CLARK, NJ — Geraldine Bonaccorso has been chosen by the Executive Board of the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey (DAANJ) and its chairman, Joe Piro, as the Administrative Assistant of the Year for Central Jersey.
TAPinto Clark congratulates Ms. Bonaccorso, the administrative assistant for Arthur L. Johnson (ALJ) High School's Athletic Department, on this well-deserved honor.
Gus Kalikas, Athletic Director of ALJ High School, remarked that the prestigious award "speaks of Geraldine’s ability, personality, and dedication to the Clark School District and athletic community."
He went on to say, “Behind any high-functioning athletic department stands an effective administrative assistant willing to do the hard work that is needed for all of our student-athletes. Geraldine works tireless hours for our student-athletes and our athletic department, and student-athletes are lucky to have such a dedicated employee working for them behind the scenes.”
Bonaccorso was honored at the DAANJ Annual Awards Banquet this past Thursday, March 14.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — Beginning on Monday, March 25, several events and activities will be taking place in Clark's two elementary schools, Frank K. Hehnly and Carl H. Kumpf Elementary Schools, prior to the commencement of Spring Break on Friday, March 29.
On Monday, March 25, Valley Road School will hold its annual Colonial Job Fair. On Wednesday, March 27, Valley Road will hold its school play at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, March 26, Hehnly School will present its spring musical at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For more on the activities and events taking place at Hehnly and Kumpf, visit their websites here and here.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — There will be a public meeting of the Clark Township Council on Monday, March 18, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the Clark Council Chambers, located at 315 Westfield Ave.
For a copy of the meeting agenda, click here.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — Recently, Clark resident and blogger Michele Krimmel reached out to TAPinto Clark to share a special upcoming fundraising event she's organizing for Still I Run - Runners for Mental Health Awareness at the Chipotle in Clark on Tuesday, March 19.
According to Krimmel, Still I Run is "the country's only non-profit running community that works on a nationwide level to promote the benefits of running for mental health and also get more people running for their mental health."
This year, Still I Run is raising money and promoting its cause by partnering with the Chicago Marathon, scheduled to take place on October 13. In addition to organizing and promoting the event, Krimmel is also running the marathon, her second.
"While these are exciting and huge opportunities," Krimmel noted, "these partnerships do come with costs such as participation fees, jerseys for the team, race weekend team bonding, and more."
Thus, over the next several months, Still I Run will be hosting a number of fundraisers in and around Clark. The March 19th Chipotle event will be held from 5-9 p.m. One-third of the event sales will be donated to Still I Run.
Chipotle in Clark is located at 1255 Raritan Rd.
Those making in-person purchases should print out the attached flyer or click here and present it when ordering.
Those ordering online can use the following code: N73JQRW
We look forward to seeing you there!
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]]>CLARK, NJ — The Tylor Collins Scholarship Fund, located in Clark, is currently holding its Pocketbook Box Fundraiser.
There are a total of 38 prizes one can win—20 designer handbags and 18 wristlets.
Each box costs $30. Text 908-499-2091 with your first five choices, along with your first and last name.
Boxes 1-130 are already taken.
You can Venmo your payment to @TylorsSoldiers (please include your box number) or send a check to The Tylor Collins Scholarship Fund, located at 19 Shetland Dr. in Clark.
Please do not Venmo your payment until your number has been verified.
The Tylor Collins Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization that disburses educational scholarships to graduating seniors at Arthur L. Johnson High School and raises awareness about Ewing Sarcoma, a cancer that forms most often in and around the bones. It is named for Tylor Collins, a Clark resident, who died in April 2015, one day before his 17th birthday.
For more information, see the attached flyer or click here and here.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — Join Clark Little League at a Somerset Patriots baseball game on Saturday, May 18. It's Fireworks Night!
The festivities begin at 6:05 p.m.
Tickets are $14 for a Section 208 or 210 seat.
Questions can be directed to Darlene Alicea at darlene.alicea78@gmail.com.
Click here to order your tickets.
Please note: Tickets are not refundable but are transferable. Tickets are not guaranteed until payment is received.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — Not yet old enough to qualify for Social Security or join the AARP, but still looking mighty fine each and every summer, the Clark Pool will celebrate its 50th year in existence on July 13!
On that day, there will be a free barbecue, a DJ, a dunk tank, raffles, giveaways, and plenty of other activities for children and adults alike.
The rain date is the following day, Sunday, July 14.
So why should you care? Well, if you want to enjoy all the upcoming festivities (and of course you do!), then you need to sign up, get your membership information up to date, and make certain that you can officially join all the fun this summer.
So click here to get all the information and news you need about the Clark Pool, the summer season, and pool membership.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — On Saturday, April 20, Rahway Relay for Life is holding a pickleball tournament in Clark. The event will benefit Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society in support of their mission to eradicate cancer and support survivors and caretakers while memorializing those who have lost their battle with the disease.
The tournament will take place on the outdoor courts at Clark Recreation Center, located at 430 Westfield Ave.
Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. The tournament begins at 8 a.m.
The registration fee is $45 and includes entry and a t-shirt. The deadline to register is April 3. Email Michele Miller at michelemiller1020@gmail.com.
All skill levels are welcome to participate. Questions can be directed to Michele Miller at 908-463-1683 or Caryn at 908-279-2778.
The rain date for the event is the following day, April 21.
See the attached flyer for more information.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — The Clark Recreation Department held an early St. Patrick's Day luncheon tailored specifically for senior citizens. Held on Thursday, March 7, the event included an afternoon filled with festive delights and lively entertainment.
In the spirit of the Emerald Isle, attendees were treated to a performance by the Irish Trio. The music uplifted spirits and created a joyful atmosphere. Adding to the festivities, guests indulged in corned beef sandwiches, a beloved staple of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
The early St. Patrick's Day luncheon not only offered seniors an opportunity to revel in the holiday spirit but also provided a chance for community bonding and camaraderie.
"We were delighted to host this special event for our seniors," said Ralph Bernardo, Director of the Recreation Department. "It's a wonderful occasion to celebrate Irish culture, enjoy delicious food, and share laughter and music with friends and neighbors."
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]]>CLARK, NJ — There will be a public meeting of the Clark Township Council on Monday, March 18, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the Clark Council Chambers, located at 315 Westfield Ave.
The meeting agenda will be shared once available.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Education's New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) will hold an Early Reading Resources & Activities event on Thursday, March 21, at the Clark Public Library, located at 303 Westfield Ave. The program will run from 7-8 p.m.
The focus will be on science-based reading instruction.
The program can be attended in person or viewed online.
To register for the event in person, email Beth Cosentino at bcosentino@spanadvocacy.org.
For more information or if interested in attending virtually, see the attached flyer or click here.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — The Clark Board of Education (BOE) met last night for its regular monthly meeting. Board members approved the 2024-2025 academic calendar.
Click here to view next year's school calendar. It is also available on the district website (www.clarkschools.org) under the "More" tab at the top.
Additionally, should the two remaining snow days already built into this year's calendar be unnecessary, the public schools will be closed in the following order: first, Friday, May 24, 2024, and second, Monday, June 3, 2024.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — More than 80 federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies from five states will come together to participate in a joint recruitment event on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kean University’s Harwood Arena, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union, New Jersey. The Clark Police Department will be among those law enforcement agencies participating.
In early 2023, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, partnering with Kean University, hosted a similar law enforcement recruitment event that hosted over 50 agencies, and saw over 1,000 participants, and resulted in hundreds of hires at various agencies around the state. The full extent of the recruitment event’s success is unmeasurable, as agency hires are still being seen. This year’s event is slated to host over 80 participating law enforcement agencies looking to recruit the next generation of officers.
“The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is pleased to once again partner with Kean University for the Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair,” Union County Prosecutor William Daniel stated. “This is more than just recruitment; it is an opportunity to build a police force that truly reflects the communities we serve. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone considering a career shift, come explore the many paths available in law enforcement.”
“Law enforcement is evolving. We're seeking passionate individuals from all backgrounds who are committed to building trust and respect with the communities they serve. This recruitment fair is your chance to connect with different agencies, learn about their unique missions, and discover how your skills and experiences can contribute to a more equitable future”, Union County Prosecutor's Office Chief of Detectives Dr. Harvey Barnwell said. “The fair is open to everyone interested in a career in law enforcement, regardless of experience or education level. Come explore your options, ask questions, and start your journey towards a meaningful career that makes a positive impact.”
Law enforcement partners from federal, state, county, and municipal agencies will be in attendance.\ Applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and bring their resumes.
Click here for a list of those agencies expected to attend.
The Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair is jointly hosted by Kean University and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and with the support of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari, New Jersey Senators Joseph Cryan and Jon Bramnick, Elizabeth Branch NAACP President Shawn McClain, and New Jersey NOBLE President Jiles Ship.
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]]>CLARK, NJ — On Sunday, March 3, the Arthur L. Johnson (ALJ) Crusader football team held its annual post-season awards banquet. Head Coach Anthony DelConte presided over the event as all athletes were honored for their contributions to
Crusader Football.
Numerous scholarships were awarded to deserving student athletes over the course of the evening. It was a wonderful time to celebrate both past and present Crusaders and to keep alive the tradition of Crusader Football.
Below is a recap of the scholarships awarded throughout the evening:
The Collegiate Athlete of the Year
The Collegiate Athlete of the Year honors a former Crusader who has gone on to succeed both in the classroom and on the athletic field. The 2023-2024 recipient was Nicholas Fischetti, who played both collegiate football and lacrosse.
Clark Youth Football Scholarship
Clark Youth Football annually presents the Clark Youth Football Scholarship to a senior football player who played youth football in Clark and then at Arthur L. Johnson High School. The award includes a scholarship and a plaque. This year’s 2023-2024 Clark Youth Football Scholarship recipient is Sebastian Perez.
Century 21 JRS Academic Achievement Award
The Sanguliano family annually presents the Century 21 JRS Academic Achievement Award to a senior football player with the highest grade point average. The award includes a scholarship and a plaque. This year’s 2023-2024 Academic Achievement Award winner is Mark Hansen.
The Henry A. Varriano Memorial Award
Henry R. Varriano presents this award to a senior player who displays determination and a never-give-up attitude. The recipient of this award always puts team above self, sacrifices individuality for the team, pushes himself to achieve greater heights, overcomes adversity, and displays perseverance. The Varriano Award is for a scholarship and plaque. The 2023-2024 Varriano Award winners were Aaron Tapia and Vittorio DeMartinis.
The Thomas Santaguida “Saint of the Year” Award
The loss of Thomas Santaguida devastated all of us. We lost a man we all loved and admired. When Mr. Santaguida came to Johnson in 1993, he had to replace one of the most respected and loved men in ALJ history in Lou Paragallo. He won everyone over with his dignity, his professionalism, his confidence, and most of all, his sense of sportsmanship and fair play. He was a mentor to us all, and we became stronger from the experience. As a high school player at Plainfield, Mr. Santaguida played football and basketball. His coaches and teammates say his fiery style and zest for competition stood out even then. Those are the qualities that are celebrated in the 2023-2024 Johnson Football “Saint of the Year.” The 2023-2024 “Saint of the Year” winner is Brandon Brown.
The Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship
The Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship and a plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who, like Dennis, overcame considerable odds and has a true love of Crusader Football. The athlete must be a heart and soul competitor, a unifier, and a positive role model. The 2023-2024 Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship goes to Sean Joy.
The Coach Seymore “Red” Kelin Most Improved Player Scholarship
The Most Improved Player Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship and a plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who, through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, has shown a tremendous improvement in the sport of football throughout his high school career. The 2023-2024 Most Improved Player Scholarship goes to Sean Asgaralli and Stephen Ciccotelli.
The Don LaPenna III Memorial Leadership Scholarship
The Don LaPenna Leadership Memorial Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship and a plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who, like Don, overcame the odds and has a true love of Crusader Football. The athlete must be a great role model who displays excellent leadership qualities and is dedicated to his team. The 2023-2024 Don LaPenna Leadership Memorial Scholarship goes to Mark Hansen.
The William Waterson Memorial Scholarship
Officer Waterson made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty. He was brave, honest, and devoted to the job. Mr. Tom Maye, owner of Station Cab, presents this award to be displayed in our main trophy case and a scholarship to the senior who most exemplifies the character traits of Officer Waterson. This award speaks to sacrifice and commitment. The recipient set a new standard of leadership and character in our school and community. He has the innate ability to impact all students in the school community. He is well liked and respected by his peers. The 2023-2024 William Waterson Memorial Scholarship goes to Emilio Menicucci.
Congratulations to all the winners!
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]]>CLARK, NJ — The world-famous artist Georgia O’Keefe once said, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” This is the reason that the organization Imagine exists–to say in art what cannot be said in words.
Imagine is a Union County-based grief counseling organization that uses art and other media to assist individuals through the grieving process.
Recently, the Arthur L. Johnson (ALJ) High School National Honor Society held a collection to help support the grief programs led by Imagine. Hundreds of items were collected, including crayons, paints, colored pencils, brushes, art paper, and much more.
Sophomore Charlie Nemeth started the drive after hearing that Clark's Osceola Presbyterian Church was sponsoring the collection. “I was inspired to help these families in the grieving process,” Nemeth said. “The response was really overwhelming.”
Members of the Holocaust and Genocide classes at ALJ also thought this was a worthy cause. “Although this wasn’t related to the Holocaust, we felt that helping people through the grieving process was definitely a good cause to support in conjunction with Holocaust Remembrance Day,” said Fredy Reyes, the teacher of the class.
The National Honor Society was instrumental in getting the collection going. Ms. Jessica Kyle sent out emails to all the teachers at ALJ to solicit support for the program. Many teachers offered homework passes or extra credit to those who participated.
In the end, a truckload of supplies was delivered to Osceola for eventual delivery to Imagine. It took the efforts of many people and several organizations to generate this type of response.
Any individuals or families who need assistance following the loss of a loved one will find additional information at https://imaginenj.org/ .
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