Mayor Michael Melham, center in orange, prepares to raise the Irish flag at town hall with dignitaries from the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade including Grand Marshal Steve Blank, Nutley Irish American Association President Deidre Hollywood, and Firefighter of the Year Brandon Griffitt.
The Irish flag was ceremoniously raised in front of town hall on Friday, March 6, a day before the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Nutley.
It must have worked because while the day was cold and damp the rain held off on parade day.
“The history of Belleville is rooted in two cultures; Irish and Italian,” Mayor Michael Melham said during the ceremony. “The traditions we have in Belleville, we hold true to us. We never forget where we came from.”
The event, which was emceed by Councilman Vincent Cozzarelli, began with a singing of the national anthem and included remarks from Deidre Hollywood, president of the Nutley Irish American Association. “This is what makes a community,” Hollywood said. “You honor everyone’s heritage.”
Hollywood also asked everyone to put their statues of Mary, mother of Jesus, in their windows facing outward to increase the chances of good weather for the parade happening the next day.
Steve Blank, grand marshal of the parade, was given a proclamation in recognition of his title.
“I’m a Nutley guy but I have family in Belleville too,” he said. “I appreciate this ceremony and look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.”
The Irish flag was raised while the Irish national anthem was played before the event concluded with Chase Hamilton playing a song on the bagpipes.
Hamilton, a Belleville High School graduate and firefighter with the Belleville Fire Department, is a deputy grand marshal of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day parade, which was held on March 13. Hamilton was previously a deputy grand marshal of the Nutley parade in 2022.
The Nutley Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee announced the 2026 Honorees of the 44th Annual Columbus Day Parade at a Meet and Greet held at Luna’s Wood Fire Tavern last month.
The 2026 honorees are:
• Grand Marshal – Chief Phyllis L. Bindi, East Orange Police Director
• Lifetime Achievement – Retired Newark Fire Department Firefighter Darren Rispoli
• Italian Heritage Award – Bob Cascella
• Italian Business Leaders Award –Renee Amadeo and Urszula Centanni, Salon Sorelle
• Nutley Italian Man of the Year –Robert Frannicola
• Nutley Italian Woman of the Year –Catherine J. Marucci
• Belleville Italian Man of the Year –Stephen Zirpoli
• Belleville Italian Woman of the Year –Georgette Cozzarelli
• Renaissance Woman – Nicole Ponti
• Community Excellence Award –Robert G. Peters.
The 44th Annual Parade will take place on Sunday, Oct. 11, starting at 12:30 p.m. at Belleville High School.
The Annual Italian Pasta Dinner fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at the Nutley Parks & Recreation Department from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling Barbara Freda at 973-650-3849.
The Belleville Police Department recognized Officer Jamilly Rivera as Officer of the Month for February.
On Feb. 10, Rivera responded to a 91-1 call for an unknown emergency at a residence in town. Upon arrival, she quickly determined that a medical emergency was occurring and located an unresponsive individual without a pulse.
Rivera immediately began administering CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until Belleville Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and assumed care. The individual was transported to a local hospital where
they were successfully resuscitated.
Rivera’s quick thinking, composure under pressure, and exceptional application of her training played a critical role in saving a life that day. Her bilingual skills also proved invaluable in communicating important information to responding EMS personnel.
Rivera’s dedication to duty, professionalism, and commitment to the community make her highly deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations to Officer Rivera on being named Belleville Police Department’s Officer of the Month for February 2026.
BELLEVILLE — Rayed Chowdhury, a senior at Belleville High School, has secured first place in the International Solana Students Hackathon, a global competition typically dominated by university-level engineering students.
As the only high school participant in the field, Chowdhury outperformed collegiate teams from Cornell University, Princeton University, and Dalhousie University to claim the $10,000 grand prize.
Chowdhury’s winning project led to an invitation to present at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, marking a significant milestone for the young innovator. His journey to the international stage began in the classrooms of Belleville, where early access to advanced coursework set the foundation for his success.
"What makes his story especially meaningful is that Belleville High School gave him the chance to begin developing those skills early," said Corey Woodring who taught Chowdhury in AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A. "Opportunities like taking AP Computer Science as a freshman and
sophomore were possible because of the support of our board, staff, and educators like Mr. (Joseph) Lepo and Caleb Rhodes who helped create an environment where students can grow."
Chowdhury’s impact extends beyond his personal accolades. As president of the school’s Computer Club and Stock Market Club, he has mentored peers and led Belleville students to competition wins at Secaucus High School, Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and St. Peter’s Preparatory School. To date, Chowdhury has earned 21 competition wins across computer science, business, and innovation events.
"Rayed took those opportunities and made the absolute most of them," Woodring said. "His success is a reflection of his talent, discipline, and leadership, but it is also a reflection of what can happen when a school community believes in its students and gives them the tools to succeed."
The Belleville community officially recognized Chowdhury at a Board of Education meeting on March 18 for his exceptional achievements and for representing the district on a global scale.
The township has announced that alternate side parking regulations and street sweeping will resume on Tuesday, March 31.
Residents are asked to please move their vehicles during the posted times so the street sweepers can properly clean the roads.
Alternate side of the street parking was suspended on Dec. 1, to assist residents with parking during the holiday season, according to Belleville NJ Police Department on Facebook. This initiative, authorized by the mayor and council, also suspended parking meters until Jan. 1, to encourage shopping local.
The Belleville Recreation Department will be holding Opening Day ceremonies on April 25.
Players are asked to arrive and line up on the field at 100 Passaic Ave. by 10 a.m. for Opening Day ceremonies.
Mayor Michael Melham will take the mound at Belleville Municipal Stadium and throw out the first pitch to officially start the season at 11 a.m..
Families, friends, and the Belleville community are invited to come out, cheer on players, and celebrate the start of a great season. For more information, call 973-450-3422.
The 47th Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade marched through the township on Saturday, March 7. The event is organized by the Nutley Irish American Association and features a 1 p.m. step-off from Holy Family Church, preceded by an investiture mass, and highlights local Irish culture, bands, and community dignitaries, including Grand Marshal Steve Blank, pictured left center.
Publisher: David Worrall
Editor: Joe Ungaro
Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina
Three members of Nutley Squadron 70 on Franklin Avenue participated in the National Sons of The American Legion (SAL) Memorial Wreath Laying ceremonies, which is held annually in the nation’s capital.
The ceremonies reaffirm the commitment of the SAL to honoring the memory and service of our veterans, many of whom make the Sons eligible for membership in the largest program of the nation’s largest veterans service organization, The American Legion.
“It’s a beautiful day,” said SAL National Commander William Cancy III of New York at the World War I Memorial. “We’re gathered here today as representatives and leaders from around the country of the 404,000 members of the Sons of The American Legion.”
Each year, Sons from the national organization’s 55 detachments around the world assemble in Washington to take part in the Washington Conference, a weekend which concludes with The American Legion National Commander’s testimony to the House and Senate Joint Committee of Veterans Affairs.
Members of the Legion Family – veterans, auxiliary members, and Sons – meet throughout the week with their congressional representatives to advocate for The American Legion’s legislative agenda, which focuses on the care of veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.
On the Sunday before the actual conference, the national SAL places wreaths
at monuments throughout the city, including at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.
This year, wreaths were placed by the state-level organizations at the World War I Memorial, the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, and at Arlington.
Eligibility for membership in the Sons of The American Legion comes from being a male descendent of a veteran who has served since World War I. Because of that, Sons have a very personal connection to many of the memorials in DC which are honored with a wreath.
“We as Sons carry on and continue our fathers and grandfather's legacy…never more apparent than this weekend,” said Essex County Commander Kevin Infield of Nutley Squadron 70.
This year, three members of SAL Squadron 70 in Nutley – James Elsmore, Kevin Infield, and Rusty Myers – participated in the event. For Infield, this was the first time he had participated.
“It was an honor which I couldn’t handle...”, said Infield. “The World War II monument, when I reached [the memorial for the] Pacific, absolutely broke me down. My father and his young comrades
were just kids.”
Elsmore and Myers, who both also hold state offices as detachment vice commanders, placed a wreath alongside Vice Commander Greg Shaffer of Anthony Wayne Squadron 174 at the Korean War Memorial.
“For me, participating with putting the wreath in front of the Korean War Memorial was extremely emotional, since my Dad served in that war,” Elsmore said.
The day concluded with walking through the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, “our nation’s most sacred shrine,” to the Tomb of the Unknowns.
There, SAL National Commander William Clancy III of New York placed a wreath with solemn dignity in front of the sarcophagus, which is inscribed with the phrase “Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier but known to God.”
“Participating in a remembrance like this is in the greatest traditions of why we exist as Sons”, said Myers, who is the son of a Vietnam veteran. “The American Legion Family is humbled to honor their service and sacrifice.”
In a blessing that summed up the entire experience delivered at the Vietnam Wall, National Chaplain David Jolly prayed that “… we give thanks, God, that you continue to teach this nation that we are blessed to be a blessing; that honor and valor will always conquer fear, and that the truth of who we are is shown in our actions and in our ability to come to the aid of those we do not know.”
BLOCK GRANT — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., third from left, announced that the Township of Nutley was among the nine Essex County municipalities and 37 community organizations that received a total of about $5.7 million from the Community Development Block Grant program and the Emergency Services Grant program on Thursday, February 19th. The CDBG and ESG programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development. With the County Executive are (from left) Community Development Director John Soares, Essex County Engineer and Public Works Director Sanjeev Varghese who also serves as County Liaison to the township, Salvatore Ferraro from Nutley, Economic Development, Training and Employment Director Anibal Ramos and Chief of Staff Phil Alagia.
GRANT MONEY — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. (second from left) announced that the Township of Belleville was among the nine Essex County municipalities and 37 community organizations that received a total of about $5.7 million from the Community Development Block Grant program and the Emergency Services Grant program on Feb. 19. The CDBG and ESG programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development. With the County Executive are (from left) Community Development Director John Soares, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, Economic Development, Training and Employment Director Anibal Ramos and Chief of Staff Phil Alagia.
Nutley Mayor John V Kelly III was honored by Holy Family Church at their 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala Dinner and Celebration on Feb. 17.
Held at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, the parish took the time to use their celebration to thank Kelly for his loyalty and service as well as to recognize his commitment to family, faith and community.
“When someone receives an award, they are supposed to thank various people who helped them along the way,” Kelly said. “Tonight I want to do something different and not thank particular people.
“So this means that I will not be thanking my wife, my parents, my sisters, my in-laws – who traveled far to be here tonight – my aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, colleagues, edu-
cators, the staff at the Nutley DPA, the town of Nutley, or even the Holy Family parish community.
“Instead, I will thank God. I will thank God for leading me to this wonderful Catholic community, who taught me my faith and stewardship. I will thank God for all my blessings, those that I recognize as blessings, like this award, and even those gifts that I may not appreciate as blessings right away or still haven't. Because everything is only possible with God and I thank God for the privilege and honor to be here tonight.”
The 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala Dinner included a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and live entertainment, as well as tributes and speeches from the Holy Family Church and Mayor Kelly as the honoree of the night.
The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Foundation plans to recognize three academic recipients with a 2026 scholarship award. The recipients must be a graduating senior and reside in the towns that we support, Bloomfield, Belleville and Glen Ridge. The criteria for the scholarships are based on financial need, essay, fall attendance at a college, university, or vocational school, intention to pursue a career that is business oriented and extra-curricular/community activities. The scholarships will be awarded to one recipient from each town to be selected by our scholarship committee. Applications are available at each high school guidance counselor office, website (suburbanessexchamber.com) or by contacting Cecelia Polizzi or Donna Pietroiacovo at 973-748-2000. Applications must be received by April 17, 2026.
ST. PETER’S RIDES THE TIDES — As the Catholic Church sees a record number of people wishing to join the Church this year, the Church of St. Peter continues with the preparation of 22 children and youngsters, seen here, bottom left, during Lent at the Rite of Election with the Rev. Ivan Sciberras as they prepare for baptism at the Easter Vigil. Twentyseven adults, upper left, seen at the doors of the Cathedral-Basilica in Newark, are preparing to complete their sacraments this Easter Season. Meanwhile, the three adult males, above, who will be baptized at next year’s Easter Vigil are seen being received into the catechumenate at a Sunday liturgy.
By Rusty Myers Sons of The American Legion Essex County
Taken from the book of John, Chapter 15, Verse 13 in the New Testament of the Bible, the hymn played during communion says that “There is no greater love, says the Lord… than to lay down your life for a friend.”
This is the account of the Four Chaplains, celebrated at a mass each year at St. Stephens Church in Kearny; a mass attended annually by the American Legion Family of Essex and Hudson Counties.
The story of the Four Chaplains is one of service, heroism, and ultimately sacrifice.
Attendance at the mass is an affirmation of the commitment of the American Legion Family – veteran Legionnaires, Sons, and Auxiliary members – to honor our collective legacy of service, and to never forget the sacrifices of the past. It is a testament to the Legion’s heritage of promoting Americanism.
SAL County Commander Kevin Infield of Nutley Squadron 70 noted afterward that “…marching in as a unit shook me to my core …it was one of the most moving experiences of my life.”
St. Stephens has the unique distinction of being a church where one of the chaplains was actually stationed as a parish priest. Originally from the Roseville section of Newark, Father John P. Washington was assigned to Kearny in 1938,
out of 904, recall seeing the four men standing arm-in-arm on the ship as it went down, praying and singing hymns. The chaplains all went down with the Dorchester.
As members of the “Greatest Generation”, they made the ultimate sacrifice by helping save as many of their fellow serviceman as they could - a testament to their commitment as officers and men of faith to serve their fellow man.
“Blessed are the peacemakers… in a world torn apart by war, they embodied unity across faith”, spoke Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau in his homily. “Blessed are the merciful … they placed the lives of strangers above their own.”
before his enlistment in 1941.
Because of his connection to the church, there is a large statue outside of the four men standing and praying on the deck of the Dorchester, along with the Sanctuary of the Four Chaplains residing in the church itself.
The Four Chaplains - Methodist minister Rev. George L. Fox, Reform Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Catholic priest Father John P. Washington, and Reformed Church in America minister Rev. Clark V. Poling – all served as US Army Chaplains during World War II. In January of 1943, they set sail from New York along with 900 other soldiers headed for Greenland aboard the USAT Dorchester, a troop transport which was part of
a larger convoy. On the morning of Feb. 3, the ship was torpedoed by a German Uboat, with the ship sinking quickly.
The chaplains were seen handing out life jackets and helping soldiers into the water, eventually giving up their own life jackets to save other men. Survivors of the Dorchester, of which there were only 230
To honor that sacrifice, veterans, patriotic organizations, and veteran service organizations from around the area gather at the invitation of St. Stephen’s to attend a mass in the Chaplain’s honor each year on the first Sunday in February. In a remarkable addition to that, descendants of the Dorchester’s survivors from around the country attend, as well as descendants of the chaplains themselves – now 83 years after the vessel's sinking.
“It is so important that we do what we can to keep this story going, because it’s an important part of our history - not just because it’s national history, but because it’s church history….” said Father Joe Mancini, pastor of St. Stephens at the conclusion of mass. “They had the freedom to choose, and they embraced that freedom and did it with joy.”
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 10:00AM - 4:30PM
WEDNESDAY: 10:00AM - 4:30PM
THURSDAY: 10:00AM - 4:30PM FRIDAY: 10:00AM - 4:30PM
9:00AM - 12:00PM
and
More than 140 attendees participated in the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge’s Annual Trivia Night fundraiser Feb. 26, raising $6,000 to support MESH Montclair, an organization providing daily meals and winter respite for the area’s underhoused.
Kiwanis event chair Mark Rauch presented the check to MESH Executive Director Joe Granger, noting the organization’s heightened need following severe winter weather and a flood caused by frozen pipes that destroyed its kitchen and serving location.
“We could not possibly thank enough the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge and all who attended the event for this incredibly meaningful donation," Granger said. "The timing of this for us in the context of uncertainty about a permanent space, and trying to keep our winter shelter open is a really big deal to us. We are so incredibly grateful!" he followed.
Mark Rauch, left, of the Kiwanis Club, presents the proceeds of the Trivia Quiz Night fundraiser held on Feb. 26, to Joe Granger, right, the executive director of MESH Montclair. They are accompanied by event co-chairs, Emily Peters and Brad Bushue, right, and local high school-aged volunteers. The students, from left, are Luke Donahue from Nutley High School, Greg Crumrine from Seton Hall Prep, Christian Smeragliuolo of Nutley High School, Nick Rivera of Nutley High School, and Saline Abdulhayoglu from Montclair Kimberley Academy.
The Annual Trivia Night selects one benefactor each year based on community service and need. Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH) provides free meals, overnight respite, and a host of other essential services to area individuals and families in need by partnering with local churches, synagogues and other organizations and individuals.
This year’s event featured challenging trivia questions with topics like New Jersey facts, history, current events, and pop culture. The night included dinner from Luigino’s Parmigiana of Montclair, coffee service by Roast’d, dessert from Gencarel-
li’s Bakery, and a silent auction supported by numerous local businesses, including 23 Skidoo Cafe, Wegmans, Costco, Karuna Skin Care, Brookdale Shoprite, SoJo Spa Club, George Street Playhouse, Red Bull New York, Seton Hall Pirates, and Cabinoncomfort.com.
The Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge is a volunteer service organization focused on supporting children, families, and neighbors facing hardship.
In addition to the annual fundraiser, the Club conducts a Spring clothing drive and awards scholarships.
Mother daughter duo Katerina Simeonidis and Angeliki Pakalidou own and operate Chris & Angie’s Dinette at 545 Franklin Ave, Nutley.
Chris & Angie’s dinette is a combination of decades of diner experience, good food and family hustle. We pride ourselves on offering quality food, service and atmosphere for down to earth prices. This is not our first business venture together. We also own and operate Greek Town Gyros in Rutherford at 65 Park Ave for the last 4 years. Prior to these two restaurants Angie owned a diner with her husband Chris on Church Street in Montclair in the early nineties and two thousands. Since then it has always been a goal to get back in the business together as a family and we are happy we can do that here in Nutley.
oining forces w th ECE Organizations and other ECE leaders. My business background began many years ago in the pharmaceutical ndustry. However, I a ways had the des re to build my own company, one that would allow me to be both the ambitious businesswoman and dedicated mother I wanted to be. Notic ng a growing demand in the marketplace and ocal community, in add tion to my personal need for quality childcare, I founded Sandy Lane Nursery Schoo in 1973. The school’s doors opened with a modest enrollment of seven children and three teachers
Today, over 50 years later, Sandy Lane has grown nto a nursery- and preschool with a license capacity of 323 students and 56 employees Even after all these years, we remain ded cated to prov ding families in our area with a warm, nurtur ng, and inc usive learning environment for the r children In addition to our NAEYC accreditation Sandy Lane Nursery Schoo has a so repeatedly earned a four-star-rating by Grow NJ Kids and we have been collaborat ng with Montclair State University to implement the Pyramid Model practices in our classrooms to support both students and staff in managing challenging behaviors
Renée is a 2nd generation State Farm Agent with over has 35 years of State Farm Insurance experience and has been a State Farm Agent since 1995. She worked for her father, A. Lawrence Friscia, prior to becoming an agent. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University. She and her team provide free Auto insurance and Homeowners insurance quotes throughout the great state of New Jersey. Her office is in the beautiful town of Nutley right on Franklin Avenue. Renée is a proud member of the Nutley Chamber of Commerce and a Notary Public.
Renée and her team can help you insure your cars as well as Homeowners and Renters. She will take the time to talk to everyone about the importance of Life insurance to protect those we value most. Working with small business owners for their Business insurance and planning needs is rewarding since Renée is a small business owner too. She can also can provide coverage for Flood Insurance and NJ PAIP and CAIP.
NUTLEY — The township has announced that vegetation collection will start on Wednesday, April 1.
The following is the schedule announced by the township:
April – Vegetation cart contents, bundled sticks, branches and small limbs, and brown biodegradable leaf bags should be placed outside or alongside the carts. Branches should be no longer than 4 feet in length and weighing no more than 35 pounds.
May To September – Vegetation carts only will be collected. Nothing will be picked up outside of the carts and no leaf bags should be left outside the carts.
October to December – Vegetation carts along with brown biodegradable leaf
bags will be collected.
Soil/dirt, rocks, concrete or concrete blocks, and mulch will not be collected at any time.
The Township of Nutley is collaborating with the Recycle Coach app to offer residents a resource for understanding the proper disposal methods for different types of household waste they generate. Additionally, the app allows users to access waste collection schedules and set reminders for pickup times, according to a press release from the township.
This user-friendly tool, available for free on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, aims to enhance residents' waste management experience. For more information visit recyclecoach.com.
The Nutley Chamber of Commerce will host its 26th Annual 5K Run & Walk Event on Sunday, May 3.
The event begins at the Nutley High School Park Oval with gates opening at 8 a.m., the Kids Short Sprint at 8:45 a.m., a Kids Fun Run at 8:55 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk at 9:15 a.m.
Sponsorship of the chamber-produced event is exclusive to members. Non-members can sponsor and join the chamber for one year in one easy step with multiple sponsorship levels available to meet any
budget, according to a press release from the chamber.
About 350 people participated in the event last year, while families, friends and members of the community watched in the Park Oval and along the town-wide race route. Platinum, Gold and Silver Sponsors have the option of setting up a vendor table/booth to interact with attendees and give away promotional items, the release said.
Go to https://nutleychamber.com/ for more details.
treat your vehicle like our own.
The master technicians at D & L Automotive specialize in complete car care for your foreign and domestic vehicles. Our goal is to keep your vehicle running like new and minimize the time you spend in the auto repair shop. The specialists at our family-owned and operated facility will make sure that you never experience another road-side emergency.
Mayor John V. Kelly and the Department of Public Affairs and Health in collaboration with Commissioner Alphonse Petracco and the Department of Public Safety hosted a Black Balloon Day tribute during the Board of Commissioners meeting on March 3.
“Black Balloon Day serves as a day of remembrance for family and friends, while also aiming to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic, reduce the stigma surrounding substance disorders, and promote advocacy for treatment and prevention,” Mayor Kelly said at the beginning of the evening’s events.
The meeting featured a speech from the Department of Public Affairs and Health’s Sharon Lemma-Bozza, who helped organize the memorial, as well as a musical tribute and moment of remembrance to the song, “Gone Too Soon” by Ed Sheeran.
The event concluded with the traditional raising of the balloons, black for those lost to substance abuse and white representing the hope kept in the hearts of the families who fight for their loved ones everyday.
In her speech, Lemma-Bozza further
explained the importance of Black Balloon Day to the Nutley community and beyond.
“Black Balloon Day is a time when people come together to pay tribute to those who have been lost in overdose and have been fighting a stigma due to the disease of addiction,” Lemma-Bozza said.
Black Balloon Day and its effect on his life as well.
“Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol don't discriminate,” Petracco said. “One thing I learned about any kind of abuse or addiction from my own loved ones and working in Public Safety, is that these people don't want to be like that. They fight everyday. It's easy for us, who are blessed, who have never had an addiction, to pass judgment, but until you're watching it affect your own household, you really don’t know. But as my mother used to say, where there's life, there's hope.”
“It's an emotional day for many people,” said Commissioner Joseph P. Scarpelli. “When you’re opening up old wounds and recognizing and remembering people who have passed away, it’s a solemn day and an emotional event.”
“It involves uniting and advocating for overdose prevention. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting an individual’s struggle with addiction and working toward a future free from the devastation of overdose deaths.”
Commissioner Alphonse Petracco spoke to the importance of events like
“There is no one anywhere in the world who is immune from drug abuse,” expressed Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci.
Commissioner Tom Evans added, “It always feels like you can never do enough. It’s incredibly hard to see someone you love suffering. The more awareness we can raise through events like this, the more help we can provide.”
In Nutley, it’s not unusual to see a home listed on a Wednesday and multiple offers received by that next Wednesday.
To anyone watching from the outside, it can feel like every home sells instantly. And when one doesn’t, the question comes quickly: “What went wrong?”
But the answer isn’t always obvious, and it’s rarely just one thing.
A homeowner recently put their house on the market with high expectations. The home was well maintained, located on a great street, and priced based on what they believed the market would support.
The first weekend came and went with steady traffic, but no offers. By the following week, the tone had shifted from excitement to concern.
At the same time, a similar home just a few blocks away hit the market. It had a slightly more updated interior, came out at a very strategic price point, and created immediate urgency.
Within days, it had multiple offers and sold well over asking.
Two good homes. Same town. Very different outcomes.
That’s the part of the market people don’t always see. When demand is strong, the difference between a home that sells quickly and one that lingers often comes down to positioning. Pricing strategy, presentation, timing, and even how a home is introduced to the market all play a role in how buyers respond.
Buyers today are informed and deci-
sive. They know when something feels like an opportunity and they act quickly when it does. But they’re just as quick to hesitate when a home feels even slightly misaligned with expectations. And once that hesitation sets in, momentum can be hard to rebuild.
For sellers, the takeaway is simple: speed in this market isn’t luck, it’s strategy.
The homes that generate immediate results are usually the ones that hit the market already aligned with buyer expectations, not trying to find them after the fact.
Because in a fast-moving market, you don’t get multiple chances to make a first impression. And more often than not, the outcome is decided before the first weekend is over.
120Mountainview Ave$735,0004/29/2024
84Fischer Ave$725,0004/26/2024
15Gerard Rd$665,0004/29/2024
26Donna Ct$560,000 2/5/2026
82Bromley Pl$775,000 2/2/2026
63Conover Ave$755,000 1/28/2026
156Margaret Ave$725,000 2/3/2026
11Wharton Ave$710,000 1/30/2026
335Wilshire Dr$665,000 1/30/2026
595Hartford Dr$640,000 2/2/2026
149Crestwood Ave$540,000 1/30/2026
1206Hillside Ave C0207$240,000 1/23/2026
18Brookfield Ave$850,000 1/15/2026
1River Road$220,000 1/14/2026
12Renner Ave$451,100 1/20/2026
219Swathmore Dr$610,000 1/20/2026
24Faber Place$750,000 1/16/2026
7Yantacaw Pl$585,000 1/7/2026
564Bloomfield Ave$626,000 1/8/2026
36Lake St$765,000 1/9/2026
83Raymond Ave$855,000 1/13/2026
162Walnut St$1,180,000 1/9/2026
What are homeowners focusing on right now?
Impactful, affordable upgrades. New research highlights that painting remains one of the most popular home improvement projects expected in 2026, driven by tighter budgets and a desire for lasting design.
The survey, from FrogTape brand painter’s tape, found that nearly 60% of homeowners are planning interior paint projects in the year ahead, while over one-third expect to refresh exterior surfaces.
“Painting remains a top priority for homeowners because it offers an affordable, high-impact way to transform interior spaces,” says Melanie Canning, director of insights for FrogTape. “DIYers are embracing projects that are creative, yet practical, with timeless color palettes and AI-assisted design choices.”
Based on the FrogTape research, here’s what’s ahead: Affordable Upgrades
Despite a tight financial environment, over 45% of people at the time of the survey had undertaken a project in the past month, and the data indicates that this momentum is expected to continue. Nearly half of respondents agreed that tough economic conditions have influenced their 2026 DIY plans – but they still intend to complete projects, just on a tighter budget.
“When budgets tighten, homeowners become more intentional with their time and money,” says Canning. “Painting gives DIYers flexibility to work at their own pace, manage costs and see noticeable results.”
Homeowners are gravitating toward spaces that feel calm and timeless – 71% agreed that they prefer painting projects that are long-lasting and classic.
Despite being fun for the moment, trendy colors, patterns and styles can quickly lose appeal – 44% say they’re motivated to repaint because their current space feels outdated. For a classic look, homeowners can opt for neutral walls and add accent colors through accessories like pillows, artwork and candles, which can easily be swapped for different seasons, moods or trends.
“Painting is a simple project in terms of skills, but it requires time and patience. DIYers want to feel like their work is going to pay off for years to come,” Canning adds.
DIYers are saying goodbye to plain, colorless rooms and hello to warm, inviting spaces. According to nearly half (49%) of survey respondents, stark white rooms are their biggest design “ick.” For many (45%), their 2026 design outlook is warm and natural, and they plan to lean into earthy tones like beige, taupe, clay, greens and blues. The ultimate goal for 47% of DIYers is to create calm, relaxing spaces through color. Additionally, “comfortcore” is the most popular design style in 2026. Anyone can achieve “comfortcore” with soft textures and calm colors for a cozy ambiance.
Personal preferences aren’t the only factor impacting the trend — 65% of respondents are planning their
upcoming paint projects for entertaining guests, and 62% agree that their main goal is to make the space feel more inviting, making comfort a key priority.
Making home update decisions can be difficult, but modern technologies can help. More than half of people reported using AI to assist with home improvement projects in some capacity, from previewing paint colors to assisting with design decisions and identifying paint trends.
However, even in the age of AI, traditional tools, like painter’s tape, remain irreplaceable. Ninety percent of people have used or plan to use painter’s tape on recent painting projects. The most common surfaces they tape include trim and baseboards (74%), doors and windows (65%), edges (58%) and walls (49%).
No matter the painting project, FrogTape Advanced Painter’s Tape is valuable to have on hand. The ultra-premium painter’s tape conforms around challenging curves and edges like trim, molding and light fixtures without tearing. Additionally, it contains exclusive PaintBlock Technology to seal tape edges and block paint bleed for super sharp paint lines.
For more inspiration and tips for your 2026 painting projects, visit FrogTape.com. From cozy, comfort-first color palettes to practical room refreshes and AI-powered planning tools, this year, DIYers are making meaningful updates that feel both intentional and attainable.
StatePoint
The following students from Belleville studying at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Metropolitan Campus, located in Teaneck, have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2025 semester: Yamile Serna; Kimberlee Soto; Nicolas Rios; Caesar Vasquez; Amir Jones; Stephany Gomes; and Jada Onque.
Luisa Tabares, of Nutley, a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, has been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2025 semester.
Emanuel Forlenza, of Nutley, was named to the Fall 2025 Emmanuel College Dean's List. Forlenza has a double major; Spanish and political science. To earn a spot on the Dean's List, Emmanuel students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester.
Jensen Kraft of Nutley was among the Kutztown University indoor track and field student-athletes to earn 2025-26 NCAA Division II U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Atlantic Region honors. Kraft finished All-PSAC with third place
finishes at the PSAC Indoor Championships on Feb. 28, and March 1.
The following students from Belleville made the Dean’s List at Seton Hall University: Leianna Ahmed, who is majoring in economics at the Stillman School of Business; Sophia Bojorquez, who is majoring in political science at the College of Arts and Sciences; Sofia Ceballo, who is majoring in social and behavioral sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences; Lawrence Corbo, who is majoring in finance at the Stillman School of Business; Jenna Falsetta, who is majoring in criminal justice at the College of Arts and Sciences; Kimberly Leon, who is majoring in biology at the College of Arts and Sciences; Max Merchiori, who is majoring in diplomacy and international relations at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations; Richard Paton, who is majoring in criminal justice at the College of Arts and Sciences; Alayna Rivera, who is majoring in marketing at the Stillman School of Business; Gianna Sanchez, who is majoring in special education at the College of Human Development, Culture and Media; Adriana Tello-Gutierrez, who is majoring in nursing at the College of Nursing; Bradley Voltaire, who is majoring in environmental studies at the College of Arts and Sciences.
The following students from Nutley made the Dean’s List at Seton Hall University: Emily Aranda, who is majoring in nursing at the College of Nursing; Aerell Bitalac, who is majoring in nursing at the
College of Nursing; Shane Castillo, who is majoring in visual and sound media at the College of Human Development, Culture and Media; Uriel Concepcion, who is majoring in biology at the College of Arts and Sciences; Faith Criscione, who is majoring in management at the Stillman School of Business; Cassandra Dominguez, who is majoring in management at the Stillman School of Business; Alexis Fontanilla, who is majoring in biology at the College of Arts and Sciences; Alexis Gomez, who is majoring in nursing at the College of Nursing; Alexis Guevara, who is majoring in nursing at the College of Nursing; Christian Hui, who is majoring in sport management at the Stillman School of Business; Julian Jansen, who is majoring in nursing at the College of Nursing; Jalissa Lopez, who is majoring in biology at the College of Arts and Sciences; Angelina Matto, who is majoring in social work at the College of Arts and Sciences; Ryan Pessoa, who is majoring in accounting at the Stillman School of Business; Daniel Reyes III, who is majoring in visual and sound media at the College of Human Development, Culture and Media; Drew Slomkowski, who is studying at the College of Arts and Sciences; Yeleen Soho, who is majoring in diplomacy and international relations at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations; Julio Takemoto, who is majoring in interprofessional health science at the School of Health and Medical Science.
Joseph T. Vazquez, of Nutley, a psychology major at the University of Scranton, presented research titled "College Students View Jane Elliot's Brown-Eye Blue-Eye Exercise As Ethical" at the 2026 Eastern Psychological Association Conference held Feb. 27-28 in Boston.
Members of the Nutley Irish American Association made the trip to West Orange to march in that township’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which took place a week and a day after the march through Nutley.
Members of Belleville’s American Legion Post 105 Auxiliary were among those to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Nutley in March.
American Legion Post 310 will host a fundraiser for the Children’s Organ Transplant Association on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 3 p.m.
The event, which is sponsored by Squadrons 70 and 310, will include barbecue style food plus soda and water. The cost is $20 per person.
The post is located at 100 Liberty St. in Little Ferry. Post 70 is based in Nutley.
• ARGIERI – Charlotte, of Nutley, formerly of Belleville; Feb. 26. Manager of the Lyndhurst Diner. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 89.
• BARTELL – Antonia Helen, of Nutley; March 4. Property management, Patricia Associates. Wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, 78.
• BONFANTE – Frances Carmella, of Belleville; March 9. Retired from Bamberger’s. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 97.
• BRITTON – Robert A., of Nutley; March 12. Was 90.
• CASTIGLIA – Richard, of Woodcliff Lake, formerly of Nutley; Feb. 19. Newark police officer, business owner. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 82.
• CESENA – Michael Samuel, of Nutley; Feb. 11. Finance manager at Wayne Mazda. Husband, father, brother, cousin, 45.
• CIFELLI – Theresa, of Belleville; Feb. 21. Church volunteer. Sister, aunt, grandaunt, 63.
• COLABELLI – Giuseppe, of Belleville, formerly of Alberona, Foggia, Italy, and Newark; March 6. Garment industry, tailor. Husband, father, grandfather, 87.
• CRESPO – Alan Michael, of Belleville; April 22, 2025. Professional carpenter, 65.
• DEFURIA – Maureen, of Belleville; Feb. 12. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 95.
• DE SIMONE – Mario, of Belleville, formerly of Newark; Feb. 13. Worked at APA Transport in North Bergen. Widower, father, grandfather, 85.
• DRAGHI – David, of Blairstown; Feb. 17. Retired machine operator for R&R Donnolley Co., West Caldwell. Brother, uncle, cousin, 68.
• FAVATA – Michele, of Nutley; Feb. 21. Department manager, Nutley Park ShopRite. Meat Cutters Union. Wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, 60.
• GIANSANTI – Michael P., of Nutley, formerly of Newark and Belleville; Feb. 26. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, 87.
• IZZI – Louis, of Verona, formerly of Belleville and Bloomfield; Feb. 17. U.S. Army veteran. Police officer, college history professor. Husband, brother, 78.
• KACHEVSKY – Valentina, of Belleville, formerly of Russia/Ukraine and Valley Cottage, N.Y.; Jan. 25. Scientist, member of Russian Orthodox Church, 87.
• KELLAM – Robert, of Belleville; March 10. Was 80.
• LAUDATI – Marie, of Rockaway, formerly of Nutley, Tucson, Ariz., and Little River, S.C.; Feb. 11. Teacher. Widow, mother, grandmother, aunt, grandaunt, 94.
• LOPEZ – Oscar V., of Nutley; March 10. Retired broadcast engineer at Channel 9 Television in Secaucus. Widower, father, brother, 87.
• MAGARELLI – Joseph Philip, of Nutley, formerly of Molfetta, Italy, Hoboken, and North Bergen; March 10. Flooring. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, 82.
• RIVAS – Hilda Azucena, of Nutley, formerly of Ecuador and Brooklyn, N.Y.; March 1. Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 78.
• SIGANO – John R., of Nutley; Feb. 14. Bus driver, volunteer fireman, assistant fire chief for Engine No. 2. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 89.
• SINISI – Anthony, of Verona, formerly of Newark, Belleville; Feb. 11. Driver and repairman for Advance Oil. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 88.
• SMITH – Banita L., of Belleville; Feb. 24. Bloomfield’s Carteret Elementary School teacher. Mother, sister, 56.
• SPRONG – Garrett R., of Nutley, formerly of Jersey City; Feb. 18. Business owner. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 90.
• TOTORIELLO – Adele, of Woodbridge, formerly of Nutley, Bloomfield and Whiting; Feb. 27. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 85.
• VEHLING – Paul, of Nutley, formerly of Westfield; Feb. 26. Electrician, business manager. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 81.
• ZIZZA – George J., of Nutley; Feb. 13. Dedicated employee of Macy’s for 25 years. Cousin, 68.
In Memoriam is a weekly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.
To place your free listing, send information to the editor at essexcty@thelocalsource.com or at 1291 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083. Faxes may be sent to 908-686-0401.
DEON COLE PERFORMS HIS UNFORGETTABLE COMEDY on Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN, ACTOR AND AUTHOR COLIN
QUINN performs on Friday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m., at SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973313-2787.
COMEDIAN AIDA RODRIGUEZ RETURNS TO NJPAC on Friday, April 16, at 8 p.m., at Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
PREACHER LAWSON AT UCPAC'S HAMILTON STAGE on �Saturday, April 25, at �7 and 9:30 p.m., 360 Hamilton St., Rahway. Tickets are $36 to $63 at https://ucpac.vbotickets.com.
COMEDIAN CARLOS BALLARTA RETURNS TO NJPAC on Friday, May 8, at 8 p.m., at Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN RUSSELL PETERS IS BACK WITH HIS RELAX WORLD TOUR on Friday, May 29, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
THE CARIBBEAN KING OF COMEDY MAJAH HYPE on Saturday, May 30 at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
DAN SODER: THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER OF COMEDY TOUR COMES TO NEWARK on June 5, at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org
THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: VERY BALD, VERY BEAUTIFUL, Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova bring their comedy and beauty insights to Prudential Hall on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
JOSH GATES, THE STAR OF THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL’S POPULAR SERIES, “EXPEDITION UNKNOWN,” presents an evening of legends, mysteries and tales of adventure on Sunday, June 14, at 3 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $42.50 at www.njpac.org.
JAMES KEELAGHAN & DAVID WOODHEAD AND RELATABLE REFLECTIONS OF SHANNA IN A DRESS on Friday, March 27, at 7:30
p.m. at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. Admission is $20 per adult at the door, Folk Project members $15. Children 12 and under are free. AN EVENING WITH ISAAC MIZRAHI ON SUNDAY, March 29 at 7 p.m. at Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Ave., Hillside. Tickets range from $52 - $78 and can be purchased online at keanstage.com or by contacting the Box Office at (908) 737-7469.
MAURICE DURUFLÉ’S TRANSCENDENT REQUIEM (OPUS 9) at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 121 South St., Morristown. This is a free event.
PEPPA PIG: MY FIRST CONCERT FROM MOZART TO MUDDY PUDDLES on Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $34 at www.njpac.org.
JULIAN LAGE QUARTET FEATURING JOHN MEDESKI, JORGE ROEDER AND KENNY WOLLESON is on Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., at South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-313-2787.
BILLY OCEAN PERFORMS on Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., at Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Ave., Union. Tickets range from $82 to $98 and can be purchased online at keanstage.com or by contacting the Box Office at 908-737-7469.
BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET PERFORMS on Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m., at SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-3132787.
FLOETRY PRESENTS SAY YES THE TOUR 2026 on Wednesday, April 8, at 8 p.m. and Thursday, April 9, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
TOMMY DORSEY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS on Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m., at SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-313-2787.
CELEBRATE JOHN COLTRANE 100 YEARS WITH PERFORMANCES BY JOE LOVANO, YOTAM SILBERSTEIN PERFORMS as part of the Jazz in the Loft series on Sunday, April 12, at 7 p.m. at South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-313-2787.
CROWDER, with Seph Schlueter and Patrick Mayberry, performs on Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
MELISSA ALDANA, NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI, JOHN PATITUCCI AND JEFF “TAIN” WATTS perform on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT WITH ADAM BEN-DAVID ON PIANO is on Sunday, April 19, at 4 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
JOHN LEGEND – AN EVENING OF SONGS AND STORIES – is on Tuesday, April 21, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold
Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
OTTMAR LIEBER AND HIS BAND, LUNA NEGRA, PERFORM A NIGHT OF WORLD MUSIC on Friday, May 1, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
THE STYLISTICS, THE CHI-LITES, BLOODSTONE LEGACY, AND EDDIE HOLMAN is on Friday, May 15, at 8 p.m., at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
BERNADETTE PETERS COMES TO NJPAC on Sunday, May 31, at 7 p.m., at Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are available at www.NJPAC.org or 888-466-5722.
OCTOBER LONDON AND ERIC BENÉT HEADLINE SHOW on June 19 at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY TOUR with The
Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers at Prudential Center, is Saturday, June 20, at 8 p.m., at 25 Lafayette St., Newark. Tickets are at www.prucenter.com.
OSCAR-NOMINATED COMPOSER MAX RICHTER TO PERFORM on Monday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org
BLUES-ROCK MUSICIAN JOE BONAMASSA is in concert on Sunday, June 28, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
MUSICIAN AND COMPOSER HERBIE HANCOCK performs on July 31 at 8 p.m., NJPAC Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org
PERUVIAN SINGER EVA AYLLÓN SHARES THE STAGE WITH GRAMMY NOMINATED DANIELA DARCOURT on Friday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
FADO STAR MARIZA WITH SPECIAL GUESTS DEREK GRIPPER AND DUO ANDALUS on Sunday, Nov. 1, at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
THE PEKING ACROBATS PERFORM on Saturday, March 28, at at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
DAVID AND TAMELA MANN BRING LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS TO NJPAC on Friday, April 24, at 8 p.m., at Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
MATT FRASER, A PSYCHIC MEDIUM, performs on Sunday, May 31, at 2 and 7 p.m., at Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center Street, Newark. Tickets are available at www.NJPAC.org.
The Belleville High School baseball team is looking to have a strong season.
The Bucs, under head coach Joe Sorce, will be led by senior captains Sean Walsh and Crismel Delon, both four-year letterwinners and All–Super Essex Conference honorees.
Walsh will be the No. 1 starter on the mound and play first base, while Deleon will be the centerfielder.
“These guys are going to be great leaders for our team,” Sorce said.
Senior shortstop/pitcher Marcos Atehortua had a great first week of practice, Sorce said. “Marcos was a role player for us as a junior, but is off to a great start and I think he's going to have a great season.”
Sophomore first baseman Jake Gonzalez gained experience last year. “Jake had two big hits in our state tournament win at Union City,” Sorce said. “He has been swinging the bat well so far and looks like he's ready to take the next step in his development.”
The Bucs had four preseason scrimmages: home against Brearley on March 16 and home against Rutherford on March 17. They also will visit Roselle Park on March 20 at 4 p.m. and visit Arthur L. Johnson on March 21 in Clark at 11 a.m.
“The plan is to use a lot of guys in different situations in these scrimmages, so we should have a much better assessment of where we are next week,” Sorce said.
The coaching staff returns with Vinnie Orrei and Neal Dinapoli as assistant coaches.
The Bucs will host Newark Academy on March 31 in the season-opener.
Schedule
• March 31: Newark Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 2: at Newark Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 6: at Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• April 8: Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• April 11: at Linden, 11 a.m.
• April 13: at Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.
• April 15: Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.
• April 17: at Barringer, 4 p.m.
• April 18: at Lyndhurst, 11 a.m.
• April 20: Barringer, 4 p.m.
• April 22: West Orange, 4 p.m.
• April 25: Clifton, 11 a.m.
• April 27: at Central, 4 p.m.
• May 2: Hoboken, 11 a.m.
• May 4: Lodi, 4:15 p.m.
• May 7: at Fair Lawn, 4:15 p.m.
• May 8: at Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.
• May 9: at Colonia, 11 a.m.
• May 11: Kearny, 4 p.m.
• May 14: Glen Ridge, 7 p.m.
• May 15: at Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
• May 19: East Side, 4 p.m.
• May 21: at Verona, 4 p.m.
At left is Belleville head coach Joe Sorce. Crismel Deleon, middle, and
are the
captains and four-year letterwinners who are past Super Essex Conference honorees.
WRESTLERS EXCEL — Pictured are Belleville High School boys wrestlers who earned medals at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s District 10 tournament at Nutley High School on Feb. 28. At left, junior Raleigh Fernandez took third place at the 157-pound weight class; at middle, sophomore Jirrard Ferrer won the 106-pound weight class title; and, at right, junior Lorenzo Tiankee took second place at the 126-pound weight class. The three wrestlers advanced to the Region 3 tournament at West Orange High School, March 6-7, with Ferrer finishing in fifth place to end the season.
Hall Prep junior Anthony Gonzalez, shown handling the ball, enjoyed a strong all-around season, leading Seton Hall Prep to the Essex County Tournament title and a 20-7 final record.
The following are Belleville High School schedules for softball, boys volleyball and girls flag football: Softball
• March 31: Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
• April 7: at Millburn, 4 p.m.
• April 8: at Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 10: West Caldwell Tech, 4 p.m.
• April 11: at Saddle Brook, 3 p.m.
• April 13: Bard, 4 p.m.
• April 15: Newark Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 17: at Payne Tech, 4 p.m.
• April 20: at Nutley, 4 p.m.
• April 22: Millburn, 4 p.m.
• April 24: Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 25: Breast Cancer Awareness tournament, at Demarest.
• April 27: Newark Tech, 4 p.m.
• April 28: West Orange, 4 p.m.
• April 30: College Achieve Central Charter, 4:30 p.m.
• May 4: at Bard, 4 p.m.
• May 6: at Newark Academy, 4 p.m.
• May 12: Payne Tech, 4 p.m.
• May 15: Rahway, 4:30 p.m.
• May 16: at Bloomfield, 11 a.m.
• May 19: American History, 4 p.m.
• May 21: Bayonne, 4:15 p.m.
Boys volleyball
• March 27: East Side, 4 p.m.
• March 30: Memorial (West New York), 4 p.m.
• March 31: at Livingston, 4 p.m.
• April 2: West Caldwell Tech, 4 p.m.
By Jeff Goldberg Correspondent
Belleville resident Anthony Gonzalez had an outstanding junior season, as he was a leader on a Seton Hall Prep basketball team that went 20-7 on the season.
The SHP Pirates captured their 11th Super Essex Conference–American Division title, 21st Essex County Tournament title and reached the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Non-Public “A” North final game for the first time since 2016.
Gonzalez’s final stats include 324 points (12.5 points per game), 106 rebounds (4.1 rebounds per game), 146 assists (5.6 assists per game) and 52 steals (2.0 steals per game).
For his career, which includes one year at Union City and the last two years at Seton Hall Prep, located in West Orange, Gonzalez has scored 1,048 points.
Some of his highlights include his 1,000th career point. It was accomplished against DePaul in the NJSIAA Non-Public "A" North quarterfinals, when he took a pass from fellow junior Avery George and hit a three-point field goal with 6:33 left in the first quarter.
Another highlight from this past season was leading his team to a 68-63 victory over St. Benedict’s in the ECT title game. Gonzalez scored 17 points and added five assists.
Following the game, Gonzalez said, “We just prepared the right way. Every day in practice, we were going very hard. We knew that this game was not going to be easy. St. Benedict’s was not going to give it to us. We were going to have to earn it and I thought we did it today.”
SHP head coach Sterling Gibbs said, “Anthony is about winning. He wants to win at all costs, whether that’s taking a step back from scoring and having a lot of assists and zero points.”
Following the season, Gibbs talked about Gonzalez. “Anthony was our leader and set the table for us to accomplish great things as a team. His competitiveness, leadership and overall game took us to a different level. We are very lucky to have him at Seton Hall Prep and I am so proud of his development."
Last week, the Super Essex Conference–American Division coaches met and Gonzalez was selected to the first team for the second consecutive season.
• April 8: at Nutley, 4 p.m.
• April 10: Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• April 13: at Millburn, 4 p.m.
• April 14: at Abundant Life Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 15: at East Orange Campus, 4 p.m.
• April 16: Bard, 4 p.m.
• April 18: Belleville Buccaneer Invitational, 8 a.m.
• April 20: at Irvington, 4 p.m.
• April 22: Barringer, 4 p.m.
• April 27: St. Benedict's Prep, 4 p.m.
• April 30: Clifton, 4 p.m.
• May 4: Livingston, 4 p.m.
• May 6: at West Caldwell Tech, 4 p.m.
• May 11: at Bard, 4 p.m.
• May 12: at Barringer, 4 p.m.
• May 13: at Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• May 14: Abundant Life Academy, 4 p.m.
• May 15: Millburn, 4 p.m.
• May 18: East Orange Campus, 4 p.m.
• May 21: Newark Tech, 4 p.m.
Girls flag football
• March 30: Kearny, 4 p.m.
• April 9: at Bloomfield, 10:30 a.m.
• April 13: Weequahic, 4:30 p.m.
• April 16: Livingston, 4 p.m.
• April 23: at Central, 4:30 p.m.
• April 28: Passaic, 4 p.m.
• April 30: at American History, 4:30 p.m.
• May 6: Columbia, 4 p.m.
• May 11: at Hoboken, 6 p.m.
• May 15: at Orange, 7 p.m.
