Union Leader - July 2023

UNIONLEADER UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM

JULY 2023

VOL. 08 NO. 05

Rise against Graduates bask in unforgettable moment hunger

— See Page 5

Exploring the great outdoors

— See Page 6

Student perserveres

— See Page 16

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent Under a clear summer sky, hundreds of family members and friends lined up to enter the athletic field at Union High School on June 20, ready to cheer on the graduating Class of 2023.

Prior to the ceremony, Oluwadarasimi Ajisafe, 17, shared, “I’m very happy, excited and can’t wait to start a new chapter.”

The student will be attending St. Peter’s University and aspires to have a career in nursing. Benjamin Duveleson, 18, will be attending Princeton to study economics and political science.

Oluwadarasimi and Duveleson are just two of the 537 students who participated in the 2023 graduation ceremony, which began with an opening song, “Pomp and Circumstance” followed by a salute to the flag, then the Union High School choir singing the national anthem.

Grace Nigro, Class of 2023 salutatorian, said she was glad her senior year ended with “some normalcy,” following the pandemic.

Valedictorian Misael Rosero began his speech with, “What a journey. What a roller coaster.” He continued to speak about encouragement he received from his family and friends, and how appreciative he is for everyone to be together. “I stand here, not because of my talents, but my determination. What’s stopping me from achieving my dreams? What is your dream?”

Marissa McKenzie, president of the Board of Education, congratulated the students on a “future filled with possibilities.”

Althea Bossard, interim principal, proudly announced, “Congratulations Class of 2023. Clap for yourselves, please!”

After a round of applause, she continued, “You are definitely one of a kind. I wish you the best of luck in everything you set out to do. You have the choice to do great and wonderful things. You’re all capable.”

The keynote speaker of the evening was Nija Charles, a 2015 graduate of Union High School. The 25-year-old is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. She has written songs for Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Chris Brown and Beyonce. She was nominated for the first-ever Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year See CLASS, Page 14

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Union High School students savor their graduation as the Class of 2023 at commencement exercises on Tuesday, June 20.

2 — July 2023 — Union Leader

Union resident competing on Hulu’s ‘Secret Chef’

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent Imagine a reality competition with no judges and the identities of contestants concealed. The only thing exposed is what matters the most — the food.

In Hulu’s ‘Secret Chef,’ chefs rate their competition’s dishes via blind taste tests. Ten contestants from all walks of life perform a series of cooking challenges.

Joshua Walbot is a highly skilled private chef who lives in Union. His love for cooking began when he was just 8 years old. While visiting relatives, he smelled flour yeast coming from the kitchen. His uncle was making pizza from scratch.

“Wow, that is so cool,” said the young, aspiring chef. “This is amazing; nothing like ordering out.”

For the next three weeks, Walbot made pizza from scratch. “My whole family loves cooking,” he shared. “Mom loves cooking. Dad, too. I was surrounded by cooking all the time.”

During Walbot’s high school years, he won two statewide culinary competitions, creating threecourse menus. This was when he realized, “Hey, I’m really good at this. It was a world I wanted to be in. It’s the best profession in the world; not only cooking food but nurturing people.”

Being Asian and growing up in Minnesota, Walbot said he had a diverse palate at a young age.

Early on, he was a picky eater who would not eat vegetables. Eventually, after having bell peppers and mushrooms on pizza, he started eating more vegetables.

After graduating from high school, Walbot moved to New York to attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, which is where he met his wife, who is a pastry chef. He then went on to

work at the three Michelin-starred restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, which he describes as “the most intense experience I ever had in my life.”

While very stressful, he learned leadership qualities like showing up on time, having discipline in the kitchen, and functioning as a team.

“It was the quietest kitchen I heard in my life,” Walbolt said. “You don’t hear pans dropping. I loved going to work every day. It was love/hate.

You’re on your feet a lot of hours with pressure to be perfect, trying to make everyone happy. I realized how organized my home became, always pushing to be better.”

During the pandemic, Walbolt developed his brand, Love Food More, where the motto is “Stay happy, stay hungry.” He services catering, pop-up gigs, creates content and has his signature product, Baby Daddy’s Hot Sauce.

Secret Chef premiered on Hulu on Thursday, June 29. The episodes were filmed in advance, but what happens remains a secret until the show airs.

Walbot remained tight-lipped about the show, but did say that it was interesting and it was exciting being on it.

For anyone who’s considering a career in culinary arts, Walbot advises, “Have patience. Work hard. The industry is ever-changing — be open to change.”

Walbot’s future plans include building up his company and going on a vacation with his wife and two children. When he’s not working professionally, he enjoys cooking at home for his family.

For more information on Walbot’s brand, Love Food More, visit lovefoodmore.com/.

For more information on Secret Chef, visit press.hulu.com/shows/secret-chef/.

Union Leader — July 2023 — 3

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4 — July 2023 — Union Leader

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Union Leader — July 2023 — 5

Union locals pack 20,000 meals for nonprofit Rise Against Hunger

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent Enthusiastic local volunteers were able to package 20,000 meals at the Rise Against Hunger New York/New Jersey Warehouse at 60 Milltown Road, on Saturday, June 10. It was a great example of the New Jersey community acting to make a global impact.

Robert Whitaker, Rise Against Hunger’s area manager for New York/New Jersey, hosted the event, which was split into two shifts, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. People of all ages — family, friends and strangers — worked side by side packing meals. With music and stylish hair nets, volunteers were geared up to work hard for three hours of fun and team building. Whenever 1,000 meals were packed, Whitaker banged a gong to celebrate and further encourage the volunteer teams.

“The food is healthy,” Whitaker said.

“We want to make sure the most people get meals. Some of the population are vegetarian; some add fish. The receiving country could add local spices.”

Each meal packet consisted of rice, soy flour protein, dehydrated vegetables and vitamins. The packet addresses most deficiencies, according to Robert Whitaker. With the packet basics, a variety of globally nutritious and delicious meals can be created, such as Panamanian style chicken and rice, onion potato curry, Cuban pork tamales, samosas and aloo chop — potato fritters. These international recipes can be found on the Rise Against Hunger website.

After the nutritious meals were packed, they would be shipped by Rise Against Hunger to people facing hunger in countries around the world. As many as 828 million people in the world do not have nutritious food to live a healthy life, which means that almost one in 10 people go to bed hungry each night.

Seventy-five percent of the meals go to schools and the rest go to hospitals or orphanages. With each box containing 216 meals, a child could be fed every day during a school year.

Countries currently served by Rise Against Hunger are Australia, Burundi, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Moldova, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Somaliland, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, TimorLeste, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

The grassroots organization, which was formerly in South Kearny for seven years, moved to Union in April of this year. “We found our new home in Union. This (event) is a way for us to say ‘hello’ to community members,” said Whitaker, who views the

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Above left, Sally Bull, Rise Against Hunger regional philanthropy manager, takes part in efforts to package 20,000 meals at the Rise Against Hunger New York/New Jersey Warehouse at 60 Milltown Road, on Saturday, June 10. Above right, Robert Whitaker, left with beard, stands with local volunteers as they help package 20,000 meals. Below, local volunteers pack food that will go toward helping to feed some of the 828 million people in the world who do not have nutritious food to live a healthy life.

event as a fun, engaging activity.

“We hope to inspire hunger fighters to join us in our mission,” added Sally Bull, Rise Against Hunger regional philanthropy manager.

Rise Against Hunger New York/New Jersey has 200 events per year, according to Whitaker, with one Community Day event per year.

To date, Rise Against Hunger has

facilitated the packaging of more than 600 million meals to be distributed to countries around the world.

For additional information, visit: riseagainsthunger.org/.

6 — July 2023 — Union Leader

Alan W. Goldfeder, M.D. • Charles E. Rassier, M.D.

Photo Courtesy of Cecilia Wisniewski

We are located in the Liberty Hall II Building, 1095 Morris Ave, Union NJ Located between the pond and Chipotle across Morris Avenue from Kean University

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EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Members of Cecilia Wisniewski’s HomeSchool Science Club of Union recently combined their hands-on exploratory science activities with the great outdoors. Using various combinations of chalk, vinegar, antacid tablets and water, along with great teamwork, the students became rocket scientists for the day. Pictured from left are homeschool students Sarah Giorgio, Vivian Kluth, Aslan Bonaventura, Sean Bladis and Ezra McFarlane.

AT THE LIBRARY • Virtual Biographical Storytime, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Learn about important figThe Union Public Library (UPL) is hosting several events throughout the ures from the past and present at this year. To stay fully informed of library event for all ages, which is broadcast on activities, sign up for the UPL newsletter at Facebook Live and subsequently available on Instagram. No registration required. uplnj.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/.

• Virtual Storytime, Wednesdays and The UPL main library is at 1060 Stuyvesant Ave., 908-851-5450, and the Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Spend this time lisVauxhall branch is at 123 Hilton Ave., tening to a story and singing songs and 908-851-5451. For more information rhymes. These events for all ages are about the following programs, call the broadcast on Facebook Live and will subsequently be available on Instagram. No library or visit the website at uplnj.org. registration is required.

• Take-home craft kits, weekly. The Children’s events at UPL library offers different take-home projects Union Public Library will hold the fol- each week. Pick up a project kit at the lowing upcoming virtual youth programs. library and follow along with the library’s Program details are subject to change; �instructional video to create a craft contact the library to confirm. To register from home. Instructional videos available for programs, visit uplnj.org. For pro- to view on Facebook and Instagram. Call grams broadcast on Facebook Live, 908-851-5450, ext. 4, to schedule a picknon–Facebook users should email chil- up appointment. Project kits are available drensdepartment@uplnj.org for access. while supplies last.

Events at Union library

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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 — July 2023 — 7

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8 — July 2023 — Union Leader

Class of 2023 graduates from Union High School Carleigh Adams Iyana Adams Ifeoluwa Naomi Adedayo Sydney Adu Yeboah Brandon Adu-Gyamfi Andres Aguaysa Judith Agyarko Halimatou Sadia Ahidjo Oluwadarasimi Ajisafe Timothy Akor Adrian Joseph Alcala Laynee Alcius Zander Marius Almoite Dariany Almonte Alexander Alston Tamia Alston-Brown Meye Alverna Jeremiah Alviola Ezinne Amadi Josue Amador Mendez Francisco Amador Ramos Alexa Amayo Daniel Andrade Lina Andrade John Anele Brian Anigbogu Rodashka Antoine Bryan Antunes David Antunez Ayodeji Araromi Alexandre Araujo Miriam Arrington Jonathan Asare Ne’Meh Assi Andres Avila Sebnem Aygun Rachel Baez Aiden Baiardi Aanuoluwa Bamigbe Mickoy Banton Lina Barbosa Tkai Barfield Tianna Barnett Nicholas Barrett Taylor Barrett Jonathan Barros Chloe Beaton Jelani Beaugris Lance Bedasse Aryanna Bell Savanah Bell Janie Bennett-Kalio Ashlynn Berns Berwick Bertin Joshua Betances Faraz Bhatti Aiden Birchwood Brendon Blacio Elijah Blackwell Richard Blaise Damon Boateng Kayla Booker Karen Botache Suarez Amani Bouey Omar Bowes Jada Bradshaw Qadir Branch Isaiah Brinson

Chaice Broomfield Quamir Brown Ralph Andrei Brucal Jasiah Bryant Kayla Bryant Luna Sofia Buitrago Jaramillo Christopher Cabrera Bryan Cacoilo Rachel Caldas Angel Calle Garcia Kacey Calle Urgiles Jaymal Callender Andrew Cameron Brielle Campbell Christian Campbell-Boucher Alexa Campos Justin Campos Sania Capers Sebastian Cardenas Faith Cardillo Catarina Cardoso Kierra Carson Christopher Cartagena Rumipamba Thiago Carvalho Nicholas Cassandra David Castaneda Gabriel Castano Chantal Castillo-Bautista Kitchina Castin Luis Castro Mylo Ccancce Isaac Ceballos Anthony Chacon Erick Charles Zuriel Charles Kent Charlotin Jonas Cherilus Marc Chery Patrick Chimbo Munoz Steff Cierjuste Christian Cole Victoria Concepcion Lyonel Contreras Ciara Cook Anthony Cordero Dylan Corrales Daniel Londe Correia Bernadette Cortado Dylan Couto Danaleen Norhiel Cruz Noah Cubilette Brandon DaSilva Christopher DaSilva Lucas Dasilva Siris Day Kiary De Jesus Alexandra De la Rosa Amanda de Leon Fernando De Rezende Jacob DeJesus Clyde Thomas Del Rosario Patrick DeLeon Destiny Dennis Joshua Dennis Ethan Deronet Eunice Deronet Katrina Desir Nathan Desrosiers

Carl Destine Giselle Destouche Dylan Dias Abigail Diaz Ryan Diaz Savannah Diaz Malik Dickerson Eloradana Dorce Daniel Dos Santos Elijah Doyle Joseph Dube Al Qumar Dunn Danna Duran Benjamin Duvelson Ethan Ebanks Amarachi Ebere Dasia Edmond Jael Edmond Amanda Erath Nicholas Espinosa Gabriel Espirito Santo Pierre Estiverne Joshua Estoque Xavier Estrada Nora Eugene Maida Exantus Allison Fabian Xander Faison Olanrewaju Falae Anabella Farinha Esai Farrar Brandon Feijo Jhennah Fenner Daniel Fernandes Alisha Fernandez Jianna Fernandez Dilan Fernandez-Rojas Brandon Ferrari Alexander Ferraro Zachary Ferraro Beatriz Ferreira Nicole Ferreira Kaniyah Figgs Zoe Fils-Aime Kayla Fitchett Riley Flood Ellis Foreman Jaden Foreman Sade Fort Ryan Fox Todd Francis Morgan Frazier Jason Gafanha Juan Pablo Gaitan Gutierrez Melanie Garcia Roberto Garcia Wesley Gely Sanchez Nicholas George Shelsea George Nevaeh Gill Nora Gocaj Bryan Gomez Ozuna Angie Nicoll Gonzales Vasquez Ariana Gonzalez Brianna Gonzalez Nicholas Gonzalez Samuel Gonzalez Samantha Graca

Faith Gravesande Sharice Green Amazing Green-Ruff Amelia Grof-Tisza Celia Guerbi Sarah Guerbi Ethan Guzman Naim Hall Nevaeh Hall Aidan Harms Miangel Harper Dayshawn Harris Lajur Harris Andrew Hart Christiano Henriques Ezekiel Henry Jay Hernandez Stefani Herrero Arguello Indeyah Hester Grace Hochstaedter Natalie Humiston Rhoan Humphrey Omar Ibrahim Agbai Ifegwu Joshua Iheanacho Syedubaid Imran Akachukwu Isioji Carolyn Jacinto Asia James Justin James Atreyu Jamison-Bray Randy Jaquez Sebastian Jaramillo Britney Jean Julien Deborah Jean Louis Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste Kerns Phiaule Jean-Baptiste Lynn Jean-Baptiste Destin Johnson Jaden Lateef Raymar Johnson Carter Jones Coree Jones Sarah-Ann Jones Tierke Jones Milani Jordan Daniel Joseph Karesha Joseph Laynie Joseph Miguelson Joseph Tchrensky Joseph Ciara Juiston Tiara Juiston Yoleneskie Jules Annamarie Junio Quincy Kelsick Samah Keshiro Jean-Baptiste Kitivi Shaqhai Knox Chianti Kompany Zechariah Koomson Ramsey Lafond Liz Lahate Kaya Lancaster Jalen Langley Fidelis Langyin Sierra Latonnel Kaitlin Laverty See UNION, Page 10

Union Leader — July 2023 — 9

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10 — July 2023 — Union Leader

Union High School graduates the Class of 2023 (Continued from Page 8) Joshua Lenon Kobie Lewis Alexa Liquori Tazayra Little Oko Lokko Isaac Longo Isabella Lopez Julian Lopez Juan Andres Lopez Duque Chrystin Love Jalen Lucien Widjenide Lucien James Lunny Anthony Magliozzi Brandon Magloire Johnnuel Magno Antonio Malang Erika Maldonado Soniyah Manley Amber Manning Leudgiana Marcelin Desire Marin Fabio Marques Kyra Marshall Shaun Martin Jose Martinez Alex Massillon

Aidan Maxemow Jhoseph Maza Kameron McGainey Ty’Dre McKenley Cleo Mary J. Medeus Ashley Mejia Madison Melendez Patrick Mendoza Jacob Menon Marissa Mercedat Bo Metobo Richard Micheal Kathryn Mikolajczyk Jada Miller Jayden Miller Nico Mincolelli Skyla Miranda Viven Miranda Maddox Mitchell Trestin Mitchell Milcah Jem Moldogo Daniel Momoh-Oare David Momoh-Oare Angelica Monderin Krystal Montalvo Maria Monteiro Kimberly Moreira Gabrielle Mori

Jerome Moulin Bonilla Akbar Muhammad Corina Munoz Omar Musa Laury Mytil Wakeem Nath Vanessa Nazaire Marlon Nelson Chad Newman Shanty Newman Kevin Nguyen Grace Nigro Edlyn Noel Zuriel Noel Paul Nosa Jason Novoa Sarah Nuzman Shania Nuzman Ojuolape Odusanya Oladapo Odusanya Chelsea Ogbonnaya Chinaenye Okafor John Oleas Joy Oledimmah Joao Carlos Oliveira Jordon Oliveira Nicole Oliveira Dylan Olivera

Ifeoluwa Olusoga Matthew Orriss Bridie Orsini Isabella Ortiz Kevin Ortiz Blessing Osei-Owusu Jennifer Osti Favour Owowo Stanley Oyem Maia Paluch Joseph Paolello Joseph Parrilla Malachi Parris-Baldwin Jassika Pasricha Dylan Patel Malachi Patton Aaron Peacock Andon Purdue Gabriela Pereira Kaue Pereira Kevin Pereira Justin Perez Luis Perez Matthew Perez Nayshaly Perez Aryan Persaud Cylvia Persaud See CLASS, Page 11

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Union Leader — July 2023 — 11

Class of 2023 bids farewell to Union High School (Continued from Page 10) Jasmine Persaud Jonathan Phillips Roshanne Pierre Tony Pierre Erik Pinguil Kayla Pollard Ritch-Tara Pompilus Sclaveky-Nel Pompilus Isabella Posada Christina Pottinger Jared Pryce Kyle Jojen Pua Brendalee Puente Amylen Quinones Teixeira Patrick Quintos Edwin Racius Jeremiah Rajigadoo Angelica Ramilo Christopher Ramirez Kayton Ramirez Alicia Ramsey Rance Ranola Arianna Register Deborah Rene Alexander Reyes Jayden Reyes Lily Reyes

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12 — July 2023 — Union Leader

Union HS graduates say farewell at commencement (Continued from Page 11)

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Union Leader — July 2023 — 13

2023 Premiere Play Festival finalists are announced Premiere Stages, the professional theater company in residence at Kean University, has selected its four finalists for the 2023 Premiere Play Festival.

Now in its 18th year, the festival is an annual competition for unproduced scripts that offers developmental opportunities to playwrights with strong affiliations to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

This year’s finalists were selected from 701 submissions.

This year’s finalists are: “Diversion,”

by Scott Organ, whose work has been commissioned by The Atlantic Theater Company and developed by The Barrow Group and Page 73; “The Fertile River,”

by Vincent Terrell Durham, a Samuel French Short Play Festival winner and an O’Neill semi-finalist; “Flowers for Men,”

by Christian Mendonça, a 2018 finalist for the Goldberg Play Prize; and “Uhuru,” by Gloria Majule, an inaugural recipient of Atlantic Theater Company's Judith Champion Launch Commission.

In “Diversion,” Emilia is a devoted nurse in an ICU unit, highly regarded by her boss, Bess, and her peers: Amy, Mike and the new hire, Mandy, who Emilia has taken under her wing. When it’s discovered that someone on the unit is stealing medicine, the nurses are unsettled, particularly when an outsider shows up, effectively placing them all under a microscope. When the culprit is finally revealed, the nurses must fight to save themselves and the integrity of the unit.

In “The Fertile River,” it’s the summer of 1958 and Mrs. Sarah Woods has been visiting colored families in a small rural North Carolina community on a mission from the state. Cora Lee Burden is the latest to receive an appointment notice from Mrs. Woods. The 64-year-old grandmother of a mentally challenged child has no idea what a white social worker from the government would want with her family. But being a colored woman of the south, she knows the visit is a call for caution.

In “Flowers for Men,” Henri, a social worker, gets funding to test out his pilot program. “Flowers for Men,” a five-week healing journey that asks men to nourish a flower into blossoming and to heal a relationship in their personal lives. Easi-

Photo Courtesy of Christina Hoffman

From left are Vincent Terrell Durham, Christian Mendonça, Gloria Majule and Scott Organ, this year’s finalists for the 2003 Premiere Play Festival, who were selected by Premiere Stages at Kean University. er said than done. Will this group of six men make it out of this program ready to grow, or will they be hell-bent on selfdestruction? A review of toxic masculinity, machismo, forgiveness, and the grace and self-love that men often fail to afford themselves and others.

In “Uhuru,” Mshale, a Mount Kilimanjaro tour guide, dreams of marrying a white woman and moving to the west.

Sprite sets out to decolonize what he deems “his mountain.” Henry and Frannie are white missionaries who claim to be Tanzanian. As the four journey up to the roof of Africa, the looming ghost of colonialism dictates who gets to reach the peak and who gets left behind.

All finalists received professional readings, as part of Premiere’s 18th annual Play Festival Finalists Reading Series from Thursday, June 8, through Sunday, June 11, at Enlow Recital Hall, and will be considered for expanded development in Premiere’s mainstage season. One of the four plays will be selected for an Actors’ Equity Association 29-Hour Reading in November and the most promising play will be awarded a full AEA production, as part of Premiere’s 2024 season. All finalists receive cash awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Readings are offered by invitation only. To request admission to any of the readings, call 908-737-4077 or email premiere@kean.edu.

This year’s submissions were evaluated through a process coordinated by Premiere Stages’ Play Festival and Education Manager Nick Gandiello, Literary Associate Emily Dzioba and Literary Assistant Jessica DeLuca, in partnership with esteemed panelists Erin M. Callahan, Gino Diiorio, William Eddy, Benjamin Marshall, Lysna Marzani, Claudia Nolan, Matthew Paul Olmos and Ernest Wiggins.

The following semi-finalists were also honored in this year’s competition: “Killer,” by Steve Apostolina; “thou shalt be healed,” by Benjamin Benne; “M-Theory,” by Jami Brandli; “The Reservoir,”

by Jake Brasch; “#BecklandisCancelled,”

by Alicia Carroll; “The Seekers,” by Jeesun Choi; “backstroke boys,” by Xavier Clark; “Hotel Limbo,” by Alice Cohen; “The Fertile River,” by Vincent Terrell Durham; “Mercutio Loves Romeo Loves Juliet Loves,” by Gina Femia; “Stay Up and Keep Rolling,” by Maximillian Gill; “Order My Steps,” by Kathryn Grant; “Motherland,” by Allison Gregory; “Sunny Days,” by Reina Hardy; “Invasive Species,” by Tori Keenan-Zelt; “Sisters,” by Matthew Libby; “Uhuru,” by Gloria Majule; “The High Priestess,” by Andrew Martini; “Flowers for Men,” by Christian Mendonça; “For the People,”

by Carol Mullen; “Pearl Dust from a Gun,” by Esmé Maria Ng; “La Potencia,”

by Mel Nieves; “Diversion” by Scott

Organ; “Saturday Mourning Cartoons,”

by Iraisa Reilly; “Jesus Plays Basketball on a Hot Night in Iraq,” by Tyler Rivenbark; “Color Boy,” by Esperanza Rosales Balcárcel; “Stockade,” by Andrew Rosendorf; “Confirmation,” by Madeline Rouverol; “Take My Hand and Wave Goodbye,” by Tammy Ryan; “An Interpretation of Anna,” by Natalie Sacks; “The Caldera,” by Sarah Saltwick; “Labor,” by TyLie Shider; “Who’s Yehoodi?” by Jerry Slaff; “Breakfalls,” by Gina Stevensen; “Brother Johnny’s Homestyle BBQ,” by Parade Stone; “Into the Side of A Hill,” by James Anthony Tyler; “The Halal Brothers,” by Alaudin Ullah; “The Matriarchs,” by Liba Vaynberg; “Come to Me, Cling to You,” by Stephanie Kyung Sun Walters; and “Luminescence,” by Emily Welty.

In the 18 seasons since its founding, the Premiere Play Festival has received more than 7,200 submissions and developed more than 80 plays. Multiple plays produced at Premiere have been honored by the American Theatre Critics Association, selected for agency representation and/or been published by Concord, Dramatists Play Service, Dramatic Publishing Company, Playscripts and Broadway Play Publishing. A number of Play Festival winners and finalists have subsequently been produced in New York, internationally and at regional theaters across the country.

County announces Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to a Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which will celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “The Summer Festival is a joyous occasion that aims to foster inclusivity, empower individuals with disabilities, and provide a fun atmosphere for families to enjoy,” said Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados. “This event is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the

valuable contributions made by people with disabilities. I hope to see you all there!”

The event will take place on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

The festival will feature a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages and abilities. Attendees can look forward to inflatable rides, music, games, crafts and a captivating magic show. With a focus on accessibility, all areas of the event will be designed to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the festivities.

Admission to the Summer Festival is free of charge; however, attendees are requested to register in advance. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/opdsnreg<http://www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg>.

This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, through the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.

To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4807.

14 — July 2023 — Union Leader

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Union High School students savior their graduation as the Class of 2023 at commencement exercises on Tuesday, June 20.

Class of 2023 graduates from Union High School (Continued from Page 1) at the 65th annual Grammy Awards for her work on releases by Beyonce, Summer Walker, City Girls, Lil Durk, Anitta, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion and Kehlani.

She was also on Forbes 30 Under 30.

Charles told the crowd, “I am filled with joy and pride. You’re having one great graduation. I was sitting in that same seat, surrounded by friends and family. You all follow your own path with no limits to what you can do. You have the world in the palm of your hands. It’s time to spread your wings. I urge you to

embrace the unknown, embrace the diversity, embrace failures and setbacks. Carve your own path. Chase your dreams relentlessly. Leave a lasting legacy. Uplift others. Become a beacon of hope. Union will always be a part of you. Spread your wings. Chase your dreams. Congratulations, Class of 2023!”

Before the awarding of the diplomas, Superintendent Scott Taylor said, “This class is, now and forever, graduates of Union High School.” To learn more about Union High School, visit: https://uhs.twpunionschools.org/.

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Union County’s Family Fun and Flix outdoor movie series returns The Union County Board of Commissioners would like to inform all residents of the reopening of Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” outdoor movie series. On Tuesday, July 11, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” will kick off the series at 7:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“We are very excited to bring back our summer movie nights in Union

County,” said Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados.

“This is a free, fun way to spend time with your family and friends, embrace the summer nights and let our parks be the backdrop to a great movie. I look forward to seeing you there.”

The fun begins with a family-friendly dance party before each movie at 7:30 p.m. and the movies will start promptly

IN MEMORIAM • DOLAN – Robert O. “Buddy,” of Union; June 21. Army vet. Maintenance mechanic. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, Was 80.

• DUNN – Sonia E., of Union, formerly of Budd Lake; May 13. School bus driver, widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 83.

• FAIELLA – Alphonse T., of Manalapan, formerly of Union and Lavallette; June 12. Army veteran. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 82.

• LAGREGOR – Joseph, of Chatham, formerly of Union; May 27. Retired manager, Shiki Japanese Steakhouse. Widower, cousin, 87.

• VENDEMIA – Harry W., of Ortley Beach, formerly of Union and Vailsburg; May 23. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 68.

• WARYN – Rose Ann M., of Toms River, formerly of Belleville and Union; June 25. Former legal secretary. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 88.

at dusk. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to save a spot on the lawn.

Movies will be shown on a weatherpermitting basis.

The 2023 Family Fun & Flix movie schedule is: “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish,” on July 11, at Warinanco Park, Elizabeth; “Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania,”

on July 18, at Warinanco Park, Elizabeth; “Sonic The Hedgehog 2,” on July 25, at Warinanco Park, Elizabeth; and “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” on Aug. 8, at Kawameeh Park, Union.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org<http://www.ucnj.org>.

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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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Photos Courtesy of Tymere Briggs-Perkins

Above left, Tymere Briggs-Perkins, who lost both parents during the COVID19 pandemic, graduates with a degree in criminal justice from Kean Uni-

versity this year. Above right, Tymere Briggs-Perkins with his parents, Junior Perkins and Marlene Briggs-Perkins, at a high school football game.

Student-athlete perseveres, graduates despite personal loss When Tymere Briggs-Perkins joined the Kean University football team as a freshman, the defensive lineman chose No. 90 for his team jersey, honoring his mother’s birthday on Feb. 9.

But three years later, the 2023 graduate changed his jersey number to memorialize both of his parents, who died four months apart during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To honor them, I wore number 7. Sunday is the seventh day of the week, and they both told me they would be coming home on Sunday,” he said. “They did not come home.”

Briggs-Perkins, of Garfield, persevered through his losses to graduate from Kean in January with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He marched in Commencement at the Prudential Center in May. His mother, Marlene Briggs-Perkins, died of COVID-19 in December 2020. His father, Junior Perkins, died in April 2021, while visiting family in Jamaica. BriggsPerkins said he passed out and did not wake up, but his family has not learned his cause of death.

The Kean grad, who himself overcame COVID-19, said “losing both parents at the age of 20 and 21 is not an easy thing to deal with.” But his loss became his motivation.

“I accomplished the last wish they would have wanted,” he said. “My mom was a believer in me always doing what makes me happy. What made me happy was to finish school and make my mother proud.”

Briggs-Perkins lives with his older brother and sister. He graduated high school from Passaic County Technical Institute, where he played football.

When considering colleges, he said he liked both Kean’s criminal justice program and its football program.

“Athletically, it was a good fit,” he said.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Tymere Briggs-Perkins wears the No. 7 on his Kean football jersey to honor his parents, who died during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Coach Garrett was phenomenal to play for and learn from.”

Along with his degree, Briggs-Perkins received numerous awards at Kean. He made dean’s list four semesters and was a Bridge to Success honoree for five semesters, delivering an address at the Bridge to Success ceremony this spring.

At the Kean Football Banquet, he received both the Jamal Reynolds Heart & Soul Award, given to a player who perseveres despite opposition or discouragement, and the Hawley Waterman Award, for “self-sacrificing devotion with the team in — mind a true team player.” It is uncommon for the same player to receive both.

Kean Head Football Coach Dan Garrett

kept in close contact with Briggs-Perkins, whose nickname is “Smiley,” through the loss of his parents during a time when Kean classes were remote.

“He is a true example of the competitive spirit. He always brought joy to the room and the people around him,” Garrett said. “This young man lost both parents during COVID and still walks around with a smile. He continues to amaze me.”

Briggs-Perkins plans to go into IT cybersecurity, and wants to become a cybersecurity analyst and engineer.

“My mom would be very proud that I’m doing what I love, and I’m making something of my life,” he said.

Stan Mierzwa, managing assistant director of the Center for Cybersecurity at

Kean and a Kean lecturer, had BriggsPerkins in his cyber policy class. He said Briggs-Perkins was a curious, engaged student who asked insightful questions and demonstrated resilience and “grit” by successfully carrying his course load while playing football.

Brigg-Perkins obtained a FEMA Incident Command System certification completion while at Kean and said he wants to take further courses in cybersecurity through CompTIA, a certifying body that has an academic partnership with the University.

“Given the incredible resilience and strength that Tymere has demonstrated, I am very confident he can achieve any goal he sets his sights on,” Mierzwa said.

Union Leader — July 2023 — 17

UHS football team starts early again at Battle of the Beach

By JR Parachini Sports Editor The Union Farmers are gearing for another August start to their football season. This time, it will be the weekend before Labor Day weekend – the second time in three years.

For the second time, Union High School football will open at Ocean City High School, playing in one of the games scheduled to be played in the third annual Battle at the Beach at Carey Stadium.

Games are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25, beginning at 10 a.m.; Saturday, Aug. 26, beginning at 9:30 a.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 27, beginning at 10 a.m.

Union is scheduled to host Rancocas Valley Regional High School on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 3 p.m.

Rancocas Valley, located in the Burlington County town of Mount Holly, is the high school where former Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris starred back in the late 1960s. Harris, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, died last December at the age of 72.

Irving Fryar, a Pro Bowl player with the New England Patriots who also played wide receiver with three other NFL teams, also attended Rancocas Valley in the 1970s, before starring at the University of Nebraska.

Two years ago, a veteran Union team made some costly turnovers that hurt them in a 31-28 setback to Millville High School in the first year the Battle of the Beach games were contested at Ocean City High. Union rebounded to win its next nine games and was the favorite to repeat as North 2, Group 5 state champions, before its season was halted due to several players testing positive for COVID-19.

“We had a very young team last year, so I didn’t want to start that early,” Union head coach Lou Grasso said. “We have a more experienced team this year.”

Union went 2-7 last year, including a state tournament setback at season’s end.

The Farmers lost their first three games by a combined total of only 18 points.

When sophomore quarterback O’Malley King was behind center, he managed to throw for 724 yards and six touchdown passes.

The third of four games on Friday, Aug. 25, pits 2022 state champions Millville vs.

Toms River North High School. Overall See BATTLE, Page 19

18 — July 2023 — Union Leader

Premiere Stages to produce innovative exploration of time and space Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the Premiere of Erin Breznitsky’s “Satellites” from Thursday, July 13, through Sunday, July 30, in Kean University’s Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, Vaughn Eames Hall, 1000 Morris Ave., Union.

Selected as the winner of the 2022 Premiere Play Festival, the first production of this new play will be one of Premiere’s most ambitious to date, as a talented team of designers work with the director and cast to meld together projections, sound, lighting, scenic design and costumes to take audiences on a journey to space and back.

In “Satellites,” married couple Katherine and Mike are each on a mission to save the world. She’s a scientist studying climate change; he’s an astronaut exploring the unknown. When Mike’s shuttle vanishes in outer space, Katherine forges ahead alone, raising their children and continuing her life’s work, until Mike suddenly reappears without explanation. As the couple struggles to adjust to his strange return, they’re forced to reexamine their entire relationship — while also facing an uncertain future.

“This exciting new production is the first time Premiere Stages will be incorporating a three projection set up into a design,” said John J. Wooten, Premiere Stages producing artistic director and

Actors Terrell Wheeler and Ellyn Heald “Satellites” director. “Erin’s approach provides an innovative and seamless exploration of the unknown limits of time and space.”

Leading the production are Ellyn Heald, whose theater credits include “And Then There Were None” and “An Inspector Calls,” Florida Rep, and “Triumph of Love,” Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, as Doctor Katherine Sparks, and Terrell Wheeler, whose acting credits include “Fly,” New Victory Theatre, “That Poor Dream,” New Ohio Theatre, and “The Last Saint on Sugar Hill,” National Black Theatre, as Captain Mike Turner. Understudies for the production are Kean University Theatre Conservatory alumni Jessica DeLuca and Spenser C. Williams.

The professional design team includes set designer David Barber, projection designer Paul Deziel, lighting designer Zack Gage, costume designer Stefanie Genda and sound designer Chad Raines.

Wooten has been nominated as best director multiple times by the Newark StarLedger and has staged numerous productions that have been honored by the American Theatre Critics Association. As a playwright, Wooten’s widely published work has been produced commercially in New York, internationally and in regional theaters across America. He was awarded his second fellowship by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 2021.

Breznitsky is a Scotch Plains-born, Brooklyn-based playwright whose work

has been seen in New York City and abroad. Her plays include: “Satellites,” O’Neill Playwrights Conference semi-finalist, “The Unwritten City,” Princess Grace Playwriting Award finalist, “Bodies of Water,” FringeNYC, “R Plus J: a new play,” Shakespeare’s New Contemporaries finalist, “The Kitchen Table Plays,” FringeNYC; English Theatre of Rome, Italy, “Sverginata,” Sarah Lawrence College, and more than a dozen short plays with Love Drunk and New York Madness. Other credits include “The Living Mural” and an Urban Stages commission for young audiences.

Breznitsky has a master’s degree in theater from Sarah Lawrence College and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

“Satellites” runs July 13-July 30 in the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center on the Kean University main campus in Union. Performances take place Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $35 standard, $25 for senior citizens and Kean alumni and staff, $20 for patrons with disabilities and $15 for students. Significant discounts for groups of 10 or more apply. To purchase tickets or inquire about opening night or season packages, call the box office at 908-737-7469 or visit premierestagesatkean.com/shows/Satellites/.

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Union Leader — July 2023 — 19

Battle of the Beach lets Union start football season early (Continued from Page 17) group state champions were crowned for the first time in New Jersey high school football history last year.

Toms River North captured the first Group 5 state championship and Millville got the first Group 4 state championship.

Two of the remaining three games on Friday, Aug. 25, include Mainland Regional High School vs. Washington

Township High School and Pleasantville High School battling Ocean City High School in the nightcap.

Other games so far confirmed include IMG Academy, Fla., vs. St. Joseph’s Preparatory School out of Philadelphia and Paul VI High School of Haddonfield against St. Thomas Aquinas High School of Edison.

The complete three-day schedule of games has yet to be released.

Union captured the North 2, Group 5 state championship for the first time in 2019, which was the program’s first state championship since the 1993 team three-peated as North 2, Group 4 state champions.

Grasso will be entering his 11th season at the helm of the Union Farmers.

Last year, the Farmers competed in the American Gold Division of the Big Central Conference.

Union County surrogate announces new appointment system Union County surrogate Christopher Hudak announced a new system to help Union County residents schedule appointments for Surrogate services, including matters related to wills, adoptions, guardianships and more.

“As surrogate, I am charged with serving all of our residents in a professional and efficient manner during a time in their lives that may be difficult,” Hudak said. “With demand for services increasing, we have transitioned to a more efficient system that will allow us to accommodate more cases daily.”

Residents can now call 908-527-4280 istrators for those estates without wills pacitated persons and minors, as well as or email ucsurrogate@ucnj.org to sched- and qualification of guardians for inca- certain matters related to adoption. ule an appointment with the surrogate’s office. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Walkins are accepted, but appointments are preferred, in order to serve residents most effectively. The surrogate’s office cannot guarantee particular wait times for walk-ins.

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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

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

908-964-9358

For more information, call

908-686-7700 x104

SPACE AVAILABLE

Improvement

Business

Call 908-686-7850

20 — July 2023 — 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

Portuguese Churrasqueira & Restaurant

Free Delivery

Catering Available

TAKE OUT or DELIVERY

Soup Barbeque

($15 Min.)

Appetizers ½ Order

Salads Whole

BBQ Chicken...............................$12.00...........$18.00 BBQ Pork Ribs............................$13.00….. . . . . . .$20.00 ½ Combo Chicken & Pork Ribs..........................$15.00 Whole Combo Chicken & Pork Ribs....................$20.00 Beef Combo (1/2 Chicken & 1/2 Beef Ribs). . . . . . .$25.00

Fish Shrimp in Garlic Sauce.................. $14.00.......... $19.00 Grilled Cod Fish...................................................$24.00 Boiled Cod Fish....................................................$24.00 Grilled Salmon............................... $16.00..........$25.00 Fish Fillet...................................... $14.00..........$20.00

Dessert

Meats

Coffee ½ Order

Whole

Pork Bits w/Clams............................................... $19.00 Pork Bits w/Shrimp....................... $14.00.......... $19.00 Portuguese Style Steak & Egg. . . . . . . ....................... $27.00 Steak w/Mushrooms............................................ $27.00 Large Sirloin Steak............................................... $27.00 Chicken in Garlic Sauce................. $14.00.......... $19.00 Beef Short Ribs.............................. $17.00.......... $28.00 Grilled Pork Cutlets....................... $14.00.......... $19.00

Sandwiches Chicken Sandwich & Fries.................................... $10.00 Steak Sandwich & Fries........................................ $10.00 Pork Sandwich & Fries..........................................$10.00 Fish Filet Sandwich & Fries.................................. $10.00 Chicken Fingers & Fries....................................... $11.00

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