Our Town Totowa - April 2020

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TOTOWA BOROUGH OF TOTOWA • APRIL 2020

TOTOWA’S BIRTHDAY BRIGADE SPREADING CHEER DURING A DIFFICULT TIME

FIVE QUESTIONS LIBRARY WITH THE UNVEILS MAYOR VIRTUAL HUB

LOCAL QUINTS GET A BIG SURPRISE

UNCLE FLOYD: MASTER OF NICKNAMES

TOTOWA LIBRARY ROLLS OUT ITS VIRTUAL HUB During the Borough of Totowa Public Library’s closure due to COVID-19, library staff has created a page on their website which will serve as a Virtual Hub outlining their services, programs and efforts. They are issuing virtual library cards so that patrons can access their digital collection of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, TV shows, and digital resources.

In addition to the digital collections, the library is also offering a number are also offering special programs for members of the Totowa community. Those stuck at home can keep it shape with online fitness classes and yoga classes. The library is also hosting events on its Facebook page for children and teens.

You can also find information about a local photo contest sponsored by the library. And during these difficult days, the virtual hub has information about the opening hours of local businesses and a link to the Totowa Community Helper Hotline.

Visit totowapl.org/virtual to learn more!

O UR TOW N

TOTOWA

Editor Paul Mencher 973-222-8872

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

OurTown Totowa | APRIL 2020

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UNCLE FLOYD’S TOTOWA TALES What’s in a nickname?

I have been asked many times if it bothers me that so many people in town call me “Uncle Floyd.” Even people who do not know me here in Totowa refer to me in that way. That nickname has been given to me because I had a television show from 1974 to 2001 which achieved a degree of popularity, so to speak. I do not get offended in the least when people call me Uncle Floyd. Believe me, I have been called worse.

Here in Totowa, many residents have nicknames. I would say that Totowa has perhaps the highest percentage of its population with known nicknames, among all the towns and cities in our nation. Many nicknames carry some history, with some originating in Totowa’s bordering municipalities.

While it would be impossible to list every known nickname, here I have assembled a short list: Monk, Jingles, Johnny Bats (as in baseball bats), Popeye, Mr. Potato Head, Addy, Shoppie and his younger brother Little Shoppie, Twiggy, Bubbles, Computer Bob, Poly, Onion Head, Sully, Spags, Corkey, Zippy, Al Shorts, Tony Stones, Stosh, Beast Lady, The Greek, Sophia Loren, Piggy, Cockeyed Phil, Chuckie Trees, Mikey Muffins, Yutzee, The Walker, Joe the Painter, Gentleman Jim, Santa Claus, Annie the Ghose, The Count, Skinny…

Carmen Burgio, the late pharmacist and owner of Burgio’s Drug Store, here was referred to by many—including myself— as “Carmenuccio.” That means “Little Carmen” in the southern Italian dialect spoken by many in Totowa. He was given that nickname when he worked as a boy in Martucci’s Pharmacy on Mill Street, in downtown Paterson’s Little Italy.

Known in town as “Doc,” he is one of the finest men I have ever met. A popular bartender at our American Legion post here, I call him The Legend of Our American Legion!

A friend of mine who had a barber shop in Paterson for years was nicknamed “Kid Wig.” He was a hairstylist of the first degree and was given the nickname by Frank Sinatra when he styled the superstar’s hair in New York City.

A longtime popular attorney here, with offices on Union Boulevard, was bestowed the nickname “The Court Jester” by me because he has a great sense of humor and enjoys telling jokes as a guest speaker at many social functions.

My favorite nickname goes out to a married couple here whom I call “Barbie and Ken.” They are Totowa’s answer to the famed dolls from popular culture. That says it all.

So being called Uncle Floyd does not bother me. Especially when it is said by the people of Totowa. For I know that they are not fans, they are friends… and family.

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.

OurTown Totowa | APRIL 2020

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OurTown Totowa | APRIL 2020

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FIVE QUESTIONS WITH TOTOWA’S MAYOR ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK About a month ago, life changed dramatically for most Totowa residents, as the coronavirus outbreak caused unprecedented changes in our daily lives. Our Town Totowa asked Mayor John Coiro for an update on what has been happening in town and what he sees in the days and weeks ahead.

OUR TOWN TOTOWA: What has the borough government been doing in response to the coronavirus outbreak?

MAYOR JOHN COIRO: We have closed all municipal-owned buildings and playgrounds to the public.

We have sanitized our municipal building, DPW building, firehouses, and all vehicles. We have emphasized social distancing among our employees by altering work hours.

We have almost daily contact with State and County officials as well as the other mayors in Passaic County.

Also, we have created a website and Facebook page to keep the residents informed as well as reverse 911 calls, and we have supported our first responders in assisting them.

OTT: Do you feel local residents have handled social distancing and the other limitations imposed by the outbreak well?

COIRO: For the most part, yes. Our residents have been adhering to the precautions prescribed and our businesses have complied with the Governor’s executive orders.

OTT: Have you seen or heard of any examples of local residents helping others in this time of need that you can tell us about?

COIRO: We have had residents requesting to volunteer to help others, residents helping senior citizens, and residents and business donating much needed medical supplies (gloves, masks, sanitizers, etc.) to our first responders.

OTT: What is your message to Totowa residents for the short term?

COIRO: We are starting to see a welcome turn in the number of positive cases but we must keep our foot on the gas and continue with all of the prescribed precautions in the short term.

OTT: Long term, how do you feel Totowa will come out of this situation?

COIRO: Totowa and its residents will come out of this situation stronger because of all the teamwork amongst us and self-discipline that this crisis taught us.

OurTown Totowa | APRIL 2020

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SURPRISE!

QUINTUPLETS RECEIVE FULL SCHOLARSHIP TO MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY Brianna Rodriguez and Olivia Manfredo (Passaic Valley HS seniors)

going to college at once, like my family, you really have to take into consideration how much it’s going to cost and how it’s going to affect our future,” Victoria explained. “For this to happen to us felt like a movie, it was amazing.”

Mr. and Mrs. Povolo share their children’s elation and relief.

“College had always been a concern growing up and seeing the burden get lifted off not only my shoulders, but my parents as well, is insane,” says Masha. “Going to school with my siblings is going to be very exciting. Not only is it convenient, but they’re never very far and it’s satisfying to know they’re always going to be around.”

Victoria played an integral role in coordinating the surprise, but the toughest part may have been keeping it. “The plan was already nerve-wracking as it is, but the way it turned out was perfect,” Victoria stated. “Montclair was definitely a beneficial option for us considering it is close to home,” she explained.

Montclair State University (MSU) awarded the Povolo quintuplets with a full scholarship to their institution in a ceremony held in Campbell Hall. The gift was a surprise to four of the five siblings and their parents. Victoria Povolo, who was in on the surprise, had previously reached out to MSU with college tuition concerns for the large Totowa family.

Each has a different career path in mind: Victoria wants to be a forensic pathologist, Ashley would like to go into education, Masha desires to be an accountant, Marcus hopes to become a lawyer, and Michael strives to be a dietitian.

Best of luck to the Povolo quintuplets!

Back in November, Michael, Masha, Marcus, Ashley and Victoria Povolo attended an Open House at Montclair State University.

All five siblings applied to MSU prior to the Open House and thought it would be beneficial to try and receive some financial aid from the school.

Victoria kept in contact with the financial aid advisors after the Open House. After some discussion, one of the advisors contacted Victoria individually. He advised her over a phone call that Victoria, along with her four siblings would not only receive the financial aid they were looking for, but they would instead be receiving a tuition-free, full ride to Montclair State University. Victoria, the MSU financial aid advisor and Guidance Counselor Diana Pasquariello planned a special surprise in the Guidance Office for the rest of the siblings and their parents to deliver the news.

“Originally I thought it was a meeting about financial aid,” Marcus explained. “It was amazing.”

Paying for higher education can be stressful for all families, but the prospect of paying tuition for five children at the same time was particularly daunting for the Povolos. “When you have five kids

OurTown Totowa | APRIL JANUARY 20202020

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PASSAIC VALLEY CHOIR RELEASES VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE The Passaic Valley High School Choir aimed to spread some well-needed cheer with their virtual performance of Kenneth Padden and Rollo Dilworth’s “I Sing Because I’m Happy.” Students recorded their parts in their own homes, and were accompanied by PVHS alumnus Mike Yesenosky on piano. Choral Director Pia Vanderstreet edited the video and Yesenosky edited the audio.

You can see the video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/aMdadUALCGM.

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BIRTHDAY BRIGADE BRINGS GOOD WISHES DURING A TOUGH TIME Among the countless events cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic were many smaller events, such as birthday celebrations for Totowa residents. While the parties cannot go on in this time of social distancing, the borough has found a way to make those celebrating their birthdays feel special.

The Totowa Birthday Brigade began operating on Easter Sunday, the same day the Easter Bunny made a tour of town on a fire truck. Ever since, the Brigade has been spreading “Totowa Love and Care” to local residents. Fire trucks and police cars arrive at the honoree’s home with sirens blazing, and the procession also includes the leader of the brigade, who brings birthday wishes and a gift to the birthday boy or girl.

“We have done sixteen already and the families love it,” said Mark Monteyne, Board of Recreation Chairman, who is coordinating the Birthday Brigade. “The kids absolutely love the sirens and horns from our fire trucks and police cars.”

“I had one birthday Rock Star cry on the spot because she was so happy,” Monteyne said. “It was priceless.”

The Birthday Brigade is intended for both kids and adults. Monteyne says more than 60 people are already signed up and there’s room for more. You can contact him at (201) 803-6111 or message him on Facebook @TotowaRec to sign up.

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