BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Artist James Fiorentino paid tribute to the life, legacy and land preservation efforts of World War II pilot Lt. Col. Vaucher, just days before the decorated aviator passed away at the age of 102 last week.
Fiorentino had been able to connect with Vaucher via a Zoom connection to show him the portrait he had painted. Vaucher, a veteran of 117 air missions during the World War II era, passed away a few days later.
The painting was presented to Vaucher s family during a virtual meeting of the Bridgewater Township Council on Feb. 11, 2021. The Flemington artist made the presentation along with D&R Greenway Land Trust President & CEO Linda Mead in recognition of Vaucher s efforts to preserve the historic 36-acre Steele s Gap tract.
Hudson Reporter
Board of Education approves Special Education position
The department faces complex issues ×
Superintendent Niesz (center) addressed the Board of Education on Jan. 26.
The Bayonne School District created a new assistant superintendent position at the Board of Education meeting on Jan. 26.
According to Superintendent of Schools John Niesz, the district’s Special Education Department faces “extensive, persistent and complex” issues. There are 1,500 special education students, or approximately 15 percent of the school population.
“This is obviously a significant number of students who require concentrated attention,” Niesz said, calling for the creation an Assistant Superintendent of Special Services position, which “would not only take charge of this entire educational area, but this position will create a clear understanding for the staff and the community of the importance the district places on education.”