UNION, NJ – Union’s newest Board of Education president said the diversity of the township's schools is one of its greatest strengths.
Chastity Santana was elected to the Union school board in January 2022 and became president of the board on January 4 of this year. “My goal for the 2024 Board is to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where all members contribute to the decision-making process,” said Santana.
Santana, who graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1993, said the diversity of Union captivates her. “I often describe it as an urban-suburban blend. I take immense pride in having established my roots here and am committed to dedicating the rest of my life to realizing its full potential.” Santana said she moved to Union in 2012. “Union embodies a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, akin to the diversity found in New York City.”
Originally from the Bronx, Santana said she spent her formative years primarily in Washington Heights, attending Brooklyn Technical High School before relocating to Elizabeth during her high school years. “My heritage proudly reflects my mother's Dominican roots and my father's Puerto Rican background,” she added. Santana is the mother of seven children, aged between 30 and 11.
About being Board president, Santana said she emphasizes that while the board operates under her leadership, “it's not solely MY board; rather, it belongs to all board members who work together toward the district's future.”
Santana said she emphasizes the importance of having a strategic plan for the district's growth and development, particularly focusing on the realignment of schools and improving the physical state of buildings. “My aim for stability and growth is to encourage all stakeholders to speak positively about the school system and its achievements.” She said her leadership style is characterized by humility, gratitude, and a strong commitment to the district's success. “I am proud of leading the district and acknowledge the trust placed in me by both constituents and peers.”
Santana, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and an MBA/MS in Accountancy, both from St Peter’s University, said her own special needs children and her experiences dealing with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504s “was transformative”. She added, “initially, I believed that schools had a clear understanding of how to support children with disabilities, but I quickly realized that this wasn't always the case, especially with invisible disabilities. This realization prompted me to become an advocate, asking questions and demanding appropriate services and accommodations for my children.”
Santana said attending Board of Education meetings over the years “has revealed the lack of understanding and knowledge about special education among some board members. Recognizing my own expertise in this area, I decided to pursue a seat on the board to effect change from within.” She added, “my determination to make a difference and my willingness to do the necessary work are clear indications of my commitment to improving the educational system for children with special needs and their families.”
Santana said one potential area for improvement in Union involves bridging the gap between residents who cling to the Union of the past and those who embrace the evolving community. “While Union has undoubtedly undergone significant changes over the past 20 to 30 years, it's essential to adapt to these shifts and grow with the times,” she said. “This means welcoming cultural changes and providing support for young families to establish and thrive in Union.” She said there is often nostalgic talk about how Union used to be, “but it's crucial to shift our focus towards understanding what Union is today and working collaboratively to maximize its potential.”
“My path is set, and I am ready to tackle the challenges ahead, knowing that there is much work to be done to ensure all children receive the support and opportunities they deserve in their education,” added Santana. “As our town continues to evolve, we see this diversity reflected in our vibrant culinary scene, strong community bonds, and the ongoing growth of our schools and property values.”
RED BANK, NJ: Lucas Wilson, a senior from Red Bank Regional High School in Red Bank, was named State Champion at the 2024 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finals, part of the National Poetry Out Loud recitation program. The adjudication took place on March 14th at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ.
Lucas Wilson will represent New Jersey at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington D.C. from April 30th – May 2, 2024. State Champions will compete for the national Poetry Out Loud title and the
chance to win prizes, including $20,000 in college scholarships.
Amya Martinez, a senior from North Star Academy Washington Park in Newark, earned the title of State Runner-Up.
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.3 million students and 76,000 teachers from 19,000 schools and organizations across the nation have participated in Poetry Out Loud. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, and the 55 state and jurisdictional arts agencies.
“As presenting partner in New Jersey’s Poetry Out Loud competition, more than 69 schools and other organizations have become active participants in the program,” said Adam Philipson, President & CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “It has been a pleasure to host this year’s finalists from across the great Garden State, and we look forward to watching Lucas Wilson represent the Garden State at this year’s national Poetry Out Loud competition in May.”
The State Finals was the culmination of a statewide initiative that began in the fall of 2023 and included 10,587 New Jersey students from 69 high schools and organizations across the state.
“The State Arts Council is extremely proud of all the students who participated in this year’s Poetry Out Loud Program and grateful to the many educators and caregivers who supported the students throughout the year,” said Allison Tratner, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. “Their passion for and dedication to poetry is one of the reasons New Jersey consistently ranks amongst the top in the nation for participation in this national program. We know that Lucas will make New Jersey proud as they represent us in Washington D.C. in May.”
Congratulations to all who participated, including State Finalists:
• Kailan Cass-Adams-Johnson, from Mainland Regional High School in Linwood
• Nay’Quan Coriano, from Cumberland County Technical Education Center in Vineland
• Gianna Escobar, from Union County Vo-tech High School in Scotch Plains
• Michaela Giuliani, from Vineland High School in Vineland
• Elicia Johnson, from South River High School in South River
• Yumna Juha, from Montgomery High School in Skillman
• Amya Martinez, from North Star Academy Washington Park in Newark
• Sophia Padilla, from The Morris County School of Technology in Denville
• Leah Seche, from Doane Academy in Burlington
• Dhriti Somas, from Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan in Demarest
• Nola Walker, from Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City
• Lucas Wilson, from Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver
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]]>WAYNE, NJ – A proposal for the old Charlie Brown’s restaurant space on the Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne, will bring a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant and Spark Car Wash once they are fully in conformance with township resolutions. According to Wayne Township Planner Chris Kok, this isn’t far away and that construction for the Spark Car Wash is likely to begin this year.
The lots at 1195 & 1207 Hamburg Turnpike used to be a Charlie Brown's restaurant and a small office building. Both had been vacant and abandoned for some time, before they were purchased by a developer going by the obvious name of 1195 & 1207 Hamburg Turnpike, LLC.
Their wish is to get started this year on construction and have both new businesses open by the end of 2024, according to Mark Semeraro of Semeraro & Fahrney, Attorneys at Law - who is representing this developer in their quest for township approval in front of the Wayne Planning Board.
TAPinto asked Semeraro where they stood with in the process.
“We are in post-resolution compliance at this point,” he said. “There are a few procedural items that must be finalized with respect to the approvals that we secured, but I anticipate that we will see construction commence early spring for the Chipotle and mid- to late-spring for the Spark Car Wash.”
In this past meeting, the Planning Board - showing confidence in this developer’s conformance, as well as in Semeraro (who is frequently in front of this board) - permitted the developer to “move forward” with foundation and footing permits before their "plans are fully in conformance,” according to Wayne Township Planner Chris Kok.
“In terms of the Spark Car Wash, they just received planning board approval, the resolution was memorialized and they're going to have to begin the resolution conformance process,” said Kok. “Then for Chipotle to be in conformance, they received their approval to get started, but they still need to provide some updated plans showing a couple of minor changes.”
Kok said the developers are known to move “forward very quickly," so he doesn't anticipate any delays.
“They don’t like to sit around and wait, so this is one where I’d be concerned that it’s not going anywhere,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they begin construction before the end of this year.”
Semeraro explained how these lots would be improved once construction is complete.
“I think what is a good benefit to the town is that we're looking at less impervious-coverage on both these lots than what currently exists,” he said. “And both lots will be brought up to modern NJDEP stormwater management standards.”
“The site plans are really providing aesthetic development, too,” Semeraro added. "I think they're both attractive-looking buildings with fresh landscaping which is really going to really freshen up that area. This client of mine (the developer) has a reputation for maintaining properties beautifully, and I think that this is something that's going to really help to beautify Hamburg Turnpike and continue this renaissance that's going up and down that roadway.”
Semeraro has been a part of this renaissance, as his firm represented the developers for The Bristal Assisted Living, and the mixed-used development that will be going up in the Preakness Shopping Center, among others.
The attorney was proud that he was able to secure approval from the Wayne Planning Board for the Spark Car Wash in one meeting. He was asked how he accomplished this.
“I'm known to the [Wayne Planning] Board, so they know my style and my credibility,” he said. “I think that matters. I know what they like, I know what they don't like and if we’re not wasting time on things that I know won't get approval, we get through the application process quicker. We got through Spark in one evening because we knew what the board's tolerances were and what their expectations were. That allows me to provide guidance to my client before the application process, so that they can design a site plan that the board will find more palatable, and save a lot of time."
If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you won’t have to wait too much longer to get your taste of Chipotle in the northern section of Wayne. And while you’re picking up your order in their superfast Chipotlanes, you can then drive next door and eat inside your car while it is being pulled along in the Spark automatic car washing system.
]]>MONMOUTH COUNTY: Does Artificial Intelligence, aka AI, confuse or overwhelm you? Are you curious about it and want to know more? The Monmouth County Library System is hosting AI Consultant Eddi Khaytman who will be giving a zoom presentation on understanding artificial intelligence. The presentation is on Wednesday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit: https://ow.ly/QQwR50QUrve
]]>Samantha Farrugia is presented with a $1,000 check from Gina Dente, Store Manager of Garmany in Red Bank, to donate to Lunch Break as part of Samantha's health food collection initiative.
MONMOUTH COUNTY: This is the wrap-up to the February report on a healthy food collection by Saint John Vianney student Samantha Farrugia.
Congratulations to Samantha Farrugia for an incredibly successful service project that honored February's American Heart Month and resulted in over 400 pounds of heart healthy food donations for Lunch Break, as well as a monetary donation of $1250.
By helping those in need to obtain heart-healthy food, not only are the hungry fed, but they can make nutritionally sound choices. Local businesses that contributed with food/or cash donations include: Shore Heart Group, Wegmans of Manalapan, ProCare Colts Neck, the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce with ChamberCast, Advanced Heart & Vascular, and Garmany of Red Bank, which donated $1000. Samantha's school, St. John Vianney High School of Holmdel, was supportive of her project and offered incredible assistance in the food collection.
]]>LIVINGSTON, NJ — The Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities (LACD) is teaming up with The NoteWorthy Project—a small local orchestra made up of Livingston High School students—to present a free music program for people with special needs and their families on Saturday, April 13, in Rooms T2 and T3 of the Livingston Senior and Community Center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
In addition to playing familiar tunes from family favorites such as “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin,” members of The NoteWorthy Project will also provide arts and crafts supplies for attendees to create their own instruments, such as maracas and drums. The teens will then teach the attendees a simple beat or rhythm so that they are able to play along.
Families are asked to RSVP by April 1 by using the QR code pictured above or by contacting Kayla Fang via text to 973-619-8029 or via email at kayla.k.fang@gmail.com.
]]>This content is sponsored by the Camden Education Fund and is the second in a three-part series celebrating Camden's school principals. Read the first installment.
Women's History Month commemorates the significant contributions women have made to history, culture, and society.
One of the main priorities of Camden Education Fund is to recruit, develop, retain, and appreciate excellent teachers.
In Camden, among the 42 public schools in Camden, 30 are led by incredible women principals. During Women’s History Month, CEF is showcasing stories about Camden principals. The remarkable work of these women is vital and greatly appreciated.
"We acknowledge and value your dedication to the youth in Camden, as you lead your school communities and inspire our future generations," said Camden Education Fund Executive Director Giana Campbell.
Medinah Dyer, R. T. Cream Early Childhood Center, (20 years in education, the last 4 as principal)
After graduating from college, I had the opportunity to teach preschool. As I began to build relationships with students and their families and reflected on my impact in our youngest learner's growth and development, my passion for becoming an early childhood educator was ignited. I returned to school to earn my P-3 certification and was afforded the opportunity to continue educating our youngest learners. I was instantly inspired by my students. It is a blessing to be able to educate, learn from and support diverse young learners that look like me. Then, to return home to Camden, where I was born and raised, and support students that sit in the seat that I sat in years prior was a bonus. Being an educator is not just about teaching, it is about building relationships and learning and reflecting from your students and school community to guide your efforts so that you have the biggest impact on students as a whole, in addition to their academic successes.
Christa Hahn, Camden’s Pride Elementary, 20 years in education, the last 10 as principal)
I had such an influential HS English teacher. She was so caring and supportive and made sure I worked my hardest. I knew at this point that I wanted to do the same for kiddos and although I envisioned myself teaching HS, I found such a love for the younger kiddos and switched my focus to elementary. I love what I do each and every day!
Nicole Harrigan, H.B. Wilson Family School (24 years in education, 10 years as principal, the last seven at H.B. Wilson)
I was influenced by Claudia Cream an outstanding principal at Parkside Elementary School who inspired and motivated teachers and students.
Gloria Martinez-Vega, High School, Eastside High School (13 years as a principal Molina, Sumner, Dudley and ESHS)
Sra. O'farrill, my elementary school teacher was my inspiration to become an educator. She was everything I wanted to be. She was stylish, warm, and always smiled and listened. She knew how to connect with every student and taught with passion. Every student was special to her, and she made it known to all of us, every day we saw her.
Brittany Middleton, KIPP Lanning Square Primary, (Seven years in education, the last four as principal)
I was displaced in high school and one of my teachers took me in. She set me up to live with her mom and provided me with a tutoring/babysitting job as a source of income. She is the reason I was able to stay on a steady path in high school and eventually attend college. School and this teacher gave me a safe, consistent, and stabilizing place at some of my hardest times and the quality education I was able to get doors opened that I did not think could exist for me. I became an educator to provide the same opportunities to other children.
Danielle Montague, Dr. Henry H. Davis Elementary School (37 years in education, the last two as principal.)
As a student, I did not see many teachers that looked like me. I wanted to be the educator that I wish I had as a youngster. I went to an HBCU because I wanted to connect with other black intellectuals and use that to provide that to my young friends. Although my mother was a teacher, she was always mom to me. Seeing the impact she, as a teacher of color, had on her students made me wish I had someone provide me with the same. I am now who I needed when I was younger.
HOLMDEL, NJ: In a press release issued Monday evening, followed by automated calls to residents, Holmdel Township Mayor Rocco Impreveduto announced the Township Committee will deliver a “State of the Township” presentation, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 7:30pm.
The remarks and presentation will take place at Holmdel Town Hall, 4 Crawfords Corner Road, at the beginning of the previously scheduled Township Committee meeting. See agenda here.
Mayor Impreveduto explained, “Our governing body is committed to providing absolute transparency to Holmdel’s taxpayers...tomorrow night’s presentation will provide never-before-seen information that details our town’s financial health, spend trends, and the unprecedented actions we are taking to support, enhance, and expand our town’s culture and our commitment to our residents.”
In his remarks, the mayor is expected to report on the longstanding cultural pillars of Holmdel, including public safety, open space, recreation, low taxes, innovation, and education.
“I look forward to speaking to our residents about Holmdel’s strong footing, as well as outlining the Township Committee’s plans to lead us into the next decade,” added Mayor Impreveduto.
Members of the public who are not able to attend the meeting in person can view the presentation on the Township’s Facebook page (facebook.com/holmdel) or YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/@holmdel7723)
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SOMERVILLE, NJ - It's not often that a “Thank You” letter crosses the desk of Mayor Brian Gallagher.
In over 20 years as an elected official, Gallagher has taken his fair share of complaints and nastygrams; the negatives far outweigh the positives.
That's why he took extra time to savor the stack of letters that were delivered to Borough Hall written by students at Van Derveer School and Somerville Middle School, thanking him and members of the Borough Council and other Somerville officials who spend their work day - and nights - serving the community.
Written in pencil, the “Thank You” letters were accompanied by a cover letter from the Somerville PreK-8 PTO.
It reads:
"Thank YOU!
This year, as a community service project initiated by Somerville NJ PreK-8 PTO, in honor of MLK Jr. National Day of Service, Somerville students at Van Derveer Elementary School and
Somerville Middle School (Pre-Kindergarten through 8 th Grade) wrote thank you notes to members serving our community… including you!
Enclosed, please find notes of appreciation for all you do, from the youngest members of the Somerville community."
Gallagher shared a few of the letters from his young admirers:
1. "Thank you for keeping our schools and community safe. Thank you for the movie nights and the parades on Main Street. I also love the parks and the tennis court, pickle ball court and the soccer fields. Thank you for keeping the supermarket (ShopRite) to keep families healthy."
2. "Mr. Mayor, I think you should either add a mall in Somerville or a Sephora near the YMCA park because there is a bunch of grass over there and while moms are looking the kids could go on the playground. Thank you."
3. "Dear Somerville Council Thank you for all that you do. Specifically, planting trees, funding police, fixing sidewalks and making our town better every day. Also, shout out to Officer Kyle, his smiles brighten our days."
4. "Dear Somerville Council, Thank you for all that you do. Specifically, making plans for things to be made and make better. You are very inspiring to learn from. You might be surprised that you have a letter saying thank you, but you deserve to be thanked for everything you do. I know that you work very hard to improve this community to make Somerville a more liveable community."
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SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - local principal is not only immersing herself in her new role at Holy Savior Academy, but also within the South Plainfield and surrounding community.
Lisa Dell'Aquila began her role as principal of Holy Savior Academy in South Plainfield in July 2023, but she is not new to the world of education. Dell’Aquila was a teacher for 25 years in both public and private education. Most recently, Dell’Aquila taught second and third grade at St. John the Apostle Catholic School in Clark. She was ready to transition into a role as an administrator and sent out resumes to local Catholic schools, including Holy Savior.
“I went for an interview, and I loved it,” Dell’Aquila said. “It’s a nice school – a smaller school – and it’s a nice community. I loved what they talked about.”
Although Dell’Aquila does not live in South Plainfield, she lives close to and has family in the area, and she was excited to work in such a “lovely” place.
Aside from the community aspect, it was the mission of the school that led Dell’Aquila to accept the position as principal.
“I like that they were very interested in combining the academics and the Catholic identity,” Dell’Aquila said, adding that she left public education earlier in her career in order to have more freedom to discuss religion. “I like that you can talk about different things [in Catholic school]. We’re allowed to talk about God and about Jesus, so that was important to me.”
Holy Savior Academy is in the Diocese of Metuchen, and Dell’Aquila likes that the Diocese is focused on the whole student in terms of academics and Catholic identity. The school also hosts many fun activities, including shows, plays, and sports.
Dell’Aquila is still finding her way in her new position, and has dedicated her first year at the school to getting to know the staff, students, and parents.
“I want to embrace the thoughts of the community. The parents are very involved, and it’s a nice community,” Dell’Aquila shared. “I’m trying to listen to the teachers and the community to see what their needs are and what their wants are. I want to work together. They have been there a lot of years, and they have a lot of ideas.”
The new principal's favorite part of her job is spending time in the classrooms and seeing the students so interested in their teachers’ lessons. Recently, Dell’Aquila spent time in a sixth grade classroom and loved seeing the students so engaged in a novel study. She also sat in on a third grade fractions lesson and saw how excited the students were about math.
“I do sometimes miss the classroom since I just left, so that is the best part of my day,” Dell’Aquila said. “I like going to the classrooms and listening and spending time with the kids.”
Although Dell’Aquila is busy in her position, she loves finding time outside of school to spend time with her daughter and friends, go out to dinner, and visit the city.
She is also looking forward to planning community events and fundraisers. Currently, Dell’Aquila and the Holy Savior Academy community are raising funds to help Fish, Inc. after the nonprofit – which helps keep residents in need fed and clothed – suffered a fire.
“I’m excited to do more for the community,” Dell’Aquila said. “It’s a lovely community to be a part of.”
]]>HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - Mayor Robert Brittng and the Hillsborough Business Association will host a "Spring Social" networking event Thursday, March 28 at the Iron Peak sports complex on Mountain View Road starting at 6 p.m.
"In 2024, Hillsborough means business," Britting said, urging the township's 1,500 small business owners to gather and share their success stories, challenges they face, supply line issues and to welcome other entrepreneurs interested in opening their own business.
Britting, who has consistently spoken of the need to attract new busineses to the township since taking office in January, will be the guest speaker.
Admission to the two-hour event is $20, which includes appetizers and light refreshments; a cash bar will be available.
To register scan the QR code or visit - https://www.sdlportal.com/.../25bfe99c-5847-4d9d-97c5...
]]>PARAMUS, NJ - The Board of Education approved its tentative 2024-25 school budget, which includes $122 million in expenditures and an $88.3 million tax levy.
On March 18, the Board approved the tentative budget with a 1.99% tax levy increase over last year.
The expenditure total is $122,005,048, including debt service. The tax levy is $88,316,265.
State aid for Paramus, according to NJ.gov, is $5,643,805, which reflects an increase of $1,854,552 or 10.26%.
The board reported it would utilize $600,000 of surplus for this budget. It will use $760,894 from Maintenance Reserve for its Comprehensive Maintenance Plan.
Other highlights include the use of $200,000 from the Emergency Reserve to finance school security improvements and upgrades to school facilities.
There is a plan to expend $12,325,141 for capital projects for the High School, West Brook, East Brook, Midland, Parkway, and Ridge Ranch schools. This includes HVAC projects and HVAC Building Management System Upgrades.
Also in the budget is $6,026.169 "for other capital projects costs for the High School, West Brook, Ridge Ranch and Memorial; roof safety upgrades and renovations for the High School; courtyard, facade repointing and repairs for Stony Lane; gym windows for East Brook; and Hallway renovations.
According to NJ.gov, the 2010 Levy Cap Law, adopted under the Chris Christie administration, continues to restrict property tax levies from growing more than 2% per year. However, certain cost increases are exempt from this cap. The law aimed to address property tax affordability concerns and maintain fiscal discipline, according to the Christie administration.
The budget public hearing will be held at Paramus High School, 99 E. Century Road on May 6 at 7:30 p.m.
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NEWTON, NJ—Abigail Biederman, a student at Newton High School, was honored as the New Jersey member of the Month for March through the Newton chapter of Future Farmers of America.
According to the Newton FFA, Bierderman is part of many things that go on within the chapter at the high school.
“She is very active within our Chicken Coop Community, she is head of our Barack committee and she is a huge part of our Floral department, as well as co-running our Floral Department Instagram and so much more. We are so proud of Abby.”
]]>CHATHAM, NJ -- The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words. On Sunday afternoon, the Chatham Historical Society hopes a recreated picture will help celebrate Chatham's history for another 100 years.
As part of the Chatham Historical Society's Centennial celebration, the Dec. 18, 1930, panoramic photo of the first electric train to pass through the Chatham Train Station will be recreated with the gathering of current Chatham residents. Chatham was a stop on the route between Hoboken and Morristown.
To highlight the train station's importance in Chatham's development, residents are encouraged to show up on Sunday for the event that will take place from 2-4 p.m. at the Chatham Train Station. The panoramic picture will be taken at approximately 3 p.m.
Debbie Fabian of the Chatham Historical Society talks about the recreation set for Sunday
Old pictures depicting the evolution of trains through Chatham will be on display and refreshments will be served.
The first steam-powered train reached Chatham arriving from Newark in 1837. The train service allowed passengers to travel to and from Newark in about two hours. From Newark, travelers could take a boat to New York City.
The Morris & Essex Railroad began service to its Hudson River waterfront terminal in Hoboken in 1863. Fast and easy ferryboat connections made quick round trips to Manhattan, a practice that led to the birth of the suburban commuter.
Many changes and improvements were made over the years. In 1914, the tracks through Chatham were elevated, eliminating street-level crossings. A new train station was built at this time, one that still serves Chatham commuters 110 years later. Growth in passenger traffic necessitated further improvements, and on December 18, 1930, the first electric train arrived in Chatham.
The upgrading of the electric trains through Chatham opened up the possibility of achieving another dream: direct passenger trains into New York City. On June 10, 1996, train 6604 from Dover was the first train to stop in Chatham and then proceed directly to Penn Station, New York.
The historical society is planning multiple events for the centennial. Information regarding the upcoming events can be found at Chathamnjhistoricalsociety.com. Anyone interested in helping out with the events can email at chathamnjhistory@gmail.com. The society is looking for designers, organizers, artists, actors, worker bees, and creative individuals to join the fun!
]]>WASHINGTON, NJ – The newly formed Sparta Middle School archery team brought home the hardware from the New Jersey State National Archery in the Schools/International Bowhunting Organization 3D Challenge state tournament held at Warren Hills High School. The day produced many highlights with “individual standouts and the girls sweeping the podium of individual medals,” Coach AJ Agnor said.
“With only having about two weeks' practice this was better than I even hoped to do,” Agnor said.
"We are very proud of the SMS Archery Team and their accomplishments at the 2024 NJ State NASP/IBO Challenge," Sparta Middle School Principal Frank Ciaburri said. "It was their first competition since last year and with limited practice time their results were truly amazing. Not only are we proud of the individual students who performed so well, but the entire team for placing 2nd overall. We are looking forward to seeing their success as the season moves on."
Natalie Hannum not only earned first place for the girls' middle school division, she took top overall female of the entire tournament that included elementary, middle school and high school archers.
Olivia Stanton placed second for middle school girls as well as taking overall second place female of the tournament. Callie Maines rounded out the Sparta Middle School podium presence with third place.
The Sparta Middle School team finished second, missing the top spot by only five points or one arrow, Coach AJ Agnor said.
Hannum shot the Sparta archery program’s second “50” round on the antelope, “She had all five arrows in the 10 ring bullseye,” according to Agnor. Hannum also led the team with 14 bullseyes.
“She basically did it all. I was so excited and happy for her,” Agnor said. “Our group from last year [Helen Morgan’s team] really helped pace the team holding four of our six scoring spots.”
Maines and Cole Zerby took the other two scoring spots.
The middle school team scored well enough to qualify for the Eastern Nationals 3D event. They also had 11 students score high enough to compete as individuals.
A 3D tournament involves shooting a variety of animal-shaped targets.
The top six middle school scorers; Natalie Hannum 265, Olivia Stanton 263, Callie Maines 259, Cole Zerby 239, Zoey Turrey 235, Alex Kazior 219.
2023-2024 Middle School Roster:
Princeton, NJ – Given the lifelong interest in the late Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand in creating pathways for young women to thrive as community leaders, the Phyllis Marchand 2024 Leadership Lecture at the Princeton Public Library on Thursday, March 21, will focus on a particularly relevant societal topic: social media’s noxious effect on women.
The March 21 event, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Princeton Public Library, will feature communications strategists Kara Alaimo and Jane Greenway Carr discussing Alaimo’s new book: “Over the Influence: Why Social Media is Toxic for Women and Girls – and How We Can Take It Back.” The in-person event is presented in partnership with the Princeton Public Library, Labyrinth Books of Princeton, the Phyllis Marchand Lecture Series Fund, and Princeton University’s Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies.
The publisher describes Alaimo’s book as a rallying cry for women to recognize and reject the ways social media is being weaponized against us — and instead wield it to empower ourselves.
In the book Alaimo demonstrates how social media affects the lives of women, girls, and nonbinary people, from our relationships and our parenting to our physical and mental wellbeing. It is a book about what it means to live in the world social media has wrought and shows why you’re likely to get fewer followers if you’re a woman. Alaimo explains how fake news is crafted to prey on women’s vulnerabilities. And she reveals why so much of the content we find in our feeds is specifically designed to hold us back.
But, according to the publicity material, Alaimo offers advice for how to get over the influence — how to handle our daughters’ use of social media, use apps to find the romantic partners we’re looking for, and bolster our careers, and protect ourselves from sextortionists, catfishers, and trolls. "Over the Influence" calls on women to recognize and call out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) sexism, misogyny, and misinformation we find online and use our platforms to empower ourselves and other women.
The discussion will be followed by book sales and book signing. The first 25 students to sign in at the lecture will receive a free, signed copy of the book. The event will be in-person only. It will be available on the library's YouTube channel within a week of the event.
Alaimo is associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she created the university’s programs in social media. She has written for CNN Opinion about the social impact of social media and issues affecting women and girls since 2016. She also served as a communications specialist in the Obama administration and for the United Nations.
Greenway Carr is a CNN Opinion senior editor whose work has appeared in CNN Opinion, as well as in several other publications, including The Atlantic, Slate, and Vox. She was previously a contributing editor and fellow at the think tank New America and a lecturer in the English Department at New York University. She is the co-editor of a forthcoming book to be published in June, “The Case of Lizzie Borden and Other Writings: Tales of a Newspaper Woman.”
The Marchand Lecture, dedicated to inspiring excellence in community-based leadership, is an annual library event held in honor of Phyllis Marchand, Princeton Township’s longest serving mayor and a leader and leadership mentor in the community for five decades. https://phyllisleadershipseries.org
Marchand died in the spring of 2021, after serving on the Princeton Township Committee for 22 years, 14 of them as mayor. In addition to her government service, she had leadership roles in many community non-profits.
Tuesday, March 19
5 to 7 p.m.: What Free Speech Is - And What It Isn't - Princetonians for Free Speech, Bowen Hall 222. The Honorable Kyle Duncan, judge, United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, and Robert P. George, Princeton professor of jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.
George and Duncan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit will engage in a conversation on civil liberties and contemporary free speech issues. The professor and the judge will discuss constitutional protections and limitations on free speech, jurisprudential approaches to the First Amendment and constitutional interpretation, and recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. They will also discuss a rise in campus illiberalism and Judge Duncan's recent experience encountering anti-free speech agitators at Stanford Law School.
7 to 9 p.m.: Songwriters Circle and Open Mic, Princeton Public Library - Community Room, 65 Witherspoon Street. The Princeton Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association provides feedback and tips to help songwriters improve at this event, which also includes an acoustic open mic.
Singers/songwriters are invited to present their original songs (covers of other artists' material is not permitted). Songs are presented in a "round" style to maximize time, and attendees should be prepared with two of their best songs in case there is time for a second round.
The goal is to promote writing great original songs and provide information that may help songwriters get their music heard. Sign in begins at 6:30 p.m. Singers/songwriters will be invited on stage in a first-come manner as time allows. This event is for singer/songwriters, not a showcase for bands.
Wednesday, March 20
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Leighton Listens, Tipple and Rose Tea Parlor and Apothecary, 210 Nassau Street. Informal meet-up with Princeton Council member Leighton Newlin.
6 to 7 p.m.: Author Rachel Cohen in Conversation with Jill Dolan, Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau Street. In collaboration with the Princeton Public Library. The author discusses the updated, newly released version of her classic book “A Chance Meeting,” first published 20 years ago, with Jill Dolan, dean of the college at Princeton University.
From the Publisher: Cohen shows us a series of, now boldly, now subtly, transformative encounters between a wide and surprising range of Americans. A young Henry James has his portrait taken by the photographer Mathew Brady—Brady, who will receive Walt Whitman in his studio and depict General Grant on the battlefield. Later, W.E.B. Du Bois and his professor William James visit Helen Keller; Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz argue about photography; and Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston write a play together. Throughout, Cohen’s narrative loops back and leaps forward with supreme agility, connecting, among others, Willa Cather, Elizabeth Bishop, Marianne Moore, Beauford Delaney, James Baldwin, and Richard Avedon.
7 to 9 p.m.: Jersey Art Meetup (JAM), Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton Comic Makers. A weekly social event connecting creatives within the greater Central Jersey area through a shared passion for sequential art and new media.
7:30 p.m.: Dream Girls, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. A 1960s Motown girl group rises from obscurity to superstardom after catching a big break in an amateur competition.
Thursday, March 21
5:30 p.m.: Princeton University Art Museum, Visiting Artist Talk: Fazal Sheikh, Julis Romo Rabinowitz Building, Room A17. The photographer Fazal Sheikh, Princeton University Class of 1987 and former visiting professor, will deliver the Art Museum Student Advisory Board’s annual artist talk.
Sheikh has spent his career photographing individuals and communities displaced by conflict and environmental change. Acclaimed for his intimate portraits, Sheikh collaborates closely with his subjects to better understand and share their stories. In this talk, he will discuss his newest body of work, Exposure (2017–2022). To make Exposure, set in the American Southwest, Sheikh worked closely with Utah Diné Bikéyah, a Native American grassroots organization, to examine the human and environmental costs of the exploitation of public lands. The expansive landscapes seen in the series pay homage to the spiritual significance of the land, while portraits and collected testimonies reveal the ongoing but often invisible effects of environmental racism, especially on Indigenous inhabitants.
6 to 7:30 p.m.: Author Kara Alaimo in conversation with Jane Carr, Phyllis Marchand Leadership Lecture, Princeton Public Library, Community Room. The author discusses “Over the Influence” with Jane Greenway Carr and examines how social media affects women.
7:30 p.m.: Dream Girls, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. A 1960s Motown girl group rises from obscurity to superstardom after catching a big break in an amateur competition.
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]]>PARAMUS, NJ - "As soon as the lights dim, you feel as if you are transported to a Broadway theater."
Paramus Schools Superintendent Sean Adams was all about praise when he was reporting on his experience seeing the high school musical production of "Newsies".
At the March 18 Board of Education meeting, Adams was pleased to tell the board how he spent part of his weekend.
"I am never surprised by how incredibly talented our staff and students are when I see these productions," he said. "I am still always in awe of what they are able to do."
"You'll know that what I'm about to say is not hyperbolic. As soon as the lights dim, you feel as if you are transported to a Broadway theater."
Adams said from the voices on the stage to the orchestra, the performance "flow[ed] around you."
He complimented the crew on the stage and the set design, including "the ways in which they were able to transition between scenes. It truly was incredibly powerful.
"So much so that I have not been able to stop listening to the soundtrack for Newsies," Adams said. "That's as much as it sticks with you.
"I do want to give a shout-out to the cast, the crew, the staff members, all the families and parents who supported their children in this production, it was truly a sight to behold."
"So, I would just like to give a round of applause from those of us here to those students. It was amazing."
The musical ran from March 14 to March 16.
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