Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/04/2023
(MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ) -- The professional knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a federal court interpreter are complex. In addition, communication in courtroom proceedings may be more complicated than in other settings or everyday life. Brookdale Community College alumni Jorge Puerto has been on staff at Mercer County Superior Court for the past six years and has recently passed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination. He is among many students receiving a Judicial and Medical Interpreting Certificate and building a career.
"This is a great accomplishment, and we are proud to say he started his journey at Brookdale," said Beatriz Craney, an instructor of interpreting courses at Brookdale and founder of Craney Interpreting Services. "Statistics show that only 10% of applicants pass these tests. His vicinage uses our former students to do superior court cases."
Using competent federal court interpreters in proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English is critical to ensure that justice is carried out fairly for defendants and other stakeholders. Accordingly, fees were raised for court interpreters beginning January 1, 2023. For Federally Certified Interpreters, a full day will be $566, and a half day $320. Professionally Qualified Interpreters will earn $495 for a full day and half a day $280.
“This whole journey has been a most rewarding experience," said Puerto. "I was able to have a career and I've been successful.”
Brookdale is gaining quite a reputation around the municipal courts and even the superior courts for having good, trained students who are now full-time interpreters.
Monmouth County Superior Court Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton was present while some of Brookdale's former students were interpreting in a county municipal court. Craney received a note from the Deputy Court Administrator that said, "Our county's top Judge dropped into our courtroom today to see how our session was going with multiple interpreters. She thought it went very well and is going to spotlight us to all of the Judges and court administrators and deputies in Monmouth County."
Court interpreters work in various legal settings, such as attorney-client meetings, preliminary hearings, arraignments, depositions, and trials. Medical interpreters help patients communicate with doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.
Since Astrid Ferrer received her certificate as Judicial Medical Interpreter from Brookdale, she began working in the courts and in several hospitals. She has been working full-time for the past three years as a Medical Interpreter, has a National certification for Medical Interpreter, and is a member of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC).
"Not only was the course both fun and challenging but the teachers' feedback for improving my interpretation skills was invaluable," said Ferrer. "They use logical methods of teaching that truly connected and inspired me."
Before the last class, instructors, depending on schedules, bring in diplomat interpreters, conference interpreters, federal and state interpreter senior managers, language access coordinators, federal renown instructors, and former students to encourage and inspire current students.
Sonia Marcos wanted a career change after being an office manager for 15 years. After hearing excellent comments about the program and meeting the instructors, she knew she was in the right place. Additionally, New Jersey Superior and Municipal Courts judges constantly request Marcos.
She said, "At Brookdale, I learned the Code of Ethics and was trained to go into the field as a professional interpreter. Obtaining my certification with Brookdale opened the door to many job opportunities."
If you speak Spanish or Portuguese, career opportunities using your understanding of English and a second language are possible through Brookdale's Continuing and Professional Development certificate programs.
EVENT PREVIEWS
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
SOPAC presents Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much? on July 16th
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stewart Copeland brings his first American spoken-word tour (Have I Said Too Much?) to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Copeland is the founding drummer of The Police and one of rock's most inventive forces.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
North to Shore Festival Returns with Hundreds of Free Events Across Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City
The North to Shore Festival is back for its fourth summer, lighting up New Jersey with hundreds of free events spanning Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City. Alongside a roster of big-name concerts featuring superstar artists, the festival offers an array of community gatherings, pop-up performances, and unique collaborations that celebrate local talent and the arts.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
