Belleville Post - April 2023

BELLEVILLE POST

BHS takes big

Head of Smithsonian returns to hometown

By Joe Ungaro Editor

Lonnie G. Bunch

III

returned to his hometown and received a hero’s welcome.

The street he grew up on was named in his honor after the high school chorus sang the national anthem, the mayor spoke of his accomplishments and an old friend who is now a township councilman marveled at all he had achieved.

As Secretary of the Smithsonian, Bunch oversees the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. The Smithsonian includes 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers and several education units and centers. Two new museums — the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum — are in development.

Three generations of the Bunch family lived in Belleville. His

grandfather, Lonnie, bought the house on Beech Street exactly 100 years ago on the same date the ceremony was held. His father was born in the house and his parents lived there after getting married.

His father, Lonnie Jr., was a science and chemistry public school teacher. His mother, Montrose, was a third-grade public school teacher.

“I loved growing up here but it wasn’t always easy,” Bunch said, turning to look up Greylock Parkway. “I remember running down this street, dodging fists and hearing racial epithets.”

About 200 people gathered at the intersection of Greylock and Beech Street for the ceremony. Among those in attendance were Bunch’s 95-year-old mother, his wife and brother, the police chief, the fire chief, an AP history class from Belleville

Mayor Michael Melham, at left, with Montrose Bunch and Lonnie G. Bunch III with the sign that renames their old street in Lonnie Bunch’s honor.

Photos by Joe Ungaro

Belleville students compete for $100,000 award

A team of students from Belleville High School was one of 50 teams from public schools across the country to be named state winners in the 13th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national competition.

Each state winner receives a prize package of at least $12,000 in technology and school supplies – with further awards for teams that continue to advance in the competition, according to a press release from Samsung.

The annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects play in addressing issues of vital concern in their local communities, the release said.

Participating students engage in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems – making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom. The winning schools were selected from a pool of 300 State Finalists who submitted detailed lesson plans outlining how their students propose using STEM to address an important community issue.

“Every year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow entries provide a unique snapshot of the concerns and issues on the minds of America’s students – identifying what they perceive as pressing

community issues they want to help solve,” said Ann Woo, senior director, corporate citizenship, Samsung Electronics America.

“This year, what stood out for us was how frequently global issues of environmental sustainability found relevance in a local community issue our students wanted to address. Fully a quarter of all submissions fell into that category, followed by safety issues for schools and communities, water conservation, and mental and physical health,” Woo said.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow will culminate in three schools being selected in May as National Winners who will receive $100,000 in prize packages consisting of Samsung Technology and classroom supplies. Overall, $2 million in prizes will be awarded during this year’s edition of Solve for Tomorrow.

Calls to Belleville High School seek-

ing information about the participating students and their project were not returned.

As the state winners continue their journey toward the nationals, each will receive a video production kit from Samsung to help document their STEM project. State winners will be required to submit a three-minute video demonstrating how they are using STEM to address the issue raised in their lesson plan.

Samsung employees will serve as mentors and be assigned to the state winners on a one-to-one basis to help guide teams as they develop their projects and build a prototype.

The Belleville students will need to submit their project videos for review by April 5.

Based on those video submissions, the field of 50 will be whittled down to

10 national finalists who will pitch their project to a team of judges during an inperson event in May.

Solve for Tomorrow’s judges will name three teams National Winners, each of whom will earn a prize package worth $100,000. The seven other National Finalists will each receive a $50,000 prize package.

In addition, one of the 50 state winners will be honored as the Sustainability Innovation Award Winner, receiving an additional $50,000 prize package of eco-conscious classroom technology.

The general public will be invited to vote online for one Community Choice Winner and Samsung employees will name one team as this year’s Employee Choice Winner. Each of those honors earns the winning school an added $10,000 of technology on top of their national winnings, the release said.

‘This year, what stood out for us was how frequently global issues of environmental sustainability found relevance in a local community issue our students wanted to address. Fully a quarter of all submissions fell into that category, followed by safety issues for schools and communities, water conservation, and mental and physical health.’

— Ann Woo

Native son of Belleville honored with street naming

(Continued from Page 1)

High School, the mayor and several members of the township council.

Mayor Michael Melham said Belleville is a different place today, acknowledging what Bunch went through.

“We honor you today not only for what you have become but what you have overcome,” Melham said.

Councilman Steve Rovell recalled meeting Bunch while visiting his Uncle Fred and Aunt Mildred, who shared a backyard fence with the Bunch family. They were both in elementary school at the time.

Rovell talked about seeing Bunch on a History Channel television show and realizing the enormity of what his old friend had accomplished.

“I started to realize how important Lonnie had become to our country’s narrative,” Rovell said.

When he spoke, Bunch described himself as a guy from Beech Street and a kid from Belleville.

He thanked friends and family for being there with a particular shout out to fellow members of the Class of

1970 who were in attendance. A graduate of the Belleville High School Class of 1970, Bunch played football and baseball and said he is still in touch with some of his former classmates.

“It was a really interesting time,” Bunch said of the era.

There are no Bunchs left in Belleville but his younger brother still lives in New Jersey. His mother lives near him in the Washington, D.C., area.

His life these days encompasses 10 to 12 meetings a day, some on Zoom, others in person.

“I spend a lot of time getting to know and being supportive of each museum and research center,” Bunch said. “I also like to talk to university students and I make sure I’m still doing history.”

Bunch has written on topics ranging from the American presidency to the Black military experience and African American History in California. Among his many awards, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House in 2002 and reappointed by President Barack

Obama in 2010. In 2019, he was awarded the Freedom Medal, one of the Four Freedom Awards from the Roosevelt Institute, for his contribution to American culture as a historian and storyteller.

Bunch said he learned many things in Belleville that have stayed with him through the years.

“I learned how to fight here, but also when to run and how to talk my way out of it,” Bunch said.

But, he also learned what it was like to have a great group of friends from a different background. How to kick back with your buddies and sing goofy songs. How to play football on the sandlots. How to swear in Sicilian.

“At 17, all I wanted to do was get out of Beech Street. And at 70, all I want to do is come back,” Bunch said. “There’s nothing more powerful than having your hometown greet you. I have gotten awards from around the world, but nothing, nothing, matters as much as this today. So, I want to thank you for giving me something that I will always remember.”

Photos by Joe Ungaro

Above, Bunch speaks to a crowd of about 200 at the ceremony where the street he grew up on was named in his honor. Above right, Bunch looks up at the sign naming the street he grew up on in his honor. Below right, Lonnie G. Bunch III and his mother, Montrose, at the ceremony naming their former street in his honor.

American Legion Post 105 gains an auxiliary

The American Legion Post 105 family just got bigger. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 105 received its charter at a meeting in late February, completing an effort that began three years ago.

“We finally got it done, and I’m proud of the ladies who got this going,” said Department of New Jersey President Colleen Breen-Lopez. “It has been a lot of hard work.”

American Legion Post 105 is made up of members from the Belleville, Nutley, Bloomfield, and Newark area. It was chartered in 1919 by 24 residents of Belleville. The Post already has a Sons of The American Legion chapter, which is open to all sons and grandsons of eligible veterans.

The American Legion Auxiliary is made up of the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion. The national Auxiliary has nearly 1 million members and it administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities.

The newly-chartered Unit 105 in Belleville began with 29 members on its initial roster but added 10 more in its first two weeks, according to a press release from the Post. The chartering process requires the interested group receive an

endorsement from its sponsoring Post. It must also have the required number of new members, temporary officers, and a program for molding the group into a cohesive unit that will work on behalf of local veterans and the community.

The effort to create the Auxiliary, which began three years ago but was delayed by COVID-19, reached its conclusion at the February meeting when the charter and charter membership roll were received from National Headquarters.

“You guys are a phenomenal group,” said state Department Membership Chairman Lisa Natale. “And I know you will do some amazing things.”

SAL 105 Adjutant Rusty Myers commended MaryAnn Slaughter, the elected president of the new unit.

“MaryAnn has been the lighthouse keeper over the years with this,” Myers said. “This has started and fizzled, and started and fizzled, but the one constant over the years has been MaryAnn, keeping

the ALA dream alive.”

Members from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 366, Auxiliary Unit 70 in Nutley, were among those in attendance to show their support.

“Four years ago we tried,” Post 105 Commander Joe Cobianchi said. “And we tried and we tried. I’m very glad we’re here now. This has been a long time coming. American Legion, SAL, and the Auxiliary …. Together we’re family – the 105 Family.”

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Above left, members of the newly-chartered American Legion Auxiliary Unit 105 in the foreground at the meeting where they received their charter. Above right, members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 105 pose behind their newly-received charter.

Six women shared their personal journeys of success and struggles during the 2023 Women’s Health and Professional Career Panel held in the high school cafeteria in celebration of Women’s History Month.

The March 21 event was moderated by Kathy Rempusheski, who works for the township as a qualified purchasing agent and Community Development Block Grant coordinator.

The panel featured Stephanie Capil, owner of Cupily Coffee House of Nutley; Betsy Montanez, female college wrestler and referee; Randi Vocaturo, owner of Art and Alphabet Academy of Nutley; Florey Cruz-Cerpa, director of community outreach at Hackensack Meridian Health/Mountainside Medical Center; Virginia Lujano, fitness trainer/corporate wellness, owner of VLu Fitness; and Barb Minemier, holistic health coach and wellness guide at Your Healthy Truth.

The women opened up about their achievements, mistakes, challenges, family, sacrifices and discriminatory encounters, while climbing toward professional and personal success.

Capelli explored many different paths from occupational therapy to food service and spent eight years earning a community college degree until she realized the thing she loved to do most was make coffee.

“I’ve told myself it’s OK to fail,” she said. “Everything led me to where I am now. I have my own business doing exactly what I love.”

In response to an audience member’s question about work/life balance, CruzCerpa said it was important for a person to make time for themselves.

“If you work in healthcare, you know it’s not a nine-to-five job,| Cruz-Cerpa said. “It is 24 hours a day. I have to set the tone and it took me until I was in my 50s to realize that. My family comes first. I love my job, but you have to put yourself first.”

Despite how far women have come over the years, they still find themselves facing barriers.

Lujano believes nothing good comes from allowing such negative thoughts. She never thought there was anything she couldn’t do; if anyone were to tell her the opposite, it just won’t register with her. She also believes if something doesn’t work out, it doesn’t mean one hasn’t failed. It’s all part of the journey.

While Montanez has knocked down many barriers in her lifetime, especially to become the first female wrestler at Montclair State University, there is still “so much to overcome.”

Her suggested solution is to “stop labeling strong women as bullies or as bossy.”

When the panelists were asked if there was one thing they could change, Vocaturo said wished she had started her business years earlier. She worked her way into a human resources director position while just out of high school at age 16, and then spent many years in various

careers until she had an epiphany to leave it behind and establish a preschool.

“Life is too short,” Vocaturo said. “My advice is to just do it and not wait until you are 60 to do the things you always wanted.”

It took a health diagnosis for Minemier to find a path that not only improved her own health and well-being, but gave her the opportunity to help others through the launch of her business.

Despite doubtful voices in her head,

she persevered. She cited ignoring self doubts and keeping going as her biggest accomplishment. “I have been fortunate to always have people in my corner.”

Commissioner John V. Kelly III and the Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health, in partnership with Nutley schools and the Nutley Women’s Networking Group, put the panel together.

The women’s professional panel has been a longstanding Nutley tradition over the past 20 years.

Photo Courtesy of Township of Nutley

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Honorees for Columbus Day Parade announced

The Nutley Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee has announced the 2023 honorees of the 41th Annual Columbus Day Parade.

The 2023 Honorees are:

• Cavalieres Maria and Vincenzo DiPaolo are the grand marshals

• Lifetime Achievement honoree is Elisabetta Calello

• Italian Heritage Award honoree is Dennis A. Genuario

• Italian Business Leader Award honoree is Renee Frescia Cahill

• Nutley Italian Man of the Year is Daniel A. Carnicella

• Nutley Italian Woman of the Year is Linda Monterosa

• Belleville Italian Man of the Year is Peter E. Caggiano

• Belleville Italian Woman of the Year is Frances H. Bacardi

• Renaissance Woman honoree is Charla Macaluso

• Renaissance Man honoree is Eric J. Lavin

• Community Excellence Award winner is Matthew Tyahla

The 41st annual parade will take place on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 starting at 12:30 p.m. at Belleville High School, 160 Broad St, Bloomfield.

The committee’s Annual Italian Pasta Dinner fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, April 23, at the Nutley Parks and Recreation, 65 Bloomfield Ave., in Nutley from 2 to 6 p.m.. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling Barbara Freda at 973-650-3849.

Photo Courtesy of Susan LaMorte

Some of the the Columbus Day Parade honorees are pictured here. From left to right are, Frances Bacardi, Belleville Woman of the Year, Dennis Genuario, Italian Heritage Award, Renee Frescia Cahill, Italian Business Leader, Daniel Carnicella, Nutley Man of the Year, Cavaliere Maria and Vincenzo Di Paolo, grand marshals, Peter Caggiano, Belleville Man of the Year, Linda Monterosa, Nutley Woman of the Year, Elisabetta Calello, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Eric Lavin, Renaissance Man.

Easter events planned for Reinheimer and Memorial parks

The Township of Nutley has a pair of Easter-related activities planned for kids. The township’s festivities will kick off with the Great Flashlight Egg Hunt on April 6 at Reinheimer Park.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting Nutley youngsters from grades two through six to bring flashlights and search for more than 3,000 toy- and candy-filled eggs scattered throughout the park. One lucky explorer who finds the special hidden “golden egg” will receive a large chocolate filled basket. The Great Flashlight Egg Hunt will begin at dusk; parents are encouraged to stay with the children during this event.

Reinheimer Park is located on Bloomfield Avenue across from the Recreation Annex Building. Children are asked to meet by the playground equipment.

Two days later on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Nutley Depart-

ment of Parks and Recreation will host their annual Easter Eggstravaganza for Nutley youngsters ages three through seven. Residents are invited to visit goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks and more. Bunny tractor rides, pony rides, face painting and snacks will also be available for children to enjoy. The Easter Bunny will be there handing out candy-filled eggs. The event will take place at Memorial Park I,located at the corner of Vreeland Avenue and Passaic Avenue.

Nutley Park Shoprite has co-sponsored this special event for our community to enjoy. These events are open to Nutley residents only. Residents must register at register.communitypass.net/nutley to attend this event.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 973284-4966.

Nutley students named to Dean’s List at SHU

The following students from Nutley were named to the Seton Hall University Fall 2022 Dean's list: Amy Jacobsen; Hailey DiGiuseppe Erdmann; Jessica Marciniak; Julia Baranowski; Emily Jablonowski; Cristina Sabia; Lauren Costello; Sydney Kunz; Christian Soto; Gianni Feraco; Jordan Zarro; Miguel Benitez; Vivienne Dotoli; Shane Castillo; Evangelia Theodoulidou; Christian Hui; Victoria Ventura; Nicole Ojeda; Noah Ibasitas; Yuvraj Raja; Ari Burdulis.

Nutley’s UNICO kept busy for month of March

March was a busy month for the Nutley chapter of UNICO. Nutley UNICO’s March meeting featured an Italian Jeopardy game, compliments of member Dan Marucci.

Marucci used interesting information about places in Italy, food, celebrities of Italian Heritage, etc. to create the Jeopardy categories, according to a press release from the organization. About 80 members and guests attended the March meeting held at Mamma Vittoria’s in Nutley.

Nutley UNICO members have a long-time tradition of marching in the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade and did so again this year, the release said. UNICO National is the largest Italian American Service Organization in the USA celebrating 100 years of Service Above Self 1922-2022.

The Nutley Chapter of UNICO has been promoting and preserving its Italian Heritage since 1959.

Above, UNICO member Dan Marucci and Jerry DelTufo at the Jeopardy board during the organization’s recent Italian Jeopardy game. At left, Nutley UNICO members Marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade with the UNICO banner. Pictured here are Pat Ritacco, Anthony Biondi, Frank Cocchiola, Don Russoniello, Nicholas Russo, UNICO President Dan Carnicella, Danielle Ferrara Manganello and Frank Russo.

Photos Courtesy of UNICO

Women B U S I N E S S

Renee Friscia Agent

After working in the industry for many years, I decided to go into business for myself. I wanted to bring a certain level of care and attention to families in need that I didn’t have the liberty to while working for others. I lost my own father, so I know firsthand what its like to be in the position of the families who come to me. I pride myself on caring for the families as if they were my own. Although this is one of the last places anyone wants to visit, I try to provide a peaceful, uplifting and sympathetic environment where families can design a lasting tribute to their loved ones.

Generations Monuments –because love lives on for generations.

My name is Giannah Auriemma, my career was inspired by my love for dogs, especially my 13 year old Shitzu “Max” and my 11 year old tea cup Chihuahua, “Bambi”. In which I named my business after, since he is the reason I have so much compassion for dogs!

STEPHANIE CAPILI, Owner

Stephannie Capili is a New Jersey native born and raised throughout different parts of Bergen County. She is a daydreamer, a friend, a daughter, a sister, and an artistically inclined entrepreneur. Having attended school in several different towns such as Garfield, New Milford, Saddle Brook, and Paramus, Stephannie naturally cultivated lifelong skills in flexibility, adaptation, learning new environments, and meeting new people. These skills guided her to be eager in trying out so many experiences in life such as dance, music, cooking, and art as well as so many educational paths like interior design, early childhood education, occupational therapy, and even business management. One thing that she took on that stuck throughout every path, decision, program, and endeavor was her passion for coffee. Stephannie landed her first barista job at Starbucks back in August of 2014 while in an Occupational Therapy program at Eastwick college. During this time, she was also working at Lightbridge Academy Childcare Center aspiring to pursue a career in Pediatric OT. After experiencing a setback and failing the program, she readjusted and created new goals. She went back to Bergen Community College, the school she went to right after high school to finish a degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Fine Art. During this time, she transitioned from one Starbucks to another Starbucks to her first “real” coffeeshop ob at Mavi’s Coffee and Patisserie in Fort Lee, NJ in late 2017. She became the Assistant manager and Lead Barista at this shop. Here, she learned about coffee, service, and business more intricately and developed an even deeper passion for the coffee and tea culture. This was the shop Stephannie was working in when she first started daydreaming about a little cafe of her own. In 2018, she began working at family owned salon in Flatiron, NYC called The Kin Room. In New York, she aspired to pursue a career in Operational Management for the salon, even taking on an online degree in business management at the same time. Eventually, she did what she always does… Picked up a coffeeshop gig. Working a few days at a nearby coffeeshop and working at the salon, she decided to finally make being a barista a full-time thing. After moving to Brooklyn in 2019, she landed a job at a prestigious and luxurious hotel as the cafe barista.

Working at the hotel, she was able to experience a higher level of service, food, and business. As she did this, she also pursued her art as a side business, selling her handmade pottery, illustrations, and fiber arts online and at pop-up shops and markets throughout New York City. In 2021, while investing time in her artistry, she applied for what she had no idea would be her last barista job in a shop that wasn’t hers. Little Skips South in Brooklyn was the place where Stephannie finally decided to make her dreams a reality. Knowing the coffee industry like the back of her hand and constantly taking time to chat with business owners and managers throughout her 8 years of cafe experience, she decided she was ready to take the leap.

Cupily Coffeehouse landed in Nutley, NJ as an idea in April 2022, as a project in June 2022, and as a reality in November of 2022 where its doors were finally opened to the public the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Cupily Coffeehouse is a succession and combination of all of Stephannie’s favorite parts of every shop she has ever worked at to create her dream cafe. Today, Cupily Coffeehouse is a space for people from all walks of life to come and enjoy an environment created for them.

339 Franklin Ave., Nutley • 973-939-5770

Angela is the owner of Tootie Cookies, a local online cookie shop in Bloomfield, NJ that also ships throughout the US. This mother of two has always had a passion for baking simple, yet delicious cookies. Some of her favorites are sea salt chocolate chip and rainbow sprinkle. Angela’s number one goal is to be an example to her young girls, that any dream is possible, at any stage of life!

Recently, Angela was featured on the Tamron Hall Show, where she shared her business and cookies with Tamron and two business coaches.

Baking is done is small batches by Angela herself, to maintain quality and freshness. Tootie Cookies offers staple flavors, as well as limited specialty flavors that rotate throughout the months.

Please visit www.tootiecookies.com and follow along on Instragram: @tootie_cookies to satisfy your craving for homemade, fresh out of the oven, chocolate chip cookies.

Renée is a 2nd generation State Farm Agent with over has 35 years of State Farm Insurance experience and has been a State Farm Agent since 1995. She worked for her father, A. Lawrence Friscia, prior to becoming an agent. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University. She and her team provide free Auto insurance and Homeowners insurance quotes throughout the great state of New Jersey. Her office is in the beautiful town of Nutley right on Franklin Avenue. Renée is a proud member of the Nutley Chamber of Commerce and a Notary Public.

Renée and her team can help you insure your cars as well as Homeowners and Renters. She will take the time to talk to everyone about the importance of Life insurance to protect those we value most. Working with small business owners for their Business insurance and planning needs is rewarding since Renée is a small business owner too. She can also can provide coverage for Flood Insurance and NJ PAIP and CAIP.

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I came from overseas in 2004 for my undergraduate degree in business management at Hofstra University, Long Island and mastered in International Business Management in Manchester UK. After graduation I decided to stay in the USA to pursue my dreams as an entrepreneur. Thanks to the help of my family we started an importing business which distributes natural stone all across the USA now. After growing that business, I met my husband who comes from restaurant industry and with his knowledge and my background in management, we decided to start our own start up as a food truck. After 3 successful years with the food truck, it was time for us to move on to the next level and open a brick and mortar. We picked Nutley specifically because my husband has been a native Nutley resident all throughout his life and we are happy to give something back to his community. At Pita Bowl, we came up with a unique menu due to my dietary restrictions because it was very hard for me to dine out without suffering after eating gluten or dairy. There were not enough places that carried gluten free or vegan food 4 years ago. Therefore, we added gluten free and vegan food options to our menu for everyday comfort Greek/Mediterranean food. For instance, right now we have; beef and lamb gyro on a gluten free pita OR plant-based gyro on a gluten free or regular pita OR we have vegan tzatziki if you are dairy free. Additionally, we do not use chemically induced oils or seed oils. We use the best oil in the market: olive oil. We marinate our meat with real ingredients not with fillers or MSG and make everything in house. We offer all these options at Pita Bowl to help diners with dietary issues but also enjoy real food and not sacrifice from what they have been used to eating. We also have staple Greek delicacies on our menu and run a weekly special as well twice a month. We are more than happy to be at where we are right now. Dreams do come true just don’t give up and keep working until you accomplish them!

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Gina Smith Owner

Belleville group brings warmth

Belleville’s Sons of The American Legion Squadron 105 traveled to Newark earlier in February to hand out blankets, jackets, sandwiches, cookies and water to people in need on what ended up being the coldest day of the year.

“We went down there with a car full of jackets and sandwiches, and came back with nothing,” said Vinnie Ferriole, who planned the event with his wife.

At a meeting of the Squadron in December, Ferriole suggested doing something to help the homeless during the winter. He was given the go-ahead by Squadron 105’s commander, Steve Sangemino.

“You’re the chairman now, run with it,” Sangemino said.

Over the next few weeks, Ferriole collected items, including winter clothes provided by American Legion Crawford-Crews Post 251 in Montclair. The Montclair post held a coat giveaway in January, with winter wear provided by Ocean State Job Lot. This time, they provided two cases of brand new winter jackets for the trip to Newark.

Members from Post 105 provided jackets and blankets as well – others donated cookies, and the Post donated bottles of water. The night before, members made PB&J’s.

“We sat and made 22 sandwiches in an hour,” Lisa Bocchino said.

On a day when the temperature fell to just 3 degrees, members of the Squadron and Post got together and made the 10 minute trip “Down Neck,” as Newark’s Ironbound section is called locally.

Advised by Newark Police to pull up to Peter Francisco Park, right behind Newark Penn Station, the two trucks of members pulled up and hopped out to deliver the items.

Within minutes, more than 50 people had formed a line. The contents of the two cars were emptied in under five minutes.

Among those waiting in line were a mother and a girl

those in need

who appeared to be about 6 years old.

Melody

who is a member of the American

Ciresi,

Photo Courtesy of Rusty Myers and Sons of The American Legion Post 105 Members of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 105 and Post 105 handed out food and clothing to people in need in Newark. Pictured from left to right: Ed Hall, Ron Planer, Melody Ciresi and Rusty Myers.

See AMERICAN, Page 14

Scholarships available for those of Italian descent

Unico Foundation Inc., a national service organization whose members are of Italian descent, offers four scholarships for high school seniors, as well as several others for undergraduate and graduate students of Italian descent.

The Nutley chapter will sponsor eligible students who live in New Jersey. These scholarships for high school students are in addition to local scholarships available to Nutley residents only, and require a separate online only application. There are four $6,000 grants, applied for together with one original application and three complete copies.

Scholarships for students currently in college and for those pursuing post graduate studies are available. These

undergraduate scholarships are for literary studies, fine arts, science, engineering and those wishing to study abroad, specifically, as well as for students in their choice of major. Graduate grants are for any area, as well as medicine and nursing. There is also a scholarship for students of Southern Italian ancestry. Information about these scholarships is available online at unico.org/scholarships. These scholarships must be applied for online. There are no paper applications. Select the Scholarship tab for all instructions. For further information or for recommendations, contact Michele Fleitell at UnicoNationalScholarshipNutley@gmail.com. The application deadline is April 18.

American Legion gives out comfort on cold night

(Continued from Page 12)

Legion Auxiliary group at Belleville Post 105, gave thelittle girl the gloves off her hands.

“You don’t know how blessed you are,

until you go down here,” Ciresi said.

Ferriole, who has also directed several of the Squadron’s cancer fundraisers in the past, thanked everyone for participating.

“We learned a lot about how to do this

next time,” Ferriole said. “And we’re going to do this again.”

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to

mutual helpfulness. Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires, and is open to all male sons and grandsons of eligible veterans.

Above left, members of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 105 and Post 105 handed out food and clothing to people in need in Newark. Pictured handing out food are, from left, Vinnie Ferriole, Ed Hall, Ron Planer, Lisa Bocchino and Melody Ciresi. Above right, mem-

bers of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 105 and Post 105 handed out food and clothing to people in need in Newark. Pictured at this event are, from left, Ferriole, Hall, Bocchino, Rusty Myers, Planer and Ciresi.

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers and Sons of The American Legion Post 105

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers and Sons of The American Legion Post 105

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of Sons of The American Legion Squadron

and Post 105 handed out food and clothing

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Palm Sunday, Good Friday events planned in the township

Several Nutley congregations will assemble with palms from their churches on the front lawn of town hall on Palm Sunday, April 2, at 9:15 a.m. for a brief blessing of the palms service.

The palm branch for Christians is a reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem when the crowds waved palm branches of victory. It will conclude by 9:30 so participants can worship with their individual congregations, according to a press release from the Nutley Clergy Fellowship, which said that all are welcome. Town hall is located at the corner of Chestnut Street and Vincent Place.

A Good Friday Cross Walk is also

planned by the Nutley Clergy Fellowship, which has invited the community to join them for the event on April 7 at 12. The walk will start at noon in front of Nutley High School.

Prayers for peace, healing, safety, compassion, and justice will be offered in front of locations like Town Hall, Nutley Family Service Bureau, and Nutley Police and Fire Departments, the release said.

Participants of all ages can join for all or part of the walk and are invited to bring a cross of any size to carry as a Christian witness, the release said. Those with difficulty walking can meet the procession in the town hall area at 12:45 p.m.

Super Bowl winning coach on Nutley Podcast

Nutley’s own Super Bowl winning coach David Merritt can be heard on the Inside Nutley Podcast this month.

The former Nutley resident discusses his journey growing up in North Carolina,his National Football League playing days, his coaching career and of course, living and raising a family in Nutley.

Merritt shares his stories about such legends as Eli Manning, Patrick Mahomes, Don Shula, Andy Reid, Tom Coughlin and Michael Strahan as well as his favorite memories of his 14 years in

Nutley. Hosted by lifelong resident Thomas Greco, the monthly podcast provides a look at current town issues, explores how the town is moving forward, spotlights residents and businesses and answers questions from Nutley residents.

To view or listen to the latest Inside Nutley Podcast, go to youtu.be/RsHkSvoirlU. Merrit has been part of a Super Bowl winning team four times; twice with the New York Giants and twice with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he is currently coaching.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Bike rodeo set for April 22

The Belleville Police Department will be hosting a Bike Rodeo on April 22, at the School 7 parking lot. Police have teamed up with EZ-Ride to create a full day of fun and helpful Safe Basic Skills and Learn 2 Ride classes, according to the township.

The BPD Bike Unit will be on scene along with a Bike Technician for minor adjustments and repairs. Several vendors will be present and have safety equipment, bicycles and other bike related items available for purchase. BPD has a

limited amount of bike helmets available if your child is in need of one.

This is a free event for Belleville residents and registration will be limited and on a first come first serve basis. Please review the requirements for the class and if you have any questions, please contact Sgt. Abate at 973-450-3348.

More information and registration details can be found at bellevillenj. org/_Content/pdf/events/2023-BikeRodeo.pdf.

Belleville woman pens children’s book

A Belleville woman has released a children’s book about healthy eating habits.

“Mary Dairy Strawberry,” a new book by Crissy C. Fitts-Riley, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc., according to a press release from Dorrance.

Fitts-Riley wants to encourage young children to know that eating healthy allows people to find happiness in life, the

release said. Fitts-Riley has a master’s degree in public sociology. She works with children and adults from all walks of life.

“Mary Dairy Strawberry” is a 30-page paperback with a retail price of $18 or $13 for the eBook. The ISBN is 978-1-48095534-9. It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Car show at Belleville American Legion Post

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 will be holding a car show on Sunday, May 7. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the show is open to all makes and models, according to a press release about the event, which said the event will feature DJ-Carlos, a 50/50 giveaway and hot dogs.

The entry fee for cars is $25 while the general public can enter for free, the release said. Judging will be from 10 a.m. to noon with trophies awarded at 1 p.m.

The show is being held at American Legion Post 105, which is located at 621 Washington Ave., Belleville.

Nutley has a unique township meeting in March

For more than five years, the Nutley Board of Commissioners, Board of Education, Planning Board and Zoning Board have gathered together for a unique joint meeting to discuss issues facing the Township.

The meeting, which took place at the Parks and Recreation building on Park Avenue earlier in the month of March, presented a positive group dialogue, as well as shared goals and cooperation among Nutley leadership.

“I don’t know of any other municipality that does this,” says Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli. “It is a great opportunity to get everyone in one room and talk about our present and our future. I am very proud of the cooperation that exists between all four Boards. I firmly believe that everyone who participates has the best interests of

the community in their hearts. I want to thank our Boards, our volunteers, our professionals who go beyond call of duty and our employees and all the good work that they do.”

Public Safety Director Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said working together helps deal with change.

“We recognize that things are changing and by working together we can preserve what we have while also adapting to those changes,” Petracco said. “That’s what events like this meeting are all about.”

Revenue and Finance Director Commissioner Thomas J. Evans that everyone chips in during the meetings.

“We don’t accomplish what we accomplish simply by showing up at a meeting twice a month,” Evans said.

Local students make Dean’s List at Seton Hall University

The following students from Belleville were named to the Seton Hall University Fall 2022 Dean's list: Issys Ortega; Cayla Carino; Reemaz Gad; Selena Kossup; Alexia Seeram; Joel Melendez; Melanie San Martin Martinez; Ohm Amin; Renaldo Payne; Shiv Patel; Oliver De Leon; Kirsten Ontal; Dominic Cipollone; Sophia Bojorquez; Richard Paton; Christian Almestica; Zayd Rahim; Ann Gottschalk; Sasha Rosario; and Tameeah Browne.

Happy Easter

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Township awash in green for St. Patrick’s Day

WORSHIP CALENDAR

BAPTIST

B R O O K D A L E C H R I S T I A N C H U R C 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.

To add your House of Worship or make copy changes Email us:

Adservices@thelocalsource com or call 908-686-7700 x146

The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Awards Banquet and “Formal Installation of our 2023 Executive Board and Board of Trustees” honoring our local Businesses and Organizations on Wednesday, May 10th at Nanina’s in The Park in Belleville.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 HONOREES!

Business of the Year Awards: Town Pub of Bloomfield, Rami Korio, Owner Bella Napoli Restaurant, Sal Siconolfi, Owner Business Achievement Award: The Whiskey Priest, Keith McKeon, Owner Above and Beyond Awards: The Women’s Club of Belleville, Joyce Donnelly, President Bloomfield Lions Club, Cathy Loreto, President We are so grateful to have these local businesses as part of our memberships. Your generosity goes above and beyond to help others! MARGARET

Vincent United announces Holy Week plans and more

Vincent United Methodist Church will hold special services during holy week on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

The services will be held in the church sanctuary and will be broadcast live from the sanctuary on the church Facebook page. They will also be available for Call In using the same Sunday morning procedure. Both services will include an anthem by the Chancel Choir and related messages by Rev. LeDuc.

On April 6, the Maundy Thursday Service will help worshipers remember the events of Jesus’ Last Supper and his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

There will be hymns, a choir anthem, the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, Rev. LeDuc will share a homily “Who Do You Say I Am? Jesus” and music from “Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane” by Luke Grooms.

On April 7, the Good Friday Service will be a Service of Tenebrae, or “shadows,” which will recall the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. This will include hymns, prayers and music from “Jesus Christ Superstar: This Jesus Must Die” by our Chancel Choir, and a homily by Rev. LeDuc “Who Do You Say I Am? All.”

On April 9, the Easter Sunday Service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus will

be held at 10 a.m. It will feature hymns, a children’s sermon, the Wesley Ringers, music from “Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar” by Stephen Innocenzi and the Chancel Choir, Rev. LeDuc’s Easter Sermon entitled “Who Do You Say I Am? Us!” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” by our Chancel Choir and friends.

The service will be held in the sanctuary, will be broadcast live on the church Facebook page, and will be available for Call In. In addition to the holy week plans, the following events have been schedule.

On April 1, a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny is planned for 9 a.m. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, fruit and

drinks. Children will complete a seasonal craft and can have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Tickets are available through the Church Office. Visit the church website or Facebook page for more information.

On April 15, Vincent Church will be holding a Spring Cleanup at the Church Cemetery at 213 Passaic Ave. in Nutley. The time is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., though folks can come for whatever part of the day that fits their schedule. All are invited. Lunch will be provided. Helpers are asked to bring rakes or blowers and/or tarps. This is a great opportunity for community service for students and service organizations.

Consecrated wine to be offered once again in churches

The Archdiocese of Newark is discontinuing all pandemic restrictions and will return to serving consecrated wine during Mass.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark, has restored the practice of offering consecrated wine, or the Blood of Christ, during the celebration of Mass in the Archdiocese beginning on Holy Thursday, April 6, according to a press release from the Archdiocese.

The practice of the faithful partaking of the chalice has been on hiatus since 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns and safety restrictions. Only priests have been permitted to receive communion from the cup during Mass over the past three years.

“Although it is not required, taking from the cup is considered a fuller participation in the eucharist and a

direct response to Jesus’ command to take and drink,” said the Rev. Thomas A. Dente, director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Divine Worship, which announced the post-pandemic liturgy directive.

The directive also calls for the Archdiocese to foster a renewed fullness in liturgical celebrations and to discontinue remaining pandemic restrictions or accommodations.

This includes the return of holy water in receptacles and baptismal fonts, the full incorporation of liturgical music, for Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, and lay readers to resume full service in their role, and full participation of the faithful.

Livestream or broadcast Masses remain for those who are unable to attend due to illness or major

health concerns. But the directive states that for those without health concerns, this does not fulfill the obligation to participate in Mass.

“Emerging from a period of necessary adjustment during a unique moment in time, the Archdiocese of Newark earnestly desires to celebrate the liturgy with the full, conscious, and active participation of all the faithful,” the directive states. “Mindful that most of the faithful’s experience of the Church occurs during liturgy, it is imperative that the liturgical norms be carefully observed.”

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. There are 212 parishes and0 73 Catholic schools.

Email:

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

To place your free listing, send information to the editor at essexcty@thelocalsource.com or at 1291 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083. Faxes may be sent to 908-686-0401.

COMEDY

NJPAC WELCOMES THE RETURN OF THE EMMY AWARD–WINNING COMEDIAN SAMANTHA BEE, WHO WILL BRING HER TRADEMARK SATIRICAL COMEDY to the stage on Friday, April 7, at 8 p.m. Bee has quickly established herself as having one of the most unique and sharp comedic voices on television. Bee holds the title for being the longest-serving regular “The Daily Show” correspondent of all time — 12 years — and hosted her own comedy series, “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” for seven series. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

ENJOY A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH THE ITALIAN MONSTERS OF COMEDY, ERIC D’ALESSANDRO AND VIC DIBITETTO, at NJPAC on Saturday, April 14, at 8 p.m. The Goodfellas of comedy, they are comedy in a red sauce. One comes from a large Italian family in Staten Island. The other comes from a large Italian family in Brooklyn, then moved to Staten Island — which is Brooklyn with a cover charge. Now they’re joining forces on the “Funny How? Tour.” Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-4665722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

NJPAC PRESENTS THE COMEDY BAND WOLVES OF GLENDALE, WHICH COMPRISES

ETHAN EDENBURG, ERIC JACKOWITZ AND TOM MCGOVERN, to Newark on Friday, April 14, at 8 p.m. Combining impressive musicianship with comedic lyrics, Wolves of Glendale have something for everyone — unless you only enjoy the 2009 film “Avatar” and nothing else. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-4665722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH URBAN VIBE ENTER-

TAINMENT, THE BLACK PROMOTERS COLLECTIVE WILL BRING THE “STRAIGHT JOKES, NO CHASER COMEDY TOUR” to the Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St. in Newark, on Saturday, April 15, at 8 p.m. The event, hosted by Mike Epps, features standup comedy greats Cedric The Entertainer, Earthquake, D.L. Hughley and DC Young Fly. To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/rprn44bf.

THE “AND THAT'S WHY WE DRINK: ON THE ROCKS TOUR,” HOSTED BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORS Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer, comes to NJPAC on Saturday, April 29, at 8 p.m. “And That’s Why We Drink” is an award-winning comedy podcast where the paranormal and true-crime meet. Launched in February 2017, each new episode is a deep dive into whatever paranormal and true-crime stories the hosts are obsessing over that week. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

GARY GULMAN, ONE OF THE GREATEST STANDUP COMEDIANS TODAY, RETURNS TO NJPAC on Friday, May 5, for two hilarious performances at 7 and 9:30 p.m. With more than 25 years in comedy, Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer. He is one of only a handful of comedians to perform on every single late-night comedy program. He is currently on his “Born On 3rd Base Tour,” where he chronicles his impoverished childhood on food stamps, free lunch and welfare checks, while skewering our current “Tale of Two Cities”-esque wealth gap. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

NJPAC WELCOMES COMEDIAN AND PODCASTER THEO VON AS HE BRINGS HIS “RETURN OF THE RAT TOUR” to Newark on Wednesday, May 10, at 8 p.m. Von is the star of his own Netflix Original comedy special, “No Offense,” and his podcast, “This Past Weekend,” is one of the top comedy podcasts, garnering 3.5 million monthly listeners. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

DANCE

THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER’S EXTRAORDINARY DANCERS RETURN TO NJPAC WITH PREMIERES AND REPERTORY FAVORITES FOR THREE MAGICAL PERFORMANCES that each inspires with a finale of Ailey’s signature masterpiece, “Revelations.” Performances will be Friday, May 12, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 13, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 14, at 3 p.m. The Ailey company has earned a reputation as one of the finest international ambassadors of American culture, promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of American modern dance. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

EXHIBITS

THE WALSH GALLERY AT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY PRESENTS “MATTER + SPIRIT,” A TRAVELING EXHIBITION featuring 25 artists from China and North America — including Lauren Schiller, professor of fine arts at Seton Hall University. The exhibition is the result of a gathering of North American art professors with their Chinese counterparts in the summer of 2018. The participating artists considered issues of art, contemporary society, spirituality, and their role as culture makers, critics and interpreters. The result is a thought-provoking array of multimedia works that reflect the perennial tensions between the material and spiritual in human life and society. The exhibition is on view through May. The Walsh Gallery, located on the first floor of the Walsh Library, 400 South Orange Ave. in South Orange, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY GALLERIES, 1 NORMAL AVE. IN MONTCLAIR, OPENED

TWO NEW EXHIBITIONS in January: Caroline Garcia’s “Dancing on Axes and Spears” in the Segal Gallery and “Case Studies 2: Justin Cloud –The Garden” in the Kasser Theater lobby, on view

through April 21 and July 31, respectively. The exhibitions are curated by Jesse Bandler Firestone.

THE MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM HAS ANNOUNCED A NEW EXHIBITION OPENING

THIS FEBRUARY featuring the work of vanessa german and titled “…please imagine all the things I cannot say….” The show will run from now to June 25 at the museum, 3 S. Mountain Ave. in Montclair. This show will take the form of a largescale, immersive installation of mixed media artworks and will be the artist’s first solo museum show in the New York City area. A Los Angeles native, german currently resides in rural North Carolina. She is a self-taught sculptor, painter, poet and performance artist who refers to herself as a citizen artist and is interested in art as a form of healing, protection and activism. The mostly female power figures she creates explore themes of strength, love and justice, while engaging with the complicated history of race in the United States.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

MAPLEWOOD LIBRARY’S NINTH ANNUAL IDEAS FESTIVAL WILL RUN FROM APRIL 17 TO 29, and all events will be in-person. Author Eliza Minot, of Maplewood, will be the recipient of the 2023 Maplewood Literary Award on Tuesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at Maplewood Town Hall, 574 Valley St. More Ideas Festival details will be available in March on the library website at maplewoodlibrary.org/ideas-festival.

MUSIC

THE EAGLES, COMPRISING DON HENLEY, JOE WALSH AND TIMOTHY B. SCHMIT WITH VINCE GILL, HAVE EXTENDED THE BAND’S “HOTEL CALIFORNIA TOUR” and included a stop at Prudential Center on Friday, April 7, at 8 p.m. The concert will feature “Hotel California,” performed live in its entirety from start to finish,

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

love, loss and longing in his beautifully emotional vocals. The magnetic Emília, originally from Brazil, is equally adept at conveying deep melancholy and hopeful joy. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

SINGER-SONGWRITER MARISA MONTE, ONE OF BRAZIL’S MOST ADVENTUROUS AND INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED STARS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, will be performing at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Monte is known best for her exquisite voice as well as her international popularity, yet she’s also accomplished in other realms such as songwriting, production and collaboration. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

REVOLUTIONARY WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLE SHAKTI WILL CONTINUE TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE THE MUSICAL COMMONGROUND

BRIDGING EAST AND WEST at NJPAC on Sunday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. Born in the mid-1970s out of the deep artistic and spiritual connection bonding British guitarist John McLaughlin and Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain, Shakti’s cross-cultural musical conversation dissolved boundaries with passion, grace and dexterity. Today’s Shakti features: McLaughlin; Hussain; Shankar Mahadevan, vocals; Ganesh Rajagopalan, violin; and Selvaganesh Vinayakram percussion, son of original Shakti ghatam player T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram; with special guest Béla Fleck. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

THEATER

accompanied by an orchestra and choir. After a short intermission the band will perform a full set of its greatest hits. Check eagles.com for complete tour and ticket information. To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/2p9ahx4w.

NJPAC PRESENTS INDIE DARLING ANDREW BIRD, AN EXTRAORDINARY ARTIST WHO DOES IT ALL. See Bird write, play, sing, fiddle, whistle, sample, loop and rock it out on Wednesday, April 12, at 8 p.m. Bird is an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, whistler and songwriter. Since beginning his recording career in 1997, Bird has released 17 albums and performed extensively across the globe. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

METROPOLITAN ENTERTAINMENT AND NJPAC WILL PRESENT YES EPICS & CLASSICS FEATURING JON ANDERSON on Sunday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. The legendary YES vocalist/songwriter will be performing classic YES tracks, including “And You and I,” “Starship Trooper,” “Heart of the Sunrise” and others. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

WDHA’S ROCK THE ROCK FEST RETURNS TO THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER on Friday, April 28. This year’s headliner is the legendary Breaking Benjamin. Joining the lineup on the mainstage will be rockers Falling in Reverse and The Pretty Reckless, plus Beartooth, Dorothy and a special VIP appearance by Crobot. For more information, visit wdhafm.com. Prudential Center is located at 25 Lafayette St. in Newark. To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/zjv4c9dc.

NJPAC WELCOMES AUDRA MCDONALD TO NEWARK ON SATURDAY, APRIL 29, at 7:30 p.m. McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her singing and acting artistry. Blessed with a luminous soprano and an incomparable gift for dramatic truth-telling, she is as much at home on Broadway and opera stages as she is in roles on film and television. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

THE GIPSY KINGS, FEATURING TONINO BALIARDO, RETURN TO NJPAC ON THEIR

“RENAISSANCE TOUR” on Sunday, April 30, at 7 p.m. In the past three decades, the Gipsy Kings have dominated the world music charts and sold more than 14 million albums worldwide. Baliardo, the founder and leader of the Gipsy Kings, is a guitar virtuoso and a composer recognized worldwide. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

JOIN JFS METROWEST AT ITS ANNUAL GALA, “AN EVENING OF BROADWAY,” ON MONDAY, MAY 15, at 7 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, 1025 South Orange Ave. in the Short Hills section of Millburn. Enjoy entertainment by Broadway stars Jackie Burns and Jill Abramovitz. This year, JFS will shine a spotlight on Rachel Coalition’s domestic violence legal services. To purchase tickets, visit jfsmetrowest.org/gala23/.

NJPAC PRESENTS AVERY SUNSHINE, A PHENOMENAL SINGER TAKING NO DETOURS IN CREATING MELODIOUS MUSIC FOR THE MASSES, on Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m. Her sound is uplifting, vibrant and, exactly as her namesake suggests, full of sunshine. She brings people together through her riveting stage performances, candid and often humorous stage banter, and optimistic anthems about love and life. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-4665722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

ENJOY A NIGHT OF FADO WITH HÉLDER MOUTINHO AND MARIA EMÍLIA AT NJPAC on Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. The singers bring their unique stylings to the stage accompanied by expressive Portuguese guitar. Moutinho evokes

THE GREAT DUBOIS WILL PERFORM A UNIQUE TWO-PERSON CIRCUS SHOW FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY on Sunday, April 2, at 1 p.m. at SOPAC. “The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety” is a fast-paced, high-energy circus event, showcasing incredible feats of juggling, unicycling, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience

interaction all wrapped up in a blanket of comedy.S OPAC is located at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. To purchase tickets, visit sopacnow.org.

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN! “SASHA VELOUR: THE BIG REVEAL LIVE SHOW” MAKES ITS WAY TO NEWARK on Thursday, April 20, at 8 p.m. in the intimate Victoria Theater at NJPAC. Sasha Velour is a gender-fluid drag queen. She is the creator and star of the one-queen drag spectacular “Smoke & Mirrors,” which toured from 2019 to 2022 to more than 80 theaters around the world. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

WELCOMES “THE HAUNTING OF NIGHT

VALE,” starring Cecil Baldwin, Symphony Sanders and Kate Jones on Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m. Cecil and Carlos are building a new house for themselves, but strange occurrences and ghostly encounters are plaguing the construction process. It’s probably nothing. After all, how could a house be haunted before it’s even done being built? This live show is entirely stand-alone. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-4665722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

“THE JUNGLE BOOK” WILL BE PERFORMED FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ON SATURDAY, MAY 6, at 1 p.m. at SOPAC. Join young Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle with the help of friends like Bagheera and Baloo. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s time-honored adventure, this tale will delight the young and the young at heart. SOPAC is located at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange. To purchase tickets, visit sopacnow.org.

“DINO RANCH LIVE” IS COMING TO NJPAC ON SUNDAY, MAY 21, AT 1 P.M. The fun-filled, family friendly and action-packed live show is based on the hit animated series seen on Disney Junior and follows the adventures of the Cassidy family and junior ranchers Jon, Min and Miguel; their loveable dinos Blitz, Clover and Tango; and the mischievous Tin Horn Trio. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

Photo Courtesy of The Eagles

The Eagles, comprising Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit with Vince Gill, have extended the band’s “Hotel California” Tour

BHS golf team looks to improve during the season

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

Head coach Christopher Balz’s main goal for his Belleville High School coed golf team is to improve by the end of the spring season.

He also wants his players to have fun.

“We play in a real competitive league,” said Balz in an interview with the Belleville Post as his team was practicing at BHS on Tuesday afternoon, March 21. “But we have a different mindset. We always look to get better and introduce them to the game, and hopefully by the end of their career here, they are into something that they wouldn’t have been in.

“My goal is to get everybody on this team to get better at the end of the season than when they started.”

Balz particularly is thrilled that his team can practice at the Belleville indoor training facility that opened last October. The facility, located at 522 Cortland St. in Belleville, has a computerized golf simulator. Normally, the cold weather isn’t ideal during the preseason. That’s why the players are ecstatic to take advantage of the golf simulator at the facility as they hone their skills and get ready for the season.

The Buccaneers compete in the Super Essex Conference–Liberty Division which includes West Essex, Glen Ridge, Verona, Cedar Grove, Bloomfield, Caldwell and Nutley.

The team’s home course is Hendricks Golf Course. The Bucs were scheduled to begin the season on Tuesday, March 28, against Verona at Montclair Golf Course. Their home opener was scheduled for Thursday, March 30, against Nutley.

Photos by Joe Ragozzino

The Belleville coed golf team practices at Belleville High School on Tuesday, March 21. At left, players work on their putting, and, at right, senior Savannah Ortiz follows through on her swing.

Above, a Belleville golfer works on her putting while head coach Christopher Balz watches.

Christopher Balz head coach

BHS boys tennis team aims for divisional title

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

With a strong returning group, the Belleville High School boys tennis team has high hopes for a successful season.

Head coach John Dubuque likes his team’s chances to contend for the Super Essex Conference–Independence Division championship. The other teams in the division are Irvington, Nutley, Newark East Side and Newark Central.

“We have a pretty good chance at winning the division. We have a lot of kids back from last year,” said Dubuque in an interview with the Belleville Post as his team was practicing at the BHS tennis courts on Tuesday afternoon, March 21. “We have a good crop of seniors, a good crop of sophomores, and we have some juniors that will fill out the seven-man lineup.”

The Buccaneers are happy to be playing at the renovated BHS tennis courts, which has a new surface, nets and surrounding fence.

Senior Terry Li is expected to be the No. 1 singles spot. Sophomores Ethan Nguyen and Dominick Cappettelli will vie for the other two singles spots. Several players are in the mix for the two doubles teams.

In addition to the division schedule, the Bucs will face strong SEC crossover competition against the likes of Cedar Grove, West Orange, Bloomfield, Caldwell and Verona, as well as non-conference foe Passaic.

But whatever the result, the Bucs will always play hard and with dedication, much to Dubuque’s delight.

“Our kids work extremely hard,” Dubuque said of his team. “They do what they can in every practice. They are here before practice and sometimes they stay after practice. They work well together; they work well at singles, they work well together at doubles.”

The Bucs were scheduled to begin the season on Monday, April 3, at Newark Central.

Here is the rest of the schedule:

• April 5: vs. Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.

• April 10: at Passaic, 4 p.m.

• April 12: vs. Newark East Side, 10 a.m.

• April 14: at Nutley, 4 p.m.

• April 17: vs. Central, 4 p.m.

• April 21: at Irvington, 4 p.m.

• April 24: at Bloomfield, 4 p.m.

• April 26: at Verona, 4 p.m.

• April 28: at Passaic, 4 p.m.

• May 1: vs. Irvington, 4 p.m.

• May 3: at Newark East Side, 4 p.m.

• May 4: at West Orange, 4 p.m.

• May 8: vs. Nutley, 4 p.m.

• May 10: at Caldwell, 4 .m.

• May 15: vs. Golda Och Academy, 4 p.m.

Belleville HS spring teams get ready for their seasons

The Belleville High School spring teams are getting ready for their seasons that begin on Monday, April 3.

Here are the partial schedules for baseball and softball:

Baseball

• April 3: at Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.

• April 4: vs. Newark Academy, 4 p.m.

• April 6: vs. Rahway, 4:15 p.m.

• April 8: vs. University, 11 a.m.

• April 10: at Newark East Side, 4 p.m.

• April 12: vs. Payne Tech, 4 p.m.

• April 14: at East Orange Campus, 4 pm.

• April 15: at Verona, 11 a.m.

• April 17: at Shabazz, 4 p.m.

• April 19: at Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.

• April 21: at Newark Academy, 4 p.m.

• April 22: vs. Lodi, 11 a.m.

• April 24: at University, 4 p.m.

• April 26: vs. Newark East Side, 4 p.m.

• May 1: vs. Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.

• May 6: vs. Kearny, 11 a.m.

• May 8: at Payne Tech, 4 p.m.

Softball

• April 3: vs. Newark Tech, 4 p.m.

• April 5: at West Caldwell Tech, 4 p.m.

• April 10: vs. Newark East Side, 4 p.m.

• April 12: at Technology, 4 p.m.

• April 14: vs. West Orange, 4 p.m.

• April 17: vs. Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.

• April 19: at Newark Tech, 4 p.m.

• April 21: vs. West Caldwell Tech, 4 p.m.

• April 24: vs. Edison, 5 p.m.

• April 25: vs. Kearny, 4:15 p.m.

• April 26: at Newark East Side, 4 p.m.

• April 27: at Barringer, 4 p.m.

• April 28: vs. Linden, 4:15 p.m.

• May 1: vs. Newark Academy, 4 p.m.

• May 10: vs. Technology, 4 p.m.

Boys volleyball

• April 3: at Montclair, 4 p.m.

• April 4: vs. Payne Tech, 4 p.m.

• April 5: at Bloomfield, 4 p.m.

• April 10: at Millburn, 4 p.m.

• April 12: vs. West Essex, 4 p.m.

• April 14: vs. Newark East Side, 4 p.m.

• April 17: at Livingston, 4 p.m.

• April 19: at Abundant Life Academy, 4 p.m.

• April 21: vs. Bloomfield, 4 p.m.

• April 24: at Payne Tech, 4 p.m.

• April 25: at Fair Lawn, 4:15 p.m.

• April 29: at Livingston tournament, 9 a.m.

• May 3: vs. Abundant Life Academy, 4 p.m.

• May 4: vs. Livingston, 4 p.m.

• May 8: vs. Millburn, 4 p.m.

Youssef Ibrahim senior

Dominick Cappelletti sophomore

Photos by Joe Ragozzino John Dubuque Belleville head coach

Arian Mangal junior Ethan Nguyen sophomore