Union Leader - December 2022

Veterans are honored on this special day

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

UNION — The township of Union opened its Veterans Day ceremony with moving videos that included scenes of veterans looking for names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as then-President Ronald Reagan dedicated the wall on Veterans Day in 1982. The video included scenes of soldiers returning home, footage of incursions, funerals and patriotic instances, such as the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima and then-President John F. Kennedy praising the sacrifices of the nation’s armed forces.

After the Union Police Department’s honor guard marched forward and the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated by those in attendance, Gabriella Scott sang the national anthem. Union Mayor Manuel Figueiredo thanked both the honor guard and Scott before getting the ceremony underway.

“I’m honored to welcome you here to the 2022 Veterans Day ceremony here at Town Hall. Thank you for joining us here today as we come to acknowledge our veterans,” the mayor began on Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.

After praising the video, he said, “I’d like to take a moment to recognize all of the service members, our veterans, current active-duty service member guardsmen and reservists. Due to your service and your heroism, we come together today on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to acknowledge your sacrifice that keeps us safe.”

In an interview later with Union County LocalSource, on Monday, Nov. 14, Figueiredo said, “It’s so important to honor all of our veterans that have done the hard work and sacrificed to keep us safe and protected, both past, present and future.”

After his opening words on Nov. 11, the mayor then introduced state Sen. Joseph Cryan, Assemblyman Reginald W. Atkins and Union Township Committee mem-

Photo Courtesy of the Township of Union Assembled in the township of Union’s town hall to celebrate Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, are, from left, retired Staff Sgt. Robert Leamy, Deputy Mayor Suzette Cavadas, Committeeman Joseph Florio, an unidentified VFW member, retired Lt. Col. Debbie Skeete Bernard, Union VFW Post 2433 past Commander and Quartermaster Bob Johnsen, Mayor Manuel Figueiredo, Vernon Tatum of Bristol Myers Squibb, Assemblyman Reginald Atkins and Sen. Joseph Cryan.

bers, as well as members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars who were in attendance.

The Rev. Richard Starling then gave an invocation, saying, “We gather together to remember our veterans, whose valor, courage and heroism has inspired us to be more noble, vigilant and thankful. Bless our time here today as we honor them and their families. May we continue to be educated regarding their lives. In solidarity, with love and respect and appreciation we have for them and their families, we show dignity and courage to love and express our deep appreciation for their sacrifice. In your name we pray. Amen.

After thanking the reverend, the mayor then referenced some words by former Secretary of State and U.S. Army officer Colin Powell when he said, “‘Wherever and whenever the nation has called — in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity — America’s veterans have been there. Veterans have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see.’ I think of the veterans who enlisted with-

out knowing what lies ahead, but did so out of respect and patriotism for our great country. Their sacrifices, often emotional, mental, physical and sometimes even more, must never be forgotten.”

The mayor then pointed out that, due to the lessening of wars on the scale of World War II, Vietnam and Korea, membership to VFWs has declined as a result. He said a wealth of knowledge can be gained from the older generation, although the younger generation also has many newer veterans in police, fire and EMT.

“Let us keep in mind those who left behind their homes, their loved ones, their families and put their lives on the line to serve and protect our great country,” said Figueiredo. “This call to service allows us the privilege to sleep peacefully at night, and it is a privilege that we should never ever take for granted. Thank you again to those who have served, that are here today and that are watching this, and may God bless you and keep you safe,

Union resident receives prestigious alumni award

Rosemary Hilbert, of Union, Caldwell University Class of 2005, received the Caldwell University alumni association board’s Peggy Harris Alumna of the Year Award at a celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The honor is given annually to a Caldwell University alumna or alumnus for outstanding service

to the alumni association or university.

Hilbert received her bachelor’s degree in English in 1996 and master’s degree in liberal studies in 2005, both from Caldwell University. As part of her master’s degree, she traveled in England, France and Italy, studying with Caldwell professors. She has been an adjunct lecturer in

the Caldwell English Department for the past 10 years. Her master’s degree thesis, a biography of Katharine Gibbs, founder of the Katharine Gibbs School, has been published by Gibbs College.

Hilbert has served on the Caldwell University alumni association board since 1997, many years as an officer as the recording

secretary. She is also a former member of the university’s Veritas Committee, the highest honor the university awards an alum.

Hilbert is the administrator for the Washington Association of New Jersey and the adviser for the fundraising organization for the Morristown National Historical Park, Washington’s Headquarters.

Above, Rosemary Hilbert, Class of 2005, right, receives the Caldwell University Peggy Harris Award from board President Elaine Bauer Zabriskie, Class of 1973. At right, Hilbert, back row, fifth from left, celebrates receiving the Peggy Harris Award with the alumni board and Caldwell University administrators and staff.

Photos Courtesy of Colette Liddy

Evening of Excellence highlights the works of MHANJ

By Yael Katzwer Editor

Throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s programming became crystal clear. Across the state, when individuals and families are struggling with the many challenges that come with mental illness and poor mental health, MHANJ is there to provide the education, support and compassion that make all the difference.

It was therefore no surprise that so many people came out Wednesday, Nov. 9, to celebrate the MHANJ at its 22nd annual Evening of Excellence at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park. The fundraiser event, featured spectacular food, an exciting raffle and silent auction, and fellowship, also served as an opportunity for the MHANJ to celebrate its many supporters and partners.

“This all started with Carolyn Beauchamp well over 30 years ago,” event Chairperson Rosemary Scoppetuolo said at the event, speaking of MHANJ’s president and CEO. “We spent a year putting this event together and we weren’t sure if people were going to show up, but you all showed up in a big way and it’s fabulous.”

A key feature of the evening was a videoed interview with television star Mayim Bialik.

We have a special treat tonight. We have a video of an interview with a national celebrity, Mayim Bialik,” MHANJ board of trustees Chairperson Harold B. Garwin said at the event, praising Bialik’s openness regarding her mental health journey. “She is being interviewed by one of our native sons, Steve Adubato.”

According to Bialik in the video, while there is certainly stigma associated with mental illness, she has always found it important to bring mental health issues into the light.

“I was always open about it, even though I was raised in a home with mental illness and addiction, and they were things we didn’t talk about,” Bialik said, adding that her “loving family” suffered from mental illness, substance abuse, and generational trauma resulting from her grandparents surviving pogroms and the Holocaust. “I grew up in an unpredictable home. … There was a lot of hiding, a lot of secrets.”

Despite this upbringing, Bialik feels it is important to address mental health issues — a step that can be especially difficult if those struggling don’t even realize that their struggles relate to mental illness. Bialik shared that

she did not know she had obsessive compulsive disorder until a doctor told her.

“I just had the things I did to make myself feel safe,” Bialik said.

Nowadays, in addition to co-hosting “Jeopardy!” and continuing to act in sitcoms, Bialik also hosts a podcast, titled “Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown,” which she described as “an exploration” of mental health issues. In the podcast, Bialik, who has a doctorate in neuroscience, breaks down the complexities surrounding mental health to lead to a better understanding for all of her listeners.

Perhaps the most important message to communicate is that mental illness is not a failure of character.

“People who are bipolar, who have mental health issues, are not bad people; they are struggling,” Bialik stressed.

This is part of the work that MHANJ and its partners do every day.

The first honoree of the evening was James McCreath, retired vice president for psychiatry, behavioral health and long-term care at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. A licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate, McCreath helped make Trinitas one of the largest hospital-based mental health centers in New Jersey, offering the full continuum of care for adults, children, adolescents and families alike. In addition to a 98-bed inpatient facility, Trinitas has a special unit for mentally ill and developmentally disabled individuals.

“Jim has been an outstanding leader in the behavioral health field,” Garwin said. “He has been a strong advocate for his clients; he has been a strong advocate for the mental health field.”

“It has been a wonderful 46 years and every day I couldn’t wait to get to work. Of course there were some days I couldn’t wait to get home,” McCreath joked, adding that receiving this award is “on top of a fulfilling career and from such a distinguished organization as MHANJ.”

The MHANJ also honored McCreath’s organization, the behavioral health and psychiatry department at Trinitas Regional Medical Center. The award was received by Aziel Valdez, director of nursing, behavioral health and psychiatry.

“It has an outstanding faculty,” Garwin said. “It does a great job locally and it has statewide programs.”

Jacob C. Farbman, executive director of the Center for Student Success of the New Jersey Council of County

Colleges, took home an award as well, for his work in supporting the mental health of county college students during the height of the pandemic.

“He has spent his career as a dedicated community college advocate,” Garwin said. “The college age is one of the most sensitive ages for mental health and treatment,” he continued, adding that this was especially true during the height of the pandemic.

“Thank you for helping us support the 300,000 students who rely on community colleges as a pathway to economic independence,” Farbman said.

MHANJ also celebrated the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, with NJCCC President Aaron Fichtner accepting the award.

“We thank you all for this important partnership,” Fichtner said.

The final award went to the MinuteClinic, which is located inside select CVS Pharmacy stores. MinuteClinic offers expanded services where clinicians can screen, diagnose and treat customers and provide follow-up care for chronic conditions, including mental health issues, as well as provide services for minor injuries and illnesses, immunizations, and annual exams.

“This initiative is in response to the growing need for affordable mental health support,” Garwin said of MinuteClinic.

The award was collected by Angela Patterson, chief nurse practitioner officer of CVS MinuteClinic.

Event host Lynette Sheard applauded each honoree, adding, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to the MinuteClinic.”

Throughout the evening, Sheard relied on the symbolism of the lotus flower, which grows out of mud into something beautiful and aromatic.

“As I talk about the lotus growing, we are also growing and learning,” said Sheard, a singer and actor who is the director of MHANJ’s New Jersey Mental Health Players, an interactive community education program, and winner of the 2021 national Richard Van Horn Innovation in Programming Award from Mental Health America. Sheard has worked at the Mental Health Association for more than 18 years as a staff development trainer, senior employment specialist and a community education coordinator.

Mental Health Players is just one of many programs offered through MHANJ. To learn more about all of MHANJ’s various programs, visit mhanj.org.

Above left, Lynette Sheard performs with a band at the event. Above center, from left, are Jacob C. Farbman, executive director of the Center for Student Success of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges; Angela Patterson, representing CVS MinuteClinic; Carolyn Beauchamp, president and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey; Harold B. Garwin, MHANJ board chairperson; James McCreath, retired vice president for psychiatry, behavioral health and long-term care at Trinitas Regional Medical Center; Aziel Valdez,

director of nursing, behavioral health and psychiatry at Trinitas Regional Medical Center; and Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Above right, from left, are Farbman; Anthony Iacono, president of County College of Morris; Mary M. Zimmermann, executive committee chairperson of New Jersey Council of County Colleges and chairperson of Union County College’s board of governors; David Stout, president of Brookdale Community College; and Fichtner.

Photos by Yael Katzwer

New intergenerational music ensemble the Kean-NJIO Orchestra, which rehearses Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Wilkins Theatre on Kean’s Union campus, invites local musicians to audition to join the group.

Local musicians are invited to join new community orchestra

The Kean University Music Conservatory has partnered with the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra to launch a new community music ensemble for Kean students, alumni, high school students and community members.

The Kean-NJIO Orchestra began rehearsing this fall and welcomes anyone with orchestral experience to audition to join the group. The ensemble rehearses Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Wilkins Theatre on Kean’s Union campus.

“With this new orchestra at Kean, the Music Conservatory is expanding its reach beyond our campus,” professor Matthew Halper said. “This is another example of Kean collaborating with community groups, in this case external arts organizations, to benefit our students and the broader community.”

Halper said Kean students are getting a one-of-a-kind community orchestra experience without leaving campus by playing with musicians of all ages, including retired professional musicians, talented amateurs and high school students.

“The adage ‘It takes a village’ is particularly apt for orchestral education,” Halper said. “The diversity in age and experience and the broad inclusivity of the Kean-NJIO Orchestra will be to the benefit of all.”

Warren Cohen, conductor and artistic director of the NJIO, serves in the same capacity for the Kean-NJIO Orchestra.

“I am looking forward to exploring a varied, adventurous and inclusive repertoire with the new orchestra that will reflect the diverse nature of the community of musicians and audience we will serve,” Cohen said.

The group will perform well-known classical music and, as part of its mission, will explore the repertoires of female composers, composers of color and diverse new voices.

“As the ensemble develops, performances will include pieces that break new ground,” Halper said.

Students in Kean’s existing orchestra course will play in the Kean-NJIO Orchestra, weaving Kean’s music curriculum into real-world performance.

Chaz Marino, a Kean junior from Princeton, is studying music. He plays in a rock band, Shadowlight, and he plays viola in the Kean-NJIO Orchestra.

“I love it. It’s definitely a great experience,” Marino said. “It really has a broad age range, but I think that’s what I love about it. I’m working with a lot of great musicians, and I get to network with some great friends and great people. And it’s forcing me to get out of my comfort zone.”

The Kean-NJIO Orchestra will give its first performance in December.

To schedule an audition, email info@njio.org or music@kean.edu. More information can also be found on the Kean-NJIO Orchestra Facebook page.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Panel discusses anniversary, impact of Superstorm Sandy

Ten years after Superstorm Sandy struck New Jersey, causing damage across the state, panelists at a Kean University event to mark the anniversary described how the storm changed their lives.

The panel discussion, “Stories From the Surge,” was organized by Kean associate history professor Abigail Perkiss, who led Kean students in an oral history project on the storm and authored a book about the impact along Sandy Hook and the Raritan Bayshore, “Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey’s Forgotten Shore.”

“This is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on what happened 10 years ago,” Perkiss said, “and to think about what we as a community, a state and a country can take from that in preparing ourselves.”

Collette Kennedy, mayor of Keyport and Kean alumna, said the storm gave rise to a new electronic lifeline, as residents turned to social media to communicate.

“Facebook was to Sandy what Zoom was to the pandemic,” she said. “It was a way for me to still feel connected to the world.”

Kennedy had owned her home for just four weeks when the storm struck. “That was my welcome present to the Bayshore,” she said.

She volunteered at a shelter for Sandy victims and, after the storm, earned her master’s degree in public administration at Kean and entered local politics.

The panel at Kean’s Human Rights

Institute included three additional Kean graduates: Mary Piasecki and TrudiAnn Lawrence, who worked with Perkiss on the oral history project, and disability rights advocate and Kean communication strategist Millie Gonzalez, of Union Beach.

The storm that made landfall in New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, swamping coastal areas and knocking out power, changed their lives as well. After graduation,

Piasecki served a year with FEMA Corps, a federal disaster-relief service program, and is now a teacher.

“It changed the trajectory of my life,” she said.

Lawrence is also now a teacher. After interviewing storm victims, she said, “I am more aware of” what others are experiencing.

Many residents were not prepared for Sandy’s ferocity. Some 43 New Jerseyans

died as a result of its effects. The storm compromised 346,000 primary residences in the state, destroying or significantly damaging 55,000, according to Perkiss’ book. Many survivors spent months or years cleaning up and rebuilding.

Gonzalez returned three years after Sandy to her rebuilt house, now raised 10 feet. A wheelchair user, she has a residential lift for access, but said she cannot visit neighbors because their houses have also been raised, but they have only stairs for access.

“Nobody thought of that,” said Gonzalez, adding that more must be done to recognize the needs of the disabled in areas such as emergency management. “I hope, by sharing my story, things will turn out better for someone else.”

In the decade since Sandy, Perkiss said the raised homes along the Jersey Shore, lifted to meet new federal flood insurance guidelines, are one of the most visible reminders of the storm.

Despite the measures taken so far, she said, the state is “increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic weather” as coastal populations increase, and sea levels across the world rise.

In closing, Perkiss asked panelists and attendees to consider how communities and governments at all levels can create policy together.

“How can we create meaningful change?” she asked.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

From left, panelists Mary Piasecki, Trudi-Ann Lawrence, Millie Gonzalez and Collette Kennedy discussed the impact of Superstorm Sandy. Standing behind them is Kean associate history professor Abigail Perkiss.

t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Affordable holiday gift ideas with a personalized touch

Are you struggling to find thoughtful gifts for everyone as you make your holiday shopping list? Well, it’s time to get personal! By giving a personalized gift, the recipient will feel special knowing it was created and picked just for them. Here are a few customized gift ideas that they’re sure to love that won’t break the bank.

1. Make their holidays magical with video greetings. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, SmashUps from American Greetings are highly personalized, smileinducing, shareable videos. There are options for everyone, like a message from Santa that calls the recipient out by name and location, or a customized winter greeting delivered by a talking penguin. SmashUps can check the box for holiday greetings, or you can include a digital gift card to fulfill your gift-giving needs.

With a subscription, you’ll unlock access to all of American Greetings’ digital offerings, meaning you can send unlimited SmashUps year-round. Subscriptions are $6.99 per month or $29.99 per year.

2. Photo finish. Photos are a simple and affordable way to personalize gifts. Start by choosing your favorite pic with

the recipient and then determine how you’d like to deliver it. Whether it’s in a unique frame, or printed on a personal item, such as a mug, blanket, keychain, phone cover or even an ornament for their tree, the recipient will know how much they mean to you each time they view it.

3. Initial thoughts. While not everyone wants to be in pictures, adding personalization to a gift item by using your recipient’s name, initials or monogram, can be a great alternative. And with a wealth of online sites, from boutique stores such as Marley Lilly to major retailers such as

Amazon offering this service, you’ll have endless options — at various price points — to meet your shopping needs.

4. Eat, drink and be merry. They often say the way to the heart is through the stomach. So, whether it’s a foodie friend or a family member who has it all, making their favorite meal, treat, drink or dessert can be the ultimate thoughtful gift. Plus, it can provide you quality time together as you deliver the delicious treats to their home or host them at yours — that is, if they’ll share!

5. Write a message by hand. In an age where everything is digital, seeing a loved one’s handwriting — whether it’s scribbled by a child or printed by a grandparent — can be a special memento and unique way to customize a gift. Gift ideas could be handwritten messages and affirmations; a recipe book of your family favorites; or your handwriting could be inscribed onto a gift item such as a keychain, picture frame or necklace.

Just remember, it’s the thought that counts. And luckily many personalized gifts don’t have to be costly to be remembered.

— StatePoint

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

What will our holiday shopping look like this year?

If it feels like the holiday season is getting longer and more reliant on technology every year, you’re not imagining it.

According to the Sensormatic Solutions 2022 U.S. Holiday Consumer Sentiment Survey, 52 percent of respondents already started or plan to start their holiday shopping before November, and pre–Labor Day holiday shopping more than doubled during 2021. That said, the top busiest shopping days in the United States are all expected between Black Friday and the day after Christmas.

Whether shoppers are making a list and checking it twice as early in the sea-

son as possible or waiting until the last minute, they are also likely to be thinking about all the ways to shop, including integrating digital options with a traditional brick-and-mortar experience, both of which offer key consumer benefits.

“The past couple years have fundamentally changed the way we celebrate the holidays, starting with how we shop,” said Kim Melvin, global leader of marketing at Sensormatic Solutions. “This year, shoppers are using the very same tools they once turned to for health and safety reasons to make the experience more convenient and affordable.”

Sixty-four percent of respondents cited convenience as their top reason for using buy-online-pickup-in-store, aka BOPIS, or curbside pickup this holiday season, while 37 percent are leveraging these options to access online-exclusive deals. Shoppers are also blurring the lines between the digital and physical shopping experiences, using their phones while in stores to read product reviews, access coupons, check on product availability and conduct other research — 27 percent use their phones to supplement their shopping experience every time they shop in-store and an additional 31 percent do so most of the time they shop in-store.

“While the majority of shoppers feel very comfortable making their holiday purchases in-store this year, factors like price, product availability and convenience are at the top of everyone’s minds,” said Melvin. “A combination of traditional brick-and-mortar visits and alternative shopping methods, such as BOPIS and curbside pickup, are helping consumers take these factors into consideration as they complete their holiday wish lists.”

As part of its mission to solve complex retail challenges, Sensormatic Solutions is providing its top strategies to improve your holiday shopping experience:

• If staying within your seasonal budget is a priority for you or you harbor supply chain concerns, consider leveraging shopping holidays such as Black Friday. Doing so can help ensure product availability, and thanks to holiday promotions, help you secure reasonable pricing on needed items.

• One of the most frustrating aspects of holiday shopping is not finding what you need on store shelves. Using alternative shopping methods such as BOPIS and curbside pickup can offer greater convenience and help ensure that when you visit a store, you won’t leave empty-handed.

For more holiday shopping tips and insights, visit sensormatic.com.

Though this holiday season may resemble the last few years in many ways, shoppers’ motivations for going digital have changed. Having a game plan can help you score great deals and find what you need.

— StatePoint

Photo Courtesy of DavidPrado/stock.adobe

WNBA all-star Chamique Holdsclaw spoke at a Kean University Mental Health Summit recently, telling community leaders, care providers and Kean students, “We’re here to normalize the conversation about mental health.”

A retired professional basketball player whose career accomplishments also include three NCAA national college championships, an Olympic gold medal and induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Holdsclaw is now a mental health advocate who works especially with youth.

The event, organized by the Kean University Office of Government Affairs, the Human Rights Institute and the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership, was on Friday, Nov. 4, on Kean’s Union campus as part of the university’s ongoing wellness strategy.

Launched by Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Kean’s wellness initiative works to support and increase physical, mental, financial and environmental wellness in the university community.

The event included remarks by Kellie LeDet, Kean chief government affairs officer and special assistant to the president; Craig Coughlin Jr., director of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships; Debbie Ann Anderson, Union County director of human services; and Lauretta Farrell, director of the Human Rights Institute at Kean.

Attendees also included faith leaders, educators and social workers. The group also discussed mental health issues in small-group roundtable sessions.

WNBA

Holdsclaw speaks at Kean University’s Mental Health Summit, on the Union campus, on Friday, Nov. 4, as part of the university’s ongoing wellness strategy.

Holdsclaw said she is “still in recovery” for bipolar disorder and now values the chance to help others.

“Basketball was this tool to get me the platform to encourage youth,” she said. “I am coaching. I’m coaching in a different way.”

“Mental health is a crucial issue in higher education, especially as we all collectively move forward after the pandemic,” Repollet said. “As part of Kean’s commitment to overall wellness, we are proud to build connections and open conversations about mental health through events such as the Mental Health Summit. A caring Cougar Nation is our best asset.”

In her address, Holdsclaw shared stories from her stellar athletic career. She began playing basketball as a coping mechanism during a troubled childhood in Queens, N.Y.; became a national college star with the University of Tennessee Lady Vols; and, in 1999, was the No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick, chosen by the Washington Mystics.

“It was my dream,” she said. “But there’s the other side of success. … I thought I had to put on a front — couldn’t let people know there was a chink in my armor.”

“The first step is really identifying what college students’ mental health needs are and how we can come together to address these needs,” Farrell said.

Nancy B. Graham of the Renfrew Center in Paramus works with clients with eating disorders. She said she found the summit valuable.

“When we talk about mental health and different topics, there’s definitely an understanding that they’re connected,” she said.

Several of those who shared Holdsclaw’s table during the breakout sessions were from Kean Athletics, including Athletic Director Kelly Williams and Brian Doherty, Kean’s women’s head soccer coach.

“I learned a lot from Chamique’s talk,” Doherty said. “I also learned how involved Kean is in the community, and how we are involved in the issue of mental health.”

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

all-star Chamique

Kean University was honored in the Fast Company 2022 Innovation by Design Awards for a research project that used interactive 3D media to take visitors back in time to the historic Liberty Hall Museum.

The project, “Liberty Hall Museum: Room of Echoes,” was led by Michael Graves College associate professor Edward Johnston and included student researchers. The “Room of Echoes” project spanned several semesters at Kean.

The research project was recognized in the Learning category, the same category in which Google, Lego Education and other national brands have been honored in the past. In addition to the Kean University project, 2022 honorees include projects, products and services from Nike, Verizon, Microsoft and others.

“Congratulations to professor Johnston and his students for receiving this national recognition,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet. “Their work demonstrates Kean’s commitment to student research, real-world experience and community engagement.”

Johnston and his students used interactive 3D technology to re-create different iterations of one room in Liberty Hall Museum, the home of New Jersey’s first elected governor, William Livingston, making the room accessible to museum visitors with mobility concerns. Using a tablet, visitors can now view the room at various points in time over four centuries, as it was changed from Livingston’s library to a bedroom and to a dining room.

“We’re excited to represent Kean with this prestigious honor,” Johnston said. “We very meticulously built out a room in Liberty Hall Museum in a 3D modeling environment, spanning the years from 1772 into the 1900s. Students had an opportunity to learn more about the his-

tory of our country and Kean University while conducting practice-based research and developing their design skills.”

Rachael Goldberg, Liberty Hall Museum executive director, called the collaboration with Johnston and his students a “win-win.”

“The museum can continue to expand its digital transformation, and students have an experience that they can take with them into their careers,” she said. “Professor Johnston and his students really embraced this project, made edits when needed from the museum’s comments, and in the end, made an awardwinning final project that the museum uses on a daily basis.”

The Innovation by Design Awards honor the designers, organizations and businesses solving the most crucial problems of today and anticipating the pressing issues of tomorrow. Entries are judged on the key ingredients of innovation: functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact and business impact.

“A common theme among this year’s Innovation by Design honorees, which range from health care interfaces to autonomous driving technology, is permanence,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “The products that leaped out to our editors and judges went against our quick-fix consumer culture, while also manifesting a more inclusive vision of design.”

Liam Elias, a Kean Class of ’19 alumnus who earned his bachelor’s degree in graphic design/advertising at Kean’s Robert Busch School of Design, worked as a student researcher on the project. Currently an art director at Scholar, a creative production company in New York, Elias said his work on the project helped him launch his career.

“We worked with interior design and

Kean University research and design team first creates wireframe views of a room at Liberty Hall Museum; this one is of Susan Livingston Kean Niemcewicz’s bedroom. Above, the Kean University research and design team creates a rendering of Niemcewicz’s bedroom at Liberty Hall.

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architecture students, and I feel like that collaboration and going outside of my degree opened my eyes to what I could do in the future,” he said.

Elias, an immigrant from Cuba who arrived in the country at the age of 15, helped develop the original versions of the 3D environments. The project was one of several collaborations with Johnston that he said helped him find his career path.

“I feel like my experience is unique because I didn’t come into my degree knowing everything and having everything planned,” Elias said. “I feel like at Kean, I was able to do everything and anything that I really wanted to do. Having that support system is what allowed me to come into Scholar and, within three years, go from intern to art director.”

Photos Courtesy of Kean University

First class of physician assistants receives white coats

Kean University’s inaugural class of physician assistant students were presented with their white coats, a traditional symbol of professionalism and readiness, during a celebratory event on Friday, Oct. 21.

The students marked the accomplishment as they begin their year of clinical practice. In January 2024, they will be the first graduates of the School of Physician Assistant Studies at Kean’s newly formed College of Health Professions and Human Services.

“You are earning your degree from New Jersey’s urban research university. Your physician assistant graduate program was designed to specifically address health disparities in our communities and to build on the university’s commitment to equity and academic excellence,” Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet said in his remarks at the event. “You’re going to change — and save — lives. So wear that white coat with pride, because you’ve earned it.”

The first cohort of students started the graduate program in 2021. Carol A. Biscardi, executive director of the program, said the students will now put their classroom knowledge into action.

“The knowledge they will gain is immeasurable,” she said. “It’s more than just learning about diseases. It’s learning about caring for patients.”

Eighteen students received white coats; an additional coat was presented posthumously to the family of Hanna Syed, a member of the class who passed away.

Keith Bostian, acting dean of the Kean

College of Health Professions and Human Services, spoke about the significance of the white coat.

“It’s a rite of passage,” Bostian said. “It’s a recognition for all the hard work you’ve done up to this point. It’s a symbol of professionalism; you will take an oath that will commit you for your career to do service and to respect humanity.”

The event’s keynote speaker, Eileen Muench, worked in patient care from general surgery to neurosurgery in a career that took her from nursing to becoming a physician assistant. She urged the students to “know more, to do more and to be more” by learning in the field from doctors, nurses, therapists, fellow physician assistant students and their patients.

“They are all your teachers,” she said. “Take the time to listen intently and think deeply, and take the time to care. There is so much more to the white coat that you receive today. This white coat represents your professionalism, your intelligence, your dedication.”

The Kean students will rotate through various hospital and clinical settings until October 2023.

Bryelle Washington, of Paterson, who earned her undergraduate degree from Virginia State University, will be doing clinical practice in OB-GYN at Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus. Her family came to the United States from Guyana.

“I would like to go into women’s health to help with the disadvantage of black

women with pregnancy, and lower the black maternal death rate — to give back to other people who look like me, rather than just for myself,” she said.

Stephen Husch, of Westfield, who received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, called it an “extreme honor” to be part of the first cohort of physician assistant students at Kean. He will begin his clinical practice at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth.

“I’m excited to continue to gain clinical maturity, taking each step to grow as a practitioner and as a patient advocate,” he said. “Also, to turn the black and white of textbooks intosomething colorful with patient experience and being part of team-based medicine.”

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Kean University’s first class of physician assistant students celebrated an important milestone. At the School of Physician Assistant Studies’ first white coat ceremony, on Friday, Oct. 21, they received their white coats, marking their transition from the classroom to clinical rotations.

Union County’s pumpkin recycling program returns

Union County residents can put their jack-o’-lanterns to good use after Halloween by participating in Union County’s pumpkin recycling program, which returns this November after being a smash hit last year. The program is coordinated by Union County and municipal partners. The pumpkins will be sent to an organic waste recycling facility and transformed into green energy.

“The pumpkin recycling program is an easy, convenient way for Union County residents to support the renewable energy industry in our community,” said County Commissioner Chairperson Rebecca Williams. “The program also raises awareness about new opportunities to recycle

food waste, instead of disposing it in landfills or incinerators.”

Three locations will be available for residents to drop off their pumpkins. Residents from any municipality in Union County can use any of these locations.

Residents can drop off their pumpkins Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., except on holidays. The last day to drop off pumpkins will be Monday, Nov. 28.

The drop-off locations are:

• Berkeley Heights Department of Public Works, 101 Berkeley Ave. in Berkeley Heights.

• Elizabeth Recycling Center, 523 Trenton Ave. in Elizabeth.

• Westfield Conservation Center, 1300

Lamberts Mill Road in Westfield.

Only pumpkins will be accepted at these locations. Other food waste is not accepted. Candles and decorations must be removed.

The pumpkin recycling program will send pumpkins to a processing facility in Elizabeth operated by WM. The company’s proprietary recycling system converts food waste into organic slurry, which is used to increase the output of biogas and other renewable products at municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Food waste is a global problem that contributes to excess greenhouse gas emissions while burdening local governments with waste disposal costs. In the

United States alone, more than 52 million tons of food is disposed of each year, according to some estimates.

Traditionally, food waste is sent to landfills or burned in waste-to-energy facilities. New organic recycling systems provide a more sustainable way to manage food waste.

Union County residents can also help reduce food waste by using leftovers, donating unused shelf stable items to food banks before their use-by date and starting a compost pile.

For more information about Union County recycling programs, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call 908-654-9889.

Union County working to improve mobility on county corridors

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced that Union County, in collaboration with local senators, mayors and other stakeholders, is exploring all available funding opportunities to best address the impact of congestion on county roads from end to end.

“Improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods is our top priority, and having everyone on board will make all corners of Union County safer for our residents and more attractive and viable for investment and opportunity,” said Commissioner Chairperson Rebecca Williams.

The Route 28 corridor, specifically, crosses into Plainfield from Middlesex County and travels through several municipalities in Union County, ending in Elizabeth. Union County, with the help of several local dignitaries, will be working to address the current and projected

future congestion, mobility and safety issues.

“Working together allows us to take a proactive approach in managing and improving our most heavily trafficked corridor,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “The Route 28 corridor is a critical network of roads which run through multiple towns across the center of the county. I look forward to working with the county of Union in a multimodal approach to evaluate and mitigate the impacts of congestion.”

“Union County is thriving with the amount of housing and new businesses that are being constructed across our municipalities. However, we are aware that, with these projects, there comes challenges with creating a safe, sustainable transportation corridor,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County representative and

executive committee board member of the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

“I would like to thank the county of Union for their willingness to hear our concerns and identify solutions to our traffic concerns,” said Cranford Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty.

“New commerce and redevelopment is great for our towns. However, we know with added infrastructure, expansion and growth there will be concerns for traffic and the safety of our residents,” said Roselle Park Mayor Joseph Signorello III. “And looking into additional funding to improve our roadways is a great step in ensuring our residents and visitors driving through Union County can continue to experience a safe and efficient travel system.”

and may God bless the United States of America.”

After the mayor’s moving words, Cryan took the stage and began by saying that one of the privileges he has had as a senator was chairing the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. He said there were around 300,000 veterans in the state; more than 90 percent of them are male, and many of them served in the Vietnam War.

“The group of veterans, by the way, that is most constrained by income, that lives on a financial cliff more than any other, are the veterans who served us in the Korean War,” said Cryan, “which by the way is close to my heart because my dad was there. … Veterans sometimes don’t understand all the opportunities that the government has at least tried to provide for their service. … But I do want to make sure that veterans that either hear my voice or that are in this room understand that there are particular services available to you. And they’ve been streamlined for you, which is helpful.”

He then moved on to his next topic: 2-1-1.

Dialing 2-1-1 “will help a veteran in crisis, financial crisis, homeless crisis; all those kinds of things that we talk about and we’re going to continue to talk about until it's solved,” he said. “But 2-1-1 is an invaluable resource and easily streamlined.

“It is an ongoing focus of the work we do to try to make sure that veterans understand that mental health opportunities are there for them. The number is 9-8-8.

“You deserve the services you’ve earned,” said Cryan. “Hopefully the numbers I gave you can help someone along the way.”

Deputy Mayor Suzette Cavadas then thanked everyone who served in the military, and Committeeman Joseph Florio acknowledged all who served, as well as their families.

“We can never forget the great sacrifice of our armed forces,” said Florio.

Retired Staff Sgt. Robert “Bobby” Leamy, who grew up in Union before join-

Above

ing the military and serving in many capacities, was the guest speaker.

He began by explaining what it’s like to be a young veteran in the township of Union in 2022.

“For me, it’s great,” said Leamy. “I work for a town and a police department that loves its veterans and its veteran community. This town has always respected its veterans, has always had ceremonies for its veterans. A lot of towns have forgotten that.

“But not every veteran is as lucky as me,” he continued. “You return home to a nation that’s grateful, so long as you don’t bother them. … You fought for a country that now makes you fight for everything you deserve. … They are given pills and left to suffer in silence. … The veteran becomes forever lost and forgotten. The veteran is left in the care of the neglectful system. … The freedom of the nation rests on the soldiers of the forgotten. … There are veterans across this nation, this town, that care.

“I did lose four of my veteran brothers overseas in Iraq. Since being home, I’ve lost more brothers to substance abuse and suicide. If you’re a veteran and you feel like you don’t have anywhere to go or anyone to turn to, your local VFWs and other veterans organizations are here for you.”

“I encourage every veteran that is not in local organizations to get involved.”

The next speaker, Vernon Tatum of Bristol Myers Squibb, himself a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, discussed how veterans should be honored and how they can offer a great deal to employers after they have finished their military service.

“We’re developing programs at Bristol Myers Squibb to reach out to veterans and their families so that we invite them in,” said Tatum. “The goal we’ve set for ourselves is to hire at least 200 veterans each year. … So many veterans, when they leave the service, find themselves unemployed. We want to reach out to them. We want to help mentor them. … We share with them what we know about the corpo-

rate world. … We help them to become successful and to thrive.

“We also give of our time. We have organizations like Wreaths Across America. … We’re volunteering our time to give back to veterans organizations. … Operation Gratitude is designed to gather up sundries, clothing and give them to our veterans. We help to fund a lot of great organizations.

“We’re giving of our time, talent and treasure. That’s my challenge to anyone who owns a business. Hire a veteran,” said Tatum.

“I challenge you to support the VFWs across the nation.”

The second guest speaker, retired Lt. Col. Debbie Skeete-Bernard, addressed those gathered.

“I’ve been a nurse since 1990 … and now I work at the VA,” said Bernard. She talked about veterans who had killed themselves. “Mental health is an issue. A fallacy that some have is that everything at the VA is

Photos Courtesy of the Township of Union

left, Mayor Manuel Figueiredo and Union VFW Post 2433 past Commander and Quartermaster Bob Johnsen share some words of humor and friendship during the Veterans Day ceremony. Above right, retired Staff Sgt. Robert Leamy talks about some of the emotions many veterans are feeling and how VFWs can help them to better cope with their problems.

It is not. To be free, you have to be service connected. The VA does have services, but it is short-staffed. It will come, but it may take time. There’s a 24-hour line that you can call and someone will answer.

“Join the VA, the VFW. Service is the rent that we pay to be on this earth. Service is not because we want to do things. … I do want you to know that there is someone there that cares, but you have to make the effort. There’s a way to ask for help and help will be given.

“There are those of us who care, and we try our best to do for our brothers and sisters. … You can call me if you have trouble getting through to the VA. … I do for my brothers and sisters. Thank you all.”

The mayor called the reverend forth one last time to say a final invocation.

“Heavenly father, we truly appreciate you for the rich time that we have spent in your presence. It was time well spent remembering the sacrifice of our veterans, the love and the care and the support,” said Starling. “May the things that were poured into our hearts today bring forth great fruit. May we take action to do everything within our strength and our power to see that your love is expressed through us to them. We thank you for this time for all of those who are involved. We

Photos Courtesy of the Township of Union

Above left, at the Veterans Day celebration at Union’s town hall on Friday, Nov. 11, are, from left, Sen. Joseph Cryan, Mayor Manuel Figueiredo, Gabriella Scott, retired Lt. Col. Debbie Skeete Bernard and Vernon Tatum of Bristol Myers Squibb. Above right, Tatum discusses how veterans should be honored and how Bristol Myers Squibb is developing programs to reach out to veterans and their families.

speak blessings upon their life and their families. And may we work together for a

brighter future for all of our veterans and their families.”