Belleville Post - March 2024

BELLEVILLE POST

Belleville remembers the Four Chaplains

By Rusty Myers

Special to the Belleville Post

One of the more emotional moments of the Four Chaplains Mass at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Kearny each year is when the hymn “No Greater Love” is sung during communion.

The refrain says that “There is no greater love, says the Lord, than to lay down your life for a friend.”

No words can better explain the story of the Four Chaplains who were killed on Feb. 3, 1943.

Each year, their sacrifice is memorialized at a mass held in their honor at St. Stephens, and the American Legion Post 105 Family of Belleville, along with other Legion families from throughout Essex County, are honored to attend.

The Four Chaplains - Methodist minister Rev. George L. Fox, Reform Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Catholic priest Father John P. Washington, and Reformed Church in America minister Rev. Clark V. Poling – all served as US Army chaplains during World War II.

In January of 1943, they set sail from New York along with 900 other soldiers headed for Greenland aboard the USAT Dorchester, a troop transport which was part of a larger convoy.

On the morning of Feb. 3, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat. The ship began to sink quickly.

The chaplains were seen handing out life jackets and helping soldiers into the water, eventually giving up their own life jackets to save other men.

Survivors of the Dorchester, of which there were only 230 out of 904, recall seeing the four men standing arm-in-arm on the ship as it went down, praying and singing hymns. The chaplains all went down with the Dorchester.

As members of the “Greatest Generation,” they made the ultimate sacrifice by helping save as many of their fellow serviceman as they could - a testament to their commitment as officers and men of faith to serve their fellow man.

To honor that sacrifice, veterans, patriotic organizations, and veteran service organizations from around the area gather at the invitation of St. Stephen’s to

attend a mass in the chaplain’s honor each year on the first Sunday in February.

In a remarkable addition to that, descendants of the Dorchester’s survivors from around the country attend, as well as descendants of the chaplain’s themselves – now 81 years after the vessel’s sinking.

St. Stephens has the unique distinction of being a church where one of the Chaplains was actually stationed as a parish priest.

Originally from the Roseville section of Newark, Father John P. Washington was assigned to Kearny in 1938, before his enlistment in 1941.

Because of his connection to the church, there is a large statue outside of the four men standing and praying on the deck of the Dorchester, along with the

See REMEMBERING, Page 3

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers

Above, the Four Chaplains Statue at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Kearny. Below, members of Belleville’s American Legion Post during the annual service for the four chaplains.

St. Peter School observes Catholic Schools Week with talks, blessings, services

BELLEVILLE — St. Peter School, located on William Street, joined more than 6,000 Catholic Schools around the nation in observing Catholic Schools Week at the end of January/early February.

The school community attended Sunday Mass as a group at St. Peter’s Church on Jan. 28. Speakers at the end of each Mass included Justin Medrano, a 2016 alum of St. Peter School.

He was home for a short break from his deployment on the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Eastern Mediterranean. Medrano

spoke about the impact of Catholic education on his life. Activities during the week included the blessing of the classrooms by Fr. Ivan Sciberras and Fr. David Hinojosa, parochial vicar; there was also a talk about the vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. Seventh-grader Catherine Lema presented thank you notes to parishioners for their support of the school, while third-grader Stephanie Rosa did a reading at the concluding Mass.

Correction

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham’s title was incorrect in the last edition of the Belleville Post. He is the current mayor.

It is the policy of this newspaper to correct all significant errors that are brought to the attention of the editor. If you believe we have made an error, send an email to the editor at editorial@thelocalsource.com or call 908686-7700, ext 129, weekdays before 5 p.m.

St. Peter School alum Justin Medrano speaks durimng Mass.

Photos Courtesy of St. Peter School Third-grader Stephanie Rosa does a reading at Mass

Seventh-grader Catherine Lema presents thank you notes to parishioners for their support of the school.

Remembering four men who gave their lives willingly, bravely

(Continued from Page 1)

Sanctuary of the Four Chaplains residing in the church itself.

For the fourth year in a row, the American Legion 105 Family has been invited to attend, along with other Essex County American Legions from Nutley and Montclair. In addition, members of the county leadership along with County Commander Terence Scantlebury were in atten-

dance, joining other posts and squadrons from Bergen and Hudson counties.

The mass, filled with trumpets, organ, and bagpipe music, is somber in nature celebrating these four lives, representing the very best of humanity. Every moment of the hour-and-a-half mass celebrated their lives and the way in which they died.

In summarizing the mass, Father Joseph Mancini,

pastor of St. Stephens, noted that the Four Chaplains “…were asked to give it [their lives] up, and did so willingly … with bravery …lovingly … because they knew there was more than this physical existence.”

It is with that sentiment of hope and faith that the American Legion continues to honor the sacrifice of the Four Chaplains, and of all of our veterans past and present, fulfilling their motto “For God and Country”.

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers

Members of the American Legion Post 105 family in Belleville attended a service at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Kearny to honor four Army chaplains killed when the ship they were on was torpedoed by a German submarine. The chaplains are pictured to the right. The three men pictured above are Sons of the American Legion Adjutant Rusty Myers, Vice Commander James Elsmore, and Vice Commander Ricky Vlasakakis.

Girl Scout Week, the week of Girl Scouts’ birthday on March 12, is a great time to celebrate with faith communities to share about Girl Scouts and its benefits, thank faith partners for their support and give girls the opportunity to be recognized in their places of worship.

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ECC wants nominations for Hall of Fame

Essex County College is looking for nominations for its new ECC Hall of Fame to be housed in the Cleo Hill Sr. Physical Education Building on the Newark campus.

“It’s time we formally recognize this history of athletic prowess in a fitting manner. Our College has had many Olympians who have won medals. We have had many All-Americans in all our sports. Our teams have won national championships. The list goes on,” said Dean of Student Affairs Keith Kirkland.

Kirkland said ECC is seeking nomina-

tions from the public for student-athlete and teams throughout ECC’s history. Anyone can submit nominations at: https://eccie.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ 9NxIIX7CBCufKf4

The deadline for submissions to the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame is February 29, 2024.

“ECC provided a springboard for so many students through athletics,” said ECC’s President Augustine A. Boakye. “We are proud of them and they should be recognized in this manner.”

Cops and kids get together for story time at library

The Belleville Police Department held their first Story With A Cop event of the year earlier this month at the Belleville Public Library & Information Center. There was a great turnout for the event, which included a variety of activities for the kids including fun stories read to the kids by officers, a craft project and a spin the wheel game to win prizes.

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department

Library has something for everyone this month

The following are some select programs at the Nutley Public Library during the month of March.

• Art Exhibit by the Art Association of Rutherford – This new exhibit will feature acrylic paintings, prints, photography and sculpture by many members of the group. Artist Reception, Saturday, April 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. –STEAM Story Time – Stories and activities highlighting science, tech, engineering, art and math. For ages 2-6.

• Saturday, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11 a.m. – Drop-in Craft Saturdays in the Children’s Room; make a craft to take home. For all ages. While supplies last.

• Monday, March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10 a.m. – Mahjong Mondays. The Mahjong club meets in the Stockton Room. The library provides the Mahjong board and tiles. No instruction is provided, so you must know how to play.

• Monday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m. –Munchie Madness – Take part in various food-themed challenges, eat snacks and win prizes. While supplies last. For grades 6-12.

• Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m. – DISH! The Monday Night Cookbook Club. Members will choose, prepare at home and

present their DISH. Participants will then gather to sample and discuss each other’s recipes, cooking techniques and share stories and culture. To register and for further information visit: nutleypubliclibrary.org/dish-cookbook-club.

• Tuesday, March 5 at 1 p.m. – Friends of the Library Book Club – Join a discussion of “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan.

• Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. – Greetings from Palisades Park with Historian Vince Gargiulo. This popular and informative lecture is a comprehensive history of Palisades Park.

• Wednesday, March 6, 13, 20, 27 at 1 p.m. – Wednesday Afternoon Knitters. Share your love of knitting and crocheting with both beginning and experienced knitters. Bring your own supplies.

• Thursday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m. –Crafternoons@ the Nutley Public Library – Make a beaded bracelet. The library will make beaded stretch bracelets using glass beads and metal charms. Registration is required and limited to 15 Nutley adults. Sign up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.

• Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. –Friends of the Nutley Public Library General Meeting – All members of the Friends are welcome to attend.

The 45th annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Nutley Irish American St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 2.

This will be the 45th Anniversary of the event and the day will start with the Investiture Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 17 Monsignor Owens Place, Nutley.

The parade will step off at 1 p.m. from Holy Family Church. Those marching in the parade with an organization are asked to meet at noon at the parking lot of Holy Family Church.

Bus service will be available from Town Hall, leaving sharply at 9:15 a.m. This bus will take people to the Investiture Mass, and then from the Mass to lineup for the parade at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 28 Brookline Ave., Nutley.

The parade is organized and run by the Nutley Irish American Association. The following are the 2023-2024 Officers:

President - Deidre Hollywood

Vice President - Shane McClafferty

Treasurer - Brenda Sherman

Corresponding SecretaryColleen Nielsen

Recording Secretary - Ellen Bennett

Legal Counsel - Frank Costenbader

The Board of Trustees for the Nutley Irish American Association:

Ellen Bennett

Deidre Hollywood

Dan Kane

John Kruse

Shane McClafferty

Judy McIntyre

Colleen Nielsen

Karen O'Connor

Brenda Sherman

Steve Tucholski

Tony Wieners

All parade photos in this commemorative edition were taken by staff photographer Steve Ellmore at previous Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parades.

Irwin to lead 45th St. Patrick’s Day parade as grand marshal

Robert Irwin was selected by the officers, trustees and membership of the Nutley Irish American Association for the honor of being the 45th grand marshal of the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Irwin was born in Belleville and raised in Lyndhurst. He is extremely proud of his Irish heritage; his family immigrated from Belfast, Ireland to the United States in the 1890’s. The Irwin family initially settled in Jersey City, then lived in Kearny and finally settled in Lyndhurst where Robert was raised.

Irwin attended Bergen County Vocational and Technical school studying autobody and graduated in 1991. He went on to study aviation at The Teterboro School of Aeronautics, attaining his FAA Airframe and Powerplant License. This is also where Irwin began his career in public service as a volunteer with The Lyndhurst Police Emergency Squad as an emergency medical technician.

Irwin moved to Nutley in 1997 where he and his wife Cheryl bought their home. After working as a diesel mechanic and mechanic for Continental Airlines, Irwin’s passion for emergency services led him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Irwin was hired by the Nutley Police Department in 1998 and attended the Essex County Police Academy, graduating with Class 99-1.

Over the course of 25 years, Irwin has performed many functions in the police

department. He began with the patrol division, before moving on to the Detective Bureau as a detective sergeant, then administrative lieutenant and ultimately detective captain.

Irwin was instrumental in starting the Nutley Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit. He was also the department armorer, responsible for the maintenance and repair of all department weapons, a firearms instructor, a police academy instructor and active shooter instructor. His responsibilities also included vehicle fleet manager, information and technology, radios and communications, Internal Affairs, Investigative Bureau and the Training Bureau.

After a long and fulfilling career, Irwin retired from The Nutley Police Department as of Feb. 1. He is a current member of the Nutley Elks and was a volunteer rescue tech for the Nutley Rescue Squad.

Irwin and his wife Cheryl are also small business owners, owning and operating Sign Explosion LLC of Nutley. In addition, Irwin, together with his two sons, enjoys buying and restoring antique automobiles.

Irwin continues to reside in Nutley with Cheryl, his wife of 26 years and is the proud father of his daughter Danielle, who was the 2010 NIAA Parade Queen, his two sons Andrew and Alexander, and daughter Madison, his little angel in heaven.

Robert Irwin

2023 Grand Marshal Francis

2022 Grand Mashal Dr. John V. Kelly

Everybody is just a wee bit Irish on St. Paddy’s Day

Maureen Callaghan serves as Deputy Grand Marshal in 2024

Maureen Callaghan was selected by the officers and the Board of Trustees of the Nutley Irish American Association for the honor of being the 2024 Deputy Grand Marshal of the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Callaghan has been married to her husband Jim Callaghan for 43 years. Jim was the Nutley Irish 2005 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal. Together they have two daughters, Meghan Martin and Bridgette Callaghan.

Callaghan’s family moved to Nutley 34 years ago, where her husband had opened his business a few years before. She and her husband are also busy helping to raise their grandchildren Elke and Klaus Martin who attend schools in Nutley.

Callaghan retired after an almost 30 year career as a Nutley Board of Education Special Education paraprofessional. She spent most of those years at Lincoln School in Nutley, spending her days working with special needs children.

Callaghan returns to Lincoln School as much as possible as a substitute. She is active with the Lincoln School PTO and volunteers with organizations that provide the “extra” needed for children she works with. Her current project is supplying first responders in town with a backpack filled with items to help support children in the case of emergencies.

Callaghan’s Irish roots are traced back to her paternal grandfather, Thomas

Patrick McHugh, who emigrated from County Galway and settled in Old Forge, Pa., with his wife Bessie Laggan, who emigrated from England. Eventually, her father’s family would move to East Orange. Her parents Francis and Doris

McHugh would have three daughters and buy their first home in Newark.

The family moved to Kearny when she was 8 years old. She attended Franklin School with her sister Carol, while her sister Mickey remained at Girls Vocational High School in Newark. Maureen graduated from Kearny High School in 1975. At that time, Kearny was filled with Irish and

Scottish families who were first and second generation immigrants.

St. Patrick’s Day for Maureen is a house filled with family, friends, corned beef, Guinness, and Irish music, a tradition she looks forward to each March. She is looking forward to March 2, 2024 as she walks down Franklin Avenue with family and friends.

Joseph H. McNish Jr., 2023 deputy grand marshal, wearing sash

Maureen Callaghan

2022 Member of the Year John J. Wieners, on the left.

Barbara O’Halloran is the NIAA Member of the Year

Barbara O’Halloran was selected as the Nutley Irish American Association 2024 Member of the Year.

O’Halloran currently resides in Nutley with her two daughters, Samantha and Kelly, and her mother-in-law Vicki. She was born and raised in Belleville to a large family of 11 before moving to Nutley in 1991 where she has resided ever since.

O’Halloran has been employed by the county of Essex: Division of Family Benefits and Assistance for the past 16 years. She is a 10year member of the Nutley Irish. She participates in many events throughout the year while also lending a helping hand whenever one is needed. O’Halloran continuously served on the parade committee and is striving to beat her donation record from last year’s Relay for Life as the NIAA’s captain for this year’s Rally 4 Hope.

In her free time, she enjoys crafting, spending quality time with her girls, Samantha, Kelly and little four-legged Penelope, and spending time in Lake Adventure.

Barbara O’Halloran

Miller is Firefighter of the Year

Gabriel Miller was selected as the 2024 Nutley Irish American Association Firefighter of the Year, representing his community as well as the Nutley Fire Department.

He is a 2013 graduate of Nutley High School and a 2018 graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. He graduated cum laude with a bachelors in political science and labor studies. He is currently attending the Naval-Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Miller was hired by the Nutley Fire Department in 2016 and attended the Morris County Fire - Academy. He also completed training as an emergency medical technician and Hazmat Technician.

He worked as a firefighter on Tour 1 assigned to both EMS-1 and Ladder-1. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2023 and currently works out of the Administrative Office.

Miller was also a proud member of the Nutley Fire Department’s Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association 44 Executive Board. He served as a state delegate for six years and currently serves on the state FMBA’s Legislative Committee where he works with other committee members on legislation pertaining to labor and the fire service.

Miller is a third generation firefighter. His grandfather, Robert Miller served as a deputy chief for the Newark Fire Depart-

Gabriel Miller

ment. His father, Brian Miller is currently a battalion chief for North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue.

Miller is proud of the long standing Irish Heritage in the fire service and has participated in the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade throughout his career.

Reid is queen for the day

Tara Catherine Reid was selected by the officers, trustees and members of the Nutley Irish American Association for the honor and privilege of serving as Parade Queen of the 45th annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Reid is a Nutley native who graduated from Nutley High School in 2013. In 2017, she earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and media studies from Rutgers University.

She currently lives in Jersey City and has worked in digital media since graduating and is currently the director of video production at Rolling Stone.

Beyond work, Reid enjoys acting, dancing and volunteering. She was a dance instructor at New York Bodies, a medical actor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, and an actress in the Estrogenius Short Play Festival in New York City.

Additionally, Reid has volunteered as a producer and editor for organizations aiding those affected by substance abuse and incarceration such as Above and Beyond: Family Recovery Center, 2nd Opportunity and American Friends Service Committee.

Reid descends from Michael O’Loughlin, “King of the Burren.” One of the King’s daughters, Catherine O’Loughlin, is Tara’s great-great-great grandmother. Catherine married Mortimor O’Brien of Poplar House in 1839. Tara’s maternal great grandfather, Patrick Albert Smith, of the

same lineage, immigrated to America.

Smith arrived at Ellis Island on Oct. 12, 1903, and then began work as a truck driver in New York City. Smith was a selfless man who was loved and adored. Reid said she is honored to represent all of those who came before her during this parade.

We treat your vehicle like our own.

the time you spend in the auto repair shop.

The specialists at our family-owned and operated facility will make sure that you never experience another road-side emergency.

Shayne Martin was the 2022 Nutley St. Patrick’s Day parade queen.

Tara Catherine Reid

JANUARY MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

• A T.E.A.M. Approach Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Center

• Angelo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria

• Bank Card Systems

• Bloomfield Board of Education

• Bloomfield - Glen Ridge Rotary Club

• Glendale Cemetery Association

• IVY REHAB Physical Therapy (Bloomfield)

• Josephine O’Brien

• Klever BPO

• Patrician Realtor, M. Drozdz

• Red Carpet Kids

• S.A.S. Property Group

• Skyline Theatre Company

• Terry Drugs

• Woman’s Club of Belleville

Thank You For Your Generous Support!

Costume

Costume

Essex County Special Olympics held an Area 9 bowling tournament at Bowlero in Belleville in February. Special Olympics Bowling is a winter sport where athletes train and compete from August through April. Belleville Police Department officers were on scene to support the participants and hand out medals during the award ceremony.

Enjoy a ‘Cannoli with a Cop’ on March 21

The Belleville Police Department will be holding a Cannoli with a Cop event on Thursday, March 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at T&L Rinaldi’s at 313 Union Ave.

The free event is being held so people have an opportunity to meet members of the police department so they can share their thoughts and concerns. For more information, call 973-450-3348. Parking is available at School 3.

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department

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How to make all of your wedding dreams come true

(BPT) - You may have dreamed of this day for years, and now it's finally on the horizon: your wedding.

What you may not have imagined about your special day was the lengthy todo list that's now forming in your mind.

Weddings can be wonderful and magical, but also stressful - and pricey.

Fortunately, it's possible to customize your dream invitations, select the perfect gifts, gift wrapping and favors, then discover unique and beautiful decor that will leave your guests in awe.

You can do all this and more by visiting Zazzle.com/weddings, where you'll find everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Here are some tips to help you start putting your wedding plans in motion.

One-of-a-kind invitations

The most difficult task may be creating your invitation list.

That may take some negotiations between you, your spouse-to-be and your families, as well as space and budget considerations. Once that important task is completed, consider the impact your invitation will have on those friends

and loved ones who receive it.

You'll get the best response to your invitations if you can customize them to express your individual personality and style, using one-of-a-kind invitations your guests have never seen before, as well as giving a sense of what the event will be like (ranging from casual to ultra-formal). Whether you prefer retro or ultra-modern, extravagant or streamlined, it's vital to choose the design, font and color scheme to impress your guests and tell the story of your love and your special day.

Start by browsing the invitation possibilities on Zazzle, where you'll find all the inspiration you need to make your invitations look just the way you want them.

Identify your personal style and your best colors

It's easier to bring the look of your entire event together if you envision an overall style, along with a color palette to unify all your decor. First, come up with one word to describe the vibe you want, like: vintage, retro, elegant, classic or modern. Then imagine a color scheme to help you convey a mood. Choose from the

family of cool colors - blues and greensfor a calm, relaxed vibe. Or you can opt for warm colors - yellows through reds - to convey a romantic, joyful feeling. Prefer a more formal tone? Try the classic look of black and white, perhaps with gold or silver accents.

After selecting your overall style and color family, browse the possibilities for your reception decor. For example, to create an elegant yet natural vibe, consider this Eucalyptus Green Foliage Wedding Welcome Sign to let your guests know they're in just the right place!

Keep your theme and color scheme in mind as you choose everything you need, from signage and tabletop decor to your programs, place cards and more.

Make it memorable

One of the most fun elements of wedding planning is choosing favors for your guests and your wedding party. This is one area where it's so important to personalize gifts by adding your names, the date and/or a special message to commemorate the occasion.

It's easy to personalize gifts like these unique monogrammed wine labels for the

perfect wedding keepsake, or to create these fun monogrammed shot glasses that your guests can cherish forever as a memento of your awesome event.

Whatever gifts you decide to choose for your wedding party and attendees, you can make them even more memorable with gorgeous gift wrapping or personalized gift tags to mark the special occasion, or use these classic and elegant customizable gift stickers.

Show your love with gifts

Whether you're thanking the members of your family and your wedding party with a special memento or attending someone else's wedding, you can find the perfect gift and customize it just the way you want it.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with planning and designing your decor? Zazzle's on-demand design service will connect you with design experts, for free. Visit Zazzle.com/live to learn more and to get started.

For cost-friendly bliss for your nuptials, you can create whatever you need on your own terms - and with your own sense of style.

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Five absolute must-haves for your wedding

Your wedding day should be a day to remember, so it’s best to spend a little more to get the very best. While there are many ways to plan a wedding, if you envision a ceremony and reception fit for royalty, you’ll need to seek out high-end luxury brands that reflect true opulence.

Not sure where to start? Check out these five must-have aspects that will make your big day truly extravagant and luxurious.

Select a stunning venue

Picking a venue for your wedding can be a bit daunting. Of course, the venue you pick will depend on your theme, the number of guests and other details. However, don’t settle for just any old place. Pick a location that will look as opulent as you should feel when walking down the aisle.

For those couples looking for a classic and timeless venue, check out historic locations such as the Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate in Huntington, N.Y. This opulent New York residence has several indoor spaces for your big day, including a grand ballroom, formal dining room and terrace room. The bride and groom will feel like royalty as the castle staff takes care of the entire event, including offering unforgettable entrees, desserts, drinks and photography.

Accessories are a must

Wedding jewelry and accessories aren’t just limited to rings. When planning your wedding, think about pieces that will complement your outfits, shine in your photos, and continue to impress long after you’ve said “I do.”

Bvlgari offers an extensive collection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more for engagements and weddings. Both bride and groom can find stunning pieces for any style and personality. The wedding party can even find jewelry and accessories to celebrate the couple and have a beautiful reminder of the ceremony. Each piece can be personally engraved to add a special touch.

For a truly memorable wedding accessory, consider purchasing watches for both bride and groom. It will keep you on time on the big day and will be a lovely reminder — paired with your wedding bands, of course — to remind you of your wedding every time you use it.

A unique wedding dress

One of the centerpieces of a wedding is the bride’s dress, and you deserve a luxury experience that matches the high-end apparel. OsioMita Signa ture wedding dresses are bespoke pieces that are indeed one of a kind. Based out of Beverly Hills, this luxury wedding and special occasion atelier house brings designs to your home.

The company provides a remote service with their AI 3D technology that takes more than 70 measurements to ensure a more than perfect fit every time.

A sweet treat to remember

A wedding cake is more than just for shoving into your partner’s face. As one of the most important visual details of the wedding reception, the cake should taste good and look even better. When looking for a cake designer, consider ordering from Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, a couture cake studio known as the Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes.

These trendsetting cakes have been ordered by famous clientele and featured in numerous films, TV shows and books. No two cakes are the same.

A luxe registry

If you haven’t started on your wedding registry, start your list at Artemest, where your wedding guests can find Italian luxury handmade decor to gift you on your special day. From furniture to lighting, to dishware and more, you’ll find all you’ll need as a new couple. Artemest allows you to customize your registry with photos.

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B R OOKDALE C H R I S TIA N C HU RC H , 1350 Broad Street, Bloomfield, 973-338-8536

We are a church that preaches and teaches the Bible. We invite you to join us in worship on Sundays at 10:30 am. Children’s Bible activities for ages 4 through 5th grade (called BCC Kids Church) are provided. Worship services can also be seen live online on YouTube and Facebook and via our website at www .brookdalechristian.com.

In addition, we offer Bible Studies on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and on Thursday evenings at 7:00. You can participate in either one of these classes -or both- through Zoom by calling the church to get placed on the Zoom call list. There are several other opportunities throughout the week involving prayer, study, and community for all age levels. Brookdale is a loving and caring congregation under the leadership of Pastor Love Saquing and Pastor Jim Treffinger. Our mission is to be a Family Growing Together in God.

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146

A Night of Music for Nelson hosted by Nutley Rotary Club

Nelson, a senior in high school, is a kind, quiet and gentle soul who loves to cook, play video games and spend time with his family and friends.

On Nelson's 17th birthday, his entire world was turned upside down.

After experiencing what was originally thought to be a minor cold, then acid reflux, things quickly escalated to being rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was diagnosed with a previously undetected congenital heart defect.

Nelson was placed on the heart transplant list but needed an immediate procedure to stabilize him. Although the procedure was successful, Nelson suffered from a stroke after surgery and fell

into a weeks-long coma.

Now awake and aware of his condition, Nelson faces speech impairment and paralysis. His road to recovery will be long and arduous with physical therapy, needed medical equipment, and a pending heart transplant compounding his already astronomical medical bills.

If you would like to help ease the financial burden and resultant stress that the family is facing, Nutley Rotary Club is holding a night of music for Nelson, April 6, at Nutley High School. Tickets will be available thru Event Groove.

All funds raised will go directly to Nelson's continued care, equipment and related medical expenses.

Writing contest for residents 60 and older

Essex County residents age 60 and older are invited to submit an original story focusing on a special person, life-changing experience, or significant period of their life to the 2024 Essex County Legacies Writing Contest.

Writers must be Essex County residents who are 60 years of age or older; entries should be original stories focusing on a special person, a life-altering experience, or a significant period in your life; suggested maximum length is 1,500 words; stories must be typed or legibly hand-written on 8.5-by-11-inch paper; entries must have a cover page with the story’s title, the author’s name, date of birth, address, and telephone number; the story title with no identifying information should appear on the first page of the story text; Seniors may submit only one entry; previously published stories may not be submitted; seniors should keep a copy of the story. Entries will not be returned.

The deadline for entries is Monday, April 15. E-mail stories to dwertz@seniors.essexcountynj.org. For additional information, call the Essex County Division of Senior Services at (973) 395-8381.

Legion Post 105 donates $1,500 worth of Girl Scout cookies

By Rusty Myers

Special

to

the Belleville Post

BELLEVILLE — The Girl Scouts posted on Twitter in December 2018 that “Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you several cases of Girl Scout cookies - and that’s kind of the same thing” … and you know what, they are absolutely right.

The American Legion Family of Post 105 in Belleville, which is made up of the American Legion’s veterans, the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), and the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), donated 250 boxes of Girl Scout cookies this year to our troops abroad and to our veterans in VA facilities at home.

What started with a $96 donation of cookies from the SAL in 2019 has exploded into a collective $1,500 donation from the entire Legion Family of Belleville this year.

It’s about “Making our vets’ day a little sweeter,” as the “Cookie for Vets” program run by the state-level SAL says.

Through donations to Girl Scout Troops 20122 of Nutley and the Daisies of Troop 81250, the Legion Family will be sending $850 of cookies to the service-

man around the world through the “donate cookies” option on the all-tofamiliar cookie sheets, plus an additional $650 to give to our veterans who are short or long-term residents of the VA facilities at Lyons and East Orange.

The Girl Scouts say that “Every package is filled with leadership and life lessons,” and in this case, that lesson is to say thanks to those who serve and have served this county in uniform. Last year, Troop 20122 scout Brinley Sullivan summed up the importance of giving cookies to our heroes last year by saying that “…delivering cookies made me feel like I was giving back … A token of thanks.”

The servicemen overseas and around the world receive their cookies by a partnership between the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) and Operation Jersey Cares, where they distribute what the GSHNJ calls “our collected Gifts of Caring.”

All donations of cookies will go to U.S. military troops and veterans, with the cookies being included in care packages sent abroad. Said one SPC John Shackelford of the 325th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) via the Operation Jersey Cares

website, “Your care packages seem to come at the right time when soldiers are in need. We are so grateful that we not forgotten.” And the US Navy isn’t left out either – deliveries have made their way to ships like the USS Iwo Jima in the past.

A portion of the donation also goes to the state-level SAL Detachment of NJ Children and Youth program “Cookies for Vets,” where the cookies are bought through the Girls Scouts, and delivered to the two New Jersey VA hospitals by the scouts themselves along with young Sons. Last year, in its second year, $2,200 of cookies made their way to our veterans seeking medical treatment at the two federal campuses in Lyons and East Orange. The drop-off is scheduled for April, which is American Legion Children and Youth Month.

Girl Scouts Abigail and Grace Myers of Nutley went to Post 105 to sell cookies as well – where many of the folks there donated even more boxes to send overseas. The hope is that each bite of a Somoa or a Thin Mint cookie reminds these servicemen and veterans of how much the American Legion Family and Girl Scouts appreciate their service and sacrifice.

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers, From left, Steve Sangemino, Grace Myers, MaryAnn Slaughter, Abigail Myers, and Joe Cobianchi. Below, Abigail Myers selling cookies at the Post.

Cardinal distributes ashes at St.

The fact it was Valentine’s Day did not stop Catholics within the Archdiocese of Newark from observing Ash Wednesday this year.

Hundreds filled the pews of St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark for two Ash Wednesday Masses celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark, during the midday and evening hours.

After speaking about the significance of the holy day in his homily, Tobin spread ashes made from charred palm fronds in the form of a cross on parishioners’ foreheads to symbolize that all return to dust when they die.

The parishioners then wore these ashes for the rest of the day as a sign of penance for their sins. They also were expected to fast, repent, and abstain from meat.

With Ash Wednesday concluded, Catholics worldwide have officially entered the season of Lent, which commemorates Christ’s 40 days in the Judean Desert. The next six weeks will see parishioners praying, fasting, and repenting to deepen their faith. They will also abstain from meat on Fridays, fast on Good Friday, and make a Lenten sacrifice to represent self-discipline and reliance on God’s grace. This period ends on Holy Thursday, March 28, which is three days before Easter Sunday.

Photo Courtesy of Archdiocese of Newark

At left, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark, spreads ashes on a community member’s forehead during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark on Feb. 14. At right, Tobin blesses a baby following an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Patrick’s in Newark.

healthy living

Why it’s a really good idea

DIY activities, like swapping a lighting fixture or painting your living room, are popular ways to accomplish your to-do list. But as anyone who has tackled too big of a project knows, some jobs are best left to the professionals. That includes your dental health.

You may have already seen DIY dentistry products, such as at-home whitening kits, mouthguards or teeth aligners. These often guarantee fast, easy ways to solve your oral health issues without the involvement of a dentist or an orthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the bite and alignment of your teeth).

“Dental products are never one-sizefits-all,” said American Dental Association (ADA) president, Linda Edgar, D.D.S. “No two mouths are alike, which is why it’s important to work directly with an ADA dentist or orthodontist to determine the precise care that your body needs.”

Skipping the dentist chair and “fixing” your teeth at home can lead to bigger, sometimes irreversible problems. For some people with more complex dental health needs, using an at-home aligner may cause bone loss, lost teeth, receding

to avoid DIY dental trends

gums, bite problems, jaw pain and other damaging and permanent issues. You might also not be aware of other dental issues that should be addressed before you start moving teeth.

“Patients are understandably drawn to these DIY treatments because they might

struggle to fit a dentist appointment into their schedule or they assume at-home care will cost less,” Dr. Edgar said. “But when these products cause major issues, patients end up spending more time and more money trying to reverse that damage. Instead, trained ADA dentists and

orthodontists can talk through patients’ budget concerns and offer them a wider variety of dependable, approved treatment options.”

In between dental checkups, look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These have been independently evaluated by experts and recognized to be both safe and effective. When you choose one of these options, you can be assured that your care is backed by evidencebased research and generations of scientific knowledge.

Whether it’s teeth grinding or a toothache, talk to your dentist before trying to solve your dental problems on your own. A dentist can help you find a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you, monitor your progress and make recommendations on how to manage your oral health outside of the office.

To look for an ADA dentist in your area, visit findadentist.ada.org.

“The ADA’s primary concerns with DIY dentistry are, and always have been, patient safety and quality care,” Dr. Edgar said. “Our job as dentists is to put patient health first.”

Photo Courtesy of nensuria / iStock via Getty Images Plus

healthy living

Four things to know about Life Insurance

For a Millennial or Gen Zer who is young and healthy, life insurance may be the last thing on their mind.

However, life is unpredictable and having coverage is important in the event of unforeseen circumstances. According to Bankers Life, a national life and health insurance brand, these are four reasons why Millennials and Gen Zers should consider life insurance coverage.

1. People rely on you.

Life insurance promises to pay your loved ones a sum of money in the event you pass away. If you’re in a committed relationship, engaged, married or have children, having life insurance is key to protecting those people who matter most to you. If you’re gone, your life insurance benefits can help your loved ones replace your income and maintain their home and lifestyle.

2. Life insurance tends to cost less when you’re younger.

Life insurance premiums, what you pay in exchange for coverage, are calculated based on many factors, beginning with how much coverage you’re purchasing and the type of policy. Then, your personal information and risk level are considered. Your age, health and life expectancy

are all factored in when determining the premium amount.

3. Your employer policy may not be enough.

Does your employer provide free or low-cost life insurance? Employer-sponsored life insurance is a great benefit, but it may not be enough, especially if you own a home, are married or have children. This is because workplace policies often only provide a basic minimum amount of coverage, and you probably can’t keep the coverage if you change jobs.

4. Choosing the right policy can help you meet other financial goals.

Life insurance coverage falls into two main categories: term and permanent. Term life insurance covers you for a certain number of years before coverage ends.

Permanent life insurance covers you for your lifetime, plus can also feature a money savings component that enables you to build cash value.

For more information on life insurance, reach out to a Bankers Life agent or visit bankerslife.com.

–StatePoint

Negron gains district tourney’s top honor

Belleville High school boys wrestler wins 144-pound title

Senior Rocco Negron won the 144-pound weight class championship and was voted the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler to lead the Belleville High School boys wrestling team at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s District 10 tournament at Nutley High School on Saturday, Feb. 17.

Negron pinned Ethan Pinillis of Montclair in 1 minute, 39 seconds in the quarterfinals and pinned Alexandros Gliatis of Livingston in 48 seconds in the semifinals. Negron posted a 10-2 major decision over Joel Gonzalez of Verona in the final.

Seniors Jakob Ferrer and Leo Tiankee each took second place for the Buccaneers.

In the 113-pound weight class, Ferrer pinned Spencer Crawley of Bloomfield in 2:53 in the quarterfinals and won by a 9-2 decision over Jack Finkelstein of Nutley in the semifinals before dropping a tough 4-1 decision to Jake Taylor of Delaware Valley in the final.

In the 120-pound weight class, Tiankee pinned Dante Palmer of Verona in 2:31 in the quarterfinals and won by a 125 decision over Sebastian Kristal of Glen Ridge in the semifinals. Tiankee lost by pin to Nicholas Adams of West Orange in 1:32 in the final.

Freshman Lorenzo Tiankee took third place in the 126pound weight class with an 8-4 decision over Kyle Cassidy of West Orange in the consolation.

The four Belleville wrestlers qualified for the NJSIAA’s Region 3 tournament at West Orange High School on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24.

Luna crowned ECT champ, leads BHS girls wrestling

The Belleville High School girls wrestling team finished in fourth place overall at the inaugural girls wrestling Essex County Tournament at Nutley High School on Friday, Feb. 16.

The Buccaneers had 82 points. Bloomfield was first with 165 points, West Orange was second with 127 points and Nutley was third with 90 points, among the 11 scoring teams.

Junior Izabella Luna won the 152-pound weight class to lead the Bucs. Junior Carol Quezada (100-pound weight class) and freshman Tiffany Guanoquiza Restrepo (132) each took second place, senior Ilana Williams (100) took third place and juniors Nicole Chavez (138) and Cassandra Cross (145) each took fourth place for Belleville.

BHS bowling teams roll to county tournament success

The Belleville High School bowling teams enjoyed a good showing at the Essex County Tournament at North Arlington Lanes on Thursday, Feb. 15.

The BHS boys team finished third overall in the team standings with a score of 2,710, among the 16 scoring teams.

Junior Ayden Carrero rolled a 628 series and finished eighth overall to lead the Buccaneers. Senior Josh Abramson tied for 11th overall with a 594 series for Belleville.

Seton Hall Prep was first overall with a 3,297 score and Montclair was second with a 2,910 score.

The BHS girls team finished third overall with a 1,743 score, among the seven scoring teams. Senior Julia Rasczyk was ninth overall with a 405 series to lead Belleville. Nutley was first overall with a 2,147 score and Montclair was second with a 1,907 score.

The Belleville High School girls basketball team honored its seniors on Tuesday, Feb. 6. From left are players Katherinne Avecillas-MacGregor, Danae Ruiz-Luna, Sheyla Amparo, Katherine Espinoza and manager Dahianny Abreu.

BHS girls basketball team clinches divisional crown

The Belleville High School girls basketball team enjoyed a banner season.

The Buccaneers, under head coach Chris Cantarella, clinched the Super Essex Conference–Freedom Division championship.

Belleville went a perfect 13-0 in the division this season.

The Buccaneers finished the season with a 16-6 overall record after losing at Colonia in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic

Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 state tournament on Thursday, Feb. 22. Belleville was the No. 15 seed and Colonia was the No. 2 seed.

The Bucs this season were led by seniors Katherinne Avecillas-MacGregor, Katherine Espinoza, Danae RuizLuna and Sheyla Amparo; juniors Camila Cortes-Alonso, Arianna Navarrete, McKayla Reed and Kayla SolanoTorres; sophomore Mya Estrict; and freshman Isabella Cortes-Alonso.

At right, Belleville senior Rocco Negron poses with his District 10 tournament award.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics Belleville junior Izabella Luna beams at the Essex County Tournament.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics