Belleville Post - June 2023

BELLEVILLE POST

Bike rodeo in Belleville

Police seek to partner with community

Joe Ungaro Editor

The third annual Belleville Community Bike Ride is an opportunity to get some exercise, reconnect or meet neighbors and talk with police officers in a casual, nonstressful situation.

It is also part of a larger plan.

— See Page 2 Little artist commended

— See Page 4 Bucs have a banner year

“The bike ride is another opportunity in which to meet our police officers and get to know them better,” Police Chief Mark Minichini said. “Members of our department will be serving as escorts throughout the event. It’s a perfect time to say `hi’ to some of the officers who work hard every day to keep our community safe and secure.”

The ride is one of several outreach programs the department participates in, including Pizza With A Cop, Story With A Cop, Coffee with a Cop, Operation Chill and Operation Recess.

“We are very community oriented here,” Minichini said. “How could you not want a partnership with the community you are serving. It helps keep crime down. People feel comfortable talking to their beat cop. It’s like a family, it works better when everyone gets along.”

For the bike ride, members of the Belleville Police Department will play host to the free 3.6-mile community bike ride on June 3, starting at 10:30 a.m..

Same-day registration for the Community Bike Ride will begin at 9 a.m. Participants are urged to preregister by logging onto BellevilleNJ.org or by using a QR code that can be found on the town’s social media, dated April 26, at facebook.com/OfficialBellevilleNJ

The ride will start and end at the Belleville School No. 7 parking lot at 20 Passaic Ave.

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There will be a small obstacle course for young and new riders. Free giveaways and helmets will be provided for those who need them, while limited supplies last. Snacks and refreshments will also be available.

Another outreach program is Operation Recess, which sends BPD officers into the community’s elementary schools during recess hours with the purpose of playing games and participating in activities with students on the playground. Officers are not there as rule enforcers, but as partners and supporters of the students, Minichini said.

“We encourage our officers to stop by, shoot some hoops, talk to kids,” said Sgt. Anthony Abate, who helps run the department's active social media presence.

“We’re very active on Instagram and Facebook,” Abate said. “We’re about to post a video of one of the officers who stopped by a school and raced the kids on a scooter.”

On the most recent Walk to School with a Cop Day, officers and detectives went to a dozen locations around town where they met students and walked to school with them while interacting and engaging in conversation. Over a two day period towards the end of May, the offi-

cers walked with students to every public school in the township.

Belleville, which has a population of about 38,000, is a diverse community with 48 % of the population identifying as Hispanic, 30 % as white, 10 % as Asian and 9 % as black, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. The median household income is $75,808, 35 percent of its residents are foreign born and 55 % speak a language other than English at home.

“Belleville is a diverse place but we stand up to the challenge,” Minichini said. “We encourage people to respect diversity and get along. We are a diverse department and the community sees that.”

The department has 99 officers, down from the usual 110 because of retirements, but 10 more are entering the police academy in June. The budget is $14 million.

“We are very accessible,” said Sgt. Juan Lisojo. “The community has a line of communication with the chief.”

Photo by Joe Ungaro

From left, Police Chief Mark Minichini, Sgt. Juan Lisojo and Sgt. Anthony Abate outside of Belleville Police Headquarters.

The Belleville Police Department Community Relations Unit teamed up with EZ-Ride and hosted a free Bike Rodeo at School No. 7 for children. The day featured a class on Safe Bike Skills and Learn to Ride lessons. Police also gave away water bottles, bike lights and helmets. Bill Quick from Borderline Bikes helped out and was on the scene to do minor bike adjustments and repairs.

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department

Police chief always looking for ways to interact with community

(Continued from Page 1)

Minichini was born and raised in Belleville and still lives in the township. He will be 59 this month. He started with the department in 1986, rose through the ranks; patrolman, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and then chief in 2016. Currently, he is also the assistant township manager.

He’s a movie buff, particularly film noir and gangster movies, is married to Tabitha and they have children in what he described as a Brady Bunch family. His office is decorated with pictures of Abraham Lincoln, Humphrey Bogart and Gen. George Patton.

Among the department initiatives designed to increase interaction with residents is Park, Walk and Talk. Officers are required to spend at least 10% of their shift outside of their patrol car, interacting with people.

“Ten, 15 years ago, you would get in trouble for getting out of your car and going into a deli to talk and grab a cup of coffee,” Minichini said. “We changed that. That’s how we get to know our business owners. You used to react to crimes but we try to be proactive, to keep things from happening.”

Above Photo Courtesy Belleville Police. Right, Photo by Joe Ungaro Above left, police help out at a bike rodeo at Belleville School No. 7. Right, Mark Minichini is a Belleville native who rose through the ranks to become chief.

Belleville girl wins ‘gARTbage’ contest

More improvements coming to Belleville athletic facilities

A grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will help the Belleville School District expand and enhance the athletic and recreational experiences for students.

The district has been awarded $86,000 in local recreation improvement grants from the department’s Division of Local Government Services.

The local amount represents Belleville’s share of $25 million in grants that are being handed out to 352 local governments after a competitive application process.

Although the district hasn’t finalized its plans for the grant, Belleville Schools Superintendent Richard Tomko said it will be put toward purchasing sports equipment and expanding athletic facilities.

“We are committed to providing a rich array of athletic and recreational opportunities,” Tomko said. “As educators, it’s important to realize that not all lessons are learned in a classroom or a lab. Noble traits like teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance are often learned on courts, diamonds, gridirons and fields.”

Tomko has made creating better athletic and recreational facilities an ongoing focus.

Perhaps the crowning jewel of those efforts is the Belleville Indoor Training Facility on Cortlandt Street. The 25,000-

square-foot space in a converted auto body shop is designed for high school athletes, as well as weekend warriors throughout the community.

The facility, which opened to great fanfare in October, includes a workout room with equipment ranging from a golf driving simulator to chest presses to rowing machines. There are also two wrestling rooms with new mats and an all-purpose room with hardwood floors.

The centerpiece of the Belleville Indoor Training Facility is a cavernous, carpeted space that can be set up for soccer training, batting cage sessions, track and field drills, lacrosse practice and more.

In April, the ribbon was cut on the new track at the Municipal Stadium Complex behind Belleville High School.

The new eight-lane competitive track has been in the works for decades and is part of a $5.5 million project to enhance and expand the athletic facilities in the township.

The blue track with its distinctive gold lane stripping will allow the Buccaneers track team to host meets after having to compete on the road for several years.

Photo courtesy of Essex County Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., second from right, congratulates

Sabrina

Palmer from Belleville for winning first

place in the pre-kindergarten to second grade category in the Essex County gARTbage Contest at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland on May 22. Participants were asked to create artwork using household items that could not be recycled. With them are, from left, Parks Director Dan Salvante, Staff Naturalist David Alexander and Environmental Center Director Tara Casella.

administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nutley resident Edward Zazzali has been named to Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Spring 2023 Dean's List.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that Steven Oliner, a member of the class of 2025 majoring in Computer Science, was named to the uni-

versity's Dean's List for academic excellence for the spring 2023 semester.

Alvernia University Occupational Therapy student Meghan Mackle of Belleville helped raised nearly $1,200 for the West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund, which was created following the explosion of the R.M. Palmer factory in West Reading, Pa. earlier this year.

www.TrioJewelers.com

Belleville resident is class valedictorian at Bloomfield College

Bloomfield College held its 150th commencement ceremony on the College Quadrangle, marking a landmark moment in the history of the college.

Just over 280 students, with family and friends in attendance, listened to inspiring remarks, including from three honorary degree recipients, as they received their new college degrees.

The Class of 2023 represented students who originated from or held citizenship in more than 12 countries. Close to half became first-generation college graduates. As the bachelor’s and master’s degrees were conferred — and tassels were moved from the right to the left — distinguished guests, families, friends and graduates cheered exuberantly in celebration of this milestone event.

The commencement ceremony included remarks from Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vernon M. Endo; College President, Marcheta P. Evans, Ph.D.; Montclair State University President Jonathan GS Koppell, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Michael A. Palladino,; Alumni Association President, Maurice A. Lyle; and the Class of 2023 valedictorian, Aliyah L. Rivera from Belleville, who graduated with a 3.967 GPA.

The invocation and benediction were delivered by The Rev. Anita R. Wright, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montclair.

A commemorative video entitled “Celebrating the 150th Commencement” was also shown. “Think about it,” Evans said. “The privilege we all have of being a part of this rich history dating back to 1868 in an academic community that since its founding has always respected and joyfully celebrated its cultural diversity. As

LEGEND T

to those in their lives who contributed to making their higher education dreams come true.

CBS News Chief Investigative and Senior National Correspondent James D. Axelrod, who also served as a past member of the Bloomfield College Board of Trustees, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and presented the graduates with an unusual recommendation. He said, “I want you to all go out there – and fail. Because it means you are trying. Because it means you are stepping outside your comfort zone which is where so much of the good stuff happens. Because it means you are challenging yourself which is a necessary ingredient for growth, for the development of new skills.”

Montclair State University President Jonathan GS Koppell, whose institution is working toward a planned merger with Bloomfield College, observed that the College has changed

Bloomfield marks its 150th commencement, we are inspired to look toward the next 150.”

Honorary degree recipients shared motivational remarks applauding the graduates for persevering through the changes brought on by the pandemic, and encouraging them to express appreciation

“When the German Theological Seminary no longer had relevance, it evolved into something better, something more powerful, something more inspirational, something great. I’m confident that [the planned] Bloomfield College of Montclair State University is going to build up on the past and do something even better than what has been done before … the most powerful force in the universe is optimism … don’t ever lose that and you will do great things.”

Photo Courtesy of Bloomfield College

The Bloomfield College valedictorian of the Class of 2023, Aliyah L. Rivera from Belleville, graduated with a 3.967 GPA and is flanked by, from left, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Michael A. Palladino and 17th President of Bloomfield College Marcheta P. Evans.

Belleville residents win in county fishing tourney

Sofia Guevara, left, from Belleville caught the most fish in the girls’ ages 6-10 category at the Essex County Fishing Derby in Monte Irvin Orange Park on Tuesday, May 16. She caught five fish. Presenting her with the award is Deputy Parks Director Kate Hartwyk.

Photos Courtesy of Essex County Zander Ruglio from Belleville caught the first fish in the boys’ category at the Essex County Fishing Derby in Grover Cleveland Park. Pictured here, from left, are Essex County Deputy Parks Director Kate Hartwyk, Roseland Mayor James Spango, Zander and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. There is another fishing derby in Branch Brook Park on June 3.

Belleville gets grant

for

rain garden, plaza on Washington Ave.

The township has received a $167,400 grant to construct a rain garden with a planned pedestrian plaza at 128 Washington Ave.

Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette announced the grant as part of the Murphy Administration’s Infrastructure Investment Tour that included the awarding of more than $1 million in grants to local government agencies in the Hudson-Raritan watershed for neighborhood green infrastructure projects that will reduce stormwater flooding and enhance water quality.

“New Jersey’s overall drinking-water and clean-water infrastructure needs are great, an estimated $30 billion,” LaTourette said. “The Murphy Administration is committed to partnering with our communities to invest in infrastructure projects that will create jobs, protect public health, and enhance the health of the state’s waterways. We have much work to do, but it is critical to ensuring the health and vitality of the Garden State.”

The Urban Rain Garden grants will fund the design and construction of urban rain gardens and similar small-scale bioretention projects that utilize vegetation and soil to absorb and filter stormwater, thereby mitigating flooding and reducing pollution.

Belleville requested funding to construct a 10-foot by 100-foot rain garden within a planned pedestrian plaza at 128 Washington Ave. The proposed rain garden would incorporate plants native to the region to beautify this communal space and assist with stormwater drainage, according to a press release from the state.

“We are grateful for this generous grant and eager to put it to good use to build a rain garden in the heart of our downtown shopping area,” said Belleville Mayor Michael Melham. “We are committed to creating a cleaner and greener Belleville, while continuing to develop beautification projects that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

The grants are funded through NJDEP’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration, which works to restore natural resources injured by oil spills and other discharges of hazardous substances. Natural Resource Damage settlements obtained by NJDEP are used to enhance natural resources including wetlands, waterways, groundwater, and wildlife habitats for the benefit of the public. Preference was given to projects located in communities with Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) systems or in Overburdened Communities as defined by the DEP.

“Congratulations to the green infrastructure grant recipients in the Hudson-Raritan watershed,” said Andrew Kricun, Co-chair for Jersey Water Works.

Chamber of Commerce hands out awards

The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce held an Awards Banquet at Nanina’s in The Park on May 10. Among the awards handed out were:

• Business of the Year awards to Rami Korio, owner, Town Pub of Bloomfield and Sal Siconolfi, owner, Bella Napoli Ristorante;

• The Business Achievement Award went to Keith McKeon, owner, The Whiskey Priest;

• Above and Beyond Awards went to Catherine Loreto, president, Bloomfield Lions Club and Joyce Donnelly, president, Woman’s Club of Belleville.

Sponsoring this evening event were: ShopRite of Brookdale; Provident Bank of Bloomfield and Belleville; Nanina’s in The Park; Generazio Associates; Mario Drozdz; Zippo’s Car Stereo; and Woman’s Club of Belleville.

AM - 10:00 PM Last Wash - 8:00 PM

Photo courtesy of Anthony DiMatteo

Pictured at the awards banquet, bottom row, from left: Mario Drozdz, president; Janet McCarthy, Reineen Dohman, Cecelia Polizzi, vice president, Cathy Loreto, Dee Frias and Wanda Ince; Middle row: Nelson Barrera, Gerry Generazio, Melanie Bitecola, Susanne Kaltsas and Raymond McCarthy; Top row: Michael Bush, Joseph Berardinelli, treasurer; Michael Zippo and Donna Pietroiacovo, executive administrator.

The Job Haines Difference

SENIOR LIVING

Our residents enjoy the support of our friendly staff and around-the-clock services and amenities.

• Assisted Living: A vibrant lifestyle with a helping hand.

• Long-Term Care: Highly skilled nursing care with an excellent ratio of staff to residents.

• Sub-Acute Rehab: State-of-the-art rehabilitation center on campus and open to the community.

• Respite Care: A great way for caregivers to take a break and try out our award-winning services for up to 30 days.

Belleville man believes it’s not right

for

soldier’s headstone to be in disrepair

(Continued from Page 8)

from those two towns, killed in action, from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War.

Perrone said he is sure he will be cleaning headstones and monuments for another 20 years and he is glad he’s gotten some help..

“A lot of young people have gotten involved,” he said, mentioning students from Nutley High School, but they are permitted only to do some cleaning because some of the markers are easily damaged.

“These stones are very old,” he said. “Cleaning them requires experience. You can’t put pressure on some of these stones. The natural tendency is to brush hard.”

He demonstrated how to lightly clean a headstone.

“You’re barely touching some of these stones when you brush,” he said. “The

students help us with the granite. It’s the rock of ages. You can shoot a bullet at granite and nothing will happen.”

Perrone said it is sometimes necessary for him to repair damaged statuary. This is accomplished by creating molds into which white concrete is poured to recreate the missing part that will be cemented into place.

At the Bloomfield Cemetery, he was cleaning the headstones of two Civil war officers, a New Jersey governor and 10 Revolutionary War soldiers. At the Glendale Cemetery, he had finished cleaning 261 markers of service men killed in the Vietnam and Korean wars and was working on the markers of World War II casualties. At Mount Olivet Cemetery, another five WWII casualties, from Belleville, had their markers cleaned.

“What we find has been pretty amazing and humbling,” he said of his work.

Paper shredding day for Essex residents

A paper shredding day for Essex County residents is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Essex County Public Works Department, 99 West Bradford Ave. in Cedar Grove.

Paper shredded at the event will be recycled. There is no limit on how much paper residents may bring to the paper shredding day. However, plastic sheets and covers, and metal binders must be removed from paper to be shredded. Paper clips and staples do not have to be removed. Photo negatives and film are not accepted.

The Essex County Paper Shredding Day is for Essex County residents only.

Nutley comes together to support good health and wellness

Nutley residents came together for the township’s second Wellness Day on May 15 to promote the importance of good health and wellness to high school students.

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness month, the event was coordinated by Nutley High School in partnership with the Nutley Municipal Alliance and the Nutley Family Service Bureau along with participation from the Township’s Department of Public Affairs and Health and the Nutley Cultural Inclusion and Diversity Council.

Together they organized a day of activities for students on the Nutley High School Park Oval.

Clad in their Wellness Day T-shirts which displayed the “Raiders never walk alone” message on the back in bright yellow lettering, students took part in a yoga demonstration, enjoyed a dance party hosted by a DJ, and had the opportunity to win gift cards to local businesses by playing “Wheel of Health” – an educational game hosted by the Health Department.

“Mental health is vitally important to all residents,” said Commissioner John V.

Kelly III. “Events like the mental health and wellness event in the Oval help eliminate stigma and allow those facing mental illness to come out of the shadows and know that they are not alone.”

“Our interactive ‘Wheel of Health’ was an incredibly huge success with student participation at the NHS Wellness event,” said Kim Lewis of the Department of Public Affairs and Health. “Students were able to spin the wheel to land on any one of seven categories related to health and wellness. They then were given an opportunity to answer a question and win a gift card. It was a great opportunity for our staff to provide education and outreach, and to help facilitate dialogue connecting with the students.”

Several businesses provided support including Amore Pizza, Carvel, Emilio’s Wood Fire Pizza, Hero King, Jernick’s Specialties, Jim Dandy’s, Kubo Coffee and Creamery, Loue’s Place Pizza & Pasta, Nutley Bagel Boy, Nutley Diner, Pita Bowl, Rita’s Italian Ice, Tiki Bowl and Vilardo’s Deli & Catering and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

• Newborn Care & Infant Care

• Adolescent Care: Annual Physicals

• Hearing & Vision Screening

• Required Immunizations & Flu Shots

• Exercise and Obesity Counseling

• Sick Visits

• Urinalysis, Hemoglobin & Lead Testing

• Asthma Testing, Treatment & Management

• Autism and Neuro-developmental Screening

• ADHD Treatment

• Ear Piercing Services

Photo Courtesy of Nutley Township

Employees of Nutley’s Department of Public Affairs and Health, from left, Kim Lewis, Patrick Gustosol, Maddy Goglia, Courtney Johnson and Patricia Cruz, attend the township’s annual Wellness Day.

WORSHIP CALENDAR

BAPTIST

BROOKDALE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 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.brookd ale c h r i s tian .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.

To add your House of Worship or make copy changes

Email us: Adservices@thelocalsource com or call 908-686-7700 x146

NHS boys volleyball team clinches SEC–

Colonial Division title

Joe Ragozzino Sports editor

In just the program’s second year of existence, the Nutley High School boys volleyball team clinched the Super Essex Conference–Colonial Division title on Monday, May 15, with a 25-12, 25-23 win over a strong Science Park team.

The boys have been experiencing a dream season with leadership from seniors Joey Duca, Tre Foda, Pat Smyth, Mark Tapia, Alex Tramontana, Carl Villarin, Jimmy Valderrama and Julian Jansen, with strong play from junior Ilhan Ilhan, and sophomores Gavin Warburton and Shane Castellanos.

The Raiders, under head coach Kevin Reilly, had a 10-0 divisional record. They boasted a 19-4 overall record through Tuesday, May 23.

Nutley was looking to make a strong run in the state tournament.

The Raiders, seeded No. 2, were scheduled to host No. 15 seed Teaneck in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Group 2 state tournament on Thursday, May 25, after press time.

The top seed is Summit. The quarterfinal round was scheduled for Wednesday, May 31; the semifinals were scheduled for Saturday, June 3; and the final is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7.

Brookside Garden Center & Florist Happy FATHER’S

Pergola named Rookie of the Year in MAC Conference

Nutley’s own Matthew Pergola was named Rookie of the Year and Attackman of the Year for 2023 in the MAC Conference.

Pergola has just finished his freshman year at Stevens Institute of Technology. His team swept the top seven honors in the conference with teammates winning the four other big awards, including midfielder, defenseman, specialist, goalie of the year, and his coach taking coach of the year honors.

The Stevens team finished in first place in the conference with an 8-0 record in conference play and a 17-2 record on the season.

The team made it to the third round of the NCAA tournament before losing to Dickinson College. Pergola had a goal and an assist in the final game to bring his season point total to 88.

The Ducks' 18 victories matched the program record for wins in a single season and the squad's .900 winning percentage is tied for the second-best mark in team history behind the 1943 and 1944 squads, who each finished a perfect 7-0.

Photo Courtesy of Toni Pergola Nutley High School graduate Matthew Pergola, number 8, celebrates with teammates.

Blood donations are planned for June in Belleville, Nutley

New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, is conducting blood drives in Essex County, which are open to the public.

The following drives are scheduled in June:

June 12: Knights of Columbus 2346, 150 Chestnut St., Nutley, 1 to 7 p.m.

June 18: Igreja Universal, Newark, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 22: Livingston Mall, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, 1 to 7 p.m.

June 27: IDT Corp., 550 Broad St, Newark, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

June 29: American Legion Post 105, 621 Washington Ave., Belleville 1 to 7 p.m.

Blood products have a short shelf life –from five to 42 days, so constant replenishment is necessary, according to a press release from NJBS, which said there are patients who depend on the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma to stay alive.

Blood and blood products can’t be manufactured. They can only come from

volunteer blood donors who take an hour to attend a blood drive or visit a donor center.

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive call 1-800933-2566 or visit: www.nybloodcenter.org

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive. NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer months.

Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, blood pressure and hematocrit level.

Eligible donors include those people at least age 16, with parental permission or consent, who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People over 75 may donate with a doctor's note.

Access Link users can utilize Lyft, Uber

NJ Transit is partnering with Uber and Lyft on a pilot program allowing Access Link users to opt in to receiving rides through the two services.

With this new partnership, Uber and Lyft drivers will now be available to supplement Access Link services as needed only if the customer opts in to utilize the pilot program, according to a press release from NJ Transit.

Customers who do not opt into the pilot program will continue to have all of their trips serviced by the current Access Link providers. Participation in the pilot program is strictly voluntary.

Prior to scheduling a trip, Access Link customers in the Riders’ Choice Pilot Program must update their profile to indicate which rideshare service, Uber or Lyft, they would like to use. Customers also have the option to indicate they have no preference and are willing to utilize both providers, the release said.

Access Link is NJ TRANSIT's American with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit program established to provide public transportation to people with disabilities who are unable to utilize local bus services.

“By adding Uber and Lyft as travel options, we will improve the Access Link travel experience for our customers while making it more cost effective for NJ Transit,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett.

Jen Shepherd, global head of transit at Uber said the partnership with NJ TRANSIT will help cut down on wait time and improve reliability for Access Link riders.

AJ

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department

A competitor gets ready for his event during the Essex County Special Olympics competition held in Brookdale Park.

Special Olympics competition held in Brookdale Park

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department The annual Essex County Special Olympics competition was held April 27 and it was followed by an awards ceremony at Brookdale Park. The Belleville Police Department participated in the event, helping manage events and handing out awards. Above, Sgt. Juan Lisojo places a medal on a winning competitor. At right, Sgt. Anthony Abate hands out an award.

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

EARTHQUAKE’S FATHER’S DAY COMEDY SHOW COMES TO NJPAC IN NEWARK. The line-up features guest stars Donnell Rawlings, Bill Bellamy and Jessica “Jess Hilarious” Moore at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, June 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on-sale now, and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com. NJPAC is located at 1 Center St., Newark. Exhibits.

THE MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM HAS AN EXHIBITION featuring the work of Vanessa German and titled “…please imagine all the things I cannot say….” The show will run until June 25 at the museum, 3 S. Mountain Ave. in Montclair. This show will take the form of a large-scale, immersive installation of mixed media artworks and will be the artist’s first solo museum show in the New York City area. A Los Angeles native, German currently resides in rural North Carolina. She is a self-taught sculptor, painter, poet and performance artist who refers to herself as a citizen artist and is interested in art as a form of healing, protection and activism. The mostly female power figures she creates explore themes of strength, love and justice, while engaging with the complicated history of race in the United States.

THE CRANE HOUSE & HISTORIC YWCA WILL BE OPEN Tuesday, June 6 through Friday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for self-guided tours. General admission fees will be waived this week. No prior registration required. The house is located at 110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042

Festivals & Fairs

SOMA BACKSTAGE READING SERIES – June 3 and June 4: The SOMA backStage Reading Series emerged from SOPAC’s Creative Community Brain Trust member Dana Spialter and her local theater company SOMA Stage. This series will

present readings of new plays and musicals written by or starring South Orange and Maplewood’s (SOMA’s) theater professionals in the Loft at SOPAC. After each work’s matinee performance, audience members are invited to participate in a talkback and share their thoughts with the creative teams. This spring’s inaugural series includes readings of two new works:

New Musical: REVIVAL by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen, Saturday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 4 at p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15.

New Play: STILL by Lia Romeo, Saturday, June 3 at 3 p.m.and Sunday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15.

INAUGURAL LGBTQIA+ PRIDE WEEKEND AT SOPAC – June 9-June 11

In partnership with North Jersey Pride, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents its inaugural LGBTQIA+ SOPAC Pride Weekend on Friday, June 9 – Saturday, June 11, celebrating SOMA’s robust LGBTQIA+ community. Jessica Kirson on Friday, June 9 at 8 p.m. Stand-up comedian and South Orange native Jessica Kirson won the Nightlight Award for “Best Stand Up Comedian” in New York City. Tickets starting at $27.

AKENYA on Saturday, June 10 at 8 p.m. Singersongwriter AKENYA makes her SOPAC and NJ debut. Tickets starting at $31. The Night Before Pride Party at SOPAC, Saturday, June 10 at 9 p.m. Celebrate the vibrant and passionate LGBTQIA+ community with a fabulous night of great music provided by DJ Ryan The Person. Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets starting at $30.

Tony Awards Viewing Party Sunday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Free event, with a suggested donation of $15 and required RSVP.

LECTURES

ON FRIDAY, JUNE 23, PULITZER PRIZE WINNER MAGGIE HABERMAN RETURNS TO SOPAC TO SPEAK about national affairs journalism and share her perspective on power and politics in Washington, D.C.

THE MONTCLAIR HISTORY CENTER WILL

Happy Father’s Day

GIVE A FREE ZOOM PRESENTATION ON GEORGE MARSHALL PLASKETT on June 15 at 7 p.m. Plaskett came to the U.S. as a 12-year-old orphan from the Caribbean. He began working as a bell boy at night and attending school during the day. His strong desire for education resulted in his receiving bachelor of divinity degree at age 24. Plaskett founded Trinity Episcopal Church in Montclair and many other churches. The program will be presented by Nesta Stephens, a former parishioner at Trinity Episcopal, which closed in 2007 The Zoom Meeting link is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/92938168537?pwd=T0 pGbVgxVUMwVjV0WDBMZlFkbUI0Zz09. The meeting ID is 929 3816 8537 and the passcode is 818319.

A GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF WATCHUNG PARK AND PLAZA in Montclair is scheduled for Sunday, Jun 4 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. In the early days of Montclair’s settlement, Watchung Avenue divided the Dutch farmlands of Speertown in the north end of today’s Montclair from the English farmlands of Cranetown. All that changed when the railroad came through in the late 1800s. Developers bought the farms and created business districts and housing around the new stations. This walk will take you through a turn-of-the-century business district and commuter suburb, developed between 1900 and 1930. The tour will include a special stop at the site of the new Judy Weston Garden in Watchung Park. This event is free. Reservations are required. Go to https://www.montclairhistory.org/allevents/2023/6/4/guided-walking-tour-ofwatchung-park-and-plaza

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: THIS JUST IN: LATEST DISCOVERIES IN THE UNIVERSE at NJPAC on Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. A thought-provoking evening with astrophysicist, professor, and author Neil deGrasse Tyson of the Hayden Planetarium. Tyson will discuss how a “cosmic perspective” profoundly influences what we think and feel about science, culture, politics, and life. NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $99.50 and are on sale now at NJPAC.org, 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

MUSIC

NJPAC PRESENTS AVERY SUNSHINE, A PHENOMENAL SINGER TAKING NO DETOURS IN CREATING MELODIOUS MUSIC FOR THE MASSES, on Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m. Her sound is uplifting, vibrant and, exactly as her namesake suggests, full of sunshine. She brings people together through her riveting stage performances, candid and often humorous stage banter, and optimistic anthems about love and life. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-4665722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

ENJOY A NIGHT OF FADO WITH HÉLDER MOUTINHO AND MARIA EMÍLIA AT NJPAC on Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. The singers bring their unique stylings to the stage accompanied by expressive Portuguese guitar. Moutinho evokes love, loss and longing in his beautifully emotional vocals. The magnetic Emília, originally from Brazil, is equally adept at conveying deep melancholy and hopeful joy. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

UNDER COVER MUSIC FEST INVITES PEOPLE TO THE SLOAN STREET LOT IN SOUTH ORANGE TO ENJOY MUSIC FROM 9 COVER BANDS with no cover change, dancing, local food, beer and kids activities on June 3. This year’s exciting line-up will feature the talent of worldclass local musicians covering a diverse selection of the greatest hits from the Foo Fighters & The Pretenders (Mark Murphy’s Music Student Bands), Pearl Jam (Charlie Pollock & Friends), Rihanna (Mike Griot Presents: Vivian Sessoms), Chaka Khan (Autumn Jones), REM (South Orange Crush), Harry Styles (Misha Hankey & Mark Murphy’s Music Faculty Band), Tom Petty (Matt & The Moondogs) and Stevie Wonder (Curtis Winchester & Friends). Between sets DJ Thomas Schmid will be spinning the latest tunes to keep everyone dancing. This event is free and open to all.

SINGER-SONGWRITER MARISA MONTE, ONE OF BRAZIL’S MOST ADVENTUROUS AND INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED STARS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, will be performing at the

New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Monte is known best for her exquisite voice as well as her international popularity, yet she’s also accomplished in other realms such as songwriting, production and collaboration. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

SANTANA AT THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER on June 21. When Santana shows up with that signature Latin-blues-rock groove, you know you’re in for an electrifying experience.

TROP ROCK CONCERT WITH GARY PHILIP on June 17 at 2 p.m. in the Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St. Philip plays the genre that combines southern rock, rock, and country music and gives it a tropical feel. He covers artists from the 1950s on. The concert is free.

THE BEST OF THE EAGLES, tribute band on Saturday, June 24 at 8 p.m. Founded in 2012 by world-class musicians from central New Jersey, the Best of the Eagles is more than just a tribute

band. It’s a band that encapsulates the aura of one of America’s classic rock bands. Witness the magic of the Best of the Eagles at SOPAC. Tickets starting at $29.

REVOLUTIONARY WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLE SHAKTI WILL CONTINUE TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE THE MUSICAL COMMONGROUND BRIDGING EAST AND WEST at NJPAC on Sunday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. Born in the mid-1970s out of the deep artistic and spiritual connection bonding British guitarist John McLaughlin and Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain, Shakti’s cross-cultural musical conversation dissolved boundaries with passion, grace and dexterity. Today’s Shakti features: McLaughlin; Hussain; Shankar Mahadevan, vocals; Ganesh Rajagopalan, violin; and Selvaganesh Vinayakram percussion, son of original Shakti ghatam player T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram; with special guest Béla Fleck. Tickets can be purchased by visiting njpac.org, calling 888-466-5722 or visiting the NJPAC box office at 1 Center St. in Newark.

Rock Hunger concert returns to Old Canal

NUTLEY — The township’s Family Service Bureau’s live music festival Rock Hunger VI returns to Old Canal Inn on Saturday, June 10.

Rock ‘n soul band The Attic, which includes Nutley resident Dave Popkin, returns for its sixth Rock Hunger concert, according to a press release from the burea, which said that the four-band lineup will also include popular Nutley natives The Sticky Wickets, punk/new wave cover band Porch Rockers, and talented local band Mother Hubbard.

The event will run from 2 to 6:30 p.m. This is an outdoor show with a rain date of June 11. A cash bar and food service will be available. The event will feature a 50/50 raffle and tricky tray. All proceeds will benefit NFSB programs and services, including the food pantry, which currently provides food to more than 200 local families. NFSB is celebrating its’ 110th anniversary in 2023.

Sponsorship packages are available. Advance ticket purchase online is recommended due to the limited capacity for this event: www.nutleyfamily.org.

Tickets for Rock Hunger VI are $25 in advance and at the door. Old Canal Inn, a local landmark established in 1934, is located at 2 East Passaic Ave., Nutley.

AN EVENING WITH NATALIE MERCHANT AS SHE BRINGS HER KEEP YOUR COURAGE TOUR TO NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (NJPAC) on Sunday, June 25 at 7 p.m. She began her musical career as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the pop music band 10,000 Maniacs, releasing one platinum, two double-platinum, and one triple-platinum record with the group. Merchant’s nine albums as a solo artist have a combined sales of seven million copies. Her newest album, Keep Your Courage, was just released. Tickets for Natalie Merchant are gone on sale now and can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey.

PATTI LABELLE WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN NEWARK on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. LaBelle, is a Grammy Award winning American singer, author and actress who has spent over 50 years in the music industry. Tickets to see Patti Labelle and

Will Downing go on-sale Friday, May 19th at 10am at NJPAC.org 888. G.O.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office. Patti Labelle Ticket Link

THEATER

AMERICAN THEATER GROUP WILL PRESENT “RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN” A SEARING NEW DRAMA BY SHARYN ROTHSTEIN. The show will run at JCC MetroWest in West Orange and at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge. MetroWest is located at 760 Northfield Ave. Performances will run Thursday through Saturday, June 8 to June 10 at 7 p.m. with an additional 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday the 10th. The Sieminski Theater is located at 8000 Fellowship Road in Basking Ridge. Performances will be June 15 to June 18, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for both venues can be purchased at www.americantheatergroup.org.

Filmmakers to discuss industrialization and Newark

NUTLEY — The Nutley Public Library will host a screening and discussion of “RUST: How to Break the Chains of Poverty in U.S. Inner Cities.”

The film, by Emmy-nominated filmmakers Marylou and Jerome Bongiorno, will be shown on Saturday, June 3, at 2 p.m., according to a press release from the library.

The film, which has a runtime of 86 minutes, presents the history of Rust Belt poverty, detailing industrialization and deindustrialization, racism, and mass incarceration, using the city of Newark, as a microcosm. It explores solutions to inner-city poverty through the voices of scholars, economists, physicians,

activists, and the community.

The filmmakers, who often speak at global and local venues, will then lead a discussion with a question and answer period, covering the filmmaking process and their process in documenting social justice issues.

No registration is required. The program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

For additional information, visit: https://nutleypubliclibrary.org/rust/.

Belleville HS softball team enjoys winning season

The Belleville High School softball team, under longtime head coach Chris Cantarella, enjoyed a solid season this spring.

The Bucs qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 2019 and finished with an 11-10 overall record, including finishing in second place in the Super Essex Conference–Colonial Division behind West Orange.

Belleville fell to Warren Hills in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 state tournament on Tuesday, May 23, to end the season. The 2020 season was canceled by the state due to the pandemic. In 2021, Belleville didn’t play enough games due to the pandemic, said Cantarella, and last year, they didn’t qualify for the tournament.

Despite the team’s relative youth, Cantarella was proud of his team’s season.

In an email to the Belleville Post, Cantarella said he “thought our girls did a great job considering we were only returning two starters from the previous year. We had some memorable moments, a walk-off win over Edison, a no-hitter vs. MKA (Montclair Kimberley Academy) and an exciting county win vs. Technology.”

Six Belleville players were recognized by the SEC for their accomplishment. Honorable mention went to senior left

fielder Ashley Cely, who returned after missing last year after a serious hand injury.

Second team award winners were freshman third baseman/designated player Anniyah Thompson, who led the team in home runs and drove in 25 runs, senior first-year starting catcher Diane Estrada, who led the team in RBIs and hit .325, and senior first-year starting second baseman/shortstop Catalina Cucaz, who was second on the team in batting (.411) and was in the top 3 in runs and hits.

First-team performers were junior shortstop/third baseman Deanna McIntosh, who was in the top 3 in all four major offensive categories, and sophomore pitcher/outfielder Nina Gemino, who had 10 wins as a pitcher and led the team in average (.413) and runs scored (42).

Other members of the team were freshman first baseman Mya Estrict (20 RBIs), freshman right fielder Leilani Marzan, and Emma Estrict, who earned a victory in her first varsity start against Barringer; sophomore designated player Melissa Pego and sophomore second baseman Danaiyah Santiago, junior center fielder Kaylee Gutierrez, senior right fielder Angie Navarrete and senior outfielder Jeylian Cruz.

The sub varsity teams were coached by Danielle Santosusso and varsity assistant Andre Delucrezia.

Belleville is shown playing against Bloomfield in a game on Saturday, May 13, at Bloomfield’s Clarks Pond South. Above left, Deanna McIntosh tags a runner at third base; above middle, Anniyah Thompson swings at the plate; above right, Ashley Cely goes for the catch; at far left, Cely and Kaylee Gutierrez collide in the outfield while going for the catch; at left, Angelina Navarrete makes the catch; and, at right, Catalina Cucaz throws from the infield.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

Belleville High seniors Angelina Navarrete, Jeylian Cruz, Ashley Cely, Catalina Cucaz and Diane Estrada gather for a group pose.

Photos Courtesy of Jerry Simon

Buccaneers achieve banner baseball season

Belleville HS team wins SEC–Colonial Division title, finishes with sensational 20-7 record

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

The Belleville High School baseball team enjoyed a stellar season this spring.

The Buccaneers, under head coach Joe Sorce, finished with an outstanding 20-7 overall record, including winning the Super Essex Conference–Colonial Division championship with a 13-1 divisional record. It marked their first 20-win season since 2013 when they went 23-4.

After losing in the season opener at Cedar Grove 12-2 on Monday, April 3, the Bucs reeled off 13 straight victories. In that win streak, the Bucs avenged the loss to Cedar Grove on Wednesday, April 19, at home with a 4-1 win.

The Bucs, seeded seventh, lost to 10thseeded Ferris of Jersey City 9-6 in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 state tournament on Monday, May 22, at home to end the season.

Prior to the sectional tournament loss, the Bucs went 3-1 in the final week of the regular season, beating East Orange Campus 11-0 on Monday, May 15, at home; Hoboken 6-4 on Tuesday, May 16, on the road; and Shabazz 13-3 on Friday, May

19, at home and losing at West Orange 54 on Saturday, May 20.

The future is bright for the Bucs. They graduate two seniors, Jacob Mauricio and Joe Guancione.

BHS’ Perez and Cely are Essex County Scholar Athlete Award recipients

Belleville High School’s Jericho Perez

Ashley Cely are honored as 2022-2023 Karen Fuccello Essex County Scholar Athletes during a banquet on Tuesday, May 9, in Belleville. Perez lettered in track and field and football, and Cely lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball. The award is named after the late Karen Fuccello, who was the longtime Belleville High School athletic director. This award is given to the top scholar-athletes in the county.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

and

Photos Courtesy of Joe Ragozzino

At left, Belleville’s Derek Gonzalez fires a throw from the infield and, at right, Belleville assistant coach Vinnie Orrei, wearing blue shirt, leads a pre-game prayer with the players, when the Bucs defeated University at home on Saturday, April 8.

Above left, Belleville’s Jordan Rosario throws the ball; and above right, Ayden Carrero, below left, Jacob Mauricio and, below right, Luis Deleon are shown at the plate during the game against University.