in 2022. Even a bout with the nefarious COVID-19 disease for two or three weeks didn’t stop him from self-publishing his latest tome, just as he’d selfpublished the first one.

“I just graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelor’s degree. I just feel like I experienced loss with my grandpa dying, but I also experienced wins in life with graduating and the book signing (He did a book signing at Barnes & Noble last week). We’re all called to watch over something, to have a responsibility. That’s why I call my book ‘New Watchers.’ If we tap into our purpose, we will find something to look forward to in this thing called life.”

Although almost all the characters in “New Watchers” are female, Charles said that’s incidental.

“In the first book, the main character was a girl, but there were men as well,” he said. “In the second book, it was all women from different reaches of the world. It was more like this is a character; I really don’t care about the gender.”

Charles said he knew fantasy would play a significant role in his book, starting with The Dead Sea Scroll, which is featured in the title.

“There is this scroll, the Dead Sea Scroll,” he said. “The scroll talks about a fantasy world. I wanted to create my world, my own giants, my own mermaids.”

When it came to mermaids, despite their prominence in recent films, Charles said he knew he wanted to go in his own direction.

“I studied these different movies that had the concept of mermaids. I decided I wanted to create my own world. I wanted to really showcase my creativity.”

He also decided to look to one of the most famous books of all time for ideas: The Bible.

“I wanted Biblical themes to connect to me and what I learned and what I know and put it in the sense that it was real life and not just fantasy. If people are going to invest and buy my book, I want to put in lessons, good vs. evil.”

There are other influences as well, many a lot more recent.

“I was told I have cinematic writing,” Charles said. “I grew up watching anime. When I saw Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, I used some of their fighting styles. I wanted people to sit back and read my book and

use real-life themes, but also say, ‘Wow, these fight scenes are amazing and so are these people.’

“I put a piece of me in each character, a different phase of my life or characteristic of me. Then I really fleshed them out.”

His writing has admirers. Charles won the silver Literary Titan Book Award for 2023. These awards are bestowed on books that exemplify exceptional standards in the presentation of original content. For both fiction and nonfiction works, this award appreciates the meticulous development of unique characters or subjects presented in an

authentically engaging context.

Charles has plans for his future, both in writing and elsewhere.

“I am working on a third book,” he said. “I could have done a sequel to the first book or a sequel for ‘New Watchers.’ I decided to do the sequel for ‘New Watchers.’

“Right now, one of my goals is to tap into film and TV. One of my goals is to try and make it into a film.”

With his can-do attitude, it’s only a matter of time before his name is on the credit lines on television or the silver screen.

GIRL SCOUT WEEK GIRL SCOUT WEEK

March 10-16, 2024

Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

This message is sponsored by these community minded businesses and organizations

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Audience votes in

Theatergoers from the United States and beyond will get to experience and participate in live theater — from home — as voters in The Theater Project’s prestigious THINK FAST short play competition, from Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 3.

Eight plays — submitted from around the country and as far away as New Zealand/Aotearoa — have been chosen as finalists in the THINK FAST competition, a cornerstone in the spring season of The Theater Project, a leading incubator for rising talent and a showcase for new work from New Jersey and beyond.

Submissions for THINK FAST were invited last fall and the eight finalists, chosen by a committee of playwrights, are Donna R Boyd of Berkeley Heights; David Carkeet of N. Middlesex, Vermont; Elle Collins of Aotearoa/New Zealand; Bruce Deveau of Amesbury, Mass.; Abigail Espinal of Union; Kimberly Ferse of Seattle, Wash.; Serena Norr of Mount Kisco, N.Y.; and Emmett Spaw of Manhattan, Kansas.

This is the 11th year for the THINK FAST competition and the fourth consecutive using the Zoom “vote from home” format.

“By holding this competition via Zoom,

we’re able to bring live theater into homes throughout the country and beyond and give everyone — including the authors’ friends and family — the opportunity to participate in the voting,” said Theater

competition

Project award-winning playwright and THINK FAST coordinator Joseph Vitale.

While there will be several individual awards during the THINK FAST competition, only one play will be chosen as the winner of the $500 Judges’ Pick award.

Plays are pre-recorded and livestreamed on Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. Each broadcast is followed by a real-time conversation with playwrights, actors, directors and audience on Zoom.

Tickets are $15 and include a link to a live, post-broadcast Zoom meet-andgreet after each performance, where audience members can chat with the actors, directors, playwrights and event organizers. The prizes, including commendations for best actor, actress and director, are announced at the Virtual Cocktail Party following the final performance on Sunday at 2 p.m.

For further information or tickets, visit TheTheaterProject.org/THINKFAST TIX or phone 908-809-8865.

Photos Courtesy of The Theater Project

Soup Appeti