Umpire enjoying historic career
By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor
To be a baseball umpire, one has to love the game.
Phil Cuzzi certainly has a passion for the game. After all, he’s been an umpire at the highest level for close to three decades.
The Nutley resident and Belleville native reflected on his long and now historic umpiring career in the major leagues.
On his 70th birthday on Aug. 29, Cuzzi, in his 27th year, became the first Major League Baseball umpire to ever umpire a game at age 70, during the game between Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.
His love of the game goes back to when he used to play baseball with his friends while growing up in Belleville.
“I always had a love for baseball,” Cuzzi said in a phone interview on Sept. 10, when he was in Cleveland as part of the Guardians versus Kansas City Royals series. “From the time I was a kid, whatever season it was, that’s when we played on the street or the playground.
“My best friends to this day are guys that I went to junior high school with and high school with. I still see them to this day. The girl I married, I met her in junior high as well.”
Cuzzi first started umpiring when he was a student at Belleville High School, working Belleville Little League games. Back then, he would umpire two games a day and got paid for $15 per game. Making that much money was pretty sweet for Cuzzi.
“As a high school kid in 1972 or ‘73, to walk away with $30, that was great,” Cuzzi said.
Cuzzi lettered in baseball and football at Belleville High School. After graduating in 1973, he attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), where he continued his baseball career. Unfortunately, he blew out his shoulder. Baseball
See CUZZI, Page 2
Photo Courtesy Phil Cuzzi
Phil Cuzzi, left, with his wife, Gilda, and former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre at a charity dinner to benefit the Robert Luongo ALS fund. The fund was named in honor of a Belleville High School classmate.
Cuzzi has worked the World Series, All-Star games and no hitters
(Continued from Page 1)
was out of the question as a career. Cuzzi had to figure out what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. So he became a school teacher. His first job was in Union at Burnet Middle School.
His path to becoming a Major League Baseball umpire actually started at Yankee Stadium. “One night, I was at Yankee Stadium with my buddies. I was focusing on the umpires and the way they were rotating on the field. I didn’t know why I started watching them. I said, ‘That would be a great job.’ ”
Cuzzi’s buddy sitting next to him then mentioned an umpiring school that he saw advertised all the time in the Sporting News. So Cuzzi gave it a shot.
“People kept saying, ‘Aw, you know how hard it is to be a Major League umpire? You have to know somebody. Do you know anybody?’ I said, “Nah, I don’t know anybody.’ But I said, “You know, somebody has to make it.’ I got it in my mind. I said I would rather try it and fail, then to never try it all and wonder what if.”
Cuzzi worked hard and eventually became an umpire, starting off as a minor-league umpire. He then was promoted to the big leagues in 1991 in the National League as a MLB reserve umpire.
After two years, Cuzzi’s career came to halt. But he returned to the big leagues as
a full-timer several years later.
Throughout his career, he worked some memorable games, including nohitters, World Series games and All-Star games.
As much as he is busy calling games and traveling around the country, Cuzzi always remembers his roots. He started the Robert Luongo ALS fund in honor of his Belleville classmate who died of the disease. Luongo was an All-State football player and played football at Harvard University. Luongo and Cuzzi were also somewhat related. They were technically not cousins, but they had the same first cousins, Cuzzi said. “His mother’s sister married my mother’s brother,” Cuzzi said. “We always went to family functions together.”
Every year, a lavish fundraising dinner
takes place at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville. Each year, more than 600 people are in attendance, some of whom are former famous baseball players, coaches and managers, as well as other celebrities. The next fundraiser is set for Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Cuzzi always has cherished his umpiring career. But don’t expect Cuzzi to call it a career any time soon. Cuzzi’s unbridled enthusiasm and youthful spirit is as strong as ever.
So what kind of advice would Cuzzi give to any aspiring umpire?
“I would say the biggest thing is, besides being in good physical condition, you have to put your nose in the rule book,” he said. “You have to know the rules. There are just so many new rules now, than when I first started. When I first started, you just had to know the rule book, which in and of itself, is a lot of information there. But now, with instant replay, pitch clocks, there is a whole another host of rules and directives, and things like that. The best advice is to work as many games as you can to gain experience.”
Photos Courtesy Phil Cuzzi
Above, Phil Cuzzi with former President George W. Bush. At left, Cuzzi argues with former St. Louis Cardinals Manger Tony La Russa.
Classic car show and town-wide garage sale on same Saturday
BELLEVILLE — Saturday, Oct. 4, will be a big day in the township.
The Food Truck Festival & Classic Car Show rolls in and is expected to include more than 15 food trucks, a live DJ, a beer/sangria/margarita garden, pony rides, inflatables, face painting and a lot of classic cars.
The event will be held at Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave., Belleville. Oct. 4 is also the town-wide garage sale with homes all over town putting out items for sale. The sales continue on Oct. 5 and run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.
To participate in the sale or to find homes that are registered, check out the township website: https://www.bellevillenj.org.
Plenty to do this fall in Belleville library
The Belleville Public Library has the following events happening each week during the fall:
Mondays: Tiny Tales at 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.
Mondays: Steam Punk Engineers from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays: Chess Kings & Queens from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays: Belle's Crochet Corner from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: Teen Guitars Plus from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays: Baby Bookworms from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Thursdays: Anime & Manga Club from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursdays: Lego Lab from 4 to 5 p.m.
Fridays: Dungeons & Dragons from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For additional information about our recurring events, click here.
County announces its leaf pick up plans
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced Essex County’s 2025 Leaf Collection Schedule for County Roads.
Residents whose properties are on county roads may place their leaves in biodegradable bags or sweep the loose leaves into piles at the curb.
To organize leaf collection on county roads, Essex County is divided into four sectors. There will be three pickups in each section of the county. DiVincenzo has asked residents on county roads to check the county leaf collection schedule and coordinate their fall cleanup activities with the county.
Leaves should be swept to the curb or placed in biodegradable bags at the curb no more than seven days before the scheduled pickup time. In addition, residents are asked to pile leaves at least 10 feet from a storm drain.
Belleville is part of Section III so leaves on county roads are scheduled for pick up Monday, Nov. 10 to Friday, Nov. 14; Monday, Dec. 8 to Friday, Dec. 12; and Monday, Jan. 5 to Friday, Jan. 9.
Residents who have questions about the leaf collection schedule can call the Essex County Department of Public Works at 973-226-8500, Ext. 0.
Chief recognized for supporting employees in Guard, Reserve
Belleville Police Department Chief
was
ored with a Patriotic Employer Award at an August township council meeting. The award was presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a program under the Department of Defense. The award recognized Minichini’s outstanding support of employees who serve in the military. Below, several Belleville Police Department officers, who currently serve in the Guard and Reserve, were in attendance for the special presentation.
Photo Courtesy BPD
Above,
Mark Minichini
hon-
Photo Courtesy BPD NEVER FORGET — Members of the Belleville Police Department, Belleville Fire Department, township officials and local residents gathered to honor the fallen, celebrate the heroes, and reflect on the tragedy that befell the nation Sept. 11, 2001.
Renee Friscia, Agent
Providing Insurance and Financial Services 146 Franklin Avenue Nutley
O: 973-667-6600 F: 973-667-0642 renee@nutleyinsurance.com
D & L AUTOMOTIVE 251 Washington Avenue Nutley 973-667-4688 dandlautomotivenj.com
368 Cortlandt Street Belleville 973-759-2005 www.njsportswear.com
OFFICER OF THE MONTH — Sgt. Anthony Abate, commander of the Belleville Police Department’s Community Relations Unit, was recognized as Officer of the Month for August 2025. Abate leads the unit that serves as the heart of our department’s connection with the community. From building relationships with residents and schools to overseeing the many programs and initiatives that bring Belleville closer together, his work is a driving force behind the department’s success in community policing, according to an announcement from BPD. Most recently, Abate and his team organized an unforgettable National Night Out on Aug. 5, which brought out thousands of community members for a night filled with fun, food, and entertainment. This is just one example of the countless events, programs, and outreach efforts that the unit has delivered under his leadership, the announcement said. Through initiatives like youth programs, school partnerships, senior outreach, and neighborhood engagement, Abate ensures that Belleville P.D. remains deeply connected to the people we serve. His dedication, vision, and leadership continue to make a lasting impact on our community, the announcement said.
Photo Courtesy of BPD
The Nutley Public Library has a lot going on this month, including the following:
The library will be hosting an exhibition featuring work from local artist Ferdinand Idio during Oct.. Idio’s exhibition will include watercolors inspired by his extensive travels.
Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. –Pumpkin Painting – For ages 6 and under. Get creative at outdoor pumpkin painting event. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Sign-up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 1 p.m. – Wednesday Afternoon Knitters. Come share your love of knitting and crocheting with both beginning and experienced knitters. Meet fellow knitters, brushup on your skills, and learn some new techniques. Please bring your own supplies. This group meets every Wednesday.
Friday, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 10:30 a.m. – Fall Two-Year-Old Story Time – Join a weekly story time featuring stories, rhymes, music and crafts just for children aged 2. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Register at: nutleypubliclibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
Friday, Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m. – Origami Fridays with Nobuko Okabe – Dropin to the Children’s Room for origami
instruction from artist Nobuko Okabe. No registration required. All supplies provided. Open to children ages 7 and up; children under 10 must have adult supervision.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 at 11 a.m. ––Drop-in Craft Saturdays. Stop by the Children’s Room to make a craft to take home. No registration required. For all ages. While supplies last.
Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. – The Peruvian Charango: Tradition and Innovation – Join multi-instrumentalist Alejandro Ataucusi for a lecture-performance exploring the rich traditions and modern evolution of the Peruvian Charango in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Through regional repertoire and unique techniques, Alejandro will highlight the instrument’s cultural depth and introduce the hatun charango and its expanded harmonic range. A Peru native and leader of Afro-Peruvian jazz band Forbidden Tropics, Alejandro has performed internationally and was named one of the “finest Interpreters of the hatun charango” by El Peruano.
Monday, Oct. 6, 20, 27 at 10 a.m. –Mahjong Mondays – Are you a Mahjong player and looking to play again? The Mahjong club meets on Monday mornings in the Stockton Room. The library provides the Mahjong board and tiles. No instruction is provided, so you must know how to play. No registration required.
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 20, 27 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. – Fall Babygarten –Babies and caregivers enjoy books, rhymes, songs and bounces in our weekly story time for children ages 23 months and under. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders.
Monday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. – Halloween Game Night – BINGO and fun activities. Costumes are encouraged. For all ages. Please note: Adults must be accompanied by a child or teen to participate. No registration required.
Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. – Friends Book Club – Open to All. - Join a discussion of the book “Next Year in Havana” by Chanel Cleeton. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk. The program will meet in person in the Stockton Room, but will also meet online via Zoom. To register for the Zoom program, go to nutleypubliclibrary.org/friendsbook-club. The library will then send you an email no later than one day before the event with zoom login instructions.
Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. – Famous Self Portraits with Art Historian, Mallory Mortillaro. Self-portraits date back to ancient times but became especially popular during the early Renaissance. In this lecture, art historian Mallory Mortillaro examines famous self-portraits and explores what they reveal about an artist’s ear, style, and self-perception.
Mortillaro, who studied at Drew University and lives in New Jersey, has earned international recognition for her art research and has over a decade of teaching experience. Register at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 at 10:30 a.m. – Fall Preschool Story Time –Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, songs, yoga and crafts. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Registration begins September 3 at 10 a.m. at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. – A Decoupage on Canvas workshop with a Fall theme. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library and will be led by Retired Librarian, Jeanne Sylvester. Registration is limited to the first 20 participants. Reserve a spot at nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Friday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. – Friday at the Movies – “Double Indemnity” from 1944. No registration is required.
Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m – Authors’ Discussion Group - Meet with fellow book authors - both those who have already published and those who have not yet - to chat about process, offer support, gain feedback, and share insights on the publishing industry. Register online at nutleypubliclibrary.org
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. – Video Game Free Play – Drop-in and play Switch games on the big screen. Open to all skill levels. No registration required. Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. – The Allegro Singers present “Verdi and Beyond: Celebrating the Great Italian Composers.” An afternoon of beloved arias and duets by great Italian composers like Verdi and Puccini, performed by The Allegro Singers with Inna Leytush at the piano. Founded and directed by accomplished Ukrainian pianist Inna Leytush,
Monday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. – Teen Pumpkin Painting Day – The annual pumpkin painting returns. Use library paint pens to create unique pumpkin for Halloween to take home. For Grades 612. No registration required.
Oct. 22, 23, 24, 25 – The Friends of the Nutley Public Library Dolores Capalbo Book Sale: Save the dates for donation drop-off days and visit the Friends of the Nutley Public Library October Book Sale. Donation drop-off days will be Oct. 18, 20, and 21 during library hours. The sale days will be Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a special “Member Only” preview sale on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Nutley Library cardholders. For additional information, please call 973-6670405 x2604 or email library@nutleynj.org.
Saturday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. – Free Play with Bricks – Drop-in and build with LEGOs. For ages 5 and up. No registration required.
Winter wedding style is a unique blend available for
Winter weddings offer a unique blend of warmth, elegance and texture that few seasons can match.
With cooler weather comes the opportunity for sumptuous fabrics, rich tones and fashion that’s as cozy as it is chic.
Whether you will celebrate indoors or outdoors, a warm, cozy outfit can be stylish and functional on the big day.
For brides: Glamour with warmth
Winter brides can make a dramatic entrance while staying comfortable.
Long-sleeve gowns, lace overlays and rich velvet or satin materials create an elegant balance of coverage and style.
Faux-fur shawls, wraps or capes add both warmth and a touch of luxurious romance, according to Brides magazine.
For grooms: Textured tailoring
Opting for winter-appropriate fabrics like tweed gives grooms a polished look with seasonal flair.
Tweed suits in deep hues — like dark brown, green, navy or gray — are both warm and sartorially savvy, says Brides.
For a contemporary spin, consider the “Mocha Mousse” trend — earthy brown-
gray tones are currently praised for their refined neutrality and are available across fashion lines.
For guests: Colors, fabrics and function
If you’ll be attending a winter wedding as a guest, you have endless stylish options that blend fashion with practicality.
Rich color palettes: Jewel tones — ruby, emerald, sapphire, burgundy — offer depth and visual impact, while dark neutrals provide a sophisticated backdrop.
Luxurious fabrics: Velvet, satin and heavier crepes look elegant and keep you cozy. Sequins or beaded embellishments add festive sparkle — perfect for evening affairs.
Coverage and layering: Long-sleeve gowns and jumpsuits offer both warmth and elegance. Pairing outfits with tailored wool coats, capes or faux-fur wraps ensures comfort without sacrificing style.
Footwear, accessories
Closed-toe heels such as velvet pumps or slingbacks blend glam with practicality— keeping toes toasty without compromising on sophistication. Statement jewelry and refined outerwear pieces elevate your winter style.
SCHOOLS ARE OPEN — The school year began with a flurry of activity at St. Peter School. Upper left, students attended a Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, along with their pastor, the Rev. Ivan Sciberras, School Principal Phyllis Sisco and a number of parents. Upper right, eighth-graders attended the opening day assem-
bly with their home room teacher, Raymond Matulac. Lower right, an opening day Mass was followed by a breakfast honoring grandparents of students, given that Grandparents Day was being celebrated that weekend. Lower left, students from the older grades were invited to the 9/11 Memorial, and led the gathering in singing “God Bless America.”
Photos Courtesy of St. Peter School
Nutley inviting the public to Health and Wellness
A Nutley Health and Wellness Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4.
The Health Festival, sponsored by Mayor John V. Kelly III and the Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health, will take place in Essex County Yanticaw Park at the corner of Centre Street and Park Drive, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The festival is open to the public, free of charge, and will feature many healthrelated programs as well as many fun and exciting activities and exhibits, according to a press release from the township, which said that the festival focuses on important themes for children, adults and senior adults in the areas of nutrition, health, exercise, senior wellness, mental health, and special needs.
• The Essex County Mobile Health Clinic will be in attendance delivering accessible and equitable preventative health care services;
• Hackensack Meridian Health will offer programs focusing on primary care, urgent care, and cancer prevention;
• Montclair State University Dietetic Internship Program will be on site to educate about nutrition through
expired prescriptions)
• Meadowlands YMCA Chair Yoga/Exercises;
• DJMC Entertainment, children’s activities, music, & fun (special music throwback to the 1950’s) Complimentary healthy food samples will be available as well;
• Various organizations, vendors and local businesses will be offering additional screenings, exhibits and products.
“We are excited to bring these outstanding health professionals and programs to Nutley once again. The Health and Wellness Festival will be a one-stop shop for busy families to get free health screenings, while connecting with local organizations that provide a wide range of health resources.” Kelly said. “There is something for everyone, so I hope to see our community take full advantage of everything that is being offered.”
interactive activities;
• The Essex County Reach for Recovery Mobile Unit will provide assistance,
education and resources;
• Essex County /NPD Prescription take back will be onsite (bring your
Additional information about the Health and Wellness Festival can be obtained by calling the Department of Public Affairs and Health at 973-2844976, or visiting the township’s website at www.nutleynj.org.
Photo courtesy of Essex County
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and RWJBarnabas Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Manigan cut a ceremonial ribbon on a new mobile health unit in September. The county now has two units and one will be at the Nutley Health and Wellness Festival on Oct. 4.
healthy living
Essex, RWJBarnabas partner on mobile unit for kids
A new mobile health unit that is intended to be used primarily in outreach initiatives to children with barriers to health care access was unveiled last week by Essex County and RWJBarnabas Health.
County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. joined with RWJBarnabas Health to show off the vehicle that is the second mobile health unit done in the collaboration between Essex and RWJBarnabas.
“We could not have a better partner than RWJBarnabas Health. There are some things that government cannot do by itself. Combining the resources of our county and the largest health care system in New Jersey has enabled us to reach out into the community and better address our residents’ health care needs. Being able to bring vaccines, screenings and information into our neighborhoods is helping to break down barriers to health care and improve the health of our community,” DiVincenzo said.
The vehicle will be used primarily to provide children with physicals for schools, allowing children with barriers to health care access to obtain the needed physicals to attend school.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., left, and RWJBarnabas Health President Mark Manigan look at a mural installed in one of the exam rooms of a new pediatric mobile health unit
“At RWJBarnabas Health, our mission to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey means that every resident should have the opportunity to achieve better health,” said Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “For children in particular, early access to care is vital – it creates the foundation for lifelong wellness. We are proud to partner with Essex County to expand access to health care and to support this
community, which has long been a cornerstone of our health system,” he added.
“We are so thankful that we have RWJBarnabas Health as a partner who shares our vision of collaboration and community engagement. We are going into backyards to say we recognize the value of healthcare,” Senate Majority Leader and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said.
The original mobile health vehicle was
introduced during the COVID pandemic in 2021. Two years later, it was rebranded as a mobile health unit and has been dispatched to 312 community clinics. Through the end of August, 2,534 vaccines for children and adults have been administered, 5,742 screenings have been provided and 3,428 adults and children have received treatment through the mobile health clinic program.
Essex County and RWJBarnabas Health have a history of partnering to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote healthy lifestyles.
These initiatives include RWJBarnabas Health hosting its Running with the Devils at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex and its Annual Miracle Walk to benefit the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Essex County Verona Park, providing doctors and nurses to staff the Essex County COVID vaccination site in the Livingston Mall and partnering on an emergency food distribution events at Essex County Codey Arena and West Orange’s Ginny Duenkel Pool in West Orange and Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark.
Dr. Daniel Groisser
Photo Courtesy Essex County
UNICO kicks off a new year at dinner after summer activities
The Nutley Chapter Of UNICO National, which is one of the largest in the country, kicked off its new year with its first dinner meeting on Sept. 4.
The guest speaker was Dan Geltrude, author and founder of Geltrude & Co, accounting firm.
Danielle Manganello is entering her second year as chapter president. In her first year the chapter was selected second in the country in a UNICO National “model chapter” competition. Nine new members were sworn in at the September meeting bringing the chapter’s membership to 177.
The slate of officers for 2005-06 is:
• Danielle Manganello is president
• Frank Russo is first vice president
• Jerry Del Tufo is second vice president
• Mark Dimaggio is third vice president
• Tom Sposato is treasurer
• Sal Ferraro is corresponding secretary
• Michelle Fleitel is recording secretary
• “JR” Anthony Mascolo is sergeant at arms.
Local donations of $250 each were made to the Nutley Family Service Bureau, Thriving Survivors, Multiple Sclerosis, First Cerebral Palsy Center, the Nutley Public Library and the Scarpelli Association.
Two successful events were held over the summer; The Christimas Eve in
The coming year has the chapter coordinating the annual wreath laying ceremony at Nutley Town Hall on Oct. 12 prior to the Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade and a bocce tournament on Oct. 26.
The Oct. 2 dinner meeting will focus on Italian Heritage Month and the Nov. 6 meeting will recognize member and guest veterans.
Anyone interested in knowing more about Nutley UNICO can email: nutleyunico@gmail.com
August Dinner coordinated by Dan And Cathy Marucci and the annual golf outing run by Tom Sposato and Sal Ferrara.
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Rempusheski
Nutley UNICO President Danielle Manganello (left) and Scholarship Committee Chair, Alan Genitempo (right) presented scholarships to Nutley High School graduates at a special June meeting.
Photos Courtesy of Kathy Rempusheski
A group shot of golfers who participated in the UNICO annual golf outing. Below, from left, Michele Fleitel and Denise DiBlasio in a golf cart.
43rd Annual NutleyBelleville Columbus Day Parade Oct. 12
The 43nd Annual Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade will be held on Sunday Oct 12. It begins promptly at 1:30pm.
The parade was born out of a community spirit that encompassed the local Italian Americans living in Nutley and Belleville. Back in the early 1980's the parade committee was founded by Belleville resident Vincent "Jimmy" Donadia and Nutley resident John V. Kelly. Both men invested $1,500 towards the event. Now in its 36th year, the parade continues to grow with each year improving on the last while at the same time holding on to the vision inspired by the original founders.
Columbus Day Parade Committee Officers
Chairman.................Edie Peters Liguori
Vice Chairman.........Vito Matturro
Secretary...................Rosemary Costa
Treasurer..................Barbara Freda
Trustee.....................The Rev. Thomas Nicastro
2024 Parade Honorees
Grand Marshal .........................................
Dr. Frank A. Cocchiola Jr.
Belleville Italian Man of the Year............. Stephen Donald
Nutley Italian Man of the Year..................Andrew F. Garruto
Belleville Italian Woman of the Year........Christine Raimo Lamparello
Nutley Italian Woman of the Year............Julie Alongi Palma
Nutley Italian Woman of the Year............Patricia Badalamenti
Italian Heritage Award.............................Andrea Lyn Cammarato-Van Benschoten Lifetime Achievement Award.................. Steven James Rovell
Renaissance Woman................................ Cristina Maria Latino
Italian Business Leader of the Year........ Louie Ritacco
Community Excellence Award..................William Lynch
Frank A. Cocchiola Jr. is grand marshal for 2025
Frank A. Cocchiola Jr.’s entire career was spent in education.
He earned an undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University. A master’s degree from Montclair State University and a doctorate from Fordham University in educational leadership.
He spent 43 years in the Wallington Public School District; 10 as a math teacher, supervisor, coach and athletic director, two as an elementary school principal, 10 as the Wallington Jr./Sr. High School principal and the last 20 as the superintendent of schools. He was elected as one of the “Top 100 Educators” in the country by the Executive Educator publication in 1988.
Cocchiola also started and served as the president of the Wallington High School Athletic Hall of Fame since its inception in 1991. He has also been inducted into the Wallington High School Athletic and Academic Halls of Fame.
Following retirement in 2010 he worked two years in the South Plainfield School District as interim assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, one year back in Wallington as interim superintendent and two years as the interim superintendent of schools in the Essex County Vo-Tech School District.
In 2015, while he was superintendent, two of the four Vo-Tech high schools, Newark Tech and Bloomfield Tech, were selected by the U.S. Department of Educa-
tion as “Blue Ribbon” schools.
Cocchiola worked as an adjunct professor at Caldwell and Felician Universities in their graduate schools of education.
In October of 2023, Cocchiola retired completely and is now spending his time
with his family, wife Susan, daughters Nicole and husband Anthony, and Gina and husband John, and five grandchildren, Salvatore, Frankie, Vivian, Carmine and Santino.
Service to the community has always been important to the Cocchiola family as evidenced by Frank’s father’s 28 years as a commissioner and his sister’s 11 plus years on the governing body, including two terms as mayor.
Frank Cocchiola Sr. was grand marshall in 1979, and was a charter member of Nutley UNICO.
Frank Jr. has been a member of the Nutley Chapter of UNICO National since 1985.
Celebrating and preserving our Italian culture and heritage over those past 40 years has been an important part of his service. He was president of Nutley UNICO in 2001 and 2002. In 2002 the chapter was selected as the Model Chapter in the country.
He is currently the chair of the Brian Piccolo Scholarship and the Public Relations Committees and is a
HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY
member of the Scholarship and Executive Committees. He coordinates and presides over the chapter’s Brian Piccolo Scholarship Breakfast and the November Veterans’ Recognition dinner. He was selected as the Unican of the Year in 2003 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 from the Nutley Chapter. In 2014 he was selected as the Essex County “Italian-American Man of the Year” by Essex County Executive Joseph DeVincenzo and the county committee.
Frank A. Cocchiola Jr.’
Stephen Donald is Belleville Italian Man of the Year
Stephen Donald is a proud fourth-generation Italian American.
Born in 1958 in Newark. Donald had the privilege of living “down the block” from Grandma Mary whose holiday and Sunday dinners are the stuff of legends.
From a very early age he can remember his grandmother pulling out her giant cutting board and wooden dowel from behind the stove and watching the homemade pasta fly like a magic show. Another family favorite was her tomato pie, the original grandma pie. Once old enough, Donald can remember making raviolis for parties of 30 people in assembly-line fashion with his cousins in Grandma Mary’s kitchen. This is where his love of cooking and deep appreciation for Italian culture and food all began.
Stephen moved to Belleville at age five and he attended Belleville School #8, Belleville junior and senior high school. At BHS he participated in wrestling, crew and theater.
After a period of attempts at college, Donald used the skills he had built in carpentry with his grandfather to start a construction career. After this, Donald received an associate in science degree in engineering from Bergen Community College and a bachelor of science degree in computer and information science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.
After graduation, he had a more than 35 year information technology career including 25 years with NCR Corp., during which he received multiple performance awards including two “Great Performance Awards” and one Chairman’s Award nomination. He retired in 2020 and focused on the management and improvement of multifamily property.
Donald is the proud father of two wonderful, success-
ful children; Lindsay, a health care professional who received bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Northeastern University in urban public health and Stephen Jr., an athletic trainer who received his bachelor of science degree and certifications from the University of Delaware.
Lindsay recently gave one of the best gifts a father could receive, a grandson, Elliot, who is a true gift from God. In order to recapture some of that Grandma Mary
Sunday dinner magic with his own family, Donald started “Second Sunday” which features a big “pot of gravy” on the second Sunday of the month.
Donald also has hosted many raucous and joyous Christmas Eve feasts of the seven fishes. This tradition began with his Grandma Mary and was then carried on by his mother, Dolores. Donald recalls these times as a home full of his favorite people, with table after table covered with food where the courses seemed endless. Now he is proud to have the opportunity to celebrate his Italian culture and share it with the younger generations. Throughout his life, Donald has been a big supporter of his community in a variety of ways. When his children were young, he was a youth wrestling and soccer coach for more than a decade. He has also been a long-time champion of Toys for Tots. Most recently, Donald joined the American Legion, Post 105, in Belleville. Here he currently holds the position of third vice commander, focusing on fundraising. He has participated in multiple activities providing organization, staff, and cooking services to collect funds for veterans programs.
A blood donor from the age of 16, he recently initiated a blood drive program coordinated with the Belleville Mayor’s Office at Post 105 which allowed the post to achieve a “4 Pillar Award” for the first time in their history. The post was the only one in New Jersey to receive this award.
Donald was able to visit Italy for the first time in 2024 and was able to travel to Venice, Florence and Rome. He was enchanted by the beauty and history and is already planning future trips. On any given day, you can find Donald cooking escarole and bean soup with his Aunt Ginny, babysitting his new grandson, or singing karaoke with his friends at the American Legion - Dean Martin songs of course.
Buon Giorno di Colombo!
Stephen Donald
Andrew F. Garruto is Nutley Italian Man of the Year
Andrew “Andy” Garruto grew up in Nutley along with his 5 siblings: Anthony, Cat, Vita, Barbie and Marie.
He is a local lawyer and lives and practices in his hometown, three blocks from where he grew up, in a house and office he delivered the Star Ledger to back in the 1970’s.
Andy has been married to Clara for 17 years and they have two children, their daughter Jamie and son Michael.
Garruto is blessed with a wonderful family, from his mom, Barbara, to his extended family – a supportive, loving and fun group.
Andy graduated Nutley High School in 1982, and then obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Rutgers University. He then attended Delaware Law School where he was elected president of the Student Bar Association, and upon graduation received two outstanding service awards. Garruto began his legal career as a judicial intern for the Honorable Stanley R. Chesler, U.S. Magistrate in Newark. He then worked as a judicial law clerk for Judge June Strelecki, and then Judge Arthur J. Blake, both of whom were judges of the state Superior Court.
Garruto then built a thriving law practice, and has been practicing law for 33 years, 28 in Nutley. He is admitted to practice law by the New Jersey Supreme Court, the United States Federal District Court, and the United States Supreme Court. He is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney, is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a board-certified trial
attorney, is a member of the New Jersey Association for Justice, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, is the founder and membership chair of the Nutley Lawyers Club, and was named in New Jersey Monthly Magazine’s “Top 100 Lawyers in New Jersey.” He enjoys his practice and his office family – his loyal and hardworking staff in a practice that does meaningful work for his clients. It’s a rewarding career.
Andy also enjoys supporting local charitable groups, and being a part of his hometown organizations. He is first vice president of the Nutley Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Nutley Jaycees, and is a member of Nutley UNICO, Nutley Elks and his high school class reunion committee.
He is a trustee of the Parkside Apartments, and former trustee of the Nutley Family Service Bureau, and the Nutley Red Cross. In 2006 he received the Distinguished Service Award as Outstanding Young Adult by the Jaycees, and in 2008 the Millie Grazie Award from Belleville UNICO.
Garruto is proud of his Italian heritage, especially on Easter, Christmas Eve and Christmas, when he enjoys the traditional culinary delights his grandmother prepared, enjoyed and has passed on to the next generation.
When Garruto isn’t in the office, he’s enjoying time with family and friends, watching his daughter on the varsity cheer squad and watching his son play basketball. He plays golf whenever he can.
Andrew ‘Andy’ Garruto
Christine Lamparello is Belleville Italian Woman of the Year
Christine Lamparello, or Chris, as everyone calls her, was born in Newark and raised in Bloomfield by her parents, Joseph and Cecelia, with her younger sister and brother.
In 1995, she married her late husband, Michael, and they settled in Belleville to raise their boys, Anthony and Vincent.
Lamparello has worked in the Belleville School District as an adaptive skills vocational facilitator for the last three years with the district’s life skills program.
Volunteering is the ultimate expression of community spirit, and Lamparello has always given time to her community. She has been involved in the Belleville school’s parent and sports organizations, was a committee member and leader with the Boy Scouts, and was a Special Olympics coach.
She also feels privileged to have served for six years on the Belleville Board of Education as a trustee and
president. She currently serves as a library board trustee, the leader of the district’s special education parents’ group, and a member of Belleville UNICO.
In 2022, along with her son, Vincent, she started the Lamparello Foundation to provide scholarships to worthy high school musicians and basketball players and service the special education population.
Lamparello traces her Italian roots to Calabritto, Avellino, Campania, Marinpoli, and Caltanissetta, Sicily, where her great-grandparents, Generoso and Angelina, Francesco and Vincenza, immigrated from.
Good food, laughter, and family stories with aunts, uncles and cousins are among her fondest childhood memories.
Lamparello feels incredibly lucky to continue that tradition with her sons, daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, and their children so they can celebrate their Italian heritage as she does.
Christine ‘Chris’ Lamparello
Patricia Badalamenti named 2025 Nutley Italian Woman of the Year
Patricia "Tricia" Badalamenti lives a multi-faceted life; balancing family and motherhood with four decades of helming property management companies with multiple philanthropic endeavors and still hosting extended family for dinner every Sunday.
Born in Italy, Badalamenti's family immigrated to America when she was 12. She has been known to proudly say that America is her country and Italy is in her heart, as evidenced by her frequent trips back to check in with family, several churches and an orphanage with which she has philanthropic relations.
A graduate of Seton Hall University and a member of the N.J. Real Estate Commission, she acknowledges that having grown up bilingual and then, adding proficiency in Spanish, French and Portuguese to her fluency in Italian and English has been very beneficial to her businesses. Her younger siblings, two sisters and a brother, have been known to express their gratitude for her “edited” translations of school related issues, to their parents, when they were young.
Badalamenti was taught to give back to her community and she has maintained this generosity throughout her life in America with local churches, charitable organizations and is, currently, serving on the Board of Trustees of Clara Maass Medical Center.
As numerous and varied as Badalamenti's personal, business and societal accomplishments are, she would say that raising two sons, and gaining a daughter when her eldest son married, has been the one accomplishment from which she draws the most pride and joy.
After all, family, along with both her Italian and American communities, is life... as Tricia would say.
Patricia "Tricia" Badalamenti
Andrea Lyn CammaratoVan Benschoten wins Italian Heritage Award
Andrea Lyn Cammarato-Van Benschoten was born at Columbus Hospital in Newark and grew up in Belleville.
A third-generation American of Italian descent, she was taught from an early age to be a proud American while never forgetting where she came from.
Andrea’s family immigrated from Calabritto, in the Avellino province, part of the Campania region of Italy, and Sicily and settled in Newark's Old First Ward. Her immediate family moved with her grandparents and uncle to a multi-family home in Belleville, where she lived for the next 30 years.
She went through the Belleville School System and cultivated a passion for music and the arts. Later, she graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor of arts in communication, concentrating in journalism. She would put those writing skills to work when writing her book, “The Italians of Newark: A History.” She returned to Seton Hall in 1994, when she married Glenn Van Benschoten at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
Growing up with a strong sense of cultural pride, Andrea paid close attention to the family stories of both hardship and triumph she heard around the Sunday dinner table. Those stories inspired her to craft a non-fiction work as an homage to the Italian communities that mean so much to her. In October 2024, her book, “The Italians of Newark: A History,” was published by The History Press. The book tells the story of the everyday Italian immigrant as they worked to assimilate in their new homeland and prove themselves worthy of the title “American.” She also shares her perspectives on contemporary New Jersey life on thisismynewjersey.com and delves deeper into her Italian heritage
Andrea Lyn CammaratoVan Benschoten
on jerseygirlitalianroots.com.
Andrea will be forever grateful to her great-grandparents, who left their homeland and risked everything to begin anew in America. It was her grandparents, Pasquale and Rose (Fucetola) Fieramosca, for instilling a strong sense of ethnic pride, as well as American pride. She is also thankful to her parents, aunts, uncles, and extended family, who shared countless stories and the rich tapestry of the family history. Finally, she couldn’t have completed her book without the support of her husband, Glenn, who has an unwavering confidence in her abilities and believes that she can accomplish anything.
Steven James Rovell receives 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
Steven James Rovell is a lifelong, third generation resident of Belleville.
He is a second-generation Italian American. His family has served the community in many capacities over the last 90 years, including as a member of the Belleville, Police, Fire, Public Safety and Health Departments.
At one time, his family had 10 separate households in Belleville. Some of those family names include Crivellone, Roberto, Forlenza, and Westpy (Vespasiani).
Steve’s father, Frank and mother Helen, were both of Italian ancestry, residents of Belleville and Belleville High School graduates. They were children of Italian immigrants. Frank’s (Francisco) parents were born in Buccino, Salerno, Campania, Italy (Paternal). Helen’s (Helena) parents were born in Cantalupo nel Sannio, Isernia, Molise, Italy. Frank was the first of his siblings to be born in the United States.
In 1943, Frank legally changed his name from Francisco D. Roviello to Francis D. Rovell in order to serve in the armed forces. Frank Rovell became a naval aviator, serving in World War II and the Korean War. He later worked for Belleville for 50 years.
After graduating from Belleville High School, Steven Rovell went on to do his undergraduate work at Rutgers University’s School of Engineering. There he earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering (BSME). He then went on to Stevens Institute of Technology where he earned a master of science degree in management (MSM).
Rovell has more than 40 years of business, management, and technical experience. He is a technology professional with a certification as a project
management professional (PMP) and as a certified government chief information officer (CGCIO). He has worked for organizations from a Fortune 100 company (Motorola) to a dot.com startup. For the last 16 years, he has worked as a contractor for the Army. Currently, he is a senior program manager level III for Bowhead under contract to the Army PM Combat Ammunition Systems at Picatinny Arsenal and the Army Research Lab in Aberdeen, Md.
After selling his childhood home on DeWitt Avenue, he moved to his new home in Belleville’s Second Ward in Rutan Estates. He has been married for almost 40 years to his wife, Susan (Antolini). They have two married sons. Both sons graduated from Belleville High School. Son James is married to Dana Dente. They have a son Giovanni. Son Steven is married to Jill Muller. They have two sons Tate and Easton.
In July of 2024, Steven retired from Belleville’s Council after serving for 20 years. During his time on the council, he was involved in the Nutley Belleville Columbus Parade and Columbus Day events on behalf of the township and UNICO. He was deputy mayor twice, chaired the Stadium, HR and Technology Committees as well as serving on the Police, Fire, Health and Recreation Committees. He also served as a commissioner on the NJ Cyber JIF, EJIF, RCF and as treasurer to the Suburban Essex Joint Insurance Fund.
He is a past president of the Belleville Foundation, Belleville UNICO, and Belleville Baseball Commission. He continues to serve the community as a member of Belleville UNICO. He celebrates his heritage through winemaking, mentoring new winemakers, gardening, baking and cooking.
Sandy Lane Nursery School
Steven James Rovell
Cristina Maria Latino is the 2025 Renaissance Woman
Cristina Latino is a proud second-generation Italian American with a deep passion for connecting others to their Italian origins.
Her maternal grandparents immigrated from Pratola Serra, Provincia di Avellino, while her paternal grandparents came from Canicattini Bagni and Pachino, both Provincie di Siracusa, Sicilia.
Growing up with her maternal nonna, Latino fluently learned the Avellinese dialect and immersed herself in her family traditions, including making homemade fusilli and scarola ‘mbuttunata. This strong cultural foundation led her to study formal Italian in high school and college.
Earning her master in business administration (MBA) and her bachelor of arts in language, business and culture, with an Italian concentration, from Montclair State University, Latino graduated magna cum laude. She was inaugurated into Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) for academic excellence, placing in the 20th percentile of The Graduate School. Her thesis for her MBA, entitled “Evaluating Italy’s Economic Potential Through Its Past Choices and EU Membership” is pending publication.
Throughout her studies, Latino held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including being the vice president of the Italian Honor Society (Gamma Kappa Alpha), and revamping the MSU Amici Club. Additionally, she has also performed choral masterworks at nationally recognized venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, NJPAC, and Yankee Stadium with the MSU Chorale, University Singers, and Prima Voce, and abroad in Austria and Germany with the MSU Vocal Accord.
Cristina has cultivated her passion for her heritage into a career, curating academic and cultural programming for students and community members. Since 2018, she has advanced through several roles at the Coccia Institute, including student intern, program assistant, program associate, and now the newly created position of program coordinator. Spearheading many programming initiatives, some of her notable contributions include playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the partnership between Montclair State and Serie A USA, co-authoring an article for La Voce di NY in Italian and English entitled “Esiste solo una razza, quella umana: l’attivismo di chi insegna italiano negli USA,” being the editor of the docuseries “Red Sauce: An Italian American Culinary Journey,” and co-organizing the upcoming 2025 Italian American Studies Association (IASA) Conference.
As advisor for the Amici Club, Latino secured two grants from the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) to advance the organization’s activities. Before her roles at the Coccia Institute, Cristina gained experience through
internships as the business development intern at Choose NJ, Inc, the Marketing Intern for NYC-based opera singer Cristina Fontanelli, the graduate student intern for the Italian American Leadership Network, and the scholarships, grants and youth engagement intern for NIAF.
Outside of her professional work, Latino is active in her local community, where she is a member of the Italian Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark, an Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) alumna, a member of the Italian American Independent Club of Totowa, the vice president of the Manhattan 1 Chapter of Filitalia International, a volunteer for NIAF, and team captain of the annual NJ Walk Like MADD. Latino thanks the NutleyBelleville Columbus Day Committee for selecting her as the recipient of this award, and she thanks her family, husband, and close friends for all their support of her endeavors in advancing the Italian language and culture. “Mille Grazie a tutti!”
Cristina Maria Latino
Ritacco named 2025 Italian American Business Leader
Louie J. Ritacco, a first-generation Italian-American, is the proud son of Luigi and Jozet Ritacco.
His father immigrated from Calabria, Italy, in 1966 as one of eight children, instilling in Louie the values of hard work, perseverance, and pride in family tradition.
Ritacco grew up in the restaurant industry, stocking shelves and learning the value of customer service at his family’s first business, Ritacco Brothers Pizzeria.
Born and raised in Belleville, he moved to Nutley in middle school and graduated high school, where he was a four-year starter in both football and wrestling. His athletic prowess earned him a full scholarship to the University of Delaware, where the football team was a finalist in the 2007 National Championship.
In 2010, Louie returned home from college to join the family business. In 2014, he and a partner opened Luna Wood Fire Tavern, which became a beloved local gathering place known for quality, hospitality, and community spirit. Luna quickly earned acclaim, being featured for its outstanding pizza in New Jersey Monthly and other local news outlets.
In 2019, Ritacco was honored as the Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the Nutley Jaycees in recognition of his leadership, service, and contributions to the community. Over the years, he has been a steadfast supporter of local charities, hosting fundraisers and contributing to elementary and high school booster clubs, making sure to always give back to the community that shaped him.
When the surging pandemic challenged the restaurant industry, Ritacco’s leadership, determination, and adaptability allowed the business not only to survive but to emerge even stronger, further cementing its place in the community.
Today, Ritacco is proud to be recognized as the 2025 Italian Business Leader of the Year, honoring both his professional achievements and his dedication to community service. He shares this journey with his loving wife, Rosa, and their two beautiful boys, Louie and Carlo, who inspire him every day.
Lynch earns parade’s 2025 Community Excellence Award
William “Bill” Lynch was born and raised in Belleville with his family going back four generations, all the way to 1890.
The house where his great grandparents lived still stands on Lincoln Terrace and Belleville Avenue. Despite being of Irish heritage, he grew up on a street that was primarily Italian. He spent years being exposed to Italian culture in the homes of childhood friends, particularly the Binis and the Ceramis. They lived on the front stoop, played Wiffle Ball, stick ball and ate ice cream from Freddy’s Ice Cream Truck.
They screamed and yelled at each other like good Italians do, and most of all, they ate food. Food was the way to bond. They would walk to Jackie’s Lemon Ice and eat hot dogs on pizza bread and then top it off by eating Italian ice. Growing up in Belleville, on that street, were the best times of his life and he wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Bill attended St. John’s University in New York City from 1978-1984, earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy sciences. Immediately after graduation, he began to work at the old Laterza’s Pharmacy on the corner of Union Avenue and Joralemon Street. In 1986, Lynch bought the pharmacy and stayed there for eight years. In 1994, he moved the pharmacy to 530 Joralemon St., taking over the old Gialanella’s Meat Market. All combined, he has been a business owner in Belleville for 40 years.
The success of the small, neighborhood pharmacy can only be attributed to the loyalty and the support of Belleville people. Because of Belleville residents, his business has thrived all these years. It has been the joy of his life serving the people of Belleville who have treated him like gold.
Lynch thanked his wife of 36 years, Laura, his children and their spouses, for all their love and support. Family is everything and he said his has loved him through this entire journey.
Lynch’s parents, his grandparents and his great grandparents, all Belleville natives, are smiling down on him, and he knows they are proud that 160 years after the first one arrived, there is still one family member left in Belleville.
William “Bill” Lynch
STUDENT NEWS
Pena named to Dean’s List at Western New England
Western New England University (WNE) recently announced that Alexander Pena of Nutley was named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2025 semester. Pena is one of more than 550 students to achieve this mark of academic excellence. Students are named to the Dean's List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.30 or higher.
Kraft makes cross country team at Kutztown Univ.
Kutztown University has announced 15 student-athletes will represent its women's cross country team for the 2025 season, including Jensen Kraft of Nutley. After a fourth-place finish at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships in 2024, head coach Ray Hoffman and the Kutztown University women's cross country team look to use last year's momentum to reach new heights in 2025.
Hoffman, in his 28th year at the helm of the program, noted the depth of his team a season ago and added to that with the additions of six newcomers in hopes of continuing the upward trajectory the team has shown over the past couple of seasons.
The Golden Bears claimed three topthree team finishes a season ago, including the top spot at the West Liberty Invitational to open the season.
Belleville residents on President’s List at SNHU
Belleville residents Christine Lamparello, Tiffany Ramos, Marie Mills and Yasmin Approbato were named to Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) Summer 2025 President's List.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List.
Walsh makes Dean’s List at SNHU
Kerry Walsh, of Nutley, was named to Southern New Hampshire University's Summer 2025 Dean's List. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List.
Berrospi on Dean’s List at Southern New Hampshire
Brillitt Berrospi, of Belleville, was named to Southern New Hampshire University's Summer 2025 Dean's List.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List.
ESSEX COUNTY’S RECYCLING DAY
Free to all Essex County Residents. Essex County residents must provide proof of residency at the site.
COMMERCIAL AND LARGE QUANTITY USERS
MAY NOT DROP OFF ITEMS. Do not exit vehicle.
Items for disposal to be placed in trunk.
NO containers will be returned (gas cans, etc.).
For more information call 973-792-9060 or www.ecuanj.com
“Recycling
Computer & Electronics
Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Essex County Public Works Facility 99 W. Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey
ITEMS ACCEPTED:
Computers
Monitors
Printers
Fax Machines
Scanners
Telecom Equipment
Speakers
Televisions
Keyboards
Main Frames
VCRs
Stereos
DVD Players
Toasters
Irons
Old Cellular Telephones WE WILL NOT ACCEPT:
Smoke Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Alarm es
N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Classics coverage on Franklin Avenue for car show
STATE FARM INSURANCE
Renee Friscia, Agent
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
146 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
O: 973-667-6600 F: 973-667-0642 renee@nutleyinsurance.com
D & L AUTOMOTIVE
251 Washington Avenue, Nutley 973-667-4688 dandlautomotivenj.com
FRANKIE’S CAR WASH
727 Belleville Avenue, Belleville 973-759-5959 frankiescarwash.com
SBARRA CHIROPRACTIC
260 Park Avenue, Nutley 973-662-0006
NATIONAL SPORTSWEAR
368 Cortlandt Street, Belleville 973-759-2005 www.njsportswear.com
SANDY LANE
NURSERY SCHOOL 634 Mill Street, Belleville 973-751-6380
NUTLEY KIA 66 Washington Avenue, Nutley 973-447-4739 www.nutleykia.net
NUTLEY JOURNAL
BELLEVILLE POST 1291 Stuyvesant Ave, Union 908-686-7700 UnionNewsDaily.com
The Nutley Rotary hosted a massive car show on historic Franklin Avenue on Sunday, Sept. 21. The avenue was lined with classic cars, trucks and motorcycles with food vendors sprinkled in for good measure. There was live music and trophies handed out in a variety of categories. The show benefits the Nutley Rotary Scholarship Fund & The Cheer Me Up Foundation. See more pictures at EssexNewsDaily.com
Photos by Joe Ungaro
OCTOBER OCTOBER
THE MASTERED MANE
386 Franklin Avenue, Nutley 973-798-4141
O’BOYLE FUNERAL HOME NJ Lic No. 3067 309 Broad Street, Bloomfield P. 973-748-1246 www.oboylefuneralhome.com
BLOOMFIELD UNICO CHAPTER Bloomfield 973-239-0971 bloomfieldunico.org
ALL GLASS
184 Franklin Avenue, Nutley 973-320-2492
SALON PAZZAZZ
599 Franklin Avenue, Nutley 973-667-8965 salonpazzazzandspa.com
PROPONENT
FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 433 Kingsland Street 173 Bloomfield Avenue Nutley 800-457-8058
FARMERS INSURANCE
393 Centre Street, Nutley 973-667-5451 ndelima@farmersagent.com
STATE FARM INSURANCE
Renee Friscia, Agent
Providing Insurance and Financial Services 146 Franklin Avenue, Nutley O: 973-667-6600 F: 973-667-0642 renee@nutleyinsurance.com
NATIONAL SPORTSWEAR
368 Cortlandt Street, Belleville 973-759-2005 www.njsportswear.com
D & L AUTOMOTIVE
251 Washington Avenue, Nutley 973-667-4688 dandlautomotivenj.com
NUTLEY KIA 66 Washington Avenue, Nutley 973-447-4739 www.nutleykia.net
FRANKIE’S CAR WASH 727 Belleville Avenue, Belleville 973-759-5959 frankiescarwash.com
NUTLEY JOURNAL BELLEVILLE POST 908-686-7700 EssexNewsDaily.com
SBARRA CHIROPRACTIC 260 Park Avenue, Nutley 973-662-0006
Farmer’s Market celebrates fall with Produce Pete and apple pie
JOMAR LAUNDROMAT JOMAR LAUNDROMAT
Jomar Laundromat is a family run business that has been operating laundromats for over 25 years. We provide a clean, safe, and friendly laundromat for the
The Nutley Farmers Market welcomed WNBC Weekend Today in New York’s “Produce Pete” Napolitano for a special Meet & Greet and Book Signing event on Sept. 21.
Residents and visitors had the unique opportunity to meet Produce Pete in person, get autographed copies of his brandnew cookbook, “In the Kitchen with Bette & Produce Pete,” as well as his award-winning memoir, “They Call Me Produce Pete.”
The festivities also featured the Nutley Farmers Market’s inaugural Apple Bake-
Off, judged by Produce Pete himself. Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli announced winners David Foster and Pasang Pakhrin, both Nutley residents and Farmers Market regulars. Their entry was the very first dessert they made together, marking a special milestone for the duo and for the Nutley community.
“We want to congratulate our winners and thank Produce Pete for coming out to judge the competition,” Scarpelli said. “There’s always something for everyone at the Nutley Farmers Market. The Market will run every Sunday through Oct. 26.”
Photos by Joe Ungaro
Above, Produce Pete at the Farmer’s Market. Left, Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli presents David Foster and Pasang Pakhrin with an award for their apple dessert. See more photos at EssexNewsDaily.com.
REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE
How to get a mortgage when you are self-employed
If you’re self-employed or own a business, you may be wondering if it’s possible to get a mortgage.
The short answer is yes, you can, but the process will look different. You’ll need to provide documentation verifying your employment and lenders will be analyzing your financial situation and the financial situation of your business to see how likely you are to pay back your loans in a timely manner.
To help you put your best foot forward, Wells Fargo is offering guidance on navigating the home loan process.
What does it mean to be self-employed?
Typically, lenders consider an applicant selfemployed if they meet any of the following:
• They own at least 25% of a business
• The ownership of a business is their major source of income
• They complete a 1099 tax form during tax filing instead of a W-2
• They’re an entrepreneur or sole proprietor whose income is filed under Schedule C of their tax returns
• They’re an independent contractor or service provider
If you fit into these categories, you’ll also need to show lenders verified employment records or proof of selfemployment during the past two years. Lenders are ideally looking for your business to have been active for at least 12 consecutive months. They review the overall health of the business, looking at both net income and expenses.
What employment documentation is needed?
When lenders review your application, they’re analyzing items like how stable your income is, if your business has strong finances, and what the future may look like for you and your business. Any of the following forms of documentation can help lenders show proof of your employee verification:
• Business licenses and/or DBA certificates
• Proof of correspondence with CPAs and/or clients
• Proof of business insurance
• Profit/loss statements or balance sheets reflecting your business’s performance
• Lenders’ requirements vary. Check with yours for what will be required for your situation.
What tax return requirements are needed?
Personal tax returns under IRS Form 1040 include various schedules. Commonly used schedules are:
• Schedule B (Form 1040) – Interest and ordinary dividends
• Schedule C (Form 1040) – Profit or Loss from Business (Sole proprietorship)
• Schedule D (Form 1040) – Capital Gains and Losses
• Schedule E (Form 1040) – Supplemental Income and Loss
• Schedule F (Form 1040) – Profit or Loss from Farming
For business tax returns, a business may choose to report taxable income either on a calendar year or fiscal year basis.
Having a favorable debt-to-income ratio and credit score. A strong credit history shows lenders your ability to repay debts and utilize credit responsibly.
Staying organized. Keep expenses separate if you have multiple income sources, and separate business and personal accounts so that lenders can more easily tell which assets are which.
Having additional support, especially for closing. Certain factors may lower your risk for lenders, like utilizing a co-signer or borrower or paying a higher-percentage down payment than what’s required.
“While self-employment makes obtaining a mortgage a bit more complex, your lender will walk you through the process, step by step,” says Rulon Washington, mortgage sustainability, Wells Fargo.
Photo Courtesy of PeopleImages/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
Nutley
NUTLEY — The Township of Nutley hosted its seventh annual Welcome to Nutley Day in September at Nichols Park.
The event, which is specifically held for students and staff from the ON3 project, offered a day of community-building and local business engagement, according to a press release from the township.
Commissioner Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli praised the event’s success and the wide participation across township departments.
“Today’s Welcome to Nutley Day event was an overwhelming success in showcasing our restaurants and businesses to our ON3 neighbors,” said Scarpelli. “All the township departments participated, not only at the event, but also in helping prepare for today’s activities.”
Nichols Park, located just across from ON3, was bustling with nearly 30 local vendors offering food and giveaways. Entertainment was provided by DJ Rob Frannicola for guests from ON3 companies, including Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Seton Hall University Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus, Modern Meadow, Ralph Lauren, the Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, and Prism Capital Partners.
“Despite the threat of rain, we had an incredible turnout this year,” said Scarpelli. “It’s always a thrill to have a day to share some of the great things we have in our town.”
Photos Courtesy Nutley Twp.
Local restaurants and businesses offered up samples to people working out of the ON3 campus.
New electric vehicle charging stations at Newark Airport
A new fast electric vehicle (EV) charging hub has opened at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The eight new direct-current fast charging ports double the number of fast EV charging ports available at the airport to 16, according to a press release from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The new fast charging hub is located at the airport’s cell phone lot off Brewster Road, available for both airport users and for-hire vehicle (FHV) drivers. The lot is adjacent to the P4 daily parking garage and accessible from all terminals.
The charging station is strategically located to serve one of the airport’s busiest ground transportation zones, popular with FHV drivers and others waiting to pick up passengers. FHV drivers should note that the cell phone lot is not a staging lot.
To pick up passengers, FHV drivers should proceed to the rideshare hold lot on Earhart Drive, the release said.
With eight charging ports operational at all times, the site is designed to reduce vehicle wait times, ease traffic congestion in the lot, and encourage the shift away from fossil fuels. The deployment of these chargers is expected to eliminate 1,430 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent of emissions from 334 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles a year, the release said.
Pumpkin painting party for the kids and the grandparents
NUTLEY — The township Department of Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Halloween Pumpkin Painting Party for children and their grandparents on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
“As grandparents nothing is more treasured and valued than the love of our grandchildren. We don’t just sponsor programs here in Nutley, we create memories that will last a lifetime” Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci said.
The event will be held at the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 44 Park Ave. from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The evening will include light refreshments, a pumpkin and paint for each child. The fee for this special event is $5 per child; grandparents are admitted free. Limit 2 adults per child. Children must live in Nutley to participate.
To purchase tickets for this event, visit the Parks and Recreation Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For further information please contact the Recreation Department at 973-2844966.
Free to all Essex County Residents. Essex County residents must provide proof of residency at the site.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Essex County Public Works Facility
99 W. Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey
ITEMS ACCEPTED:
Herbicides
Paint thinners and solvents
Oil based paints and stains
Do not exit vehicle. Items for disposal to be placed in trunk. NO containers will be returned (gas cans, etc.). For more information call 973-792-9060 or www.ecuanj.com
Chemistry sets
Propane tanks (barbecue type)
Pool chemicals
Automotive fluids (antifreeze, motor oil, steering fluids, etc.)
Darkroom/ Photographic chemicals
Lithium and NiCad batteries
Fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT:
Latex paint
Unlabeled or Unidentified Materials
Asbestos
Regulated Medical Waste or Infectious Waste
Commercial or Industrial Waste
Empty Containers
Explosives, Munitions, Ordnance or Reactive Materials
Mercury and products containing mercury
Gasoline/Kerosene
Household cleaning fluids
Car batteries
Fire extinguishers (home)
Driveway sealer
Aerosol spray paints
Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
“There are some materials that should be removed from our regular waste stream because of their hazardous nature. This collection day provides our residents a place to properly and safely dispose of contaminants, protecting our precious environment for future generations. I encourage residents of all of our communities to come out and participate.” — Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
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
TACARRA WILLIAMS brings her bold, fearless comedy to NJPAC on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
TOM SEGURA STAND-UP COMEDY TOUR ‘COME TOGETHER’ STOPS AT NJPAC on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage. One Center Street, Newark. Tickets available at www.njpac.org.
JERRY SEINFELD is at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 31, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $77 and can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888-466-5722 or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office.
ROMESH RANGANATHAN BRINGS HIS HILARIOUS HUSTLE TOUR TO NJPAC on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m., at Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. www.njpac.org.
SLOPPY BOYS PODCAST WILL SHAKE UP NJPAC WITH LIVE SHOW on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m., at Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $46 at www.njpac.org.
TOM PAPA, ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP COMEDIANS, returns to NJPAC on Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m., at 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 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., at Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org
or by calling 888-466-5722.
THE JOKERS OF MAGIC starring Nick Diffatte, Matt Donnelly, Michael Mills and Derek Hughes come to NJPAC on Friday, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
LAUGH WITH SOMMORE on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7 and 9:45 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
STAND-UP STAR ALFRED ROBLES BRINGS
MIDNIGHT LAUGHS TO NJPAC on Friday, Feb. 6, at 12 a.m. Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets available at www.njpac.org.
LECTURES
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.
BRYCE CRAWFORD ~ I LOVE JESUS U.S. TOUR STOPS AT NJPAC on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m., Victoria Theater Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch 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., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $42.50 at www.njpac.org.
MUSIC
THE SECOND NEW JERSEY GUITAR SUMMIT will present a day of in-depth workshops for acoustic guitar players of all levels on Sat-
urday, Oct. 4, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown. Concert admission is $145 per adult. For further information, call 201-207-8696, or visit www.folkproject.org .
RED BARAAT, BROOKLYN’S BHANGRAFUNK JUGGERNAUT, blending North Indian rhythms with hip-hop, jazz and punk, performs on Friday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-313-2787.
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 call the Box Office at 888-466-5722.
HEROES FOR GHOSTS – A PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m., at Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets are at
https://ucpac.vbotickets.com/.
HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER will perform on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. at Outpost in the Burbs, 40 South Fullerton St., Montclair. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day of show. Call 973-744-6560 for more info..
CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA, a virtuoso drummer who bridges jazz and rock, will be at SOPAC on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-3132787.
LE VENT DE NORD on Friday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 42 So. Fullerton, Montclair. Tickets start at $38 at outpostintheburbs.thundertix.com/events/248218
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.
SETH RUDETSKY and JESSIE MUELLER BRING ONE-NIGHT-ONLY BROADWAY CONCERT TO NJPAC. Mueller will perform songs from “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and more on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Victoria Theater Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
NJPAC PRESENTS THE BLUES IS ALRIGHT FALL 2025 TOUR WITH KING GEORGE, TUCKA, POKEY BEAR, WEST LOVE, LENNY WILLIAMS AND THEODIS EALEY on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $75 at www.njpac.org.
JOHN FOGERTY, FOUNDER OF CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, CELEBRATES HIS 50 YEAR CAREER at NJPAC on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m., Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
Photos Courtesy NJPAC
Frankie Valli
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
EMILY GROVE'S JONI JAM-TRIBUTE TO JONI MITCHELL on Friday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 43 So. Fullerton, Montclair. Tickets are $40 at outpostintheburbs.thundertix.com/events.
THE BLUES IS ALRIGHT TOUR COMES TO NJPAC featuring King George, Tucka, Pokey Bear, West Love, Lenny Williams, and Theodis Ealey on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets Start at $75 at NJPAC
THE HOT SARDINES perform on Sunday, Nov. 16, 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. Tickets start at $40. CARLOS VARELA, with special guest DIANA FUENTES, on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE TRISHA YEARWOOD on Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $39.50 at www.njpac.org.
SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER on Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-3132787.
JOHN PIZZARELLI, SWINGING INTO THE HOLIDAYS, AND MORE on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at 973-313-2787.
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA PERFORM on Sunday, Dec 21, at 3 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $69 at www.njpac.org.
GET THE LED OUT CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF THE RECORDED MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN AND BRINGS IT TO NJPAC on Friday, Jan. 9, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
GRAMMY WINNER AVERY SUNSHINE SET TO PERFORM AT New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, Jan.16, at 8 p.m. Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 and $59.50 and available at www.njpac.org, PEPPA PIG: MY FIRST CONCERT FROM MOZART TO MUDDY PUDDLES on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $34 at www.njpac.org.
THEATER
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.
MICHAEL MARTOCCI AND BRANDON
TOMASELLO WITH THE JTOLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA celebrate Frank Sinatra and American jazz on Saturday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. at The Concert Hall at Drew University, 36 Madison Ave., Madison. Tickets online at Gdpresents.simpletix.com or call 917-567-5842.
COME ON DOWN TO “THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE” on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $42.50 at www.njpac.org.
JUSTIN WILLMAN BRINGS HIS MINDBLOWING MAGIC TO NJPAC on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN, running Oct. 22 to Nov. 16 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Ave. in Madison. Show times are Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, and select Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Tickets at ShakespeareNJ.org or by calling 973-408-5600.
THE VAMPIRE CIRCUS! WHEN THE MOON RISES, on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $69.50 at www.njpac.org.
“THE THORN” PRESENTS AN EPIC STORY OF GOD’S LOVE on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS STARRING RICK SCHULER at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $29 at NJPAC.org or by calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
“TWILIGHT” THE FILM WITH LIVE BAND IN CONCERT, experience the saga as an epic film-to-concert event with 1,000 candles illuminating the stage on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 3 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $41 at www.njpac.org.
CHEVY CHASE HOSTS A SCREENING OF
“CHRISTMAS VACATION” to NJPAC on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
HYPROV WITH COLIN MOCHRIE AND ASAD MECCI on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, One Center Street, Newark. Tickets start at $79 at www.njpac.org.
NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PRESENTS ELDEN RING SYMPHONIC ADVENTURE WITH MUSIC BY THE NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St, Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
THE SALZBURG MARIONETTE THEATRE BRINGS “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” TO LIFE on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2 and 5:30 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
Trisha Yearwood
Salzburg Marionette
Sept. 20. Below is head coach Joseph Pontoriero. The team hopes to continue developing this season.
Bucs boys soccer looks to make progress
By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor
Despite a rough start to the season, the relatively young Belleville High School boys soccer team hopes to continue to make progress this season.
The Buccaneers, under second-year head coach Joseph Pontoriero, won their season-opener over Newark Central 3-0 on Tuesday, September, but then lost their next nine games for a 1-9 mark through Wednesday, Sept. 24.
The Bucs, who went 15-6-1 a year ago, lost four key returning players to a Major League Soccer academy prior to this season.
Leading the Buccaneers are sopho-
more center midfielder Leo Vergara and junior utility player Kevin Escobar. Vergara is the focal point of the offense and the main facilitator on the ball, Pontoriero said. “He has a very bright future.”
Meanwhile, Escobar “showed some great potential for us off the bench last year and this year is going to be leaned on a lot as a utility player where we need him,” Pontoriero said.
Junior goalie Nicolas Cooper is coming off an impressive season. “Nick was great last year and kept us in a lot of games. He will be returning this year as our captain and leader on the team,” Pontoriero said.
Sebastian Sierra is a senior returning striker. With his speed and aggressiveness
on the ball, he has the task of controlling the team’s final third of the field, Pontoriero said.
The Bucs also welcomed back junior Alex Pesantes, who missed last season with an ACL injury.
“We are glad to have him back as our stopper/center defensive midfielder to help keep our shape,” Pontoriero said.
In addition, the Bucs are excited about freshman Javier Guaman. “Javier had a very impressive camp, standing out amongst a very strong group of freshmen,” Pontoriero said. “He will work in the midfield, making an immediate impact for our team.”
The strength of the team is its overall
Rivera flourishing for MKA girls soccer team
By Steve Tober Correspondent
Belleville resident Shirley Rivera continues to emerge as one of the top young girls soccer players in Essex County as a standout midfielder for Montclair Kimberley Academy, which has posted victories over such teams as Montclair and Kearny in the early going of the 2025 season.
Rivera, a sophomore, has been the leading scorer for the past two seasons
At left, Belleville resident Shirley Rivera, No. 17, dribbles ahead as a member of Montclair Kimberley Academy in a game. The sophomore has enjoyed a good start to the season.
for MKA, leading the team with seven goals last fall and having two goals and four assists through the first five matches this season for the 3-2 Cougars.
She scored a game-tying goal on a successful penalty kick, when MKA edged crosstown rival Montclair 2-1 in overtime on Thursday, Sept. 11, and then scored one of her team’s goals in a 2-1 triumph over Kearny on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Rivera spearheads a talented, young nucleus for MKA.
“Shirley is arguably one of the best players in the county and she can change a game in an instant,” said MKA firstyear head coach Tim Keegan. “She is a big part of our nucleus of young talent and provides great energy and presence on the field.”
youth and commitment.
“We have a great group of young guys. I am excited to watch these boys develop and become the future of Belleville Soccer,” Pontoriero said. “Our goals for the season are simple: take it one game at a time.”
Above left, the Bucs are warming up and, at right, they huddle prior to their game against Passaic County Tech at Clearman Field on Saturday,
Photos by Joe Ragozzino
Photo Courtesy of Jon Lopez/MKA
BHS football team wins three straight to start year
By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor
The Belleville High School football team has enjoyed an impressive 3-0 start to the season. The last time the Buccaneers started 3-0 was in 2019, when they won their first five games.
The Bucs won their first two games in convincing fashion.
The Bucs defeated Ferris 40-0 in the season-opener on Friday, Sept. 5, at BHS’ Municipal Stadium’s Doc Ellis Field. Senior quarterback Jordan Armstrong passed for two touchdowns, both to sophomore wide receiver Sean Sharpe for 18 and 20 yards. Senior WR Jailen Sharpe, Sean’s brother, scored two TDs on runs of 19 and 12 yards. Senior
defensive end Caleb Love returned a fumble for TD and junior running back Nathaniel Anabwani recorded a safety. Senior Uriah Vergara kicked a 25-yard field goal and added five extra-point kicks. Senior RB Jayden McDaniel rushed for 88 yards on seven carries for Belleville.
The Bucs defeated North Bergen 45-20 on Thursday, Sept. 11, at North Bergen. Armstrong passed for 200 yards and three touchdowns on nine of 13 attempts. He threw a 29-yard TD pass to Love, a 22-yard TD pass to senior WR Jaden Westfield and an 82-yard scoring pass to Sean Sharpe. Sean Sharpe also had an 85-yard kickoff return for a TD. McDaniel ran for a 16-yard TD and Anabwani scored on a 26-yard run and finished with 114 yards on 12 carries.
BHS defeated Demarest 27-26 in thrilling fashion at
Municipal Stadium on Friday, Sept. 19. After Demarest tied the score 20-20 in the fourth quarter, Sean Sharpe had a 70-yard pick-6 and Vergara kicked the extra-point for a 27-20 lead.
Demarest answered on a 2-yard TD pass to make it a one-point game. Demarest went for the ensuing twopoint conversion pass, but the Bucs broke it up, as they held on for the win.
The Bucs were scheduled to host Cliffside Park on Friday, Sept. 26, after press time.
The following is the rest of the regular-season schedule: Oct. 3: at Dickinson, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: vs. Memorial, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: at Kearny, 7 p.m.
Welcome To La Sicilia Ristorante and Pizzeria
Photos Courtesy of Belleville High School students Elijah Nune and Madelaine Saenz Above and at right are the Buccaneers in game action.
