Union Leader - June 2021

UNIONLEADER

UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM

First pupils accepted

— See Page 4

Fundraiser a hole in one

VOL. 06 NO. 04

JUNE 2021

Program helps residents who shop locally

By EmilyAnn Jackman Staff Writer In an effort to welcome the public back to local businesses, the township is promoting and expanding its VIP Card, which is like a rewards card that offers property tax credits for homeowners and rebates for others.

“The Union VIP program is an active program established in 2016 by the town through the Special Improvement District to reward residents for shopping locally,” Union Township Director of Economic Development Carlos Sanchez said on Friday, May 14. “The program has been around for residents to shop at the

participating local businesses while earning credits toward their individual property tax bill.”

West Orange has a similar program.

Union Township Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Jim Masteron explained how it works on Friday, May 14. “A business — for example, a restaurant — would offer a certain discount, such as 5 percent off your meal. If the person has the VIP Card, that amount is then deducted from their property taxes. … If you don’t live in Union and you’re an outside resident but still use that program, you get a check at the end of the year. Same if you’re a renter

in Union. It’s a win-win for everyone.

“The township of Union has actually had this program for a number of years in the downtown section of Union. Now, they’re expanding it to other parts of the town,” he added.

A webinar will be offered on Wednesday, May 19, at 9 a.m. to introduce residents to the program and explain its expansion, as well as broaden the scope and introduce the program to all chamber members. To attend the webinar, go to https://zoom.us/j/99185419179?pwd=em tDZTBDU1p1NThtWjBhdUhaQ3hsQT09.

“Now, it’s going outside of Union CenSee PROPERTY, Page 6

— See Page 10

UHS Senior Day hosted

Photo Courtesy of Township of Union Public Schools

— See Page 14

MAKING WISHES COME TRUE — The Washington School Student Council hosted a virtual Bingo Night recently to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The student council was able to raise more than $200 from this event and more than $1,300 during the school year.

2 — June 2021 — Union Leader

Kean University celebrates 1,135 honors graduates Kean University’s highest-achieving graduates in the Class of 2021 were recognized for their perseverance and academic success at the university’s virtual Honors Convocation on Friday, April 30.

“To get here, to this Honors Convocation, you put in years of hard work, long nights, countless hours at the library or laboratory — and drank lots of Starbucks caffeine. Graduating with honors is proof that giving it your all, even if you’re tired or distracted by other things in life, pays off,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet in his remarks to the graduates.

Speaking to the 1,135 honors graduates and their families and friends watching online, Repollet noted that this year’s graduating class achieved their goals while living through a worldwide pandemic, the economic fallout from that, and the “explosion of deep political and social division” that has occurred across the nation.

The president encouraged the honors graduates to savor their accomplishments, share the day with friends and family, and “enjoy every moment.”

“You achieved greatness during a tense time as honors graduates,” he said. “You persevered. I congratulate you on a job well done.”

In addition to Repollet, speakers included Kean Senior Vice President for Research Jeffrey H. Toney and keynote speaker DiOnetta Jones Crayton, associ-

ate dean and director of the Office of Minority Education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by Kean student Zirah Hajjaj, a sophomore music major.

Graduates and their loved ones also shared the milestone via social media with the hashtags #KeanHonors and #Kean2021. Their posts became part of the virtual event on the Honors Convocation webpage.

“Congrats to my daughter Alyssa for her honors accomplishment! We’re so proud of you!” wrote one beaming Kean mom.

“Excited to graduate with honors!

Gonna miss roaming campus with fellow Kean Cougars,” posted one of the honors graduates.

“Incredibly proud of my wife for making magna cum laude! You have worked so hard and have done it all through two pregnancies! Keep shooting for the stars!

Joshua and I are so proud of you!” wrote @coley.22.

In his remarks to the honors graduates, Toney, who oversaw university research opportunities that involved many of the students, praised their commitment to academic excellence. “I look forward to a brighter future, and I know you will be part of it,” he said.

Students with a four-year grade-point average of 3.85 or better graduate summa

cum laude; those with a grade-point average of 3.65 to 3.84 graduate magna cum laude; and those with a grade-point average of 3.45 to 3.64 graduate with cum laude honors.

In her keynote, Crayton connected her own experience with that of the graduates, noting that she grew up in a small town in Louisiana, raised by a single mother who struggled.

Yet she went on to achieve numerous “firsts” and rose through a career in the military and academia to reach MIT, “the hallowed halls of one of the nation’s and

the world’s most prestigious universities.”

She also shared three life lessons with the graduates, encouraging them to enjoy the “magnificence of this moment,” be fearless in being the first to accomplish something, and call on someone “bigger or greater” than them for inspiration and support as they make their mark in the world.

“What will you do? What action will you take, Kean University honors graduates of 2021?” she asked. “It is time to go out and change the world. We are all waiting on you.”

Projects receive environmental funding New Jersey American Water announced on Monday, May 3, its grant recipients through the company’s 2021 Environmental Grant Program. This year, the company has awarded a total of $38,241 to four organizations and community groups within its service area that are engaged in sustainability projects to improve water source protection or watershed protection.

“At New Jersey American Water, environmental stewardship is a core value,” said Matthew Csik, director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance. “We recognize the impact these innovative projects have on their

communities and our environment, and we are proud to support organizations that will continue to lead and inspire generations of environmental stewards for years to come.”

Among the 2021 Environmental Grant awardees is Jefferson School in Union Township, which was awarded $9,332 for its Buffering Stream Gardens project. This project will include the installation of seven hydroponic tower gardens at the school to provide a hands-on learning experience for students. These gardens will help the fifth-grade students at the Jefferson School learn about conservation and sustainability.

Union Leader — June 2021 — 3

Autism Awareness Month is celebrated in Union

By EmilyAnn Jackman Staff Writer In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Here’s the Story bookstore in Union Center had a virtual Stay-atHome story time, featuring guest Elsie Mackey, chairperson of Union Township’s Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, reading the children’s books ‘My Brother Charlie’ and ‘We’re Amazing 1, 2, 3,’ on Friday, April 30. Both books focus on autism.

“Today, we’re going to talk more about autism awareness, since it’s Autism Awareness Month in April,” Here’s the Story owner Joe Leo said in a conversation with Mackey on Friday, April 30. “It’s amazing to think that autism affects everybody’s life. I think it’s really important to get as much information and education out there as possible.”

For Mackey, the month has a very significant place in her heart; one of her three children, Julian, now 16 and a twin, has autism. Mackey explained that the family works around Julian, but it has been important to them to educate children about autism and foster autism awareness.

“My son, Julian, has autism, and I am the chairperson of Union Township’s ADA Committee. It’s an amazing job to have, and it’s definitely necessary, as one community for our people,” Mackey said on Friday, April 30.

Mackey shared her own experiences with her son.

“When we first started, I knew at nine months something was off about Julian, but we got the official diagnosis when he was 18 months old. The information and resources that we have now just didn’t exist.”

Maxkie said she looked at her son then and vowed that, not only would she make sure he would make it, but that all children similar to him would make it, too.

“We’ve really worked our way up to get initiatives out there,” she said. “Advocate, awareness, the support.

I think that’s what the key is in advocating for our people with disabilities, our children, our adults, because he’s now a teenager, so I have a whole new journey now.

“We’re a whole family unit, and it's really interesting because we all work around Julian. He’s like the glue of our family that bonds us together,” she added.

Mackey said her goal is to spread autism awareness.

“We have this picture. Julian’s in the middle, and all of us are together, but we navigate the challenges and complexities of autism with love,” Mackey said. “It’s not

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Here’s the Story bookstore recently hosted a virtual Stay-atHome story time featuring guest reader Elsie Mackey, chairperson of Union Township’s Americans with Disabilities Act Committee. Here, Mackey praises the children’s book ‘My Brother Charlie,’ written by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete. easy, because we’re living in a society where awareness is just not there as much as we’d like it. My mission, my goal and my life is to ensure that children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, children with mental

WE MANUFACTURE THE ALUMINIM STEPDOWN AWNING WE ARE THE FACTORY

Family Owned since 1940

OVER 80 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Union Window Shade & Awning Co. STORM DOORS

SELF-STORING GLASS

ROUND TOP STORM DOORS

1873 MORRIS AVE. • UNION

health concerns, adults with mental health concerns, all of the above are supported, loved, honored, respected and cared for.

See UNION, Page 8

We Measure & Install

Average window including installation $375 each

We Will Meet or Beat Any Price in Writing!

CALDECKERT@GMAIL.COM

WWW.CALDECKERTANDSONS.COM

THE

AWNING KING

4 — June 2021 — Union Leader

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet and other leaders went on the road visiting schools in four communities on Tuesday, May 4, to accept the first group into the Kean Scholar Academy dual-enrollment program for high school students. The bus tour visited students in Carteret, Plainfield, Roselle and Union.

Photo Courtesy of Margaret McCorry

Kean admits first students into Kean Scholar Academy Kean University leaders went on the road visiting schools in four communities on Tuesday, May 4, to accept the first group into the Kean Scholar Academy dual-enrollment program for high school students.

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet joined the academy team in welcoming students who were selected to be part of the first cohort, which will be starting classes this summer.

“These students are trailblazers that are starting an academic journey that will change their lives,” Repollet said. “The Kean Scholar Academy will nourish all of their natural talents and intelligence, provide them with the support they need to be successful and help put them on an accelerated path toward earning a college degree. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to Kean.”

At Carteret Middle School, administrators told 10 students who had applied for the program to gather outside for a special event, but did not reveal they had been accepted until the Kean team arrived on the university bus on Tuesday, May 4.

“The moment the Kean bus came around the corner, the excitement was just incredible, and everyone was cheering. That excitement will stay with them forever,” said Josephine Wilson, director of curriculum and instruction for the Carteret Public Schools. “This means the world to them, the opportunities it affords them. We always try to match students up with what is best for them, and what is best for these students is to become Kean Cougars. The

parents are beaming with pride.”

In Plainfield, where the bus tour arrived at Maxson Middle School, Superintendent Diana Mitchell said the district is grateful to Repollet for offering this “amazing opportunity” to students and their families.

“The Kean Scholar Academy will provide early access into their future. Most importantly, our students will have the opportunity to earn up to two years of college credits,” she said.

Roselle Superintendent Nathan L. Fisher said students’ faces lit up when the bus arrived at Grace Wilday Junior High School. Six Roselle students will be part of the academy's first class.

“This opportunity for our Roselle Public Schools scholars is such a pivotal moment in their academic journey. We are honored and privileged to have our students engage in the Kean Scholar Academy,” he said. “Ultimately, this experience shall serve as a vehicle to increase and propel their academic success and career trajectory into the future.”

The bus tour also visited Union High School in Union Township to welcome four scholars. Repollet will welcome students in eight other school districts to Kean Scholar Academy with virtual events later this month.

Students in participating school districts are invited to apply for the program. The inaugural class of the Kean Scholar Academy will include about 125 students. Students are selected by Kean on criteria including grades, school attendance, involve-

ment and commitment to excel.

The first group will arrive this summer for a four-week orientation on Kean’s Union and Skylands campuses.

Kean Scholar Academy students will be enrolled for all four years of high school. In ninth and 10th grade, they will take college courses in English, math and prerequisite subjects with other academy students, both on campus and through online learning. In their last two years in the academy, they will take classes in their major alongside other Kean students. At the same time, they will take high school classes.

The students will earn as many as 12 to 15 college credits in their major and participate in mentorships, internships and

other experiences to prepare them for college success.

The students’ home school districts will pay their tuition, using grants and federal funding earmarked for programs to accelerate student success. Kean will provide technology, some transportation and other support.

Students will also get a taste of life on campus.

“If we have a football game, or there is a play on campus, academy students will be there. We want to immerse them in the college experience,” said Jason Lester, special assistant to the president and the executive director of Kean Scholar Academy. “This will be a new way of life for these young people and their families.”

UNIONLEADER LOCAL, POSITIVE, COMMUNITY NEWS Visit our Website for more news and photos.

UnionNewsDaily.com PUBLISHED BY: Worrall Media 1291 Stuyvesant Avenue Union NJ 07083 908-686-7700 Editorial@TheLocalSource.com

Publisher: David Worrall Editor: Yael Katzwer Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

All contents ©2021 Worrall Community Newspapers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of this publication and any republication or broadcast without written permission is prohibited.

Union Leader — June 2021 — 5

Hours: Monday -Saturday: 7:30am - 5 pm Sunday 8:30 am - 3 pm

908688-8333

528 N. Michigan Ave. Kenilworth We accommodate the trade as well as the do-it-yourselfers! We are always ready to assist.

5-Yards or more

Grass – Seed Fertilizers Peat Moss Polymeric Sand Paver Sealer Paver Cleaner

HARDSCAPE

• • • • • • • • • • •

Prices per yard

Black Topsoil ...................................$36

MULCH Black Dyed .......................................$30 Brown Dyed .....................................$30 Red Dyed..........................................$32 Hardwood.........................................$24

FREE Same Day Delivery LAWN & GARDEN

SOIL

QUARRY BASE MATERIALS

Concrete Sand..................................$50 Cement 3⁄4 Clean Stone..................................$44 Concrete Block Stone Dust........................................$34 Belgium Block QP ......................................................$36 Curbing DECORATIVE STONE Limestone Treads 3⁄8 Red Stone .....................................$74 Diamond Blades 3⁄4 Red Stone .....................................$70 TOOLS 3⁄4 Goose Egg ....................................$94 Mason Tools 11/2-3 Goose Egg ..............................$98 Shovels 3⁄4 Arctic White .................................$94 Rakes 3⁄8 Riverbed / Pea Gravel................$60 DRAINAGE 1 Riverbed ........................................$70 Catch Basins 111/22-3 Riverbed .................................$80 Pipe Prices Prices subject subject to to change change without without notice. notice.

LaLargest r ge s t D isplayofof Display CamCambridge bridge PPavers avers Union in Uniinon CouCounty nty • Fireplaces WWaterfalls a te r fa l l s • F i re p l a c e s • Fire Pits • Walls Fire Pits • Walls • W•alWalkways kways P•atPatios ios • C• urCurbs bs

6 — June 2021 — Union Leader

Property Tax Reward Program helps residents who shop locally (Continued from Page 1) ter and will be able to apply to any business in the township,” said Masteron. “Any business that wishes to join can join and it’s open to all … no matter where they are in Union. … We’re excited and we have speakers that will give more details to our merchants.”

Sanchez said the purpose of the webinar is to ensure that businesses and residents are aware of how the program works and how it will benefit both residents and small businesses in Union. It is designed to encourage residents to “shop in your town/locally,” while increasing foot traffic for the business corridors. The more you shop locally, Sanchez says, the higher your tax credit will be.

“For merchants, it gives them a competitive edge, because, would you rather shop at a place that’s going to help lower your property taxes with a rebate or go somewhere else that won’t?” Masteron said. “It’s like an extra incentive to use the businesses in our township, make them successful and give our residents a benefit as well. We want people to shop local. We want people to use those businesses that support our township and support our kids.

“For example, when local nonprofits in town go to businesses and ask for donations to different things, they do and they’re supportive,” he continued. “Not the

big bucks places or the national online places, but our local folks always support our town. We want to give back to them and we want to support them as well. “ Sanchez said the Property Tax Reward Program provides property tax incentives for township residents to keep their purchasing dollars in Union. When making a purchase at a local business registered in the program, a resident submits a registered Union VIP Card along with the payment.

“The merchant processes the card, resulting in a property tax credit representing a percentage of the sale amount,” Sanchez said. “The reward amount is collected weekly by a private company and deposited, net of program fee, into a township-dedicated account earmarked for the reduction of the cardholder’s property taxes. The company submits a payment file to the township annually, along with the payment of all accrued credits. Since the procedure is the same as that of banks making property tax payments for their borrowers, there is no additional burden on township personnel.”

Those who register for a card are given a list of participating businesses. “If you go to a lot of places, you can maybe get $500 off your property taxes for the year,” said Masterson. “If you’re a renter and you don’t have a house, you’ll get a check at the end of the year. … If you

live in Kenilworth, but you shop in Union and you participate in the program and go to those places that offer this program, you’ll get a check at the end of the year.”

Masteron said this is one way that they hope to promote local shopping.

“It’s exciting to see everyone opening up and it's about time,” said Masterson. “We’ve had new businesses opening, even during the pandemic. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by that, and we’re working hard as a chamber to make sure that they can support it and they thrive.”

Sanchez said the program is geared toward supporting the small business community in all local business corridors, including the Center, Chestnut, Vauxhall, Route 22 and Morris Avenue.

“This program will be one of the programs supporting the revitalization of our small business community that has been extremely impacted by the pandemic,” said Sanchez. “The restrictions, shutdowns and limitations during the state of emergency have impacted our businesses, and, therefore, a program such as the Union VIP Property Tax Reward Program will be of value to the business community and our residents.”

To get a Union VIP Card, call 908-851-5466 or email fraymond@uniontownship.com.

AT THE LIBRARY library for this month’s selection.

“Vision Board Project: Using the Power of Intention and Visualization To Achieve Your Union Public Library has a lot of events Dream” on Monday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. A coming up; register for all programs by vision board is a collage representing things going to https://uplnj.org/events/list/. you would like to manifest in your life. CertiFor assistance or for more information, fied life coach Beverly Braxton-Cannon will call 908-851-5450, ext. 3. help attendees identify achievable and realis• Meditation, every Thursday at 11:30 tic short-term and long-term goals, and show a.m. Join Bindu Bhatt for a virtual medihow to create a vision board. Call the Vauxtation session. No experience necessary.

Bhatt has practiced meditation for more hall branch at 908-851-5451 for supply kits.

• “Get Off the Couch and Into Shape” than 30 years and will share her insight on Tuesday, June 22, at noon. After the with attendees. long winter, don’t be afraid to get off the • Beginners flow yoga, every Thursday at 6 p.m. This class will lead attendees couch and into shape. Join Paul Mickthrough the foundations of yoga postures, iewicz, from the Gateway Family YMCA, body awareness and alignment, relaxation for a few exercises and stretching techof the mind, and a connection with the niques that can be done easily every day.

• Smart DriverTEK virtual workshop breath. Learn how to improve muscle strength, promote flexibility and build a on Monday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Technology is changing the specialized yoga program.

• “Tribute to Stephen Sondheim,” a gay driving experience. Learn about the latest pride event, on Tuesday, June 8, at 6:30 high-tech safety features available in cars, p.m. Robert McLaughlin, author of including how they work, and how they “Stephen Sondheim and the Reinvention can make driving safer and more enjoyof the American Musical,” will share his able. This will be presented by AARP. • “Genealogy Research Stories” on appreciation of Sondheim’s work and Wednesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. Are you many contributions to musical theater.

• “How To Write a Resume To Get trying to research a female New Jersey Hired” on Wednesday, June 16, at 1:30 ancestor but don’t know how? Regina Fitzp.m. Join this resume training designed patrick, genealogy librarian at the New Jerby a recruiter and land your next job more sey State Library, will show how to do this quickly. Lisa Rangel, founder of the exec- using popular New Jersey genealogical colutive resume-writing and job-landing lections. Learn about smart research company Chameleon Resumes, will walk strategies and new resources to find your attendees through the exact steps and ancestors and hear stories from the past. proven layouts needed to land multiple interviews. She’ll cover resume require- Children’s events at UPL ments and mistakes to avoid.

Union Public Library will hold the follow• Off the Shelf book club meets Thurs- ing upcoming virtual youth programs. Proday, June 17, at 7 p.m. All books are avail- gram details are subject to change; contact able to UPL cardholders on hoopla. New the library to confirm. To register for promembers are always welcome. Call the grams, visit www.uplnj.org. For programs

Events are offered at the Union Public Library

broadcast on Facebook Live, non–Facebook users should email childrensdepartment@ uplnj.org for access.

• Library & Chill, UPL’s new winter reading program. This six-week program for all ages will run throughout February. Virtually explore all the library has to offer this winter and have a chance to win prizes. Visit uplnj.org for more information.

• Virtual Biographical Storytime, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Learn all about important fig-

ures from the past and present at this event for all ages, which is broadcast on Facebook Live and subsequently available on Instagram. No registration required.

• Virtual Storytime, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Spend this special time listening to a story and singing songs and rhymes. These events for all ages are broadcast on Facebook Live and will subsequently be available on Instagram. No registration required.

Photo Courtesy of Union High School

OUR VALEDICTORIAN — Congratulations to Union High School senior Dylan DeFelipe for being designated valedictorian out of 574 members of the UHS Class of 2021. Next fall, DeFelipe plans to attend Cornell University, with studies centered on the pre-med track.

Union Leader — June 2021 — 7

County offers grab-and-go meals at senior centers The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced that box-lunch meals will be available to seniors beginning in May, through the graband-go program.

The program is run through the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, in the Department of Human Services.

“This alternative dining option will provide seniors with access to nutritious lunches, while reducing the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus,” said County Commissioner Chairperson Alexander Mirabella.

The grab-and-go program is for seniors ages 60 and older who reside in Union County and are not receiving home-delivered meals from Meals on Wheels.

It will be available at 19 senior centers and senior housing sites throughout the county every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning on Tuesday, May 4.

Reservations are required and are available by calling the Division on Aging by 9 a.m. on the previous Thursday for Tuesday pickup and by 9 a.m. the previous Monday for Thursday pickup.

To make a reservation or to register for the program, call the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4877.

A small voluntary donation is suggested for each meal. Any eligible senior can use the graband-go program at any of the following senior centers: Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden; Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park; Cranford Lincoln Apartments, 800 Lincoln Ave., Cranford; Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union; Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth; Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St., Linden; Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside; JFK Senior Apartments, 250 W. Grand Ave., Rahway; Kenilworth Senior Center,

Let’s Get Back To Normal!

BRENNAN

AND

SONS

526 Boulevard, Kenilworth; Liberty Square Senior Center, 204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth; O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center, 622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth; Plainfield Senior Center, 400 E. Front St., Plainfield; Roselle Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Ave., Roselle; Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union; Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains; Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth; Union Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court, Union; Westfield Community Center, 558 W. Broad St., Westfield; and Winfield Community Center, 25 Roosevelt Drive, Winfield Park.

The grab-and-go program allows for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population.

Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult age 60 or older.

NOW OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING!

SHEETS, PILLOWS & MATTRESSES

Our Brands include: Therapedic Eastman House, Elegance & Eclipse We Also carry Bamboo & Bedgear Pillows as well as Bamboo, Cotton & Flannel sheet sets and Bamboo towels.

Custom Quality Mattresses Made to Order Visit our showroom in the heart of Roselle Park Financing Available Though Synchrony

128 Chestnut Street • Roselle Park • 908-241-3333 www.BrennanAndSons.net

Wednesday - Sunday

862-400-0505

8 — June 2021 — Union Leader

Above left, Elsie Mackey, chairperson of Union Township’s Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, left, and Here’s the Story owner Joe Leo interact during the Stay-at-Home story time virtual segment on Friday,

April 30, in honor of Autism Awareness Month. Above right, Mackey reads the children’s book ‘My Brother Charlie,’ written by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete.

Union ADA Committee celebrates autism awareness (Continued from Page 3) “I think a lot of people don’t realize. We hear about Autism Awareness Month, the month of April, we see the blue, we see the puzzle pieces, but it’s bigger than that,” she continued. “It affects not only the children, or the person, or the adult, but the family members, the teachers, the support staff, the speech pathologist, the occupational therapists. It is a huge entity to take on.”

During the segment, Mackey praised the book ‘My Brother Charlie,’ written by Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter, Ryan Elizabeth Peete. Ryan Elizabeth’s brother, Rodney Peete Jr., also a twin, has had to deal with autism as well.

“It's amazing, because this is one of the books that I bought for Jules (Julian) and his twin brother, J.J.,” Mackey said. “I was so excited, because you didn’t real-

GREAT FOOD • GREAT PRICES Appetizers • Jumbo Wings • Fork n’ Good Fries • Soups • Salads Burgers • Wraps & Paninis • Hot Italian Heros • Cold Italian Heros Our Signature Cheesesteaks • The Usual Suspects Gourmet Dinners • Pizza • Rolls & Things Burgers From World Renowned - Pat Lefredia. Also Available Burger Build: Step 1 Choose Your Cheese Step 2 Choose Your Toppings Step 3 Choose More Toppings Step 4 Choose Your Sides

Delivery • Takeout • Dine In 1424 Morris Avenue • Union Tel: 908-688-7500 Fax: 908-688-7505 www.johnnynapkins.com

We Always Use High Quality Ingredients

ly find books like this for children on the spectrum, but more so, for his brother, because a lot of times, we forget that the child with autism has a whole village, and this was a key book for us.”

For more information about autism, visit autismawareness.com, the New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Network at njddan.org or the Union Township ADA webpage.

1302 Stuyvesant Ave, Union 908-349-8122 wontonhouseunion.com

15% OFF Open Hours Mon. - Thurs. 11 am to 10:00 pm Fri. - Sat. 11 am to 10:30 pm Sunday Closed

For Dining & Pick up Min. $15

Delivery By:

Union Leader — June 2021 — 9

U.S. News ranks New Jersey’s high schools U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2021 rankings of public high schools. In addition to a national list, U.S. News compiled a ranking of New Jersey high schools, looking at 424 public high schools.

The rankings were established by measuring six ranking indicators: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, math and reading proficiency, math and reading performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rate.

New Jersey high school students are assessed in math and English language arts via the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC, exams.

The New Jersey rankings are as follows for public high schools in Union County: Union County Magnet High School in Scotch Plains at No. 6; Academy for Information Technology in Scotch Plains at No. 9; Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains at No. 10; Elizabeth High School at No. 13; Summit Senior High School at No. 17; New Providence High School at No. 30; Westfield Senior High School at No. 41; Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy in Elizabeth at No. 49; Scotch Plains–Fanwood High School at No. 62; Cranford High School at No. 81;

Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights at No. 94; Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield at No. 116; Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies at No. 137; Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark at No. 146; Union County Tech in Scotch Plains at No. 181; Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains at No. 208; Roselle Park High School at No. 219; Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy in Elizabeth at No. 224; J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy in Elizabeth at No. 240; Union High School at No. 242; Barack Obama Green Charter High School in Plainfield at No. 246; Linden High School at No. 254; Union County Teams Charter School in Plainfield at No. 300; Rahway High School at No. 301; Hillside High School at No. 305; John E. Dwyer Technology Academy in Elizabeth at No. 320; David Brearley Middle/High School in Kenilworth at No. 321; Abraham Clark High School in Roselle at No. 336; and Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy in Elizabeth at No. 339.

Not receiving individual ranks but placed in the Nos. 350 to 406 range are Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Leadership Academy in Elizabeth and Plainfield High School. Simon Youth Academy in Elizabeth was unranked.

/XVLWDQLD

6$9,1*6 %$1.

&RPPXQLW\ )LUVW /RDQV $IIRUGDEOH ÀQDQFLQJ /RFDOO\ IRFXVHG 'XULQJ WKHVH WLPHV RI HFRQRPLF KDUGVKLS /XVLWDQLD 6DYLQJV %DQN LV HPEUDFLQJ LWV UROH DV D WUXH FRPPXQLW\ EDQN E\ LQWURGXFLQJ D QHZ ORDQ SURJUDP WR VLJQL¿FDQWO\ UHGXFH KRXVLQJ H[SHQVHV IRU ERUURZHUV LQ RXU ORFDO FRPPXQLWLHV

6WD\ KRPH VWD\ VDIH YLVLW RXU 2QOLQH 0RUWJDJH &HQWHU IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG WR DSSO\ RQOLQH

6FDQ )RU 7RGD\¶V 5DWHV

::: /86,7$1,$%$1. &20 0257*$*(6 (48$/ 23325781,7< /(1'(5

3XODVNL 6WUHHW 1HZDUN 1- ([W ZZZ OXVLWDQLDEDQN FRP 3D\PHQW ([DPSOH SHU ERUURZHG RQ D \HDU ¿[HG UDWH PRUWJDJH DW DQ LQWHUHVW UDWH RI ZLOO UHVXOW LQ SD\PHQWV RI 3D\PHQW ([DPSOH SHU ERUURZHG RQ D \HDU ¿[HG UDWH PRUWJDJH DW DQ LQWHUHVW UDWH RI ZLOO UHVXOW LQ SD\PHQWV RI 3D\PHQW ([DPSOH SHU ERUURZHG RQ D \HDU ¿[HG UDWH PRUWJDJH DW DQ LQWHUHVW UDWH RI ZLOO UHVXOW LQ SD\PHQWV RI $FWXDO PRQWKO\ SD\PHQW PD\ EH KLJKHU EHFDXVH H[DPSOH GRHV QRW LQFOXGH DSSOLFDEOH SURSHUW\ WD[HV IHHV LQVXUDQFH SUHPLXPV RU RWKHU UHODWHG FRVWV $QQXDO SHUFHQWDJH UDWH $35 EDVHG RQ ORDQ ZLWK D \HDU RU \HDU DPRUWL]DWLRQ WHUP )LQDQFLQJ RQ RZQHU RFFXSLHG UHVLGHQWLDO IDPLO\ SURSHUWLHV ORFDWHG LQ (VVH[ 8QLRQ DQG +XGVRQ &RXQWLHV 0LQLPXP ¿QDQFH FKDUJH RI 2ZQHU RFFXSLHG UDWH 1HZ ORDQV RQO\ 5DWHV DQG DQQXDO SHUFHQWDJH UDWHV DUH EDVHG RQ ORDQ WR YDOXH ZLWK HTXLW\ RU GRZQ SD\PHQW 5DWHV DQG DQQXDO SHUFHQWDJHV DUH HႇHFWLYH DV RI WKH SXEOLFDWLRQ GDWH RI WKLV DG DQG DUH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH 3OHDVH VSHDN ZLWK RXU 0RUWJDJH 'HSDUWPHQW IRU DGGLWLRQDO WHUPV DQG FRQGLWLRQV WKDW PD\ DSSO\ 6XEMHFW WR FUHGLW DSSURYDO 2WKHU UDWHV DQG SURJUDPV DUH DYDLODEOH 10/6

Archdiocese to celebrate 500 years of Catholicism in the Philippines The Archdiocese of Newark, in conjunction with the Diocese of Paterson, is honoring the 500th anniversary of the first Mass in the Philippines with a yearlong jubilee celebration consisting of a special pilgrimage and several other cultural festivities that will enable Filipino parishioners to celebrate their faith.

Those participating in the pilgrimage will follow a replica of the jubilee cross — which Ferdinand Magellan erected at the first Mass in the Philippines 500 years ago

— and statues of Santo Nino de Cebu and Our Lady of Manaoag as they travel each month to 12 churches with large Filipino populations throughout the Archdiocese.

To accommodate such fervent devotion, the Archdiocese has incorporated Filipino religious traditions into the jubilee cross pilgrimage. Each month, the church hosting the cross will highlight one Filipino faith expression or popular devotion, such as Flores de Mayo, the monthlong May festival celebrating Mary.

IN MEMORIAM • BRANCO – Antonio Paulo, of Pittstown, formerly of Newark, Belleville and Union; May 10. Senior engineering executive, husband, father, brother, uncle, 68.

• GRAY – Robert M., of Millington, formerly of Union; May 11. School administrator. Loved to golf and cook. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 66.

• PETESCIA – Rose Marie G., of Union, formerly of Newark; April 23. Teacher.

Loved baking, singing, reading. Wife, mother, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, 94.

• WASOWSKA – Julia, of Mountainside, formerly of Union; May 6. Worked in the packaging department of the A&P in Newark for more than 30 years. Aunt, 99.

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.

607 Chestnut St. Union

$

199

Keratin Treatment With This Coupon

908-688-8740

Haircut Sale

Eyebrow Threading

$

$

8.99

4.99

New Clients only

New Customer

With This Coupon

With This Coupon

Experienced Hair Stylist wanted Full Time Great opportunity

10 — June 2021 — Union Leader

Fundraising event at Galloping Hill a hole in one

Photos by David VanDeventer

The Elizabeth Avenue Partnership returned to the Galloping Hill Golf Course, located on the Union and Kenilworth border, to host its eighth annual Golf Outing on Thursday, May 6. The popular EAP event raises funds to support the small business community in Elizabeth, which is the state’s fourth largest city. Hundreds of altruistic amateur golfers swarmed the links to help raise money for various quality-of-life programs, beautification efforts and security initiatives, as well as to support small business owners. For additional information on upcoming events, visit www.elizabethavenue.org.

Union Leader — June 2021 — 11

NJ Blood Services announces blood emergency New Jersey Blood Services recently announced a blood shortage in the region, one year after the region was the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic. Before COVID-19, donors could stop by community blood drives at convenient locations such as high schools, colleges and offices. It has been one year since these types of locations had to cancel their blood drives due to COVID-19, and few have been able to resume these lifesaving events.

NJBS currently has a 4.2-day supply of blood, which is well below what is needed by area hospitals. New Jersey’s health care system requires 1,500 donations each day to treat patients, ranging from trauma victims to newborn babies and their mothers to cancer patients.

Donors with type O and type B blood are especially needed, as NJBS currently has only a one- to two-day supply of these blood types.

“With thousands getting vaccinated

each day, we are thrilled to watch our state recover from this catastrophic year,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director at New Jersey Blood Services. “As New Jersey bounces back in strides this spring, we need everyone to make an appointment and donate blood to help save lives. While the end of the pandemic is near, our struggle to fight for those in need continues.”

NJBS is taking extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person

spread of COVID-19. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms. Additional information on donor eligibility and COVID-19 precautions is available at https://nybc.org/donateblood/covid-19-and-blood-donationcopy/. Donations are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 800-933-2566 or visiting www.nybc.org/.

PSE&G gets green light to provide smart meters PSE&G received approval on Jan. 7 from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to invest approximately $700 million during the next four years to provide its 2.3 million electric customers with smart meters.

The decision clears the way for the largest installation of smart meter technology in New Jersey history.

Smart meters are the foundation of PSE&G’s Energy Cloud–Advanced Metering Infrastructure effort, which will create an integrated, two-way communications network between electric customers and the utility.

This network will enable automatic, near real-time meter reading — virtually eliminating estimated utility bills, providing more efficient response to outages and allowing customers to make more informed

decisions about their energy usage.

“This is a vital step toward achieving a smarter and cleaner energy future for New Jersey,” PSE&G President Dave Daly said. “Smart meters provide the realtime communications necessary to better serve our customers and will provide electric customers with valuable information about their energy consumption.

Smart meters and the supporting communications network can help expedite electric service restorations when severe weather strikes, help customers increase their home energy savings and improve service quality.

“A smart meter network is essential to PSEG’s Powering Progress vision for a future in which we help our customers use less energy, ensure that the energy they

do use is cleaner and deliver that energy more reliably than ever,” Daly said.

The implementation of a smart meter network is another step toward achieving Gov. Phil Murphy’s clean energy vision for New Jersey. The improved communications will lead to fewer truck dispatches and other efficiencies that are expected to reduce PSE&G’s carbon dioxide emissions by about 2,800 metric tons per year.

PSE&G is committed to working with its union partners and all of its employees on the transition to smart meters, which will occur over several years.

For more information on AMI and smart meters, visit psegpoweringprogress.com/energy-cloud/.

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1928

Carpet • Tile • Window Treatments Wood • Ceramic • Sheet Vinyl Serving all of Northern New Jersey Hannon Floors has consistently delivered on the promise of offering excellent workmanship, competitive pricing, and floor covering expertise to customers since opening our doors in 1928.

NEWLY RENOVATED SHOWROOM FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE & TO SERVE YOU BETTER www.hannonfloors.com HOURS: Monday thru Friday 9:00-5:30

1119 Springfield Road, Union 908-686-6333

We speak Spanish

12 — June 2021 — Union Leader

NJ Transit launches mobile app for Access Link NJ Transit has launched a mobile app for Access Link customers, providing them with a user-friendly interface for making, canceling and monitoring reservations. Access Link users will also be able to update customer information and monitor the status of their EZ-Wallet payment accounts with just a few clicks on the app.

“Since its introduction in 2019, NJ Transit has booked hundreds of thousands of trips through Access Link

online, which allows customers to schedule rides, prepay fares electronically with EZ-Wallet, check trip status and the estimated time of arrival of pick-up vehicles,” NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett said.

“Access Link customers now have access to all of these great features through this new mobile app — with an easy-to-use interface — building on our many efforts to improve mobility and

enhance the experience for those customers who depend most on public transit.”

The Access Link app was developed in direct response to customer feedback that a mobile app would improve ease of use and simplify the process of making and canceling reservations. The app provides one-stop shopping for customers who previously had to call in and speak to an operator or log in to an online account.

With the mobile app, customers will be able to modify reservations easily and check the status of scheduled arrivals.

The Access Link app is available for free download on iOS or Android devices via the App Store or Google Play.

NJ Transit’s Access Link paratransit program was established to provide public transportation to people with disabilities who are unable to use the local bus service.

Settlement with pharmaceutical Union County clerk co. recovers $3.1M for NJ Medicaid encourages voters to use one-stop vote-by-mail service Union County clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminded residents that the county clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth are available to voters for one-stop vote-by-mail service.

Eligible voters can pick up an application for a vote-by-mail ballot, receive their ballot, cast their vote and deposit the ballot in a secure drop-off box all in one visit.

“We encourage all voters to vote early by using a vote-by-mail ballot, and the one-stop service makes it easy and convenient,” said Rajoppi. “As a reminder, voters who are not on the permanent vote-by-mail list will need to request an application if they would like to use a vote-by-mail ballot this year.”

The county clerk’s Westfield office is located at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County Complex, 300 North Ave. E. Regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Elizabeth office is located in the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad St.

Regular hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting on Saturday, May 1, the Elizabeth office will also be open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for vote-by-mail services, leading up to the primary election day on Tuesday, June 8.

Approximately 35,000 voters in Union County are on the permanent vote-by-mail list and will automatically receive their ballots in the mail in the coming days. Voters on the list can check the “status of vote-by-mail ballots” section on the homepage of the Union County clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com to see when their ballots were mailed.

In addition to picking up an application in person at the county clerk’s offices, there are four other ways to obtain a vote-by-mail application: call the county clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996; email the county clerk at ucvote@ucnj.org; download the application from the county clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com; or use the free Union County Votes mobile app.

NJ American Water launches online emergency reporting New Jersey American Water announced Jan. 14 that customers can now report a water outage, leak or other water emergency online. Eliminating the need to report an emergency by phone, customers can now notify the company through the New Jersey American Water website at www.amwater.com or through the company’s online customer portal, MyWater.

“We’re committed to providing exceptional customer service and offering a variety of communication channels to meet our customers’ preferences,” said Thomas Shroba, vice president of operations at New Jersey American Water. “When our customers experience a water service outage or other emergency, we know they need to reach us quickly and may not want or be in a position to pick up the phone. By providing an online platform to report emergencies, customers can now notify us of a water service outage or emergency within minutes using their preferred method.”

All New Jersey American Water customers are encouraged to establish an online account through the company’s MyWater portal. This platform allows customers to track water usage, see real-time alert notifications for their service area, set up paperless billing, pay bills online and more.

Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced April 29 that New Jersey and other states have reached an agreement with the pharmaceutical company Indivior PLC and its subsidiary Indivior Inc. to settle allegations that Indivior falsely and aggressively marketed and otherwise promoted the opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone, resulting in improper expenditures of state Medicaid funds.

Indivior will pay a total of $300 million to resolve various civil fraud allegations affecting Medicaid and other government health care programs, of which more than $203.7 million will go to Medicaid.

Approximately $90 million of this amount is to be paid to the 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, as their share of the Medicaid recovery.

As part of the settlement, New Jersey will receive nearly $3.1 million in restitution and other recoveries, with nearly $2.8 million being returned to the state itself.

“As we continue to battle the opioid epidemic across our state, we expect pharmaceutical companies to be honest and transparent in marketing the products that health care providers and individuals rely on for addiction treatment,” Grewal said. “We will continue working with law enforcement agencies at all levels to bring to justice any individual illegally profiting from the addiction crisis that is claiming lives and devastating families in our state.”

The settlement resolves allegations that Indivior knowingly promoted the sale and use of Suboxone to physicians who were writing prescriptions that were not for a medically accepted indication, and that the company knowingly used false and misleading statements to market its new Suboxone Film, a form of the drug that is ingested under the tongue.

Suboxone is a drug product approved to suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms as part of a complete treatment plan for opioid-use disorder that includes counseling and psychosocial support. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a powerful opioid.

Indivior Inc. — formerly known as Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc. — is a Delaware corporation headquartered

in Richmond, Va., and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indivior PLC. “Indivior fraudulently obtained billions of dollars in revenue from prescriptions of its new opioid-addiction treatment medication by deceiving health care providers and health care benefit programs in New Jersey and other states,” acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson said. “This settlement holds the company accountable for defrauding New Jersey’s taxpayer-funded Medicaid program and callously manipulating individuals seeking treatment for their opioid addictions.”

Regarding the federal criminal case against Indivior, on July 24, 2020, Indivior Solutions pleaded guilty to a one-count felony information and, together with its parent companies Indivior Inc. and Indivior PLC, agreed to pay a total of $289 million to resolve criminal liability associated with the marketing of Suboxone. In its guilty plea, Indivior Solutions admitted to making false statements to promote Suboxone Film to the Massachusetts Medicaid program relating to the safety of Suboxone Film around children.

On Nov. 12, 2020, U.S. District Judge James P. Jones of the Western District of Virginia sentenced Indivior Solutions to pay $289 million in criminal fines, forfeiture and restitution. In addition to the criminal and civil resolutions, Indivior executed a five-year corporate integrity agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services–Office of Inspector General, requiring Indivior to implement numerous accountability and auditing provisions.

On June 30, 2020, former Indivior PLC CEO Shaun Thaxton pleaded guilty to a one-count misdemeanor information related to the same conduct. On Oct. 22, 2020, the court sentenced Thaxton to a six-month term of incarceration and $600,000 in criminal fines and forfeiture.

On Aug. 26, 2020, former Indivior medical director Tim Baxter pleaded guilty to a one-count misdemeanor information related to the same conduct, for which he was sentenced on Dec. 17, 2020, to six months of home detention, 100 hours of community service and a $100,000 criminal fine.

Union Leader — June 2021 — 13

STUDENT UPDATE Latin Exam awards at MSMA Jennifer Larson, Latin teacher at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, shared the names of National Latin Exam and Mythology Exam winners and awardees, including first-year student Lillian Del Rossi, of Union, who earned magna cum laude on the National Latin Exam and cum laude on the Medusa Mythology Exam.

PBK inducts Bedel Jennifer Bedel, of Union, has been elected to Phi Beta Kappa, among the nation’s oldest and most widely recognized academic honor societies, through the Delta of New Jersey chapter at The College of New Jersey, located in Ewing. Bedel is a psychology major.

This distinction signifies outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to the spirit of lifelong learning. At TCNJ, only 116 students received this honor this year. Typically, fewer than 10 percent of the candidates for degrees in liberal arts and sciences are elected each year.

MSMA dancers win On Saturday, April 24, the Mount Saint Mary Academy Dance Club took part in the That’s Entertainment Performing Arts Competition in Whippany. Their two amazing performances earned them a huge trophy for the overall high score.

Representing the Mount were club members Kayla DeAngelis, of Basking Ridge; Kathleen Altobelli, of Bridgewater; Marina DeNezza, of Clark; Emma Szabo, of Fanwood; Mary Perez, of Lebanon; Victoria Fekete, of Livingston; Kailey Fahy, of New Providence; Tara Schilke, of Pittstown; Kelsie Neidenbach, of South Plainfield; Aryana Perez, of Union; Ainsley Klein, of Warren; Marisa Mazzuca, Arianna Salerno and Dena Mistichelli, all of Watchung; and Nina Heim, of Westfield.

The lyrical number, choreographed by Klein and Mazzuca, won best overall scores in the Rising Star category. The jazz arrangement, also choreographed by Klein and Mazzuca, received a judge’s award for “Fiercest Number.” Both of the

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Larson

From left sre, front row, June Gill, Victoria Fekete and Lillian Del Rossi; and back row, Grace Glynn, Martha Byrne, Kelly Cushing and Honor Winter. club’s performances received a Gold Award, and the lyrical earned an invitation to the national competition to be held in Atlantic City in July.

chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Yoselevich excels

Award for Villamater James Villamater, of Union, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

PKP induction at Kean Union’s Madison Leigh and Martina Marrocchini were recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi at Kean University.

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a

Hanna Yoselevich, of Union, has been named to the dean’s list at Elmira College, located in Elmira, N.Y., for the winter 2021 term.

Full-time undergraduate students registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and earning a term grade-point average of 3.6 or higher are placed on the dean’s list.

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Checo wins award Congratulations to Union’s Carolin Checo, a student of Italian, who achieved recognition of her high score on the National Italian Exam at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung. Checo, a sophomore taking Level 2 Italian, won a Silver Medal.

PKP inducts members

Young earns degree

Nan Childress Orchard and Katrina James-Pellam, both of Union, were recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi at Caldwell College.

Briana Young, of Union, received her degree from East Stroudsburg University, located in East Stroudsburg, Pa., this spring.

MARKETPLACE DIRECTORY HAIR SALON

Your Experienced Service Provider REALTOR

AUTOMOTIVE Since 1947...

Kathleen Gwaldis

“The most trusted name in transmissions” Family Owned & Operated

Financing Available

SPECIALIZING IN TOTAL HAIR CARE If Your Hair Is Not Becoming To You, You Should Be Coming To Me!

Qumar Lowery Owner/Hairstylist

1291 Stuyvesant Ave. Union 973-923-1200

Spring is Here!

Is Your Car Ready?

1415 STUYVESANT AVE., UNION (approx. 1/2 mile North of Morris Ave)

908-687-0300

Realtor Associate

For All Your Real Estate Needs.

Full-Time Realtor for 36 Years Union Specialist

Call for a FREE Market Analysis Today!

908-400-8409 Weichert President’s Club 505 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078

973-467-7391

14 — June 2021 — Union Leader

UHS Senior Day carnival a fun time for all involved

Photos Courtesy of Union High School

April 28 was Senior Day at Union High School and the accompanying carnival was a huge success! The school community came together, safely, to celebrate the Class of 2021 and make sure to send them off with all the fanfare they deserve.

Union Leader — June 2021 — 15

Portuguese Churrasqueira & Restaurant

Free Delivery ($15 Min.)

Catering Available

TAKE OUT or DELIVERY

Soup Barbeque

Appetizers ½ Order

Salads Whole

BBQ Chicken............................... $9.00...........$16.00 BBQ Pork Ribs............................$10.00….. . . . . . .$17.00 ½ Combo Chicken & Pork Ribs..........................$12.00 Whole Combo Chicken & Pork Ribs....................$17.00 Beef Combo (1/2 Chicken & 1/2 Beef Ribs). . . . . . .$21.00

Fish Shrimp in Garlic Sauce.................. $12.00.......... $17.00 Grilled Cod Fish...................................................$22.00 Boiled Cod Fish....................................................$22.00 Grilled Salmon............................... $14.00..........$22.00 Fish Fillet...................................... $12.00..........$18.00 Cod Fish House Style...........................................$22.00

Dessert

Meats

Coffee ½ Order

Whole

Pork Bits w/Clams............................................... $17.00 Pork Bits w/Shrimp....................... $12.00.......... $17.00 Portuguese Style Steak & Egg. . . . . . . ....................... $20.00 Steak w/Mushrooms............................................ $20.00 Large Sirloin Steak............................................... $20.00 Chicken in Garlic Sauce................. $12.00.......... $17.00 Beef Short Ribs.............................. $13.00.......... $22.00 Breaded Steak w/Spaghetti.................................. $18.00 Grilled Pork Cutlets....................... $12.00.......... $17.00

Sandwiches Chicken Sandwich & Fries.................................... $8.50 Steak Sandwich & Fries........................................ $8.50 Pork Sandwich & Fries..........................................$8.50 Fish Filet Sandwich & Fries.................................. $8.50 Chicken Fingers & Fries....................................... $8.50

All served with any 2 choices of : Rice, French Fries, Vegetables or Beans

1275 Stuyvesant Avenue • Union 908-688-8897

1363 Burnet Avenue • Union 908-687-0313

www.burnetbbq.com

16 — June 2021 — Union Leader PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1046 W. CALDWELL, NJ

POSTAL CUSTOMER

LIKE US & FOLLOW US facebook.com/UCLocalsource twitter.com/UCLocalsource

TV star Holly Taylor graduates with honors from Kean Most people know Holly Taylor as the young actor who played Paige Jennings for six years on the critically acclaimed FX television series “The Americans” and is currently in the cast of NBC’s “Manifest.”

At Kean University’s Robert Busch School of Design, however, she is known as an honors student in the Class of 2021.

The 23-year-old from Wayne graduated summa cum laude in January with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design/interactive advertising. Throughout her time at Kean, Taylor balanced her work as an actor with her studies.

“Getting a college degree was something I always wanted no matter what, and throughout all of my acting career, my education has always come first,” said Taylor, who began her career at age 11 on Broadway in “Billy Elliot: The Musical.”

“There have been times where I passed up jobs because I would have missed my high school graduation or taking a test. My education has always been No. 1.”

In many ways, Taylor is a typical Kean student. She is a first-generation college student who has a job off campus. She is also the child of parents who immigrated to the United States, her mother from Ireland and her father from Scotland. Taylor said they have struggled to make their way and always impressed on her the value of an education.

However, finding a university that would allow her to pursue her dream of earning a college degree while acting full time was a challenge. A friend studying at Kean suggested she check out the university, so Taylor met with Michael Graves College Associate Dean Rose Gonnella.

“When Holly first came to my office, I

Photo Courtesy of Margaret McCorry

Holly Taylor, who played Paige Jennings for six years on the critically acclaimed FX television series ‘The Americans’ and is currently in the cast of NBC’s ‘Manifest,’ is a member of Kean University’s Class of 2021. saw a serious young woman who wanted a college education and yet, like so many of our students, she had a difficult work schedule,” Gonnella said. “She explained that she was willing to work hard and dedicate herself to her studies. Like all students in her situation, my immediate response was positive — we will find a way. Everyone who wants an education deserves to be assisted to success. This is a given at Kean.”

Taylor excelled at Kean and was selected for a prestigious six-week One Club mentorship in her final semester, during the pandemic, in which she worked remotely with an advertising agency on a brief for an actual client.

“I was able to do that while shooting ‘Manifest,’” Taylor said. “I had my computer on set with me and was participating in this mentorship in between takes.”

In her classes, Taylor was just another

HOME SERVICE DIRECTORY

PLUMBING

TREE EXPERT

• Faucet Repairs • Water Heaters • Air Conditioning

Established 1912 464 Chestnut St., Union, NJ

908-686-0749 SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Master Plumbers License #9645 #11181

• Gas Heat • Lawn Faucets • Sump Pumps • Toilets

BOYLE

TREE SURGERY CO. E S T. 1 9 2 2 Tree & Stump Removal Pruning Tree Surgery in All Its Branches Union

908-964-9358

student. Lecturer Deborah Ceballos, Taylor’s professor for Senior Portfolio Review, said she avoided watching Taylor on television, in order to concentrate on her graphic design talents.

“I consider Holly to be a natural creative director in the making. She just happens to also be someone you might catch on TV,” Ceballos said.

For now, Taylor is pursuing acting fulltime and working as a freelance designer.

She designed a wrap party invitation for “Manifest” and a T-shirt given to the show’s crew at the end of the season.

Robert Busch School of Design Distinguished Professor Robin Landa said Taylor always “strives for her personal best,” a quality that Landa believes will take her far in life.

“Holly never backed down from an academic challenge, even when she was working full-time as an actor and taking on a coveted advertising art direction mentorship,” Landa said. “I witnessed her extraordinary talent and intelligence, which ensures her continued success in whichever profession she chooses.”

Taylor turned down an acting job to be able to attend Kean’s upcoming in-person Commencement, on Wednesday, May 12, saying, “It’s really important to me.” She said she is grateful for the opportunities Kean gave her and the support she received from her professors and advisors.

“I'm the first person in my family to go to college, so I was so clueless, and so were my parents. To have that extra guidance from my professors at Kean is really the thing that stood out to me the most,” she said. “Kean made all the difference for me.”

Advertise for as little as $22 For more information, call

908-686-7700 x104

SPACE AVAILABLE

THIS SPOT For Your HOME

Improvement

Business

Call 908-686-7850