Belleville Post - May 2023

Cozzarelli is honored

POST

Belleville based film attracting attention

By Joe Ungaro Editor

A new movie filmed mostly in Belleville and written and directed by a township resident was featured in two film festivals including the prestigious New York Shorts International Film Festival.

Renzo Montoya, a Belleville High School graduate, is the writer/director of “Greylock,” which draws on his own experiences as an Army veteran to tell the story of a man’s attempt to adjust to civilian life once his military career is over.

“The movie is about a man who just got out of the Army and is working as a waiter,” Montoya said. “He is really sick of his daily routine and is searching for purpose in his life. He wants to go back to the Army but he doesn’t want to leave his wife and she doesn’t want to go back to that life.”

The film is named “Greylock” and portions of it were shot along Greylock Parkway. There is also a scene at an isolated bus stop bench in Nutley between Union Avenue and Centre Street.

— See Page 17

off to great start

Montoya moved from Peru when he was 12 years old to Belleville, where he lived with his mother and an aunt and uncle. He graduated from Belleville High School where he developed an interest in filmmaking while he and friends made videos of events at the school and around town.

“We started doing video projects for the school, recording football games, a play,” Montoya said. “We also recorded some community events, like a festival that happens every year in Belleville. We did a safety video with the police.”

— See Page 26

After graduation in 2018, Montoya joined the Army where he was culinary specialist but he never lost interest in filmmaking. In his down time, he wrote narrative stories and scripts. He left the service when his three year term was up and got together with old friends and got back to filmmaking.

Montoya and some of his former class-

mates and others have established a Belleville-based production company called "Senior Cat Pictures," which produces films and video content for social media around the NJ/NYC area.

He made one other short film which got some attention before the current project that he created with more than a dozen people, including six friends from high school.

He named this film “Greylock,” after one of the best known streets in the township. The name has some symbolism

because the street goes uphill and at the top of the hill are some power lines and electrical towers.

“It seemed like a perfect place to do a shoot,” Montoya said. “It’s uphill and it’s very well known. There are electric towers that connect the whole town.”

Montoya is 22 and single. He said his goal is to become a producer and director of full length films.

“My approach incorporates symbolism and a unique vision to create self-driven

See GREYLOCK, Page 2

— See Page 3

‘Joker’ comes to Belleville

Bucs

Photo Courtesy of Renzo Montoya Actor Prentice Myles, who plays the lead character in the film “Greylock,” is seen here walking on the median of Greylock Parkway in Belleville.

Belleville native’s movie is about a veteran adjusting to life

(Continued from Page 1)

character stories that delve into the complexities of the human experience,” Montoya said “Drawing on my experiences as a U.S veteran, I am passionate about using filmmaking to share my perspective and give voice to the stories of my fellow veterans.”

The film, which was also featured during the Northeast Film Festival, will next appear at The 2023 Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival at Bow Tie Cinema in Ridgewood on April 27.

“As a local filmmaker, I am thrilled to showcase our town's beauty and rich culture through my work,” Montoya said.

Photos Courtesy of Renzo Montoya

At left, a scene from a moment in the film ‘Greylock,’ which was shot mostly in Belleville. Above, actor Clarence Demesier, pictured in Army fatigues, and Prentice Myles during the filming of ‘Greylock.’

Belleville superintendent is recognized by council

Richard D. Tomko has been recognized by Belleville’s governing body for bringing financial stability to the school district while bolstering staffing and expanding facilities since stepping into the role of superintendent of schools in 2015.

The proclamation presented to Tomko at the March 28 council meeting noted his ascension through many educational positions in many school districts before coming to Belleville, where he has displayed “excellence and devotion” as school chief.

Further, the proclamation noted his display of “dedication, commitment and perseverance and through his efforts did an outstanding job.”

“I’m very grateful to receive this recognition from the township,” Tomko said. “The mayor and council’s commitment to the children of Belleville strongly aligns with mine, and that creates fertile common ground for us to work together. One of the most visible examples of our collaboration is the Winter Festival, and there are many other special programs and events for the community.”

The presentation of the proclamation comes after Tomko was selected by a prominent national trade publication, Education Week,

as one of “Eight Leaders to Learn From in 2023.”

The article detailed the enormous progress made by the Belleville school district since his arrival.

Tomko was hired when the school district was under state oversight for long-term financial mismanagement, including the accruement of more than $4 million in debt.

Tomko made personal connections with district personnel, earned stakeholders’ trust and leveraged district resources – even reconfiguring the district’s grade levels to free up classroom space at the middle school and repurposing an old factory to create a new communityshared athletic center.

Within four years, the school district was back in the black.

“It’s very humbling that the writers and editors at Education Week chose to focus on me,” Tomko said.

“But we couldn’t have made the strides that we’ve made in Belleville without the tireless work and deep dedication of our amazing administrators, teachers, staff members and Board of Education members.

“Each day we get the chance to make a better future for almost 5,000 children,” he said. “That’s a tremendous responsibility, but I couldn’t ask for a better job.”

Photo Courtesy of Belleville Schools

Belleville Councilman Vinny Cozzarelli presents Superintendent of Schools Richard Tomko with a proclamation at a council meeting in honor of the strides the school district has made under Tomko's leadership.

CONGRATULATIONS! — About 300 people attended the Jaycees 51st annual dinner where the organization handed out its 2023 Distinguished Service Awards. The Outstanding Young Man award went to John V. Kelly III; the Civic Affairs award went to the Rev. Pamela Bakal; the Education award went to Jainine Gambaro; the business award went

to Frank Turano Jr.; and the Public Health and Safety award went to Patricia Cruz. In the photo on the left, from the right, are Steve Clarke, chair of the event, John Kelly, the Rev. Pam Bakal, Patricia Cruz, Jainine Gambaro, Frank Turano, Jr. and Walt Smith, who served as chair of judges in picking the award winners. The photo on the left is of the banquet room.

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Photos Courtesy of Nutley Jaycees

Belleville celebrates spring with new track, new baseball season

BELLEVILLE – A recent Saturday morning celebrated the young athletes of the township and honored a beloved member of the community who was committed to caring for them.

The festivities started as Mayor Michael Melham and members of the Township Council were joined by an estimated 150 residents to cut the ceremonial ribbon on the new track at the Municipal Stadium Complex on Passaic Avenue.

The new eight-lane competitive track has been in the works for many years; it is part of a $5.5 million project to enhance and enlarge the athletic facilities in the township.

The blue track has distinctive gold lane stripping to mark the colors of Belleville High School.

“This new track will not only allow the high school track teams to host major meets, but it will serve as a valuable resource for Belleville residents who want to get out and get their exercise on a professional-grade track,” Melham said.

Later the same day, April 15, Belleville marked a beloved annual rite of spring.

The familiar sound of bat meeting ball filled the air as the Belleville Recreation Baseball and Softball programs celebrated their opening days.

The young players were announced, and all those coaches, managers and parents who volunteer to help run the program were recognized for their invaluable help.

In between the two events, Belleville paid tribute to a man who did so much for the recreation programs and the young athletes they serve.

A small road that divides the sports complex was named in honor of the late Danny Rafferty, a familiar face in the town’s athletic community who passed away in January.

“Danny epitomized civic pride through his dedication to the young athletes of this town,” Melham said. “His legacy lives on, especially on days like this when we cut the ribbon on a track facility and launch the new baseball and softball seasons.”

Photo Courtesy of Belleville Township Mayor Michael Melham and members of the township council were joined by residents and athletes at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the town's new track facility.

Scouts collecting record amounts of much needed food

After record collections the last two years, local Cub Scout packs 141 and 142 and Boy Scout Troop 147 have been conducting their annual food drive this month for the Nutley Food Pantry.

Nutley Scouts collected more than 80,000 items the past two years for the food pantry according to Walt Smith, Pack 141 chairman and chairman of the project.

“This is always an exhausting day, but a great way to teach the Scouts, especially the young Cub Scouts the meaning of helping others,” Smith said.

The food pantry at the Family Service Bureau in Nutley, 169 Chestnut St., is one of the largest in Essex County, according to a press release from the Scouts, which said personal care items for the care pantry at Vincent United Methodist Church will also be accepted by Scouts.

Suggestions for food donations are: stew, chili, hash, tuna, soups, chunky soups, pasta, pasta sauce, rice mixes, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, hot/cold cereal, coffee, tea, baby formula/food and ShopRite gift cards.

The pantry accepts all non-perishable groceries, but not expired cans, so please check expiration dates before donating items. Cans and plastic jars are easier to handle than glass jars. The need this time of the year is especially great, according to Peggy Conca, Nutley Family Service Bureau pantry manager.

During March, the local pantry served more than 350 families and nearly 1,000 people including many children and seniors. More than 3,500 food items were required.

The campaign was launched on "Bag Distribution Day" earlier this month when

Scouts distributed bags to residences in Nutley. The Scouts return to residences at a later day, "Bag Collection Day," to retrieve the bags filled with donated nonperishable items.

The Scouts will be depositing the collected bags at Nutley Masonic Lodge 175 Chestnut St. on April 29, between 10:30 a.m and 3 p.m. Trader Joe’s donated more than 10,000 bags for use in the drive.

Scouts will also be outside Nutley Park ShopRite on Saturday, April 29, to accept donations from grocery shoppers. After April 29, donations may be dropped off at the Nutley Family Service Bureau Annex, 169 Chestnut St.

“We are tremendously grateful for the continued support that the Nutley Scouts and community members provide to programs like the Nutley Family Service Bureau’s Food Pantry,” said Katherine Carmichael, executive director of the Nutley Family Service Bureau. “The Food Pantry relies on donations from this project to stock our shelves. Year after year the Scouts and those who donate help to keep the pantry going to support our neighbors in need.”

Carmichael said anyone in need of food assistance should speak to a staff member at 973-667-1884 or read more about the program on our website at www.nutleyfamily.org.

Scouting for Food is the nation’s largest single-day food drive. Scouting for Food began as a service project for the St. Louis Area Council in 1985 and was adopted by the National Organization in 1988 when one million Scouts collected an estimated 65 million cans of nonperishable food. This year marks the 35th year of the event.

Pictured are members of the project team from Belleville High School that was selected as the state winner in the 13th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. They are now competing against teams across the country for a chance at a $100,000 prize package. The team is looking into concussion prevention and working on an application and

a wearable data collection device to assist in identification of possible brain injuries. From left to right are: Xin Ying Pan, senior, engineering lead; Youssef Ibrahim, senior, computer science/engineering lead; Brennan Delos Santos, sophomore, audio visual lead; Victor Pham, senior, computer science lead; and Jason Poveda, senior, engineering lead.

Photo Courtesy of Samsung

Police charge 3 with Easter morning robbery of donut shop

NUTLEY — Three people have been arrested in connection to a robbery of the Washington Avenue Dunkin’ Donuts on Easter morning, according to a statement from Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo.

On Sunday, April 9, at 5:45 a.m., police were called to Dunkin’ Donuts regarding an armed robbery, Strumolo said.

The suspects described to police matched those wanted by the Secaucus Police Department for a robbery at one of their locations. Through the ensuing joint investigation, detectives were able to obtain enough information about the vehicle used in the robberies to disseminate it to surrounding agencies, the statement said.

The following day, a Springfield police officer noticed a Grey Chevrolet Equinox with no license plates fitting the description given by Nutley and Secaucus police.

The officer stopped the vehicle and police in Springfield recovered a handgun

in it which led to the arrest of Ocean Roberts, 19, of Bayonne.

Over the week, police were able to secure enough evidence to charge Roberts as well as Wilmer Arias-DeJesus, 19, of East Newark and Yanik Pendleton, 22, of Bayonne, with armed robbery and conspiracy charges, the statement said.

Strumolo said Secaucus, Springfield and Nutley had worked since April 9 to identify and arrest these suspects. He commended detectives and the other agencies for their cooperation and assistance.

“I vowed we would apprehend these suspects,” Petracco said. “All the defendants are presently detained while our investigation continues. We may uncover information that leads to accomplices who will be subject to arrest and prosecution as well.This was an outstanding effort by multiple agencies, all of which were integral. I thank them and am happy that no one was injured.”

Rotary, VFW co-hosting ‘Death of a Gangster’ murder mystery

The Nutley Rotary Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 493 will be co-hosting a presentation of “Death of a Gangster” on May 20 at 6 p.m.

The show, which includes a four-course dinner, is a story set in the Dunn Speakeasy where a wedding is being held. The married to the mob type event makes it hard to know who to trust and with two families merging, that means someone will lose power and someone will lose their life. Try and solve the case with your fellow detectives.

The cost is $65 and tickets can be had by contacting John Monaco at 201-248-4575, Ben Costa at 973-798-2493 or Maria Hamlin at 862-208-3911.

Photo Courtesy of Nutley Police Department Deputy Chief Gerard Green, Detective Sgt. Jim Baunhuber and Commissioner Alphonse Petracco are on the job.

Art Auction for Essex County Ethical Culture Society open for previews starting April 22

The start of the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County’s "Celebrate Art" Online Art Auction is set for Saturday, April 22.

Online previews of the art started April 15 and will run through Friday, April 21. Online bidding begins April 22 and runs through Saturday, April 29, according to a press release from the Society.

The auction features “innovative and inspiring art, framed photos and posters,” and proceeds will go to the Society’s Capital Campaign to make needed repairs to the historic building at Prospect Street and Parker Avenue.

This "historic house on the hill" has played an important role in the community by welcoming people not only on Sundays for presentations about ethical questions in our lives and in our world, but also by welcoming many com-

munity groups and events.

The link for the online auction site is AirAuctioneer.com/art4ethical. To participate, set up an account/Sign in on the AirAuctioneer.com/Art4Ethical site by providing your email and setting up a password.

An after Online Art Auction Party is set for Sunday, May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County. It will be a chance to meet some of the participating artists, donors, and those buying artwork.

Winning bidders will be encouraged to pick up their artwork at the After Online Auction Party on May 7. However, other dates, times, locations can be arranged for pick up of artwork. If delivery is required the cost of delivery will be added to the purchase price.

Library awarded grant to upgrade HVAC

DEA reminding people to turn in unused medication

The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Annual Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 22, and collection sites are set up at municipal police departments throughout Essex County.

“Some of the most dangerous substances in your home are the unused prescription and over the counter medication in your bathroom closet,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. “Youth may sneak pills and use them out of curiosity, but there is a real danger that this could lead to more severe drug abuse.”

DiVincenzo said ridding your homes of unused prescription medication and dangerous drugs is a simple and important safety measure.

“Using the collection sites ensures your unwanted pills are not used improperly and will be destroyed in an environmentally friendly manner,” DiVincenzo said. Bringing medication to the collection locations is free and anonymous.

“We don’t want the community to be fearful of coming to a police station to get rid of their unused and old prescription drugs,” said East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi, who serves as president of the Essex County Police Chiefs Association. “This is safe and anonymous. This is a safe, effective and easy way to prevent these drugs from falling into the wrong hands and being used improperly.”

The temporary collection locations,

which will be open on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., are as follows: Essex Fells Police Department, 255 Roseland Ave.in the rear of the building.

West Caldwell Police Department, 21 Clinton Road.

Residents can dispose of their unused prescription drug medication by placing it

in the marked collection sites. Residents should remove any identifying information from the medication containers, such as their name, address, telephone number and doctor’s name. Medications that are collected are brought to a licensed facility where they are safely disposed of.

Although officials urged the public to participate in Drug Take Back Day on April 22, there are permanent collection sites open year-round so unwanted medications can be safely discarded at the public’s convenience.

The following are some permanent collection locations:

Belleville Police Department, 152 Washington Ave.

Bloomfield Police Department, 1 Municipal Plaza.

East Orange Police Department, 15 South Munn Ave.

Glen Ridge Police Department, 3 Herman St.

Irvington Police Department, 1 Civic Square

Maplewood Police Department, 1618 Springfield Ave.

Nutley Police Department, 228 Chestnut St.

Orange Police Department, 29 Park St.

South Orange Police Department, 201 South Orange Ave.

West Orange Police Department, 60 Main St.

For additional information, please call 973-323-3907.

Photo Courtesy of Essex County Displaying a poster with the drop off locations for unwanted medications throughout Essex County are, from left, Family Connections Executive Director Jacques Hryshko, East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi, ADAPT Program Director Joel Torress, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. NJ Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and Sheriff Armando Fontoura.

American Legion bats lead off at Opening Day ceremonies

BELLEVILLE — The American Legion Post 105 family took part in baseball opening day ceremonies in the township by providing a color guard, leading the Pledge of Allegiance and taking a moment to ask people to keep an eye on the mental health of any veterans they might know.

Following the introduction of the roughly 30 teams that ranged from squads of 5-year olds to the high school travel teams, Commander Joe Cobianchi led the hundreds in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

After the crowd sat down, Cobianchi took a few seconds to speak about veterans suicide and last year’s “’22 A day” initiative, and how this country is making progress in helping vets seeking help.

The “’22 A Day” program by the American Legion brought to light veterans’ suicide and the on-average 22 vets a day who end their life.

The program has since been rebranded to “Be The One” and is focused on eliminating the stigma related to mental health treatment, and in turn, lowering the number of veterans who die by suicide.

The American Legion has elevated “Be the One” to be its top priority, empowering veterans, service members, their family members and civilians to act appropriately when a veteran may be at risk, according to a press release from the Legion.

“Tell them about our ‘Be the One’ campaign and our efforts to de-stigmatize the courageous decision to seek mental wellness,” National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola said earlier this month. “Too many veterans take their lives while feeling isolated and alone. Some have no close relatives to whom they can reach out. It is a mistake for them to believe they have no family. Whether they know it or not, they have an American Legion family.”

The Post 105 family includes the American Legion’s veterans, the Sons of the American Legion and the Amer-

ican Legion Auxiliary. All participated in the event. After the ceremony, members of the post family tracked down the 14 and Under team, which Post 105 and SAL Squadron 105 sponsors, so they could take a picture with the color guard.

This is the third year that the Post and Squadron have sponsored the Belleville Jr. Bucs.

Their pinstripe uniforms, emblazoned with the Belleville “B,” also have the Legion seal on one arm and the SAL seal on the other.

Photo Courtesy of American Legion Post 105

The American Legion Post 105 Color Guard with the members of the 14 and Under team the organization sponsors at opening day ceremonies.

ESSEX COUNTY’S RECYCLING DAY

Computer & Electronics

Saturday, May 20, 2023

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Essex County Fleet Management (Public Works)

99 W. Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Essex Master Gardeners announce plant sale dates

The Master Gardeners of Essex County have announced details of their 2023 Plant Sale.

The sale features Master Gardener grown tomatoes, eggplant and herb plants as well as a curated selection of perennials, shrubs and woodies, according to a press release from the organization, which said that local honey, honey products and related gift items will also be available with beekeepers on hand.

Free to all Essex County Residents. Essex County residents must provide proof of residency at the site.

COMMERCIAL AND LARGE QUANTITY USERS MAY NOT DROP OFF ITEMS.

✔ Do not exit vehicle.

✔ Items for disposal to be placed in trunk.

✔ No containers or boxes will be returned.

For more information call 973-792-9060 or www.ecuanj.com

ITEMS ACCEPTED:

Computers

Monitors

Printers

Fax Machines

Scanners

Telecom Equipment Speakers

Televisions

Keyboards

Main Frames

VCRs

Stereos

DVD Players

Toasters

Irons

Old Cellular Telephones

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT:

Smoke Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The sale will also feature a curated selection of roses, chosen by the organization’s Brookdale Park Rose Garden project. The Plant Sale will be on Friday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday May 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Ave. in Upper Montclair.

The following Saturday, May 13, the sale will be at the Essex County Environmental Center’s Garibaldi Hall, 621A Eagle Rock Ave. in Roseland from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional information will be available on MGEC’s website mgessex.org.

The Master Gardeners of Essex County is a group of volunteers who provide horticultural education and services to the community. Training is provided by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station through Rutgers University.

Along with operating a horticulture helpline, the organization volunteers at many Essex County sites including the Brookdale Park Rose Garden, Branch Brook Park Cherry Tree Collection and the Turtle Back Zoo.

For more information consult their website mgessex.org, call 973-228-2210, or email mastergardenerec@gmail.com.

Essex Photo Club to learn about black and white landscape photography

The Essex Photo Club will hold its May educational meeting on Thursday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Huibo Hou will present a program titled “Searching Our Vision in Black and White Landscape Photography” during the meeting, according to a press release from the club.

The final club competition will be on Thursday, May 18, at the same time and on the same platform when “Best Images of the Year” will be judged by Susan Candelario, David Unger, and Becky Witt.

There is no cost for either program. For more information visit www.essexphotoclub.org or call Catherine KuzikFernandez at 862-485-7474 for zoom access to the meetings.

“Recycling computer hardware and electronic devices helps remove lead and other dangerous chemicals from our waste stream, which is important for us and our children. With your participation, we can do our part to protect the environment.”

— Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive, The Essex County Board of Commissioners and the Essex County Utilities Authority

Essex County Parks System to get its sixth dog park

A restroom will be renovated and a dog park created in Vailsburg Park.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced plans to create the dog park and renovate the restroom on April 14.

The dog park will be the sixth in the Essex County Parks System and the improvements are part of the County Executive’s ongoing initiative to revitalize the Essex County Parks System and update facilities to meet the changing needs of the community, according to a press release from the county.

“Members of the community came to us with the request to include a dog park and renovate the playground restroom building in Vailsburg Park,” DiVincenzo said. “The development of the dog park transforms an underutilized section of the park into a vibrant location where community members and their canine pets can gather and socialize. And the modernization of the restroom building will make it more convenient for parents and their young children to enjoy the playground.”

The dog park will be located in the western section of the park. It will be about 24,000 square feet in size and have separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. The large dog area is about 13,000 square feet and the small dog area is about 11,000 square feet. The dog park will have a gated decorative entrance, agility apparatus and water fountains designed for dogs, benches, garbage cans and an information kiosk. Landscaping will be enhanced, trees will be pruned, and new pathways, sidewalks and curbing will be installed in the area.

“We all realize how important our parks are for our residents and their pets. This facility will provide dog owners with a place for the canine members of their family with a place to run and play and not be on a leash,” Commissioner Len Luciano said.

The Vailsburg Dog Park is the sixth in the Essex

County Parks System. The Watsessing Dog Park in Bloomfield/East Orange opened in 2005. The South Mountain Dog Park in Maplewood/Millburn opened in 2006. The Brookdale Dog Park in Bloomfield/Montclair opened in 2007. The Hilltop Dog Park in North Caldwell opened in 2018. The Branch Brook Dog Park in Newark Opened in 2019.

“I applaud what Joe D. has done for Vailsburg Park. I

know the dog park will be a big hit and I appreciate the renovations to the restroom building. I look forward to working with Joe on even more things to make this park better,” said Pam McElveen of the Palm Street Block Association in Newark.

The existing restroom building adjacent to the children’s playground will be renovated with modern fixtures.

Photo Courtesy of Glen Frieson Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. (center) announced plans to create a dog park and renovate a restroom building in Essex County Vailsburg Park. Holding an artist’s rendering of the dog park with the county executive are, from left, Essex County Register Juan Rivera, Mike Piga from French and Parrello, Pam McElveen from the Palm Street Block Association, Essex County Administrator Robert Jackson, Commissioner Len Lucian, Newark Councilman Dupree Kelly, Ronil and Nick Naik from Zenith Construction and Newark Councilman and Citizen Services Director Anibal Ramos.

Scouts, American Legion team up to provide cookies for vets

The Sons of the American Legion worked with local Girl Scouts to make life a little sweeter for veterans.

The Sons coordinated a five-month long project, “Cookies for Vets,” which resulted in $2,200 worth of Girl Scout cookies being delivered to the New Jersey Veterans Affairs hospitals in Lyons and East Orange, according to a press release from the Sons.

“It made me feel like I was doing something to make the veterans feel happy, to let them know there are people out there that care about them and want to help them,” said Lilianna Giannone from Girl Scout Troop 20122, who helped deliver the cookies.

Girl Scouts from Troops 20122, 20052, 20462, as well as Sons of the American Legion from Squadron 105 of Belleville, and members from the Detachment’s Children and Youth Commission made the delivery to the two VA campuses in early April, which is National American Legion Children and Youth Month. The scouts, mostly from Nutley, took time out of their spring break to deliver cookies to satisfy the sweet tooth of veterans staying both short and long term at the VA hospitals.

The “Cookies for Vets” project, being run for a second year, is part of the Sons of the American Legion’s commitment to two of its core pillars – Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, and Children and Youth, the release said. The Detachment of New Jersey, which is the state-level element of the SAL organization, began raising money in December for this project.

The project grew in both size and scope in a year.

“Last year’s inaugural program raised $1,000,” said Children and Youth Chairman Rusty Myers. “We did over twice that this year.”

The money raised this year allowed organizers to buy about 420 boxes of cookies for the vets.

“That is amazing, in that all of this has come from individual donations, and from our American Legion Family Posts, Squadrons, Units, and County organizations from throughout the state,” Myers said.

Latisha Eaves, from the VA-NJ’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement, spoke kindly of the project.

“The contribution means a lot for the fact that it helps the steadiness of our commitment to serving those who fought for our freedom,” Eaves said. We always believe that through a movement such as the Girls Scouts, we can achieve greatness and teach leadership, courage, kindness and to uninterruptedly do the right thing.”

One of the primary goals of the project is not only to purchase the cookies from the scouts, but to have the girl’s involved from start to finish, from ordering to delivery.

The Girl Scouts say that “when you buy delicious Girl Scout Cookies, you’re helping girls fund life-changing programs,

experiences, and learning for themselves and their troops all year long. These experiences broaden their worlds, teach them essential skills, and launch them into a lifetime of success.”

Leading up to the delivery, the Sons met with the scouts at their March meeting held at American Legion Post 105 to provide context about why doing something like this is important to our veterans.

"Delivering cookies to the Vets was a wonderful experience,” said scout Mia Oliveras afterward. “It's a small thank you for all they have done for our country".

On this first Thursday in April, first came a drop off of 210 boxes to the Lyons Campus, then a half hour drive to the East Orange campus where the group dropped off the other 210 boxes and met with the VA staff they had been in contact with over the past few months.

At each location, the girls formed a ‘bucket brigade’, where they passed the boxes from an SUV filled to the brim with cookies to the loading dock.

One of those East Orange staff members present to help receive the delivery was Vietnam Veteran Earl “Slim” Ayler, who flew in helicopters with the US Army in Southeast Asia.

Ayler spoke to the girls about being shot down overseas and how it took a few days before he was rescued. He also presented each Girl Scout with a “Cookies for Vets” patch, to put on their uniform sashes thanking them for their participation.

The hope is that each bite of a Somoa or a Trefoil cookie reminds these veterans of how much the American Legion Family and Girl Scouts appreciates their service and sacrifice, and at the same time emphasizes to the Scouts our obligation to do what we can as Americans to give back to our New Jersey vets, the release said.

“Delivering cookies made me feel like I was giving back,” Girl Scout Brinley Sullivan said. “A token of thanks.”

Photo courtesy of American Legion Post

Back row from the left are VA staff members Latisha Eaves, Earl “Slim” Ayler and Thelma Wingfield posing with scouts and members of the Sons of the American Legion. — Additional photos appear on Page 15.

Photos Courtesy of American Legion Post 105

OTHERS — Left, Girl Scout Chelsea O’Donnell shows off the patch she received for participating in the ‘Cookies for Vets’ project. Right, Earl “Slim” Ayler, a Vietnam War veteran and staffer at the East Orange Veterans Affairs campus, hands out patches to kids who helped in the ‘Cookies for Vets’ project. — See

14

High school students paint crosswalk as traffic calming measure

The girl in the blue hoodie feigned as if she was going to brush some pink paint onto her friend’s Chuck Taylors.

“Hey, quit it,” the friend said with a laugh.

It was a light-hearted moment, but the 20 or so members of the Belleville High School Arts Club who were helping paint a cherry blossom on the pavement at Holmes and High streets last week understood the importance of their work.

The brightly colored, highly visible symbol of Belleville stretching across the asphalt was created with temporary paint and designed to slow motorists as they approach the intersection adjacent to Belleville Middle School.

Along with painted bump outs, repainted crosswalks and other important touches, these enhancements are intended to create a safer experience for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

The Belleville School District under the leadership of Schools Superintendent Richard Tomko has collaborated with the municipal Green Team on the “Crosswalks for a Safer Community.”

The demonstration project was created through Belleville’s participation in the Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program, funded by a grant through the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

“The Green Team is grateful to receive this project assistance and understand as a community we must all work together to increase awareness of crosswalk safety for pedestrians and develop safe driving habits in these critical areas,” said Gabrielle BennettMeany, Green Team coordinator.

“Our students’ safety is paramount, and we are committed to creating a safe experience for our many students who walk and bike to school,” Tomko said.

Police Chief Mark Minichini said

the Belleville Police Department will be comparing traffic data near the intersection collected before and after the creation of the demonstration project.

If the improvements are successful, they could become permanent, and inspire similar installations at other locations in Belleville. A printed report showing how the enhancements worked could be submitted by the school district and township in applications for further grant money.

The safety improvements could also dovetail into a school travel plan that would create more orderly drop off and dismissal periods at Belleville schools.

The enhancements work in concert. The bump outs – delineated by reflective traffic bollards – will act to extend the sidewalks, thus creating a shorter crosswalk. The bump outs will also narrow the street, which typically makes motorists slow down. The colors of the cherry blossom will alert motorists to instinctively slow down. Repainted latter-style crosswalks will be easier for approaching motorists to see.

Belleville Councilman and Green Team member Vinny Cozzarelli said the hope is that the effort leads to a safer intersection, as well as encouraging more students to walk and bike to school.

“One of the Green Team’s core values is sustainability,” he said. “Fewer cars on the road add up to less greenhouse gas emissions, and that has great benefits for our environment. With warmer weather arriving, it would be the perfect opportunity for students to walk with their friends to and from school.”

Tomko applauded the students who diligently worked with brushes and rollers for several hours to bring to life the cherry blossom, just in time for the spring bloom.

Photos Courtesy of Belleville School District About 20 members of the Belleville High School Arts Club helped paint a cherry blossom in the intersection of Holmes and High streets, adjacent to the middle school.

Three blood drives are scheduled in Essex County throughout May

New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, will be conducting blood drives in the area which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled in May:

May 11, from 1 to 7 p.m., St. Nicholas, Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 80 Laurel Ave., Roseland.

May 19, from 1 to 7 p.m., Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Squad, 3 Herman St., Glen Ridge.

May 30 from 1 to 7 p.m., Montclair Women's Club, 82 Union St., Montclair.

Blood products have a short shelf life –from five to 42 days, so constant replenishment is necessary, according to a press release from NJ Blood Services, which said that each day there are patients who depend on the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma to stay alive. But blood and blood products can’t be manufactured. They can only come from volunteer blood donors who take an hour to attend a blood drive or visit a donor center.

To donate blood or for additional information on how to organize a blood drive call 1-800-933-2566 or visit: www.nybloodcenter.org.

WORSHIP CALENDAR

BAPTIST

B ROO K DA L E CHR I ST I AN CH U RCH, 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

ESSEX COUNTY’S RECYCLING DAY

Household Hazardous Waste

Saturday, May 6, 2023

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Essex County Fleet Management (Public Works) 99 W. Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Free to all Essex County Residents. Essex County residents must provide proof of residency at the site.

NOT FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES.

✔ Do not exit vehicle.

✔ Items for disposal to be placed in trunk.

✔ NO containers will be returned (gas cans, etc.).

For more information call 973-792-9060 or

www.ecuanj.com

ITEMS ACCEPTED:

Herbicides

Paint thinners and solvents

Oil based paints and stains

Chemistry sets

Propane tanks (barbecue type)

Pool chemicals

Automotive fluids (antifreeze, motor oil, steering fluids, etc.)

Darkroom/ Photographic chemicals

Lithium and NiCad batteries

Fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT:

Latex paint

Unlabeled or Unidentified Materials

Asbestos

Regulated Medical Waste or Infectious Waste

Commercial or Industrial Waste

Empty Containers

Explosives, Munitions, Ordnance or Reactive Materials

Mercury and products containing mercury

Gasoline/Kerosene

Household cleaning fluids

Car batteries

Fire extinguishers (home)

Driveway sealer

Aerosol spray paints

Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

“There are some materials that should be removed from our regular waste stream because of their hazardous nature. This collection day provides our residents a place to properly and safely dispose of contaminants, protecting our precious environment for future generations. I encourage residents of all of our communities to come out and participate.” — Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive, The Essex County Board of Commissioners and the Essex County Utilities Authority

Hollywood descended once again upon Essex County in late March and early April to film scenes for the upcoming sequel to ‘Joker’ which was partially filmed in Newark. — See story on Page 19

NO LAUGHING MATTER — Less than five years after actor Joaquin Phoenix roamed the streets of downtown Newark as the maniacal Clown Prince of Crime, Hollywood returned to Essex County last month to film pivotal scenes for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ in Belleville. The upcoming sequel to the original, critically acclaimed 2019 blockbuster is again helmed by Director Todd Phillips, who has recruited pop star-turned-thespian Lady Gaga to portray the Joker’s deranged lady love Harley Quinn in what insiders are referring to as a madcap musical. Camera crews, set designers and lighting technicians descended upon the corner of Belleville and Franklin avenues to transform the historic yet eerily abandoned Essex County Isolation Hospital — currently known as Soho Hospital — into the notoriously fictional DC Comics-inspired Arkham Asylum. Belleville Mayor Michael Melham released an official statement in mid-March concerning the notso-secret project: ‘It’s true that there is a major motion picture filming in Belleville. While I’m not at liberty to confirm the exact movie, location or the two A-list celebrities that will be here, I can certainly confirm that it’s a big deal for Belleville.’

Image Courtesy of Reddit

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Mayor Michael Melham

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Salutes Our Veterans

RWJBarnabas to handle EMS services at LPGA tournament

The LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup has named RWJBarnabas Health the Official Healthcare Provider of the 2023 tournament, taking place May 10-14 at historic Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton.

As part of the ongoing partnership, RWJBarnabas Health will manage all onsite Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout tournament week, according to a press release from RWJ Barnabas, which also said that the health system will provide tips and educational material to women at the event.

This marks the third straight year that RWJBarnabas Health will serve as the Official Healthcare Provider of the Cognizant Founders Cup, a prestigious event that showcases the world’s best professional players and helps drive the LPGA’s mission to engage, empower, and support girls and women.

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Delivering approximately a quarter of all hospital births in the state of New Jersey annually, RWJBarnabas Health has long been committed to women’s health, especially as needs change throughout a women’s lifetime, the release said.

In observance of May as Women’s Health Care Month, tournament attendees will be reminded that “all women should prioritize their health and wellbeing,” and preventive health screenings will be available near the main entrance.

Additionally, LPGA Tour players will provide a series of simple tips to encourage all women to take ownership of their health and well-being through regular check-ups and preventive screenings. These important messages will be amplified across all RWJBarnabas Health digital and social channels, as well as across LPGA social media channels.

“In addition to watching world class athletes perform on the golf course, this partnership provides RWJBarnabas Health with an opportunity to educate and empower women to take care of themselves,” said Suzanne Spernal, senior vice president women’s services, RWJBarnabas Health. “Research confirms what we’ve long known —healthier women and children are crucial to a vital community. Reinforcing this message in

partnership with the LPGA, especially during Women’s Health Care Month, will be impactful.”

The Cognizant Founders Cup pays tribute to the 13 founding members of the LPGA. The Cognizant Founders Cup offers a $3 million purse, which is one of the largest of any LPGA Tour event outside of the majors and the CME Group Tour Championship.

“We are thrilled to have RWJBarnabas Health back as the Official Healthcare provider of the event,” said Scott Wood, tournament director. “As the premier Healthcare System in New Jersey, their values align with our mission, and it’s extra meaningful to engage their expertise and support in conjunction Women’s Health Care Month initiatives.”

To purchase individual and week-long ticket packages along with an assortment of hospitality options, golf fans can now visit www.thefounderslpga.com. General admission tickets, providing access to the tournament grounds any day Wednesday through Sunday are $45, with a weekly 5day pass available for $125. Hospitality packages, which begin at $100 per day, include access to on-course hospitality and an assortment of food and beverage options.

Juniors 17 and under receive free general admission, and active and retired Military can show their ID at the gate which gives them access to a free grounds pass on that given day. On Wednesday, May 10, courtesy of New Jersey Golf Foundation, all spectators receive free admission to watch the Pro-Am.

Upper Montclair Country Club is one of only a few country clubs worldwide known to have hosted tournaments for all three professional golf tours, including the LPGA in 1979, 1980, 1983,1984, and 2007-2009. The legendary A.W. Tillinghast golf course design underwent a major renovation in the 1950s, directed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., transforming Upper Montclair Country Club into its present 27-hole Championship layout. The acclaimed venue, which has hosted hundreds of the world’s best players over many decades, will challenge an elite field of LPGA TOUR golfers.

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Congresswoman visits JESPY House, talks disabilities, autism

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill visited JESPY’s Michael Och House – A Center for Aging at JESPY, and heard about the problems facing older people with disabilities.

The Och House in South Orange is a national model for providing adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with the support they need to live independently so they can stay in the communities they know and love as they continue to age.

Sherrill met with people from various programs to hear about issues of importance such as affordable housing, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and JESPY’s future.

“I am so proud to represent all of you,” said Sherrill, who represents the 11th Congressional District which includes Belleville and Nutley. “I am on the Autism Caucus and the Disability Caucus and that is because this is something that is near and dear to all of our hearts here in New Jersey.”

Sherrill was greeted with flowers and welcome signs specially made by JESPY clients. Also attending the event were JESPY’s Executive Director Audrey Winkler, JESPY Board President Dr. Ahadi Bugg-Levine, and Board Members Dr. Michael Och, Jonathan Myers, Alison Lewis, and Diane Davis. Several JESPY staff members were also in attendance.

Before introducing Sherrill, BuggLevine acknowledged the Myers family,

who were one of the families that established JESPY House 45 years ago, and Dr. Och, a major donor and namesake of the Och House.

By Giulia Polewka

While addressing attendees, Sherrill said many of the families she’s met feel comfortable with the support services that are available for their child until they reach the age of 18.

“But parents are concerned about services for their children as they become older,” she said. “They wonder what life is going to look like. But all of you, as clients, are ambassadors for JESPY House and what’s possible for the future.”

To address the concerns of families, Sherrill is co-leading new legislation introduced by Rep. Marc Molinaro, RN.Y. The Think Differently Database Act will allow for the creation of a comprehensive website that will make finding support services, federal and state resources, and programs much easier.

After listening to comments and questions from clients, Winkler thanked clients for participating and said to Sherrill, “We want to make sure we give you a great tour of the Och House and tell you more about our wonderful programs and projects. We have long waiting lists for our Aging in Place programs and services because our work is so critical. We have clients from 11 counties in New Jersey and from all over the country for all of our JESPY programs and services. Thank you so much for visiting JESPY.”

JESPY House supports 260 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities age 18 and older.

“At JESPY, independence for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a right not a privilege,” BuggLevine said.

Photo Courtesy of Jespy House

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who represents the 11th District, addressed and took questions during a visit to the Michael Och House – A Center for Aging at Jespy.

Church-going raccoons raising hell, cause $80,000 in damage

Daniel Jackovino Staff Writer

According to Michele Bruhn, a member of the Brookdale Reformed Church, raccoons love warm attics, garbage cans and being close to people. Unfortunately, all are available at the church whose domain she overlooks as property chairwoman.

“It’s an ongoing problem,” she said recently of her nocturnal invaders, most likely from contiguous Brookdale Park. “It would be nice if we lived in harmony, but I would estimate raccoons have caused $80,000 worth of damage here. The lesson I’ve learned: If you see them on your property looking for a way to get in, don’t think they’re cute; act immediately.”

Ironically, part of the animal attraction is the solar panels the church installed in 2016. In an October, 2022, community discussion, Pastor Susan Dorward said the church had saved $43,000 in electricity costs by installing them. But Bruhn said raccoons plus solar panels are a tricky part of an environmental equation.

“They love to go under the panels,” she said. “They have hands that are very dexterous and they can pull, rip and tear. They’ll rip the shingles right off and try getting into the attic. They did that with the church and that was a new roof.”

She said the first time the panels became a haven was four years ago. The raccoons had to be removed, the roof repaired, the panels reinstalled, and a

vendor-approved mesh used to prevent reentry by the raccoons.

“They ripped the mesh right off,” Bruhn said. “It’s only strong enough for birds and squirrels.”

Bruhn has been property chairwoman for about a year and raccoons have been evicted several times already from the three buildings on the church-owned land. In addition to the church, there is an educational center, which also has solar panels, and a mission house, which has none. Nonetheless, the mission house was also invaded, but is presently clean of raccoons. Last year, the educational center had them coming through the roof which

caused a leak. Bruhn had contacted Bloomfield Animal Control, but said removing raccoons is not their job.

“How do you know if you have raccoons?” she said. “Look at the corners of your homes and downspouts. A squirrel jumps, but a raccoon has to climb.”

On a tour of the grounds, she pointed out muddy paw prints ascending a mission house downspout. Finding shingles in a gutter, she said, is evidence, too. Hers was an ongoing battle. She gestured to the opening of a hedgehog’s burrow, among faintly inscribed headstones, in the church graveyard. She said raccoons prefer proximity to humans because predatory foxes and coyotes are shy and avoid people. Raccoons also got into the church steeple.

“They’re very clever,” Bruhn said. “They made a hole on the side of the steeple you cannot see. To get up there for repairs, you needed a boom.”

In a telephone interview, Dorward said she hoped raccoons are not an ongoing problem. Despite the frustrations, she found some solace in the fact that the church uses a vendor that humanely traps the animal and relocates them. She was hopeful because a raccoon will follow its instincts back to where it was born. Removed from the area, a generational link would be broken.

Insurance paid a portion the first time the raccoons dug through.

“They say it’s a force of nature or some-

thing,” Dorward said.

The church received no financial help from its regional governing body. As for the company that recommended the critter guards, she said they are just ignoring the church.

Dorward said she knew the steeple had to be repaired, but not how badly it had been damaged. When the shingles were removed, raccoon tunnels were found penetrating the supports and the floor was covered with several inches of excrement.

“We love our animals, but this has been a huge problem for us,” she said. “We’re a small church with only 38 people. But the company fixing the steeple has been very gracious and has given us an interest-free loan for one year. The congregation is donating as much as it can. The rest is fundraising. It’s disheartening that so much money is going to keep the structures sound.”

She said, in a way, the pandemic was a saving grace because it closed the church. But the costs have been extraordinary.

“Yet through all of this, we’ve been able to do our mission work and added others,” she said. “We’re not to be deterred from our call to the community and relying on God to see us through this.”

One day, Dorward said she opened the mail and there was a $250 check from a person who never set foot inside her church, but wanted to help.

“There are really good people out there,” she said.

Generous donation will make religious school tuition free

Oheb Shalom synagogue will be making Zeman Religious School tuition free thanks to a donation from the Arthur Schechner Charitable Foundation. In its acceptance of this unprecedented offering, Oheb Shalom is the only synagogue in the South Orange, Maplewood area to offer complimentary enrollment to its religious school.

“One of the greatest challenges of our times is loneliness, and one of the greatest obstacles to joining a community is the cost,” said Rabbi Abigail Treu of Oheb Shalom. “People crave connection and want their children to feel a sense of belonging and love. Oheb Shalom offers just that – a diverse, vibrant and thriving congregation that is small enough that people can make genuine connections and friendships.”

Treu said Schechner’s donation gives the synagogue the resources to reach families who never considered raising their kids with a Jewish education or community. A spokesperson for the synagogue said they were not releasing the dollar amount of the donation.

“We have been building relationships with families at Oheb Shalom and facilitating connections between members, so that no one is lost in the crowd,” said Education Director Gavin Hirsch. “While children are having fun and learning in a close knit environment, we are fostering Jewish pride, Jewish joy and a lifelong commitment to Jewish engagement.”

Arthur Schechner said he is “convinced that the education of the Jewish family and particularly the children is the stem cell to the survival of the Jewish people.”

“Proverbs teaches us: ‘Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ I further

believe that cost should not be a barrier to cultivating a synagogue community or receiving a Jewish education,” Schechner said. “That is why I created The Arthur Schechner Charitable Foundation. It will enable students and their parents to attend the Zeman religious school absolutely tuition free.”

Schechner said his great grandfather Isaac Schwarz, who was the founding Rabbi of Oheb Shalom, in about 1875, also established the first Hebrew Free Day School in New Jersey.

“In some measure then, establishing my Foundation almost 150 years later brings my family’s gift of a free Jewish education full circle,” Schechner said.

Greater MetroWest Federation conducted a study of local Jewish families in 2020 and discovered that of the 29,700 children living here, only 20% in grades K-12 are enrolled in a part-time supplemental school, with only 7% enrolled in Jewish day school or yeshiva.

Registration for the Zeman Religious School is ongoing. To learn more, go to ohebshalom.org/zeman-school or email gavinhirsch@ohebshalom.org.

Oheb Shalom is an egalitarian, inclusive and multi-generational synagogue that embraces Jewish tradition in the 21st Century, according to a press release from the synagogue.

The Zeman Religious School at Oheb Shalom Congregation teaches children from Kindergarten through 7th grade.

The program runs Sundays 9 a.m. to noon for children in kindergarten through seventh grade and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. from third through seventh grades. It features a curriculum about Jewish life and culture using a variety of hands-on activities inside and outside of the classroom.

Brookside

Summer Playground Program returns for Nutley youngsters

The township has opened registration for the Summer Playground Program.

Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci and the Nutley Department of Parks & Recreation have announced they are offering the Free Summer Playground Program once again for 2023.

“Our Summer Playground Program offers a fun and social environment to keep our youngsters physically active all summer long,” Tucci said.

This program is open to Nutley youngsters ages 7 through 14. Nichols Park, located at the corner of Funston Place and Bloomfield Avenue, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the township.

The playground is supervised by camp counselors. Children will not be permitted to leave the playground once they sign in, unless they are accompanied by a parent, the release said.

A variety of activities have been scheduled throughout this program. Daily sporting activities, such as kickball or softball, and a daily craft activity will be provided for youngsters.

The program will run from June 26, through Aug 18, and it is free for Nutley residents. Online registration is available at https://register.communitypass.net/ nutley. For further information on this or any recreation program, contact the department at (973)284-4966, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

arden Center & Florist

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMEDY

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.

BEST OF LAUGHS IN THE LOFT on Friday, May 26 at 8 p.m. Best of Laughs in the Loft will feature the most popular comedians from this season’s Laughs in the Loft monthly series. Tickets starting at $20.

TREVOR NOAH IS SCHEDULED TO PERFORM THREE SHOWS at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Monday, May 22, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24, at 8 p.m. This new set showcases his signature mix of personal stories from a hilarious global perspective. Tickets to see Trevor Noah are on sale now by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

PASSAIC NATIVE COMEDIAN, ACTOR, AND AUTHOR TOM PAPA WILL PERFORM LIVE IN NEWARK at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets to see Papa went on sale April 21, reserve tickets early by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting

the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

DANCE

THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER’S EXTRAORDINARY DANCERS RETURN TO NJPAC WITH PREMIERES AND REPERTORY FAVORITES FOR THREE 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 888466-5722 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.

THE MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM FEATURES 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 takes the form of a large-scale, 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.

IN HONOR OF MUSEUMWEEK, THE CRANE HOUSE & HISTORIC YWCA WILL BE OPEN Tuesday, June 6 through Friday,

June 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for self-guided tours. General admission fees will be waived this week. No prior registration required. The house is located at 110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

SOMA BACKSTAGE READING SERIES –June 3 and June 4: The SOMA backStage Reading Series emerged from SOPAC’s Creative Community Brain Trust member Dana Spialter and her local theater company SOMA Stage. This series will present readings of new plays and musicals written by or starring South Orange and Maplewood’s (SOMA’s) theater professionals in the Loft at SOPAC. After each work’s matinee performance, audience members are invited to participate in a talkback and share their thoughts with the creative teams. This spring’s inaugural series includes readings of two new works:

New Musical: REVIVAL by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen, Saturday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 4 at p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15.

New Play: STILL by Lia Romeo, Saturday, June 3 at 3 p.m.and Sunday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15.

INAUGURAL LGBTQIA+ PRIDE WEEKEND AT SOPACJUNE 9-JJUNE 11

In partnership with North Jersey Pride, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents its inaugural LGBTQIA+ SOPAC Pride Weekend on Friday, June 9 –Saturday, June 11, celebrating SOMA’s robust LGBTQIA+ community. Jessica Kirson on Friday, June 9 at 8 p.m. Stand-up comedian and South Orange native Jessica Kirson won the Nightlight Award for “Best Stand Up Comedian” in New York City. Tickets starting at $27. AKENYA on Saturday, June 10 at 8 p.m. Singer-songwriter AKENYA makes her SOPAC and NJ debut. Tickets starting at $31. The Night Before Pride Party at SOPAC, Saturday, June 10 at 9 p.m. Celebrate the vibrant and passionate LGBTQIA+ community with a fabulous night of great music provided by DJ Ryan The Person. Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets starting at $30.

Tony Awards Viewing Party Sunday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15 and required RSVP.

LECTURES

On Friday, June 23, Pulitzer Prize winner MAGGIE HABERMAN returns to SOPAC to speak about national affairs journalism and share her perspective on power and politics in Washington, D.C.

SOPAC PRESENTS HEALING SOUNDS

IN THE LOFT on Sunday, May 21 at 5 and 8 p.m. Take off your shoes, get comfortable in your body, and go on a journey of connection to self through this beautifully calming Reiki Energy Crystal Sound Bath with sound bowl modality healer Sasha Green. Only 44 spots available per ses-

sion. Tickets starting at $24.

A GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF WATCHUNG PARK AND PLAZA in Montclair is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. In the early days of Montclair’s settlement, Watchung Avenue divided the Dutch farmlands of Speertown in the north end of today’s Montclair from the English farmlands of Cranetown. All that changed when the railroad came through in the late 1800s. Developers bought the farms and created business districts and housing around the new stations. This walk will take you through a turn-of-the-century business district and commuter suburb, developed between 1900 and 1930. The tour will include a special stop at the site of the new Judy Weston Garden in Watchung Park. This event is free. Reservations are required. Go to https://www.montclairhistory. org/all-events/2023/6/4/guided-walking-tourof-watchung-park-and-plaza

MUSIC

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, please 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 888-466-5722 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 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.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MUSIC

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.

BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD AND POCO

LEGACY SHOW – The History of Richie Furay on Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m. with very special guest John Ford Coley of England Dan and John Ford Coley, South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, tickets starting at $75.

THE MOTOR CITY REVUE, THE ULTIMATE MOTOWN TRIBUTE on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. Motor City Revue takes audiences on a journey back in time to 1960s Detroit and the birth of the Motown sound. This 11piece tribute band will have you dancing and singing along to the songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and others. Tickets starting at $25. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, tickets starting at $75.

THE BODEANS on Thursday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. Part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Midwest Artists exhibit, BoDeans, led by frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kurt Neumann continue to contribute to the American songbook. Tickets starting at $29. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange

GRAMMY-NOMINEE EMILY KING will make her SOPAC debut on the same night as her album Special Occasion releases—Friday, May 5. One of Broadway’s biggest stars Laura Benanti returns to SOPAC on Sunday, May 7, with her mother Linda Benanti in their humorous show about mother-daughter relationships, “Mothers Know Best.” Then, on Friday, May 19, ingenious, Indie-Folk Sondheim revisionist Eleri Ward will make her SOPAC debut. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT presented by the Seton Hall University Arts Council within the College of Communication and the Arts on Monday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. Seton Hall University Chorus', Chamber Choir's and Orchestra's "Celebration of Spring" concert. They will present everything from Mozart and other classical composers to well-known film scores. Tickets starting at $5. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange.

THE BEST OF THE EAGLES, tribute band on Saturday, June 24 at 8 p.m.

Founded in 2012 by world-class musicians from central New Jersey, the Best of the Eagles is more than just a tribute band. It’s a band that encapsulates the aura of one of America’s classic rock bands. Witness the magic of the Best of the Eagles at SOPAC. Tickets starting at $29. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange.

STEPHANE WREMBEL PRESENTS

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DJANGO A GOGO MUSIC FESTIVAL from May 3 to May 6, at The Woodland in Maplewood, N.J., and The Town Hall in NYC. The three concerts at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood, include: May 3, The Art of the Guitar with Stephane Wrembel Band. Thursday, May 4, The Art of the Violin, featuring violinist Jason Anick and Trio Dinicu. Friday, May 5, Django New Orleans CD/Vinyl Release Show, Wrembel will celebrate the release of a new album, “Django New Orleans,” recorded with his NYC-based super group of musicians. The shows at The Woodland are open to patrons of all ages. All shows begin at 8 p.m./doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 per show. There are a limited number of 3-day passes for $90. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.djangoagogo.com. The main event for Django A Gogo will be held at The Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St., New York, NY, on Saturday, May 6 at 8 p.m. Theater

“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 actionpacked 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.

“GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES” will be performed on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the Victoria Theater, Llizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St. Newark. This reimagining of classic fairy tales follows Jay and Will Grimmz, the hip-hop, fable, dance-pop sensation brothers. Their modern-day spin on the Grimm Brothers’ 19th-century collection of popular folklore features hits such as “Snow White and the Seven Shawties,” “Rapunzel: Let Down Your Hair,” “Hansel & Gretel: Out in the Streets,” and their first featured “granny-winning” song, “Cinderella Remix,” in their “hip hop revelation for the younger generation. Tickets range from $30 to $35 and are currently on sale. Purchase tickets at NJPAC.org or by calling 888-GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center St.

Belleville HS baseball team has bright future

Bucs have young, talented players with positive attitude, enjoy strong start to season

By Joe Ragozzino Sport Editor

Head

coach

Joe Sorce has reason to feel excited.

The longtime head coach of the Belleville High School baseball team sees a very bright future for the program. The Bucs are young this season, and more important, they love the game and want to get better.

“I like the (positive) attitude,” said Sorce prior to his team’s 14-0 win over University of Newark on Saturday morning, April 8, at George Zanfini Field at Belleville HS. “(They are a) great bunch of kids. They are working really hard, getting better every day. We’re very young, we only have two seniors on the team. I like how our seniors work hard and the young kids follow suit. Out of the 16 varsity players, six are sophomores and two are freshmen, which I think really bodes well for the future, because they are getting a lot of playing time and they enjoy playing with each other. You can see they really love the game; they like being here and they want to get better.”

After a dismal 12-2 season opening loss to Cedar Grove on Monday, April 3, the Bucs reeled off nine straight victories to improve to a 9-1 record through Wednesday, April 19.

Sorce gave credit to Cedar Grove, which he said played well, while adding that his team played poorly, as expected of a young team. However, the Bucs showed their resiliency in the next game.

After being down 4-0 against Newark Academy, the Bucs came back and scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and then won it in thrilling, walkoff fashion in the ninth inning, 5-4, for their first win of the season.

Belleville won another thrilling nineinning game against Verona by the score of 8-5 on Saturday, April 14, in Verona. In their final at-bat in the seventh inning, the Bucs trailed 5-2. They rallied to tie the game on back-to-back singles by freshman Sean Walsh and sophomore Derek Gonzalez.

Belleville went ahead in the ninth when freshman Crismel Deleon drew a bases-loaded walk and sophomore Ayden Carrero delivered a two-run single.

Junior Marino Perez pitched three scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. Junior Josh Abramson pitched five strong innings and junior James Monroig pitched the sixth before being lifted for a pinch-hitter.

The Bucs are looking forward to the rest of the season.

“We want to win as many games as we can this year, but overall, we just want to keep getting better. That’s the best way to look at it when you have a really

young team.

Here is the Belleville roster Seniors

• Jacob Mauricio, OF, captain

• Joe Guancione, utility player Juniors

• Josh Abramson, P/OF

• James Monroig, P/1B

• Luis Delon, 3B/P

• Marino Perez, C/P

• Jake Santos, OF/P

• Santiago Nunez, OF/DH Sophomores

• Ayden Carrero, SS/P

• Rafael Matos 1B

• Derek Gonzalez, 2B/OF

• Gabe Santiago, OF/P

• Ariancy Paulino, C

• Jordan Rosario, IF Freshmen

• Crismel Deleon, OF/3B

• Sean Walsh, P/1B

Here are upcoming games:

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

• May 6: vs. Kearny, 11 a.m.

• May 8: at Payne Tech, 4 p.m.

• May 11: vs. Bloomfield, senior night, 7 p.m.

• May 12: at Irvington, 4 p.m.

• May 13: vs. Nutley, 11 a.m.

• May 15: vs. East Orange Campus, 4 p.m.

• May 19: vs. Shabazz, 4 p.m.

• May 20: at West Orange, 7 p.m.

Photos by Joe Ragozzino Belleville head coach Joe Sorce shares a light moment as his team gets ready to host Univesity on Saturday, April 8.

Belleville sophomore shortstop Ayden Carrero, at left, and sophomore catcher Ariancy Paulino, at right, are doing warmups as they get ready to play against University.

Pictured are Belleville captains, from left, senior Jacob Mauricio and juniors Josh Abramson and James Monroig.

Belleville sophomore Gabe Santiago delivers a warm-up pitch against University.

Ceremony at Glendale Cemetery honors those lost in Vietnam

The 261 young men who fought in Vietnam and are buried in the veterans section of Glendale Cemetery were remembered in a ceremony on March 29, which is Vietnam War Veterans Day.

During the war, 137 men died while another 124 died just a few years after war’s end, most likely from war-related injuries or Agent Orange. The average age of those buried at the site who died during the war was 23 and those who died after the war 33, according to a press release from the Belleville Historical Society.

Each gravestone had been cleaned and marked with an American flag prior to the ceremony and a large turnout paid their respects on a somber but sunny day. As aged Vietnam veterans read aloud the names of their fallen young comrades, a bell tolled.

Board of Education Trustee Tracy Williams sang the National Anthem, Fr.

David Hinojosa from St. Peter's Church offered prayers and blessed the graves. Commander Joe Cobianchi of American Legion Post 105 was the keynote speaker. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a U.S. Navy veteran, was represented by her aide Willy Tolba.

Bagpipe tunes were played by Belleville Firefighter Chase Hamilton and the service ended with Taps played by Stevens Institute of Technology Police Chief Timothy Griffin.

Joining in paying tribute at the event were members of Belleville American Legion Post 105, Sons of the American Legion Post 105, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 366, Belleville-Nutley Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22, Mayor Michael Melham, Councilman Steven Rovell, Councilman Vinnie Cozzarelli and Board of Education President Luis Munoz.

• Newborn Care & Infant Care

• Adolescent Care: Annual Physicals

• Hearing & Vision Screening

• Required Immunizations & Flu Shots

• Exercise and Obesity Counseling

• Sick Visits

• Urinalysis,

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Historical Society

David Hinojosa from St. Peter's Church offers