Our Town Hawthorne - July 2022 digital edition

O U R T OWN

HAWTHORNE FREE TAKE ONE

JULY 2022

GOFFLE BROOK PARK NATURE, HISTORY, ART AND MORE

HHS ATHLETES CAPTURE STATE TITLES

FARMERS MARKET RETURNS

FIND THE HAWTHORNE BEE

UNCLE FLOYD SAYS HELLO, HAWTHORNE

O UR TOW N

PUBLICATIONS C E L E BRAT ING O UR 4 T H A NNIVE RS A RY I N NOVE M BE R!

OurTown | JULY 2022

Editor Paul Mencher 973-222-8872

Email Us: OurTownTotowa@gmail.com Follow us on:

2

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

3

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

UNCLE FLOYD’S STORIES OF HAWTHORNE Hello, Hawthorne To introduce myself properly to the citizenry of Hawthorne, I should let you know how Hawthorne holds many precious memories in my heart—although I was not born here and never lived here.

My first professional writing experience began at the Hawthorne Press weekly newspaper in 1970.

I penned a column called “That’s Entertainment” and became friends with the paper’s owners, Bill and Linda Missonellie.

For many years, my mother worked as a hairdresser at the Magic Mirror Beauty Salon on Diamond Bridge Avenue. One of my father’s close friends was Joe Haskour, who operated a most colorful tire shop in town for decades. Gene Meyer of Hawthorne Chevrolet hired me on many occasions to perform my comedy act at charity fundraisers and banquets—and he was extremely generous to me in regards to paying me for my services.

Legendary restaurateur Marge Shortway gave my two brothers and their band one of their very first bookings at her establishment (along with a long list of other local musicians). My brothers went on to enjoy successful careers in music, working with Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Frankie Vallie and NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien. They never forgot Marge Shortway’s kindness and encouragement in their very early days.

My father regularly patronized Toto’s Pizzeria, where he and Toto laughed, joked and nostalgically reminisced about their shared southern Italian roots. During the early 1970s, I played piano on weekends at The Talisman restaurant and bar on Lincoln Avenue. I also appeared with several country and western musical acts at the famous Log Cabin, the Hawthorne House and the Parker Inn years ago.

Several Hawthorne businesses sponsored my long-running Italian radio program (1987-2013), which aired on Sunday mornings and afternoons on WRTN-FM, based in New Rochelle, New York.

Fiorella’s Jewelry Store, Puzo’s Restaurant, A&B Italian Bakery and others supported and sponsored my broadcasts.

From the Santa Croce Cammerina Society to Joe Macaluso to Joey Ziza to Gus Scola’s Bagel Shop to Paul’s Motors and a hundred more, I hope to share with you my experiences, funny and heartwarming stories about the people of Hawthorne and the times I shall write of, both past and present…

Legendary entertainer and TV show host “Uncle Floyd” Vivino is a lifelong New Jersey resident.

Floyd still performs regularly; for more information, call (973) 633-8856.

OurTown | JULY 2022

4

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

5

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

HAWTHORNE GIRLS EARN TWO STATE TRACK & FIELD TITLES The Hawthorne High School girls’ track and field team came away with two gold medals at the New Jersey Group I state championships in June. The Bears took first place in both the 4x100 meter relay and the javelin.

It was a tremendous day for Briana Andreoli, who won the javelin title, and also captured a pair of medals on the track. In the javelin, Andreoli came up a bit short of her school record, set the previous week, but still won gold with a throw of 127 feet, 1 inch.

In the relay, the team of Leah Alves, Andreoli, Sabrina DiFilippo and Ella Sachs easily outdistanced the field to win in a time of 49.85 seconds.

Two of the relay team members, Andreoli and DiFilippo, also reached the finals of the 100-meter

State javelin champion Briana Andreoli.

dash. Andreoli took third place and DiFilippo finished just a hundredth of a second behind in fourth.

As a team, Hawthorne scored 30 points to finish impressively in a tie for fourth.

All of the medalists also earned a spot in the Meet of Champions, featuring the top competitors from all six state group championships. Andreoli captured seventh place in the javelin and the relay squad placed 10th.

On the boys’ side, Jayson Harmer placed second in the 1,600-meter run at the state Group I championships. He ran a time of 4:18.34, less than a second behind the winner.

Harmer finished 12th at the Meet of Champions.

The Hawthorne 4x100 relay team raced to a state title.

OurTown | JULY 2022

6

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

7

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

HAWTHORNE BASEBALL FIELD AND REA HOUSE RIBBON CUTTING On June 30th, the County of Passaic and the Friends of Passaic County Park held a ribbon cutting for the improvements at the Rea Avenue baseball field in Goffle Brook Park, and the historic landscaping at the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House.

The Friends of Passaic County Parks was awarded a stewardship grant by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to make improvements to the landscape surrounding the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House. The project included new plantings, restoring the historic garden wall, and redesigning the area’s walking paths.

The baseball field was regraded, includes modern drainage system, new dugouts, accessible bleachers, a natural grass outfield, and an attractive stone wall in centerfield that also reinforces the sidewalk on Rea Avenue.

The fundraising efforts of the Friends of Passaic County Parks, along with grant opportunities, and support from the County of Passaic, have allowed for the funding of great projects such as what we now see in Goffle Brook Park.

OurTown | JULY 2022

8

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

9

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

GOFFLE BROOK PARK

HISTORY, BEAUTY, ART AND MUCH MORE One of Hawthorne’s—and Passaic County’s—crown jewels

Within the confines of Goffle Brook Park sits the Passaic

is undoubtedly Goffle Brook Park. Encompassing 103 acres,

County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House. The home,

Goffle Brook Park showcases trimmed meadows, spacious

built in 1810, received extensive renovations and debuted as

greenways, smooth pathways, athletic fields, recreation

an arts center in June 2019. The Passaic County Arts Center

areas, and a dog run.

is open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and features

Goffle Brook Park was fashioned,

rotating exhibitions, art classes,

for the most part, in the late 1920s

and workshops.

and into the 1930s, with consistent development through 1950. The park

The Passaic County Arts Center’s

is one of five original parks within the

flagship event is “Art in the Park,”

Passaic County Park System, which

a two-day event that celebrates art

was established in 1927. Goffle

with live music, vendors, art activities,

Brook’s layout was developed

food trucks, and a beer garden. This

based on the designs rendered

year’s “Art in the Park” will take place

by the Olmsted Brothers firm,

on Saturday, April 30th from 11:00

the famed landscape architects

a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 1st

of Brookline, Massachusetts.

from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Other Olmsted parks within the

Frederick Law Olmsted once said:

County Park System include

“The enjoyment of scenery employs

the gardens at Dey Mansion

the mind without fatigue and yet

(Washington’s Headquarters),

exercises it; tranquilizes it and yet

Garret Mountain, Preakness Valley

enlivens it; and thus, through the

Park, and Weasel Brook Park. The

influence of the mind over the body

Olmsted Brothers proposal for the

gives the effect of refreshing rest and

County Park System was achieved

reinvigoration to the whole system.”

by using labor from various work

With all the activity that occurs at

relief programs during the 1930s.

Goffle Brook Park, it is quite evident

The foundation of the firm’s vision of

that the park is living up to Olmsted’s

Goffle Brook Park was established by

vision for open space. This year marks

their father, Frederick Law Olmsted.

the 200th anniversary of Frederick

The elder Olmsted is viewed as the

Law’s birth. Due to its deep-rooted

Father of American Landscape

connection to Olmsted, the County of

Architecture. He was directed by

Passaic is partnering with the National

the principles that community places

Association of Olmsted Parks on a

should be reachable and inclusive.

yearlong celebration for the Father

Today, Goffle Brook Park is a prime

County of Passaic Archives.

of American Landscape Architecture.

To learn more about the County’s Olmsted 200 events,

example of an open space that is reachable and inclusive. The

visit www.SeePassaicCounty.org or on Facebook and

County’s Recreation Department consistently offers programs

Instagram @seepassaiccounty.

there, such as youth sports clinics, movies in the park, and World Bike Day, among other options.

OurTown | JULY 2022

10

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

11

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

“BEE Local. BEE Hawthorne!

Find the Hawthorne BEE.” What’s all the buzz about? Who’s coming back to Hawthorne in July 2022?

The Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce and the Hawthorne Green Team are happy to announce the return of the “Hawthorne BEE” for this year’s “Buy Local” campaign in our community. “BEE Local. BEE Hawthorne!” The Hawthorne BEE was created in 2016 to represent Hawthorne’s commitment to getting the buzz around town to promote shopping locally and the importance of protecting the BEE’s environment. We all know HAWTHORNE BEARS love honey, so here’s our chance to have customers hunt around our local shops and community locations to “Find the Hawthorne BEE.” From July 1st through July 31st we will be hosting an exciting scavenger hunt to “Find the Hawthorne BEE” in 30 participating local businesses/locations. Each player gets a passport to help them find Hawthorne BEE and log their search. A player may start at any location listed on the passport; and the passport travels with the player. The Hawthorne BEE is hiding - somewhere - in all the listed businesses/community locations. He is six inches tall, and he might be in any public part of the establishment. Children should be accompanied by an adult during their search.

Our participating locations this year are: A&G Small-Wares – This is Ours, B. Witching Bath Co., Bagel Express, Billy’s Midway Arcade, Bogie’s Hoagies, Carlos’ Bagel Shop, Dee’s Luncheonette, El Gallo, Fat Moe’s, Fat Moe’s Grill, Hair Hub Salon, Hawthorne Farmers’ Market, Il Dolce Italian Pastry Shop, Jackie’s Klip Joint, J-B Pet Supplies, Limitless Healthy Vibes, Louis Bay 2nd Library & Community Center, Maria Party Planner, Melcon’s Pharmacy, Mr. Cupcakes, Olsson’s Pharmacy, Puzo’s Family Restaurant, Rispoli Pastry Shop, Salon TG, Stewart’s Delicatessen, Tastee Pizza, The Chocolate Box, The Other Tales-Escape Rooms, Villa Rosa Restaurant and Yella’s.

Once the player has 22 or more stamps, please return the passport to Mr. Cupcakes by Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 3:00 pm OR to the Hawthorne Farmers’ Market by Sunday, July 31st by 11:00 am to be entered into a drawing to win a prize.

On Sunday, July 31st at 12 noon, there will be a Prize Drawing at the Hawthorne Farmers’ Market.

You must be present to win only the Grand Prize. (Please note: In case of heavy rain, please meet at Mr. Cupcakes for the Prize Drawing.)

Thank you for playing and supporting our local Hawthorne businesses!

OurTown | JULY 2022

12

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

13

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

HAWTHORNE FARMERS MARKET RETURNS The Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce announces the return of the Hawthorne Farmers’ Market.

The market is in its 14h season and will run every Sunday from June 26 through October 30, 2022.

Hours are from 10 am to 1:30 pm and the market is located in the parking lot of the Louis Bay 2nd Library, at 345 Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne. The market is open rain or shine.

Shoppers are reminded to bring their own reusable shopping bag due to the new plastic bag ban in New Jersey. Reusable bags are also for sale at the market.

Vendors will be selling fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, pickles, sausage, empanadas, honey, baked goods, natural soaps, candles, pottery and more. Many of the vendors have taken part in the market for years and they are looking forward to seeing everyone.

In conjunction with the market, special events will take place on certain days. The schedule of events is: July - Find the Hawthorne Bee July 10 - Craft/Art Show (This show is at full capacity.)

August 21 - Classic Car Show September 11 – Green Fair October 9 - Craft/Art Show October 30 - Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest If you have any questions, you can call 973-427-5078 or visit www.hawthornechamber.org or the market’s Facebook page: Hawthorne Farmers’ Market.

OurTown | JULY 2022

14

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

15

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

DEEP IN THE HEART OF JERSEY “Uncle Floyd” Vivino

OUR AMERICAN FLAG I enjoy seeing the many different flags flown throughout my country. Our military has sacrificed and died for our freedom to fly all kinds of flags—municipal, religious, athletic, medical, floral, and flags representing our peoples’ ethnic backgrounds from a host of foreign lands. I believe they have a place in our national landscape. But I oppose having them infused into the glory and majesty our American red, white and blue holds.

Our flag flies alone, above, high above all others, with the lover and respect it has earned.

Nothing disturbs me more than seeing our American

I was also taught in elementary school that my country

flag discolored, carnivalized and used insensitively and

is not, and has never been, a “perfect country.” But I was

most ignorantly as a “message board” with the focus

reminded often enough that this is the “best country.”

on drawing attention to special interest groups and

After all, how many of us Americans have emigrated

their agendas. Our American flag is the most beautiful

from our country to return and live on the continents

flag ever flown. Our honored red, white and blue need

of our ancestors? That number remains so miniscule,

not be discolored with pinks, browns, oranges, purples,

so small, that it cannot be calculated.

silvers, blacks and other colors and designs…sadly,

When people refuse to rise in honor of our American

some are of the cartoonish nature.

flag, they exhibit the fact that they cannot rise above

I was taught in elementary school just what our flag

their own historical ignorance. Do they not know that

represents. The red stripe was for the blood our

the first drop of red blood on our flag was that of

people—military and civilian—spilled on battlefields

Crispus Attucks, an African American skilled tradesman

in defense of our freedoms. The white stripe was for

in Boston who died at the Boston Massacre, which led

the bandages which held the bodies of our wounded

to our War of Independence? How could they not rise,

defenders together. The blue sky above reminded us

how could they not respect his sacrifices? Our sacrifices

that above us all is the ever-present power of our

as one people, united under God…

religious faiths—in which our nation collectively

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino performs for all occasions;

believes and has been recognized by our founding

to learn more, call (973) 633-8856. He is best-known

fathers. The stars above, equal in size, were arranged

as the host of “The Uncle Floyd Show” on television

in a high regard for each of our states, their people

from 1974 to 2001.

and their united importance and purpose.

OurTown | JULY 2022

16

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

OurTown | JULY 2022

17

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

HAWTHORNE LIBRARY EVENTS All Summer – Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program Read Books! Earn Library Dollars! Shop in the Library Store! The more you read the more dollars you can earn!

Books may be logged on paper forms or at http://louisbaylibrary.readsquared.com beginning June 20.

July 11 – Mah Jongg If you are looking for a fun brain challenge, the Chinese game of Mah Jongg incorporates skill, strategy, calculation and chance. The American version Mah Jongg is played at the Louis Bay 2nd Library every Monday night at 6 pm in a joyful and enlightening atmosphere.

July 13 – Caricatures with Christine (ages 4-12) Christine Fontanazza will be back in the Children’s Room! This time she will be drawing caricatures with the “Oceans of Possibilities” Summer Reading Theme. Children may register for a 10 minute session to be drawn, between 6 and 8 pm. In person registration is required.

July 14 – Canasta The library hosts a Canasta “Meet-Up” Group every Thursday from 1 to 4 pm. Anyone interested in playing Canasta, a card game which belongs to the Rummy family of games, is invited to attend. Bring your friends for an enjoyable afternoon of friendly card games and good conversation. Attendees are invited, but not required, to bring their own decks of cards. For further information, please call the Library at 973-427-5745.

July 18 - Engineering Workshop Kindergarten to Grade 2 Children are invited to join KerryAnn O’Connor for a hands-on program and build a prototype to take home with materials supplied. Program runs from 2 to 3:30 pm.

July 19 – Easy Yoga and Stretching Gentle movement, stretching, and meditation - not as aggressive as regular yoga. Ideal for seniors.

10:30 to 11:30 am.

July 25 – Book Sale in the Loft Visit the friends of the library book sale in the loft every Monday from 6:30 to 8 pm!

OurTown | JULY 2022

18

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

973-333-3173 142 TOTOWA ROAD TOTOWA, NJ 07512 www.hillerystreetgrill.net

BREAKFAST * LUNCH * DINNER * TAKE-OUT * CATERING OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Sunday – Wednesday: 7am-3pm Thursday – Saturday: 7am-8pm Delivery Mon-Friday 11am-2 *Please visit our website or call us for daily specials and catering menu for your next special event.

Also available for delivery through Grub Hub/Door Dash OurTown | JULY 2022

19

Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903

ECRWSSEDOM✫✫✫✫✫✫✫

✫✫✫✫✫✫✫

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT NO. 140