Belleville Post - July 2021 by WORRALL MEDIA

BELLEVILLE POST

ESSEXNEWSDAILY.COM

JULY 2021

VOL. 36 NO. 30

Upgrades for fields

— See Page 3

Firefighters sworn in Photo by Steve Ellmore

— See Page 10

Saluting our graduates

— See Page 16

Belleville HS confers diplomas on the resilient Class of 2021 By Amanda Valentovic Staff Writer Graduation returned to Doc Ellis Field on June 24 as Belleville High School’s Class of 2021 capped off four years of high school, with much of the last 15 months having been done in some form of virtual learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than a year after school buildings shut down, seniors were able to gather and honor their time as Buccaneers together. Senior Class President Richard Gual Jr. reflected on his time at BHS in his speech at the ceremony. “It’s ironic now how we would always talk and dream about the day when we could leave this school and how badly we wanted to close our Google Meet tabs for the last time,” Gual said. “All I can think

about is how much I will miss this school and all of you. Although our last year was a little strange, I would say it ended with a bang. We all learned how to adapt and roll with the punches with this virtual lifestyle. Even when we were all worried that we weren’t going to have a prom, we worked together and made it happen.” Four years ago, Gual said the Class of 2021 was disorganized and disconnected, not wanting to work together. But recently, they have come together through the experiences they have shared. “I am so proud to say that our class is united, strong and better than ever before,” Gual said. “Facing the challenges brought on by the pandemic brought us together, and we rose to meet each obstacle as a team. It was such a satisfying feel-

ing when I took a step back and watched all my classmates at prom having so much fun and being together. It really is amazing what we can accomplish together.” Student Government Organization President Cybel Cobbinah is from Ghana and described coming to this country in her speech at the ceremony. “My mother came to this country with literally nothing,” Cobbinah said in her speech. “I’m here in this land of opportunity with free education. What possible excuse do I have to not make it?” Cobbinah is the first person in her family to graduate from high school and will be the first in her family to attend college. “I want to commend our class for graduating this year, despite the obstacles we See SPEAKERS, Page 6

2 — July 2021 — Nutley Journal - BP

Nutley man becomes deacon with Archdiocese The Archdiocese of Newark welcomed five transitional deacons — including Ashton Francisco Wong, of Nutley — and one permanent deacon during the Rite of Ordination at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Sunday, May 23. The transitional deacons — Wong, Matthew Gonzalez, David Hinojosa, Roberto Moreno and Peter Volz — are all seminarians who will serve in their new role until being ordained as priests in 2022. As deacons, they may perform works of charity and service, proclaim the word of God, and assist in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church within whatever archdiocesan parish they are assigned in Bergen, Essex, Hudson or Union counties. Edwin T. Dava, the permanent deacon, will minister within his parish part-time while balancing his marriage and career responsibilities. His ordination was particularly meaningful after he survived COVID-19 last year, for which he credits the power of prayer. Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz ordained the new deacons in a Mass that was filled with the ordinands’ loved ones and priests from throughout the Archdiocese.

Photo Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Newark/AEROJO Drone Productions

Left column, from top to bottom, are Edwin T. Dava, Roberto Moreno and Peter Volz; in the center is Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz; and right column, from top to bottom, are Matthew Gonzalez, Ashton Francisco Wong and David Hinojosa.

Belleville Post — July 2021 — 3

Above, Mayor Michael Melham, right, and Deputy Mayor Thomas Graziano show budding Belleville athletes the plan to enhance and enlarge the athletic fields behind Belleville High School. Below, township manager Anthony Iacono speaks as young athletes investigate the giant pile of dirt.

Above, a rendering shows what the new facilities will look like, along with the football field, which will soon be covered with new turf. Below, Belleville officials break ground on a $5.5 million project that will include a new eight-lane track.

Town breaks ground on $5.5M upgrades to fields On Saturday, June 5, Belleville held a groundbreaking ceremony behind Belleville High School as the starter’s gun on construction of a sweeping $5.5 million project to enhance and enlarge the athletic facilities in the township. The highlight of the plan will be a new track, which will allow the high school boys and girls track teams to host home meets for the first time in several years. And because the plan is to build an eightlane track, Belleville will be able to host New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association–sanctioned state track meets. The project will also include a new turf surface and state-of-the-art LED lighting for the football field and a soccer/softball field that will be created from the adjacent smaller baseball fields and land recaptured from a redesigned sloped retaining wall. The new field inside the track could be used for anything from marching band rehearsals to football practices to soccer games. With this plan, the township will have almost quadrupled its field turf space over the course of three years, according to Mayor Michael Melham. “I dare say this is Belleville’s most monumental public works project in probably 50 years,” Melham said. “Today we figuratively set the cornerstone on a project that will benefit Belleville’s resi-

dents and most certainly our youth for decades to come.” “It’s a big day for Belleville,” township manager Anthony Iacono said. “Anytime we invest $5.5 million in our infrastructure is a great day, but what we’re doing here today will bring enjoyment and fun for generations of budding athletes.” The project is financed with $2 million in Green Acres grants. The township also bonded for approximately $3 million, which is already funded through the municipal budget. “When we wanted to upgrade the lights,” Melham said, “the Board of Education and Superintendent Richard Tomko immediately stepped up and funded the last half-million dollars for new LED lighting, which is energy efficient and will save us money in the long run.” Along with Melham, Deputy Mayor Thomas Graziano and Council members Marie Stumolo-Burke, Steve Rovell and Naomy De Pena took part in the groundbreaking ceremony, as did Belleville Board of Education President Christine Lamparello, Vice President Gabrielle Bennett-Meany and member Frank Velez. Several players with the town’s Little League also participated in the ceremony. The project is scheduled to be completed by late summer, in time for the 20212022 school year.

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Township

Mayor Michael Melham says the plan to transform Belleville’s athletic facilities represents ‘Belleville’s most monumental public works project in probably 50 years.’

4 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

Photo Courtesy of Michael Perrone Photos Courtesy of Michael Perrone

Belleville Historical Society Vice President Tom Grolimond, left, and President Michael Perrone visit the grave of Lt. Patrick Regan at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Bloomfield. The Medal of Honor recipient was one of the original pallbearers for the Unknown Soldier.

Historical Society remembers Medal of Honor soldiers

In preparation for Memorial Day, the Belleville Historical Society made sure that American flags were in place at the graves of the Belleville young men killed in action and now buried in several local cemeteries. As a member of the Medal of Honor Historical Society, the Belleville Historical Society also set additional flags at the graves of soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor. There are three Medal of Honor soldiers buried locally. World War II Army Lt. Steven Gregg is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, while Civil War Navy Capt. James McIntosh is interred at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny and World War I Lt. Patrick Regan rests in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Bloomfield. Regan was one of the original pallbearers for the Unknown Soldier. When the body of the Unknown Soldier was returned to the United States from France on Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1921, 10 soldiers who had been awarded the Medal of Honor were selected to serve as pallbearers. The 10 men marched alongside, as the Unknown Soldier

Belleville Historical Society stone engraver Val Hadshinow, left, of North Arlington and Belleville Historical Society President Michael Perrone set a Purple Heart monument atop the recently built limestone base.

Belleville becomes a Purple Heart town Belleville is now officially a Purple Heart town, after the Belleville Town Council approved a resolution at its June 7 meeting. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 366 relocated from Clifton to Belleville and is headquartered at American Legion Post 105. The Belleville Historical Society recently built and donated a Purple Heart monument in front of the post in honor of those wounded in action. The society made the donation in memory of Councilman Kevin Kennedy, who hosted many events at the post and was very active with veteran affairs. Kennedy originated the program that names Belleville streets for local soldiers killed in action.

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Patrick Regan made the journey to the newly built tomb in Arlington National Cemetery. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Soldier. According to Regan’s Medal of Honor citation, “On Oct. 8, 1918, although severely wounded, Lt. Regan dashed, with an empty pistol, towards an enemy machine gun nest, capturing 30 Austrian gunners and four machine guns.”

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6 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

Speakers urge classmates to persevere, enjoy life (Continued from Page 1) faced,” Cobbinah said. “At times I wish I could tell the younger version of myself, who was scared to even raise her hand in class, that everything works out fine. The younger version of myself was even scared at one point to say she was African but is today prouder of her culture and skin color than anything else. If you take anything from my speech today, please remember your origins and celebrate your own unique identity.” Belleville School District Superintendent Richard Tomko said that, as he sat down to write his speech for the ceremony, he was unsure of what he would say. “I can’t even imagine what you all went through this year as students,” Tomko said. “We can all sit here and pretend we know, but we don’t. So I am in complete awe of your resilience, your academic aptitude and your prowess just to get here this morning.” BHS Principal Caleb Rhodes praised the seniors’ ability to overcome obstacles, of which there were many this year, when he spoke at the ceremony. “Fifteen months ago, when we all left school, things were very uncertain,” Rhodes said. “We weren’t sure how long we’d be out, when we would be coming back, what the next year would look like or what our educational experience would look like for seniors. We’ve come through a lot this year. I truly hope that you take the lessons that you’ve learned with you.” Elnandia Jean-Noel gave the salutatory address. “This past year, we’ve shown that we can make it through tough times by standing here together,” she said at the ceremony. “We’ve shown that we can face any obstacle and still achieve our goals.”

Jean-Noel said that, when she was contemplating what she would say in her speech, she realized that she regretted spending so much time focusing on academics throughout her time at BHS, often missing out on extracurricular activities and events. “Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s important for students to challenge themselves and get a head start on their future,” JeanNoel said. “But there has to be more to life than studying for a test and worrying about getting perfect grades. During my high school career, I made sure I always went to class. But I didn’t go to many dances, I didn’t go to many hangouts, I didn’t give myself the time to grow socially outside of the classroom. I’m happy I learned this lesson now and not later, because I still have my whole life to live and have amazing experiences. Try to focus on enjoying the journey rather than reaching a certain destination.” In her valedictory speech, Sofia Ruiz Murillo described how scared she was when she moved to Belleville from Colombia. “I now realize that, had I not come here, I would have never had access to the amazing opportunities and experiences the U.S. has given me,” Ruiz Murillo said. “It’s not a secret that this year has been completely different than anything we have ever experienced. We missed out on a lot of exciting experiences, we struggled learning virtually, and our motivation began to dwindle at times. However, one thing that we can take away from this is the power of perseverance. Despite the unexpected hardships we faced, we found a way to keep moving forward. There will be many more obstacles, failures and mistakes ahead of us, but we must always remember to never give up.”

Above, Class President Richard Gual Jr. says he will miss his classmates and the unity they have shown during the past 15 months of the pandemic. At right, valedictorian Sofia Ruiz Murillo highlights the Class of 2021’s determination and perseverance when facing challenges. For a list of the graduates, turn to Page 16, and to see more photos, turn to Page 22.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Above, salutatorian Elnandia Jean-Noel tells her classmates to remember to slow down and enjoy the many experiences they will have. Below, Student Government Organization President Cybel Cobbinah tells her fellow graduates to be proud always of who they are.

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2021 — 7

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Crime Stoppers reward offered in Nutley fatal hit-and-run incident Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura’s Crime Stoppers Program is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and the conviction of the hit-and-run driver who fatally struck Roseann Ratz, 75, of Lyndhurst, according to a June 3 press release. On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, Ratz and a friend were crossing the street in the area of Washington Avenue and Rutgers Place in Nutley when Ratz was struck by a car that fled the scene.

She was transported to St. Joseph’s University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Oct. 16, 2020. To date, no arrests have been made in this active and ongoing investigation. Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Nutley Police Chief Thomas J. Strumolo are urging anyone with information to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 877847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential.

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Do you need to report a tree that has fallen onto a township road? Is there an issue with a fire hydrant on your street? Do you have some questions about garbage pickup? The township of Belleville is implementing a new cloud-based platform that is making these communications easier and quicker than ever, according to a June 2 press release. GovPilot software allows residents to go to www.bellevillenj.org and choose from a list of issues and concerns. From the removal of a hornets nest to the removal of snow, residents simply need to click on the “Report a Concern” tab and follow the simple directions, which will guide them through the process. There are even spaces to add comments and upload photos, if warranted. The information is transferred to Town Hall in real time when the “submit” button is pressed. “This platform allows Belleville workers to respond quickly and efficiently to a number of problems,” township manager Anthony Iacono said. “I am very confident this is going to increase productivity and accountability inside Town Hall and help us best serve the residents of Belleville.” Iacono said the new platform will surely become very popular with residents because it alleviates some of the guess-

work that comes with reporting problems. “We have created a tab for residents to report an animal carcass in the road,” Iacono said. “That’s an unfortunate issue that crops up from time to time. Previously, residents might not have known who to call about that issue. Does that fall to the Department of Public Works? The police department? A different department? With GovPilot, all correspondence is quickly filtered to the appropriate department. No more will residents have to call Town Hall and be transferred to the appropriate department.” Dozens of municipalities have begun to implement this government management platform since Hoboken-based GovPilot rolled out this software as a service in 2014. It was created to assist municipalities such as Belleville that can at any moment be inundated with, say, Open Public Records Act requests. GovPilot allows towns such as Belleville to provide constituent services such as public record requests, inspections, licensing, tax assessment, public works and more in a secure, digital environment. “We are always searching for new and better ways to serve our residents,” Councilman Vinny Cozzarelli said. “We think GovPilot is going to go a long way in doing that.”

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The Nutley Journal and Belleville Post newspapers welcome submissions from their readers. Letters to the editor or opinion pieces on any subject will be considered for publication. The newspapers reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, content and style. Writers must include their name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not be longer than 300 words. Longer pieces must be arranged in advance with the editor. Responses to response letters will not be printed. The newspapers accept letters to the editor and guest columns via email at essexcty@thelocalsource.com. Letters received must be on topics of interest, preferably in response to content that appeared in the newspapers.

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10 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

Belleville swears in new firefighters, promotes vets On June 17, the Belleville Fire Department promoted several department veterans and swore in six new firefighters. “To the new firefighters, we welcome you into this proud department and urge you to make the most of your training,” Fire Chief John Olivieri said. “And to the officers receiving promotions, we are confident that your experience will serve you well in your new roles.” Deputy Mayor Thomas Graziano said Belleville has always taken pride in the fire department and its long history of heroic service dating to 1882. “You have a unique talent and skill which keeps Belleville residents safe, and I want to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Graziano said during the ceremony at Belleville High School’s auditorium. “Keep up the great work and be safe.” Richard Cavanagh and Scott Wentworth were promoted to deputy chief, Scott Dupont and Michael McGreevy were promoted to battalion chief, Ralph Chimento and Erich Hochstuhl were promoted to captain, and Michael Corino was promoted to lieutenant. Additionally, Robert Knowles, Treyvon Blunt, Michael Cayli, Scott Dupont, Dat Khong and Alex Fuentes were sworn in as firefighters. Although the members of the Belleville Fire Department are accustomed to rushing into danger, the COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge. In fact, the ceremony was delayed until mass vaccinations allowed it to be conducted in a safe manner. “Unlike a fire, you can’t see, smell or feel a pandemic,” township manager

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Township

Above, township manager Anthony Iacono and Fire Chief John Olivieri attend the June 17 ceremony to swear in new firefighters and to promote longtime Belleville firefighters. At right, above, Belleville swears in six new firefighters. At right, below, veteran firefighters receive promotions. Anthony Iacono said. “And I know that I speak for the entire Township Council when I say the way this department con-

ducted itself in the last 16 months under the leadership of Chief John Olivieri has been simply remarkable. This department

continues to meet and surpass expectations in professionalism and service to the people of Belleville.”

Greenway project gets federal, state, local support Open Space Institute, along with the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, recently announced the critical support of federal, state and local elected leaders for the Essex–Hudson Greenway Project. N.J. Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of the 11th Congressional District, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop expressed strong support for the project while addressing the 12th annual New Jersey Bike & Walk Summit. “This project is designed to help improve residents’ access to the outdoors and create new recreational and transportation opportunities. It will offer residents of our communities, including the one that I live in, easier access to nature and outdoor activities,” said Oliver, a resident of East Orange. “In addition to the transportation infrastructure, health and environmental improvements, the Essex–Hudson Greenway Project will also have a positive, lasting impact on local economies, while offering residents safe, alternative ways to get to their places of employment.” For walkers, runners, cyclists, hikers and others, the proposed greenway would create nearly 9 miles of linear park, connecting Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City. “This is more than just providing commuting alternatives or even about giving people greater access to nature. It’s about connecting people to their communi-

ties and other communities around them,” Oliver continued. “We need to continue to foster these new and emerging ideas to make them become a reality. We need more safe spaces within our state for pedestrians and bicyclists on the street and off-road, especially in our urban areas and communities of color, which have been historically overburdened with pollution and overdevelopment. One thing we have learned from this pandemic in New Jersey is that people need increased access to outdoor recreation for their physical and mental health.” In July 2020, the Open Space Institute reached a preliminary purchase and sale agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company for property in Essex and Hudson counties for the purpose of the greenway. The purchase agreement has a sale deadline of January 2022. “The Essex–Hudson Greenway is a project I am very supportive of, and I was ecstatic to hear the deal to purchase the land could be finalized by the end of the year. This space could be such a positive improvement, expanding opportunities for recreation and community to the eight towns it touches and the state as a whole. I am really hopeful about the future of this project,” said Sherrill, who pledged her commitment to doing what she can to make the project a reality, including looking into the possibility of federal funds to support the project. “We know that for too long the same communities that have often been forced to rely on walking, biking and public transit on a daily basis are often the same com-

munities to receive the least amount of investment,” Sherrill continued. “The most bare essential infrastructure, like continuous sidewalks or bike lanes, are often missing from these communities. With enough advocacy and the right prioritization, we will get to a place where our communities will have the equitable and sustainable infrastructure they need.” Residents of communities all along the proposed length of the linear park have been campaigning for more than a decade to create a greenway that would serve as a shared-use path for people walking, bicycling, running or just relaxing along this corridor. “We are working every day to make sure that our communities across our state are more bike and pedestrian friendly. We are ensuring that our roads are safe with respect to traffic and travel. We are promoting environmental responsibility,” Gill said. “We are addressing the concerns of communities that have traditionally been negatively impacted, from a health standpoint, due to their proximity to large infrastructure projects and a lack of access to safe, outdoor recreational areas for exercise and leisure time.” “I’m excited about riding my bike to Montclair and having dinner there in the not-too-distant future. So, we are going to have to work together to make that a reality,” Fulop said. “We will be fully on board with whatever resources Jersey City needs to provide to make sure that Hudson County, as a whole, is there 100 percent.”

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2021 — 11

12 — July 2021 — Nutley Journal - BP

EC partners with First Tee to offer local programming Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced a partnership with First Tee to create a learning center and three-hole practice course for the youth development program at Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville on Wednesday, June 9. This will be the second First Tee program established in Essex County and will enable the organization to enroll more children in its programs. First Tee is a nationally recognized program that uses the game of golf to help youths develop leadership skills, learn life lessons and prepare academically for higher education. Essex County welcomed First Tee to Weequahic Golf Course in Newark in 2005. “First Tee has been a tremendous asset at Weequahic Park, teaching the game of golf to new generations of young people and preparing them for higher education and life’s challenges,” DiVincenzo said. “Expanding our partnership to Hendricks Field is a wonderful opportunity to provide enriching recreational alternatives to another area of our county and enable more young people to take advantage of it.” The First Tee Learning Center at Hendricks Field will have a 4,000-square-foot building that has indoor and outdoor practice areas, a classroom for STEM instruction, offices, restrooms and storage space. The golf training rooms will have garage doors that can be opened so students can stand indoors and hit balls out of the building during inclement or cold weather.

Photo Courtesy of Essex County

County and township officials gather at Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville on June 9 to announce a partnership with First Tee to create a learning center and three-hole practice course for the youth development program at the park. This also allows programs to be offered year-round. The classroom space will enable a STEM Summer Academy, tutoring and SAT prep activities to be offered. “We are so thankful to County Executive DiVincenzo for his continued partnership and support, along with … our donors, who will make our work to serve more Essex youth possible at this new First Tee campus,” First Tee Executive Director Ed Brockner said. “This remarkable learning center, designed by the talented architects at Rogers McCagg, along with the beautifully renovated golf course, will allow us to

introduce more youth to our recreation and Path to College programs with a focus on outreach to those in need.” “First Tee has been great at bringing in new generations of diverse young people into the game of golf. Just think about the opportunities this creates and the opportunities for development for our youth,” New Jersey state Sen. and Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said. “This is another wonderful occasion in Essex County,” Commissioner President Wayne Richardson said. “Projects like this elevate Essex County and make us No. 1.”

“I want to thank Joe D. for his commitment to getting projects done. This will be a tremendous asset in Belleville and is a great opportunity for children,” Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said. Already under construction is a threehole Learning Links short course in the northeast corner of Hendricks Field. Seven acres of Hendricks Field Golf Course will become part of the First Tee campus, which will include three practice holes ranging in length from 50 to 160 yards. One of the holes will be designed in the shape of a See FIRST TEE, Page 15

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14 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

SAL 105’s Sangemino is named Son of the Year For the first time in more than two decades, Sons of the American Legion 105 attended the American Legion Detachment of New Jersey Convention in Wildwood, putting the Belleville patriotic organization on the map by receiving recognition for its work in various projects and programs, as well as by having member Steve Sangemino named Son of the Year. Every year in the beginning of June, the American Legion family, comprising the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders, gathers in Wildwood for a weeklong statewide convention. In the past, there have been more than 5,000 participants in attendance, though it was dialed back this year due to the pandemic. The convention itself is only two days, but events precede and follow those days of votes on the floor with receptions, parades and networking events. Aside from the business that needs to be discussed and voted on, the convention is an opportunity for posts, units and squadrons from around the state to get together and celebrate their common goal of working for U.S. veterans. Each post that attends gets a certain number of delegates, based on the size of its membership, and as voting delegates this year, SAL Squadron 105 in Belleville sent Cmdr. Sangemino, who also serves as a Detachment vice commander; First Vice Cmdr. Tim Byrne; and Adjutant Rusty Myers, who also holds the office of Essex County Detachment Executive Committee member. Each year at the event, the state officers for the following year are nominated and elected. Squadron 105 proudly nominated Sangemino for reelection to the office of Detachment vice commander, to which he was elected for a second term. The convention also gives the state an opportunity to tally up the accomplishments of the more than 163 SAL squadrons. This tabulation, aside from giving the SAL National Headquarters a clear idea of activities in New Jersey, also gives state leadership an opportunity to recognize those squadrons that have excelled. SAL 105 received a membership award for growing the squadron membership to its current strength of 81 members. The squadron also received two second-place awards, for hours given and in donating to programs in both Americanism and internal affairs, and a third-place win for its veterans affairs and rehabilitation projects. Among others, those programs include donating to the Fisher House Foundation, the Detachment commanders’ projects, Wreaths Across America, the Child Welfare Foundation, Susan G. Komen, the Girl Scouts to send cookies overseas to deployed troops; running veterans lunches locally; and running Americanism programs, such as serving as color guards at

Above, SAL 105 members attend a convention in Wildwood. Below and bottom, Cmdr. Steve Sangemino is named Son of the Year. Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers

Above, Cmdr. Steve Sangemino, left, and Rusty Myers attend the convention. Below, Myers, an SAL 105 member and Essex Detachment Executive Committee member, marches in a parade.

various remembrances throughout the year. Of note is that all of these programs still happened throughout the pandemic and were all made possible through the generosity of the Belleville community. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment was having one of 105’s sons receive the prestigious Son of the Year Award. From out of the almost 10,000 SALs in the New Jersey Detachment, a son is nominated each year and recognized for their outstanding contributions to their squadron and their community. SAL 105 Cmdr.

Steve Sangemino received the 2020-2021 Son of the Year award, joining an elite fraternity of sons who have received the award over the years. “Steve takes his role as a commander and as a son very seriously when it comes to honoring our veterans, be it at a Memorial Day event, a flag-retirement ceremony, a Saint Patrick’s Day parade, or a small little flag-raising ceremony in the rain outside of the post on Veterans Day. That is the reason why we are here — to honor our fathers who came before us and served —

and that informs all of what Steve does as an SAL,” the nomination for Sangemino read. “It is because of that enthusiasm — because of that passion and ardor for the pillars of what the Sons of the American Legion stands for, Squadron 105 has had the level of success over the past two years that it has. Steve is an inspiring leader, a man who personifies all things SAL; he is the son of a veteran who is guided by the principles ‘for God and country.’” Sangemino was presented with a pin, shirt, hat and engraved clock.

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2021 — 15

NJDEP announces 20.7M in Clean Commnities grants During a May 26 news conference at Great Falls National Park in Paterson, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection acting Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced the award of $20.7 million in grants to help municipalities and counties implement programs to clean up and reduce litter across New Jersey. LaTourette also urged the public to use reusable shopping bags in advance of the state’s new law protecting New Jersey’s environment against certain single-use

plastics, which takes effect next year. “We are pleased to provide these grants that have long funded important anti-litter programs in communities throughout the state, including cleanups and public education programs,” LaTourette said. “DEP is grateful for the continued partnership of New Jersey Clean Communities and all of the municipalities that make litter reduction a priority for their residents. We can all do our part in being mindful about littering and

First Tee comes to town

(Continued from Page 12) Biarritz, which has a larger green area, in line with the classical design of the Hendricks course. On this green, 10 to 12 students can line up for chipping practice. A new entry point for the First Tee program will be created on Joralemon Street in Belleville, just a short distance from the Belleville Recreation Department. A small parking lot to accommodate First Tee participants and their parents will be created. First Tee currently enrolls more than

600 youths annually in its program at Weequahic Golf Course in Newark. First Tee hired Rogers McCagg, a Connecticut-based architectural firm that specializes in golf course facilities. APS Contracting Inc. from Paterson was awarded a publicly bid contract for $1,987,000 to build the learning facility. The county will fund the construction of the clubhouse with a grant received from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

the toll it takes on our communities and make it a priority to responsibly manage trash in our homes and at our places of business. Now is the best time to start new litter-reducing habits, including switching to eco-friendly reusable bags for shopping and picking up takeout food.” Over the years, the DEP has provided municipalities and counties hundreds of millions of dollars in Clean Communities grants to implement litter cleanup and abatement programs, including adoption and enforcement of local anti-littering ordinances; beach cleanups; public information and education programs; and purchases of litter collection equipment such as receptacles, recycling bins, anti-litter signs and graffiti-removal supplies. This year, the DEP has awarded $18.4 million in municipal grants and $2.3 million in county grants. The total of $20.7 million represents a $1.3 million increase from last year due to an increase in revenues. The program is funded by a legislated user-fee on manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors that produce littergenerating products. Disbursements are based on housing units and miles of roadways within a municipality or county. “Municipalities and counties are strong-

ly encouraged to use these grants to pay for litter cleanups and supplies, badly needed equipment purchases, enforcement activities and education,” Clean Communities Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden said. “We are grateful for funding that helps keep New Jersey clean. We are proud to serve as an educational resource for communities, as we drive many of our campaigns to engage the younger generations to help mold positive, long-term behaviors against discarding litter.” Essex County will receive $72,937.96, and the following amounts will be awarded to Essex County municipalities: $59,905.58 for Belleville, $81,272.68 for Bloomfield, $14,872.45 for Caldwell, $23,294.17 for Cedar Grove, $110,383.92 for East Orange, $6,116.58 for Essex Fells, $18,607.08 for Fairfield, $12,572 for Glen Ridge, $88,373.40 for Irvington, $59,048.15 for Livingston, $40,925.27 for Maplewood, $42,299.83 for Millburn, $72,236.54 for Montclair, $430,940.60 for Newark, $13,889.31 for North Caldwell, $51,757.96 for Nutley, $48,626.22 for Orange, $11,235.55 for Roseland, $29,161.53 for South Orange, $25,552.64 for Verona, $21,836.89 for West Caldwell and $78,383.69 for West Orange.

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16 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

Belleville HS graduates its impressive 2021 class The following members of the Class of 2021 graduated from Belleville High School on June 24: Anibal Samuel Abambari Reem Ibrahim Abdelrehim Joseph D. Abramson Javier Acevedo Tatiana Romina Acevedo Crystal Adames Daniela Raquel Aguilar Sierra Skii Elizabeth Allen Issyss D. Almonte Matthew Dylan Rue Amante Ohm C. Amin Leslie N. Andrade Allysa Laine M Aquino Krystal E. Araujo Tiffany Arce Katherine Marie Areche Aaliyah J. Arroyo Kevin Arroyo Adiel Jose Arroyo-Cancel Sofia Asali Remy Ashby Mia Brielle Askew Mateo Ruiz Astudillo Adryan A. Atariguana Grace Ayzanoa Edward I. Banach Winson Wryne Amosin Banaga

Photo by Steve Ellmore

Pedro Andres Barba Rojas Isarina Barcacel Carlos Alfredo Barela Cameron Ashley Barker Nathaniel Barreto Darianny Bautista Eileen Diana Bell Melenie Bermeo-Espinosa Leyla Milena Berrezueta Gomez

Ashley Amelia Bhandari Kimberly Avani Bhandari Wilmer S. Bonilla Brielle Anissa Brady Glenn F. Briceno Karol A. Briceno Aaron Alexis Brown Encarnacion Demond Isaiah Brown-Johnson Brandon Alexander Burgos

Anay Pricila Bustamante-Ramirez Oriana Gabriela Bustamante-Ramirez Charlize Angelica Ramos Caancan Rachel Vivian Cabrera Joanne B. Calvacca Jaydalyn A. Camacho Patrick Clemente Candalera Johan Melfri Capellan Victor Carrasco Cindy Castaneda Daniel Angel Castillo Kelvin Castillo Michael David Castrillon Kathleen V. Castro Sebastian Andes Castro Anthony D. Cecere Crystal Amerie Charneco Isandra Mercedes Checo-Urena Dev Bhavesh Choksi Cybel Baaba Cobbinah Allen A. Collado Lauryn F. Cook-Maisonet Giovanni Olivier Corbacho Matthew Cordeiro Angelica Marie Cosme Arianna Isabel Coss Angel I. Cruz Maleyna C. Cruz Sergio Lorenzo Cubas (List continues on next page)

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BHS salutes its extremely accomplished graduates (Continued from previous page) Gustavo Manuel Cubas-Cumpa Christian Cumbe Carlos Luis Cunas Andrew E. S. DaSilva Chandra Theodell David Michael I. Davila Sandra B. Dawoud Natalia Lucia Daza-Espitia Michelle Kamilah De Jesus Roberth De Leon Josette Marie Defranco Adiel Issac Deleon Caleb Louis Derro Shiv Desai Isabelle J. Deshommes Daniel R. Di Palma Ebony Dixon Cristian Dominguez Tung Van Dong Brian Christopher Duenas Tiahanna Edwards Matthew Boneares Egas Kaitochi Esther Egeonu Okoro Nahjir Antonio Elmore Belal F. Embaby Joel Matthew Encarnacion Arriana Emmanuelle Entero Odalys Espana Alicia Therese Estrada

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Morgan S. Fabbricatore Fernando J. Fajardo Jenna Nicole Falsetta Alyssa Nicole Ferraiolo Samantha Cristina Ferreira Maygan Joy Figueroa

Kahwan Devon Floyd Heidi M. Frischeisen Reemaz Gad Erik Galarraga Edward G. Galea Karla Gallardo

Jasmine D. Garcia Sophia Loren Garcia Christopher Jerimah Gardner James E. Garnett Harold Charles Gaspard Jonathan Louis Gaspard Andrea Giraldo Ascencio Joseph Giunta III Evelin Chantal Gomez Santos Alana Lynn Gonzalez Amber Danielle Gonzalez David D. Gonzalez Matthew Max Guacho Steven L. Guacho Richard W. Gual Jr. Ana Karen Guerrero-Geronimo Paul O’Neill Guillermo-Quito Luis Daniel Guzman Daniel Mamdouh Habeb Steven Mamdouh Habeb Paul James Horvath Martina Remon Ibrahim Sophia Raafat Ibrahim Kenneth Jodry Idrovo Neil Mark Inahuazo Jamar DeShawn Ingram Jr. Christopher Jackowski Joshua David Jagroop Elnandia Jean-Noel (List continues on next page)

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18 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

Belleville High bids fond farewell to Class of 2021 (Continued from previous page) Edward Arthur Oliver Jones Jr. Kenya Hassen Jones Jr. Luis Esteban Juca Cadena Leticia Jugo Mofeayo Abdul Haleema Kuku Joyce Nabil Labib Meriam Nabil Labib Jeffrey Lara Alexis I. Lauer Derek Joseph Ellice Leigh Vivian Li Alexis Olivia Libby Jordan Taylor Libby Mavi Ligaya Gabriel Enrique Llaguno Bruno Miguel Lopes April Lisa Lopez Deveon Yamere Lopez Tobias N. Lopez Melissa Lopez-Montoya Melissa J. Lozada Alexander Evan Luna Evelin Katherina Luna-Colon Saif El Islam Thogan Magableh Sergio R. Majano Melizah Taiz Marquez Madison Amaya Martinez Oscar Martinez Jalianyss Mikeysha Martinez Rivera

Manuela M. Martinez-Rincon Sofia Costa Martins Melany J. Mateo Ernesto Antonio Matos Divine Amir McLaurin Stephen Meggali Angel Boakyewaa Mensah Gabriel Antonio Mercado Lauren Viterbo Mercado Damian Anthony Mesa Roberto Sameh Michael Jean Claude Michel Jr. Jason Ayrton Miranda Jiana Samantha Mojica Gabriella Molina Christiana Mondesir Caitlin Lee Monsanto Kayla S. Montalvo Nydializ Montoya Charlie Moran Daniel William Munoz Kely Munoz Santiago Murillo Londono Kassie Lizzbeth Narvaez Chris Neckles Robert Nemeth Ryan Duong Nguyen Dalena H. Nguyen Alvaro Nieves April Andaya Ocaya

Ana Paula Ochoa Feijoo Lewis Matthew Odi Douglas Orellana Jose Victor Ortiz Kayla Marie Ortiz Sanadra Marie Ortiz Freddy Steve Ortiz-Lomas Jonathan Jose Pagan Melissa Palacios Priya Parmar Declan Marshall Partridge Myannei Marie Mikkiyah Patterson Aurora Marielena Pazmino Castillo Andrew Justin Penafiel Barrionuevo Jorge Israel Peralta-Castro Angelo Perez Gabriela Perez Hailey R. Perez Jonathan Ryan Dimailig Perez Joshua Maitem Perez Nicole Perez Richard Hiroki Pesantez Angel Petrozzino Claribelle Hinojales Pimentel Eyllen D. Pinaloza Zabala Alexander Pirotto Alexa Michelle Pizarro Emmanuel Marquis Pleasant Maria Fernanda Querevalu Rosales (List continues on next page)

s n o i CLASS OF 2021 t a l u t a r g n o C BELLEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Photo by Steve Ellmore

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Belleville Post — July 2021 — 19

Students turn the tassel on their high school careers (Continued from previous page) Brigitte G. Quezada Lisset Adamari Quezada Selena Marie Quiles Bruno Enrique Quinones-Arica Jean Piere Sebastian Quintero Brandon Anthony Ramirez Brandon Louis Ramirez Rianna Santiago Ramirez Alexandra Elizabeth Ramos Lamar Reed Brian A. Retortillo Brian Ricardo Reyes Luis Alfonso Reyna Kevin Aurelio Riera Jesus Rigacci Orianna Rigacci Orlando Rincon Robert Anthony Ringwald Nelson Rios Alyssa Marie Rivera Destiny Winter Rivera Sherley Vanessa Rizo Shaundrea Tytiana Robertson Anaiyah Rodriguez George Rodriguez Jerilyn M. Rodriguez Matthew E. Rodriguez Noah R. Rodriguez Brandon Alexander Roggero

Photo by Steve Ellmore

Susan Rojas Juana Isabel Romero Christian Carlos Rosado Sofia Ruiz Murillo Joseph Corrado Russo Alisa Carine Safforld Javier A. Salas Gabriel Alessandro Salazar Emilia S. Saldana Luciana Lara Salomone Nalani G. Sanabria Jonnathan A. Sanchez Angel A. Scaglione Lyric Grace Shakoor Waad Amin Sidahmed

Amber Silva Matthew D. Silva Chavika Singh Raekwon Shaquille Smith Christopher Sola Levy Aiden P. Soto Desteny Marie Soto Josei Ailyne Soto Pacheco Nicholas J. Suazo Andrixson Suero Nicholas Swartz Rachel Taipe David A. Tamay Pamil Minamo Tamelessio Khalid E. Tan

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20 — July 2021 — Nutley Journal - BP

Community gathers at street renaming for Risoli Dozens of neighbors lined Lake Street in this closeknit Silver Lake neighborhood on Saturday, June 5, to honor a local man who forged a decades-long career as a public servant in Belleville and Essex County. The ceremonial renaming of the street to Angelo C. Risoli Way was a way to thank the late Belleville First Ward councilman and deputy mayor for his tireless devotion. Risoli’s work as the commissioner of Belleville’s Public Works Department and as Belleville Republican

chairperson for 20 years were also recalled during the ceremony, which was attended by Risoli’s brother, Barney, and his sister-in-law, Joyce. Barney Risoli said his brother, who died in 2012, would have been moved by the outpouring of love at the ceremony. “To see all these people here, he would have been touched,” Barney Risoli said. “All these people came out for the street renaming, and it would have meant a See RISOLI, Page 21

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Township

Barney and Joyce Risoli, as well as Councilwoman Marie Strumolo-Burke, pull the string to unveil the new sign.

Mayor Michael Melham tells the crowd that one of his prized possessions is Angelo Risoli’s commissioner badge. Standing next to the mayor is Councilwoman Marie Strumolo-Burke.

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Risoli honored posthumously for his lasting legacy (Continued from Page 20) lot to him. It’s really wonderful.” The ceremonial street renaming was spearheaded by First Ward Councilwoman Marie Strumolo-Burke. “Even though we didn’t always see eye to eye when it came to politics, we were good friends, and I respected him very much,” she said. “Angelo was a good man, and dedicating this street Angelo C. Risoli Way was definitely a long time coming and well deserved.” The late deputy mayor was also employed by Essex County as a transportation specialist. He volunteered countless hours to many committees and organizations, including the Essex County Mental Health Committee, the Moose Lodge and the Red Circle Civic Club. Mayor Michael Melham recalled having met Angelo Risoli more than 20 years ago, during Risoli’s bid for Essex County registrar. The image of the oversized banner with Angelo Risoli’s face on it hanging in the window of the campaign’s headquarters on Belleville Avenue is still vivid in Melham’s mind. “Years later, we would run as a team on a ticket for Ward Council,” Melham said. “Our victory was historic, as never before had a majority been elected in one election in Belleville.” Melham showed the crowd Angelo Risoli’s commissioner badge — a prized

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Township

Above left, Councilwoman Marie Strumolo-Burke spearheaded the effort to ceremonially rename the street after her friend, Angelo C. Risoli. Above, the new signage honors Risoli’s commitment to Belleville. Below, Mayor Michael Melham shows Risoli’s commissioner badge. possession gifted to Melham by the Risoli family after Risoli’s death. “He would have been proud these past few years when two of his proteges, Dr. Joseph Scarpelli and I, were serving as mayors of Nutley and Belleville,” Melham said. Township manager Anthony Iacono, Deputy Mayor Thomas Graziano, Councilwoman Naomy De Pena and Board of Education Vice President Gabrielle Bennett-Meany also attended the street renaming ceremony. Scarpelli, now a Nutley commissioner, and Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos also attended the event.

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22 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

Belleville seniors ready to head out into the world

From left are Cristian Dominguez, Fernando Fajardo, Ernesto Matos, Jonnathan Sanchez, Emmanuel Pleasant, Gabriel Mercado and John Capellan.

From left are April Ocaya, Amber Gonzalez, Sophia Garcia, Alexandra Ramos, Anaiyah Rodriguez, Reemaz Gas, Melissa Luzada and Melany Mateo.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2021 — 23

Above, dual member Ed Hall scrambles some eggs. Below, from left, are Hall, Steve Sangemino and John Rieger.

Above, 105 SAL Cmdr. Steve Sangemino and SAL member Jake Myers, age 6, enjoy the breakfast.

Photos Courtesy of SAL Squadron 105

SAL member John Rieger mixes eggs.

Belleville SAL gathers for breakfast — just to be together Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 held a spring breakfast on Sunday, May 16, for no other reason than to get together and have a nice meal as an American Legion family. With 15 dozen eggs donated by Hazelman Farms in West Milford, plus food donated and purchased by the SAL, more

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In the end, it was a good breakfast with great friends and fantastic food. The event was open to the public; those who brought an American Legion membership card — from anywhere in the American Legion family — ate for free. For information about upcoming events, check out the American Legion Post 105 Facebook page.

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24 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

American Legion, SAL distribute poppies in town American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 distributed poppies during Memorial Day Weekend at the ShopRite on Washington Avenue, raising thousands of dollars to go directly to the organizations’ programs supporting veterans in need. As does almost every veterans organization in the country, Post and Squadron 105 hand out the familiar red crepe-paper poppy flowers to shoppers over Memorial Day weekend, a program that has been in existence since 1921. The poppy program, which has National Poppy Day — the Friday before Memorial Day — as its cornerstone, finds its origins in World War I and the poem “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrae. That famous poem starts, “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses row on row, / That mark our place.…” After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe — scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From that dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red

poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle, not only during World War I, but in every engagement since. The paper poppy is handed out with a tag that reads “In Memoriam,” honoring every service member who has been killed in the service of their country. But the program, aside from serving as a reminder of our killed-in-action service members, is meant to raise money that goes to veterans in need. The community is asked to wear the poppy and donate what they can to “Honor the fallen and support the living.” Belleville always answers the call. “We are always amazed by the generosity of the community,” SAL Cmdr. Steve Sangemino said. From May 25 to 31, Legionnaires and Sons stood in three-hour shifts outside the ShopRite with poppies and donation cans. To remind shoppers of what Memorial Day is really all about, SAL members Steve Mercier and Bob “Boog” Lynch stood post Memorial Day morning distributing the flowers, while the rest of the post attended Belleville’s Memorial Day remembrances.

Above, SAL 105 Adjutant Rusty Myers, left, and Vice Cmdr. Steve Mercier distribute poppies.

Above, SAL member Joe Forlenza hands out poppies.

Photos Courtesy of SAL Squadron 105

Vice Cmdr. Scotty Higgins, left, and Legionnaire Nick Pietropaolo seek donations in return for crepe-paper poppies.

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2021 — 25

STUDENT UPDATE Chamber scholarships The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Foundation has named four 2021 scholarship recipients, including two Belleville residents: Vivian Shu Yi Li, who will attend Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., and Cybel Cobbinah, who will attend Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. This scholarship awards program is sponsored by the chamber’s business members each year. The scholarship awards are presented to graduating high school seniors that reside in the towns of Bloomfield, Belleville and Glen Ridge. The criteria for the scholarships are based on financial need; upcoming fall attendance at a college, university or vocational school; intention to pursue a career that is business-oriented; and extracurricular and community activities. To apply, students must submit an application, a 500word essay, their grade-point average, letters of recommendation from teachers and acceptance letters from colleges. The Class of 2021 scholarships were sponsored by Belleville Motor Lodge business owner Cecelia Polizzi and Provident Bank marketing manager and Vice President Michael Kahn.

Mattia excels at ESU Gianna Mattia, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at East Stroudsburg University, located in East Stroudsburg, Pa., for the spring 2021 semester.

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

Merritt earns honors

named to the spring 2021 semester dean’s list with high honors at the New London, Conn., school. Conca is majoring in neuroscience, and DiCamillo is majoring in film studies and art. To earn high honors, a student must earn a grade-point average of at least 3.8.

Alexis Merritt, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at York College of Pennsylvania, located in York, Pa., for the spring Best graduates Terrence Best, of Belleville, has gradu2021 semester. Merritt, a rising sophomore, is a music industry and recording ated from Monmouth College, located in Monmouth, Ill., with a degree in sociology technology major. and anthropology.

Perfect 4.0 for Matrona

John Matrona, of Nutley, has been named a dean’s scholar at Piedmont University, located in Demorest, Ga., for the spring 2021 semester. To achieve this honor, a student must earn a perfect grade-point average of 4.0.

Correa earns MBA

Yela inducted into PTK

Belleville’s Naryensi Van Dyke earned a Certificate in Finance from Centenary University, located in Hackettstown, this past spring.

Carmen Yela, of Belleville, was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society at Berkeley College on May 24. The Phi Theta Kappa national honor society was established in 1918 to honor the academic achievement of students pursuing two-year degrees. To qualify, students must have a cumulative gradepoint average of 3.5 or higher.

Dean’s honors in Conn. Nutleys’s Melanie Conca and Lauren DiCamillo, both members of the Connecticut College Class of 2023, have been

Max Correa, of Belleville, received a Master of Business Administration from Wilkes University, located in WilkesBarre, Pa., in May.

Van Dyke earns certificate

Ludizaca graduates, earns academic honors Milena Ludizaca, of Nutley, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, this past spring. Ludizaca was also named to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 semester. Students

who earned 12 semester hours of credit with a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 achieved this distinction.

Acclaim for Chen Huatao Chen, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at the College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Va., for the spring 2021 semester. In order to achieve dean’s list status, a full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student must take at least 12 credit hours and earn a quality-point average of at least 3.6 during the semester.

Honors for Navarra Elena Navarra, of Nutley, was named to the president’s list at James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, Va., for the spring 2021 semester. Students who earn president’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a grade-point average of 3.9 or better.

Gaynor makes dean’s list Ethan Gaynor, of Nutley, has been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 semester at Marquette University, located in Milwaukee, Wisc. Gaynor is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology. To make the dean’s list, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the semester and have no disqualifying grades. The grade-point average threshold varies by college.

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26 — July 2021 — Nutley Journal - BP

EC Summer Music Concert Series returns for 2021 The 2021 Essex County free Summer Music Concert Series will bring a diverse group of musicians and entertainers to perform at locations throughout the Essex County Park System. This year’s free series features three concert-and-fireworks spectaculars, five concerts in Brookdale Park, 12 concerts throughout the county, and two cultural festivals. “The Essex County free Summer Music Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage throughout our historic parks system. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze, and dance to the sounds of classical, rock and roll, jazz, big band, Latin and more. We have an amazing lineup that is sure to entertain and impress,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said. The Summer Music Concert Series is being sponsored by Rose Squared Productions and the Horizon Foundation for

New Jersey. The series is also made possible, in part, by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. Over the course of 11 weeks this summer, there are 22 different events, featuring local and international acts in jazz, rock and roll, big band, reggae and more. The 2021 concert series schedule is as follows: • Thursday, July 1, at 7:30 p.m., Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair: concert by The Infernos and a fireworks spectacular; the rain date is Friday, July 2. • Monday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m., Yanticaw Park, Nutley: concert by Jersey Sound. • Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m., Verona Park, Verona: concert by The Symphonics. • Thursday, Aug. 12, at 7:30 p.m., Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair: concert by Stone Flower, a Santana tribute band. • Friday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m., Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair: concert

by Eaglemania, an Eagles tribute band. • Monday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, Newark: concert by Bradford Hayes. • Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m., Riverbank Park, Newark: concert by the David Cedeno Orchestra. • Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m., Watsessing Park, Bloomfield/East Orange: concert by Gordon James. • Thursday, Aug. 19, at 7:30 p.m., Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair: concert by Constantine and the Frequency. • Friday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m., Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair: classic rock concert by New Power Soul. • Saturday, Aug. 21, from noon to 8 p.m., Ivy Hill Park, Newark: the Ivy Hill Food and Music Festival; the rain date is Sunday, Aug. 22. • Monday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m., Ivy Hill Park, Newark: concert by Layonne Holmes.

• Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m., Vailsburg Park, Newark: concert by K. Brown Express. • Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m., Riverfront Park, Newark: concert by Latin Splendor. • Thursday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m., Branch Brook Park, Heller Parkway, Newark: concert by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks spectacular. • Friday, Aug. 27, at 7:30 p.m., Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair: a night of doo-wop with The Capris. • Monday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m., Cedar Grove Park, Cedar Grove: concert by Julian & Dominique. • Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m., Grover Cleveland Park, Caldwell/Essex Fells: concert by Swingman and the MisfitsMutts. • Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m., See MUSIC, Page 27

STUDENT UPDATE Danielle Swan and Amanda Zheng. To be included on the dean’s list, fulltime students must have completed 12 or more credits for letter grades and achieve a quality-point average of at least 3.3.

Montes graduates, makes dean’s list Victoria Montes, of Nutley, graduated with a degree in health services administration from James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, Va., during commencement exercises in May. Montes was also named to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 semester. Students who earn dean’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a grade-point average between 3.5 and 3.899.

Mackle earns honors Meghan Mackle, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at Alvernia University, located in Reading, Pa., for the spring 2021 semester. Mackle studied occupational therapy. To be eligible for the dean’s list, students must carry a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or better and take a minimum of 12 credits.

SPP graduates seniors Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, located in Jersey City, celebrated its 143rd commencement on May 19. Of the 226 graduates, these local residents were recognized: • From Belleville: Sean Herold, who will attend Loyola University Maryland. • From Nutley: Riley Adams, who will attend Rutgers University; Andrew Bowling, who will attend Fairfield University; Thomas Da Costa Lobo, a National Merit Commended Scholars finalist, who graduated magna cum laude and will attend Johns Hopkins University; Max Malanga, who will attend Sacred Heart University; Robert McCafferty, who will attend University of California–Santa Cruz; Kevin Nally, who won a Scholar Athlete Award,

Degrees from Quinnipiac Cesia Diaz, of Belleville, was named to the dean’s list at Wilkes University, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., for the spring 2021 semester. To be named to the dean’s list, stuPhoto Courtesy of Trish Fitzpatrick dents must obtain a minimum gradepoint average of 3.5 and carry at least 12 Several students from Nutley credits.

and Belleville recently graduated from Saint Peter’s Prep.

graduated cum laude and will attend Drexel University; Evan Scribner, who won a Scholar Athlete Award, graduated cum laude and will attend Sacred Heart University; and Ryan Wallace, who will attend Pennsylvania State University. Da Costa Lobo also won the Gold Medal in Latin and the Silver Medal in History, and Nally won the Silver Medal in Visual Arts.

Frobose, Hall succeed Ian Frobose and Bridget Hall, both of Nutley, were named to the dean’s list at Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pa., for the spring 2021 semester. This status is granted to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.

Dean’s list at URI The following Nutley students were recently named to the dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island, located in Kingston, R.I., for the spring 2021 semester: Samantha Abernovich, Stephanie Fleser, Ava Harabedian, Mackenzie Moraski, Jacqueline Rubino, Jillian Stack,

ny Intili and Kaitlin Peloso. In order to be placed on the dean’s list, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in a semester, have no outstanding or incomplete grades for that semester, and have attained a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or better.

Quispe earns bachelor’s Luan Quispe, of Belleville, graduated with Bachelor of Science in materials science and engineering from Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pa., on May 24.

Top grades for Grullon

Morales takes honors

Northeastern University, located in Boston, Mass., recently named Bryan Grullon, of Belleville, to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 semester. Grullon is studying cybersecurity. To achieve the dean’s list distinction, students must carry a full program of at least four courses, have a quality-point average of 3.5 or greater out of a possible 4.0 and carry no single grade lower than a C- during the course of their college career.

Kalina Morales, of Belleville, earned dean’s list honors for the spring 2021 semester at Mount St. Mary’s University, located in Emmitsburg, Md.

Amazing in Alabama The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, Ala., named Juliana Caruso, of Nutley, to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 semester. To be named to the dean’s list, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better.

Fairest grades at Fairfield The following students were named to the dean’s list at Fairfield University, located in Fairfield, Conn., for the spring 2021 semester: Belleville’s Gabriella Corbo; and Nutley’s Claire Brown, Antho-

Acclaim at Muhlenberg Nutley residents Abigail Scheidel, Elena Bresnan and Emily De Angelo were named to the dean’s list at Muhlenberg College, located in Allentown, Pa., for the spring 2021 semester. Students with a term grade-point average of 3.5 or better were recognized for this academic achievement.

Susquehanna honors Dominic Contella and Nicholas Scotti, both of Nutley, have been named to the dean’s list at Susquehanna University, located in Selinsgrove, Pa., for the spring 2021 semester. Contella and Scotti are both members of the Susquehanna Class of 2024 and are Nutley High School graduates. Contella is majoring in accounting and Scotti is majoring in political science. The dean’s list recognizes students who achieve a grade-point average of 3.4 or better out of a possible 4.0 for the semester.

Nutley Journal - BP — July 2021 — 27

CDI scientists develop ‘CATCHER’ for biomarkers Tiny genetic markers, circulating in the blood, have shown great promise in diagnosing and treating disease. Yet identifying and harvesting these extracellular vesicles have been a major challenge for science. Now a laboratory at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation in Nutley has discovered a highly sensitive methodology that can efficiently find and harness extracellular vesicles — particularly exosomes and the microRNAs they carry. These could be crucial clues to identifying diseases, such as cancer, early on in their development. The scientists have now unveiled the Extracellular Vesicle Capture by AnTibody of CHoice and 1 Enzymatic Release, or EV-CATCHER, in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles. “We are establishing the threshold of detection,” said Olivier Loudig, an associ-

ate member of the CDI. “The EV-CATCHER is really intended to push the envelope.” “This work shows us a new dimension to the study of circulating and exhaled biomarkers,” said David Perlin, the chief scientific officer and senior vice president of the CDI. “The Loudig laboratory is elevating the field with this novel work, which has great promise." The EV-CATCHER was designed by Loudig as a high-throughput test to find and quantify tiny amounts of microRNAs detected through next-generation sequencing. The technology uses targeted antibodies to bind to the molecules in plasma. It was developed after Loudig and his team tested 11 other methodologies, including magnetic beads, which were found to be inexact. Testing the EV-CATCHER involved taking mouse-derived EVs that were spiked into human plasma. The results

Music this summer in EC (Continued from Page 26) Independence Park, Newark: Nanny Assis presents the “Brazilian Experience.” • Thursday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m., Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange: concert by Beginnings, a Chicago tribute band. • Saturday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Weequahic Park, Newark: House Music Festival and a Splash of Caribbean.

Concerts are held at accessible sites. Persons who require special accommodations or assistance are asked to call at least two weeks prior to the concert to alert staff to their needs. Admission to the concerts is free. For more information, call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973‑268-3500.

showed the EV-CATCHER caught the mouse-derived material — and the researchers were able to successfully extract the intact microRNAs within. Other analyses assessed samples from COVID-19 patients. The first comparison used sequences from samples purified with the EV-CATCHER, in contrast to whole-serum samples. Loudig and his team were able to show which exosomes were hallmarks of hospitalized patients with serious disease, and which showed up in more moderate cases. Separately, a test on convalescent plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients showed that high levels of anti-spike

immunoglobulin G antibodies demonstrated neutralizing properties against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in vitro. Furthermore, the testing showed that the COVID-19 patients’ exosomes themselves had neutralizing properties on the virus — meaning it could have therapeutic value in convalescent plasma and other potential treatments of the future. “This paper demonstrates that the technology not only helps us detect and diagnose disease in its early stages — it can also potentially be used to help treat disease, as well,” said Megan Mitchell, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Loudig lab and a co-author of the paper.

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28 — July 2021 — Nutley Journal - BP

BULLETIN BOARD Blood drives in Essex Co. New Jersey Blood Services will conduct the following blood drives in Essex County: Thursday, July 1, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Livingston Mall, 112 Eisenhower Parkway in Livingston; Thursday, July 8, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Montclair Women’s Club, 82 Union St. in Montclair; Sunday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YMCA Program Center, 13 Jefferson Ave. in Maplewood; Monday, July 12, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus No. 2346, 150 Chestnut St. in Nutley; and Tuesday, July 13, from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Ave. in North Caldwell. To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, call 800933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.

Sound will bring a mix of classic rock, oldies, Motown, R&B, British invasion and pop music on July 29. August kicks off with the salsa stylings of David Cedeno on Aug. 5. The Internos, a band that plays extensively throughout the state, will hit the stage on Aug. 12. Big Hix will fill Belleville air with country music on Aug. 19. The series will conclude on Aug. 26 with an invitation to dance the night away with New Power and Soul.

features some of the best wrestlers in the world, who will push athleticism to the limits and put families on the edge of their seats in this unscripted and unforgettable event. Supporters include Mayor Mauro G. Tucci and Nutley Parks & Recreation Department, Ocean Beach Sales and Rentals of Lavallette, and Marketing Muscle. Tickets and VIP packages are on sale now at www.campiwf.com for the separate, reduced-capacity events. Doors open one hour prior to bell time for a meet and greet. For event info, visit IWF on social media @wrestlingiwf. CDC health and state guidelines at the time of the event will be strictly followed.

church website’s online donation page at www.vincentumc.org/onlinedonations and noting that the donation is for the Care Pantry or by mailing checks, also marked for the Care Pantry, made out and mailed to Vincent Church, 100 Vincent Place, Nutley, NJ 07110.

Vincent Church events

Vincent United Methodist Church, located at 100 Vincent Place in Nutley, has reopened for worship on Sunday Bedford Golf Classic mornings at 10 a.m. The service will also The Bedford Golf Classic, a golf tournabe broadcast live each week on the ment and fundraiser for the Nutley Famichurch’s Facebook page and be available ly Service Bureau, will be held Monday, by call-in. There will be a health screening July 12, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Glen for all in-person attendees each week. InRidge Country Club. For more informa- Survivors walk in Nutley person attendees must wear masks and Nutley Thriving Survivors Inc. will adhere to social distancing guidelines. tion and to register, visit https://nutleyhold its annual “Celebration Walk” on Children will be required to stay with their chamber.com/wpSunday, Oct. 3, beginning at John H. parents throughout their time in the content/uploads/2021/05/ThBedfordWalker Middle School in Nutley, and its building. Sunday School and nursery care GolfClassicflyer.pdf. Belleville summer concerts “Celebration Brunch” on Sunday, Oct. 24, are not currently available. There will be Belleville’s new Summer Concert IWF Wrestling in Nutley at the Glen Ridge Country Club. There is socially distanced seating in the sanctuSeries will begin July 8 and will feature a It’s the ultimate mix of action and no charge for the brunch for survivors, or ary. Capacity will be limited to 70 people, wide variety of music. Concerts are from excitement as IWF Wrestling presents “thrivers,” as the organization calls them, with overflow seating using the Facebook 6:30 to 9 p.m. each Thursday night family-friendly live events Saturday, Aug. and one guest of their choosing. livestream in Philhower Chapel. through the end of August, at Belleville 21, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 22, at 5 For more information, visit www.nutThe church will present “Proverbs: High School. Pathways to Wisdom,” an online study p.m. to benefit American Cancer Society’s leythrivingsurvivors.com. Motor City Revue will play a salute to Relay for Life at the Nutley recreation group based on a book by Dominick S. Sponsor the VFW website Hernandez. It is being held via Zoom on Motown on July 15. Time Machine, a center, 44 Park Ave. party band, will play July 22. Jersey Nutley Veterans of Foreign Wars Stu- Monday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The study This adrenaline-charged extravaganza art E. Edgar Post 493 has launched a new will help participants make a deeper conwebsite and is currently seeking site spon- nection to the wisdom of Proverbs. To sorship. Sponsorship is tax deductible, as participate, contact the church office for IN MEMORIAM the VFW is a nonprofit organization. more information. • BINDI – Leida C., of Belleville; May 20. Was 78. The “Reflection” small group meets Unlike most website sponsors, those who • BUCCIARELLI – Edythe, of Belleville; May 23. Widow, mother, grandmother, 92. sponsor the Nutley VFW site will get more after church every week by video confer• COZZARELLI – James J. Jr., of Belleville; June 6. Funeral director, civic leader, than just a banner ad; they will get a ded- ence. The purpose is to reflect on the serbrother, uncle, 72. mon and how to live out the message, and icated page on the website. • DARLING – Mary Ann, of Nutley; May 6. Teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, For more information, contact the to be in fellowship with and pray for one aunt, 85. Nutley VFW at 862-208-3911 or vfw- another. The meeting is led by pastoral • ESTELLE – Ralph F., of Gouldsboro, Pa., formerly of Belleville; Jan. 11. Served assistant Win Shin on Sundays from 11:45 post493nutley@gmail.com. four years in U.S. Marine Corps. Retired from NJ Bell/Bell Atlantic. Widower, a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Zoom. Contact the father, grandfather, 81. Pantry supply drive church office for more information. • FABIANO – Kathryn Joan, of Ledgewood, formerly of Nutley, Little Falls, White For more information about Vincent The Vincent Church Care Pantry has Township; June 15. Nurse, widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 85. distributed personal care items to those in Church, visit www.vincentumc.org. • GALASSO – Suzanne C., of Belleville; May 20. Sister, aunt, 77. need in the Nutley community for more • HALLOCK – Nancy L., of Roswell, Ga., and Bloomfield, formerly of Belleville, than 25 years. Items are collected at the What’s Up calendar East Orange; May 27. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 86. Nutley Rotary has introduced its new church, bagged for each family and dis• KOSTURKO – Bertha, of Belleville; May 28. Retired bookkeeper. Widow, mothtributed on the first Monday of the month What’s Up Nutley Community Calendar, er, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 81. an online community events calendar, to from 4 to 6 p.m. • QUINN – Patricia, of Nutley; May 22. Wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, 72. During the pandemic, the need has help Nutley citizens learn about and plan • ROACH – Thomas W., of Florida, formerly of Nutley; May 24. Father, grandfagrown by 50 percent to more than 70 fam- events. ther, 66. What’s Up Nutley Community Calenilies each month. The shelves have • ROTONDO – Angelo Jr., of Nutley; June 8. Retired Belleville firefighter. Brothbecome more difficult to stock due to the dar invites all Nutley nonprofit organizaer, uncle, great-uncle, 67. increased need, the pandemic limitations tions, Nutley schools and the township of • SANTASIERI – Connie, of Belleville; Jan. 2. Homemaker, teacher’s aide, volunof usual donors, the limited stock at the Nutley to post events, meetings and teer. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, 93. Community FoodBank of New Jersey and fundraisers. • SCWARZ – Lorraine L., of Las Vegas, formerly of Jersey City, North Arlington, The calendar is accessible online to difficulty purchasing items in bulk. Help Nutley and Little Egg Harbor; June 8. Business owner, cat lover, widow, mother, 85. everyone and can easily be accessed on is needed now more than ever. • SMITH – Doris Sylvia, of Paramus, formerly of Nutley; May 30. Retired execuThe following items are needed most: computer, tablet or mobile device at tive administrator. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, 78. paper towels, toilet paper, household www.whatsupnutley.org. The calendar • SPILLANE – Thomas J. Sr., of Caldwell, formerly of Belleville; June 12. Was 81. cleaners, laundry detergent, dish deter- also has a Facebook page where events • VILLACARI – Robert “Bobby V,” of Woodland Park, formerly of Nutley; May 14. gent, shampoo and deodorant. Many of can be posted and shared. Husband, father, grandfather, 85. Members of Nutley’s nonprofit organithese items cannot be purchased using an zations may suggest an event through the NJ SNAP card. In Memoriam is a feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also Donations can be dropped off in front website; for multiple events, they may provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, of the left front door of the church Mon- contact Nutley Rotary at whatsupnutlespecial notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on day to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church ly@gmail.com for a priority login. 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 To advertise in the calendar, email is located at 100 Vincent Place in Nutley, and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of across from the Nutley Library. Monetary whatsupnutley@gmail.com or contact the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance. donations can be made by visiting the Ben Costa at 973-798-2493.

Belleville Post — July 2021 — 29

Photos Courtesy of SAL Squadron 105

Post 105 Cmdr. Joe Cobianchi watches a game.

At National Sportswear are, from left, SAL member Rusty Myers, National Sportswear brothers Michael and Marc Tartaglia, and Cmdr. Steve Sangemino.

American Legion sponsors youth baseball team For the first time in more than 20 years, American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 are sponsoring a youth baseball team in Belleville. The ball team, a high school–level traveling team, plays against teams from Cedar Grove, Long Valley, Chatham and Montclair, among others. Post and Squadron 105 have made it a goal to support a youth team over the past year. An opportunity presented itself when Belleville Recreation Director Tom Agosta let the Legion know that he was looking for a sponsor for the new Belleville traveling team. As part of the United States Amateur Baseball League’s 14-and-under division, the Belleville Jr. Bucs join a huge league with some pretty stiff competition. Agosta himself played on the American Legion Post 105 team in the American Legion League in the early 1980s and is proud his nephew now plays

for the Belleville Legion travel team 40 years later. “I’m so happy we’re doing this, because we used to do it for a long time, and it’s happening again now,” Post Cmdr. Joe Cobianchi said. The membership is incredibly happy with the decision to sponsor and support the team. As Second Vice Cmdr. Scott Higgins said, “The American Legion is always for supporting our community.” The 105 Legionnaires and the SAL Squadron each donated $1,200 — so $2,400 in total — for uniforms, so the players didn't need to pay anything for uniforms. Above and beyond that, through the generosity of a donation from SAL member Al Rossi, SAL 105 purchased numbered team practice uniforms, so each player could have two practice shirts, which have identical printing to that of the game uniforms.

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All of the uniforms and shirts were printed at National Sportswear on Cortland Street in Belleville. The four Tartaglia brothers and owners — Marc, Mike, Peter and Daniel — are also SAL 105 members, through their father’s World War II service. All of the uniforms, with the Belleville “B” on the front, have the American Legion logo on one sleeve and the Sons of the American Legion logo on the other. SAL 105 also purchased six dozen “Post 105 Belleville Baseball” T-shirts for members, parents and supporters of the team to wear. The proceeds from the shirts, being sold both at the Post and at games, will go to an end-of-the-season barbecue for players and their families at Post 105. SAL 105 Cmdr. Steve Sangemino said, “We, the American Legion Post 105 in Belleville, need to take care of our youth in Belleville.”

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30 — July 2021 — Nutley Journal - BP

Yogi Berra Museum recognizes ‘best teammates’ Continuing a beloved tradition in local high school sports, for the ninth consecutive year the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center honored student athletes from member schools of the Super Essex Conference in a celebration of the qualities that made Yogi Berra a national treasure. Recipients of the 2021 Investors Bank Best Teammate Award, selected by their respective athletic departments, exemplify the strength of character, sportsmanship and supportive spirit that, though often unheralded, are vital to a team’s success — qualities that were on full display on May 25, despite the ceremony being held virtually, instead of in the museum’s theater. Recipients are as follows: Arts High School’s Janayah McCullers, Barringer High School’s Isiah Cabrera, Belleville High School’s Jason Miranda, Bloomfield High School’s Tiffany Ortiz, Cedar Grove High School’s Brian Catanzarite, Central High School’s Briana Worthy, Columbia High School’s Jacob Messeri, Eagle Academy’s Qrshon Roberts, East Orange Campus High School’s Jahzara Mathieson, East Side High School’s Beatriz Vicente Da Cunha, Glen Ridge High School’s Matt Van Bloem, Irvington High School’s Victoria Bonheur, James Caldwell High School’s Natalie Lorenz, Livingston High School’s Vincent Militello, Malcolm X Shabazz High School’s Ja’zon Ellis, Millburn High School’s Sydney Kuehn, Montclair High School’s Sabrina Martin, Montclair Immaculate Conception High School’s Thomas Pennetta, Montclair Kimberley Academy’s Rollins Heath, Mount St. Dominic Academy’s Kaitlin Hladik, Newark Academy’s Billy Hales, Newark Tech’s Allendy Lluberes, North Star Academy’s Kolina France, Nutley High School’s Kaitlyn Gavidia, Orange High School’s Celine Jobson, Payne Tech’s Nicole Johansson, Saint Vincent Academy’s Therese Argueta, Science Park High School’s Nakiyah Jackson, Seton Hall Prep’s Tim Polizzi, Technology High School’s Jordan Skillern,

Photo Courtesy of the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center

University High School’s Janaie Coates-Sinues, Verona High School’s Megan Meehan, Weequahic High School’s Stephen Akuakolam, West Caldwell Tech’s Isabella Tosca, West Essex Regional High School’s Rebecca Desiderio, West Orange High School’s Tracey Ilderis and West Side High School’s Heavyn Woods. “Kaitlyn, who was injured, stayed involved with her teams by attending every practice and game,” Nutley coaches said about Gavidia, who is on the girls soccer and track teams. “She was often the third ‘coach’ on the bench, cheering on her teammates and helping to energize the players.” The 37 winning students, together with their parents, grandparents, coaches and athletic directors, had the opportunity to hear from special guest Bill Brown, chief retail officer of Investors Bank, long-time sponsor of the event. In congratulating the recipients, Brown said, “At Investors we … often talk in meetings about Yogi Berra as the model of a person who lifted the people around him.

The Best Teammate Award shows that you make your teammates better because of who you are.” “There has been so much personal sacrifice in the last 14 months,” said Eve Schaenen, the museum’s executive director, in her welcome remarks to the students on Zoom. “Sports seasons were canceled, or cut short, or modified to account for the public health crisis we have all lived through. And yet, your athletic directors still chose you as ‘best teammate.’ What that says so clearly, this year more than ever, is that the qualities of a great teammate are identifiable in you … because of who you are as people, as much as who you are as athletes.” Participants also heard from Dale Berra, Yogi Berra’s youngest son, who spoke of his experience playing on the same team as his Hall of Fame father; Dale Berra was a player when his father managed the New York Yankees. The younger Berra reminded the students that being a great teammate isn’t just about statistics but is about putting the team first, showing respect for others and persevering.

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Nutley Journal - BP — July 2021 — 31

SEC announces honors for baseball and softball The Super Essex Conference recently named students to all-conference teams in baseball and softball. For Nutley High School baseball, in the American Division, first team honors went to Lou Raffaelli; second team honors went to Joe Delanzo; and honorable mention was attained by Dylan Santos and Jake Walsh. For Belleville High School baseball, in the Liberty Division, honorable mention was attained by Brandon Ramirez and Matt McCann. For Nutley High School softball, in the American Division, first team honors went to Fallyn Stoeckel and Lori O’Connor; second team honors went to Sydney Hess and Lia DeMaio; and honorable mention was attained by Mia DiPiano and Julia Ciccone. For Belleville High School softball, in the Liberty Division, second team honors went to Selena Quiles and Maleyna Cruz, and honorable mention was attained by Ashley Herman and Alyssa Rivera.

All-conference teams named for track & field The Super Essex Conference–Liberty Division recently named students to allconference teams in track and field. Area girls recently honored include: • Belleville High School: first team, Chennaya Tschopp for the 100-meter; second team, Tschopp for the 200-meter; honorable mention, Isabella Valchua. • Nutley High School: first team, Marcella Blancato for the 200-meter and 400meter, and Tiffany Miruelo for the 3200-

meter; second team, Allie Huelbig for the triple jump and Catalena Robson for the shot put. Area boys recently honored include: • Belleville High School: first team, Belal Embaby for the discus; second team, Embaby for the shot put; honorable mention, Brian Dessources. • Nutley High School: first team, Sean Bernardo for the 3200-meter; second team, Zach Cagiano for the high hurdles.

Nutley lacrosse players recognized on 1st team The Super Essex Conference–Colonial Division recently named students to allconference teams in boys lacrosse. From Nutley High School, Matt Pergola and Jake Cirminiello were named to the first team, and Rocco Albanese earned honorable mention.

Photos Courtesy of Gene Nann

Columbia Walsh is top lacrosse player for MKA Nutley resident Patricia ColumbiaWalsh has been a standout for the Montclair Kimberley Academy girls lacrosse team, which has put together a fine 15-5 record entering the Thursday, June 10, Non-Public B state tournament semifinals vs. Saddle River Day School. Columbia-Walsh, who is a junior commit to the University of Pennsylvania, has scored 67 goals and has a team-leading 34

assists and 101 points for MKA. “Patricia is a great playmaker and scorer for us and helps our team in so many other ways as well,” MKA coach Chelsea Intrabartola said. “Her ability to win a draw control, make a key pass to an open teammate and hustle from one end of the field to the other have made her one of the best players in Essex County.”

32 — July 2021 — Belleville Post

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