Seated (L to R): High school seniors Shannon Soto of Linden; Casleny Augustin of Rahway; Patrycja Potocka of Linden; and Marco Bautista of Elizabeth. Standing (L to R): Kimberly Alvarez of Elizabeth; Michael Rosa of Rahway; Malaica Beaubrun of Roselle; Maria Camila Cuevas of Elizabeth; and Debra Mallamace, Berkeley College Campus Operating Officer, Woodbridge. The students received scholarships to attend Berkeley College. (Photo courtesy of Berkeley College)

UNION COUNTY — Berkeley College President Dario A. Cortes, PhD has announced that high school seniors from Union County have received scholarships to attend Berkeley College.

“We are proud to recognize the academic accomplishments of these high school seniors by awarding them scholarships to attend Berkeley College,” said Dr. Cortes. “As a college that values diversity, fosters academic growth and recognizes the potential of each student, Berkeley College looks forward to welcoming these scholarship recipients to our campuses in the coming year.”

The following students from Union County have received scholarships to attend Berkeley College:

• Kimberly Alvarez of Elizabeth, Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Leadership Academy
• Jossmarie Anaya of Elizabeth, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy
• Casleny Augustin of Rahway, Rahway High School
• Marco Bautista of Elizabeth, Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Leadership Academy
• Malaica Beaubrun of Roselle, Abraham Clark High School
• Lissett Benitez of Elizabeth, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Education High School
• John Calva of Elizabeth, Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Leadership Academy
• Khadijah Cook of Elizabeth, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy
• Maria Camila Cuevas of Elizabeth, Elizabeth High School Upper Academy
• Karla Gallardo of Linden, Linden High School
• Erick Munoz of Elizabeth, Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Leadership Academy
• Patrycja Potocka of Linden, Linden High School
• Michael Rosa of Rahway, Rahway High School
• Shannon Soto of Linden, Linden High School
• Valeria Valencia of Union, Union High School
• Minoska Zapata of Linden, Linden High School

Berkeley College scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors who demonstrate a high level of achievement in high school. Scholarships are renewable based on the recipient’s cumulative grade point average at the end of each academic year and continued enrollment as a full-time student.

A leader in business education for 80 years, Berkeley College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and enrolls more than 8,700 students — including more than 800 international students — in its Baccalaureate and Associate degree programs. The College has four New Jersey locations — Woodland Park, Paramus, Woodbridge, and Newark. And in New York there are four locations — Midtown Manhattan, Lower Manhattan in the Wall Street area, Brooklyn, and White Plains. Berkeley College Online also offers full degree programs.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Middlesex County Clerk Elaine M. Flynn encouraged homeowners who were part of a home foreclosure between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010 to take advantage of a new review program being offered by the federal government.

The Independent Foreclosure Review program is being offered through the Federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Homeowners who were part of a foreclosure during that time period are eligible to request an independent review of their foreclosure process.

If the review finds that financial injury occurred to the homeowner as a result of errors, misrepresentations or other deficiencies in the servicer’s foreclosure process, the homeowner may be eligible for compensation. Where a borrower suffered financial injury as a result of such practices, the consent orders require remediation to be provided.

“If you underwent a foreclosure in 2009 or 2010, I urge you to take advantage of this process,” Flynn said. “This review will help determine if you suffered undue financial injury due to errors or other problems during your home foreclosure process.”

Under enforcement actions taken by the OCC, the Federal Reserve and the Office of Thrift Supervision in April 2011, 14 large mortgage services were required to correct deficiencies in their servicing and foreclosure processes and to engage independent firms to conduct a multi-faceted independent review of foreclosure actions that occurred in 2009 and 2010.

“I would like to thank the County Clerk for bringing attention to this program and for looking out for the best interests of our residents,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti chair of the County’s Community Services Committee.

“This program will help determine instances where our residents may have been mislead or faced undue costs during an already difficult time,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano. “Helping to spread the word about programs such as this, is another way we can serve our citizens.”

Nationally, more than 4 million letters were mailed to potentially eligible borrowers with request-for-review forms and instructions on how to complete and return them. If you did not receive a form in the mail, you can request a form by calling 1-888-952-9105, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The form needs to be returned by April 30, 2012.

Flynn added: “You can begin the process today by completing a form and making sure to submit it by the April 30, 2012 deadline.”

For additional information and answers to basic questions about the review process, visit www.IndependentForeclosureReview.com.

Theatre • Feb. 10-26 – Playhouse 22, located at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, will present a production of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Info: 1-732-254-3939.

Guitar Night • Feb. 10 from 5:30-8 p.m. – Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy train station, 233 Smith St., will host a guitar night with music by Alejandro Ataucusi and Paul Kosar. Info: 1-732-343-1717.

Live Music • Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. – The New Standard Jazz Quintet will play at the Salem Roadhouse Café, at Townley Presbyterian Church, 829 Salem Rd., Union. Admission is $15 ($10 students) and includes hot and cold snacks, beverages and desserts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Info: 1-908-686-1028.

Night of Dance • Feb. 11 from 7-11 p.m. – Enjoy an evening of dining and dancing featuring New Jersey competitive ballroom dancers Terry & Leilani Viney at the Berkeley Plaza, 735 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights. Tickets are $75 per person and $150 per couple. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Greater Union County’s Summit Area Special Response Fund. Info: 1-908-353-7171 ext. 129

Art Exhibit • Feb. 12-March 15 – Arts Guild New Jersey, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present a new exhibit “Road Trip: My America.” Opening reception on Feb. 12 from 1-4 p.m. Free admission. For info & gallery hours, call 1-732-381-7511.

Sports Card Show • Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – The Rahway Senior Citizens Center, 1306 Esterbrook Ave., will host a sports card and collectibles show. Suggested donation: $1. (Children under 10 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.) Info: 1-732-827-2094.

Valentine’s Tea • Feb. 12 from 11-3 p.m. – The Proprietary House, 149 Kearny Ave., Perth Amboy, will host a Valentine’s Tea. Suggested donation: $7. Includes tour of the former Royal Governor’s Mansion. Info 1-732-826-5527.

Preschool Open House • Feb. 12 from noon-2 p.m. – Bright Beginnings Preschool at the JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will hold an open house for parents of prospective students, ages 2 ½ to 5. Info: Joan Green, 1-732-494-3232 x625

Thanksgiving in February • Feb. 12 from 2- 6 p.m. – Woodbridge Elks Lodge #2116, 665 Rahway Ave. will host a Thanksgiving in February “All You Can Eat” turkey buffet dinner. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-10.

Chicken Casserole Contest & Dinner • Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. – First Presbyterian Church of Iselin, 1295 Oak Tree Rd., Iselin, will host a Chicken Casserole Contest and Dinner. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and kids ages 5-12. Judging will be held at 4:45 p.m. Info: 1-732-283-1188.

ESL Classes • Feb. 13 – The JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will offer English as a Second Language classes in February and March. Testing for new students will take place during the week of Feb. 13; classes begin on Feb. 28. The cost is $100 ($10 per class) Info: Sharon Katz, 1-732-494-3232 x. 619.

Cholesterol Screening • Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Overlook Medical Center professionals will conduct cholesterol screenings at Overlook Downtown, 357 Springfield Ave., Summit. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register. There is a $10 fee.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 15 from 5-7 p.m. – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at the Westfield YMCA, 220 Clark St. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at Whole Foods Market, 2245 Springfield Ave., Vauxhall. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Medicare/Medicaid Seminar • Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on navigating the “Medicare-Medicaid Maze” at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Flower & Garden Show • Feb. 16 from 1-8 p.m., Feb 17 &18 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – The New Jersey Flower & Garden Show, offering garden displays, a flower show and a garden marketplace, will be held at New Jersey Convention Center, Edison. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for kids 12-17. Info:1-732-449-4004

Book Discussion • Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. – The Carteret Public Library, 100 Cooke Ave., will host a meeting of its Reading Club. They will discuss “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Info: 1-732-541-3830.

Estate & Income Tax Seminar • Feb. 16 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on Estate and Federal Income Tax at the New Jersey Law Center off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Open Mic Night • Feb. 16 from 7-9 p.m. – The Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy Train Station at 233 Smith St., will host an open mic night for music, song and spoken word. There will also be an art reception for local artist Juan Valdez. Info: 1-732-343-1717.

Fish & Chips • Feb. 17 from 5-8 p.m. – The Rahway High School Band Boosters will sponsor a fish and chips dinner by Argyle Restaurant at the American Legion Hall, 581 Maple Ave., Rahway. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children under 10 years old. Call 1-732-882-8745 or 1-732-208-4633. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Blood Drive • Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Lafayette Lodge #27, 1550 Irving St., Rahway, will host a blood drive. All donors will receive a complimentary cholesterol screening. Info: 1-732-388-0309

Great Backyard Bird Count • Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. –2 p.m. –Rutgers Master Gardners of Middlesex County invite you to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park. Bring your binoculars and field guides. RSVP to evans@AESOP.Rutgers.edu

Chug Ivrit • Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. – Raritan Valley Chapter’s Chug Ivrit (Hebrew Club) will meet at the home of Rachel Weintraub, 120 Highland Ave., Edison. Info: 1-732-819-9298.

Concert • Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. – The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts Concert Band will play selections ranging from Renaissance to Ragtime favorites at Temple Emanu-El, 756 East Broad St., Westfield. Admission is $10 per person. Info: 1-908-789-9696.

Missionary Sunday • Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. – Calvary Assembly of God, 953 West Chestnut St., Union, has invited David and Cheryl Greco to the church’s monthly “Missionary Sunday” service to discuss their work in Mexico. Info: 1-908-694-1133.

Dance • Feb. 19 from 7 – 11 p.m. – Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers will hold an open dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Morrisey Ave., Avenel. Refreshments, all welcome. Admission: $10 members, $12 guests. Info: 1-732-381-3255 or 1-908-757-0515.

Singles • Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. – Steppin’ Out Singles will hold an upscale dance party at the Woodbridge Hilton Grand Ballroom, 20 Wood Ave. South, Iselin. Ages 40+; no jeans/t-shirts/sneakers. Admission: $17. Info: 1-732-656-1801. Directions: 1-732-494-6200.

Open Auditions • Feb. 20 & 21 at 7 p.m. – Playhouse 22, East Brunswick’s Community Theater, will hold open auditions for its spring production of “Gypsy” at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd. Info: 1-732-254-3939 or www.Playhouse22.org.

Shrove Tuesday Potato Pancake Supper • Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. – The Reformed Church of Linden, 600 N. Wood Ave., will host a Shrove Tuesday Potato Pancake Supper. Tickets (advance only – Feb. 17 cutoff) are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Info: 1-908-486-3714.

Heart Health • Feb. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. – A Trinitas Regional Medical Center cardiologist will speak at a “Joyful Heart” tea, which will include a light, heart-healthy dinner, at Echo Executive Plaza, Suite 1A, 899 Mountain Ave., Springfield. To register, call 1-908-994-8939.

Dining To Donate • Feb. 23 from 2-8 p.m. – Broadway Bistro, 26 North Broadway, South Amboy, will hold a Dining To Donate fundraiser for the Dowdelll Library Foundations. If patrons present a flier for the event, 10% of their check will be donated. Fliers are available from the bistro and the library. Info: 1-732-316-1078.

Book Signing • Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. – Author Cristina Guarneri will sign copies of her novel “See No Evil” at Rock N Joe, 339 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell. Info: 1-888-361-9473

History Lecture • Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. – Stephen Schoeman, Ph.D., will lecture on the history of the U.S. Presidency from colonial times to the present at the Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Ave. Info: 1-908-851-5450 ext. 5452.

Elizabeth AARP • Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. – Elizabeth AARP Chapter 5439 will hold their monthly meeting at the Stephen Sampson Senior Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth. New members welcome. Info: 1-908-342-6920.

Black History Month • Feb. 24 from 6:30-9 p.m. – United Way’s African-American Leadership Initiative’s “Making A Mark” event will celebrate A Journey of Black Dance, with a performance by the Plainfield High School Dance Ensemble with special guests, The New Jersey Orators Group. Tickets for the event, which will be held at Kean University’s University Center Little Theater, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, are $25. Info: 1-908-353-7171 ext. 136.

Art Workshop • Feb. 25 – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present an Encaustic Painting Workshop. Fee: $70 + $25 materials fee. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Spaghetti Dinner • Feb. 26 from 4-8 p.m. – Middlesex County 4-H will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the County 4-H Center, 645 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick. Tickets are $8 per person, and proceeds will help pay for needed repairs at the Middlesex County 4-H Center. The Hub Kings will play soul/jazz music during part of the evening. To reserve your seat, call 1-732-398-5261.

Green Living Group Meeting • Feb. 27 from 7-9 p.m. – Rutgers professor Dr. Joseph Heckman will present “Anonymous Commodity Producer or Artisan Farmer with a Face: Who is Your Farmer and Why? At the East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center, in meeting room 1. Info: www.friendsebec.com.

Women’s History Month Film Festival • March 1-3 – Women in Media-Newark will present “FootPrints in the City” with a kickoff event at the Newark Public Library and films at the Paul Robeson Student Center, Rutgers-Newark, on March 2 & 3. Info: www.wim-n.com

Gift Auction • March 2 at 7:30 p.m. – The Parents Guild of Mother Seton Regional High School. Valley Road, Clark (GSP Exit 135) will sponsor a “Bon Voyage” Gift Auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission: $15. No tickets sold at the door. For tickets and info, call 1-732-382-1952.

Craft & Vendor Fair • March 3 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Middlesex County 4-H will hold a craft fair fundraiser at the 4-H Center on Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick. Info: 1-732-723-9968.

Art Workshop • March 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present an Alla Prima Painting Technique Workshop. Fee: $70. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Book Signing • March 4 from 1-4 p.m. – Author Dominick Mazzagetti will sign copies of his book, “True Jersey Blues” at the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown. Museum admission required. Info: 1-973-538-2404.

Gift Auction • March 4 at 2 p.m. (snow date: March 11) – Divine Mercy Parish, 213 Pershing Ave., Carteret, will host its annual gift auction. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Admission: $8 (no one under 18 admitted.) For info or tickets, call Lori at 1-732-541-5616 or Debbie at 1-732-541-5736.

Widows Or Widowers • March 5 at 7 p.m. – Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers will hold a business meeting at the Carteret Community Center, Pershing & Cooke Aves. All widows or widowers are invited to attend. Info: 1-732-969-2228 or 1-908-757-0515.

Business Seminar • March 7 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will hold a free public seminar, “Starting and Succeeding with a New Business” at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Singles • March 9 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. – The Professional and Business Singles Network will hold a casual singles social at Snuffy’s Famous Steak House, 250 Park Ave. at Rte. 22 in Scotch Plains. $18 admission, cash bar. Sharp casual business attire. 40+ age group. Info: 1-610-348-5544.

Gift Auction • March 9 at 8 p.m. – The St. John the Apostle Parent Faculty Guild is sponsoring a gift auction at the school’s auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance. The school is located on Valley Road, Clark. Info: 1-908-276-0498.

Art Workshop • March 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present a Dynamic Figure Drawing and Anatomy Workshop. Fee: $95. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Farmers Market • March 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – The first East Brunswick Winter Farmers Market will be held a the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd.

ONE VOICE Coalition Breakfast • March 10 at 10 a.m. – The Italian-American ONE VOICE Coaltion will hold a special breakfast for new members at Brix Tapas Bar & Grill, 371 Franklin Ave., Belleville. Breakfast is $25; ONE VOICE membership is $60. Info: 1-973-759-9259.

CD & Record Show • March 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Greater NJ Record Show returns to Hotel 304 West on Route 22 West in Springfield. Dozens of music dealers will sell records, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia. Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for kids. Info: GNJRecordShows@yahoo.com

Purim Carnival • March 11 from noon-3 p.m. – The Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will hold a Purim Carnival Extravaganza. Free admission and games. Come in costume & receive two prize tickets. Info: 1-732-494-3232 ext. 621.

Blood Drive • March 13 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. – The Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry St., will host a blood drive in the Columbia Bank Room. Info: 1-908-298-3830 ext. 11 or 1-800-NJBLOOD.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon • March 14 – St. Genevieve’s Leisure Group will hold their St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Kenilworth Inn, at a cost of $32. Reservations may be made by calling 1-908-352-6942.

Landlord/Tenant Issues Seminar • March 15 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on Landlord-Tenant Issues at the New Jersey Law Center off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

St. Patrick Happy Hour • March 16 from 5-7 p.m. – Ken Vercammen is inviting Central Jersey business owners and professionals to a St. Patrick Happy Hour at Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave., Lake Como / Belmar. RSVP to VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com and bring a canned food donation.

Fishing Flea Market • March 17 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – The Rahway Fishing Flea Market, now in its 16th year, returns to St. Thomas Church Hall, 1400 St. Georges Ave. Saltwater & freshwater fishing items and boating items will be for sale. Admission: $4 (Children under 12 free) Info: 1-732-381-2165.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance • March 17 from 7:30-11:30 p.m. – Knights of Columbus #4815, 61 Pine St., Old Bridge, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance. Tickets are $25 (advance only) and include a traditional dinner, wine/beer/soda, and desserts. Cash bar. DJ music by Tony V. Info: 1-732-251-0970.

Cancer Presentation • March 21 at 7 p.m. – The Northern NJ Affiliate of the Young Survival Coalition will sponsor an event, “Reinventing Your Life After Cancer,” with guest speaker Gail Tyrrell, executive director of the Ruby Heals Foundation, at Morristown Memorial Hospital’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. To register, call 1-201-843-6695.

Nonviolent Communication Workshop • March 31 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, will host “Moving Beyond Enemy Images in Peace & Justice Work” presented by Eliane Geren, CNVC Trainer. Registration is $60 and participants should bring a bagged lunch. Info: 1-973-838-8576.

Disabilities Awareness Day • April 15 from noon-4 p.m. – The North Brunswick Abilities Council will host its 4th annual Disabilities Awareness Day at North Brunswick Township High School, 98 Raider Rd. Free admission; refreshments. Info: 1-732-247-0922 ext. 619.

CD & Record Show • June 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Greater NJ Record Show returns to Hotel 304 West on Route 22 West in Springfield. Dozens of music dealers will sell records, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia. Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for kids. Info: GNJRecordShows@yahoo.com

Shawn Hartwell Jr. (photo courtesy of the Union County Prosecutor's Office)

ELIZABETH — The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has charged a 23-year-old Elizabeth man with the 2008 murder of Bashon Rose, officials announced Thursday.

Shawn Hartwell, Jr., identified by the prosecutor’s office as a confirmed member of the Crips street gang, allegedly shot Rose, 22 of Newark, at approximately 11 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2008 in the area of Drake and St. Georges avenues in Roselle. The prosecutor’s office identified Rose as a confirmed member of the Valentine Set of the Bloods street gang.

This case was investigated by Detective Kevin Grimmer of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, who was assisted by members of the Roselle Police Department detective bureau.

Hartwell has been incarcerated since Nov. 10, 2011 on murder charges stemming from the Nov. 9, 2011 shooting death of 31-year-old Linden resident Montau “Monty” McCloud. That fatal shooting occurred in Roselle at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the area of the 1100 block of Warren Street.

McCloud’s death was investigated by Detective Travis Koziol of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force. McCloud had no gang affiliation and the incident appeared to be due to an ongoing dispute, according to a statement from the prosecutor’s office.

Hartwell’s bail is set at a total of $5 million on both charges, authorities said.

The criminal charges pending against Hartwell are merely accusations; he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

ELIZABETH — Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (right) and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi discuss one of the displays at the opening of “Preserving the Union,” an exhibit to commemorate Union County’s role in the Civil War of 1861-65, in the Rotunda of the Union County Courthouse in historic mid-town Elizabeth. The Union County Civil War commemorative exhibit will be on display until 2015. The exhibit may be viewed weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

ELIZABETH—Four young women, all students at Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, have earned recognition for their academic and all-around achievements at the all-female, Catholic college-prep high school. Selected as “Students of the Month” for January 2012 were, (left to right), junior Martha Devia and sophomore Hazel Pena, both of Elizabeth, and, freshman Laura Gomes and senior Ariana Taveras, both of Newark. The students will be honored at a breakfast held at the Academy later this month.

Nominated by the Benedictine Academy faculty, the young women were selected for being positive role models, working to their fullest potential in academics and maintaining at least a B grade average. They were also cited for their involvement in service, activities or leadership to their school, church or civic community.

(Photo courtesy of Benedictine Academy)

ELIZABETH – This week, Glimcher Realty Trust announced the completion of a 4.8-megawatt SunPower rooftop solar system at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. The project, which is among the largest rooftop systems in North America, broke ground in June 2011 and began producing power this week.

The rooftop solar system is comprised of more than 15,000 high efficiency SunPower panels, and generates approximately the amount of power required for 564 New Jersey homes. It is expected to generate the equivalent of 11 percent of the mall’s electrical demand.

Anchored by tenants like Gap Outlet, H&M, Lord & Taylor Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Jersey Gardens is the largest outlet mall in New Jersey. The mall was built by Glimcher Realty Trust in 1999 on the site of a former landfill.

“There has been a significant commitment to collaboration by all of the entities involved in this project as well as the City of Elizabeth, which is evidenced by the completion of the project in just seven months,” said Marshall Loeb, president and COO, Glimcher Realty Trust.

The solar power system at Jersey Gardens was made possible through a partnership with Gerding Edlen Development, Inc. and Gerding Edlen Sustainable Solutions.

According to Christina Skellenger of Gerding Edlen, “We are excited to see this monumental project come to fruition.”

This project is the result of a power purchase agreement between Glimcher Realty Trust and Clean Focus Corporation. Under the agreement, Clean Focus financed and owns the system. All solar renewable energy credits and environmental benefits associated with the system will be owned by Clean Focus. Jersey Gardens will buy the electricity at a predetermined, predictable price, providing a long-term hedge against rising power prices with no initial capital investment.

“This project is a perfect example of how working with the right partners can create a model for success. Because of the experience our partners — Glimcher Realty Trust, Gerding Edlen, SunPower, and PSEG — we were able to successfully work through the challenges of installing a very large solar project on the mall’s rooftop. We are pleased to be a part of a comprehensive sustainability program at the mall,” said Stanley Chin, president and CEO of Clean Focus.

The Jersey Gardens solar system was designed and installed by SunPower Corp., which will also operate and maintain the system. The system uses the SunPower®T5 Solar Roof Tile, which is the solar industry’s first non-penetrating rooftop product that combines a high-efficiency SunPower solar panel, frame and mounting system into a single, pre-engineered unit. Tilted at a 5-degree angle, the system will approximately double the energy generated per square meter compared to other systems that are mounted flat onto commercial rooftops.

“Only with SunPower high efficiency technology is the Jersey Gardens roof accommodating this 4.8-megawatt system, which will reliably generate power over the long term, maximizing savings on monthly electricity costs,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, regions. “We applaud our project partners for their leadership in installing this significant system, and helping New Jersey meet its renewable energy goals.”

The Jersey Gardens solar system was financed in part by the Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) Solar Loan Program. The Solar Loan Program can help qualified PSE&G electric customers finance from 40 to 60 percent of the total cost of their solar system. The loan can be re-paid using Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) generated by the solar system, with a minimum value for each credit guaranteed by PSE&G.

“We’re always happy to see one of our solar loan projects in service,” said Al Matos, vice president – renewables and energy solutions for PSE&G. “But it’s particularly rewarding when we can help finance one of the largest rooftop solar systems in North America at a premier location like Jersey Gardens.”

ELIZABETH — Benedictine Academy Basketball Coach Mike Jones picked up his 100th victory recently when his team defeated Roselle Park High School on Jan. 26. Jones, who is also athletic director at Benedictine Academy, was honored at a pep rally at the all-female Catholic college prep high school on Feb. 2. Jones (right) is pictured with Benedictine Academy Principal Kenneth Jennings, who presented Jones with a trophy marking his 100 wins. Benedictine Academy plays in the Union County Interscholastic Athletic Conference. (Photo courtesy of Benedictine Academy)

State Sen. Ray Lesniak

ELIZABETH – State Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) criticized Gov. Chris Christie and praised President Barack Obama in his remarks at a flag-raising ceremony on Monday at City Hall to commemorate the start of African-American History Month in Elizabeth.

“The importance of African American History Month was underscored just last week when New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie said, ‘The fact of the matter is I think people would have been happy to have a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South,’” Lesniak said.

“Civil Rights leader John Lewis gave Governor Christie a much needed lesson in African American history when he responded, ‘We would never have won with a referendum; it took actions of Congress and Presidential executive orders to bring down those signs that said ‘colored only’ and ‘whites only.’’

“Our Governor needs more than a lesson in civil rights – he needs a lesson in being civil. He called President Obama ‘probably the weakest president I’ve seen ….’ Well, I don’t think Osama Bin Laden would agree with that statement. Nor would the hostages recently saved from being held in captivity by pirates and those saved in 2009 by the President’s bold decisions.

“It also took a strong president to save the automobile industry from bankruptcy and the jobs of tens of thousands of workers.

“Governor Christie, I’m proud to have Barack Obama as my president and I’m looking forward to four more years of his strong leadership.

“But President Obama would not be president without the achievements of tens, hundreds and thousands of African Americans who paved the way for his presidency, some of whom are in this room today and others of whom lived in the City of Elizabeth.

“Chessie Roberts comes immediately to my mind. My 9th grade homeroom teacher was the secretary for the Elizabeth Branch of the NAACP. She taught me African American history long before we started celebrating African American History Month.

“Charlie Harris also comes immediately to my mind. When he ran for Elizabeth council at large as my running mate, he made it clear he was going to campaign throughout the city, not just in areas that had a majority of African American voters. By that campaign, Charlie Harris paved the way for Patricia Perkins-Auguste to be our Councilwoman at Large – just as Elizabeth football standout Gil Chapman paved the way for Bill Gallman to be our 5th Ward Councilman.

“And there are many, many others, Steve Sampson, Shade Lee, Thelma Hurd, Debra Dixon, Rev. Joseph Garlic. The list goes on and on. In Elizabeth, we don’t have to look far or long to learn about African American History. We just have to look at our friends and neighbors,” Lesniak concluded.

ELIZABETH — In celebration of the completion of one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in North America, Jersey Gardens will present the Lighting Up the Mall display on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Students from Robert Morris School #18 in Elizabeth have created 564 miniature houses—representing the 564 homes that the Jersey Gardens solar array could power. This village of houses will “Glow Red” simultaneously at 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 to generate awareness for the annual American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement.

“We are so excited to celebrate our solar rooftop completion and support the American Heart Association at the same time! The students at Robert Morris School #18 have worked so hard to create the houses and help us recognize this accomplishment,” says Crystal Stell, Jersey Gardens Marketing Director.

Jersey Gardens will donate $1 to American Heart Association for every house created by the school. Shoppers can join the fun and also support the Go Red for Women campaign by wearing red to the event and visiting the Go Red table. Trinitas Hospital will conduct free screenings and offer heart-healthy information. Radio Disney will emcee the festivities with games, contests and music from 2-4 p.m.