Belleville Post - July 2025

BELLEVILLE POST VOL. 36 NO. 18

JULY 2025

ESSEXNEWSDAILY.COM

Get to know BHS Class of 2025 graduates your officers

Very special deliveries

— See Page 3

Bucs going to colleges

Matthew De Fede

— See Page 26

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Family, friends and relatives watch Belleville High School’s 128th annual commencement ceremony at Municipal Stadium. Below, the graduates stand for the salute to the flag. See additional photos and a list of graduates inside.

The Nutley Pulse Podcast Coming Soon on You Tube

Ella Benenati

— See Page 2

The Belleville High School Class of 2025 had the wind at their backs and the sun overhead as they received their diplomas on Doc Ellis Field at Belleville Municipal Stadium.

The ceremony began with a salute to the flag led by senior Ariannas Navarrete, president of the Student Government Organization.

Singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and the Belleville High School Alma Mater followed under the direction of Carol Lomardi, a music teacher at the school.

Mikaela Rose Lupaz Cinense, an honor student and president of the senior class, welcomed guests to the event before Navarrete returned and spoke.

The Senior Choral Ensemble, directed

by Lomardi, gave a performance of “For Good” from “Wicked.” The lyrics include the following verse: “I've heard it said That people come into our lives for a reason Bringing something we must learn And we are led To those who help us most to grow If we let them And we help them in return Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you” Salutatorian Candie Dong, a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the state Seal of Biliteracy, was introduced before addressing her classmates.

She was followed by Ethan Duong Nguyen, who was named Valedictorian.

Nguyen, a tennis player and honor student, addressed his classmates before turning the microphone over to Principal Caleb Rhodes.

Rhodes spoke before presenting the class to Interim Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Perrapato and Board of Education President Gabrielle V. Bennett-Meany for official acceptance.

2 — July 2025 — Belleville Post

Walking to school and getting to know the officer on the beat

Photos Courtesy of BPD

The Belleville Police Department participated in its last Walk to School with Belleville P.D. of the school year on June 11. The weather seemed like it might not cooperate at first but the sun came out and so did the kids to make the event a success. The kids walked alongside officers, sharing laughs, high-fives, and learning valuable safety tips to keep them alert and protected on their daily walk to school.

Belleville Post — July 2025 — 3

Belleville hires its first Latino superintendent of schools BELLEVILLE — Belleville’s newly appointed superintendent of schools says he’s not the sit-in-the-office type of administrator.

He’s already busy visiting the district’s schools and getting to know students and staff members before the summer recess.

Erick Alfonso – selected for the job from a field of 35 candidates – will officially take over July 1 as the superintendent of the Essex County school district that includes 10 schools, about 5,000 students and an overall budget of about $140 million.

He will succeed Nick Perrapato, who had been serving as the interim superintendent.

Alfonso, 37, brings a decade’s worth of experience as a school administrator and educator, having most recently served as the superintendent of schools in Secaucus.

His hands-on approach focuses on being a visible presence in the schools’ hallways. His drive stems from his desire to act as a champion for each student, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

Alfonso knows first-hand about obstacles in the educational journey, especially for the children of first-generation Americans.

The son of immigrants from Cuba, Alfonso was an English as a Second Language learner as a kid growing up in Union City. He was placed in special classrooms through second grade while he learned the language.

“In this exciting new role in Belleville, I will draw upon my own experiences as a public school student,” he said. “I have a great opportunity to help these students – all students – reach their goals and achieve their dreams.”

The first Latino superintendent of schools in Belleville history has been shaped by growing up in a household where both parents worked hard to make ends meet; he didn’t have a pair of shoes that fit him until he was 13. At heart, Alfonso considers himself fiscally responsible, knowing that every nickel counts.

During his time at Secaucus, he spearheaded efforts to secure more than $5 million in competitive grants and state/federal aid programs. He is especially proud of securing $1.67 million in federal education funding to launch districtwide Universal Pre-K programs and nearly $500,000 to institute diverse school programming that expanded the educational resources and opportunities of students.

So adept has Alfonso become at identifying and securing grant money that he founded his own company, ALIGN Consultant Group, in 2024 to help other school districts navigate the red tape involved with winning additional state and federal revenue to support the budget.

“There is a ton of competitive funding out there that most people don’t even know about,” Alfonso said. “In Belleville, we will work hard to bolster the district’s educational initiatives with grant money and aid. That money can make a big difference in the education of our students, while providing some relief to taxpayers.”

While Alfonso may be considered a young superintendent, many have already taken note of his hard work and vision.

For example, he was nominated for an award called the Life Changer of the Year through a Vermont-based insurance company, National Life Group.

And although he didn’t win the national award, dozens of people from across the Bogota school district, where he was serving as a middle school principal at the time, and others posted almost 70 heartfelt messages of support.

“Erick is the most caring, outstanding educator and person I know,” read one message.

“Dr. Alfonso prides himself on being the hardest worker in the room and it shows every day in the way the kids and staff react to him,” read another.

The most emotional message was posted from an anonymous former student who described Alfonso as a guardian angel and shared a story for the award judges.

Here it is: One morning, Alfonso – a state certified anti-bullying specialist – instinctively recognized that the student was shaken. It turned out that events happening in the student’s home were so serious that police were ultimately notified.

“At the end of the school day when I went to see him, (Alfonso) walked me home,” read the message. “He walked me home for a couple weeks so that I felt safe.

I’m not sure he really understands how much that meant to me because, for him, it seems like a normal thing to do. People like Alfonso don’t come around too often.”

He began his career as a physical education and health teacher at Englewood on the Palisades School, followed by two years as a physical education teacher with the Union City Board of Education. He gained leadership experience as the dean of students and programs with the Hoboken Board of Education in 2018 and 2019, followed by four years as a high school vice principal and middle school principal for the Bogota Board of Education.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Kean University, a master’s in educational leadership from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a doctorate in educational leadership from Seton Hall University. He returned to Ramapo as a graduate professor in 2020 and earned his MBA there in 2023.

Alfonso and his wife, Joselyne, met in Belleville and make their home in Hoboken.

Photos Courtesy of Sons of the American Legion

The Sons of the American Legion brought Girl Scout cookies to the V.A. hospital in East Orange and delivered them with some help from a Girl Scout and a Young Son from Belleville Squadron 105.

Sons of the American Legion bring cookies to the hospital For the fourth year in a row, the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) Detachment of New Jersey ran a “Cookies for Vets” program, delivering Girl Scout cookies to “make our veterans lives a little sweeter.”

The Detachment, or state-level SAL organization in New Jersey, this year donated $2,264 of cookies to both the Lyons and East Orange Veterans Affairs Campus, through it’s Children and Youth Commission.

A total of 348 boxes – or 32 cases – of Samoas, Tag-a-longs, Thin Mints, and Trefoils made their way into the hands of our hometown heroes undergoing care at the two facilities.

Funding for this project comes from donations from across the state and begins in November. The cookies get purchased in February, and are delivered in April, which is American Legion Children and Youth Month.

The state-level project is part of the Sons of the American Legion’s commitment to two of its core pillars – Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, and Children and Youth.

From fundraising and buying the cookies, to having the Scouts and Young Sons deliver them, to the vets getting a surprise tasty treat, this project embodies the spirit of what the Sons of The American Legion is here for, according to a press release from the Sons.

“This project is something near and dear to my heart,” said Children and Youth Chairman Rusty Myers. “It is just a small way we can say thank you to our vets – and let them know we’re thinking about them.”

A few days before Easter, the cookies were dropped off by a Girl Scout from Troop 20122, and a Young Son from Belleville Squadron 105 – plus adult members of the Scouts and the Sons.

“We believe that through an organization such as the Girl Scouts we can achieve greatness and teach leadership, courage, and kindness” wrote East Orange VA Executive Medical Center Director Patricia O’Kane in a letter to the SAL. “It is through efforts of community partners like you that allow us to continue the quality care and services that we seek to provide for our veterans.”

4 — July 2025 — Belleville Post

Belleville Police Department names Officer of the Month for May Officer Brendan Sim was named the Belleville Police Department’s Officer of the Month for May 2025. Sim displayed compassion and heroism in two separate incidents during the month. In one case, he went above and beyond to care for a young child whose guardian was in crisis—personally buying diapers to ensure the child’s comfort and donating them to the family. In another, he responded to an unconscious man with no pulse and immediately began CPR. Thanks to his quick action and training, the man regained a pulse and was transported to the hospital for further care. These actions, combined with Sim’s perfect attendance and unwavering dedication to the community, make him an outstanding example of what it means to serve as a Belleville Police Officer.

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CONGRATULATIONS! — From left, Keira Tagliareni of Bloomfield, Siabella Kenworthy, of Belleville, Gabriella Liloia, of Nutley, Jaritza Sanchez, of Bloomfield, and Regina Salandra of Bloomfield, along with Monet Nicolic, of Belleville, who is not pictured, graduated from Mount St. Dominic Academy on Sunday, June 1. They were among the 61 students to graduate during the school’s 130th Annual Commencement.

Bank announces new manager for Belleville, Nutley branches Provident Bank recently announced that Sam Mickheal of North Arlington has been named Banking Center Manager of Provident Bank’s Belleville and Nutley branches.

Mickheal will be responsible for driving deposit and small business loan growth for the branches, developing sales strategies, ensuring an exceptional customer experience, as well as overseeing the staff and operational integrity of the branches, according to a press release from the bank.

Mickheal has more than 20 years’ experience in retail banking. He previously served as a market sales manager with Provident Bank. He has also held positions as financial center manager, licensed financial specialist, and store manager with Wachovia Bank, now Wells Fargo.

Mickheal earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from New Jersey City University.

“I am excited to have Sam on our team. His extensive background in retail banking and deep knowledge of the Belleville and Nutley communities will greatly enhance our efforts to deliver best-in class financial services to our customers,” said Hafeza Mohammed, first vice president, market sales manager. “Sam understands the important role Provident plays in serving the needs of both businesses and consumers.”

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8 — July 2025 — Nutley Journal - BP

Development of former Hoffmann-LaRoche site making progress The Nutley Board of Commissioners introduced two ordinances earlier this month related to the ongoing ON3 project following an agreement with the developers of the former Hoffmann-La Roche site, Prism Capital.

The first ordinance pertains to the property located across from the ON3 main campus on Kingsland Street, near Cathedral Avenue, which the developer had initially proposed as a truck depot.

This ordinance establishes “an overlay zone for the redevelopment so that the property can be transformed into a data center or other uses as specified in the redevelopment plan.”

The second ordinance creates an overlay zone for the redevelopment of properties, which were part of the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus, allowing for their conversion into medical offices and practices, as outlined in the redevelopment plan.

Following Mayor John V. Kelly III’s reading of the ordinances on behalf of the BOC, Prism Capital’s Eugene R. Diaz addressed the room.

“There's been an awful lot out there recently regarding a warehouse application for 275 Kingsland St., which was adjourned several weeks ago at the Planning Board meeting,” Diaz said. “I'm here to tell you that that will be adjourned again at tomorrow’s Planning Board meeting, due to the actions that your commissioners are taking tonight to approve two new redevelopment plans that will help guide the remaining redevelopment of the ON3 campus in Nutley to a more amicable and mutually agreeable use. My thanks and gratitude are to your Commissioners, who over the last two weeks, worked way past midnight on many, many nights to resolve an awful lot of major issues, questions and concerns.”

Diaz said the warehouse application will ultimately be dismissed and withdrawn.

“I am fully in belief that your governing body will con-

Photo Courtesy of Nutley Twp.

Mayor John Kelly III in the Commissioner Chambers inside Town Hall. tinue their efforts to move this along in the appropriate fashion,” Diaz said. “We look forward to withdrawing that application ultimately and proceeding with development of new uses for these sites. I'll leave it up to the Commissioners to tell you what some of those uses will be, but suffice it to say, they won't have that kind of truck and traffic impact that so frightens everybody.”

The mayor asked Township redevelopment counsel Josh Zielinski for his thoughts on the ordinances.

“With respect to the Kingsland site, the redevelop-

ment plan contemplates a data center being placed there,” Zielinski said. “With respect to the Innovation Center, the redevelopment plan contemplates medical research facilities and offices on that site as well. So it is a definite plus and benefit and bonus to the citizens and community of Nutley.”

Commissioner Thomas Evans said getting to this point wasn’t easy.

“Since we began this process, our aim has been to create a future-oriented, technology-focused, science-based campus that promotes economic growth, restores lost ratables from the divestiture of Hoffmann-La Roche, and aligns with community needs,” he said. “I am very pleased with our progress.”

Commissioner Mauro Tucci agreed that getting to this point had been challenging while Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli expressed his gratitude to Prism Capital for their work on the campus so far.

“It has truly become a premier innovation hub in New Jersey and the metropolitan area,” he said. “With our actions over the next two weeks, we will further enhance this life sciences campus.”

"I am pleased to witness progress at the site," Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said. "During my tenure as mayor from 2012 to 2016, it seemed bleak after Roche's departure. It is encouraging to see, through the hard work of everyone involved, that a truck terminal will not be established there. I am also excited about the global settlement and the prospect of regaining taxable properties without any impact on the school system."

The mayor also announced that the public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the ordinances at the Board of Commissioners meeting on July 1, at Town Hall.

“We are moving quickly over the next two to three weeks, so mark your calendars,” Kelly said.

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Nutley man honored by county with Pride of Essex County Award A Nutley resident was among those honored by the county during the annual Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration.

“Every year in Essex County, we celebrate Pride Month and our LGBTQ community. It is our opportunity to raise awareness about issues that affect this segment of the population and recognize outstanding members of our own LGBTQ community,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said. “Our honorees have done difficult work in their respective fields of providing support, protecting human rights and promoting understanding.”

DiVincenzo, the Essex County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and the Essex County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Advisory Board hosted the Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration on Monday, June 16.

During the ceremony, DiVincenzo presented a Pride of Essex County Award to Patrick Koslecki, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Awards also went to East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi and the Newark LGBTQ Community Center.

"We are delighted to celebrate the Essex County LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration, which is a time to recognize our community's strength, resilience, and unity," said Reginald Bledsoe, director of the Essex County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. “ We are working together to create a more inclusive and diverse society,

ambassadorship where he was able to bridge the gaps between the newly secured freedom of marriage equality and communities who did not agree with the Supreme Court decision.

After graduating, he worked at a law firm in New York City fighting for underprivileged communities. He got back to LGBTQ+ advocacy and became a DEI consultant for Fortune 100 companies and founded Nutley Pride for better LGBTQ+ representation in his hometown.

As the first LGBTQ+ organization in Nutley, a community that had not seen much outward LGBTQ+ expressions, Nutley Pride is one of Koslecki’s proudest achievements, he said.

Koslecki is currently the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in RWJBarnabas Health and has been for Photo Courtesy of Glen Frieson the past five years. He also recently launched the state’s first fully integrated Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., third from right, hostName Change Clinic for transgender and ed the Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration on June 16. He prenonbinary community members and has sented Pride of Essex County Awards to, second to left, Patrick Koslecki, hosted free HIV testing days for commudirector of DEIat Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center; the Newark nity members to know their status and LGBTQ Community Center, represented by Executive Director Beatrice end the epidemic. Koslecki again is a Simpkins and Board Chair Denise Hinds; and East Orange Police Chief founding board member of another Phyllis Bindi. With them is Reggie Bledsoe, left, Essex County LGBTQ+ LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, the JC affairs director.

LGBTQ+ Alliance. where everyone can thrive, regardless of the 49” campaign to remember the 49 “I am honored to receive this award. their sexual orientation or gender identity lives lost to gun violence, racism, and There are many challenges we are facing Koslecki has been a social activist since homophobia in the Pulse Nightclub today, but there always have been chalhe was a student at Caldwell College. Shooting in Florida. lenges before us. What we do today matWhile still a student, he began working at He then became a founder and inaugu- ters for the generations of tomorrow,” GLAAD and helped coordinate the “For ral member of the GLAAD Campus said Kosiecki.

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10 — July 2025 — Belleville Post

The 2025 graduates from Belleville High School The following is the Class of 2025 from Belleville High School: Ethan Duong Nguyen Candie Dong A1iyah Alberto Fabian Alva Joshua Travis Pascual Caliolio Mikaela Rose Lapuz Cinense Matthew Cole Garcia Delos Santos Olivia Rai Guadalupe Alianette Hernandez Hernandez Amiya Elizabeth Nate Hutchison Hao Tuan Khuu Veronica Mikhaeil Cecilia Nieves Melissa Pego Carol Quezada Jelena Santiago Abygail Sylvain Jaddy Torres Samantha Isabel Iuazon Claudette Veluz Annie Yamunaque Carcausto Victoria Bojorquez Dominick Cappelletti Charles Chabla Paige Clenaghan Brennan Delos Santos Karla Mishelle Elias Mina Avalina Feo Francis Gabriel Nina Sophia Gemino Samantha Nicole Jarat Palak Kochhar Leila Madeison Laldee Zoe Lopez Amaralis Martinez Bianca Yaretzy Mora Almeida Matheus·Munoz Puente Nailea Rivas Cuevas Ryan Leonardo Vasquez Isaida Velez Mia Vicuna Viviana Yaretzi Zacarias Frank Anthony Abreu DavilEnmanuel Acosta Maria Jose Aguilar luje .

Anthony Aguirre Benjamin Aguirre Brian Isaac Ajila Natalie Brianna A1ecio Jaida Marie Algarin Ayah A1shalabi Alexander Alsina Nicole Marielle Alvarado Brandon Alvarez Christopher Sanguyo Alvarez Sebastian Loudri A1varracin-Castro Samirah Alzubi Didier Amador Areen Amin Niyah-Myah Izolia Anabwani Britney Arianna Andrade-Ponton Matt Johnniel De Guzman Ang Chisom Daniela Aniche Abriana Abigail Arana-Vanegas Jaylani Araujo Edwin Gabriel Area Roberto Arenas

Briana Abigail Arias Faican Fredy Antonio Armijo Rodriguez Michelle Armijos Orlando Antonio Ashman Giuliana Stefania Astudillo Ruiz Aiden LAverhoff Keira Lashay Faith Bacon Karla Baez Adryan Baldeon Tristan Baldevarona David Joseph Ballesteros Yanelys Barba t Isaiah Barreto Anibal Bastidas Blanco .

Ayanis Oriana Bastidas Blanco Jonathan Bermeo Mark Biancolillo Edjesianyss Bomma-Rivera Adam Boualdja Lyric Bradshaw Lamb Eliezer Brito Perez Christian Brito Ahmari Brown Ilona Bukatiuk Nicolas Bustios Joseph Daniel Calderon Brian Joel Calle Yanez Aryana Shanelle Camacho Gabriel Almir Campos Owen William Campos Tania Carbajal Ayden Albert Carrero Jorge-Steven Carrion Ludena Maridel Carmen Quinitio Casino Elisa Castillo Eric Castillo Luis Matthew Castillo Arian Cedeno Villanueva Elijah Kerwin Celi Brendan Charneco Victor Ernesto Chavez Hernandez Adrian Alexander Chavez Angela Susana Chavez Genesis Nicole Chavez Nicole Aylen Chavez Fabiana Chipana Ferrer Kevin Bryan Chumbimune Alexa Rose Cintron Ambrose Clenaghan Joseph Raymond Cobo Ethan Gavriel Cohen Alexander Collado Elias Dario Collado t Jeremy Collado Rey Luis Concepcion Aymar Nicole Conde Connor Patrick Cook Jeremiah Alexander Cook Analise Cordero Wilson Alejandro Cordones Melo Camila Cortes-Alonso Devin Thomas Cortino Kaitlyn Coto Cassandra Suncha Cross Tiron Daniel Noel Culbreath Johanaliz Cumbieos Fabiana A1essandra Cura Isaiah Curtis Jesse Davies Haylie Jewel Davila Tobias Davila See THIS, Page 11

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Class of 2025 President Mikaela Rose Lupaz Cinense welcomes people to the graduation ceremony. Below, Student Government Organization President Arianna Navarrete address the audience.

Belleville Post — July 2025 — 11

This was the 128th annual commencement ceremony at BHS (Continued from Page 10) Wilson Davila Hayley De Benedetto Derwin Alejandro De Pena Robert Joseph DeVito Abelyn Rose Diaz Jessica Angelina Diaz Carlos Diazgranados Jeremiah Najee Dickens Jose Antonio Dorta-Gutierrez Aleksa Dusic Mark Karam Ebrahim Connor Egoavil Angel Manuel Encarnacion Rodriguez Jamie Delgamo Endrino Juan Francisco Escobar Mendez Rossy Anayancy Escobar Luiza Escobar-Teofilo David Feliciano-Villarreal Isabella Felix Christopher Fermin Joyce Rachel Fernandez Castilloveitia Raul Sterling Fernandez Fernandez Brielle Rhianna Fernandez Maya Rose Ferraiolo Nichollas Silveira Ferreira Nathaniel Figueroa Jenna Fink Alexander Jesus Flores Pedro Andres Flores

Tyler Gerald Fox Iveth Matilde Franco Alvarez Kylie Alexis Frank Kirlos Gaballa Therese Gabriel Adam Gad Andrea Galarza Angelina Garcia Chris Angel Garcia Derick Garcia Rebecca Nicole Garcia Leslye Garcia-Villegas Janessa Ghulam Asaad-Idrees Gibson Anthony Giunta Lucia GGIUNTA Christopher Gomez Jeremiah Gomez Alexander Gonzalez Alixmary Gonzalez Derek Gonzalez Jordan Gonzalez Kimberlyn Gonzalez Mithurjan Gopalan Dominic Grolimond Kelly Guaman Shirley Dayanara Guerrero Jayden Guevara Guillermo Prisha Nitin Gulhane See WEATHER, Page 12

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12 — July 2025 — Belleville Post

Weather was warm and the sun was out for the Class of 2025

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Above, Salutatorian Candie Dong speaks to classmates during he ceremony. Below, Ethan Nguyen gives the valedictory address.

(Continued from Page 11) Tristan Hargrove Omar Sharif Henry Jr Aura Patricia Hernandez Rodriguez Angelyka Rose Hernandez Anthony Hernandez Erick Adolfo Hernandez Michael Hernandez James Herrera Carlos Yaser Hidalgo Licona Alejandra Hidalgo-Corona Justyn Aiden Hill Grace Hochstuhl Nia Hurt Sherouk Shaaban Ismail Javali Jackson Matthew Jagroop Jayden Johnson Trent Sterling Johnson A'Kayla Elizabeth Jones Amir Nevaeh Jones Jose Orlando Julca Rios Brianna Jumbo Arjun Kanda Japneet Kaur Neval Amral Khan Ti'Asia Ava Corrine Knight Faruk-Abdul Yumati Kone Nathan Laboy Chloe Laquindanum Mathew Lara-Chacon Allison Larrea Ryan Ramon Latta Robert Laudati Samantha Belen Lema CaraJIgui Joannis Leon Sebastien Alois Leon Mavric Ligaya Gabriel Loayza John Paul Locsin Jennifer Noemi Lopez Scott Luis Lopez Suelen Azucena Lopez Bradley Lora Pena Luis Miguel Lozada Berenice Aracelly Lucero Massiely Lugo Izabella Sofia Luna Marione Luna Ciara Natasha Macias Alvarado Justin Elijah Mackey-Larkins Crystal Taisha Maldonado Arredondo Angelo Manalang Ahmad Ali Manley Jr Patrick Nicholas Marchesani Lidsayda De Los Angeles Marquez Isabelle Hannah Martin Kevin Alexander Martinez Payes Eva Martinez Leannie Blanca Martinez David Martins De Oliveira Davian Xzavier Marty-Roman Jeremy Mata Adam Mateo Rafael Thomas Matos Chloe Abad Matulac Emily Mauricio Neyba Shiravel Mayorga Aguayza Jaalyn Larae McBall-Richmond Janelle Marie McBall-Richmond Andrew Medina Amare Quintin Mena

Dylan Anthony Mena Osiris Nathaniel Mendez Jeff Kenzie Mendoza Molina Isabella Raquel Menendez Chavez Henesis Patricia Mercedes Kristel Michelle Mieses De Jesus Amin Mohamed Jedediah Jonathan Monroe Randy Dejesus Montan Yaulis Montanez John Monteiro Timothy Mora Deveon Morgan Camila Micaela Morocho Castillo Amelia Victoria Morrison Katherine Mosquera Demetri Jose Moya Joshua Munoz Chayla Murdock Kai Renee Murphy Arianna Navarrete Nialani Aliza Negron Mathew Alexander Neijar Nicholas Jeffrey Netzke Livanah Newborn Robin Newborn Adanna Nguyen Jayla Nguyen Brianna Nieves Alexa Violeta Novillo Jayden Novoa Sebastian Nunez Stephanie Bernadette Nyegaard Katelyn OIeas Sierra Jade Oliver Jada Onque Martin Adrian Orbe Juan David Ordonez Lesly Dayanara Ordonez-Pinos Isabelle Ortiz Nelson Louis Ortiz Donna Melani Ortiz-Lomas Ricardo Charles Pacheco Jolieana Marie Pagan Michael Parra Ryan Parsons Ariancy Paulino Cristiam Paulino Norberto Jose Peguero-Marte Yobelin Samara Pena-Gomez Taylor Pennola Viviana Nicole Peralta t Madison Pereira Shaniece Yavette Perez Torres Abigail Lea Perez Jaylene Perez Jean Carlos Perez Jeremy Daniel Perez Jillianne Mae Dimailig Perez Tahlia Erica Perez Brandon Abraham Perry Lam Pham VincentPham Elijah Ibn-Mohammad Pickering Anthony Miguel Picon Raul Antonio Pineda Lindsay Naomi Pinos Xavier Deerick Pitti-Serrano t Medeline Polanco-Frias Ciana Lizeth Gimena Pomatana Sergio Calouro Ponte See BUCCANEERS, Page 14

Belleville Post — July 2025 — 13

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Bucs will be heading off to college, military, trade school and the workforce (Continued from Page 12) Andrew David Poveda Elias Fabian Pravia Wilson Noel Pravia Zury Scarleth Proano Cobos Camila Quinde Brianny Kinasha Quiros Martinez Dario Raggi -Juan Camilo Ramirez Munoz Sabrina Ramirez Matias Ramseyer Mckayla Reed Christina Elizabeth Regalado Manuel Jose Reyes Antonio Rios Adam Hendrick Rivera Andrew Rivera Anneliese Mary Rivera Arlenys Lizmarie Rivera Brandon Mathew Rivera Carlos Rivera Cristian Nicolas Rivera Daniel Rivera Gabriel Albert Rivera Josh Alejandre Rivera Shania Rivera Carlos Robalino Ethan Robinson Efrain Alberto Roca Gabriella Rodas Aiden Isaiah Rodriguez Armand Rodriguez Christopher Michael Rodriguez Esmerlyn Rafael ~odriguez t Jacob Jared Rodriguez Christopher Rodriguez-Pena Angel Steven Rojas Laura Rosales Boy Brandon Rosario Jordan Dennis Rosario Kiara Rosario t Yandel Rosario t Angel Josue Rosario-Correa Nathan Isadore Viterbo RosIer Brianna Marie Ruiz Valentina Elizabeth Salinas Claudio Daniel Silva San Martin A1isse Veronica Sanchez Mendez Erick David Sanchez Moreira Arturo Sanchez Dylan Joshua Santana Xavier Juelz Santana Danaijah Santiago Servio Gabriel Sarangot Geovanni Andree Sarceno Ashton Sardar Juan Sebastian Sarmiento Echeverry Yamile Serna Leandro Serna-Valencia Ethyn Sevillano Shota Shubitidze John Michael Silva Gabriela Simbana Quadirah Layonee Simmons Alexa Rose Simoes Ashley DllVi Singh Andy Sebastian'Solano Taipe Kayla Anabel Solano-Torres Sheyla Isabel Solano-Torres Wilberto Solorzano George Alexander Soto See CONGRATULATIONS, Page 16

Belleville Post — July 2025 — 15

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16 — July 2025 — Belleville Post

Congratulations to the Belleville High School Class of 2025

(Continued from Page 14) Vernazza Kimberlee Marie Soto-Garcia Dominick Spina Jhosue Jeremias Suarez Duarte Jordi Alexander Suarez Ariana Marialyssa Suero Gabriel Suero Jeraldi Sylvain Richard Tanczos Justin Tannickal Steve Tapia Angelina Grecia Tejada Adriana Samira Tello-Gutierrez Tomas Teran Dressy Then Hernandez Deven Thomas Angela Tirado Nemesis Edna Tito-Hualpa Aaron Toledo Jayleen Naomi Toledo Victor Raul Toledo Yorelis Ivette Torres Gonzalez Anthony Luis Torres George Andres Torres Mateo Torres Valeria AIejandra Torres t Barron Tran HuyAnh Tran Nicole Trujillo Justus Samuel Tschopp Jayden Turner Leea Udvarhely Miabella Updegrove James David Urgiles Penafiel Jaiden Antonio Valle Caesar Vasquez Eliana Isabel Vasquez Amaya Velez Madison Velez Allison Naomie Villacreces Caila Lynn Vitale Emily Fernanda Winter Emilio Yepez Jorge Yepez Isaac Dimitrides Yika Bryan Stalin Yunganaula Reinoso Shawn Dennis Zarett Michael Thomas Zulla

Belleville Post — July 2025 — 17

CLASS OF 2025 s n o i t a l u t a Congr BELLEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

18 — July 2025 — Nutley Journal - BP

St. Peter School holds graduations, celebrates its successes

The St. Peter School community was all smiles in early June as a number of students graduated from their respective grades. The Pre-K class stepped up to kindergarten, while the kindergartners, in white robes and hats, had their graduation ceremony at the St. Peter School Auditorium. The eighth grade class, pictured upper left, seen with their School Principal Phyllis Sisco and home-room teacher Jonathan Matulac, had their Baccalaureate Mass and Commence-

ment Ceremonies in the Parish Church. Randy Leon and Adorah Modeste, top right, are seen receiving a scholarship from the Belleville Knights of Columbus Council 835 at the Awards Ceremony held prior to the graduation ceremonies, along with officers of the Council. Anyone interested in registering their children (Pre-K3-8th) at St. Peter School, located at 152 William Street, can contact the School Office at 973-759-3103.

St. Peter’s Church holds confirmation service for 75 teenagers

Photos Courtesy St. Peter’s Church

Seventy-five teenagers from the Parish of St. Peter received the Sacrament of Confirmation earlier this Spring at a Mass celebrated by Manuel A. Cruz, auxiliary bishop for Essex County. Adorah Modeste, accompanied by her godmother, is seen right after being anointed with the Oil of Chrism.

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2025 — 19

Nutley woman’s story about being a caregiver wins prize A Nutley resident was among the winners of the 2025 Essex County Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and the Division of Senior Services announced the results of the contest during an awards luncheon at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark on May 28.

The Legacies Writing Contest encourages Essex senior citizens to write essays about the people and events that have influenced their lives.

“Our Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest is a unique way for our older population to share their life’s stories and describe the people and events that helped to shape their lives,” DiVincenzo said. “Our seniors’ stories make you laugh and touch your heart. They provide us with a different perspective on historical events and what our society was like.”

Selected as winners of the 2025 Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest are Carol T. Jenkins from East Orange who wrote “The Day Dad Died,” Linda A. Buset from Nutley who wrote “Eleven Years,” Eva M. Ogens from Caldwell who wrote “Rich in What Matters” and Maryam Bey from Newark who wrote “Your Life Struggles Prepare Your Purpose.”

Receiving honorable mentions were Pamela Gaston from Maplewood who wrote “My Little City,” Glenda R. Mattox from East Orange who wrote “Teachers that Taught Me,” Coni Evans from Verona who wrote “Toby the Hot Dog Man” and Geremia Helou from Fairfield who wrote “A Forever Frozen Moment.”

•.Buset wrote about taking care of her aging parents as she and her husband underwent cancer treatment, and her daughter suffered a stroke. Her parents passed away about two months apart and her husband, after going into remission from cancer three times, passed away.

•.Jenkins said she was “daddy’s little girl” when she was growing up. Despite living on a budget, her father, Courtland, always would give in and get her what she wanted: tickets to a doo wop concert, a drawing kit and a new hat, to name a few.

When she got older, she visited her father weekly. However, one day when she arrived, there were fire trucks at the apartment building where he lived. She learned later that the fire started in her father’s residence after he fell asleep while cooking.

She visited him in the hospital every day; “I knew that he knew I was there because the electronic monitor near his bed would spike,” she wrote. After five days in the hospital, her father passed away.

•.Ogens wrote “Rich in What Matters,” about her father, who escaped Nazi Germany in 1939, came to the United States and worked in a metal and machine shop.

He fought in World War II and was proud of his U.S. military service.

•.Newark resident Maryam Bey wrote

“Your Life Struggles Prepare Your Purpose,” about the difficult times she experienced growing up and how it prepared her for her life’s work teaching and helping others.

Sponsored by the Essex County Division of Senior Services, the Legacies Writing Contest was started in 1996 and was part of a national contest which encouraged senior citizens to discover the joys of writing while sharing their stories with others. Although the national contest was discontinued in 1998, the Essex County Division of Senior Services continued to sponsor the Legacies Writing Contest on a local level.

Winning stories were selected by a committee of volunteer judges and staff from the Essex County Division of Senior Services.

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20 — July 2025 — Nutley Journal - BP

STUDENT NEWS Wasko makes the Dean’s List at Lebanon Valley Alexandra Wasko, of Nutley, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2025 semester at Lebanon Valley College.

Dean's list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0. Lebanon Valley College is in Annville, Pa.

Garcia makes the Dean’s List at Cedar Crest Ashley Garcia, of Belleville, was named to Cedar Crest College's Spring 2025 Dean's List. The Dean's List recognizes students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their studies by earning a grade point average of 3.65 or higher in the academic semester. Cedar Crest is located in Allentown, Pa.

Belleville students on the Dean’s List at Kean

University: Lauren Vanderkooy; Gabrielle tion from the College of Charleston this Mercado; Miguel Benitez; Gemma O'Far- spring. rill; Amanda Gibney; Adrianna Quinn; Genesis Santos Baez; Kendra Hergenhan; Flores on Dean’s List at Ryan Sokolowski.

Baldwin Wallace Univ.

Ingles named to President’s List at Champlain College Jonathan Ingles, of Belleville, was named to the Champlain College President's List for the Spring 2025 semester.

Students on the President's List have achieved a grade point average of 4.0 or higher during the semester. Ingles is majoring in game design.

Tran graduates from Bucknell University Meghan Tran, of Nutley, graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration from Bucknell University on May 18.

The following students from Belleville were named to the Dean’s List at Kean University: Brayan Cordova; Mia Twiggs; Forlenza on Dean’s List Emanuel Forlenza, of Nutley, has been Zoe Hall; Yalianel Ortiz; Leonardo Salomone; Priscilla Tapia; Joseph Abram- named to the 2025 Emmanuel College son; Ana Ochoa; Diego Ochoa; Andrew Dean's List. Forlenza has a double major; Spanish and political science.

Llerena.

Valeria Flores, of Nutley, a graduate of Nutley High School majoring in music theatre, has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2025 semester at Baldwin Wallace University. The Dean's List recognizes students who earn a grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more graded hours during the semester.

Shanklin earns Ph.D Nicole Shanklin, of Nutley earned a doctor of education: educational leadership from Centenary University in Hackettstown.

Nutley residents on Dean’s List at Fairfield University Nutley residents Sarah Gibney, Laina Giella, Reilley Granelli, Mary Rado, Charlotte Romano, Riley Sebastiano and Mark Surretsky received Dean’s List honors at Fairfield University for the spring 2025 semester.

In order to be placed on the Dean's List, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in a semester, have no outstanding or incomplete grades for that semester, and have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better.

Kirby makes President’s List at Vermont State Univ. Bayne makes Dean’s List Emma Kirby, of Nutley, was named to at University of Wisconsin the President's List for the spring 2025 semester at Vermont State University.

President's List designation is reserved for the students who maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 4.0.

Nutley students on the Dean’s List at Kean

Conklin graduates from College of Charleston

Nutley residents on Dean’s List at Quinnipiac Univ.

The following students from Nutley were named to the Dean’s List at Kean

Mackenzie Conklin, of Nutley, graduated with a bachelor of arts in communica-

Nutley residents Elizabeth DeSantis, Gabriella Gigante and Ella Romonowski

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were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2025 semester at Quinnipiac University. To qualify for the dean's list, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than C.

Grace Bayne, of Glen Ridge, has been named to the Dean’s List in the School of Education at The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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Nutley Journal - BP — July 2025 — 21

Nutley Chamber of Commerce has plenty planned this year • The Nutley Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. has the following events planned: Gary Marino at Rate Mortgage • Nutley Chamber Business Mixer • Nutley Chamber Networking Lunch Thursday, June 26, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Essex Cigar Lounge Nutley Family Service Bureau • Nutley Chamber Networking • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Breakfast Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 17, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

The Sweet Life Cafe Chris & Angie's Dinette • Nutley Chamber Business Mixer • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday, Oct. 23, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 17, 9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m.

The Sweet Life Cafe Luxury Flowers • Sidewalk Sale • Nutley Chamber Business Mixer Sat Oct. 25, 9 a.m. - Sunday, Oct. 26, 6 Thursday, July 24, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. p.m.

Hyssop Beauty Apothecary • Nutley Chamber Thanksgiving • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Luncheon Thursday, July 24, 5:45 p.m. - 6:30 Thursday, Nov. 20, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. p.m.

VFW Post 493 Hyssop Beauty Apothecary • Santa's Arrival • Nutley Chamber Networking LunchFri Nov. 28, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. eon Nutley High School Park Oval Thursday, Aug. 21 , 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• Small Business Saturday The Oakley Kitchen Sat Nov. 29, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

• Restaurant & Foodie Week • Nutley Chamber Holiday Mixer Mon Aug. 18 - Thursday, Aug. 28 Thursday, Dec. 4 , 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Nutley Chamber Business Mixer Cowan's Public Thursday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

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Photo courtesy of Essex County

GOT ONE! — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that Luke Vicente (second from right) from Nutley caught the most fish in the boys’ ages 1-5 category at the Essex County Fishing Derby in Monte Irvin Orange Park in Orange on June 10. He caught one fish. Presenting the award are Essex County Parks Director Dan Salvante, Luke’s mother Gina Vicente and Program Coordinator Jacqueline Matthews.

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22 — July 2025 — Nutley Journal - BP

Nutley High School girls softball team has good run, players gain SEC accolades The Nutley High School softball team enjoyed a good run this season.

The sixth-seeded Raiders went 2-1 in New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 state tournament. They defeated No. 11 seed Carteret, 11-1, in the first round on May 29 at Yanticaw Park field and upset third-seeded North Hunterdon, 5-3, in the first round on May 30 at North Hunterdon in the quarterfinals, before losing at No. 2 seed Summit, 6-3, on June 4 to finish the season with a 15-12 record.

The following NHS players earned All–Super Essex Conference–Liberty Division honors, as selected by the division coaches: FIRST TEAM • Gabriella Mariano, senior.

• Sianna Kantor, senior.

• Camryn Ortega, sophomore.

SECOND TEAM • Makenna DeJianne, sophomore.

• Gigi Liloia, freshman.

HONORABLE MENTION • Kaitlyn Nellegar, sophomore.

• Sophia Rocha, sophomore.

Photo Courtesy Essex County

GO FISH: Olivia Vicente (center) from Nutley caught the most fish in the girls’ ages 1-5 category at the county Fishing Derby in Monte Irvin Orange Park in Orange on June 10. She caught two fish. Presenting the award are Director Dan Salvante and Coordinator Jacqueline Matthews.

BHS softball players earn SEC honors The Belleville High School softball team featured several players who earned All–Super Essex Conference–Colonial Division honors this season, as selected by the division coaches.

FIRST TEAM • Leilani Paredes, freshman.

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HONORABLE MENTION • Emily Anuscavage, freshman.

The young Buccaneers made nice progress during their eight-win season.

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2025 — 23

Photos Courtesy BPD

TORCH RUN — Belleville Police Department officers participated in the 42nd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 6 to raise awareness for New Jersey Special Olympics. The BPD leg of the run began in Nutley and stretched into Branch Brook Park in Newark. More than 3,000 officers statewide participated in the event, running in 26 separate legs starting as early as 4:45 a.m. The event led up to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, held at The College of New Jersey June 78. The officers are known as the "Guardians of the Flame," keeping the "Flame of Hope" burning bright in the Garden State. The Torch Run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, and is the largest grass-roots fundraising movement for the Special Olympics.

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24 — July 2025 — Nutley Journal - BP

Full schedule of free activities planned for summer in Belleville BELLEVILLE — With all the free community events planned this summer, it’s going to be a hot summer in Belleville.

A series of free concerts, movies and much more are planned every Thursday at Belleville High School presented by Mayor Michael Melham, the Township Council and the Belleville Recreation Department.

The fun runs throughout summer, to the end of August.

And if that doesn’t sate your appetite for fun, food trucks will be available at every event, showcasing a wide variety of ethnic specialties you just can’t find elsewhere.

“Since we started the summer concert series, I’ve noticed how it fosters such tremendous community spirit,” Melham said. “Nothing brings us together like music, food and friends under the stars on a summer night.”

The summer fun starts off with a bang on Thursday, July 3, with an Independence Day fireworks show complete with clowns, rides, face painting and bouncy houses for kids.

Belleville will be abuzz with activities the following day, starting with “Yoga in the Park” at No. 7 School, 20 Passaic Ave., at 9:30 a.m. A memorial event to honor Revolutionary War soldiers will be held at the Belleville Dutch Reformed Church, 171 Main St., followed by a color run at Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave., at noon.

The summer concert and movie series will kick off July 10. You should plan to get to the high school by 6:30 p.m. for concerts, 7 p.m. for movies.

Here is the schedule: • July 10: Freestyle Night with George Lamond, TKA and DJ Ralph Tunis • July 17: “Moana 2” movie night with free popcorn • July 24: Xtreme Queen (Queen tribute band) • July 31: K’Ndela Salsa (with a live salsa class by MDN Studio) • Aug. 7: Motown to the 80s featuring White Wedding and Valerie & The Dimensions • Aug. 14: “Wicked” movie night with free hotdogs • Aug. 21: The Cameos, New Jersey’s favorite oldies group • Aug. 28: Country night with Saltwater Country, plus line dancing with Danceflix. The night and summer series concludes with fireworks.

Photo Courtesy Belleville Twp.

The township has planned concerts and movies for nights throughout the summer.

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267 CENTRE STREET, NUTLEY (973) 667-0875 www.swbrownandson.com

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2025 — 25

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 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.

COMEDY

SOCIAL MEDIA STAR AND COMEDIAN JOSH JOHNSON PRESENTS THE FLOWERS TOUR AT NJPAC on Saturday, June 28, at 7 and 9:45 p.m., at Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark.

Tickets are $39.50 to $59.50 at www.njpac.org.

AMERICA’S HOTTEST COMEDIAN MO AMER performs on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets are $42.50 at www.njpac.org.

GENX TAKEOVER: THE COMEDY TOUR HITS NJPAC on Saturday, Aug. 23rd,at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.

MIKE EPPS BRINGS UNFILTERED COMEDY TO NJPAC on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.

TOM PAPA, ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP COMEDIANS, returns to NJPAC on Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center Street, Newark.

Tickets start at $43.50 at www.njpac.org.

COMEDIAN BEN SCHWARTZ & FRIENDS TO PERFORM AT NJPAC on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark.

Tickets start at $43.50 at www.njpac.org.

MS. PAT BRINGS UNFILTERED COMEDY TO NJPAC on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org or by calling 888-466-5722.

LECTURES

BEATLES MAGIC: RARE FOOTAGE and EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS hosted by Beatles expert Charles F. Rosenay and archivist Erik

Taros on Sunday, June 29, at 3 p.m., at Drew University Concert Hall, 36 Madison Ave., Madison. Tickets are available at GDPresents.simpletix.com or call 917-567-5842.

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: AN ASTROPHYSICIST GOES TO THE MOVIES PART II. Tyson will delve into a scientific analysis of iconic films such as “Harry Potter,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mary Poppins,” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 to $103.50 at www.njpac.org.

LENNY WILLIAMS, AND THEODIS EALEY on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets starting at $75 at www.njpac.org.

THEATER

MUSIC

RICK SPRINGFIELD: I WANT MY ’80S TOUR FEATURING JOHN WAITE, WANG CHUNG AND PAUL YOUNG, on Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, One Center St., Newark. Tickets are $59 to $149 at www.njpac.org.

DYNAMIC SOUL MUSIC WITH KEM on Friday, July 18, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $49 at www.njpac.org.

CHICAGO COMES TO NEWARK on Friday, July 25, 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.

MORRISTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL on the Morristown Green on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The Festival kicks off at noon with Dani G and Friends; at 2 p.m., the U.S. Army’s Big Band, the Jazz Ambassadors take the stage; at 4 p.m., Blues People follows; 6 p.m., King Solomon Hicks; and at 8 p.m., Samantha Fish ends the show. For more information, visit www.morristownjazzandblues.org.

BERES HAMMOND AND FRIENDS will perform on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m. at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $78.50 at www.njpac.org.

KASHMIR – THE SPIRIT OF LED ZEPPELIN LIVE on Friday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC

15%

Photo Courtesy NJPAC

Frankie Valli Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 to $69.50 at www.njpac.org.

FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS, THE LAST ENCORES on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m, at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center Street, Newark.

Tickets start at $49.50 at www.NJPAC.org or Box Office 888-466-5722.

HEROES FOR GHOSTS – A PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE on Oct. 11, at 8 p.m., Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets at https://ucpac.vbotickets.com/ AIR SUPPLY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $60 at www.njpac.org.

DIANA ROSS performs on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m., at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $69, $99, $129, $159 and $259, plus applicable fees, at www.ticketmaster.com.

NJPAC PRESENTS THE BLUES IS ALRIGHT FALL 2025 TOUR WITH KING GEORGE, TUCKA, POKEY BEAR, WEST LOVE,

WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE: MURDER NIGHT IN BLOOD FOREST STARRING CECIL BALDWIN, SYMPHONY SANDERS AND SURPRISE GUESTS on Thursday, July 10, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, One Center St. Tickets start at $46.00 at www.njpac.org.

NUYORICAN POETRY SLAM TEAM PERFORM on Friday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. at NJPAC, Chase Room, 1 Center St., Newark.

Tickets are $19 at www.njpac.org.

“THE WITCHER IN CONCERT” on Friday, Sept. 19, at NJPAC. The concert celebrates the video game “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” and includes the soundtrack performed live. At NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888-466-5722.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT will land in Newark at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Audiences will be immersed in a two-hour performance with a live orchestra that brings the show’s iconic musical score to life in perfect harmony paired with visual highlights and favorite moments from all three seasons of the series. At NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at njpac.org or 888-466-5722.

NARUTO THE SYMPHONIC EXPERIENCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR comes to NJPAC in Newark. Audiences will see a live orchestra perform the most iconic songs and themes from the Naruto animated series, live-to-picture, as scenes play out on a full-size cinema screen on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.

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26 — July 2025 — Belleville Post

SPORTS

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

Belleville senior Nicholas Bustios, middle, will attend Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison to play soccer. Also shown are his parents. To see photos of the other Belleville seniors who announced their college decisions, visit www.EssexNewsDaily.com.

BHS athletes announce their college decisions Belleville High School Athletics honored several senior student-athletes who announced their collegiate decisions to continue their athletic careers, during a recent ceremony.

The following are those athletes: • Nicholas Bustios, Fairleigh Dickinson University–Madison, soccer.

• Eric Castillo, Caldwell University, soccer.

• Jeremiah Cook – Kean University, football.

• Tristan Hargrove — Iona University, rowing.

• Izabella Luna, New Jersey City University, wrestling.

• Raul Pineda – FDU–Madison, soccer.

• Jolieana Pagan – FDU cheerleading.

• Shaniece Perez– Caldwell University, cheerleading.

• Wilberto Solozano, FDU–Madison, soccer.

• Yamile Serna, FDU cheerleading.

• Anthony Torres – Caldwell University, track and sprint football.

BHS baseball team has good run, players earn SEC honors The Belleville High School baseball team, seeded 13th, upset No. 4 seed Union City, 11-0, in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 state tournament on Tuesday, May 27, at Union City.

Junior Sean Walsh pitched 6 ⅔ solid innings, while junior Crismel Deleon and freshman Jake Gonzalez each had two hits.

“This was a huge win for our program, as it was our first state tournament win since 2015,” said BHS head coach Joe Sorce.

The Bucs, unfortunately, were eliminated in the second round, losing at fifth-seeded Ridgewood, 10-0, on Thursday, May 29.

“We held them in check until the bottom of the fifth, but then they

exploded for nine runs,” said Sorce.

The Bucs finished the season at 1213 and in third place in the Super Essex Conference–Colonial Division.

“The coaching staff is very proud of the effort the players put in this season,” said Sorce. “We had some great wins and some tough losses. Every day was a battle, but our guys kept persevering, which speaks highly of their character.”

On Monday night, June 2, the following BHS players were voted into the following All–SEC–Colonial Division awards: FIRST TEAM • Senior infielder Ayden Carrero.

• Junior infielder Sean Walsh.

• Junior outfielder Crismel Deleon.

HONORABLE MENTION • Senior Rafael Matos.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

Belleville senior Cassandra Cross with Larry Berra, son of the late Hallof-Famer Yogi Berra.

Belleville High’s Cross given Berra Best Teammate Award For the 13th consecutive year, the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, located on the campus of Montclair State University, hosted student-athletes from member schools of the Super Essex Conference, along with their families and coaches, for a celebration of the qualities that made Yogi Berra a national treasure.

The 40 recipients of the 2025 Yogi Berra Museum Best Teammate Award exemplify the strength of character, sportsmanship and supportive spirit that, though often unheralded, are vital to a team’s success.

The Belleville High School recipient is Cassandra Cross, who lettered in volleyball, wrestling and flag football, while the Nutley High School recipient is Sander Boissard, who lettered in football.

“The Best Teammate Award allows us to formally recognize young people who are embodying the positive ideals that Yogi lived by his entire life, both on and off the

field,” said Eve Schaenen, the Museum’s Executive Director. “This year is particularly special for us, as the Museum celebrated what would have been Yogi’s 100th birthday earlier this month. We are very grateful to Stadium System for their ongoing support, and to wonderful partners at the SEC for helping us make this experience possible for these 40 exceptional student athletes.”

The winners, selected by their respective athletic departments, enjoyed a celebratory banquet before hearing from special guest speaker, Larry Berra, the eldest son of Hall of Famer, Yogi Berra. Berra addressed the 2025 Best Teammate Award recipients in his remarks, stating: “Some teammates are born leaders. They’re just made that way. But those people are very rare. For the rest of us mere mortals, we have to work at it. You put in the work.

And if you put in the work, it will serve you now, and in the future.”

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2025 — 27

healthy living

How to stay cool during what is anticipated to be a hot summer With 2023 and 2024 having been the hottest summers on record, there’s reason to believe 2025 will bring more of the same. But it doesn’t have to mean soaring energy bills or an overworked, outdated air conditioning system.

If you’re like many consumers, you’re looking for energy saving solutions, but may not be aware of all your options. A Midea survey conducted by Atomik Research found that 76% of homeowners agree that they are more focused on energy efficiency now than they were five years ago.

At the same time, more than half (54%) were unsure or unknowledgeable about the full capabilities of heat pumps, particularly their ability to provide both heating and cooling.

“Despite the name, heat pumps, are not just for heating, they’re also for cooling, and some of the latest models are engineered for even the toughest North American climates,” says David Rames, senior product manager at Midea. “As more homeowners make upgrades to prepare for increasingly extreme temperatures, heat pumps will be at the center of the shift.”

Unlike an air conditioner, which blasts cool air indoors, a heat pump actually removes hot air from the home and pumps it outside. It does the opposite during winter, transferring heat indoors instead of creating it.

One model redefining what’s possible in heating and cooling is the Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump, which delivers high performance, energy savings, quiet

Heat pumps are preparing homeowners for increasingly extreme temperatures. operation, advanced filtration and year-round reliability.

Part of a system that was engineered to replace traditional gas furnaces, its dual-fuel compatibility and inverter-driven system is flexible, integrating seamlessly with existing gas furnaces to offer a cost-effective upgrade without the need for a complete system overhaul.

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Many people assume a high-performance heat pump will fall outside their budget. But cost-savings in the form of rebates and lower bills can make it well worth the investment.

For example, in addition to delivering up to 32.5% energy savings compared to conventional HVAC units, those who install the Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump can qualify for up to $8,000 in federal rebates through the DOE Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program.

So what else can you do to keep cool at home in summer in addition to switching to a next-generation, ultraefficient heat pump?

Sealing air leaks is just as important in extreme heat as it is in extreme cold. A quick, DIY visual inspection can identify leaks. And if needed, a professional inspection can give you a complete overview of how to improve your home’s efficiency.

You can also keep your home cooler by investing in energy efficient appliances that reduce byproduct heat emission. Finally, in a heat wave, consider adjusting your habits.

Limit the use of appliances such as the iron, oven and dryer to mornings and evenings, and use shades or blinds to reduce direct sunlight in your home’s spaces during the late morning and early afternoon.

With the right equipment and a few updates to your routine, you can stay cool at home all summer long.

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28 — July 2025 — Belleville Post

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