Union Leader - September 2023

UNIONLEADER

Business grad succeeds

Renovations begin for the Vauxhall Branch of the Union Public Library

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent

See Page 5 Scholarship helps teachers

As of Thursday, Aug. 17, the Vauxhall Branch Library of the Union Public Library, located at 123 Hilton Ave., Vauxhall, began upgrading and will be closed until Tuesday, Sept. 5, reopening on Wednesday, Sept. 6. There will be painting, new flooring and new public computers installed during this time, according to Kassundra Miller, library director. Then, during September and October, there are plans to update display areas and some seating areas.

“The library team has been working diligently to prepare for the upgrades, and our branch manager, Gabriel Ramos, devised a plan to restructure specific areas,” she said. “With all the excitement of our upcoming new main library, and with our move into temporary spaces in 2022, we wanted to focus on updating our Vauxhall Branch. Due to the temporary main library move, funds that were allocated for utilities and running a much larger space were not exhausted, so it worked out that we were able to reallocate those funds. In 2022, the board of trustees passed a resolution to utilize the funds for the Vauxhall updates, with the cost not to exceed $250,000.”

See Page 7 Farmers look to new season

Miller recently celebrated her oneyear anniversary working with the Vauxhall Branch. “It’s been such a rewarding year, working with the library team, board of trustees and the township,” she said.

New renovations will mean a lot to library patrons. Miller said, “Our patrons will have new computers, more seating and a visually updated space. In February of this year, the board approved the renaming of the Vauxhall Branch Library’s All-Purpose Room to the Jeanette Shell All-Purpose Room.”

Jeanette Shell was the first black hired to work at the Union Public Library, in the circulation department in 1949. She was later promoted to the Vauxhall Branch. In 1994, Shell retired and was honored for her 45 years of service. The All Purpose Room will have new signage and a plaque dedicated to Shell.

See Page 18

Miller was also excited to share that the Vauxhall Branch received good news. “In July, we were chosen as one of the

recipients of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association’s ‘Reading is Grand!’ grant.”

“Reading is Grand!” is a celebration of the important role black grandparents and older adults play in the lives of children. On Saturday, Sept. 9, at 12:30 p.m., the Vauxhall Branch will be hosting a program through this grant called “Collard Greens, Black Eyed Peas, and Mac & Cheese: Connecting Families Through African American Culture — Make Your Own Cookbook!”

Miller added, “We have a great program planned with award-winning

author/editor/professor Denise Lewis

Patrick, who will facilitate the event and guide participants on how to record their family highlights, including important family events and favorite recipes, into a booklet. Just in time for Grandparent’s Day! (Sept. 10).”

For more information on the event and online registration, which is required, visit www.uplnj.org.

You can also visit the site for information on grand opening events for the Vauxhall Branch. For more information, email unionpl@uplnj.org or call 908-8515450, ext. 3.

Photo Courtesy of LaRona Jones Library Director Kassundra Miller stands in front of the Vauxhall Branch Library of the Union Public Library, located at 123 Hilton Ave., Vauxhall.

School president attends national summit in Washington, D.C.

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, on Wednesday, July 26, joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, key members of the Biden-Harris administration, and other higher education stakeholders at a Washington, D.C., summit on equal opportunity in higher education.

The National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education brought together college and university leaders, researchers, advocates, student leaders, tribal leaders, and others to discuss strategies for colleges to expand higher education access after the recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action.

“Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Kean University and I am proud to be part of the national discussion to foster equity and inclusivity across our country’s higher education institutions,” Repollet said. “We have an obligation to our students and the generations that will follow them to craft vibrant, diverse campus communities that celebrate all voices and prepare students to succeed in the global world.”

The U.S. Department of Education hosted the National Summit, which included workshops and panel discussions. Following a keynote address by Cardona, the summit focused on strategies that higher education leaders can pursue to reimagine admissions, build affordable college pipelines, and create inclusive campus communities that support student success and completion.

Participants from the Biden-Harris administration included White House Domestic Policy Advisor and Assistant to the President Neera Tanden; U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal; Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon; and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke.

Repollet said the summit marks a critical time in the history of higher education across the country.

“Events like today’s summit help education leaders

determine the best path forward following the Supreme Court decision so we can continue to promote equal opportunity for all students,” he said. “As a proud Hispanic-serving institution and minority-serving institution, Kean is leading the way in building a college pipeline for students from all backgrounds. We will con-

tinue to make this important work a top priority.”

In addition to Kean, colleges and universities represented included the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of Michigan; Stanford University; Morehouse College; Harvard, Princeton, and Brown universities.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, right, on Wednesday, July 26, joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, plus members of the Biden-Harris Administration, and other higher education stakeholders at a Washington, D.C., summit on equal opportunity in higher education.

LAWN

For business grad, networking paved way to NBA

Steve Senior made it from the Kean University basketball team to the front office of the Minnesota Timberwolves by building and maintaining relationships with people he met along the way.

The 2003 Kean graduate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in management and played guard for the university’s basketball team, is now assistant general manager of the NBA team.

“If you told me that I’d be able to make a living off basketball, this game that you could just play in your driveway, I’d tell you there's no way,” Senior said. “Watching and evaluating basketball, and talking basketball for a living, has been the ultimate blessing."

Kean Athletics will honor Senior with the Pat and D’Ann Ippolito Legacy Award, an annual award being introduced this year to recognize individuals outside of the athletics department who made substantial and enduring contributions to the department and University. The award will be given to Senior and four others at a ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 15.

Senior, 42, is a natural networker. He still speaks regularly with his basketball coaches from high school and from Kean, as well as with the many NBA professionals who have hired him over the years for roles within their organizations.

In the course of his career, he’s worked for J.B. Bickerstaff, now head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers; and Allan Houston, special assistant to the general manager of the New York Knicks.

“I want to treat everyone right,” Senior said. “I want to carry the same positive energy each day and serve others by connecting the dots between people and building communication between groups.”

Senior, who lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his wife, Andrea, when he’s not in Minneapolis, credits those leaders — his parents, Granville and Paulette Senior; his sister, Patrice; and his Kean professors — with inspiring his approach to work.

"I can't stress enough the communication I had with my professors at Kean. I communicated a lot more in college than I did in high school in terms of class participation, and I felt like I really thrived."

Senior said he also learned from his childhood friend in North Brunswick, former U.S. World Cup goalkeeper Tim Howard. Through Howard, Senior met broadcaster and New York Giants great Michael Strahan, whom he now counts among his mentors.

Howard said Senior “always made time to connect with people in all walks of life.”

“Not only does he have a tireless work ethic, but in a world where everyone is trying to be first, he has an incredible ability to listen and be compassionate,” Howard said.

The son of Jamaican immigrants, Senior became fascinated with basketball at age 5, when his aunt took him to New

York Knicks games “to get a glimpse of Patrick Ewing because he was from Jamaica.”

Senior played for Kean’s team for two seasons, but left in 2000 when a conversation with an NBA Entertainment official during a Nets game landed him a job — NBA live-action photographer. It launched his career.

Courtside, he befriended influential people such as Artie and Jason Rabin, who became second majority owners of the Nets. They hired Senior at their apparel company, Kids Headquarters.

He kept in touch with players, guiding summer workouts for some of them, most

notably current ESPN NBA analyst Richard Jefferson. In 2011, Senior returned to the NBA. Bickerstaff, then an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, offered him a role as the team’s video coordinator. It meant a drastic pay cut, but Senior saw it as a way to get his career in basketball back on track.

From there, he was a video coordinator for the Knicks for six seasons. He joined the Timberwolves last spring, after four years with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was first involved with player development and then served as a pro personnel scout.

“He’s excelled in every role,” said

Sachin Gupta, the Timberwolves’ executive vice president of basketball operations. “But what really makes Steve special are his attitude and infectious personality. He is humble, kind and eternally positive — a leader who puts others first.”

Senior said he loves guiding young players, building relationships on the road and advising high school and college students. He suggests they invest the time in finding a gratifying career path, even if it means delaying their financial goals — and that they network diligently.

“I tell them it's not just who you know, but who remembers you,” he said.

Photo Courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies Jevon Carter, currently playing for the Chicago Bulls, and Kean University alumnus Steve Senior, walk off the court after a 2019 Memphis Grizzlies home game.

Couple leaves $850K to expand scholarship fund

An Elizabeth couple who created a Kean University scholarship in memory of their only daughter bequeathed the Kean University Foundation an additional gift of more than $850,000 from their estate to provide additional scholarships to aspiring teachers.

Damaryz and Alcibiades “Johnny” Vazquez’s daughter, Damarys, was an early childhood education major at Kean who graduated in 1998 and then taught fourth grade in Elizabeth for four years before dying of complications from lupus

in 2002. The following year, her grieving parents created a memorial fund in her name.

“Teaching was not a job for her — it was the fulfillment of a dream,” they wrote in a 2003 letter to friends and family about the fund.

The couple, beloved members of the Cuban immigrant community, made the additional bequest in their will. Mrs. Vazquez perished in a house fire in Elizabeth in 2021, four years after her husband died.

The Damarys Vazquez Memorial

Endowed Scholarship Fund has awarded one scholarship to an incoming Kean education major every year since it was created.

With the couple’s generous bequest, the fund now has a total value of nearly $1 million and will be able to help even more education students climb higher at Kean.

“This outstanding contribution comes at a time when there is a widespread teacher shortage across the state and our nation,” said Bill Miller, CEO of the Kean University Foundation. “The Vazquez estate gift will have a tremendous impact on increasing

the number of scholarships awarded to aspiring teachers in Damarys’ name.”

In the 2003 letter signed by both Vazquez parents, they describe Damarys as “a beautiful young woman who touched the lives of so many” during her brief lifetime.

“We are proud to honor her memory in such a meaningful way,” they wrote.

Damarys practically grew up in a dance studio owned by her mother, who had been a professional ballerina in Cuba and was known as a role model for women

See SCHOLARSHIP, Page 7

following a generous bequest from its founders.

Scholarship fund would be for for future teachers

(Continued from Page 6)

before her death at the age of 78.

Damarys participated in community functions and dance recitals, frequently alongside her mother and “radiated an inner beauty to those around her,” according to her parents.

The dance school sparked Damarys’ love of children. Despite challenges caused by her illness, she pursued her teaching degree and felt her place was in the classroom.

After her death, her parents sought to help other students “realize their dreams just as Damarys realized hers.”

Jenna Elizabeth Peterpaul of Roselle Park, a 2023 Kean graduate, found support for her dream. She received the Damarys Vazquez scholarship her freshman year at Kean and graduated on Thursday, May 18, with her degree in early childhood education.

She said she is passionate about teaching and grateful to have received the scholarship.

“The Vazquez Scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies,” said Peterpaul, who plans to teach third grade in the fall. “I was able to take more courses to stay on track and graduate rather than having to worry about working too many hours.

“It makes me feel inspired that they helped so many people,” she said of the Vazquez family. “I appreciate that they really helped me, and they’re still doing it for other students.”

Photo Courtesy of Kean University Jenna Peterpaul, a Kean University 2023 graduate, is a recipient of the Damarys Vazquez Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship fund will be expanded

At left, the Union coaching staff includes head coach Lou Grasso Jr., third from left kneeling. Grasso, whose tenure began in 2013, is now in his 11th season as head coach.

Union football schedule reveals exciting matchup for 2023 season

By JR Parachini Sports Editor

Union High School learned a valuable lesson two years ago, when the Farmers appeared in the first Battle at the Beach.

Union found out quickly that fourthquarter turnovers can prove quite costly.

Union opened its 2021 season with a 31-28 loss to Millville High School in one of the Battle at the Beach games that took place at Ocean City High School’s Carey Stadium.

Union didn’t lose again on the field in 2021, reeling off nine straight wins before its season ended rather unceremoniously by an unfortunate COVID-19 situation.

The Farmers will return to Carey Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 26, to open its 2023 season against formidable South Jersey foe Rancocas Valley Regional High School. The South Jersey, Group 5 squad is coming off a 6-4 playoff season.

Union also qualified for the playoffs last year out of North, Group 5, but lost in the first round to finish 2-7. It was the first year since 2017 that the Farmers finished at less than .500.

With many of last year’s performers getting their first varsity experience, this

year’s squad should be more battle-tested.

Following its game against Rancocas Valley, the Farmers will play the same eight opponents they faced last year and in the same order.

In its home- and season-opener last year, Union fell to Bridgewater-Raritan High School 7-6. Bridgewater-Raritan, out of North, Group 5, made the playoffs and lost in the first round to Westfield High School.

Union then lost at Westfield 21-14. The Blue Devils went 8-3, including 1-1 in the North, Group 5 playoffs. Westfield concluded its season with a 42-13 win at home against Plainfield High School on Thanksgiving.

Westfield is scheduled to play at Plainfield on Thanksgiving this year on Thursday, Nov. 23. The only other Union County game that remains on Thanksgiving is Roselle Park High School vs. Abraham Clark High School. This year, Roselle Park is scheduled to host the game on Thanksgiving morning.

Union then lost at home to St. Joseph High School of Metuchen 29-19 for a rare 0-3 start. St. Joseph, coached for the first time by UHS alum Bill Tracy, went 5-5.

Tracy guided Governor Livingston High School to its only state championship in the playoff era in 2008 and also led Ridge High School to a victory against Union in 2013.

Union’s first win last year came at Somerville High School 21-7. The Pioneers went 4-6 a year ago for their first season less than .500.

Union then lost 14-6 at Hillsborough High School, a team that finished 5-4 after falling in the first round of the South, Group 5, playoffs.

Union’s second win last year was a 417 home triumph against Elizabeth High School. Union has defeated Elizabeth in the regular season every year since 2019. Elizabeth also went 2-7 and lost in the first round of the North, Group 5 playoffs a year ago.

Union then lost at Phillipsburg High School 42-14 and in its home-finale to Ridge 21-0. Phillipsburg went 11-1 and lost at home to West Orange High School 28-14 in the North 2, Group 5 sectional state championship game. Ridge went 7-3 and was 1-1 in the North, Group 4 playoffs.

Union then lost at Union City High

School 62-20 in the first round of the North 1, Group 5 playoffs. Union City finished 9-2 after losing at Passaic County Technical Institute 14-7 in the North 1, Group 5 final.

Union lost its first three games last year, then won two of three and finished with a three-game losing streak.

Based on having more experience, the Farmers are predicted to be a much tougher opponent for this 2023 season.

Union Farmers 2023

• Saturday, Aug. 26, Rancocas Valley at Ocean City, 3:30 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 1, at Bridgewater-Raritan, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 8, Westfield, 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 16, at St. Joseph’sMetuchen, 1 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 22, Somerville, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 29, Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 6, at Elizabeth, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 13, Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 20, at Ridge, 7 p.m. Big Central Conference’s American Gold Division: Elizabeth, Somerville, Union, Westfield, St. Joe’s-Metuchen

Photo by JR Parachini

March of Time March of Time 2023 2023

Headed by Master Plumbers, William Schinestuhl and Tom Swick, Chapman Brothers continues a long tradition of plumbing, heating and cooling service in the Union, Essex and Middlesex county area. Originally founded in 1932, Chapman Brothers is one of the longest running plumbing and heating companies in New Jersey.

With a highly trained staff representing more than 150 years of experience, Chapman Brothers has over 5,000 customers in the area that can attest to the technical abilities and customer service skill of its trained technicians and staff. We liste n to our customers and supply a solution to meet their needs with 100% Satisfaction!

Don’t Hesitate. Give Us a Call! Don’t Hesitate. Give Us a Call!

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH:

• Showers/Tubs

• Plumbing Services & Repairs

• Leaking Faucets

• Rebuild Toilets

• Correct Code Violations

• Remodeling

• Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations And Much More!

Providing quality meat for 56 years

Perrotti’s Quality Meats, at 23 S Union Ave in Cranford, has been in its current location for 56 years David Perrotti Sr. and Mario Perrotti, brothers from Italy, opened the business in October 1967. Nick and Dave Perrotti took over in 2015.

Perotti’s traces its roots to 1957, when David and Mario Perrotti immigrated to the United States from Vallata, Italy, at the ages of 10 and 12, alongside their parents and seven siblings, where they settled in Elizabeth The two brothers began working at a local, old-time pork store, where they learned the art of butchering and the meat market industry. Little did they know that they would become lifelong business partners. In the fall of 1967, David and Mario opened Perrotti’s Quality Meats, with the hope of turning their newly found craft into a business of their own More than 50 years later, their business still operates on the corner of S Union Avenue and Cherry Street in Cranford

At Perrotti’s today, they pride themselves in being a family-owned and operated business that treats its loyal customers like part of the family The sons of David Perrotti, Dave Jr and Nick Perrotti, have earned the responsibility of taking over the family business, with an eye toward keeping the old-world butcher shop a part of the community for the next 50 years

Always an active member of the community, Perrotti’s Quality Meats sponsors numerous charitable endeavors, including the Jaycees/St Michael’s Church, St Michael’s Feast, the Cranford Fire and Police departments, football at all schools, the Rescue Squad, Special Olympics, the Firecracker 4-Miler and T-ball.

Through the years, Perrotti’s Quality Meats has changed by becoming not just a full-service butcher but also by offering a wide variety of prepared foods The original service as a full-service butcher has been maintained, in addition to employee recipes and traditional food

Customers continually praise the business for providing great service, delicious food and having an informative staff

Perrotti’s has been helping local families and businesses celebrate milestones for decades. If you need a caterer for a large party or event, view Perrotti’s catering menu and give them a call or send them an email to start planning your next party or event

Perrotti’s Quality Meats is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a m to 6 p m , and Saturday, from 9 a m to 5 p m , and can be reached by calling 908-272-4980 or visiting its website at perrottiscranford com

YEARS

Owners Nick and Dave Perrotti

Pedro, Dave, Tony, Nick, Jim

Photo by Rick Gerritty

Photo by Rick Gerritty

IN MEMORIAM

• ALEXANDER – Donna Lowe, of Union; July 27. Was 70.

• BROOKS – Wayne Jr., of Union, formerly of Irvington, Newark; July 6. Newark firefighter. Husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, 49.

• BURROWS – Philip Andruss, formerly of Union, Summit; July 10. Worked at Road and Track, Car and Driver magazines. Husband, father, brother, uncle, 86.

• KOEHLER – Paul H., of Union; July 8. Widower, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, uncle, 90.

• LAVERTY – John J. Sr., of Union, formerly of Millburn; Aug. 3. Navy veteran, police captain. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, 92.

• LYNCH – Arthur P. Jr., of Union; June 29. Was 75.

• MARINO – Adeline, of Union; Aug. 2. Widow, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, 98.

• MEIER – Maya, of Union, formerly of Basel, Switzerland; July 9. Receptionist, Baltusrol Golf Club. Mother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, 95.

• NELLIGAN – Maurice “Mike,” of Union; July 31. Army veteran, law firm partner, authority on labor law. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 89.

• STEINER – Patricia Ann, of Monroe, formerly of Union and Milltown; June 28. Wife, mother, grandmother, 85.

• STILES – Mary Jane, of Union; Aug. 3. Switchboard operator. Member of Holy Spirit Rosary Society. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 91.

• UPSON – Richard J., of Union; July 4. Korean War Army veteran, retired sheet metal mechanic. American Legion member. Husband, father, grandfather, 89.

• WERNER – Gloria, of Union, formerly of Orange; Aug. 5. Office manager, Whitney Associates Inc. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 94.

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.

Photo Courtesy of Dino DeBellonia

READY FOR SOME WRESTLING — Fifteen Union High School wrestlers, along with Coach Dino DeBelonia, attended a TNT Wrestling Camp at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa., from Sunday, July 23, through Wednesday, July 26.

EVENTS

Union County Celtic Festival planned

The Union County Celtic Festival has announced that tickets are now available for the Union County Celtic Festival scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 9 pm., at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

The Union County Celtic Festival will be a family-friendly, one-day public event, according to a press release from organizers, which said the festival will include live music, food, craft vendors, cultural activities, a piping and drumming contest, dancing and a beer garden.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.uccelticfestival.com.

race starting at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for various age categories and Tshirts and gift bags will be distributed to the first 300 registrants, according to a press release about the event.

Chamber CEO James Masterson said a portion of the proceeds will go to help defray the medical expenses of Camryn Dudek, a 7-year-old student entering third grade at Washington School, and Marciano Rosa, a 9-year-old entering fourth grade at Washington School as well. Both students are battling cancer.

5K

race to be hosted in Union on Sept. 24

Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to join the Union Township Chamber of Commerce for the 12th annual Mayor’s Day 5K Run on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The race will take place, rain or shine, and will start and end at Union High School on Cooke Drive, following a course certified by USA Track and Field. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the actual

To register, go online to www.runsignup.com and enter Mayor’s Day 5K. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce directly at 908-688-2777, visit www.unionchamber.com or email executivedirector@unionchamber.com.

Businesses wishing to become a sponsor may contact Masterson at executivedirector@unionchamber.com for a listing of the various levels of support. All sponsorships include a table at the event for businesses to highlight their companies, as well as a listing and/or logo on the 5K T-shirt. Shake A Paw Center for Rescue and Adoption of Union has signed on as major event sponsor for the seventh time in a row.

UNIONLEADER

Publisher: David Worrall

Managing Editor: David Jablonski

Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

Kean Stage announces 2023-2024 season

Kean Stage has announced its 20232024 season lineup, featuring a diverse mix of Broadway, classic rock, jazz, dance, holiday and family programming. Additional artists will be announced later this season.

Opening the season at Enlow Recital Hall on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m., is recent Tony Award-winning star of stage and screen, Alex Newell, performing an eclectic mix of Broadway, American, pop, and rhythm and blues standards at this inspiring concert event. Newell brings the party, excitement and their signature powerhouse voice to an unforgettable evening that you won’t want to miss. Newell made history with her performance in the hit musical, “Shucked,” which has received glowing reviews and praise for Newell’s performance of the showstopping song, “Independently Owned.”

In addition to the Tony, Newell’s performances garnered them the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical. Prior to “Shucked,” Newell starred as the god Asaka, female role, in the Broadway revival of “Once On This Island,” garnering Newell a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album, as the show was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 2018, winning Best Revival.

The String Queens perform at Enlow Recital Hall on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Praised for their authentic, soulful and orchestral sound, The String Queens, based in Washington, D.C., are a dynamic trio that create stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel and imagine. With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, The String Queens performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres.

Grammy award honoree, Songwriters

Hall of Fame member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean will perform at Wilkins Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. McLean has embarked on his 2023 American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour with 20 additional cities throughout the United States and Canada, celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs and albums ever performed. The eight-and-ahalf-minute ballad "American Pie" has been making history since its release in 1971. McLean’s composition was also voted “Song of the 20th Century.”

The energetic, virtuosic Latin Grammy-nominated group Mariachi Herencia de México performs at Enlow Recital Hall on Friday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The group has released chart-topping albums and performed across the North American continent. “Nuestra Herencia,” their 2017 debut album, topped the Latin streaming charts. 2018’s “Herencia de la Tierra Mía” was produced by celebrated industry veteran Javier Limón and charted atop all primary streaming services. 2019’s “Esencia” topped industry charts, while a second volume, issued in 2020, was also well received. In 2022, the group began working on their latest album, “Herederos,” as the group was performing a wildly successful North American tour.

Classical music ensemble Frisson presents “A Classic Christmas by Frisson” on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3:00 p.m. The group performs music from The Nutcracker; “Winter,” from Vivaldi's “Four Seasons”; “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” a Christmas Jazz Suite and more. The entire audience gets into the holiday spirit when the show finishes with a rousing audience sing-a-long of traditional Christmas carols.

From the producers of “Rockin’ Road To Dublin” comes the new sensational Christmas season musical, “Christmas In Killarney,” on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m., at Wilkins Theatre. Created by the “2009 World Champion of Irish Dance,”

Scott Doherty, and worldwide touring Irish musician Chris Smith, “Christmas In Killarney” combines the excitement of Irish dance with the harmonies of traditional Christmas classics. Set in Killarney, Ireland, in the late 1920s, “Christmas In Killarney” shows what it means to celebrate Christmas the Irish way, where many of our own Christmas traditions originated.

Best known for her iconic performances on “Saturday Night Live,” actress, comedian and singer Ana Gasteyer will perform at Enlow Recital Hall on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., in support of “Sugar and Booze,” her recent album of seasonal favorites and holiday originals, which topped numerous “Best Holiday Album” lists. Called “an uproarious homage to Christmas albums of old” by Billboard and “the magical love child of Astrud Gilberto and Lucille Ball — an unexpectedly perfect combination” by BUST Magazine, the album was released to rave reviews.

Coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day, Carolyn Dorfman Dance presents “The Legacy Project - A Dance of Hope” on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 4 p.m., at Wilkins Theatre. Through contemporary dance, multimedia presentation and interactive dialogue, choreographer and master teacher Carolyn Dorfman, a child of Holocaust survivors, and her breathtaking company take audiences on a powerful historical and cultural journey. “The Legacy Project,” a celebrated body of work that honors Dorfman’s Eastern European roots, Jewish heritage and the immigrant experience, helps viewers understand the past, its relationship to the present and our individual and collective choices for the future.

Known as the “Monty Python of the music world,” Austrian brass ensemble Mnozil Brass performs at Enlow Recital Hall on Saturday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. Mnozil Brass has been entertaining fans around the globe for 30 years with their comedic brilliance, sensational programs

and impeccable playing. An evening with Mnozil Brass is an over-the-top fun, virtuosic and laugh-out-loud experience.

The Aaron Diehl Trio performs at Enlow Recital Hall on Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. Pianist and composer Aaron Diehl transforms the piano into an orchestral vessel in the spirit of beloved predecessors Ahmad Jamal, Erroll Garner and Jelly Roll Morton. The Aaron Diehl Trio has produced three criticallyacclaimed albums on Mack Avenue Records and have made appearances at such historic venues as Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Village Vanguard and New York Philharmonic. A Juilliard graduate, Diehl has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Branford Marsalis, Philip Glass and GRAMMY Award-winning artist Cecile McLorin Salvant.

DRUM TAO 30th Anniversary: THE TAO 夢幻響 comes to Wilkins Theatre on Friday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. Drum Tao was established in 1993, with a dream of creating the best show in the world using Taiko drums or Japanese drums, the instrument that provides a very rare and unique variety of sound expressions. DRUM TAO set their base in Oita, Japan, and started creating their own music, stage set-ups and costumes to produce their one and only unique brand of entertainment. It’s no wonder that DRUM TAO is considered one of the most modern forms of Japanese entertainment in the world.

Performing on Sunday, April 7, at 3 p.m., at Enlow Recital Hall is groundbreaking, six-man a cappella vocal band, Six13. Six13 brings an unprecedented style and energy to Jewish music, with nothing but the power of the human voice. Juxtaposing the traditional and the contemporary, Six13 is anchored by a strong Jewish identity, fueled by soulful harmonies, intricate arrangements and their signature dynamic, full-band-like sound,

See SHOWS, Page 17

Giving multiplied with school supplies for children overseas

As the school year approaches, shoebox packers are making use of back-to-school prices to purchase gifts and essential items for children in need around the world. Residents in Union are collecting school supplies, along with personal care items and fun toys, to pack in shoeboxes. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries.

For many children, access to these simple items is essential to an education. This was the case for Justin Thomas, a shoebox recipient in Southeast Asia whose parents could not afford the supplies needed for school. Thomas said he remembers the specific day he received a gift-filled shoebox from Operation Christmas Child

and found it filled with toys and most exciting to him — school supplies!

Growing up with hand-me-down clothes and used items, Thomas said he used to write with a pencil so short that he held it using a pen cap. Having an entire packet of new pencils and a pencil sharpener all his own was a treasure to him. This simple gift made a lifechanging impact for Thomas because it opened the doors for him to receive an education.

For more information, visit samaritanspurse .org/occ. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the con-

venience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry.

Shows are planned for the rest of the year

(Continued from Page 16)

and driven by a mission to connect Jews around the world with their heritage through music.

Kean Stage Family Series

“DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical” comes to Wilkins Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m., based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds, “The Dot, Ish and Sky Color,” and adapted by composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond. The musical, in the same manner as the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opens our eyes to look beyond the expected. When Marisol — Sky Color, a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art and her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti — The Dot, whose dots inspire Ramon — Ish — to become an artist in his own right. The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar.

The hilarious “Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical” comes to Wilkins Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club

to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics. Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when

the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out. Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever

get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical adaptation based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series.

Travel under the sea with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s “The Rainbow Fish,” on Sunday, April 14, at 1 p.m. The first of three tales introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow. He is admired — and resented — by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow, as the Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea, discovering a new world with wonderful sights and friendly creatures of all shapes, sizes and colors who are eager to make his acquaintance. The underworld wonderland is the setting for an introduction to the concept of opposites. As a fitting finale, the story ends with the most satisfying opposite of all — give and take — as Rainbow Fish shares one of his shining scales with a friend.

Tickets for the Kean Stage 2023-2024 season can be purchased online at keanstage.com or by contacting the Box Office at 908-737-7469. The Box Office is currently open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Gersh Tony Award winner Alex Newell

Union Farmers football team feels chemistry is just right

By JR Parachini

Sports Editor

UNION – The players feel that the chemistry is demonstratively better.

“You need that,” standout junior wide receiver-defensive back Renick Dorilas said.

The Union High School Farmers must also be held accountable. Those putting out 110 percent on the field believe that is just as important as making a first down on thirdand-long.

“We need to be disciplined,” Dorilas said. “That was something that was lacking last year. We feel we’re much stronger now and ready to dominate right from the start.”

Returning senior linebacker Kordal Hinton was in on 133 tackles in nine games last year.

“We need to bring a lot of energy,” Hinton said. “Energy and communication is very important. Without it you can’t win.”

Omalley King (6-5, 195) now has one year under his belt at quarterback. One of the most promising junior signalcallers in the state is anxious to show how far he has come in one year.

See UNION, Page 19

Photo by JR Parachini

The Union Farmers, at the first Big Central Conference Media Day are, from left, defensive backs coach Waldin Dufrene, junior Omalley King, senior Zach Menon, junior Renick Dorilas, senior Kordal Hinton, defensive line coach Justin Bogan and offensive coordinator Jason Scott.

Union football team looking to put 110%

“Last year was a learning experience,” King said. “I got my feet wet and got the experience of playing in a playoff game.

“I also found out that the pace of a varsity game, the speed and physicality of it compared to JV, is a lot faster.”

King echoed the togetherness theme his teammates discussed.

“With the game on the line, we have to stay together and believe in one another,” King said. “It’s all together as one this year.”

Zach Menon will be providing necessary blocking for King as one of Union’s key offensive linemen. On the other side of the ball, Menon, also a returning starter, is out to prevent opposing offenses from executing in both the run and pass game.

“This is an exciting time,” Menon said. “We feel we’re one of the teams people want to see. We want to prove that we’re not the same old Union of last year.”

Although Union finished just 2-7 a year ago, the Farmers did qualify for the playoffs out of North, Group 5. In a North 1, Group 5 encounter in Hudson County, the Farmers were thumped at second-seeded Union City 62-20.

“We’re more of a brotherhood,” Menon continued. “We know the plays like the back of our hands. We have to go out there now and execute. It’s a feeling of trust.”

Losing by six touchdowns in the playoffs is not what Union has in mind this year.

“We’re the Union Farmers,” Hinton said. “We want to show that we’re different from other teams.”

Representing the Farmers

• Renick Dorilas, No. 1, junior, WR-DB

• Zach Menon, No. 55, senior, OL-DL

• Kordal Hinton, No. 26, senior, FB-LB

• Omalley King, No. 0, junior, QB

“We’re more experienced and the kids worked real hard in the off-season,” said head coach Lou Grasso Jr., right before the first official day of practice. “The kids are maturing physically and emotionally.”

Grasso guided Union to its first state championship in 26 years in 2019, when the Farmers captured the North 2, Group 5 title for the first time. Union previously won a record 10 North 2, Group 4 crowns in the playoff era with coach Lou Rettino, the last of those state championships coming in 1993.

“We are back to where we’ve been with seniors and juniors playing and the sophomores developing,” said Grasso, now in his 11th season at the helm of the Farmers.

Defensive line coach Justin Bogan has seen the maturity of the players increase as well.

“We have a lot of leaders,” Bogan said. “They’re holding everyone accountable.

“Offensively, our line has increased in size, strength and speed. That’s where the game is won, in the trenches. On defense our backs are tremendous. Renick is already getting a lot of D-1 offers.”

the field

Schools showing much interest in what Dorilas has to provide include Penn State University, Syracuse University, Boston College, University of Minnesota and Rutgers University.

Hinton averaged 14.3 tackles in 2022.

“Kordal is the heart and soul of our defense,” Bogan said.

Union first got field turf in 2007. There is new field turf this season. The Farmers will host Westfield in their home-opener on Sept. 8.

“This is the start of redemption,” Bogan said. “Union is back.”

2023 Union Farmers

• Friday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m., at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School

• Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., Westfield High School

• Saturday, Sept. 16, at 1 p.m., at St. Joseph High School, Metuchen

• Friday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., Somerville High School

• Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., Hillsborough High School

• Friday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m., at Elizabeth High SchoolFrank J. Cicarell Academy

• Friday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m., Phillipsburg High School

• Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m., at Ridge High School

(Continued from Page 18)

‘We’re more experienced and the kids worked real hard in the off-season. The kids are maturing physically and emotionally. We are back to where we’ve been with seniors and juniors playing and the sophomores developing.’

— head coach Lou Grasso Jr.