SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- Scotch Plains Fanwood High School will host the 27th annual "Moonglower's Jazz Festival" on Friday, March 22, beginning at 4 p.m. The festival featuers 12 of the most talented jazz bands in the state of New Jersey, including our own Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS Jazz Band and the Moonglowers
Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.
2024 Moonglowers Jazz Festival Schedule | Time |
Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS Jazz Band | 4:00 PM |
Delaware Valley HS | 4:25 PM |
Edison HS "B" Band | 4:50 PM |
J.P. Lab Jazz Band | 5:15 PM |
Bridgewater HS | 5:40 PM |
Bayonne HS | 6:05 PM |
N. Highlands HS | 6:30 PM |
Sparta Blues Inc. | 6:55 PM |
Carteret HS | 7:20 PM |
Piscataway HS | 7:45 PM |
E. Brunswick HS | 8:00 PM |
Edison HS "A" Band | 8:25 PM |
J.P. Stevens HS Jazz Ensemble | 8:50 PM |
Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS Moonglowers | 9:15 PM |
Awards Ceremony | 10:00 PM |
The Moonglowers were established in 1942, and 81 years later, continue to delight audiences with their wide variety of jazz music. To view their award-winning 2023 performance, click here:
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SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ - The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools is proud to announce the outstanding success of its teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) certification program. This year, 329 high school students completed the program, marking a significant milestone as the initiative enters its second year. This remarkable achievement highlights the district's dedication to prioritizing the mental well-being of its students.
Recognizing the concerning increase in mental health challenges among adolescents across the nation, SPF initiated the program last year with funding from the Mental Health Association of New Jersey and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The district offers the course to its 11th-grade students as an integral component of their health curriculum. This course is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to recognize, comprehend, and respond to indicators of mental health and substance-use issues among their peers. The tMHFA certification program, initially developed in Australia and adapted for the United States by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Born This Way Foundation, aligns with New Jersey's comprehensive health standards, incorporating mental and emotional health components into the district’s curriculum.
“Our commitment to promoting mental wellness extends beyond the classroom,” said Kristine Iarussi, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools’ Director of Counseling, Health and Wellness. “With over half of our high school students trained in tMHFA, we’ve empowered our student community to act proactively to recognize and address mental health concerns.”
Participation in the certification program is a school-wide effort with health teachers undergoing training sessions conducted by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This comprehensive approach ensures that educators are well-prepared to effectively guide students through the curriculum.
As students navigate the complexities of modern life, including academic pressures, social dynamics, and familial expectations, initiatives like tMHFA can play a pivotal part in supplying them with the skills to promote resilience and well-being. Student testimonials underscore the program's impact on fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel encouraged to address mental health challenges. Ellie Szopinski, 16, emphasized the importance of approaching mental health discussions with empathy and understanding.
“The course allowed us to approach people from a neutral standpoint where we can help even if we're not close to them,” she shared.
“The most notable thing was learning to recognize the behaviors themselves and how to identify these crises and stop them before they become life-threatening,” Ant Butters, 16, added.
Saman Zeb, 17, highlighted the significance of destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting open dialogue.
“Mental health is often overlooked,” Zeb said. “It's nice to have a course that allows you to take a deep breath and realize that your mental health and the mental health of others is really important.”
Students also said the class encourages self-preservation.
“I feel like it's just as important for people to educate themselves not only to help others but also to help themselves,” Cooper Tamase, 16, said, adding that mental health has been a focus of his for years.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- It was a great day for the Irish in Scotch Plains and Fanwood as unseasonably warm and sunny weather shined on the community.
Darby Road's annual St. Patrick's Festival drew hundreds of families and revelers all weekend in downtown Scotch Plains, while the Knights of Columbus on North Ave. served its annual corned beef lunch and dinner throughout the day.
A good time had by all.
]]>FANWOOD, NJ -- It won't be long now.
Armen Sage, executive chef of the acclaimed Jessica's Cafe, gave TAPintoSPF a sneak peek at his Fanwood location at 250 South Ave., the former site of the Railside Cafe and Mara's across from the south side train station. The new eatery will be renamed Jessica's Restaurant when it opens at the intesection of South Ave. and Martine Ave.
Related: Award-Winning Jessica's Cafe Will Open in Fanwood
In order to convert the facility, Sage was able to convince the owners of the building to create exhaust ventilation outside the building as he overhauls and expands the kitchen. The award-winning chef has added a bar area and refurbished the walls and ceilings to create a modern, but inviting setting.
Related: Jessica's Cafe Rises in Ranks of Yelp's '100 Best Places to Eat in 2024
Sage expects that the renovations will be completed next month, and he hopes to have his grand opening in mid to late April.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- All are invited to attend the 2024 opening of the Osborn Cannonball House Museum on Sunday, April 7. As part of a springtime celebration, the museum at 1840 Front St. will feature antique Edwardian clothing from the museum’s vast antique collection.
Costumed docents will be available to give tours of the c.1750 house and will share the story of the Osborn Family, the two Revolutionary War soldiers who grew up in the modest house, and other stories of important, early Scotch Plains families who lived there.
Attendees will also hear how it became the “Cannonball House.” There will be a spring-themed craft for kids in a backyard tent, as well as a special treat for them. Admission is free; donations are always welcome.
To learn more, visit: https://historicalsocietyspfnj.org/museum.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Repertory Theatre debuted its musical production of The Addams Family on Thursday, March 14, in front of a packed house who gave the performers a standing ovation. Based on the original characters created by Charles Addams (a native of Westfield), the musical follows the Addamses, a macabre clan who delight in darkness and care little for the opinions of others.
Performances take place Friday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (667 Westfield Road, Scotch Plains) auditorium. The Addams Family is a spooky, silly musical for all ages, but it contains some macabre imagery and adult references. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.spfhsrep.com. Prices are $20 for adults and $18 for students and senior citizens.
David Gomez, who stole the show as Latin lover Adolpho in The Drowsey Chaperone last year, brings similar flair to his portrayal of Gomez Addams. Hannah Solomon is talented and utterly ghoulish as Morticia Addams. Ashley Hoberman shows off her singing, dancing, and comedic talent as Midwest housewife Alice Beineke. Alexis van Blijdesteijn provides a new interpretation of Uncle Fester, who has somehow fallen in love with the moon. Mac Bastable as Lucas Beineke and Olivia Gomez as Wednesday are engaged in a possibly forever doomed romance. Joey Estevez, as Mal Beineke transforms from boring middle age dad to a rock n roller. Connor Matulonis as Lurch and Cooper Pomponio as Cousin Itt win big laughs with very few words. The costumes, staging, and lighting have the look and feel of a professional production, and the musicians, as usual, help bring the musical to life.
Creepy, kooky, sometimes risque, and often very funny, The Addams Family is a show about love, loyalty, and honesty that pokes fun at societal and family norms. It's well worth seeing.
Cast List
The Addams Family production involves over 75 students, including the cast, crew, and a live student orchestra. The production is under the artful direction and creative supervision of Morgan Knight (Director), Jan Allen (Producer and Music Director), Courtney Nemec (Producer and Assistant Director), Kyra Robinson (Choreographer), Trey Shore (Pit Orchestra Conductor), Joseph Napolitano (Set Designer), Evan Perrotta (Technical Director and Crew Supervisor), Christian Confalone (Lighting Designer), and Joanne Sprague (Costume Designer).
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ - The annual Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, (rain date scheduled for Sunday, March 24) at 10:15 a.m. at the Shady Rest Country Club Golf Course, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains.
This free family-friendly event will feature balloon artists, fun activities and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. This event will be open to children ages 8 and under, and don't forget to bring a basket. No registration is required for this event. For more information, call the department of parks and recreation at 908-322-6700 ext. 223.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – Not in our backyard.
That's the sentiment of Scotch Plains residents and the Township Council, which approved Resolution 2024-68 opposing the location of the proposed Westfield cell tower at the governing body’s meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
This cell tower is currently proposed to be built in the Westfield Conservation Center, in close proximity to the residents at Jacobs Lane and Winding Brook Way in Scotch Plains. At a previous Council meeting, several residents asked township officials for assistance on this issue, including drafting a resolution to show support for their residents.
Prior to the meeting, Scotch Plains Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman, Councilman Matt Adams, Township Manager Al Mirabella and Deputy Manager Margaret Heisey joined residents to visit the site of where the cell tower is proposed to be and to gain more information from James Gildea, town administrator in Westfield, about the project.
“We all had to look of dismay on our faces as we realized that this huge tower will literally be so close to the homes of Scotch Plains residents. We don't have any accurate information as to the actual distance from our backyards. The size alone will be visible to everyone in the area,” said Karen Langer, a Jacobs Lane resident. “So essentially, we the good residents of Scotch Plains, will be forced to live adjacent to ATT’s for-profit structure, which will only benefit the town of Westfield.”
“We hope the council will continue to talk to their counterparts in Westfield and encourage them to move this huge monstrosity to a more appropriate location,” she added.
Later in the meeting, Deputy Mayor Zimmerman read the resolution asking the town of Westfield to immediately halt any further progress and to find a new location for their cell tower. It states:
IT IS RESOLVED that the Township of Scotch Plains hereby seeks cooperation from Westfield, New Jersey and requests that Westfield choose an alternative location of the cell tower currently proposed to be installed in the Westfield Conservation Center and urges Westfield, New Jersey to immediately halt any further progress on the installation of the cell tower at that location until a thorough and transparent consultation process is conducted with all affected stakeholders, including the residents of the Township of Scotch Plains.
“This location is not in the best interest of our residents, and we are hopeful that Westfield can still revisit this,” Zimmerman said. “I don't know if that's possible, but I am hopeful that they could find an alternate location.”
Mayor Losardo told the Council that he has had conversations with Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle about the location of the cell tower and the issues that have resulted from it.
“In all my conversations with the mayor of Westfield she's been straightforward and aware that this location affects Scotch Plains residents,” said Mayor Losardo. “She has shared with me that Cranford is installing a cell tower of their own that affects Westfield residents. I've tried advocating that another location be found. She's consistently told us that to satisfy the cellular problem that they have, their consultant tells them that that's the ideal location.”
Losardo added that Mayor Brindle regrets how the previously mentioned Westfield planning board meetings went, which is why she instructed the township administrator to make available a visit to the cell tower site for Scotch Plains residents and township officials.
“I hope that this resolution helps persuade them to still reconsider,” Mayor Losardo added.
Following the meeting, approximately two dozen residents filed a motion in Superior Court to intervene in a pending lawsuit to stop the construction of the tower. A judge is yet to rule on the motion, but the residents seek to join an action previously filed by one of their neighbors, David Munsky.
“I am deeply troubled by the Town of Westfield’s willingness to put this type of monstrosity entirely out of the view of Westfield residents and in the backyards of their Scotch Plains neighbors,” Councilman Adams, who was unable to attend the meeting due to a work conflict.
Adams told TAPintoSPF that he commends the dozens of Scotch Plains residents “who have taken their battle to court, and I wish them lots of success in fighting this misguided decision.”
To watch the full March 5 Scotch Plains Council meeting, click here (public comment starts at 31:40)
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- They're creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky... and they're bringing their unique brand of macabre humor to the stage at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School beginning Thursday night, March 14.
All your favorite characters from Charles Addams' comics and 1960s TV show are back: Gomez and Morticia, theiir children, Wednesday and Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Cousin Itt and Lurch the Butler.
The show is a comically twisted tale about the eccentric Addams family and their interactions with the much more traditional Beineke family.
“The Addams Family is a hysterically spooky send-up of the all-American nuclear family," says director Morgan Knight. "Each Addams is an unhinged inversion of a stereotype, and twists the knife into our concept of normalcy.”
Tickets for The Addams Family are on sale now! They may be purchased in advance online at www.spfhsrep.com and are $20 for adults and $18 for students and senior citizens. Senior citizens may contact Danielle Romanyshyn via email at danannrom@gmail.com to make arrangements for discounted tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but they tend to sell fast, and the shows often sell out.
]]>UNION COUNTY, NJ - Two things are guaranteed in life: death and taxes, and New Jersey is known to be among the states with the highest property taxes. In 2023, the average tax bill for a home in New Jersey was $9,803 in 2023, according to the NJ Department of Community Affairs.
Among towns in Union County, residents of Summit paid the highest property taxes, with an average bill of $18,657, while Winfield residents had the lowest tax bill: $4,058.
Both Scotch Plains and Fanwood ranked in the top six of Union County towns with the highest average property taxes.
Municipality | County | Ave. Assessed Residential Property Value | Ave. Annual Property Taxes |
Summit | Union | $431,204 | $18,657 |
Westfield | Union | $812,827 | $17,926 |
New Providence | Union | $304,904 | $15,265 |
Scotch Plains | Union | $126,207 | $14,413 |
Berkeley Hts. | Union | $316,742 | $13,381 |
Fanwood | Union | $469,385 | $13,347 |
Springfield | Union | $535,124 | $12,497 |
Cranford | Union | $187,170 | $12,477 |
Mountainside | Union | $625,620 | $12,436 |
Clark | Union | $523,179 | $11,410 |
Elizabeth | Union | $34,884 | $10,964 |
Garwood | Union | $405,233 | $10,957 |
Roselle Park | Union | $253,012 | $10,908 |
Kenilworth | Union | $184,171 | $10,579 |
Roselle | Union | $122,331 | $10,369 |
Union | Union | $46,401 | $10,055 |
Hillside | Union | $123,101 | $9,863 |
Rahway | Union | $135,970 | $9,751 |
Plainfield | Union | $108,333 | $9,366 |
Linden | Union | $133,140 | $9,157 |
Winfield | Union | $18,418 | $4,058 |
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FANWOOD, NJ -- The Borough of Fanwood has been awarded a $70,000 grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Grant Fund to purchase 15 sets of turnout coats and pants for the borough’s volunteer fire department.
The grant supports regional and local firefighter departments to ensure they have proper protection, cleaning, and sanitization equipment. These are funds available through the American Rescue Plan disbursed by the New Jersey DCA.
“Fanwood is exceptionally fortunate to have a dedicated all-volunteer fire department and with grant awards like this, it truly makes a difference in being able to ensure that all of their safety needs are met in a timely manner,” said Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr.
“The Fanwood Volunteer Fire Department is pleased to have been chosen to receive $70,000 in this year's NJ DCA American Rescue Plan Grant," said Fire Chief John Piccola. PPE (personal protective equipment) is the most important equipment we own. The safety of our membership with high-quality protective equipment allows us to perform with courage and confidence while moving forward into dangerous environments. We will be replacing all necessary gear with at least 14 full sets. Special thanks to Mayor Mahr, Fanwood Council members, and Ashley Taylor of Millennium Strategies for their constant support and drive to make Fanwood safe.”
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ - The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for Casa Construction & Development (1737 E. 2nd Street in Scotch Plains) on Saturday, March 9.
With a combined 50+ years of experience in the building, interior design and construction industry, Casa Construction has established itself as a reliable and trusted renovation and building partner in the region. Their team has worked on a variety of projects, from small residential renovations to large-scale commercial constructions.
The owner, John Pizzi, and his wife Christine, are also owners of Cherry Casa Designs located in Westfield.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- In preparation for their upcoming production of Finding Nemo Jr., Terrill Middle School in Scotch Plains received some help from Sesame Street editor and puppet specialist, Memo Salazar on Thursday, March 7. Salazar spent just over an hour of his day with the middle schoolers, teaching them about puppetry and how to display emotions while using puppets.
"I've known Memo for years," said Beth Kasper, musical director at Terrill Middle School. "I just asked him if he was interested in coming down and teaching the kids, and he said yes."
Salazar worked on Sesame Street from 2016-2020 and was involved in over 100 episodes as well as two movies, The Magical Wand Chase and Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas. He also won the Outstanding Multiple Camera Editing Daytime Emmy Award three years in a row (2018-2020) for his work on Sesame Street. Salazar credits his knowledge of puppetry to the years he spent working with the puppeteers on Sesame Street.
"I've learned a lot about puppeteering just watching them. They are the masters of puppets, they are at the top of the game," said Salazar. "These guys are amazing. The things they are able to do, the subtle nuances that they're able to bring to the puppet to bring it to life is amazing."
Salazar came to Terrill Middle School to share his years of experience working with the best puppeteers in the business to help the students with their production of Finding Nemo Jr., which includes the use of puppets. While Salazar demonstrated his skills with a familiar character in Cookie Monster, the students used paper bag puppets that they made specifically to use while learning from Memo.
"Acting with puppets is tricky, especially if you're a kid, and you've never thought about it or anything," said Salazar. "I think this is to help the kids kind of feel more familiar with it. And then they will hopefully apply some of those tips and tricks to the actual production."
Terrill Middle School will present Finding Nemo Jr. April 19 - 21. Kasper hopes that her students will be able to showcase what they learned from Memo when it's showtime.
"Any time an actor learns a new craft, it's so important," Kasper added. "We play acting games to learn about direction, to learn about focus, to learn about working with others. This is something completely different. Now they're going to have this skill that nobody else is going to have. Hopefully, the entire community will come out. I'm really hoping that it's not just the school that comes to see it, but that we get a lot of outside communities to come and watch it because everybody knows Finding Nemo."
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- A small group of volunteers is making a big difference in the lives of animals, and now you can help too. Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is holding its annual Tricky Tray on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains.
Attendees will enjoy a delicious brunch that includes an assortment of muffins, bagels and croissants, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, brioche French toast, and fruit platters, along with mimosas, coffee, tea, fruit juice, and hot chocolate in a lovely, upscale atmosphere. Ticket holders will also get to try their luck at winning some exciting prizes. And, to be entered into a Mystery Prize Raffle, just bring some cat food to donate.
Come out for a fun day with friends and family. You might leave with a basket full of goodies or a treasured item, but if nothing else, you’ll know you made a difference in an animal’s life.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are available through the mail and online. Email bestfriendadoptnj@gmail.com to learn more.
Also, be sure to visit Best Friend’s cute little thrift store on East 2nd Street that’s chock-full of wonderful merchandise for shoppers of all ages. All funds raised are used to help the pets in their care with spaying and neutering, boarding, food and veterinary bills. The shop is also a drop-off spot for much-needed cat food, litter and dog food.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- School One Elementary hosted its first ever “SEL Day Meets Career Day” celebration on International Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day on Friday, March 8, 2024. The school invited parents of School One students to come talk about their jobs and how using a growth mindset and perseverance helped them achieve success in their careers.
"The theme of International SEL Day this year is 'Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders,'" said Lori Lidofsky, counselor at School One who spearheaded this year's SEL/Career Day event. "Students often hear about careers and success, but they don't see what's under the surface, all the hard work that it took to get there. We try to teach them to keep going, and I wanted them to see, on International SEL Day, the success that comes from hard work. So that's sort of how this idea came about."
This is School One's first Career Day event since the COVID-19 pandemic and the first to include International SEL Day as part of its theme. Two dozen parents came to speak about their jobs, including a wide range of careers, including an airline pilot, TV producer, firefighter, engineer, medical professional, military member, marketing and sales specialist, education staff, and technology expert, as well as CEO of the New York Liberty WNBA team, Daakeia Clarke.
"One of the coolest things that [the students] have had the opportunity to do is to see the unique careers that we've had," said School One principal Justin Fiory. "Just the vast differences in careers and that they have the opportunity to do those things too."
In honor of International SEL Day, Lori Lidofsky wrote a blog post to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) titled "Creating a School Where Students Soar" where she discusses how School One has integrated social emotional learning into their teachings to help "today's students" become "tomorrow's leaders." She also mentions School One's P.R.I.D.E. Program, which is an acronym for Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Empathy.
Lidofsky's blog post was entered into CASEL's 2024 “National SEL Week” Blog Contest and has been selected as one of the top 10 finalists, which includes teachers and other educational staff members from around the world. To view the other nine finalists and to vote for Lidofsky's blog post, click here.
School One's students seemed to very much enjoy the SEL/Career Day, with many of them asking questions about aspects of each presenter's job as well as stating what jobs they want to have when they grow up. With the goal of teaching students how hard work and perseverance can lead to success in life after school, School One hopes to make the SEL/Career Day celebration a yearly tradition.
"Getting to be successful at any career takes hard work," Lidofsky added. "It takes overcoming failures. Success is not a straight line. It's something where you can be told no and be told that something didn't work out the way you expected. And sometimes, even when things don't work out, it helps you be successful. It's just a beautiful day here to see the children learn about all these different things."
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ – The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Scholarship Foundation kicks off its annual fundraising campaign with Dollars for Students Weekend, Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, 2024. Since the founding of the Scholarship Foundation, local students have volunteered their time to support fundraising efforts for the annual campaign.
Saturday, April 6, 2024 | Sunday, April 7, 2024 | ||
Endure Training | |||
The Bearded Barber | Fresh Mart Scotch Plains | Fabio’s Bistro | |
SPF Dental Care | Grano Pizzeria | Fanwood Pharmacy | |
Endure Training | John’s Meat Market | Fresh Mart Scotch Plains | |
Fabio’s Bistro | QuickChek Fanwood | Grano Pizzeria | |
Fanwood Clipper | Scotch Plains Post Office | QuickChek Fanwood | |
Fanwood Pharmacy | Soul Bowls | Soul Bowls | |
Fanwood Post Office | Swiss Pastry Shoppe | Swiss Pastry Shoppe | |
First Option Juice Hub | Quick Stop, Park Avenue | Quick Stop, Park Avenue |
UNION, NJ -- It rained on their parade... and they didn't care.
The weather for the 2024 Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade was rainy and cool, not dissimilar from the weather in Ireland, the ancestral homeland of the large majority of participants in this year's march along Morris Avenue. But the raindrops didn't dampen the enthusiasm for celebrating Irish heritage as pipe bands, police and fire departments, Boy Scouts, and other groups quickly made their way down the route in about an hour's time.
]]>UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – Victor Wavelet, a 2022 graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, is accused of selling cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, and "magic mushooms" and other drugs from his dorm room at Penn State’s University Park campus, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Centre County, PA, Prosecutor's Office.
The report also said that when the State College Police executed a search warrant for the dorm room on March 1, they allegedly found:
Among the other items allegedly found in the dorm room were a fake driver’s license with the name Benjamin Michael Davis, a stun gun, nearly $7,600 in cash, and over 400 counterfeit $100 bills.
Police were alerted in January that the college student was allegedly selling drugs on campus. Officials used a confidential informant to contact "VK @GAS_EMPIRE" through Telegram Messenger, a messaging app widely used as a safe channel for communications, to set up drug purchases. According to a 9-page criminal complaint, the informant bought drugs from Wavelet several times and indicated that he sold "heroin, ketamene, or other drugs" obtained by ordering them online and receiving them via package delivery.
Wavelet was denied bail and is currently housed at the Centre County Correctional Facility. According to court documents, the 20-year-old had purchased a bus ticket to New York and is considered a risk to public safety. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Friendly Sons of St Patrick of Union County honored Scotch Plains resident Jim O'Brien and long-timechildhood friend, Bob Sloan of Westfield, as the organization's Irishmen of the Year at the 62nd Annual Irish Heritage Tribute Dinner, Thursday, March 7, at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains.
Jim O'Brien traces his Irish American roots to 1856, when Patrick O'Brien arrived in the U.S. from County Clare. He is managing principal of Napier Park, a First Eagle Investments Company, a leading global alternative credit platform. He previously was co-CEO of Citi Capital Advisors and spent nearly two decades in Morgan Stanley's fixed income division. He and his wife, Judy, have four children (Kelly, Megan, Patrick, and Michael) and two grandsons (James and Milo).
Bob Sloan's ancestors escaped Ireland's Great Hunger by coming to America in the 1840s. He recently retired from a successful 30-year career at AT&T in 2020. Since then, he has worked as a consultant with Altman Solon, a global TMT consulting firm, and advises private equity firms on the acquisition potential of public safety technology. He also serves on Seton Hall's Board of Trustees and has served on the Newmark School Foundation and the Center for Hope Hospice Board.
Several prominent figures throughout Union County received awards:
During the dinner, the Friendly Sons of St Patrick granted two scholarships to outstanding young men of achievement: Owen Giblin (Cranford), a senior at Seton Hall Prep, and Joey Kilgannon (Springfield), a senior at Union Catholic.
“It’s an honor to be awarding these men at the dinner this year. From the Irishmen of the year, our distinguished service award winners and our two scholarship recipients. It’s a great day to be Irish American and a Friendly Son of St Patrick,” said Danny P. Burke, President of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick of Union County.
Attendees included State Senators Jon Bramnick (R) and Joe Cryan (D), who both represent Union County, Scotch Plains fire chief John Lestarchick, Dr. Jim Reagan, assistant principal at Union Catholic High School, Father John McCrone, who gave the invocation, former Cranford Mayor Pat Giblin, and other distinguished guests.
Since its formal organization in 1962, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Union County has been an active, vibrant organization within the community of Union County, NJ. Members meet monthly to conduct society business and share fellowship and experiences of common heritage.
]]>SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School has announced 2024 Hall of Fame nominees, who include Oscar and Emmy Award winners, a former Dallas Cowboy, the first Muslim-American judge in U.S. History, and an early expert on the effects of greenhouse gasses on global warming.
The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Former Governor Donald DiFrancesco, among the school's best known alumni, will serve as the emcee and will introduce each of the 13 honorees:
"I was honored to be in the first class (of inductees)," former Gov. Donald DiFrancesco told TAPintoSPF. "This year, we have a wide variety of individuals: a judge, a comedian, and other special people, some of whom I know and others I look forward to getting to know."
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SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- Salvatore “Mr. Sal” Gano, custodian at Evergreen Elementary School in Scotch Plains is one of 10 custodians across the nation nominated for the 2024 Custodian of the Year award. Gano has worked at Evergreen for 33 years and is the longest-tenured custodian among all 10 nominees.
Mr. Sal received this nomination due to the efforts of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community and Evergreen Elementary School in the preliminary nomination stages of Cintas "Custodian of the Year" contest. Gano exemplifies qualities of kindness, patience, and reliability that make him an integral part of his school.
Gano also goes above and beyond for the students by volunteering as a celebrity walker on Walk to School Day, which the district celebrates annually, participating in Evergreen's 4th grade versus staff kickball game, and dressing up to surprise the students for the Halloween parade at school.
To vote for Mr. Sal as the 2024 Custodian of the Year, click here.
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