Our Town Magazine December 2022 digital edition

DEEP IN THE HEART OF JERSEY

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino THE TREES OF CHRISTMAS PAST

There was a time, years ago, when little boys aged 8, 9 or 10 would wake up on Christmas morning very early, while it was still dark outside, and sneak out of their apartment or house to go get a Christmas tree. It would be an unsold one, laying on a lot, passed by, left alone by the holiday shoppers and tree seller.

These lonely, abandoned pine and fir trees waited to be “rescued” and dragged away by a small boy who brought it home. It was a time when many parents did not put up and decorate a cut-down tree in their homes and perhaps, for unknown reasons, did not accept the ritual.

Upon arriving home at about five o’clock in the morning these “little boys”—often with the help of their siblings—would set the tree up and decorate it with their homemade decorations, like small pieces of colored paper and “junk” they collected from the gutters. All this was performed in strict silence as not to awaken their parents. As was often the case, their tree would happen to be one that Santa Claus had forgotten.

During these times many children received a Christmas gift of an orange, or maybe a chocolate bar or pair of homemade socks. They were thrilled to receive such gifts. The boys I speak of experienced a beautiful Christmas feeling, that being their act of giving to others. In this case it was a Christmas tree, saved from an abandoned city lot where it was then carried, pulled and dragged through the streets, sidewalks and stairways into their homes, to give their siblings and parents something to celebrate on a most precious Holy Day. And I know this story is true because my father was one of those “little boys” of Christmas years ago.

Perhaps some people might find fault in the actions of these young boys. The taking of something which did not belong to them might raise eyebrows. But these little boys took trees which were left to die and would have ended up in the city dump. I cannot judge the actions of these boys… yet I truly believe they warmed many hearts on Christmas morning.

In their own way, they exemplified a true meaning, one steeped in religion… that is, partaking in the unselfish act of giving to others.

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino performs for all occasions; to learn more, call (973) 633-8856. He is best-known as the host of “The Uncle Floyd Show” on television from 1974 to 2001.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

By Nicholas Caggiano

The Wayne Wolfpack’s football season has recently come to a close. The Wolfpack finished the season with a respectable record of six wins and three losses and made the playoffs in the North Bergen Junior Football League (NBJFL). In the postseason, the Wolfpack suffered a tough 24-20 defeat against the Hawthorne Cubs.

The playoff game was the final time 16 players will put on a Wolfpack jersey, as this season was their final year as a member of the Wayne PAL Football program. Those graduating players are Jadon Cabrales, Nicolas Erminio, Nick Barbieri, Evan Martino, Colin Hietanen, Liam Daly, Peter Varano, Frankie Pietropaolo, Grey Wolford, Brennan DeBoer, Daniel Fuentes, Dylan Yuppa, Declan Mcniff, Zachary Derstine, Thomas Bartlett, and Jordan Laracuente.

The Wolfpack wishes their 2022 graduates nothing but the best of luck as they begin their high school careers next season.

Overall this year, the Wolfpack had a great season showing tremendous growth from beginning to end. Reflecting on the past year, the coaching staff is very proud of the team, who never gave up and always put themselves in a position to win every game. With the season coming to a close it was safe to say it was another successful season for the “Pack.”

UNCLE FLOYD’S TOTOWA TALES

Banners of honor

The banners on Union Boulevard which remember our town’s participation and place in our nation’s military histories have touched the conscience and hearts of many—those of us living here and countless passersby in cars and out-of-towners patronizing our business district. Included in this stirringly patriotic display are my son, Eric Vivino, and my mother’s brother, my uncle Ben Bello. Their banners are on the same side of Union Boulevard heading north, close to each other, separated by one block.

I could not possibly vocalize how very touching and emotional I became upon seeing their images on display. They both served our country in harm’s way. My son was born here and lived on Battle Ridge Trail— an appropriate name for someone who was to endure combat in his eleven-year Army career.

My uncle Ben Bello has passed. He saw action in the Second World War and lived on Bogert Street. His daughter, my cousin Carla, still lives in town.

Every one of those banners of our men and boys—and yes, I say “boys” with utmost respect in regard to their young teenage years—has made quite an impression for a town of this size to fall in line for Uncle Sam in protecting the freedoms we Americans, all, enjoy.

I would like to say that behind each of these banners are the unseen, quiet tears and sleepless nights of their parents and loved ones, and their twenty-four hour a day hopes and prayers for their safe return home. Those who worked on this tribute deserve all our thanks…

our American Legion, our Public Library, the Apollo Flag employees… but most of all, our men of honor, remembered and never forgotten.

Never.

Legendary entertainer and TV show host “Uncle Floyd” Vivino first moved to Totowa in 1980. Floyd still performs regularly; for more information, call (973) 633-8856.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW

BY JASON MOUSSAB

Passaic Valley - Head coach Kevin Tuohey and the Passaic Valley Hornets finished last season with a 16-10 record and lost in the first round of the NJSIAA tournament. The Hornets start their season against Passaic on December 15 at 7 p.m. Also on the schedule are games against Clifton, Pompton Lakes, Wayne Valley, and Wayne Hills. The Hornets end their season on February 16 against River Dell.

Wayne Valley - The Wayne Valley Indians boys basketball team start their season at home against Northern Highlands before traveling to Passaic County Tech on December 17. The Indians will also face Old Tappan, Ramapo, Wayne Hills and St. Joseph’s this season. Head coach Joe Leicht and his squad went 18-8 last season before ending their season in the first round of the NJSIAA tournament.

Wayne Hills - After a 13-15 2021-2022 season, head coach Kevin Grimes and the Wayne Hills Patriots boys’ basketball team will look to start the season fast when they face Paterson Kennedy on December 17 at 10:00 a.m. The team is also scheduled to face Morris Hills, Fair Lawn, Passaic Valley and Wayne Valley. The team

was eliminated by River Dell in the first round of the NJSIAA tournament last season.

Passaic County Tech - After a tough 2021-2022 season, the Passaic County Bulldogs will look to rebound when they open their season against Ridgewood on December 15 at 7:00 p.m. The Bulldogs first home game comes on December 17 against Wayne Valley at 10:00 a.m. Also on the schedule are games against Bergen Tech, West Caldwell Tech, Paterson Eastside and Gill St. Bernard’s. The team is coached by Mike Boorman.

DePaul - The DePaul Spartans start their season home against Clifton at 7:00 p.m. on December 15. Two days later the team will host Morris Catholic at 1:00 p.m. The Spartans will then travel to Union Catholic on December 18 for a 10 a.m. game. Also scheduled to face the Spartans are Don Bosco Prep on January 3, Paramus Catholic on January 10 and Passaic Valley on January 19. Last season head coach Ryan Hagen and the Spartans went 15-11 before losing to Don Bosco Prep in the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA tournament.

Hiya! Lionel the Library Mouse is back to fill you in on The Scoop here at the Totowa Library! This December, we’re gearing up to celebrate the start of winter and the holiday season!

Health Hub: The Mediterranean Diet

The fourth session of the monthly “Health Hub” program series is coming up on Wednesday, December 14th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Learn all about the Mediterranean Diet, which has been linked to lower rates of disease and to longer lifespans!

Presented by Jennifer Shukaitis, Assistant Professor/ Educator from the Department of Family & Community Health Sciences in the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the program will explore the basics of the diet and review how to incorporate more Mediterranean staples into your meals and throughout your kitchen. Register to reserve your spot at totowapl.org/register

Children’s

Programs this December

Join us for fun and creative activities and stories this December that will capture the spirit of the holiday season! Story Hours and Crafts this month with Miss Annemarie will feature the changing seasons, reindeer, and Santa’s elves! Plus, get creative and make and elf-themed cake with Miss Annemarie on Saturday, December 17th at 12:00pm! Or learn to sew a reindeer on Friday, December 9th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Teeny Tot Tales will be held weekly on Thursdays at 11:00am for the little ones. Sign Language for Kids and the Girls Who Code Club return this month, and Gabi has some holiday fun in store with Kahoot games.

“Write

It Out!” Creative Writing Class

Learn how to find your authentic voice and writing identity through the method of self-discovery in “Write It Out,” a brand-new Creative Writing Workshop hosted by local author Maria Olon Tsaroucha. This community-based workshop is designed to foster creativity and expand your knowledge with Eastern philosophy and Western thought. Discover your voice with this weekly workshop on Tuesdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Register to attend at totowapl.org/register.

Yoga Returns to the Totowa Library in 2023! Yoga classes return to the Totowa Library in January of 2023 with a new instructor! Courtney Ober, BSW, is a certified yoga instructor who enjoys sharing the many benefits and healing powers of yoga and mindfulness. Starting Wednesday, January 4th, Adult Yoga Classes will take place every Wednesday at 5:30pm at the Totowa Library. Rates are $15 per month for Totowa residents, and $20 per month for non-residents. There will also be weekly yoga classes for kids starting in January! Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 5:15pm Courtney will guide your child through exercises and activities that are healthy for both the body and mind. There is no fee for children’s yoga. To sign up, visit totowapl.org/register or call the Library at 973-790-3265. Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat!

New Year, New Relationship! with Rachel Russo

“I believe that most people can have the real, lasting love they crave. That the relationship of their dreams is out there waiting to be claimed.” Interested in

Scoop continued on page 18

WAYNE BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES NATIONAL MERIT AND AP SCHOLARS

The Wayne Board of Education recognized 64 students for their academic achievements with the National Merit and Advanced Placement Scholarship Program. Typically, over 1.5 million students in about 21,000 high schools enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year.

About 16,000 students qualify as Merit Scholarship semifinalists, while another 34,000 receive letters of commendation. The organization also honors students under a National Hispanic Recognition Program. In addition, the AP Scholars program recognizes high school students for outstanding college-level achievement through performance on AP exams. Students must score well on at least AP tests in order to receive one of these commendations.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback thanked the students for being such outstanding role models. Board of Education President Suzanne Pudup added, “We are so very proud of our students and congratulate them on all of their hard work.”

Listed below are the students honored from both of Wayne’s high schools.

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS / AP SCHOLARS

CLASS OF 2023 WAYNE HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Michael Rewick, Principal

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALIST

Nadir A. Ghani, Daniel J. Goz

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP COMMENDED STUDENTS

Sahil Chatiwala, Eunice E. Chi, Kalyani Karmaker, Sophia H. Kim, Luke M. Kornhaber, Olivia Lam, Manojavan Nagarajan, Benjamin Prusakowski, Artem Torubarov, Nicholas Trbovich

AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION

Sahil Chatiwala, Alex N. Ferreira, Nadir A. Ghani, Daniel J. Goz, Sophia H. Kim, Luke M. Kornhaber, Olivia Lam, Manojavan Nagarajan, Jordan M. Praissman, Benjamin J. Prusakowski, Dominic M. Rojek, Daphne Saatcioglu, Monishwar Sampath, Artem Torubarov, Wenrui Zhang

AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR

Amy B. Hecht, Kalyani R. Karmaker, Harman S. Kohli, Sahil K. Mehta, Vijay Shah, Trisha Vyas

AP SCHOLARS

Mohammad Asaad, Kenneth S. Chang, Eunice E. Chi, Deanna M. Gaber, Madeline R. Galesi, Jonathan M. Goldberg, Irene H. Hwang, Jame Jiajie Liu, Graydon K. Nguyen, Emily M. Nolan, Nicholas S. Pepple, Wajiha H. Rizvi, Milena M. Taibl, Nicholas Trbovich, Winni Wang

NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM SCHOLARS

Ioannis Anagnostos, Samantha Huerta, Michael Montano

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS / AP SCHOLARS

CLASS OF 2023

WAYNE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Kenneth J. Palczewski, Principal

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALIST Erik P. Scheuplein

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP COMMENDED STUDENTS

Andrew T. Barbera, Andrew J. Christian, Connor Fauerbach, Andrew Graf, Christopher Jun, Isabelle R. Mailman,Bret J. Mandler, Nicholas P. Mikhail, Aryan A. Patel

AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION

Nicole P. Antonio, Allison M. Bernstein, Winston Calvo, Jaclyn R. Ellis, Isabelle R. Mailman, Bret J. Mandler, Nicholas P. Mikhail, Aryan A. Patel, Erik P. Scheuplein, Matthew Shapiro, Ryan A. Shechtman, Robert T. Westerberg

AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR

Andrew T. Barbera, Nicholas J. Cremona, Cole A. Farulla, Christopher K. Jun, Angelina Pietropaolo, Joseph D. Scarpulla

AP SCHOLARS

Andrew J. Christian, Andrew P. Graf, Ian A. Harmon, Amira N. Nejad, Alex M. Scheuplein

NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM SCHOLARS Terin Kuttamperoor

stepping up your dating game? Totowa native and well-known matchmaker Rachel Russo is here to help with a two-part seminar! Learn about online dating strategies on Monday, January 16th at 6:15pm at the Totowa Library. One month later, make sure you come back to learn about Rachel’s offline dating strategies, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Part Two of the seminar will be held on Monday, February 13th at 6:15pm. Rachel is the founder of Rachel Russo Relationships, a boutique consultancy that takes a unique approach to coaching clients through dating and relationships. To register to attend, visit totowapl.org/register

The Origins of Lionel the Library Mouse

Have you ever wondered how a little mouse like me ended up as the unofficial mascot at the Totowa Library? Soon you’ll be able to read my story! Created by the imaginations of the children of the Totowa Library and featuring their artwork, “The Mouse with No Name” is a chapter book suitable for young readers full of adventure, imagination, and magic. Keep your eyes peeled for more information on the release of my book, coming soon to the Totowa Library!

What I Am Thankful For

By Elizabeth Marchitti October 11, 2022

My family. That my children grew up and are still healthy. That they have blessed us with grandchildren. That my husband of 71 years is still in good shape, at 92, can drive, and take care of me.

That it was only my hip that I broke. That I didn’t hit my head that day. That the doctor who mended my hip is understanding, and agreed that it is safer to use the walker than a cane.

That my brain is still functioning (most of the time--) and I can still write poems. That my new middle name is: “I forgot” so it is a legitimate excuse for most occasions.

That we discovered the United Methodist Church in Totowa, thanks to their former organist Joyce, that I can attend each Sunday Virtually, thankful for hymns old and new, the familiar ones that I love, and the new ones that I learn.

Thankful that I can still sing--

Elizabeth Marchitti is a longtime Totowa resident and a published poet.