Union Leader - July 2023

UNIONLEADER

Rise against hunger

Graduates bask in unforgettable moment

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.

— See Page 5

Exploring the great outdoors

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?”

— See Page 6 Student perserveres

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.”

See Page 16

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.

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/.

DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN SELL YOUR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY AND RECEIVE A CASH SETTLEMENT ?

• Sell your Life Insurance Policy, receive a CASH $$$$ SETTLEMENT AND PAY NO MORE PREMIUMS!

We Put ‘LIFE’ Into LIFE INSURANCE

We

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

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/.

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

M.D.

Charles E. Rassier, M.D.

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

Events at Union library

The Union Public Library (UPL) is hosting several events throughout the year. To stay fully informed of library activities, sign up for the UPL newsletter at uplnj.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/.

The UPL main library is at 1060 Stuyvesant Ave., 908-851-5450, and the Vauxhall branch is at 123 Hilton Ave., 908-851-5451. For more information about the following programs, call the library or visit the website at uplnj.org.

Children’s events at UPL

Union Public Library will hold the following upcoming virtual youth programs. Program details are subject to change; contact the library to confirm. To register for programs, visit uplnj.org. For programs broadcast on Facebook Live, non–Facebook users should email childrensdepartment@uplnj.org for access.

• Virtual Biographical Storytime, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Learn about important figures 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 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 is required.

• Take-home craft kits, weekly. The library offers different take-home projects each week. Pick up a project kit at the library and follow along with the library’s �instructional video to create a craft from home. Instructional videos available to view on Facebook and Instagram. Call 908-851-5450, ext. 4, to schedule a pickup appointment. Project kits are available while supplies last.

UNIONLEADER

PUBLISHED BY: Worrall Media 1291 Stuyvesant Avenue Union NJ 07083 908-686-7700

Editorial@TheLocalSource.com

Publisher: David Worrall

Managing Editor: David Jablonski

Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

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

Photo Courtesy of Cecilia Wisniewski

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

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

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

Yana Reyes

Paul Ribardo

Isabella Ribeiro

Aidan Rice

Khalil Richardson

Michael Richards

Sarafina Richemond

Andy Riera-Pillaga

Fatima Rizvi

Denim Roberts

Eyani Robinson

Jada Robinson

Kyree Robinson

Sul-tan Robinson

Angelina Robledo

Jorge Robles Chavez

Alexandre Rodrigues

Eddie Rodriguez

Gabriel Rodriguez

Katherine Rojas

Amirah Rollins

Omar Roman

Giovanny Romero

Giselle Romero

Laleshka Romero

Michael Brandon Roseberry

Misael Rosero

Clarence Royandoyan

Alex Ruiz

Josiah Saint Bernard

Christina Saint-Louis

Genesis Salas

Adrien Angel Salazar

Hadrian Salcedo

Luis Salcedo

Naomi Salters

Shaniya Samuels

Leighton Sanchez

Tamia Sangalang

Cristiano Santana

Jennesy Santana

Nicole Santoro

Christopher Santos

Maria Christine Santos

Ashley Scott

Jordan Sealy

Andre Seater

Orenthea Senior

Angel Silva

Kayla Silva

Valery Silvera

Soraia Simao

Karl Ryan Similien

RaJahnae Simmons

Kayla Skocypec

Arianna Smith

Jalen Smith

Jordan Smith

Malik Smith

Layla Soares

Samuel Soares

Aniya Solomon

Benjamin Soulage

Zachary Sousa

Jahzeil Spencer

Zakiyah Spinner

Jabari St Louis

Raudenas Sterling

Zachary Steward-Salegumba

Elijah Stewart

Jared Suggs

Kori Summers

Brendyn Sumter

Christian Sykes

Tatiana Tacuma

Donavon Talbot

Brianna Tamburello

Jamie-Alexandra Tan

Amina Tapia

Charlee Tarlac

German Tatis Rosario

Brandon Taylor

Britney Taylor

See UNION, Page 12

Union HS graduates say farewell at commencement

(Continued from Page 11)

Djenane Telfort

Jenny Terzi

Lana Thelemaque

Samantha Thelusca

Jessika Therlonge

Kavendy Therlonge

Tamika Therlonge

Christopher Thomas

Justin Thomas

Nazir Thomas

Joshua Tidwell

Rebecca Tilus

Laila Tomlinson

Mark Toppin

Ethan Torres

George Torres

Michelle Torres

Alexis Tran

Denzel Trent

Evelyn Turbides

Julia Turner

Scarlett Untiveros

Caroline Vanhegans

Adriana Vargas

Adrianni Vargas

Karina Vargas

Maximo Velazquez

Joshua Vergel

Joel Victoria

Jayna Vidal

Jenaya Vidal

Gianna Vidal Mendoza

Laura Villalobos Lima

Daryl Volcy

Izeah Voltaire

Anthony Wade

Noah Wancique

Janaya Warren-Bey

Nasir Washington

Ivan Waters

Isabel Watkins

Benjamin Watson

Winston Watson

Bliss Wiafe

Amir Wilburn

Chantel Williams

Linda Williams

Malaysia Wilson

Tiana Wortman

Brandon Yeager

Krystlove Yeboah

Josiah Yurkon

Gary Zarro

Denisse Zaruma Guaman

Aracelis Zayas

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-

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.

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.

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/.

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

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

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.

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.

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>.

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.

“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.

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.

Photos Courtesy of Tymere Briggs-Perkins

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.

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

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

“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/.

Actors Terrell Wheeler and Ellyn Heald

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 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 or email ucsurrogate@ucnj.org to schedule 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.

The role of a county surrogate is to oversee the probate of wills, qualification of will executors, appointment of admin-

istrators for those estates without wills and qualification of guardians for inca-

pacitated persons and minors, as well as certain matters related to adoption.