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.

UNION — The Union Public Library will host a French film series with four selections beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14, and continuing through March 6. The films will be screened on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Admission to the programs is free.

The following feature films will be shown: “Midnight In Paris,” “Paris 36,” “MicMacs,” and “Rumba.”

The Union Public Library is located at 1980 Morris Avenue. For further information and a schedule of film titles, call the reference department at 1-908-851-5452.

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

UNION–The Department of Theatre at Kean University will present “The Odyssey” in Kean University’s Wilkins Theatre on Feb. 24 through March 1. Adapted by Mary Zimmerman from the translation of “The Odyssey” by Robert Fitzgerald, the play is based on the ancient Greek poem by Homer. With both irreverent humor and epic drama, the Kean production depicts the journey of Odysseus, whose journey encounters him with such mythical characters as Circe, Poseidon, Zeus, Hermes and the Sirens.

The original poem is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad, the other work ascribed to Homer. It is fundamental to the modern Western canon, and is the second—the Iliad being the first—extant work of Western literature. Composed near the end of the 8th century BC, the plot centers on Odysseus (or Ulysses, as he was known in Roman myths) and his ten year journey home after the fall of Troy. In his absence, it is assumed Odysseus has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors, (the Mnesteres or Proci), who compete for Penelope’s hand in marriage.

Comprised of 12,110 lines of didactic hexameter, “The Odyssey” continues to be read in the Homeric Greek and translated into modern languages around the world. Among the most impressive elements of the text are its non-linear plot, and the influence on events of choices made by women and serfs, besides the actions of fighting men. In the English language as well as many others, the word odyssey has come to refer to an epic voyage.

“The world’s first action hero, Odysseus, famously struggles across the ‘wine-dark sea’ to return home to his loving wife,” explains E. Teresa Choate, who co-directs the Kean production with Anna DeMers. “With some gods helping and others trying to stop him, Odysseus must battle beautiful immortals, such as Calypso, and terrifying monsters, such as the Cyclops.”

Mary Zimmerman’s dramatic adaptation begins with a modern young woman who is struggling, and failing, to understand the power of Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of “The Odyssey.” A classical muse appears, and the young woman is transformed into the goddess Athena—a tireless advocate for Odysseus in his endeavor to get home.

The cast features Steve Sharkey (of Washington, NJ) as Odysseus and Amber Adeleine (Garwood) as Athena. Andria Rogers (Cliffside Park) portrays Penelope and Steven Carter (Union) is Telemachus.

The ensemble includes Natalie Bailey (Edison) as Circe and Alcippe; Kyle Bergslien (Union) as a suitor, Demodocus and Elphenor; Camila Bermudez (Union) as a Siren, Phemios and Argos; Jeremy Brown (Union) as Poseidon and Cyclops; Anthony Crouchelli (New Milford) as Leodes and Seareach; Becca Dagnall (Piscataway) as the maid, a Siren and Eidothea); Rachelle Dorce (Maplewood) as Calypso, the Muse and a Siren; Lauren Eitzenberger (Union) in multiple roles; Brandon Elia (New Milford) as Eurymachus, Eurylochus and Hullman); Cara Ganski (Union) as Helen, Melantho and a Siren; Tony Mowatt (Union) as Antinous and Aeolus; Lucas Pinner (Union) as Hermes, Laodamasand Proteus; Jason Rader (Passaic) as Menelaus and a Mentor; Justin Reynolds (Elizabeth) as Eumaeus, Perimedes and Tiresias; Josh Schnetzer (Union) as King Alcinous and Neoman; Jalen Smith (Union) as Odysseus’ sailor; Jasmine Taylor (Union) as Queen Arete, a Siren and Charybdis); Carolyn Vicari (Union) as Eurycleia and Jason Wells, (Union) as Zeus).

Performances of The Odyssey are Feb. 24, 25, March 2, 3 at 8 p.m., Feb. 25, 26, March 3 at 2 p.m., March 1 at 5 p.m. The March 1 performance is followed by a question and answer session with the cast and creative team. All performances will be preceded 20 minutes before curtain by a “Homer Talks” a symposium of the world of the play conducted by the production dramaturg, Jason Gillis (Cranford).

Tickets to The Odyssey are $15 standard, $12 senior, $10 student or child and can be purchased by calling Kean Stage Box Office at 1-908-737-7469, online at www.keanstage.com, or in person at Kean University’s Wilkins Theater Box Office, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union.

ELIZABETH – On Friday, 21-year-old Priscilla Natal was sentenced to five years in prison for her role in the death of an 18-year-old friend following a drunken driving accident in 2010, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow announced.

Natal, of Newark, was driving her vehicle on the Garden State Parkway in Kenilworth around 2 a.m. on May 8, 2010, when she lost control and struck another vehicle while traveling northbound. Her friend, Hernan Sanchez Jr. of Union, was a back seat passenger in the car and was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of his injuries, said Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor who prosecuted the case. Another passenger was also ejected and suffered severe injuries, requiring treatment at a local hospital for several months. Natal, and two others in the vehicle were uninjured.

The vehicle that Natal struck was driven by Jason Montanez, 21, of East Orange. He fled the scene following the accident and was arrested several weeks later following an investigation by Sgt. Sal Ingui and Det. Harold Ramirez of the New Jersey State Police, said Lawlor.

Montanez was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and pled guilty late last year and was sentenced on Feb. 3 to three years of probation and one year in the Union County Jail.

Natal pled guilty to vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. She must serve at least 85 percent of her sentence before being eligible for parole, said Lawlor.

At sentencing, Union County Superior Court Judge Stuart Peim said these types of crimes can be avoided, and said he hoped the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.

Pictured are (from left to right): Adrianna DeGazon of South Orange, Annie Cierpial of Linden, and Kimberly Esguerra of Union. (Photo courtesy of Union Catholic)

SCOTCH PLAINS—Union Catholic High School seniors Annie Cierpial of Linden, Adrianna DeGazon of South Orange, and Kimberly Esguerra of Union have been nominated to compete in the National Honor Society scholarship program for this school year.

This year the program will award more than $200,000 in college scholarships. Special recognition and additional awards will be presented to state and regional winners. One national recipient will receive a $13,000 award.

High school National Honor Society chapters from across the country were eligible to nominate between two and five senior NHS members to compete. Nominees are selected on the basis of their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs; achievements in the arts and sciences; and general academic record.

While at Union Catholic, Cierpial has excelled academically, consistently remaining in the top two percent of her class, and is involved as a member of the Forensics Team, Academic Team, Student Ambassador, Student Council, and a number of other clubs.

DeGazon is a writer for The Prophet (student newspaper), Student Ambassador, Student Council, Project Haiti, and the Big Brother/Big Sister program for incoming freshmen.

Esguerra plays Varsity Volleyball and is a member of Union Catholic’s Peer Ministry, Environmental Club, Academic Team, Health Club, and the Big Brother/Big Sister program.

NHS is a program of NASSP, the nation’s preeminent school leadership organization. NASSP serves as the national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders. NASSP promotes the intellectual growth, academic achievement, character development, leadership development, and physical well-being of youth through its programs and student leadership services. NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society and the National Association of Student Councils. For more information, visit www.nassp.org or www.nhs.us.

The NHS Scholarship program, in existence since 1946, annually recognizes more than 150 of the nation’s top high school seniors who are members of NHS.

Atlantic City Boat Show • Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – The Atlantic City Convention Center, One Miss America Way, will host the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show. See all varieties of boats and accessories and enjoy a variety of demonstrations, clinics, and other activities. Admission: $14. Info: 1-718-707-0716 or www.ACBoatShow.com

Flight School Open House • Feb. 3 at noon – American Flyers Flight School, 50 Airport Rd., Suite 120, at Morristown Airport will host an open house and barbecue. Tour classrooms, see flight aircraft and hear a presentation by a certified flight instructor. Guests are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Info: 1-973-267-3223.

Singles • Feb. 4 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.

FairTax Presentation • Feb. 6 from 6:30-8:45 p.m. – Americans for Liberty and the Morris Patriots will co-host an event at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave., Whippany, where former Congressional candidate Dave Corsi will conduct a FairTax presentation. Info: 1-973-285-6930.

Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers • Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. – Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers will conduct a business meeting at the Carteret Community Center, at Pershing and Cooke aves. All widows & widowers welcome. Info: 1-732-969-2228 or 1-908-757-0515.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at the Scotch Plains YMCA, 1340 Martine Ave. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Diabetes Screening • Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center professionals will conduct Type 2 diabetes screenings at the Jewish Community Center, 1391 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Women’s Heart Health • Feb. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. – A cardiologist from Trinitas Regional Medical Center will present “Recognizing Cardiac Signs and Symptoms: When Should You See Your Doctor?” at The Westwood, 483 North Ave., Garwood. To register, call 1-908-994-8939.

Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers • Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers will conduct a business meeting in the Children’s Room of the Main Library, George Frederick Plaza, Rte. 35, Woodbridge. All widows and widowers welcome. Info: 1-732-381-3255 or 1-908-757-0515.

Meditation Lecture • Feb. 9 – Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy train station at 233 Smith St., will host two interactive lecture sessions with Jim Rose, M Ed. On “Meditation, A Spiritual Solution To Stress, Anger and Conflict” from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Info: 1-848-203-3432.

Living With Alzheimer’s (For Caregivers) • Feb. 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, will present the first of a two-part program, “Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers – Moderate Stage” a the NJIT Campus Center, 150 Bleeker St., Ballroom B, 2nd Flooer, University Heights, Newark. Part two will be held at the same time and place on Feb. 16. To register, call 1-973-586-4300.

Art Show Opening Reception • Feb. 9 from 7-9 p.m. – The Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, will host an opening reception for “CompleXity: Art Outside the Limits of Imagination.” The exhibition, which runs until Feb. 26, features work by Gary Bulwicz, Dawn Arena, Paul Borkowski and Andrew Edwards. The gallery is open weekdays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and weekends from 2-4 p.m.

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.

ELC Breakfast • Feb. 10 at 8 a.m. – The Middlesex County Employer Legislative Committee will host a breakfast with Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-18) at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, 515 US Highway 1, Iselin. Cost is $20 per person. Register with jsteiner@organizationresources.org.

Cholesterol Screening • Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center professionals will conduct cholesterol screenings at the Home Depot, Springfield Ave., Vauxhall. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register. There is a $10 fee.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

WESTFIELD – Elected officials, transportation professionals and the public are invited to the first Raritan Valley Rail Coalition meeting of 2012 on Monday, Feb. 6, at 8:30 a.m.

The featured speaker will be NJ Transit Capital Planning Assistant Executive Director Steven Santoro. He will provide an update on the status of the engineering and funding for the Portal Bridge Replacement Project.

The meeting will be held in the Town of Westfield Council Chambers, located in the Westfield Municipal Building at 425 E. Broad Street. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the municipal building.

NJ Transit rail and bus service is a short walk from NJ Transit’s Westfield Train Station and various NJ Transit bus routes. For NJ Transit bus and rail schedule and fare information, call 1-973- 275-5555 or visit www.njtransit.com

For questions, directions or more information about the meeting, contact the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition at 1-908-231-7021, by fax at 1-908-707-1749 or by e-mail at rvrc@co.somerset.nj.us

If inclement weather is predicted for the day of the meeting, call 1-908-281-9569 the day before to find out if it has been postponed.

NEWARK – The chief financial officer of New Jersey vending company Culinary Ventures Vending was arrested this morning in Union by special agents of the FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigation on charges he defrauded Pepsi Bottling Group of approximately $2.9 million, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Joseph Belasco, 62, of Cedar Grove, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, five counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering for allegedly participating in a decade-long fraud to receive commissions for customer referrals for which he was not responsible.

According to the Indictment unsealed today: In the spring of 1998, Belasco, along with a business associate identified in the indictment as an unindicted co-conspirator, created Impact Cause Related Marketing as a subsidiary of Culinary Ventures Vending, a company that placed and stocked vending machines in private and commercial facilities such as state colleges and entertainment venues. The purpose of Impact Marketing was allegedly to provide Pepsi Bottling Group – an independent corporation that served as the largest bottler of Pepsi products in the United States – with leads for acquiring new customers to purchase its cans, bottles and fountain products. In return, Impact Marketing and Belasco would receive commissions as long as a client remained a Pepsi customer. According to its contract, Impact Marketing would also receive quarterly rebates based on the amount of Pepsi product a customer purchased on an annual basis.

A Pepsi insider, also identified in the indictment as a co-conspirator, allegedly assigned to Impact Marketing new customers that he developed in his position as a Pepsi representative. He also allegedly reassigned existing Pepsi customers to the list of new customers supposedly referred by Impact Marketing, creating additional commissions for leads that Belasco was not responsible for generating.

Between 1998 and 2008, Impact Marketing received approximately $2.9 million dollars in commissions and rebates as a result of the alleged scheme.

Belasco also allegedly issued checks from Impact Marketing to the Pepsi insider and his co-conspiring spouse for consulting services she never performed and for fees he never earned. Over the 10-year period of the fraud, the Pepsi insider and his spouse allegedly received approximately $1.1 million in phony fees and commissions.

All six mail fraud-related charges each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The money laundering charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Additionally, the indictment seeks the forfeiture of approximately $4 million from Belasco, representing the approximately $2.9 million in fraudulent payments he received and approximately $1.1 million in fraudulent payments he made from Impact Marketing to coconspirators.

Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward; and special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge JoAnn S. Zuniga, with the investigation leading to the indictment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.