UNION, NJ - Hinchliffe Stadium historian Brian LoPinto will present a retrospective on the Newark Eagles' Time at Hinchliffe Stadium with a focus on the Newark Eagles' contributions as a home team at this historic venue.
The presentation will be held on Monday, March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Vauxhall Branch Library, 123 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall.
To register, click HERE.
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]]>UNION, NJ - The Greater Union Township Chamber of Commerce recently elected its slate of officers and installed new directors.
Elected each year, officers have ultimate responsibility for chamber operations, policy, and overall direction. They also oversee and support proposed activities, events and projects that best serve the interests of members.
The incoming Executive Board consists of:
Also inducted as a new director was Dr. Andrew Iuzzolino of Progressive Edge Physical Therapy, Union.
The new slate will be officially inducted at the Chamber’s Annual Gala on May 2.
“The Chamber’s Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated individuals who truly advocate for and represent the interests and needs of all of our member businesses,” said James Masterson, Chamber CEO. “We are grateful for the ways in which they generously give of their time and talents for the betterment of the professional community.” Members of the Board of Directors are a group of dedicated volunteers, representing a cross-section of local businesses, who help the Chamber in its mission of promoting and serving its members.
The Union Township Chamber of Commerce is a professional association dedicated to strengthening, uniting, promoting and representing member businesses, added Masterson. Its affiliates include the chambers of Union, Roselle Park, Kenilworth and Hillside.
]]>FAIRBANKS, AK - Ivana Brito of Union has been named to the fall 2023 chancellor's list at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Students receiving a 3.9 grade point average or higher are placed on the chancellor's list, while those receiving a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.89 are named to the deans' list. The lists recognize students' outstanding academic achievements.
UAF is a Land, Sea and Space Grant institution and is the leading doctoral degree-granting institution in the state of Alaska. Since it was founded in 1917, UAF has been internationally recognized for research relating to the Arctic and sub-Arctic in areas such as biology, geophysics, engineering, natural resources and global climate change.
]]>UNION, NJ - The Livingston School PTA's 6th Annual Basket Raffle, featuring a "Back to the 80s!" theme will be held on Saturday, April 27 at the Knights of Columbus.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the drawing begins at 7:30. Participants are encouraged to wear 80s-themed costumes. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older. There will be a cash bar and participants are welcome to bring their own food. A 50/50 raffle will be held and "Back to the 80s" bundles will be available.
Admission is $25 which includes a complimentary white raffle sheet, coffee, tea, and desserts. The Knights of Columbus is located at 1034 Jeanette Avenue.
To get tickets, click HERE.
]]>UNION, NJ – A Union businesswoman is dedicated and committed to her customers, in helping them throughout their many journeys and stages of life.
Maria Sparacio is the owner of The Pink Room, a business on Morris Avenue (with locations in Union and Elizabeth) specializing in shapewear. “Our customers are women who have different needs throughout their life's journey,” she said. “For example, young girls who want to feel more confident in a dress, women getting married and those who have an important event to attend and want to look flawless in their gowns and dresses.” In addition, Sparacio said, some new mothers need a support garment, helping realign their body back to their pre-pregnancy shape.
Sparacio said The Pink room also specializes in garments designed for post-surgery customers, such as those who have had liposuction, tummy tucks, breast and arm surgery, a hysterotomy, or bariatric surgery. The store also carries men's garments.
The Pink Room first opened in Elizabeth in May 2008. “I was focused on excellent customer service, high quality merchandise, and fair prices” said Sparacio. The Union store opened on June 25, 2015. “We were looking for a location where plastic surgeons could feel comfortable sending their patients. This beautiful location in Union was perfect. When we opened, the town was welcoming and nurturing, and the mayor and Town Hall were very supportive, which made it easy for us to open the store and be successful.”
Sparacio was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, the oldest of two children. “I grew up in a family where my mother was a very smart woman, a registered nurse. My father was a businessman. Even at a young age, I saw myself doing the same thing as my father and wanted to become a business owner.”
She said she came to the United States in 2001 to learn the language. “After being here a couple of years, I really liked the opportunities available to a hard-working person, and I decided to stay.” She said she had saved $25,000, but she wasn’t sure what kind of business she wanted to open. She knew, however, that she “was ready to take any opportunity and do it. That is how I opened The Pink Room.”
“People purchase from The Pink Room because they trust us,” said Sparacio. “Most of our customers are referrals from peers and plastic surgeons who we have worked with for many years.” She said customers also find the store by their excellent Google ratings.
“We have wonderful people working here,” Sparacio added. “We have beautiful experiences helping customers who are looking for a foundation garment that will help them to enhance their natural curves and beauty and feel special. It is very inspiring to see women happy, and in some cases, very emotional when they see themselves the way they’ve always wanted.”
“What makes us special is the way we approach our customers,” added Sparacio. “We take our time, we listen, and we understand our customers’ needs before making any recommendation. It is very important for the customer to feel understood.” The Pink Room employees have worked hard to make every customer’s experience perfect, she said. “We are constantly training our team to be compassionate, empathetic, and ethical, especially when working with customers who have had surgery.”
“We always offer personalized recommendations, fitting advice and high quality products that are crafted with sumptuous materials and made via ethical production processes where the workers are treated with respect and fairness.”
“We are committed to body positivity, empowering women and helping them in any stage of their journey,” said Sparacio. “Our excellent reviews are a very clear glimpse of our customer service and how we conduct our company.”
The Pink Room was honored as the Business of the Month by the Township Committee at the August 2017 committee meeting. Sparacio is actively involved in township events, participating in events and is a committed member of the business community in Union Center.
The Pink Room is located at 1994 Morris Avenue in Union and 249 Morris Avenue in Elizabeth. Their website can be found by clicking HERE.
]]>UNION, NJ - History fans will be captivated by a presentation entitled The Forgotten Victory Trail and the British Invasion by John Kieser and Bob Gula.
Hosted by the Union Township Historical Society, the talk will be given at Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church, 888 Stuyvesant Avenue, on Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Kieser and Gula will focus on the June 1780 battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield, which were critical in the defense of New Jersey, as well as of Washington's forces at Morristown. Those local battles were also crucial in the weakening of the British forces prior to their surrender at the Battle of Yorktown.
Kieser, a Summit resident, is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and has been involved with the Summit Historical Society and Summit Planning Board.
Gula, a Short Hills resident, is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, NJ SAR Color Guard, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
]]>UNION, NJ - Kawameeh Middle School students will present Moana Jr., a play based on the 2016 Disney film Moana.
Shows are Thursday, March 14, Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $12. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
Kawameeh Middle School is located at 490 David Terrace.
]]>UNION, NJ – Union Township Committeeman James Louis, who was sworn into office in December 2023, has resigned from the seat for personal reasons.
“This decision has not been an easy one for me to make,” said Louis in his resignation letter to Union Clerk Eileen Birch. “However, after careful consideration and reflection of my current circumstances, I have come to the conclusion that I need to step down from my role on the Township Committee.”
Louis replaced Michele Delisfort on the Township Committee when Delisfort resigned to take her seat as a Union County Commissioner. Louis was set to complete Delifort's term and was to be on the ballot for the democratic nomination in June.
Rules for replacing a township committee person require that the local democratic committee meet between 7 and 35 days after a resignation to nominate three individuals to the governing body. Of those individuals, the governing body will select one to fill Louis' seat.
"Service is a passion of mine," said Louis at the time of his swearing in. "I've served my church, and I've served the town (on the Planning Board) for many years, and this is a great opportunity.” Louis has lived in Union for 17 years with his wife and three children. "Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Township Committee," continued Louis in his resignation letter. "I am confident that the members of the governing body will continue to thrive and serve the community with dedication and integrity in the years to come."
]]>UNION, NJ – Members of Union’s Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to fill a board seat vacancy with Greg Nasta, a supervisor in the Union Department of Public Works.
The vacancy occurred when Board member Marissa McKenzie resigned for personal reasons in January. The Board participated in a closed, executive session prior to the public portion of Tuesday night’s meeting, after which they announced the selection of Nasta to fill McKenzie’s seat.
Nasta is the supervisor of DPW’s Sewer Division. He has been with DPW since 2011. He grew up in Union and graduated from Union High School in 1993.
"I have served this community for many years," said Nasta. "Now I get a chance to serve the most important part of this community -- the kids. I'm excited for the opportunity and ready to get to work."
]]>UNION, NJ - The Union Senior Center will be hosting a six-week program to help participants navigate grief and loss and the active decision to recover.
The Grief Recovery Handbook, which will be provided during the sessions, presents a step-by-step program for recovering from loss, discussing the concepts of grief and recovery, the extent to which people are prepared to deal with loss, and the active decision to recover. Talking is the first step.
The group sessions will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on May 6, 13, 20 and June 3, 10, and 17.
Registration is required; class space is limited. For more information and to register, call 908-851-8590. The Union Senior Center is located at 652 Rahway Avenue.
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UNION, NJ - Cold Stone Creamery and The Friends of the Union Public Library are celebrating coming of spring.
The Friends of the Union Public Library will be holding a fund-raiser on the first full day of spring -- March 20 from noon to 10:00 p.m. Cold Stone Creamery will be donating 50% of its sales to the non-profit whose only mission is to raise money for the library so that additional programs can be offered to its patrons.
Cold Stone Creamery is located at 1101 Morris Avenue, across from Kean University.
]]>UNION, NJ – The Rotary Club of Union honored two Union school students with the Herb Singe Good Citizenship Student Award at a luncheon at Lagar Restaurant on Thursday.
The award is presented to students who exemplify the qualities of Rotary’s four-way test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
"With a commitment to ethical principles, Victoria consistently upholds a strong sense of integrity,” said Kawameeh Middle School Vice Principal Yvonne Lorenzo. “As a member of the KMS Student Council, she sets a positive example for all to follow. Victoria's responsibility is evident in her dedication to fulfilling commitments as a member of the KMS Performing Arts Club, Math Club, Peer Leadership Club and American Sign Language Club, all while achieving and maintaining a strong academic profile. Victoria sets a standard of character that not only garners admiration but also inspires those around her to cultivate similar virtues in their own lives."
“We have 568 students this year,” said Jefferson School Principal Laura Damato, “and to be asked to find one who embodies the criteria for this award is tricky. But to find one to represent all was easier. There’s a peaceful centeredness that Payton exhibits, she’s confident, and so helpful to everyone. She’s the right choice because of her caring, because of her service. It’s so nice to take this time, look at someone like Payton, and say ‘this is why we’re proud; why we’re honored to be with these kids’.”
]]>UNION, NJ - The rain didn't keep away the enthusiasm marchers and spectators displayed for the 2024 Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade as it hit the streets of Union on Saturday in step with Irish tradition and community spirit.
Robert Wade served as this year's Grand Marshal. Helping lead the parade were this year’s General Chairman Michael Capko, Parade Adjutant Gabby Sully and division and assistant adjutants and parade committee members.
The rain held out during the grandstand program in Union Center, but a light drizzle began just as the parade stepped off on Morris Avenue. Crowds were prepared with rain gear, umbrellas and ponchos and happily cheered bagpipers, bands, students, police and firefighters as they marched along the streets of Union in the 27th Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The day began with a 9 a.m. Thornstick Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Elizabeth.
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UNION, NJ - While Union firefighters were on the scene of an incident on Colonial Avenue around noon on Friday, a vehicle crashed into a neighboring home.
According to Union Fire Chief Greg Ricciardi, an SUV turning from Colonial Avenue onto Selfmaster Parkway went over on the curb and crashed into a parked car in the driveway, pushing it into the house.
Firefighters cleared the first incident and responded immediately to check on the driver and the occupants of the house, Ricciardi said. The driver was assessed and refused medical attention. He said the occupants of the house were “all okay, but shaken up.” Firefighters assessed the damage to the structure and found that the vehicle impacted a load bearing support. A temporary shore was put in place to support part of the structure until the Building Department could assess the damage.
Firefighters worked with the towing company to remove the vehicle from the structure without causing additional damage, Ricciardi said.
]]>UNION, NJ - Union's Veterans Alliance Memorial Day Parade Committee is hosting a Dueling Pianos event featuring The Flying Ivories on Sunday, April 21.
The event will be held at the Union Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue, from 3 to 6 p.m. Doors open at 2:30. Tickets are $35 per person. Free parking is available. Attendees can bring their own snacks; a beer garden will be on site.
Proceeds will support the 2024 Memorial Day Parade taking place on Monday, May 27 beginning at 10 a.m.
For tickets visit the Union Senior Center or scan the QR code.
]]>UNION, NJ – Just after a car struck a pole on Morris Avenue causing power outages and traffic backups, a tracker trailer hit a utility pole on nearby Rahway Avenue, causing the pole and wires to fall on the truck.
According to Union Fire Chief Greg Ricciardi, firefighters were called to 625 Rahway Avenue at 8:42 Friday morning. Firefighters found numerous primary wires down in the street from 655 to 581 Rahway Avenue. The driver of the truck was able to jump from the cab to safety prior to firefighters arriving, Ricciardi said.
Union firefighters and police officers evacuated several businesses on Rahway Avenue. The incident knocked out power to Rahway Avenue and the Vauxhall section of town, which caused fire alarm activations and stuck elevator calls throughout town, Ricciardi said.
The fire chief said Union County Mutual Aid provided two Engines and one Ladder truck to cover the town while all companies were committed to this incident and the one earlier on Morris Avenue. PSEG responded to the scene and was able to isolate the downed wires and restore power to the area.
Related story: Lane Closures on Morris Avenue Friday Morning
]]>NEWARK, N.J. – A Union man was sentenced to 41 months in prison on Thursday for his role in a conspiracy to steal and transport across state lines luxury cars stolen from towns in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced.
Malik Baker, 30, of Vauxhall previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to a charge of one count of conspiring to transport stolen vehicles in interstate commerce and one count of receiving a stolen vehicle that had crossed state lines after being stolen. Judge Salas imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
Baker’s conspirators – Hakeem Smith, Nafique Goodwyn, and Bilal Cureton – previously pleaded guilty to related charges. Smith was sentenced on April 25, 2023, to 41 months in prison. Goodwyn was sentenced on Feb. 27, 2024, to time served. Cureton is awaiting sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Since as early as July 2019, the defendants and others stole and conspired to steal at least 10 luxury cars from towns in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and hid those cars at a location in Irvington. The cars include a 2019 BMW X4 M40i, stolen from Greenwich, Connecticut, on July 19, 2019; a 2017 BMW Alpina, stolen from Hewlett Bay Park, New York, on July 22, 2019; a 2017 Maserati GranTurismo, stolen from Manalapan, New Jersey, on Aug. 5, 2019; a 2018 Range Rover and a 2019 Porsche Cayenne, stolen from New City, New York, on Aug. 6, 2019; a 2017 Mercedes S550 and a 2019 Rolls Royce, stolen from Hewlett Bay Park, New York, on Aug. 13, 2019; a 2019 Land Rover, stolen from Kensington, New York, on Aug. 22, 2019; a 2019 Mercedes Maybach, stolen from Quogue, New York, on Aug. 29, 2019; a 2014 Lexus GS, stolen from West Long Branch, New Jersey, on Aug. 29, 2019; a 2017 BMW M4, stolen from Marlton, New Jersey, on Sept. 7, 2019; and a 2017 Mercedes AMG S63, stolen from Orangeburg, New York, in September 2019.
The defendants often used the stolen cars to steal more cars, and, in one instance, they used a Maserati GranTurisimo they stole from Manalapan to steal a Range Rover and a Porsche Cayenne. When law enforcement attempted to conduct a stop of the Maserati, the Maserati accelerated and crashed head-on into a police vehicle before the suspects fled the scene in another stolen vehicle. Law enforcement recovered one of the stolen cars in a shipping container at the port in Newark en route to Ghana, Africa.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas sentenced Baker to three years of supervised release.
UNION, NJ - Morris Avenue, between Jeanette Avenue and Stone Street, is down to one lane east- and west-bound Friday morning following an accident that knocked down a utility pole.
Union officials say the traffic patterns will continue while PSEG repairs the utility pole that was damaged by a motor vehicle earlier in the morning. No additional details about the accident are currently available.
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CRANFORD, NJ – A Union man is the 2024 recipient of the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award from the Union County Board of County Commissions, according to UCNJ Union College of Union County.
Vice President of Student Development Dr. Demond T. Hargrove was joined by his wife and two sons as he accepted the award at a ceremony on February 22 at the Hamilton Stage in Rahway as a part the County’s celebration of Black History Month.
The Commissioner Board established the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award in 2012, in honor of the former County Commissioner and Rahway resident Chester Holmes, who passed away earlier that same year. An accomplished civic leader who loved the Union County community, Mr. Holmes was a former police officer, community volunteer, and member of the Army National Guard.
In a recent interview Hargrove said, “higher education coupled with leaders that I’ve met influenced who I am, where I wanted to go, and what I wanted to do in my life. If I give any advice to anyone, it’s gratitude. Thank God, thank whoever you believe in for the beauty in your life. If you’re having any hardships, there’s always beauty there.”
Hargrove joined UCNJ in 2017 and serves as the College’s Chief Student Affairs Officer leading the Student Development Division. This includes overseeing the many student success initiatives at the College, including Project Achievement, Operation Graduation, and Inspire the Future. These initiatives specifically support first-generation college students, African American students, and Hispanic students. Under Dr. Hargrove’s leadership, the College has seen the addition of student success campaigns, a growing diverse student population, and increased graduation rates.
“We are immensely proud of Dr. Hargrove’s accomplishments at UCNJ. This award is a testament to his dedication to our students. Dr. Hargrove is a student-centered administrator who continues to prioritize student needs. The Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award acknowledges his contributions at UCNJ and reaffirms our commitment to transforming our community, one student at a time,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.
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Trenton, NJ - The right lane on Route 22 eastbound in Union just after the Garden State Parkway overpass is scheduled to be closed on Friday, as a bridge replacement project advances.
From 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, March 8, the right lane on Route 22 eastbound is scheduled to be closed from the Garden State Parkway overpass through approximately the entrance to the Lowe’s shopping center. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) said the closure is necessary for a concrete deck pour.
The Garden State Parkway Exit 140 ramp will have a temporary yield sign in place during construction. The Route 22 eastbound ramp to the Garden State Parkway and the ramp to Route 82 eastbound will remain open. Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution when driving through the work zone.
According to the NJDOT, the $40.8 million state-funded project will replace the existing bridges carrying Route 22 eastbound and Route 22 westbound over Route 82, which are in poor condition. The project is located between the Garden State Parkway Exit 140 and Exit 140B and will be coordinated with any work on the Parkway. Additional improvements include widening Route 22 to provide auxiliary lanes, streamlining ramp movements, sidewalk additions, utility upgrades, and new and improved directional signage. An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) with camera installations and a Digital Message Sign also will be installed. An upgraded storm water drainage system will be constructed along Route 22. The project is anticipated to be complete in summer 2024.
UNION, NJ - The Union Municipal Band, under the direction of Howard Toplansky, will present a winter concert on Monday evening, March 11.
The concert will be held at Hannah Caldwell School Auditorium, 1120 Commerce Avenue, Union, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
Some of the selections during the concert will include: “Circus Days” by Karl King, “The Shadow of Your Smile” by Johnny Mandel, “Wild Cherries Rag” by Ted Snyder, selections from “Oklahoma”, and many other musical selections.
The band also welcomes musicians, including high school students from Union and the surrounding communities, to join the group. Those interested can call the Recreation Department at 908-686-4200.
]]>UNION, NJ - The Union Township Historical Society will be hosting Jack Zackin to hear about his latest book, A Revolutionary Journey: From Colonial Doctor to American Spy, which includes information on the Battles of Connecticut Farms (aka Union) and Springfield.
The event will be held on Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m. at Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church, 888 Stuyvesant Avenue. Refreshments will be served, and copies of the book will be available for purchase. Admission is free.
Zackin's second novel, A Revolutionary Journey: From Colonial Doctor to American Spy, opens in 1765, when 14-year-old Sidney Foster, a London orphan, signs on as ship’s boy for a voyage to New York. He becomes the ward of a British doctor seeking a new life in Newark. As he comes of age, Sidney witnesses and participates in events that strained relations between Britain and its American colonies.
A practicing physician in Newark at the outbreak of the Revolution, Sidney becomes a Patriot secret agent, posing as a Tory, serving as regimental surgeon in the NJ Volunteers, Loyalists fighting for the British in New Jersey and New York. The book is a tribute to the author’s meticulous research on the colonial and Revolutionary periods--focusing on Essex County, and brings to life famous historical figures. It also paints a vivid picture of ordinary Americans before and during the Revolutionary War. Other highlights include the civil war between Tories and Whigs in New Jersey, the horrendous treatment of American prisoners of war held in British prisons, and the crucial battles of Connecticut Farms (now Union) and Springfield, New Jersey.
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UNION, NJ – A Union man has written and published a book which explores the history of the calendar.
Philip Polchinski said he always had a strong desire to write a book. He began to write The Day Finder Calendar (Fun Facts and Other Calendar Secrets) while he worked in the IT department for New Jersey Bell in 1986 and became interested in how the calendar works because of his job duties. “The internet did not exist at that time and I had to get all of my information the old-fashioned way by going to the library to do my research.”
Polchinski said he grew up in the Bronx. After high school, he served in the US Air Force until 1970. He and his family moved to Hillside in 1976 then to Union in 1990. “My first project at my job in 1986 was to create a digital calendar that would be used by other programs for data processing.” He said he then converted it to a one-page desk version that “would be quick and easy to use by anyone. This is how The Day Finder Calendar came into existence.”
Polchinski said after receiving a US Copyright for the calendar, “I wanted to share my knowledge because the entire world takes the calendar for granted even though everyone depends on it to keep track of time and to plan their schedules.” He said his book explores the calendar’s entire history and is based on findings and other major discoveries made by scientists and mathematicians over a long period of time. He added that it also reveals some fun facts and many "other secrets which will show how the calendar works.” Polchinski added that “I don’t believe anyone can find another publication that will have as much information about the calendar as this book. I thought it would be a waste not to share this information.”
The Day Finder Calendar is available on Amazon and on Barnes and Noble's website.