Belleville Post - March 2023

Year of the Rabbit

Destined to be a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ winner

By Faye Hochberg Correspondent

For Belleville resident Liam Oakes, deciding to apply to be a contestant on his beloved show, “Wheel of Fortune,” was an obvious decision. Less obvious to Oakes, who said he is a “lifelong fan” of the show, was the fact that he would become the next winning contestant.

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He had no expectation of winning, he said, and joined for the “once in a lifetime experience” on its own. However, Oakes’ experience in the game, combined with his humble personality, made him destined to be a winner.

Oakes said he first became hooked on “Wheel of Fortune” as a young child, when his parents put on the game show channel, and he began to watch the show every night at 7:30 p.m. He loved solving puzzles, watching people spinning the wheel and winning money — and even played the “Wheel of Fortune” video game as he was growing up.

After completing the application and an interview on Zoom, Oakes said he realized he would fulfill his dream when, on his birthday, he received the email which said he had been accepted to be a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune.” Throughout the following five months until the big day, Oakes said he prepared by bingewatching “Wheel of Fortune” episodes, playing the game on his phone, and solving as many as 600 word puzzles in a practice book he bought from Amazon, as he sat on the beach at his community lake.

When asked how he felt about the one day of filming — which consisted of six tapings — Oakes revealed that it was “almost everything I dreamed it to be.” Oakes has only positive things to say about his experience on “Wheel of Fortune” and said he was “just excited to be there,” no matter the outcome.

“I came into the studio knowing it would be the experience of a lifetime,” said Oakes in an interview with the Belleville Post. “I didn’t go to the studio with high expectations or overconfidence.

as a contestant on an episode of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ which was televised in early February. He won $56,900 in cash and prizes, including an $8,000 trip to the Bahamas.

I would be OK if I lost, because I still made it to the show.” He further expressed that he was “speechless throughout the entire day, being in the studio as opposed to watching it on television . . . I was meant to be there.”

Despite being nervous about going on stage, Oakes said he knew he had to remain focused on solving the word puzzles. The warm and fun atmosphere with the other contestants also helped him keep his cool. He described the contestants as “such lovely people” who shared “a

lot of laughs” and supported one another throughout the game.

Oakes admitted he was in last place for most of the show, as he was “bankrupt for a lot of the game.” He said he knew he had to “start playing strategically and focus on puzzle solving — solving puzzles in time is the most important part of the show.” However, he knew that, for him, what truly mattered was the experience itself, along with the other contestants.

“We all came into the show knowing that, whatever the outcome will be, we would have a great time,” he said.

While Oakes said it was hard for him to come up with a single favorite moment, as he enjoyed the entire day, he highlighted his special experience at the end of the show. The winning contestants were invited to stand in the middle of the stage and engage in a conversation with Wheel of Fortune’s legendary hosts, Pat Sajak and Vanna White. After watching them on television for most of his life, Oakes finally had the opportunity of not only seeing them, but talking to them in person, describing White as “very sweet and nice” and Sajak as “a genuine and funny guy.”

“It took me three days to remember what happened,” said Oakes.

His memory has since returned, as he revealed that “there has not been a single day that I haven’t thought about what happened on that day.”

Oakes won $56,900 in cash and prizes, including an $8,000 trip to the Bahamas. He plans to save some of the money, as he is “not a big spender,” and is still figuring out what he will do with the rest of it. He said he is looking forward to going to the Bahamas.

“I encourage everybody to apply, even if they think they won’t make it,” said Oakes. “They are always looking for contestants and the application is very easy.”

For future “Wheel of Fortune” contestants, Oakes shares his words of wisdom: “Vowels are your best friends — a lot of people frown upon people buying a lot of vowels, but that is what made me win.”

Photo Courtesy of Carol Kaelson/Wheel of Fortune Belleville resident Liam Oakes smiles for the audience

Solar, wind initiatives expected to create greener Belleville, save taxpayer money

The Belleville School District is moving ahead with cutting-edge initiatives to create a cleaner, greener community. And, while these projects are focused on preserving the environment, they will also be reducing energy bills for the schools while creating important lessons for students.

The district, under Superintendent of Schools Richard Tomko, has installed rooftop units capable of harnessing the vast — and free — energy of the sun.

These solar panels have been installed at Schools Nos. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10, plus Belleville Middle School and Belleville High School. Solar-powered carport roofing has also been installed in Schools Nos. 8 and 10, and Belleville High School.

Over the course of the 15-year power purchasing agreement, it is estimated that taxpayers will save $2 million because the solar energy will power parking lot lights, classroom computers and more. Tomko said the panels will be fitted with LED panels that will allow students and teachers to monitor how much energy is being saved each

day, infusing lessons of green living into the classroom curriculum.

“It’s exciting to use energy-saving initiatives as real-world teaching tools in the classroom,” Tomko said. “This will hopefully lead to important classroom discussions about fossil fuel alternatives, environmental awareness and more. Just studying the engineering behind the panels could inspire myriad STEM projects throughout the grade levels.”

In addition to the solar panels and carport roofing, three new light poles powered by solar and wind energy have been installed at the high school and one at School No. 9. The project was funded with $107,912 in state money.

“While these lights will also reduce energy costs, their primary and immediate benefit will be safety-related,” said Matthew Paladino, the district’s business administrator. “Keeping our grounds well-lit and keeping students and staff members safe and secure is always our priority.”

Photos Courtesy of Belleville School District

Above left, solar panels installed at several of Belleville’s schools will help create a greener township while reducing energy costs for taxpay-

ers and providing classroom lessons for Belleville students. Above right, pictured is an early look at the installation of the solar panels.

Milkshakes and Dreams

If you are looking for a familiar face in the window, you will find it at Muggsy’s Sweet Shoppe. The store, located at 250 Washington Avenue, is an homage to an era when things were a bit simpler and there wasn’t a cell phone in sight. Nick McGuiness, a life long Nutley resident wants to make sure that we keep that time alive in our minds and hearts. At Muggsy’s, you will be immersed into a world of great Oldies music and television shows such as The Honeymooners and I Love Lucy. The décor celebrates the advertising of the time and the g reat movies that kept us glued to the TV in the 50s and 60s.

Both of Nick’s grandfathers came to this town to make a better life for their families. His maternal grandfather, Nicholas Mastrosimone, came from Brooklyn at the age of 10 and his father opened an Italian Store on Franklin Avenue. His paternal grandfather, Joseph McGuiness moved his family from Newark to Nutley for a better life with a hometown feel. Both men worked close to home and made a good life in Nutley.

Nick’s dad, Joe ‘Muggsy” McGuiness, lived in Nutley until his untimely death in 2010. He worked at Hoffman LaRoche and was deeply involved in his town. With the help of a couple of friends, he launched the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and was its first Grand Marshall. He went on to start up the Nutley 5 mile race, became involved with The Nutley Irish Americans and as a member of The Chamber of Commerce ran Business After Hours for several years. His love for the town was second to none.

As for Nicky, he has always been a nostalgic man and a man totally dedicated to “The Neighborhood.” Although he appreciates progress, he longs to keep things the same and so the idea of a Sweet Shoppe came to him. Why not create a place where people can forget the troubles of today and surround themselves with th e uncomplicated splendor of the past. It was quite a journey, interrupted by Covid and reconstructing the store, but he made it happen. During that period Nicky could be seen sitting in front of the shop and inviting people in for a fre e coffee.

So, whether you enter to fill up a bag of candy, have a great float or egg cream, maybe a burger and fries or a triple-decker PBNJ you will always feel at home at Muggsy’s.

As for Nicky, he wants everyone to know that Milkshakes and Dreams really do come true.

Written by Elizabeth Mastrosimone

2023 Nutley State of the Township Address

By Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli

It is my honor and privilege on behalf of the Nutley Board of Commissioners to present the 2023 Nutley State of the Township Address.

I would like to start by providing an update on three crucial redevelopment projects: the Diamond Springs Pool Club, the former Ciccolini site and the ON3 development, formerly Roche.

Diamond Springs Pool Club property

After an extended legal dispute over the zoning designation of the Diamond Springs Pool Club property, the BOC reached a settlement with the property owners and passed an Ordinance and Redevelopment Plan on Aug. 16 that sets the zoning requirements for the Evergreen Avenue property. The plan calls for 82 units that will be age-restricted — 55 years old and over — and three nonage restricted units. The plan addresses the setbacks from the residential neighbors, the architectural and landscape design standards stipulating the building materials and perimeter buffers, the height, the maximum lot coverage, the square footage of the units, and the type and number of amenities.

The BOC are very excited that, when completed, this plan will result in a luxury, age-restricted residential complex on a property that has been vacant and in disrepair for a number of years.

Ciccolini property

In November, the BOC passed a redevelopment plan for the Ciccolini property and the contiguous lots along the west side of Franklin Avenue. The goal of this redevelopment plan is to promote the development of a signature project, which would create a focal point/gateway into downtown and to act as a catalyst for future redevelopment opportunities and the revitalization of Franklin Avenue. The plan features the development of a 5,000 square-foot public plaza with active retail space and a restaurant along the ground floor. It also preserves the historic public parking in the area to support both the new and existing retail and restaurant uses, as well as allowing for shared parking for the new residential space on the upper floors.

On Dec. 6, the BOC designated Nutley Town Center Redevelopers, a subsidiary of JMF Properties, as the redeveloper. The designation authorizes the board to commence negotiating a redevelopment agreement for the Ciccolini project.

The implementation of this plan will create an attractive southern entrance to our downtown that provides open space, a new restaurant with outdoor seating along the new plaza and a portion of the avenue with new retail that is pedestrian friendly and walkable, while assuring plenty of parking for patrons.

ON3 campus

In August, Eisai Pharmaceuticals had their ribboncutting ceremony at 100 Metro Blvd., on the ON3 campus. The BOC are thrilled to welcome Eisai and their over 800 employees to Nutley. Eisai’s research, science innovations and philosophy of human health care put them at the forefront of the biopharmaceutical industry and they are an important, integral addition to the former Hoffmann LaRoche campus. With Eisai’s relocation to Nutley, all five of the buildings left vacant upon Roche’s departure are now filled.

In addition to Eisai, this site presently boasts other blue-chip occupants including the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Seton Hall University’s Graduate College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences, Modern Meadow, Hackensack Meridian Health

Center of Discovery and Innovation, Quest Diagnostics, y-mAbs Therapeutics and Ralph Lauren, all of whom distinguish this property as the leading life science innovation hub, not only in New Jersey, but the entire metropolitan area.

As we work towards the complete re-development of the entire site, the BOC have prioritized our goals to assure that the campus provides an immediate boost to our local economy, preserves opportunities for additional future ratables and increases our property values.

The Commissioners are proud that many pieces have fallen into place transforming this once shuttered property into an economic dynamo that will help attain those goals and define our Township for decades.

Local business

After a two-year absence due to the COVID pandemic, in September, the BOC once again hosted “Welcome to Nutley Day” in Nichols Park for our ON3 neighbors. Our eateries and businesses lined the pathway of the park offering food and discount promotions. The event provided students and employees an opportunity to get off the ON3 campus, enjoy our beautiful park system, and meet and mingle with Nutley businesses, all while demonstrating the proximity of our downtown to the ON3 campus. This event has been well-received by the ON3 tenants and served as a successful introduction to our local merchants.

The BOC continues to promote our businesses and downtown. Many of our local businesses struggled during COVID, but happily, since the pandemic, numerous new businesses have opened. Please see the list of new businesses that have chosen to open in our beautiful town over the last two to three years.

New eateries

Kubo Coffee and Creamery

Cubita Café

Glaze Donuts

Cupily Coffeehouse

Emilio’s Wood Fire Pizza

MEAL Restaurant — new location – Franklin Avenue

Pita Bowl

Woodcroft Steakhouse & Seafood

Sonoma Bistro Bar and Grill

Sugar Tree Café

Muggsy’s Sweet Shoppe

Salumeria Regina

Mike’s Pasta and Sandwich Shop

Nonno’s Pizzeria, Deli and Catering

Mamma Mia’s Pizza

Ochado USA

Kurly Kürtősh

Eden’s Sweet Ideas

New retail

Pretty Handy Gift Shop & Makerspace

Luminous Luxe Spa

Art on the Ave – Paint Your Own Pottery Studio

Center Nutrition & Wellness — new ownership

Gia Dance Studio

L.J. Beauty Nails Supply

New Style Barbershop & Hair Salon

Space Spa & Wellness

Sai Nath Convenience Store Inc.

The Makeup Studio by MakeUpClasses.com

Seven x Seven Boutique

Opening soon

Jernick’s Specialties

Nicky Boys (The old Michael’s)

Bambi’s House of Grooming (Pets)

The BOC encourages our residents to patronize these new establishments, as well as our longtime businesses, as our local merchants are the lifeblood of our town.

Over the last few years, the Board of Commissioners have worked together to overcome many challenges and issues. We continued to collaborate with the local development community to address the ON3, Ciccolini and Diamond Springs properties, while ensuring the protection against any adverse impacts to our community and residents. We have constantly looked for new ways to promote our local businesses and downtown. Our government functioned continually and provided services to our citizens as we persevered through the COVID pandemic. Even though Tropical Storm Ida damaged our Public Safety building, the DPW garage and offices and a multitude of essential equipment, the township was still able to respond to our residents affected by the storm, rescued many people and saved numerous lives, and provided post-storm cleanup to all those damaged by the storm. Additionally, the BOC lobbied the state of New Jersey to finally secure permanent state aid and remove the uncertainty of diminishing transitional aid we received following Roche’s departure. This now provides Nutley with a predictable financial roadmap for our future.

The BOC gets criticized — and we are receptive to it, as any representative body should be — but please keep in mind that the issues and challenges we have been managing for the past few years are complex and multifaceted. I am proud of how the BOC carefully considers all options and renders decisions that we firmly believe are in the township’s best interest. We will continue fighting for all residents on these issues while protecting the character of the town that we all love. I am proud to serve with these four dedicated public servants and excited about the future of our township.

Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli

Nutley scientific leader honored with Dr. Sol J. Barer Award

David Perlin, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation in Nutley, has been honored with BioNJ’s 2023 Dr. Sol J. Barer Award for Vision, Innovation and Leadership.

Perlin has served as the founding chief scientific officer of the CDI since its inception in 2019 to address unmet medical needs in infectious diseases, cancers, behavioral health, autoimmune and neurocognitive disorders, as well as other acute and chronic health problems.

“Dr. Perlin is an exceptional leader whose expertise and dedication elevates and advances our health network mission to transform health care and serve as a leader of positive change,” said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “He is anticipating the incredible changes coming in the health care landscape — and finding ways to keep ahead of the curve.”

“David is a colleague who is making a difference in all the best ways,” said Barer, current chairman of the board of Teva Pharmaceuticals, founder of Celgene, a biotech innovator and leader and the namesake of the award. “His is a mind which strives constantly for excellence, and he is relentless in his pursuits.”

"We are thrilled to honor Dr. Perlin with the 2023 Dr. Sol J. Barer Award for Vision, Innovation and Leadership for his tireless work on behalf of patients, medical innovation and New Jersey’s evergrowing life sciences ecosystem,” said BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart. “Driven and passionate, Dr. Perlin is changing the lives of Patients around the world … tackling the unimaginable. He is New Jersey’s own innovative superhero.”

The CDI has been committed since its inception to make innovative science actionable for patients in real time to deliver on solutions for unmet medical needs. During more than three years, the CDI has enjoyed exponential success,

evolving to include 26 primary investigators, more than 170 employees and, along with obtaining 57 NIH grants, has garnered more than $165 million in research commitments.

Perlin was recently promoted to executive vice president of the Hackensack Meridian Health network. During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDI, through his leadership, worked ahead of the virus’s arrival in February 2020 and developed a test that allowed the team to triage patients during the critical first wave of the pandemic. Perlin then oversaw successful science in testing convalescent plasma treatments, and surveillance of the new variants of the SARSCoV-2 virus in the last two years.

Most recently, Perlin leads a team including colleagues from Rockefeller University, Columbia University, Memo-

rial Sloan Kettering, Rutgers, Merck and Aligos to discover and create new antiviral drugs to battle SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus threats of the future. The consortium, called the Metropolitan AntiViral Drug Accelerator, is funded by a $65 million grant with an option to extend to $108 million during five years. It is one of nine national antiviral drug accelerators as part of the NIH Antiviral Drug Discovery program created through the Antiviral Program for Pandemics, which was established to speed development of therapeutics for COVID-19.

Perlin also leads an NIH-designated national Center of Excellence in Translational Research to develop novel antibiotics against high-threat drug resistant bacterial infections. This $33 million program has four advanced compounds at the preclinical development stage.

“The work of David Perlin makes the lives of patients better,” said Dr. Ihor Sawczuk, the president of Academics, Research and Innovation at Hackensack Meridian Health, and also the founding chairperson of the Hackensack Meridian Health Research Institute. “His work during COVID-19 in particular shows just how his vision of accelerating science from bench to bedside is critical to 21stcentury success.”

The Dr. Sol J. Barer Award was established by the BioNJ Board of Trustees in March 2008 to recognize outstanding research and business leaders who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the life sciences industry in New Jersey and globally. The nominee is voted on by the BioNJ Board of Trustees based on nominations.

Past recipients have included: Dr. Barer, as well as Dr. Lisa Drakeman, former president and CEO, Genmab; John Johnson, former president and CEO, Dendreon; John Crowley, chairperson and CEO, Amicus Therapeutics; Paul Thomas, founder and former CEO, Roka Bioscience; Dr. Francois Nader, former president and CEO, NPS Pharmaceuticals; Dr. Stuart Peltz, CEO, PTC Therapeutics; Dr. Abe Abuchowski, former CEO and chief scientific officer, Prolong Pharmaceuticals; Dr. Clive Meanwell, former CEO, The Medicines Company; Fred Hassan, managing director, Warburg Pincus; Dr. Andrew Pecora, former chief innovations officer, Hackensack Meridian Health; Dr. Bill Hait, global head, Johnson & Johnson External Innovation; Kenneth Frazier, executive chairman and former CEO, Merck & Co.; and Judith M. Persichilli, commissioner, New Jersey State Department of Health.

Barer presented Perlin with the Dr. Sol J. Barer Award by Barer on Thursday, Feb. 2, during BioNJ’s annual Dinner Meeting and Innovation Celebration at the East Brunswick Hilton.

David Perlin has been honored with BioNJ’s 2023 Dr. Sol J. Barer Award for Vision, Innovation and Leadership.

Nutley Jaycees seek nominations for Distinguished Service Awards Program

The Nutley Jaycees are actively seeking nominations for their 51st annual Distinguished Service Awards Program. Five individuals who live or work in Nutley will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the quality of life in Nutley.

The awards are presented for commitment and excellence in the areas of business, education, civic affairs, public health and safety, and to an outstanding individual between the ages of 21 and 40.

NFSB case management

The Nutley Family Service Bureau’s Case Management Program can help with insurance and benefits. Are you currently having any deductions from your Medicare for insurance premiums? Would you be interested in learning about additional benefits for which you may qualify? Would you like more information on how to get free transportation in Essex County? For answers to these and other questions, please reach out to NFSB’s Case Management Program at 973-6671884, ext. 5.

Take a walk in Yanticaw Park

The Nutley Singles Walking Group

The deadline for nominations is March 1.

The awards will be presented at the Nutley Jaycees Distinguished Service Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 13, at the Valley Regency, 1129 Valley Road in Clifton. Last year’s affair attracted 400 Nutley supporters. Reservations for the dinner can be purchased from Steven Clarke at 973-235-1515. For further information about advertising in the program book, contact Dianne or David Wilson at 973-667-4690.

NEWS CLIPS

hosts a free 4-mile walk for area residents ages 55 to 65 each Thursday at 6 p.m. The group meets at Yanticaw Park in Nutley, by the Centre Street entrance. Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof.

For more information, call 201-2808254.

Community Care Kitchen

The Community Care Kitchen has reopened by serving hot, takeout meals twice per month at Vincent United Methodist Church, 100 Vincent Place in Nutley, on the third and last Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Prepared and shared currently by people from Vincent Church and Grace Episcopal

“The Distinguished Service Awards Program has over the years recognized those individuals who have helped make Nutley one of the most highly regarded and respected communities in our state,” Clarke said. Nomination forms are being sent to charitable organizations in town and are also available at Town Hall and the library. This year’s DSA committee includes Clarke, Walter Smith, David Wilson, Dianne Wilson and Andy Garruto.

Church, the meal might be chicken, beef or pasta with sides and vegetables. Everyone is welcome to come by the Community Care Kitchen and pick up a meal to-go, including families and seniors. In these tough times, there is a growing need and the churches are partnering with others in the community to make a difference. Anyone who would like to make a contribution can visit vincentumc.org/ for more information.

Nutley Rotary runs What’s Up calendar

Nutley Rotary runs a What’s Up Nutley Community Calendar, an online community events calendar, to help Nutley citizens learn about and plan events.

What’s Up Nutley Community Calendar invites all Nutley nonprofit organizations, Nutley schools and the township of Nutley to post events, meetings and fundraisers. The calendar is accessible online to everyone and can easily be accessed on computer, tablet or mobile device at whatsupnutley.org. The calendar also has a Facebook page where events can be posted and shared.

Members of Nutley’s nonprofit organizations may suggest an event through the website; for multiple events, they may contact Nutley Rotary at whatsupnutlely@gmail.com for a priority login. To advertise in the calendar, email whatsupnutley@gmail.com or contact Ben Costa at 973-798-2493.

GIRL SCOUT WEEK GIRL SCOUT WEEK WEEK

March 12-18, 2023 March 2023

Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scout Week, the week of Girl Scouts’ birthday on March 12, is a great time to celebrate with faith communities to share about Girl Scouts and its benefits, thank faith partners for their support and give girls the opportunity to be recognized in their places of worship.

This message is sponsored by these community minded businesses and organizations

LEGEND TITLE AGENCY, LLC

Margaret Santeramo, President

242 Washington Avenue, Suite C

Nutley

201-942-9000

SBARRA CHIROPRACTIC

260 Park Avenue

Nutley

973-662-0006

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

GREGORY PEREZ, D.M.D.

230 Centre Street

Nutley

973-667-1095

S W BROWN & SON FUNERAL HOME

John F. Brown, Mgr

NJ Lic No. 2633

267 Centre Street

Nutley

973-667-0875

www.swbrownandson.com

WALT SMITH

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CONSULTANT

568 Prospect Street

Nutley

973-931-2686

MUGGSY’S

SWEET SHOPPE

Homemade Chocolates

250 Washington Avenue Nutley

973-320-8921

JOMAR LAUNDROMAT INC.

78 Union Avenue Nutley

908-463-4123

GENERATIONS MONUMENTS

299 Bloomfield Avenue Nutley

973-601-2565

generationsmonumentsllc.com

JK’S BOATHOUSE & RESTAURANT

558 Washington Avenue Belleville

973-759-9845

Jksboathouse.godaddysites.com

FARMERS INSURANCE

Nancy DeLima

141 Franklin Avenue, Nutley

973-667-5451

www.farmersagent.com/ndelima ndelima@farmersagent.com

CENTRE

NUTRITION & WELLNESS

379 Centre Street Nutley

973-667-9446

Clara Maass receives $25K donation to support pediatric patients

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation donated $25,000 to the Clara Maass Medical Center Foundation to support pediatric patients in the hospital’s emergency department.

The award will be used to purchase 35 hospital-grade flatscreen televisions and upgrade children’s programming in English and Spanish — initiatives that will create a more joyful environment for pediatric patients and their young sib-

lings, who often accompany them.

The emergency department is the first entry point for many patients. Their wait times can be long due to the additional hours needed for observation and diagnosis before they are discharged home or admitted to the hospital.

This can be particularly challenging for children, who are often anxious and restless during their stay in the emergency department.

PUBLISHED BY: Worrall Media 1291 Stuyvesant Avenue Union NJ 07083 908-686-7700 Editorial@TheLocalSource.com

Publisher: David Worrall

Editor: Yael Katzwer

Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

Photo Courtesy of Clara Maass Medical Center Representatives from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation donate $25,000 to the Clara Maass Medical Center Foundation to support pediatric

in the hospital’s emergency department.

Belleville veterans posts purchase $1,000 worth of Girl Scout cookies

American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 in Belleville made the day a little sweeter by making a combined $1,000 purchase of Girl Scout cookies, which will be sent to servicemen deployed abroad and to veterans at New Jersey’s VA hospitals. The hope is that each bite of a samoa or a trefoil cookie reminds the troops and vets of how much the American Legion 105 Family appreciates and values what they do and have done.

As they do every year, Girl Scouts around the country sell cookies as their biggest annual fundraiser. This is the case for Girl Scout Troops 20122 and 20462, both of Nutley, who have sold cookies for the past few years at Post 105. Troop 20122 makes its home at Post 105, meeting monthly at the Post Hall — something the American Legion family is very proud to support.

Since 2018, the Post 105 family has annually voted on buying and donating cookies to send to those in uniform who can’t be home during “cookie season.” For the 2023 cookie sale, Post and Squadron 105 went big — bigger than they ever have.

“That’s what our money is there for — this is a great project to give to,” said Squadron 105 Commander Steve Sangemino at the meeting where the vote happened. “This (donation) should increase every year — just like everything else we’re doing.”

SAL 105 voted to top last year’s dona-

tion by increasing it to $250 of cookies sent via “Operation Jersey Cares” to troops overseas and $250 to the second annual “Cookies for Vets” program to veterans in VA hospitals. Post 105’s Legionnaires then matched both of those donations.

Through “Operation Jersey Cares,” skids of cookies from around the state are loaded onto planes and sent to troops around the world. In 2021, more than 80,000 boxes were sent to the military.

The “Cookies for Vets” program is in its second year, run by the Children and Youth Commission at the state-level SAL Detachment of NJ. SAL 105 Adjutant Rusty Myers, who is also the state Children and Youth Commission chairperson, manages the donation of cookies in January which are then donated to New Jersey’s two VA campuses at Lyons and East Orange. Last year, Girl Scouts from both Troops, as well as a young SAL from the Belleville squadron, delivered the cookies

to both VA locations in April, which is National Children and Youth Month.

“This program is great — it’s what we should be doing,” said Essex County Adjutant Henry Deltosto at a meeting of the American Legion Essex County Committee, where they voted to donate to “Cookies for Vets” as well. “It hits two of the reasons why the American Legion is here — helping our veterans and supporting our kids.”

Most cookies are $5 a box, making

See VETERANS, Page 11

Above left, Girl Scout Cadette Abigail Myers of Troop 20462 explains to ‘Johnny Cat’ what the flavor is of each cookie. Above center, Girl Scout Junior Grace Myers of Troop 20122 hands the order form to 105 bartender Bruni Acre. Above right, Kelly buys cookies.

Veterans posts purchase cookies for vets both home and abroad

(Continued from Page 10)

105’s donation 100 boxes to the troops and 100 boxes to the vets, who get to enjoy all of these boxes of thin mints, do-si-do’s, tag-alongs and an assortment of all of the other delicious cookies that are looked forward to each year.

Girl Scout Junior Grace Myers of Troop 20122 and Cadette Abigail Myers of Troop 20462 accepted the donation on Wednesday, Jan. 25, while also making the rounds, selling their last-minute cookies to everyone else at the post. There is no shortage of people who look forward to getting their cookies each year, as well as no shortage of people at the 105 who are generous enough to donate cookies to the servicemen on their own.

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America states: “When you buy delicious Girl Scout Cookies, you’re helping girls fund life-changing programs, experiences and learning for themselves and their troops all year long. These experiences broaden their worlds, teach them essential skills, and launch them into a lifetime of success.”

The girls not only win badges, awards and incentives based on how many cook-

they sell, the process from selling to delivering the cookies imparts on the Scouts a sense of responsibility and people skills, as well as the value of goal setting and entrepreneurship.

Submitted

ies

by Rusty Myers, adjutant, SAL Squadron 105.

Above left, from left are Girl Scouts Abigail and Grace Myers of Nutley. Above center, Legionnaire and Vietnam veteran Nick poses with his cookies. Above right, Legionnaire John Catanzaro buys his peanut butter cookies. Below left, SAL Squadron 105 1st Vice Commander James Elsemore gets his cookies from Girl Scout Cadette Abigail Myers. Below center, SAL Squadron 105 Commander Steve Sangemino puts in his order for his favorite cookies. Below right, SAL Squadron 105 Vice Commander Tim Byrne is excited to get his thin mints from Girl Scout Junior Grace Myers.

Excellence at Scranton

The following Nutley students were named to the dean’s list at the University of Scranton, located in Scranton, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester: Justin M. Bruggemann, a freshman biochemistry major; Joseph T. Vazquez, a freshman psychology major; Ethan Connors, a junior social media strategies major; Nicholas X. Bruggemann, a senior biology major; Athina Pramagioulis, a senior forensic chemistry major; and Cristina M. Rodier, a senior occupational therapy major.

A student must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the dean’s list.

Honor roll plaudits

Nutley’s Helen N. Salinas Zurita has been named to the honor roll at Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, Ore., for the fall 2022 semester.

She is a junior majoring in environmental sciences.

To earn this honor, a student must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or better.

Bucknell brilliance

Shannon Granelli, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University, located in Lewisburg, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester. Granelli, a member of the Class of 2024, is majoring in English–literary studies.

A student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition.

Zazzali takes honors

Edward Zazzali, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, located in Worcester, Mass., for the fall 2022 semester. Wecler, a member of the Class of 2023, is majoring in computer science.

The criteria for the WPI dean’s list differs from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade-point average. Instead, WPI defines the dean’s list by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

Williams takes honors

Mehki Williams, of Nutley, is one of 1,257 students named to the dean’s list at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania for the fall 2022 semester.

Students eligible for the dean’s list are those who have attained a qualitypoint average of 3.5 or better and are enrolled full-time.

Quinnipiac acclaim

Nutley residents Adriana Hotsko and Malena Ugliarolo were named to the dean’s list at Quinnipiac University, located in Hamden, Conn., for the fall 2022 semester.

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.

URI announces honors

The following Nutley residents were named to the dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island, located in Kingston, R.I., for the fall 2022 semester: Samantha Abernovich, Ava Harabedian, Jacqueline Rubino, Danielle Swan and Jordan Willis. To be included on the dean’s list, fulltime students must have completed 12 or more credits and achieved a quality-point average of 3.3 or better.

TCNJ top grades

The following area students, listed with their majors, have been placed on the dean’s list at The College of New Jersey, located in Ewing, for the fall 2022 semester.

• From Belleville, Jorge Cuevas, kinesiology and health sciences; Jazailis Gual, communication studies; Sebastian Hernandez, finance; and Lilyanne Weinberger, English secondary education.

• From Nutley, Rachel Echevarria, kinesiology and health sciences; Rebecca Echevarria, undeclared; Skylar Hutchison, communication studies; Zachary Mackiewicz, music education; Zachary Marshall, computer science; EthanMichael Ramos, music education; Mia Scutti, psychology; Abigail Thurston, special education; Sophy Vuong, biology;

Rebecca Wechter, journalism and professional writing; and Aleksandar Zonic, undeclared.

To achieve this honor, a student must carry 12 or more credits that semester and earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better.

Praise at Muhlenberg

Nutley residents Emily De Angelo and Abigail Scheidel were named to the dean’s list at Muhlenberg College, located in Allentown, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester.

Students with a term grade-point average of 3.5 or better are named to the dean’s list.

Belleville celebrates the Year of the Rabbit

In step with the town’s history, the Belleville Historical Society held a Lunar New Year celebration to welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the Belleville Public Library.

The first Chinese community in this part of the United States was not in New York City, but in Belleville. Before there was a Chinatown in New York, following the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, 68 Chinese men and boys, former railroad workers, arrived in Belleville in 1870. The first Lunar New Year was celebrated in Belleville in January of 1871 and the first school for Chinese immigrants, the Belleville Chinese Sabbath School, was opened later that same year.

During the 1870s and 1880s, Chinese immigrants from throughout the region would travel to Belleville to celebrate the Lunar New Year — the only such celebration in this part of the country. During a period of intense discrimination elsewhere, Chinese immigrants found a welcoming home in Belleville.

Photos Courtesy of Michael Perrone

Above, Belleville celebrates the Lunar New Year in 1876. Below, Belleville celebrates the Year of the Rabbit.

County distributes $5.8M in CDBG funding to towns, organizations

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced Jan. 19 that $5.88 million will be distributed to 10 Essex County municipalities and 28 community organizations through the Community Development Block Grant and the Emergency Solutions Grant programs. The CDBG and ESG programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development.

“Programs supported through the CDBG and ESG programs are direct investments to provide services that enhance our quality of life and help stabilize our neighborhoods by modernizing our infrastructure and supporting programs that assist vulnerable populations,” DiVincenzo said. “These federal grants enable us to upgrade our sidewalks and roads, enhance handicap access, address mental health needs, support food pantries, and stimulate the overall development in our communities.”

A total of $4,550,238 in CDBG funding was awarded to 10 municipalities and county programs in the Essex County consortium. Belleville received $280,000 for water main relining and valve replacements along Newark, Watsessing and Forest avenues, and Kimball Street; Fairfield received $47,000 for ADA sidewalk improvements along Beverly Road; Glen Ridge received $35,000 for ADA sidewalk

Photo Courtesy of Glen Frieson

Belleville Township engineer Tom Herits, center, receives a grant from Essex County Department of Economic Development, Training and Employment Director Anibal Ramos, left, and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., right.

See BELLEVILLE, Page 15

Belleville and Nutley both get CDBG funding from county

improvements along Spencer Road; Maplewood received $205,000 for ADA improvements at Memorial Park and the public works building; Montclair received $149,100 for ADA-compliant public restrooms at the library, its Brother to Brother and Family Promise programs, Montclair Neighborhood Development Corp., Oaks Integrated Care, SOFIA, and Succeed2gether; Nutley received $180,825 to rehabilitate Ravine Avenue; Orange received $218,700 to rehabilitate Laurel Street; Roseland received $30,000 for ADA improvements at Tedesco Park; South Orange received $100,000 for ADA improvements at Minelli Center; West Orange received $355,300 to rehabilitate Ashwood Terrace, William Street and Valley Road, for Bethany Center for Champions, for Main Street Counseling Center, and for Jesus, Others, Yourself Church of God; Essex County Public Works Department received $1,856,090 to reconstruct Sanford Avenue in Newark and Irvington; and Essex County received $1,048,223 for program administration, monitoring and oversight. Bloomfield, East Orange, Irvington and Newark apply for CDBG funding independently and do not participate in the Essex County consortium; Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Livingston, Millburn, North Caldwell, Verona and West Caldwell did not submit applications.

A total of $690,800 of CDBG funding was awarded directly to nonprofit com-

munity organizations. ARC of Essex County, headquartered in Livingston, received $35,000 to purchase an ADAaccessible vehicle for clients; Essex County Tenant Resource Center, East Orange, received $100,000 for support services for area residents; Family Connections, Orange, received $29,000 to deliver mental health counseling services; Family Service League, Montclair, received $48,000 to deliver services for victims of domestic violence; Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey, West Orange, received $10,000 to delivery services for adults with disabilities; Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest, East Orange, received $35,000 for vocational rehabilitation services; Mental Health Association, Montclair, received $29,000 to purchase a vehicle to transport clients; National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County chapter, Livingston, received $10,000 for a job readiness program; New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund, Newark, received $40,000 to

provide counseling services to homeowners and buyers; Northwest Essex Community Healthcare Network, Belleville, received $31,000 to upgrade facility fixtures; Opportunity Project, Millburn, received $14,000 for a vocational program for people with brain injuries; Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey, Newark, received $9,800 to deliver HIV prevention, testing and counseling services; Home Improvement Program received $150,000 for general operations; and Home Improvement Revolving Loan Program received $150,000 for delivery costs.

A total of $469,298 was awarded to seven local social service agencies through the Emergency Solutions Grant program. Covenant House in Newark received $20,000 for emergency shelter operations; Family Promise of Essex County in Montclair received $32,000 for emergency shelter operations, $51,501 for rapid rehousing activities and $20,000 for homelessness prevention activities; St.

James Social Service Corp. in Newark received $17,600 for homelessness prevention activities; Salvation Army in Montclair received $30,000 for emergency shelter operations, $30,000 for rapid rehousing activities and $20,000 for street outreach; Turning Point Community Services in Irvington received 20,000 for emergency shelter operations; United Community Corp. in Newark received $10,000 for emergency shelter operations and $15,000 for rapid rehousing activities; YMCA of Newark and Vicinity received $138,000 for emergency shelter operations and $30,000 for homelessness prevention activities; and Essex County received $35,197 for planning and administration.

“The beauty of the CDBG and ESG programs is their ability to fund a broad array of projects without affecting the budgets of the county, municipalities or organizations receiving the grants. This is a great example of a tax relief program that benefits all county citizens,” Essex County Department of Economic Development, Training and Employment Director Anibal Ramos said.

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations must meet specific criteria established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be eligible for grant funding. These funds have no impact on the county budget and cannot be used as revenue in the county’s operating budget.

(Continued from Page 14)

‘The beauty of the CDBG and ESG programs is their ability to fund a broad array of projects without affecting the budgets of the county, municipalities or organizations receiving the grants.’

— Director Anibal Ramos

WORSHIP CALENDAR

BAPTIST

Suburban Essex Chamber offers scholarship awards

The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Foundation plans to award three 2023 scholarship awards.

B

C H R I S T I A N C H U R C H , 1350 Broad Street, Bloomfield, 973-338-8536

We are a church that preaches and teaches the Bible. We invite you to join us in worship on Sundays at 10:30 am. Children’s Bible activities for ages 4 through 5th grade (called BCC Kids Church) are provided. Worship services can also be seen live online on YouTube and Facebook and via our website at www.brookdalechristian.com.

In addition, we offer Bible Studies on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and on Thursday evenings at 7:00 You can participate in either one of these classes -or both- through Zoom by calling the church to get placed on the Zoom call list. There are several other opportunities throughout the week involving prayer, study, and community for all age levels. Brookdale is a loving and caring congregation under the leadership of Pastor Love Saquing and Pastor Jim Treffinger. Our mission is to be a Family Growing Together in God.

Recipients must be graduating seniors and reside in one of the towns supported by the SECC: Bloomfield, Belleville and Glen Ridge.

Danielle Santangelo

The criteria for the scholarships are: financial need; fall attendance at a college, university or vocational school; intention to pursue a career that is business oriented; and extracurricular/community activities.

The scholarship committee will select

one recipient from each town.

Applications are available at each high school’s guidance counselor office; online at suburbanessexchamber.com; or by contacting Cecelia Polizzi or Donna Pietroiacovo at 973-748-2000. Applications must be received by April 28.

IN MEMORIAM

• FERSCH – Florence, of Nutley, formerly of Belleville; Jan. 19. Retired crystal specialist for Western Electric, Clifton. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 100.

• GUTCHES – Lila, of Clifton, formerly of North Fort Myers, Fla., and Belleville; Jan. 18. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, 93.

• LISTER – Joan Anne, of Spring Lake, formerly of Belleville; Jan. 21. School crossing guard. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 90.

• MASTROLIA – Vito, of Lebanon, formerly of Belleville; Jan. 23. Butcher. Widower, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, 88.

ocalsource com or call 908-686-7700 x146

April 27, 1973 - March 1, 2022

Danielle, Mom, It’s been a year since we saw your beautiful eyes, your radiant smile or heard your contagious laugh. A minute does not go by that we don’t think about you or miss you. Our lives will never be the same without you, but knowing you are no longer suffering and are watching over us helps us get by. Our hearts are broken and will never be healed.

Dan, Mom we love you and you will always be a part of us and in our hearts.

With Love and Sorrow, Chuck ( Andrew), Gianna, Andrew and Gerald

• PALERMO – Theresa, of Belleville; Jan. 18. Retired teacher’s aide, St. Patrick’s School. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 90.

• ROSSI – Marie, of Belleville, formerly of Nutley; Jan. 19. Psychologist, artist. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, 91.

• SANTANGELO – Danielle, of Nutley; March 1, 2022. Loan processor, Millennium Home Mortgage, for 20 years. Wife, mother, sister, aunt, 48.

• YANUZZI – Mary, of Caldwell, formerly of Belleville; Jan. 22. Mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, 96.

In Memoriam is a weekly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.

Toranzo powers Nutley HS wrestling at county tourney

Junior wins heavyweight title, other Raiders excel

Brandon Toranzo, a junior, took first place in the 285-pound heavyweight class to lead the Nutley High School wrestling team at the Essex County Tournament on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 25-26, at Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange.

Toranzo won three matches before pinnning John Stockelberg of Verona High School in 1 minute, 42 seconds, in the championship bout.

The NHS Raiders took seventh place overall out of 22 high schools.

The Raiders had other top performances.

Franco Graffeo, a senior, took second place in the 126-pound weight class. In the final, Graffeo lost to Carlo VanVolkenburgh of Seton Hall Prep by a 14-3 major decision.

Ammar Mahmoud, a senior, reached the fifth place–sixth place consolation in the 190-pound weight class. The result was unknown.

Freshman Christopher Cifelli (106-pound weight class) and senior Clayden Leybovich (138-pound weight class) each took seventh place in their weight classes.

Freshman Patrick Chell (113), freshman Sean Vilchez (165) and senior William Jennings (175) each took eighth place in their weight classes.

The Raiders were scheduled to host the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s District 9 state tournament on Saturday, Feb. 18, after press time. The top-three finishers in each weight class advanced to the Region 3 state tournament at West Orange High School on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25. The top-four finishers in each weight class in the region tournaments qualified for the state individual finals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Thursday through Saturday, March 2-4.

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO THE SUBURBAN ESSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!

• Fringe Artistic Salon & Spa & Boutique, Jacquelene Cutro, Owner, 217 Darling Avenue, Nutley

• Klever BPO, (Digital Development/Advertising) Serving NJ, NY, PA, CT, Kliment Pavlovski, Business Development

• Tek Guards, (IT Consulting/Services) Serving NJ, NY, PA, CT, Mayank Rana, Infrastructure Consultant

• Skyline Theatre Company, Sam Scalamoni, Artistic Director, Bloomfield (Playing at the Oakeside Mansion)

You can become a member too by calling 973-748-2000 for details! Please show the value of chamber membership, patronize your fellow members, because it is this that will keep us moving towards our 200th year!

Photo Courtesy of Bloomfield High School wrestling Nutley junior Brandon Toranzo, middle, stands on the podium after winning the 285-pound heavyweight title at the Essex County Tournament at Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The Belleville boys and girls bowling teams pose together at the Essex County Tournament at Hanover Lanes on Monday, Feb. 13. At left is the boys team, which took second place overall. From left are head coach Ryan Sheridan and bowlers Josh Abramson, Joseph Guancione, Logan

Kutlu, Ayden Carrero and Dominick Cappelletti. At right is the girls team, which took third place overall. From left are Sheridan and bowlers Rosalynn Almodovar, Julia Rasczyk, Jayla Nguyen, Daisy Rodas and Rykel McFarlane.

BHS bowling teams roll to county tourney success

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

The Belleville High School boys and girls bowling teams saved their best for last. The Buccaneers put together their best performances of the season at the Essex County Tournament on Monday, Feb. 13, at Hanover Lanes in East Hanover.

The Belleville boys team had a pin total of 2,864 and finished in second place overall behind Seton Hall Prep of West Orange. The Belleville girls team took third place overall. Nutley High School finished in first place and Montclair High School took second place.

For the boys, junior Josh Abramson had games of 204, 196 and 200 for a 600 series; sophomore Ayden Carrero had games of 171, 170 and 245 for a 586 series; sophomore Dominick Cappelletti had games of 174, 202 and 203 for a 579 series; senior Joseph Guancione had games of 200, 217 and 145 for a 562 series; and senior Logan Kutlu had games of 171, 207 and 159 for a 537 series for Belleville.

Individually, Abramson finished ninth overall.

On the girls side for Belleville, sophomore Jayla Nguyen had games of 128, 134 and 148 for a 410 series; freshman Ros-

alynn Almodovar had games of 128, 113 and 139 for a 380 series; junior Julia Rasczyk had games of 114, 130 and 123 for a 367 series; freshman Daisy Rodas had games of 100, 110 and 138 for a 348 series; and freshman Rykel McFarlane had games of 114, 107 and 103 for a 324 series. Abramson and Nguyen also qualified for the Essex County individual finals, which was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Hanover Lanes to officially conclude the season for the Bucs.

During the season for the boys team, Kutlu had a 265 high game and Carrero had a 703 series, which were both the best

in the Super Essex Conference-American Division.

In a phone interview with the Belleville Post on Tuesday, Feb. 14, Belleville head coach Ryan Sheridan was ecstatic for his teams.

“Yesterday’s performance was probably overall the best as a team that we’ve had all season,” Sheridan said. “Josh Abramson was out half the season because of injury; he got hurt playing baseball, so he came back halfway through the year. They put together the best series for all of them as a team. Even the girls too. The whole girls team will be back next year.”

Belleville HS girls hoops team enjoys strong season

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

The Belleville High School girls basketball team has enjoyed a successful season this winter.

The Buccaneers, under head coach Chris Cantarella, sported a 14-7 overall record through Wednesday, Feb. 15, including 11-2 in the Super Essex Conference–Freedom Division.

In the Essex County Tournament, the Buccaneers, seeded 23rd, defeated No. 26 seed Orange High School 39-21 in the preliminary second round on Jan. 24 at home, before losing at 10thseeded Mount St. Dominic Academy 51-9 on Jan. 26 in the preliminary third round in Caldwell. Belleville lost the next two games to North Arlington 38-21 and Passaic Charter 40-24, both at home, before winning two of the next three games, beating West Caldwell Tech 41-14 on Jan. 31 at home, losing at Newark Lab 51-27 on Feb. 2 and beating Weequahic High School 51-11 on Feb. 7 at home on senior night.

Katherinne Avecillas-MacGregor, a junior, and senior Amadi McIver have led the way offensively, averaging a little over 10 points a game in the three-game stretch up to Feb. 7, Cantarella said.

Seniors Ashley Cely and Gianna DaSilva have been key on the defensive end guarding the top guard and post player, respectively, while senior Amelia Fabara and junior Sheyla Amparo have been providing solid all-around games, said Cantarella.

Camila Cortes Alonso is a starter who has been adding to the offense, while fellow sophomore Mckayla Reed comes off the bench as another solid defender.

Belleville, seeded 14th, was scheduled to visit No. 3 seed Millburn High School in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 state tournament on Monday, Feb. 20, after press time.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

Pictured, from left, are Belleville seniors Mikaela Andrade, Amelia Fabara, Ashley Cely, Amadi McIver and Gianna DaSilva,

Photos Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

Negron wins county title, leads BHS wrestling team

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

The Belleville High School wrestling team, under head coach Joseph Pizzi, enjoyed a stellar outing at the Essex County Tournament on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 25-26, at Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange.

The Buccaneers took ninth place overall out of 22 high schools.

Here are the top BHS results:

Rocco Negron, a junior, took first place in the 132-pound weight class. He won three matches before defeating Matthew Farley Jr. of Seton Hall Prep by a 5-2 decision in the final. SHP is located in West Orange.

Leo Tiankee, a junior, took third place in the 120-pound weight class, defeating Jesse Wagner of Verona High School in the third place–fourth place consolation bout by pin in 5 minutes, 45 seconds.

Fernando Collado, a senior, took third place in the 165-pound weight class, defeating Damian Torres of Bloomfield High School by a 6-3 decision in the third place–fourth place consolation.

Sterling Fernandez, a senior, took fourth place in the 215-pound weight class, losing to Kenneth Yu of Caldwell High School by a 4-3 decision in the third place–fourth place consolation.

Belleville, which finished 12-11 in the regular season, was scheduled to compete in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s District 9 state tournament at Nutley High School on Saturday, Feb. 18, after press time. The top-three finishers in each weight class advanced to the Region 3

state tournament at West Orange High School on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25.

The top-four finishers in each weight class in the region tournaments qualified for the state individual finals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Thursday through Saturday, March 2-4.

Photo Courtesy of Bloomfield HS Wrestling Belleville’s Rocco Negron stands on the podium after winning the Essex County Touranment title in the 132-pound weight class.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics The Belleville wrestling team honors its seniors during a Friday, Feb. 3, home match against Newark East Side. Belleville won 46-27.