Belleville Post - November 2022

The Nutley and Belleville communities came together Oct. 9 for the 40th annual Columbus Day Parade. For more parade photos, see pages 13 through 16.

Communities come together for thrilling Columbus Day Parade

The 40th annual Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade was a great success, drawing large crowds to celebrate Italian heritage and culture on Sunday, Oct. 9. This year’s grand marshal was Tina Cervasio, Fox 5 lead sports anchor and reporter, and host of “Sports Xtra.”

In addition to Cervasio, other honorees this year are: Nutley Woman of the Year Roseann Biasi Vazquez, Nutley Man of the Year Jason Zinna, Belleville Woman of the Year Patricia Ferrara Wells, Belleville Man of the Year James A. Corino, Italian Heritage Award winner Michael V. Calabro, Renaissance Woman Jerri Custode,

Renaissance Man Nicholas F. Cozzarelli, Italian Business Owner of the Year John Monaco of A Personal Touch Florist, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dolores Del Deo Kirk and Community Excellence Award winner Frank Dauksis.

This year’s parade celebrated 40 years of promoting, protecting and preserving Italian heritage, culture and traditions. The parade had more than 800 participants and more than 50 entries, including marching bands, drill teams, antique automobiles, motorcycles, floats, flags and representation from many local town organizations.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Photos Courtesy of Michael Melham

YUM YUM YUM — The Food Truck Festival in Belleville on Oct. 8 proved a great time for all. The crowd was huge and the food trucks were amazing.

Above, Essex County commissioners celebrate the 2022 Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade committee and honorees. At right, Commissioner Leonard Luciano congratulates honoree Edie Peters Liguori, of Belleville.

EC commissioners celebrate Italian Heritage Month

On Thursday, Oct. 6, the Essex County Board of County Commissioners held its annual Italian Heritage Month event to celebrate the accomplishments of men and women of Italian heritage everywhere, and to honor outstanding Essex County citizens for their contributions to the county and society as a whole.

This year, the board recognized Verona resident Donato DiGeronimo, retired battalion chief of the Montclair Fire Depart-

ment; South Orange resident Dan Fabrizio, a retired school teacher; Belleville resident Edie Peters Liguori, president of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association; and Newark resident Maria Pagan, retired special education teacher and member of Trike Master Social Club, a motorcycle club in Newark.

“Today we celebrate Italian heritage, culture and the contributions of some of our finest Essex County residents of Ital-

ian descent,” Commissioner Vice President Carlos M. Pomares said. “We salute our honorees for their tremendous efforts and understand that we have all benefited as a community because of your contributions.”

Commissioner Leonard Luciano spoke about the pride he feels as a member of the Italian American community.

“I am honored to be here alongside my commissioner colleagues to celebrate Ital-

ian heritage and recognize the achievements of a few members of the Italian American community here in Essex County,” Luciano said. “We are thrilled to honor Italian Americans who have worked hard, are successful and — most importantly — have given back to their communities.”

DiGeronimo is a retired Battalion Chief and 33-year veteran of the Montclair Fire

SANTA’S ARRIVAL

Photos Courtesy of Lloyd Holmes

American Legion raises funds for cancer nonprofit

The Belleville Post 105 American Legion family, consisting of American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105, donated $1,500 to the Gail’s Angels Foundation in October from a fundraiser held at the Post 105 annual picnic on Sept. 17.

The Gail’s Angels Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to families that have a mother with breast cancer, and also care for their autistic or special needs child. Gail’s Angels was founded in 2007 to honor the memory of Gail E. Babai, who died of breast cancer in 2006. The organization is based in Nutley and is run by James Babai, Gail’s husband.

Through a chance meeting over the summer with a few members, the Post 105 family embraced the opportunity to raise some money for this worthwhile charity.

SAL member Vinnie Ferriole, a cancer survivor himself, is the chairperson of the squadron’s cancer fundraising committee.

“It was an honor to be able to help somebody with cancer,” Ferriole said. “I’m glad everyone donated.”

At each year’s post picnic, the Legion-

naires raise funds for charity. Last year, the money raised was donated to the American Cancer Society; in an attempt to do something a little more community-based, the SAL unanimously voted in July to adopt Gail’s Angels as the recipient this year.

“It’s something we picked up last year and are proud to continue this year, and every year,” Squadron 105 Cmdr. Steve Sangemino said.

At the picnic, following the raffle, with Gail Angels President James Babai at the microphone, SAL Adjutant Rusty Myers announced that $500 had been raised for the organization, which would be matched by both the Post and the SAL, producing a $1,500 donation.

“The support Gail’s Angels has received inspires me,” James Babai wrote online. “The families we’ve served reassure me that our mission is necessary. Together, we can ensure these families achieve and experience the same desires we all have.”

In addition to receiving a big check, Babai was also presented a poster board that donors at the picnic signed with notes of support to Gail’s Angels and those it helps.

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers

Top and above, money is raised for Gail’s Angels at the Post 105 annual picnic on Sept. 17.

The Belleville Post 105 American Legion family presents a check to the Gail’s Angels Foundation. From left are Allen Garth, Post 105; Vinnie Ferriole, SAL 105 cancer fundraising committee chairperson; Lisa Bocchino; James Babai, Gail’s Angels Foundation president; Rusty Myers, SAL 105 adjutant; Joe Cobianchi, Post 105 commander; and James Elsmore, SAL 105 first vice commander.

James Babai and Lisa Bocchino hold a poster board, signed at the annual Post 105 picnic, with messages of support for the foundation and those it benefits.

Making You Sick?

really

Photos Courtesy

Photos Courtesy of Michael Melham

ECBCC bestows honors

(Continued from Page 3) Department. He is very active in the Montclair Italian American community and has been a member of Montclair UNICO since its inception. He is also a member of the Montclair History Center; the Montclair 100 Club; the Montclair St. Sebastian Society; and, in 2001, he was named Person of the Year by the Montclair Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in Montclair, he is a graduate of Montclair High School and Montclair State University, the founding board member of the Montclair Business Improvement District, and he has served the community of Montclair and Essex County with distinction for the majority of his life.

Fabrizio is a career teacher who spent 26 years educating in the Newark Public Schools system until his retirement in 2016. He was born and raised in Newark, graduated from Barringer High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Kean University. In 1982, he accepted his first teaching position as a compensatory education teacher with Essex County. He began his teaching career in Newark at McKinley School, then Peshine Avenue School. Throughout his teaching career, he has volunteered with organizations benefiting his students, including 10,000 Mentors, Do Something and the Peshine School Leadership Council, and he was the founder/coach of the St.

Rose of Lima basketball team and the Peshine chess club.

Peters Liguori is well known for her volunteer efforts in the community, specifically her membership and leadership with the Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Committee. She is also a retired regional manager of the New Jersey Division of Disability Determination Services. In 2014, she joined the FBI Newark Citizens Academy and quickly became the chapter vice president. She was instrumental in the chapter’s fundraising activities and community outreach, and, in 2018, she became chapter president. She also assists with the Red Cross and organizes events with the Federation of Italian American Societies of New Jersey.

Pagan started her career in 1984 as a special education teacher at Ridge Street School in Newark, and she has been a district leader for the past 30 years. Over the course of her career, she received several awards, including A+ for Kids, the Governor’s Educator of the Year Award, Outstanding Heroes Award and the Newark Teacher of the Year Award.

Additionally, the board recognized the 2022 Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Committee members for their diligent work in making the parade an annual success. Also acknowledged were the 2022 parade honorees.

ROSARIAN COMMUNION BREAKFAST — As is customary during the month of October, the St. Peter’s Confraternity of the Holy Rosary in Belleville once more held its annual Communion breakfast. Close to 100 parishioners and friends attended the event at the Chandelier venue and listened to a keynote speech from Monsignor William J. Reilly, a longtime priest who has held several key roles in the Archdiocese of Newark since his ordination in 1965.

Photos Courtesy of Ivan Sciberras

Essex County’s 2022 leaf collection schedule is announced to the public

schedule for

County’s

To organize leaf collection on county roads, Essex County is divided into four sectors. There will be three pickups in each section of the county. Residents on county roads should check the county leaf collection schedule and coordinate their fall cleanup activities with the schedule.

should be swept to the curb or placed in biodegradable bags at the curb no more than seven days before the scheduled pickup time. In addition, residents are asked to pile leaves at least 10 feet from a storm drain.

Leaves will be picked up as follows:

• Section I, which is Cedar Grove, Millburn and West Orange: Monday, Oct. 24, to Saturday, Oct. 29; Sunday, Nov. 20, to Saturday, Nov. 26; and Sunday, Dec. 18, to Friday, Dec. 23.

• Section II, which is South Orange and Maplewood: Saturday, Oct. 29, to Saturday, Nov. 5; Sunday, Nov. 27, to Saturday, Dec. 3; and Monday, Dec. 26, to Saturday, Dec. 31.

• Section III, which is Belleville and East Orange: Sunday, Nov. 6, to Saturday, Nov. 12; Sunday, Dec. 4, to Saturday, Dec. 10; and Sunday, Jan. 1, to Saturday, Jan. 7. The last pickup will be made only if it is needed.

• Section IV, which is Irvington, Newark and Orange: Sunday, Nov. 13, to Saturday, Nov. 19; Sunday, Dec. 11, to Saturday, Dec. 17; and Sunday, Jan. 8, to Saturday, Jan. 14. The last pickup will be made only if it is needed.

Essex County has entered into shared services agreements with Bloomfield, Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Montclair, North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, Verona and West Caldwell. In these municipalities, the local department of public works will collect leaves on county roads. Those whose property is located on a county road in one of these towns should consult their municipal public works department for more information or to obtain a schedule.

Residents who have questions about the leaf collection schedule may call the Essex County Department of Public Works at 973-226-8500, ext. 0.

Towns celebrate Italian culture at annual parade

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Nutley and Belleville residents came out en masse to celebrate Italian culture and heritage at the annual Columbus Day Parade. For more photos, turn the page and visit EssexNewsDaily.com.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Italian flags, big smiles and more to see at parade

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Nov. 8 midterms hold many choices for local residents

By Yael Katzwer Editor

The Nov. 8 midterm election will prove important for residents of Belleville and Nutley, both on the local and national level.

On the national stage, Democratic incumbent Mikie Sherrill is fighting to keep her seat representing the 11th Congressional District against two chal-

lengers, Republican Paul DeGroot and Libertarian Joseph Biasco. Both Belleville and Nutley are part of the 11th Congressional District.

On the state level, Nutley residents will vote in a special election for state senator of the 28th Legislative District. Democrat

Renee Burgess and Republican Joy Bembry-Freeman will face off. Burgess, who

previously served as Irvington Township Council president, was sworn in as the 28th District’s state senator on Sept. 29, following the resignation of longtime state Sen. Ronald L. Rice. Burgess was chosen by Essex County Democrats in early September to succeed Rice temporarily. Burgess will serve through Nov. 8; the results of the special election will determine who will fill the rest of Rice’s term, which expires in January 2024.

On the county level, Democratic incumbent Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. is running for his sixth four-year term as county executive. The Republican challenger is Adam Kraemer.

as the “Looking Forward” slate. Running solo campaigns are challengers Tom D’Elia under the slogan “Innovative, Experienced, Invested”; Theresa Teri Quirk under the slogan “Your Voice Matters”; and Emanuele Triggiano under the slogan “Excellence in Education.”

Essex County will hold early voting for the Nov. 8 election from Oct. 29 through Nov. 6, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting will be held at the following locations:

• Watsessing Park Community Center, Bloomfield Avenue and Conger Street in Bloomfield.

A HOLE IN ONE — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., center, congratulates the winners of the 2022 Essex County Golf Tournament. William Cannon, left, of Belleville, won the Amateur Division with a three-day score of 215. Tom McDonald, right, of West Caldwell, won the Super Seniors Division with a score of 227. One round of the tournament was played at each Essex County public golf course, including Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville, where the championship round was played on Saturday, Sept. 17. The winners each received a plaque and their own parking space at the course of their choosing.

In Belleville, there are six candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education. Running as the “Better Belleville BOE” slate are incumbents Luis Antonio Muñiz Jr. and Gabrielle BennettMeany, along with challenger Michael Louis Derro. Running solo campaigns are challengers Ruben Angel Rodriguez under the slogan “Parents for Education”; Michael Sheldon under the slogan “$500 Tax Refunds”; and Lissa Missaggia under the slogan “Putting Children First.”

In Nutley, there are also six candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education. The sole incumbent running is Charles W. Kucinski, running under the slogan “Experience Integrity Stability.”

Challengers Laura Valente and Andrea Podgarsky are running a joint campaign

• East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza in East Orange.

• Fairfield Community Center, 221 Hollywood Ave. in Fairfield.

• Irvington Municipal Building, 1 Civic Square in Irvington.

• Verona Community Center, 880 Bloomfield Ave. in Verona.

• Berson Education Center at Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave. in West Orange.

• Essex County Complex Parking Garage, 50 W. Market St. in Newark.

• Stephen N. Adubato Sports Complex, Building No. 24, Branch Brook Park, Bloomfield and Lake avenues in Newark.

• New Jersey Reentry Corp., 936-938 Bergen St. in Newark.

• West Side Park Community Center, 600 S. 17th St. in Newark.

Photo Courtesy of Essex County

Parade

The Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Committee celebrated its 40th anniversary at an honoree dinner at Nanina’s in the Park on Wednesday, Sept. 21, with well over 300 guests. Above, from left, are 2022 parade honorees Michael Calabro, Nicholas F. Cozzarelli, Frank Dauksis, Jason Zinna, Tina Cervasio, Jerri Custode, Dolores Del Deo Kirk, Roseann Biasi Vazquez, John Monaco, Patricia Ferrara-Wells and James A. Corino. At left are Renaissance Man and Woman honorees Cozzarelli and Custode.

Above is Dolores Del Deo Kirk, 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, with Chairperson Rosemary Costa and co-Chairperson Bill Freda. Below, parade committee members, from left, are Cavaliere Susan R. LaMorte, Diane Stanzione, Edie Peters Liguori, Chairperson Rosemary Costa, the Rev. Thomas Nicastro, co-Chairperson Bill Freda, Ben Costa, Barbara Freda, Melissa Matturro, Vito Matturro, Joe Gencarelli and Cavaliere Pasquale Meola.

Photos Courtesy of Susan LaMorte

SAL wins national award for snapshot of service

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 in Belleville received a first-place Snapshots of Service Award at the 2022 national convention in Milwaukee, Wisc., in the category of veterans affairs. The award, presented to the squadron by one of New Jersey’s national delegates who attended the convention, is the first time the squadron has received national recognition for its efforts.

SAL Alternate National Executive Committeeman Henry Hasselhan, of Atco, attended the September monthly meeting in Belleville, where he presented the plaque from the national convention.

“I was very proud to accept the Snapshots of Service Award for Squadron 105 Belleville at the national convention in Milwaukee,” Hasselhan said. “Out of the three awards given out, New Jersey took two first prizes for picture submissions. The other was awarded to my own Squadron 311 Waterford. Congratulations to both squadrons, on behalf of the Detachment of New Jersey Sons of the American Legion, for your prize-winning photo.”

“Snapshots of Service” is a competition held by the national SAL organization wherein Sons of the American Legion squadrons are encouraged to enter photographs that “promote the Sons’ programs.

… Photos must represent one of the four pillars: Americanism, children and youth, national security, or veterans affairs and rehabilitation.”

The photo submitted was taken by Detachment of New Jersey Children and Youth Commission Chairperson Rusty Myers for the “Cookies for Our Vets” program in April 2022. The program involved raising money to purchase Girl Scout cookies from Scouts in the Nutley and Belleville area to give to veterans residing in state VA facilities. In the end, the Scouts and Sons delivered more than $1,000 worth of cookies to two VA locations.

“You guys deserve this,” 2022 Detachment of New Jersey Cmdr. Mark Natale said. “You guys work so hard. … 105 is top-notch.”

Belleville Squadron 105’s Myers took the photo of his son Jake delivering cookies to the East Orange VA hospital. Wearing a mask, Jake can be seen carrying a box of Tagalongs wearing his SAL garrison cap.

“At a squadron level, my kids are very involved with the Legion — and they have gotten a lot out of that,” Myers said. “This project was a way to share that experience with other Scouts while doing something nice for our veterans.”

Water main break in Nutley leads to emergencies

By Yael Katzwer Editor

An Oct. 5 water main break in Nutley has caused Glen Ridge and Montclair to declare states of emergency. The break, which spans more than 70 inches of main, has affected several Essex County towns, including Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair and Nutley — as well as others in Passaic and Hudson counties.

The Nutley Water Department announced on Oct. 5 that the break was in “one of the main transmission supply lines in the area of Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street.” While these lines “transverse Nutley from Bloomfield into Belleville,” they do not actually provide water to the Nutley water system. As such, Nutley residents did not experience any disruption to water service.

The township confirmed on Oct. 7 that North Jersey District Water Supply Commission personnel were on scene — supported by the members of the Nutley Water, Police and Fire departments, along with EMS — to fix the main. While the work was being completed, residents had to navigate road closures and detours in the area.

On Oct. 5, Belleville issued a water advisory to residents, stating: “Due to a water break in Nutley, some areas in Belleville are experiencing low water pressure. This break may cause water discoloration. At this time a boil-water advisory is not in effect.”

While Nutley and Belleville residents were largely spared the effects of this water main break, it did wreak havoc on some nearby towns. On Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Glen Ridge officials declared a state of emergency under which residents must avoid any nonessential use of water.

“This week, North Jersey District Water Supply Commission experienced an unprecedented event involving an aqueduct controlled by them. The 72-inch water main break in Nutley affects water service for hundreds of thou-

A Bloomfield fire truck helps transfer water from the East Orange water system into Glen Ridge’s water system. Glen Ridge was one of the many towns adversely affected by the water main break in Nutley.

sands of residents in Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties.

Efforts to repair the break remain ongoing,” the borough stated in its Oct. 8 announcement. “In conjunction with Montclair utilities and the fire department, multiple efforts have been taken to make up for the loss of water from the aqueduct. While these efforts have been successful, the temporary systems are becoming strained. We need to reduce the demand for water on our system.”

On Oct. 10, a statement from the borough read, “We remain concerned about the demands being placed upon the water system.”

During the emergency, Glen Ridge tapped into the East Orange water system for water supply. On the south

end of town, a Bloomfield fire truck could be seen helping to move the water from the East Orange system into the Glen Ridge system via a fire hydrant.

Glen Ridge lifted its state of emergency on Oct. 14, more than a week after the main had burst.

Montclair also declared a state of emergency on Oct. 8. Montclair and Bloomfield tapped into several different systems to provide water for their residents and businesses. Because water pressure dropped too much in their system, Bloomfield issued a boil-water advisory. Bloomfield’s water system was also affected by water main repairs being conducted in Newark. The advisory was lifted Oct. 10.

While Glen Ridge did not institute a boil-water advisory, they did make it clear to residents that water should be used only for essential functions. Prohibited uses included watering lawns, gardens, plants, etc.; the noncommercial washing of motor vehicles; washing streets, driveways and sidewalks; serving water in restaurants unless specifically requested; ornamental use, such as for fountains and reflecting pools; running partial loads in washing machines and dishwashers; and operating nonessential ice machines.

According to Montclair officials on Oct. 11, NJDWSC Commission personnel had sealed the main break and were working to fully restore its water supply to affected towns. Full-service restoration by NJDWSC included refilling, disinfection and flushing main; testing its lines; and treating and monitoring its water supply. It was unclear how long this might take, though Glen Ridge officials noted on Oct. 10 that this process could take “several days” and that NJDWSC was working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to complete all necessary steps. Full water service was restored by end-of-day Oct. 14.

Photo Courtesy of Glen Ridge

Winners announced for annual parks photo contest

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. presented awards to the 10 winners in the annual Essex County Parks Photography Contest on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Winners were awarded in adult, youth and professional categories.

“We congratulate the winners of the Essex County Parks Photography Contest and thank all the contestants for sharing what they experienced in our historic parks system,” DiVincenzo said. “Events like these encourage our residents to visit our open spaces and share their artistic talents. All these photographs capture the beauty, highlight the diversity and natural splendor of our parks, reserva-

tions and recreation facilities.”

In the adult category, Bruce Goodman, of Verona, received first place for “Verona Park”; Joshua Goodman, of West Orange, received second place for “The Crag, South Mountain Reservation”; Gary Wiener, of Nutley, received third place for “Grover Cleveland Park”; and Izabela Van Tassel, of Bloomfield, received an honorable mention for “Turtle Back Zoo.”

In the youth category, Mason Nunez, of Newark, received first place for “Turtle Back Zoo”; Elly Dixon, of Newark, received second place for “Branch Brook Park”; Aaron Cruz, of Newark, received third place for “Verona Park”; and Sophia

Jacob, of East Hanover, received an honorable mention for “Hemlock Falls Frog, South Mountain Reservation.”

In the professional category, Pawel Wozniak, of Bloomfield, received first place for “Kip’s Castle”; and Mary Del Negro, of Belleville, received second place for “Presby Iris Gardens.”

The photography contest was sponsored by the Essex County Environmental Center and judged by members of the Essex County Photography Club. Anyone with a camera was encouraged to participate. All photographs went on display at the environmental center in September and will remain hanging through October.

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.

Above left, Belleville resident Mary Del Negro, center, is congratulated for receiving second place in the professional category for ‘Presby Iris Gardens’ from Essex County Environmental Center Director Tara Casella, left, and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., right.

Above right, Nutley resident Gary Wiener, center, is congratulated for receiving third place in the adult category for ‘Grover Cleveland Park’ from DiVincenzo, left, and Casella, right. Del Negro and Wiener’s winning pieces were hung in the Essex County Environmental Center.

Photos Courtesy of Glen Frieson

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

Leaders in emergency and elective angioplasty. Ever feel tightness in your chest when going up a flight of stairs, or short of breath after carrying in the groceries? These can be signs of coronary artery disease. If you think you maybe at risk, you should talk to a cardiac specialist at Clara Maass Medical Center. As one of the first community hospitals to perform emergent and elective angioplasty, our heart team can clear blocked or narrowed arteries to safely restore blood flow to your heart. Schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiac specialists at rwjbh.org/heart

St. Anthony of

Church in

will celebrate

dancing on Sunday,

Upcoming events at Vincent United Methodist Church

anniversary, the church

30.

with Mass at noon, followed by a buffet dinner and dancing at the Chandelier, 340 Franklin Ave. in Belleville. The reception will begin at 3 p.m. and go to 7 p.m., and will feature live music by the band Jersey Sound. Everyone is invited to attend the Mass. To purchase tickets for the dinner event, contact parish secretary Leonora DiLauro-Ragab at 973-481-1991.

St. Anthony of Padua Church has a rich history within the Silver Lake community of Belleville, Newark and Bloomfield. St. Anthony’s was first opened on Oct. 30, 1901. In 1955, the Rev. Thomas Gillick introduced the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine for youths. In 1976, the local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts planted a tree and installed a plaque and time capsule to commemorate the church’s 75th anniversary; the time capsule was opened at the church’s 100th anniversary celebration. Various renovations have taken place over the years to beautify the church and area surrounding the parish. Since 1995, the Feast of St. Anthony’s celebration has taken place annually and has become a staple event in the community.

For more information about the church, visit saintanthonybelleville.org.

Vincent United Methodist Church, located at 100 Vincent Place in Nutley, is open for worship on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and offers the following events and study group:

• “Trunk or Treat” on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the church parking lot. There will be safe trick-or-treating at more than 15 car “trunks,” a take-home craft, hot chocolate and cookies, all for a modest donation. All are welcome.

• Take-out pasta dinner, on Tuesday, Nov. 8, with pickups from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The dinner will be penne with meat sauce, salad, bread and dessert. A fee applies, with proceeds going to support the mission and ministries of the church. Orders must be placed with the church office by Sunday, Nov. 6.

• “Signs and Wonders” study group meets Monday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. via Zoom. The “Signs and Wonders” book is written by Amy-Jill Levine and “explores selected miracles of Jesus in historical and theological context.” Contact the church office for more information.

For additional information about Vincent Church, visit vincentumc.org.

St. Anthony of Padua Church in Belleville

MEMORIAM

• ADUBATO – Thomas Joseph “T.J.,” of Nutley; Oct. 8. Worked for Pine Brook Tire Co., Pinebrook, for 42 years. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 66.

• CURVIN – William, of Millburn, formerly of Belleville, Newark; Sept. 16. Employed by H.J. Heinz. Husband, father, brother, 97.

• DEROSE – Joseph A. Sr., of Belleville; Sept. 24. World War II Army veteran. Father, brother, uncle, 96.

• FIERRO – David T., of Newton, formerly of Nutley; Oct. 1. Assistant supervisor and greenskeeper at Essex Fells Country Club. Son, brother, uncle, 27.

• GIACOBBE – Raymond, of Bradley Beach, formerly of Newark and Belleville; Oct. 16. Elementary education supervisor. Husband, father, grandfather, 87.

• LEFEBVRE – Raymond P., of Manhattan, N.Y., formerly of Belleville, Mendham and New York City; Oct. 9. Navy veteran, husband, father, grandfather, 84.

• LONGO – Johanna “Jody,” of Nutley, formerly of Jersey City; Sept. 29. Teacher, member of the Actors’ Factory, Jersey City. Cousin, aunt, 77.

• MERGNER – Victoria A., of Bloomfield, formerly of Belleville; Oct. 6. Chemist at Bristol-Myers Squibb, then Schering-Plough. Wife, mother, sister, 75.

• MONTANARI – Rev. Shirley A., of Somerset, formerly of Belleville, Bloomfield; Oct. 1. Minister, widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 89.

• POLITO – Barbara Ann, of Nutley; Oct. 11. Wife, mother, sister and grandmother. Was 64.

• TENSFELDT – Eugenia P., of Belleville, formerly of North Bergen and Secaucus; Sept. 27. Court transcriber. Widow, mother, grandmother, 93.

• WASILEWSKI – Maureen “Fogarty,” of Bayville, formerly of Nutley; Sept. 14. Business owner. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 88.

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

Essex County blood drives

New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, will conduct the following blood drives in Essex County: Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rutgers Law School’s Center for Law & Justice, 123 Washington St. in Newark; Sunday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YMCA Civic House, 13 Jefferson Ave. in Maplewood; Monday, Nov. 21, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Knights of Columbus 2346, 150 Chestnut St. in Nutley; and Sunday, Nov. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Igreja Universal, 51 St. Francis St. in Newark.

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

Veterans Day Ruck March

The Nutley community is invited to take part in the township’s second Veterans Day Ruck March on Friday, Nov. 11, immediately following the annual Veterans Day ceremony. This 5K march, which mimics “true military fashion” as participants carry a 22-pound weighted rucksack or backpack, takes participants through Memorial Park from the World War II monument to Kingsland Manor and back. As a way to raise awareness for those veterans struggling with mental health, the weight is a symbol of the average of 22 veterans a day who take their own life.

This year’s event will go one step further. The township has expanded its efforts to benefit resident veterans and

others in need as participants are invited to replace the 22 pounds with 22 canned items to be donated to the Nutley Family Service Bureau’s food pantry.

All participants will be responsible for packing and bringing their own rucksack or backpack. Carrying any weight or no weight will be permissible. Registration is open until Oct. 31. For registration and more information, contact Jacoby at 973284-4951, ext. 2428.

Veterans Day in Belleville

On Sunday, Nov. 13, Mayor Michael Melham and the Belleville Township Council will present the Belleville Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m.; the race will be dedicated to the men and women of Belleville who have served in the U.S. military. Register for the race online at bellevillevet5k.org. Bib pickup runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Following the race, the town’s annual Veterans Day Parade starts at noon. The township encourages all residents, clubs, organizations, civic groups and sports teams to participate. For additional information, call 973-450-3345. Participants will line up at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Holmes Street. and Union Avenue. The parade ends at the Veterans Memorial at Union and Tiona Avenues.

SECC awards

The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce will hold an awards dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the

Brookside Banquets, 41 Broughton Ave. in Bloomfield. The chamber acknowledges businesses that have made major capital investments and improvements to their property and businesses that are celebrating an anniversary in a five-year increment, citing confidence in the local business community. This event will include awards given from 2020 to 2022.

The chamber will also be honoring members of Belleville’s American Legion Post 105, Sons of American Legion Squadron 105, American Legion Post 299 and Belleville-Nutley Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22.

For more information, contact Donna Pietroiacovo at 973-748-2000.

ECBCC meetings

The Essex County Board of County Commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. in person in the ECBCC chambers, Room 506 on the fifth floor of the Hall of Records, 465 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Newark, on the following days: Nov. 2, Dec. 1 and Dec. 14.

The commissioner board room is equipped with an assistive-listening system, and a sign language interpreter will be available upon advance notification to the Essex County Office of the Disabled at 973-395-8429.

NIAA grand marshal dinner

Nutley Irish American Association will hold its Grand Marshal Dinner on Satur-

day, Feb. 4, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Brownstone, 351 W. Broadway in Paterson. For more information as the date approaches, visit nutleyirish.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held Saturday, March 4, with Mass first at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 17 Monsignor Owens Place in Nutley. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 28 Brookline Ave. in Nutley. A post-parade party will run from 3 to 7 p.m. at Nutley Parks & Recreation, 44 Park Ave. in Nutley.

Community Care Kitchen

The Community Care Kitchen has reopened by serving hot, takeout meals twice per month at Vincent United Methodist Church, 100 Vincent Place in Nutley, on the third and last Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Prepared and shared currently by people from Vincent Church and Grace Episcopal Church, the meal might be chicken, beef or pasta with sides and vegetables. Everyone is welcome to come by the Community Care Kitchen and pick up a meal to-go, including families and seniors. In these tough times, there is a growing need and the churches are partnering with others in the community to make a difference. Anyone who would like to make a contribution can visit vincentumc.org/ for more information.

Daidone graduates

James Daidone, of Nutley, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in construction management from Missouri State University, located in Springfield, Mo., on May 20.

Patel earns honors

Luvish Patel, of Belleville, was one of more than 900 students who received degrees from New York Institute of Technology, located in Old Westbury, N.Y., as spring graduates of the Class of 2022. Patel received a Bachelor of Science in computer science.

Patel was also named to the presidential honor list at NYIT for the spring 2022 semester. To qualify for the presidential honor list, a student must achieve a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.7 and complete at least 12 credit hours without any incomplete grades.

Gizzo receives BA

Daniel Gizzo, of Nutley, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Tufts University, located in Boston, Mass., on May 22.

FDU Metro grads

In commencement exercises on May 21, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan campus, located in Teaneck, conferred more than 2,400 degrees at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including on the following graduates: Belleville’s Phyllis

Bindi, Gloria Williams, Deanna Smith, Genesis Meza, Alejandra Gracias, Noreen Ali, Ana Villalobos, June Barriere, Natasha German and Ruth Omoyinmi; and Nutley’s Gabriela Sanchez, Deanna La Rosa, Garivaldi Longo, Nicole Dimayuga and Brandon Perdon.

Florham campus honors

The following students at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus, located in Madison, have been named to the honors list for the spring 2022 semester: Belleville’s Alexandria Henderson, and Nutley’s Khanh Doan, Alexander Pena, Abigail Lopez, Sophia Lockwood, Jenna Calero, Nicole Sullivan and Robert Harbison. Godwin Adedoyin, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list.

To qualify for the honors list, a student must carry a grade-point average of 3.5 or better out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours. To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must carry a GPA of at least 3.2.

FDU degrees

In commencement exercises on May 18, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham campus, located in Madison, conferred more than 2,400 degrees at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including on the following graduates: Belleville’s Annmarie Rodriguez and Alexandria Henderson, and Nutley’s Khanh Doan, Abigail Lopez and Jenna Calero.

Metro campus honors

The following students at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus, located in Teaneck, have been named to the honors list for the spring 2022 semester: Belleville’s Natasha German and Sophia Imparato, and Nutley’s Patricia Ressell-Deras, Aaliyah Vega, Emory Osmani and Michael Conforti. Ruth Omoyinmi and Jalianyss Martinez Rivera, both of Belleville, and Lorianne O’Connor, of Nutley, were named to the dean’s list.

To qualify for the honors list, a student must carry a grade-point average of 3.5 or better out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours. To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must carry a GPA of at least 3.2.

Sullivan on dean’s list

Shane Sullivan, of Nutley, earned dean’s list honors at Emerson College, located in Boston, Mass., for the spring 2022 semester. Sullivan, a member of the Class of 2023, is majoring in media arts production.

To make dean’s list, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.7 or better for that semester.

Stack earns degree

Jillian Stack, of Nutley, graduated summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island, located in Kingston, R.I., in May and received a Bachelor of Science in

business administration and finance. Students who graduated summa cum laude earned a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.7.

White coat for Ibrahim

Kean University graduate student

Moura Ibrahim, of Belleville, was among 20 students in Kean’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program to be presented with their white coats at a ceremony in August.

Ibrahim and the other students are in their final year of the DPT program at the university and received the honor as they prepared to enter their clinical experience.

Honors at SNHU

Deanna Napolitano, of Belleville, has been named to the president’s list at South-

ern New Hampshire University for the summer 2022 semester, and Sabrina Smith, of Belleville, was named to the dean’s list.

To be named to the president’s list, a student must earn a grade-point average of at least 3.7 for the semester. To be named to the dean’s, a student must earn a GPA of at least 3.5 for the semester.

Lamond makes the cut

Sofia Lamond, of Nutley, is a member of the NCAA Division III women’s soccer team at Albright College, located in Reading, Pa., this fall. A graduate of Nutley High School, Lamond is a junior sociology/criminology major at Albright.

Dean’s list at SHU

Seton Hall University, located in South

Orange, named the following local students to its dean’s list for the spring 2022 semester:

• From Belleville, Cayla Carino, James Laquindanum, Alexia Seeram, Melanie San Martin Martinez, Renaldo Payne, Mariabelem Sanchez, Shiv Patel, Oliver De Leon, Kirsten Ontal, Rawle-Ann Sobransingh, Danny Vu, Christian Almestica, Ann Gottschalk and Sasha Rosario.

• From Nutley, Amy Jacobsen, Hailey DiGiuseppe Erdmann, Lucia Rizzuto, Pooja Mehta, Jessica Marciniak, Timothy Georgetti, Emily Jablonowski, Cristina Sabia, Lauren Costello, Sydney Kunz, John Christman, Christian Soto, Gianni Feraco, Jordan Zarro, Anthony Fabiano, Nicolette Strollo, Victoria Ventura, Noah Ibasitas, Yuvraj Raja and Ari Burdulis.

After the close of every semester, undergraduate students completing all courses with a grade-point average of 3.4 and no grades lower than a C qualify for the dean’s list.

Rojas matriculates

Gabriela Rojas, of Belleville, has enrolled at St. Lawrence University, located in Canton, N.Y., as a member of the Class of 2026. Rojas attended Belleville High School.

Schroeder enrolls

Nicholas Schroeder, of Nutley, has enrolled at York College of Pennsylvania, located in York, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester.

Photo Courtesy of Kean University

Moura Ibrahim, of Belleville, received her white coat at Kean University.

BHS football team gaining experience this season

The Belleville High School football team has endured a rough season, with an 0-8 record through Oct. 14.

But the young Bucs are gaining good experience, which bodes well for the future.

The Bucs lost to rival Nutley, 28-8, at home on Friday, Oct. 7.

The Belleville football team competes against Nutley on Friday, Oct. 7, at Belleville’s Doc Ellis Field/Municipal Stadium. Belleville lost, 28-8.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

BHS girls volleyball spikes down successful season

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

The Belleville High School girls volleyball team is enjoying a solid season.

The Lady Buccaneers, under head coach John Spina, sported a 12-8 overall record through Monday, Oct. 17.

After starting the season missing a few players and dropping matches to Payne Tech and East Orange Campus, Belleville turned things around. The team defeated Science Park, West Caldwell Tech, Barringer, Irvington and Newark East Side during a five-match winning streak. Spina attributed the team’s winning streak to strong defense and serving.

The Belleville captains are Ashley Cely and Galadrielle Baldevarona.

“Right now, we seem to be clicking as we approach the second half of the season, which will also bring some tougher competition,” said Spina in an email to the Belleville Post.

“Seniors Alyssa Velez, Carmella Urbano and Ashley Cely have been our most consistent servers, helping us secure several of those victories. Our defense has been very strong thus far. Senior libero Ashley Cely has been a force all season long. The right side of the defense has been held down by senior defensive specialist Carmella Urbano. This season, we use two setters, and both have done a great job thus far. Karisssa Remata and Galadrielle Baldevarona have shared equal court time in the position.”

Spina said the opposite-side hitter position has also been a timeshare, between Yllana Laxamana and Nataly Laboy, with Karissa Remata also working in when she is not setting. The middle position has been an equal timeshare between Carina Sommer, Diane Estrada, Kayla Monticer and Kiyana Laxamana, Spina said.

“The strength of our team has come from the outside hitter position,” Spina said. “Sophomore Kaitlyn Coto and junior Christina Bajuz lead the team in kills so far this year. Both have demonstrated excellent power and skill at the position. I hope that they can continue to improve and grow as a team as the season progresses.”

This year’s players are as follows:

Setters

• Karissa Remata, senior

• Galadrielle Baldevarona, junior Outside hitters

• Christina Bajuz, junior

• Kaitlyn Coto, sophomore Middle hitters

• Carina Sommer, senior

• Kiyana Laxamana, senior

• Diane Estrada, senior

• Kayla Monticer, junior Opposite hitters

• Yllana Laxamana, junior

• Nataly Laboy, senior

• Alyssa Velez, senior Defenders

• Ashley Cely, libero, senior

• Carmella Urbano, senior

• Kyle Caancan, senior

Pictured are the Belleville High School girls volleyball seniors, who were honored on senior day, Oct. 12. From left are Diane Estrada, Carmella Urbano, Kiyana Laxamana, Ashley Cely, Nataly Laboy, Karissa Remata,

Alyssa Velez and Carina Sommer. Belleville defeated Abundant Life Academy, 25-21, 25-11, on senior day. Not pictured is senior player Kyle Cancaan.

Photos Courtesy of Marcellino Marra

Photos by Steve Ellmore

TOUGH DEFEAT — The Belleville football team competes against Nutley on Friday, Oct. 7, where the team ultimately suffered a loss, 28-8.