Nutley Journal - February 2023

NUTLEYJOURNAL

Local roots for ‘Worthy’

Nutley’s Lt. Padilla recognized as GCADA Volunteer of the Year

At the Dec. 20 Nutley Board of Commissioners meeting, Nutley Police Lt. Mike Padilla was acknowledged for his years of dedication in helping to steer today’s youths away from the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

— See Page 6 Unico gives big award

A Nutley resident for more than 30 years, Padilla, who has been with the Nutley Police Department since 2001, was recently recognized as the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse’s Volunteer of the Year. In celebration of this high honor, the township presented Padilla with a proclamation for his “selfless actions” and “efforts to help guide our youth toward better decision making and choices.”

“It’s great to be recognized,” Padilla said, adding that the recognition came as a surprise. “There are a lot of people in our town and on the municipal alliance committee who put so much into what we do. Without them, there would be no way my name would have been put in for this award. A lot of involvement goes into making things happen. It’s not just the work of one person.”

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See Page 14 Girls hoops progresses

As a member of the Nutley Municipal Alliance Committee, Padilla has sought out many events and programs to help educate and empower students. Through his work with the police department, Padilla has headed up the township’s Juvenile Bureau, mentoring hundreds of young students and

— See Page 28

young adults, leading them toward responsible and productive lives. He was successful in bringing to the township a “recovery van,” which allows residents with drug/alcohol concerns to seek immediate help. Padilla established Nutley’s Law Enforcement Against Drugs program, oversees the Nutley Police Academy, Police at Lunch and Partnership for Children in Essex, all programs that help direct youths

toward positive decision making.

“From the start of his tenure working for Nutley Township,” Nutley Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said, “Mike has never let us down. Nutley’s most important people are our kids, and Mike has stepped up his entire career to serve them and our youths in need. Everything he does is from the heart. I can’t say I have ever met a better person.”

Blood drive in memory of Nutley resident

Commissioner John V. Kelly III and the Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health have partnered with Vitalant Blood Services of New Jersey to conduct their annual community mobile blood drive in memory of Nutley resident and business owner Keith Jaret.

The drive will be held on Monday, Jan. 30, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nutley

Public Affairs Building, 149 Chestnut St., by appointment only; all donation slots have already been taken.

Keith and Maureen Jaret were Nutley business owners and residents for many years. They were the driving force behind the Petit Cafe, as well as Jaret’s Stuffed Cupcakes. In February 2018, Keith Jaret died due to liver disease.

New Jersey on a whole is experiencing critically low donation numbers — ranking lowest in the entire country in donations. There is an urgent need for Type O negative, O positive and B negative blood types, but all types are welcome and needed. To find other blood drives in the area and make appointments, visit communitybloodservices.org.

Photo Courtesy of Nutley Township Nutley Police Lt. Mike Padilla is recognized at the Dec. 20 Nutley Board of Commissioners meeting for his work in supporting area youths and diverting them from drugs.

Nutley Township offers guidance to residents on understanding prelim property revaluation letters

Many Nutley residents received correspondence in mid-December containing preliminary figures from the townshipwide property revaluation.

The letters were sent by Appraisal Systems Inc., the firm contracted by the township to determine the values of all Nutley properties as of Oct. 1, 2022, as

mandated by the state of New Jersey.

“At first glance, there is certainly going to be sticker shock over the assessments,”

Commissioner Thomas J. Evans, director of the Department of Revenue and Finance, said in a press release from the township. “While this is understandable, it’s not the reality.”

A common mistake among residents is applying the 2022 tax rate to their new assessment, according to Evans.

“To estimate their new property tax,” Evans said, “residents can use the tentative tax rate of 2.506 percent, which is much lower than the 2022 tax rate of 3.864 percent. Simply divide your new

assessment by 100, then multiply it times 2.506. That equation will give you your preliminary new property tax before any budgetary adjustments for 2023.”

Evans stressed that these numbers are preliminary and that they can change once the new township budgetary process is completed.

Evans suggested that concerned homeowners should be sure to get a copy of their property record card and confirm that it is correct. A copy can be requested by emailing nutley@asinj.com. Additionally, residents can contact ASI at asinj.com/scheduling.htm; they will need to use the login information included with their letter.

Residents who are part of the state’s Senior Freeze Program should ensure they file on time to protect their base year. An increase in taxes from the new assessment will be refunded by the state as long as they file on time.

“We are here to help residents understand the process. I encourage those with questions to contact Edmund Brown, the township’s tax assessor, at ebrown@nutleynj.org,” Evans said.

For more information about the revaluation process, visit ASI’s website at asinj.com.

SPREADING CHEER — Nutley Rotary members John Monaco and Thomas McCrohan give poinsettias to every resident at Nutley Parkside Apartments for Seniors for the holidays.

Photo Courtesy of John Monaco

Teen carries on Sister Catherine’s legacy of kindness

Academy of the Holy Angels student Breanna Hetzer, of Nutley, has been named a recipient of the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award in appreciation of her inspirational attitudes. Hetzer was honored during the Nov. 21 Thanksgiving prayer service at the school in Demarest for exemplifying the kindness for which Sister Catherine was known.

Sister Catherine, of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, was a member of the AHA Religious Studies Department from 1982 to 2014. She is remembered for her ready smile, nurturing spirit, and ability to offer a sympathetic ear and warm encouragement.

Hetzer, a senior, earned her award for her positivity, helpful nature and sense of humor.

“She has a very positive attitude and energy, which automatically brightens my day when I am with her,” one member of the school community wrote about her. “She can always cheer me up when I am feeling down and cares so much about her friends.”

Hetzer credited her positive traits to her family and a lesson from Pamela Batchelder-Mitchell’s classroom at Yantacaw School.

“I am thrilled and grateful to receive the Sister Catherine

Green Kindness Award for this quarter,” Hetzer said. “My family raised me to be kind to all living things. My kindness was further reinforced when I read the book ‘Wonder’ in Mrs. Mitchell’s fifth-grade class at Yantacaw School. When given the choice, I choose kind and hope others will follow my example.”

A friend said of Hetzer, “Personally, she has been so helpful to me. I’ve been recently injured, and, without even asking, she has volunteered herself to help me with everything, even when she is inconvenienced. She also committed her time to help a girl understand her math homework during community time instead of (doing) her own work.”

Another peer called Hetzer one of the kindest people she has ever met, saying, “Whether it’s compliments or hugs, she shows that she cares for her friends constantly. She loves to help out and uplift her friends and peers, and I couldn’t think of someone more deserving of this award.”

“We are very proud of Breanna and congratulate her for the award,” Nutley Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli said. “It’s great to see our township’s youth being acknowledged for their kindness and caring for others.”

Stay vigilant and don’t be fooled by suspicious callers

Nutley Police Director Alphonse

Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo released a joint statement on Jan. 17 to warn residents to be wary of suspicious phone calls.

Strumolo stated that, on Jan. 17, the Nutley Police Department received several reports from residents believing a police officer had attempted to contact them from the police department’s own

number. After determining Nutley police officers did not make the call, it appears the police department’s phone number was “spoofed,” meaning the fraudulent caller was able to make it seem as if they were calling from the police station.

According to Strumolo, the motive for these calls is unclear; it could possibly be the beginning of a fraud attempt, however, these residents contacted police and

learned of the attempt. Strumolo said there are phone applications available that will disguise the caller’s number and allow them to put any number/name they wish for the receiver to see — in this case the residents observed “Nutley Police” on their caller ID and believed the call to be credible. In all incidents, the resident was advised to contact Officer “XYZ” at a number that was not a Nutley police number. At this time these

calls remain under investigation.

Petracco warned residents that there are people out there who are very clever at leading innocent people to believe what they want them to; these unscrupulous individuals will then attempt to take anything and everything from their victims. Be cautious and call police directly at 973284-4940 to determine validity of any unknown caller.

Photo Courtesy of Nutley Township

New memoir ‘Worthy’ has deep Nutley roots

A new memoir, “Worthy,” available in bookstores nationwide and online, has deep roots in Nutley. Sarah Anderson, a former editor and current Nutley resident, had family visiting for the holidays in 2019. Anderson’s mother, Naomi Oltmanns, had a fateful encounter on her way home from that visit, where she met Kimberly Plante.

While sitting at Newark Liberty International Airport waiting for their flight, Plante told Oltmanns the heartbreaking, true story of her childhood, which was mired in abuse. Plante had wanted to share her story but wasn’t sure how. Oltmanns offered to help.

“I knew this story had to be told,” Oltmanns said. “I didn’t know exactly how

to do it, but I knew my daughter Sarah would.”

“I helped bring Kimberly’s collection of stories together into a book,” Anderson said. “Mom told Kimberly to ‘just start writing’ and to capture what she remembered from her childhood and beyond. Mom took the first pass, providing guidance and feedback. Then I helped her shape it into the story it is today.”

The three women worked on the book for more than two years.

The result of their efforts is the frightening story of Plante’s abuse at the hands of her mother. The author shares true stories of being locked in a room all day, without any food or a bathroom, at the age of 3. During her childhood, she was beaten, burned

with cigarettes, and seriously injured both physically and mentally for years.

But the memoir takes a surprising turn, as Plante shares not only her brilliant survival but also her personal and professional success, eventually, as a mother, wife and the director of respiratory therapy at a children’s hospital. By the end of this riveting book, readers will be smiling and also relieved to discover an unexpected family reunion with a family Plante never knew existed.

“My story began in tragedy but eventually transformed into a happy life of love, family and unexpected joy,” Plante said. “Now, I want to help children by sharing my story of childhood abuse, so others might recognize the signs. I also want abuse victims to understand they can still find joy and love in their lives.

There is hope for a better life.

When the manuscript was ready, another surprising connection emerged. Anderson had been written about years ago in an article by former Nutley Journal journalist Diane Lilli. Today, Lilli, who also lives in Nutley, owns a publishing company that makes books available in all bookstores. For more information about Rebel Books Press, visit rebelbookspress.com.

“I adore Nutley,” Lilli said. “When Sarah reached out to me, I was thrilled. We published ‘Worthy’ in mid-November. My mission as a publisher is to make books available in bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and independent stores, plus all retailers, and online as well. This book is addictive. I expect big things from ‘Worthy.’ It is a gem.”

Publisher: David Worrall

Editor: Yael Katzwer

Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina

Kimberly Plante, at left, recently released her memoir, ‘Worthy,’ at center. At right, from left, are Nutley resident and publisher Diane Lilli,

Plante, Nutley resident and ‘Worthy’ editor Sarah Anderson, and collaborator Naomi Oltmanns.

Photos Courtesy of Diane Lilli

Photo Courtesy of Nutley Family Service Bureau NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR — Blue Foundry, represented by Vito Bari, makes a donation to Nutley Family Service Bureau’s new and upcoming Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, which works to connect seniors in the Nutley community with volunteers who would like to spend time with a senior on a weekly basis.

Hackensack Meridian med school names new dean

Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp has been named dean of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley. He will also hold the distinguished Robert C. and Laura C. Garrett Endowed Chair for the School of Medicine Dean.

Boscamp had been interim dean of the school since the sudden passing of his predecessor, Dr. Bonita Stanton, last January. Boscamp had previously been vice dean of the school.

“Dr. Boscamp has performed terrifically in the interim role, and he’s proven to be a visionary educator,” said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are excited to see how he leads the school to an everbrighter future.”

“Jeff Boscamp has done a great job in stepping in and keeping this medical school moving forward,” said Dr. John “Skip” Williams, chairperson of the school’s board of governors. “He took the reins almost a year ago and has guided the school with an exceptional set of skills and values.”

Boscamp was selected from a field of qualified candidates after a national, competitive search.

Boscamp has been a clinician and leader in what has become Hackensack Meridian Health since 1987. He was integrally involved with the founding of the school since the concept of starting a new medical school was first discussed more

than a decade ago. He co-chaired the search committee that brought Stanton to the school as its founding dean.

At the school of medicine, he has been the course co-director for a major firstyear basic science course: Immunity, Infection and Cancer. In March 2020, with

COVID-19 overwhelming the clinical services of HMH, Boscamp selected eight medical students to be embedded in these clinical services to research emerging information on the epidemiology, disease manifestations and treatments for COVID-19. The students produced 70 papers in six

weeks, and the details of this innovative pop-up course were published in Academic Medicine. Boscamp also teaches a popular wine appreciation course, with a set curriculum and textbook.

A longstanding leader at Hackensack University Medical Center, he also serves as a member of the Hackensack Meridian Health board of trustees academics committee.

Prior to these positions, Boscamp held the Dr. Marvin I. Gottlieb Endowed Chair of Pediatrics at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital for 14 years. He founded the section of pediatric infectious diseases and the Steven Bader Immunological Institute at HUMC, is a frequent medical education speaker, and has received numerous teaching awards.

In addition, Boscamp was chairperson of the New Jersey chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ committee on infectious diseases and a member of the executive committee of that organization. He was appointed by the governor as a member of the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission. He is a fellow of the AAP and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Infectious Diseases Society of New Jersey and the American Society for Microbiology. Boscamp is board-certified in pediatric infectious diseases and is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha.

Photo Courtesy of Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine

Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp, above, has been named dean of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley.

Taxpayers have until Feb. 28 to file

The state has extended the application deadline and is expanding eligibility for the new ANCHOR property tax relief program. The state extended the filing deadline to Feb. 28, from Dec. 30.

To apply, visit the Division of Taxation’s website at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/. The state also has an ANCHOR hotline at 888-238-1233.

“For Belleville residents, some of whom live on a fixed income, affordability remains a top concern,” Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said. “Extending the deadline gives residents a greater ability to take advantage of a program that will help make their lives just a little more affordable.”

The ANCHOR program will provide up to $1,500 to homeowners with 2019 gross incomes up to $150,000, and up to $1,000 for those with gross incomes of between $150,000 and $250,000 in that year. ANCHOR is also an important program for tenants, who can receive $450 if their gross income was $150,000 or less in 2019.

The ANCHOR program expands on and replaces the Homestead Rebate Program. To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on Oct. 1, 2019, and file or be exempt from New Jersey income taxes.

Community Care Kitchen offers support to residents

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.

The average New Jersey property tax bill was approximately $9,300 in 2021. ANCHOR rebates could offset more than 16 percent of the average property tax bill in New Jersey for some homeowners. For a middle-class family receiving $1,500 in

direct relief, the average bill will effectively become $7,800, a property tax level New Jersey has not seen since 2012.

To receive payment — expected to arrive in late spring — eligible residents need to apply by the state’s Feb. 28 deadline. Payments will be issued in the form of check or direct deposit. The money is not subject to federal or state income tax.

Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail. Tenants can apply online or download the application from the state Division on Taxation website and return it via mail.

The ANCHOR program expands on and replaces the Homestead Rebate Program.

DCA report finds institutional homeownership rising in NJ

On Dec. 1, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs issued the report “Buying New Jersey: The Rise in Institutional Ownership of Residential Properties,” which examines recent trends in institutional homeownership and its impact on the ability of households to buy a home. The report was researched and written by DCA’s Office of Policy and External Affairs and finds that an increasing share of the state’s housing stock is shifting to institutional ownership.

The report includes a table of the number of institutionally owned residential properties by municipality organized alphabetically and a table of institutionally owned residential properties ranked by municipality. The report may be read at tinyurl.com/362rh9x6.

“This report shows the challenges that exist for homebuyers, particularly those with lower incomes, to purchase a home in their communities when they’re competing against corporations and business entities for housing,” said Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA commissioner. “While institutional homeownership is just one of several factors contributing to the very difficult housing market for regular homebuyers, it is an important factor. Therefore, we hope the report can be a starting point that leads all levels of government in New Jersey to find ways to make sure homeownership remains accessible to low- and moderate-income residents.”

In the report, institutional homeownership is defined as ownership by any entity that does not constitute a sin-

gle household. The report studies one- to four-family housing stock and excludes multifamily properties with five or more units. In the last decade, 544 municipalities, or 96.4 percent, have seen increases in the share of institutional homeownership, which suggests it is a statewide trend that is not abating.

While the overwhelming majority of municipalities are experiencing a rise in institutional homeownership, the report finds the areas most targeted by institutional buyers tend to be lower income, more distressed and have a resident population consisting mostly of renters. The report states that this “may reflect a propensity to acquire property for speculation, investment purposes or to rent out.”

Some recommendations to possibly address the institutional homeownership trend are offered in the report. One is to find ways to encourage municipalities to convey municipally owned, vacant and abandoned residential and mixed-use properties to community nonprofit organizations and residents looking to revitalize neighborhoods. Another is to increase scoring for New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund applications that involve developing owner-occupied affordable housing in communities with a high rate of institutional homeownership.

The report states that, in 2020, institutionally owned residential properties in New Jersey were at 5.9 percent. Essex County also scored at 5.9 percent. However, while the increase in institutionally owned residential properties from 2012 through 2020 was 2.5 percent in New Jer-

sey, it was 2.7 percent in Essex County.

According to 2020 figures in the report, in Belleville, 4 percent of residential properties were institutionally owned, with an increase from 2012 to 2020 of 2.6 percent; in Bloomfield, it was 7.3 percent, with an increase of 2.1 percent; in Caldwell, it was 4.3 percent, with an increase of 1.9 percent; in Cedar Grove, it was 2.6 percent, with an increase of 0.8 percent; in East Orange, it was 15.1 percent, with an increase of 8.4 percent; in Essex Fells, it was 3.9 percent, with a decrease of 1.4 percent; in Fairfield, it was 2.8 percent, with an increase of 1.2 percent; in Glen Ridge, it was 1.9 percent, with an increase of 0.3 percent; in Irvington, it was 16.1 percent, with an increase of 10.7 percent; in Livingston, it was 3.5 percent, with an increase of 1.3 percent; in Maplewood, it was 2.6 percent, with an increase of 1.4 percent; in Millburn, it was 4 percent, with an increase of 0.8 percent; in Montclair, it was 4.9 percent, with an increase of 1.8 percent; in Newark, it was 17 percent, with an increase of 9.1 percent; in North Caldwell, it was 3.6 percent, with an increase of 1.8 percent; in Nutley, it was 2.6 percent, with an increase of 0.9 percent; in Orange, it was 16.6 percent, with an increase of 8.8 percent; in Roseland, it was 2.7 percent, with an increase of 0.7 percent; in South Orange, it was 4 percent, with an increase of 2.7 percent; in Verona, it was 3.5 percent, with an increase of 1.2 percent; in West Caldwell, it was 2.2 percent, with an increase of 0.6 percent; and, in West Orange, it was 4.5 percent, with an increase of 1.7 percent.

SCHOOLS SCHOOLS CAMPS CAMPS &

Essex County blood drives

New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, will conduct the following blood drives in Essex Coun-

EVENTS

ty: Friday, Jan. 27, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 40 S. Fullerton Ave. in Montclair; Monday, Jan. 30, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Colum-

bus 2346, 150 Chestnut St. in Nutley; Sunday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Maplewood Civic House, 124 Dunnell Road in Maplewood; Thursday, Feb. 9,

from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rutgers Law School’s Center for Law & Justice, 123 Washington St. in Newark; Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Ave. in North Caldwell; and Monday, Feb. 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at the NJIT Campus Center, 150 Bleeker St. in Newark. To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, visit nybloodcenter.org.

NIAA grand marshal dinner

Nutley Irish American Association will hold its Grand Marshal Dinner on Saturday, 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

ALL BETTER, TEDDY — Newark’s 29th annual Three Kings Day Celebration was held Jan. 6 at the Essex County College Gymnasium. The event was hosted by state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the Newark Municipal Council. At the event, Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville hosted a teddy bear clinic to help children get more comfortable for their next doctor’s office visit, in addition to providing health information for parents.

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.

CAMPS &

S t a t e L i c e n s e d

I n f a n t c a r e To d d l e r c a r e P r e s c h o o l

A Child’s World - Where Playing is Learning • Ages 6 weeks to 6 years

A C h i l d ’ s W o r l d - W h e r e P l a y i n g i s L e a r n i n g • A g e s 6 w e e k s t o 6 y e a r s

• S m a l l g r o u p s • I n d i v i d u a l c l a s s r o o m s • F u l l y e q u i p p e d f a c i l i t y

• Sp a c i o u s o u t d o o r p l a y g r o u n d s w i t h s a f e t y s u r f a c e s

• A i r - c o n d i t i o n e d c l a s s r o o m s • N u t r i t i o n a l l y b a l a n c e d l u n c h e s

• A p r o g r a m d e d i c a t e d t o E a r l y C h i l d h o o d E d u c

Photo Courtesy of Clara Maass Medical Center

Post 105 donates roomful of toys, clothing to those in need

After a month of collecting toys and clothing from the Belleville community, the American Legion Post 105 family distributed a roomful of items days before Christmas to anyone who needed a little holiday help. After a day of people dropping by the post to collect for themselves or others, what remained from the collection was donated to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Belleville for distribution to its shelter programs.

Spearheaded by members of the American Legion Auxiliary interest group at Post 105, which is in the process of seeking a national charter, the collection began in late November and lasted all the way through the publicized pickup day, Dec. 23. Together with the Post Legionnaires and the Sons of the American

Legion Squadron, the toy and coat drive was widely promoted to benefit anyone in need, regardless of their relationship to veterans or what town they live in.

“If you see pictures of this, you will understand that the Sons of the Legion, the Legion and the Auxiliary helped some of our brightest people today — our children,” Auxiliary President MaryAnn Slaughter said. “It makes your heart warm when you know you are doing something for people without asking for anything. We did this today to make people happy.”

Throughout December, members and friends of the post, as well as friends and strangers from throughout the community, donated new and lightly used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, mittens and sweaters, as well as enough new toys to fill

IN MEMORIAM

• BENNETT – Maureen A., of Belleville, formerly of Jersey City and Nutley; Dec. 15. Public relations coordinator, Summit Medical Group. Wife, mother, sister, 62.

• GABRIELE – Victoria, of Nutley; Dec. 3. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, 70.

• KENSCHAFT – Patricia Clark, of Montclair, formerly of Nutley; Nov. 20. Mathematics professor, author, gardener, widow, mother, grandmother, 82.

• KIRWIN – Bettyann, of Belleville; Dec. 30. Retired secretary for Essex Catholic high school in Newark. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 94.

• KLEIN – Miriam Bernstein, of Ridgewood, formerly of Rutherford, Nutley and Bloomfield; Jan. 3. Teacher, bus driver, wife, mother, grandmother, 87.

• LACORTE – Lorraine, of Pompton Plains, formerly of Nutley; Dec. 31. Bookkeeper. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, 93.

• MAHER – Thomas Patrick, formerly of Nutley; Dec. 19. Was 66.

• MORIARTY – Esther, of Nutley, formerly of Montclair; Nov. 26. Sister, aunt, 72.

• ROOS – Dirkje, of Belleville; Nov. 16. U.S. Army veteran. Was 88.

• WENGRIN – Anne Rose, of Belleville; Dec. 5. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 94.

• WHITE – Marie, of Neptune Township, formerly of Belleville; Dec. 7. Former English teacher. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, 74.

• ZOLLO – Nancy E. Reilly, of Brooklyn, N.Y., formerly of Belleville and Jersey City; Dec. 1. Widow, mother, sister, aunt, 72.

In 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.

tables and tables. The post and the SAL donated a few hundred dollars each to purchase items as well, filling up the entire hall. Members put together stockings for the children, plus gift bags that included things every child will need for the cold weather.

“I was floored by how much we had,” SAL Adjutant Rusty Myers said.

The majority of items collected were for children younger than 10.

“This was amazing. We know how to do this better for next year, and we’re going to do this next year,” ALA charter member Erica Portee said.

After it got dark and the doors were closed on the post’s Dec. 23 distribution day, members of the post family loaded two pickup trucks with what remained and took it to St. Peter’s, which runs numerous outreach programs, both for the homeless and at local hospital children’s wards.

“We’re very appreciative of the Legion’s generosity during this Christmas season, and we thank you for your kindness,” said Ed Nejman, a volunteer who accepted the donation that night. “I’ve never seen an outpouring of generosity like this.”

This event was on the heels of the post’s donation in November of 23 baskets of food for families who needed a Thanksgiv-

ing dinner, with help from the Belleville School District and businesses in town.

“We can’t describe how great this town is when we do things like this,” SAL Cmdr. Steve Sangemino, who helped organize the event, said.

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers

Above, from left, are SAL 105 Cmdr. Steve Sangemino, ALA’s Erica Portee and MaryAnn Slaughter, Post Cmdr. Joe Cobianchi, and pup Milo. Below, Ed Hall helps drop off toys at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.

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Celebrating Boy Scout Week

February 5-11, 2023

SCOUT LAW

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Sherrill recognizes Nutley resident as a 2022 hero

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill recently recognized Wayne Greenfeder, of Nutley, as a 2022 “hero” in the 11th Congressional District. Greenfeder, a Nutley Public Library board member, was nominated for the recognition by retired supervising librarian Kiran Patel.

Patel’s nomination read: “Greenfeder is a treasurer, trustee and chairperson of the buildings and grounds committee of the Nutley Public Library for 26 years. He assisted in getting a grant from the New Jersey Library Bond Fund to pay a significant share for the HVAC system. He assisted in getting the design and engineering plans completed for the new elevator and preparing the grant application, and the grant was received. He assisted in getting the design and architectural plans completed for the skylight replacement project and working with the township commissioners to get the necessary funds for that project, which is just about completed. He is a member of the executive committee of the New Jersey Library Trustee Association and treasurer since 2016. He volunteers approximately 12 to 16 hours per week for Travelers Aid International at Newark Liberty (International) Airport for more than three years; he assists travelers with their travel-related problems and volunteers at the welcome centers throughout the airport. He is a member of the dean’s advocacy council at Harpur College to raise funds for the liberal arts school students. I believe that Wayne’s many contributions and volunteer work qualifies him as (a) 2022 hero.”

Nutley Parks Department’s winter programs in full swing

The Nutley Department of Parks and Recreation winter schedule of educational classes and athletic programs is full speed ahead.

The slate, which is made up of opportunities for all residents, has been designed to help all maintain a healthy mental and physical outlook during the winter months.

“The winter months can be a difficult time for many,” said Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci, who acknowledged the added stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We strive to give everyone in town, from toddlers to seniors, outlets to stay

busy, improve their health and, in some cases, just have some fun.”

The winter programs include yoga for children, Kinderdance, Happily Ever Crafty, Aspiring Authors, tumbling, art workshop, Rise and Shine morning exercise, Zumba, Yoga for Life, recreation and travel basketball, and junior wrestling.

“We look forward to adding to our dozens of programs throughout the year,” Tucci said. “It’s time to get our community back — mentally and physically — to where it should be.”

For additional information, visit nutleynj.org/recreation.

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U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill recently recognized Nutley resident Wayne Greenfeder, above, as a 2022 ‘hero’ in the 11th Congressional District.

Nutley Unico gives Lifetime Achievement Award

Nutley Unico, a chapter of Unico National, held its monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 5, welcoming new members Sharon Balsamo, William Cutillo, Daniel Ervolino and Joseph Trentacost. The Mille Grazie Award was given to

Maurice Ferraro for his service to Nutley Unico, and the highlight of the evening, besides the outstanding menu, was Phil Cuzzi receiving Nutley Unico’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Cuzzi is a major league baseball umpire. He worked as a

reserve umpire in the National League from 1991 to 1993 and returned to the NL in 1999. Since 2000, he has worked in the American and National leagues. A graduate of Belleville High School, Cuzzi is also known for his untiring work to raise

money to find a cure for ALS, the disease that claimed the life of his friend Robert Luongo. The initial Robert Luongo ALS Fund dinner was held to raise funds for Luongo’s daughter to go to college but has See UNICO, Page 15

Above left, from left, are Nutley Unico secretary Catherine Marucci; First Vice President Danielle Ferrara Manganello; new members Daniel Ervolino, Joseph Trentacost, William Cutillo and Sharon Balsamo; and Presi-

dent Daniel Carnicella. Above right, from left, are Nutley Unico member Salvatore Cocco, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Phil Cuzzi and Carnicella.

Photos Courtesy of Lorraine Kucinski

Unico recognized for commitment to Italian heritage

(Continued from Page 14) continued for decades, having an impact on many individuals stricken with this terrible disease and their families. Cuzzi shared his story as an Italian American to the delight

of the 97 members and guests in attendance at the event. Nutley Unico, which currently has 177 members, donated $250 to the Luongo ALS Fund as a gift to Cuzzi. Nutley Unico also received a plaque in

appreciation of its support of Columbus Day celebrations and the Carabinieri from Federation of Italian American Societies of New Jersey President Pasquale Meola. Unico National, the largest Italian

American service organization in the United States, celebrated 100 years of “service above self” in 2022. Nutley Unico has been promoting and preserving its Italian heritage since 1959.

Above left, members of the Nutley Unico executive committee, from left, are immediate past President Vito Matturro, Frank Cocchiola, Second Vice President Pasquale Pisani, secretary Catherine Marucci, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Phil Cuzzi, President Daniel Carnicella, treasurer Tom Sposato, immediate past district governor Marie Solimo,

Third Vice President Frank Russo and First Vice President Danielle Ferrara Manganello. Sal Ferraro, corresponding secretary, is not pictured. Above right, Carnicella receives a plaque from the Federation of Italian American Societies of New Jersey, presented by Matturro of the parade committee, on behalf of Nutley Unico.

Photos Courtesy of Lorraine Kucinski

National Guard gives promotion to Cofone

Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Guiseppi Cofone, of Belleville, who is assigned to the Company A 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, received a promotion in fall 2022 to the rank of private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers, and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the N.Y. Army National Guard.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., left, recites the oath of office as he is sworn into his sixth term as executive by New Jersey and Essex County Democratic Committee Chairperson LeRoy Jones, right, on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Holding the Bible are Gov. Phil Murphy, second from left, and DiVincenzo’s son, Joseph.

“This is my sixth term, but it still feels like my first term,” DiVincenzo said. “I love coming to work. Every morning I wake up and think about what we can do to continue moving Essex County forward.”

Walk in Yanticaw Park

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

For additional information, call 201-280-8254.

Photo Courtesy of Glen Frieson

Wasko mentors first-years

Alexandra Wasko, of Nutley, is one of 60 talented students selected as a Lebanon Valley College first-year mentor to guide first-year and transfer students through their early weeks at the school, located in Annville, Pa. Wasko, a graduate of Nutley High School, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience.

Starting with orientation weekend in August, first-year mentors are responsible for assisting new students in succeeding personally, socially and academically through connections to the college and their peers.

New and transfer students are assigned to a small group of students who likely share the same major. Every group is led by a first-year mentor, an upperclass student who has displayed leadership ability and a willingness to assist new students during their first year of college. First-year mentors serve as positive role models and acquaint all new students with the school’s structure, services and culture.

Mixon earns degree

Aaron Mixon, of Nutley, graduated from Troy University, located in Troy, Ala., with a master’s degree.

Greig becomes costumer

The Interactive Theater course at Clark University, located in Worcester, Mass.,

has worked this past semester to create the show “Waiting for Obols,” based on an original script written by professor Terrasa Ulm. The show depicts an in-between space where people from all universes and time periods seek coins to buy passage across a cosmic sea. The show was performed Dec. 15.

Nutley resident Ed Greig, a senior in the Becker School of Design & Technology, designed the costume for the character of Potone, creating her “ethereal cloaked” look.

“All my studies have been exclusively computer based, so it feels awkward to have a needle and a thread in my hands, but that’s the beauty of this class,” Greig said.

Patel is a leader

New York Institute of Technology, in Old Westbury, N.Y., recently recognized the students who serve as executive board members for the university’s many clubs and student organizations, including Vidhee Jayeshkumar Patel, of Nutley. Patel serves as senator for NYIT Ventures.

Infermo initiated

Nicole Infermo, of Belleville, was recently initiated into the Rider University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society. The society welcomed 235 new initiates from 11 universities in October.

Students initiated into the society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate/professional students in the top 35

percent of their class, demonstrate leadership experience, and embrace the ODK ideals. Fewer than 5 percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

DeAngelo on honor roll

Emily DeAngelo, of Nutley, a studentathlete at Muhlenberg College, located in Allentown, Pa., was named to the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll for the fall 2022 season.

To be named to the academic honor roll, a student-athlete must be a sophomore or higher in class standing and carry a grade-point average of at least 3.4.

Perfect 4.0 for Kraft

Jensen Kraft, of Nutley, was named to the president’s list at Davis & Elkins College, located in Elkins, W.Va., for the fall 2022 semester.

The president's list includes all fulltime students with a grade-point average of 4.0 for the semester.

Degree for Callier

Khalil Callier, of Belleville, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, located in Delaware, Ohio, in December. Callier earned a Bachelor of Arts in geology.

Matrona gets top grades

John Matrona, of Nutley, has been named a dean’s scholar at Piedmont University, located in Demorest, Ga., for the fall 2022 semester.

Students earning the dean’s scholar designation finished the semester with a grade-point average of 4.0.

Acclaim at Colgate

Nutley residents John Halligan and Grace LaBruno were named to the dean’s list with distinction at Colgate University, located in Hamilton, N.Y., for the fall 2022 semester. Halligan is a graduate of Saint Peter’s Preparatory and LaBruno is a graduate of Academy of the Holy Angels. Students who receive a term gradepoint average of 3.6 or better while completing at least three courses for a conventional letter grade earn this honor.

Dean’s honors at LVC

Alexandra Wasko, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at Lebanon Valley College, located in Annville, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester. Wasko, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience, is a graduate of Nutley High School.

Dean’s list students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.

Poplawski takes honors

Paul Kazimier Poplawski, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at Kutztown University, located in Kutztown, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester.

To be eligible for the dean’s list, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade-point average of 3.6.

Nicosia excels

Cherylann Nicosia, of Belleville, has been named to the dean’s list for academic excellence at Springfield College, located in Springfield, Mass., for the fall 2022 semester. Nicosia has a primary major of psychology.

To be named to the dean’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a grade-point average of at least 3.5 for the term.

Mackle takes honors

Meghan Mackle, of Belleville, has been named to the dean’s list at Alvernia University, located in Reading, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester. Mackle is currently enrolled as an occupational therapy major minoring in psychology.

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.

Morales shines

Kalina Morales, of Belleville, earned dean’s list honors at Mount St. Mary’s University, located in Emmitsburg, Md., for the fall 2022 semester.

Students who maintain a grade-point average of 3.4 or better are eligible for this honor.

Lehigh scholars

Areesha Ahmed, of Nutley, and Sofia Ruiz, of Belleville, were both named to

the dean’s list at Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester.

Dean’s list status is awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.

Honors at SNHU

Daniel Render, of Nutley, has been named to the president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University, located in Manchester, N.H., for the fall 2022 term. 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 3.7 or better; to be named to the dean’s list, a student must earn a GPA of 3.5 or better.

Gaynor on dean’s list

Ethan Gaynor, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at Marquette University, located in Milwaukee, Wisc., for the fall 2022 semester. Gaynor is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology.

To attain this honor, a student must complete 12 credits for the semester and earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better.

Merit for Merritt

Alexis Merritt, of Nutley, was named to the dean’s list at York College of Pennsylvania, located in York, Pa., for the fall 2022 semester. A member of the

Class of 2024, Merritt is a professional writing major.

To be eligible for this honor, a student

must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester gradepoint average of 3.5 or better.

Nutley advises on best way to combat rodent activity

In response to an unprecedented increase in wildlife and rodent activity — as in many cities and towns in the Northeast — since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nutley Health and Parks and Recreation departments are employing several strategies for control and prevention, including educating residents on how to prevent further activity by following the township’s recommendations, as well as using its resources, according to a December press release from the town.

“We are fully aware of the problem and are addressing it on a daily basis,” said Commissioner John V. Kelly III, director of the Department of Public Affairs.

The township has hired an exterminator who has had experience dealing with the problem in neighboring towns such as Montclair and Bloomfield. The company is working

near Kingsland Manor, where the situation has escalated due to the much-delayed completion of work on Clifton’s Kingsland Avenue Bridge. The participation and cooperation of the community is imperative for continued success.

“Unfortunately, it has been a perfect storm,” said Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci, director of the Department of Parks and Public Property, “due to COVID, Hurricane Ida, and the heavy rains and floods we’ve experienced recently. We are seeing other towns having similar situations.

“It is something that will take time to get under control,” Tucci continued. “And we will get it under control. But having our residents’ cooperation is crucial to speeding up the process of eliminating the problem.”

Rodent prevention begins with eliminating any potential food, water and harborage sources for rodents, ver-

Platkin launches office to combat securities

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin recently announced the creation of a new office within the Division of Criminal Justice that will focus on pursuing major financial crimes, including securities fraud, and holding white-collar criminals accountable for their wrongdoing.

The newly created Office of Securities Fraud and Financial Crimes Prosecutions will enhance existing efforts to prosecute financial crimes by creating a dedicated office charged specifically with investigating and prosecuting crimes that undermine the fairness and integrity of New Jersey’s financial systems, exploit investors, and prey on vulnerable individuals across the state of New Jersey and beyond.

The OSFFCP will focus on the most significant securities and financial crimes affecting individuals and companies that reside or do business in New Jersey, from corporate corruption and market manipulation to Ponzi schemes and investor scams. The office will seek to ensure that those who commit financial crimes are held accountable and disgorged of their ill-gotten gains, while also seeking to recover funds for victims. Platkin has tapped Assistant Attorney General Pablo Quiñones, an experienced financial fraud

prosecutor, to serve as the inaugural leader of the office.

“We’re putting fraudsters and wrongdoers on notice: If you harm our residents and violate our financial and securities laws, you will be held accountable, no matter how powerful you are,” Platkin said. “Our new office is laser focused on identifying, investigating and prosecuting financial predators of all types, and joining the impressive, existing work of our civil and criminal teams in this area.

I am thrilled that a seasoned prosecutor like Pablo Quiñones is leading this effort, and his experience prosecuting financial crimes makes him a perfect fit for this new role.”

Among the financial crimes that the OSFFCP will investigate and prosecute include securities, commodities and investment fraud; investment adviser fraud; market manipulation; schemes to defraud or deceive; Ponzi and pyramid schemes; commercial bribery and disloyalty; money laundering; and corporate and white-collar crimes, including those committed by corporate executives, officers and board members.

“I am both honored and excited by the opportunity to lead the attorney general’s

min and insects. Residents need to be cognizant of the negative impact on the community due to lax property maintenance and trash disposal methods. Residents need to properly store garbage in proper trash receptacles and secure it from wildlife with a lid. This act will directly help prevent a surge of rodents.

“This is an unprecedented surge of activity,” Kelly said. “New York City, for example, experienced 1,000 more rodent complaints by May 2022 than it had in all of 2021. However, as a community, if we remain diligent and follow our recommendations, we can control the influx of wildlife and rodent activity.”

Full information on how residents can help prevent and eliminate the problem can be found at nutleynj.org/rodent-campaign.

and financial crimes

important effort to combat financial crimes and protect vulnerable victims across the state of New Jersey,” Quiñones said. “I look forward to serving the residents of New Jersey and helping to ensure that those who dare to defraud New Jersey businesses and individuals of their hard-earned financial resources are held accountable without fear or favor.”

Quiñones, a resident of Bergen County, served as a prosecutor for more than 10 years, including as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he served on the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, handling high-profile insider trading, market manipulation, accounting fraud and investment fraud cases, and as a deputy chief of the criminal division’s fraud section at the U.S. Department of Justice, leading a specialized unit that developed and implemented enforcement strategies and policies for the prosecution of financial crimes by the largest group of criminal fraud prosecutors in the nation. He previously operated a private law practice serving the greater New York area.

Full accreditation from Middle States

The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley has been granted full accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This milestone brings the school, which admitted its first students in 2018, closer to full accreditation from all regulatory agencies.

“This is further validation of how the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine continues to meet and surpass all expectations, while training incredible doctors of the future,” Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett said in a Nov. 23 press release. “The faculty, staff and students of this one-of-a-kind institution are forging a new path to a better future.”

“We are hugely gratified that we have achieved this milestone,” said Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp, the interim dean of the school. “We as a team are all working hard in one direction: to offer the best medical education anywhere, producing the best doctors for New Jersey and the country.”

The MSCHE, responsible for more than 515 accredited and candidate degreegranting institutions, conferred its accreditation after a visit this past summer. The affirmation extends the school’s privilege to grant Doctor of Medicine degrees.

The next milestone for the school is final accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the major national regulatory body. The school received provisional accreditation from the LCME in February 2021.

Aside from the MSCHE and LCME, the school has received its license from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and is eligible for and participates in the management of Title IV funds through the U.S. Department of Education. The New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners’ provisional approval will convert to full approval upon the LCME’s confirmation of full accreditation.

Assistant Attorney General Pablo Quiñones

Richardson, Pomares reelected ECBCC president, VP

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, District 2 Commissioner Wayne L. Richardson, of Newark, and District 5 Commissioner Carlos M. Pomares, of Bloomfield, were unanimously reelected president and vice president, respectively, of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners during the board’s 2023 reorganization meeting. All members of the board were in attendance as Richardson and Pomares were sworn in by New Jersey Superior Court Judge James R. Paganelli.

Richardson, who will serve as president for the third consecutive year, is also pres-

ident of Laborers Local 55. In addition, he is a lead organizer for the Laborers Eastern Region Organizing Fund and chairs the Newark Central Planning Board.

Upon being sworn in, Richardson thanked his colleagues on the board for having confidence in his leadership.

“I appreciate your vote of confidence and look forward to your support as we continue to work together to move this county forward. So, thank you very much,” Richardson said.

Pomares, who became the first Latino to be elected to a leadership role on the

ECBCC, will serve his third consecutive year as vice president of the board. He previously served as councilman at large in Bloomfield and currently serves as the executive director of the Cuban Artists Fund. He is also a history and political science lecturer at Hudson County Community College.

Pomares congratulated Richardson and wished him well in his third year as president, while also thanking the board and the leadership of the county administration for their efforts. He recounted the fact that his father was a political prisoner in Cuba for having an opinion.

“I will never forget how impactful and important it is that we serve,” he said, quoting Gov. Phil Murphy, who said, “Essex is the county to envy” because of the groundwork that has been laid for decades.

Prior to the swearing-in, congratulatory remarks were offered by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairperson LeRoy J. Jones Jr., who both spoke to the intrinsic worth of good governance, positive fiscal direction and service demonstrated by the board under the leadership of Richardson and Pomares.

Above left, Essex County Commissioner President Wayne L. Richardson, center, is sworn in by New Jersey Superior Court Judge James R. Paganelli, left, while his wife, Antoinette Baskerville Richardson, right,

holds the Bible. Above right, Commissioner Vice President Carlos M. Pomares, center, is sworn in by Paganelli, left, while legislative aide Luis Felix, right, holds the Bible.

Photos Courtesy of Lloyd Holmes

Nutley BOE swears in members, elects leaders

Schools

At the Jan. 3 Nutley Board of Education meeting, board members Thomas D’Elia, Charles W. Kucinski and Teri Quirk were sworn in for three-year terms. Salvatore Ferraro was elected president of the board and Salvatore Balsamo was elected vice president.

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In addition, we offer Bible Studies on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and on Thursday evenings at 7:00 You can participate in either one of these classes -or both- through Zoom by calling the church to get placed on the Zoom call list.

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Historical society places wreaths at veterans’ graves

What do U.S. Marine Corp Pfc. Donald Saunders, of Belleville; Marine Corp Pfc. Richard Bates, of Nutley; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paul Christmas, of North Carolina; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edwin Aponte, of Puerto Rico; a dozen other U.S. Marines; 15 U.S. Army personnel; two U.S. Navy seamen; and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Calvin Alexander, of Virginia, all have in common? They were all killed in action in Vietnam and they all rest side by side in row F at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Every year the Belleville Historical Society’s participation in the Wreaths Across America project, which places wreaths at the graves of veterans, includes a visit to the veteran section of Glendale Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of 15 young men from Belleville and Nutley who were killed in action during World War II and the Vietnam War.

Volunteers turned out in large numbers on Saturday, Dec. 17, for the event. At noon, prior to proceeding to Glendale Cemetery, locals gathered at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Belleville, where the Rev. Ivan Sciberras blessed 100 wreaths before they were set in the church cemetery.

Nutley author Anthony Buccino spoke briefly about the need to remember veterans and those lost in war. The first wreaths were placed on the graves of World War I soldiers and best friends Pvt. Michael Flynn and Pvt. Edward Crowell, both lost during the war and buried side by side in the cemetery. Members of the newly formed Belleville ROTC, with unit leader retired Lt. Col. Richard Wasserman, then set a wreath at the monument to Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Fred Stockham, of Belleville, who also lost his life during World War I.

Volunteers at the ceremony included Belleville veterans led by American Legion Post 105 Cmdr. Joseph Cobianchi, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, Councilman Vincent Cozzarelli, Board of Education member Frank Velez, and former

Board of Education members Michael Sheldon and Nelson Berrera. Boy Scouts from Belleville and Bloomfield, and Nutley High School head football coach JD Vick and students were also on hand to help set wreaths. Bloomfield Scouts later proceeded to Mount Olivet Cemetery in Newark to set wreaths, and Nutley students later set wreaths at the cemeteries at Vincent United Methodist Church and Franklin Reformed Church, both in Nutley.

At 1:30 p.m., volunteers assembled in the veteran section of Glendale Cemetery,

where scores of wreaths were set on the graves of young men killed in action. While the society usually lays 15 wreaths at Glendale, this year the society had great support and had 50 sponsors for wreaths at the cemetery. The Belleville Historical Society had recently cleaned an entire row of 35 gravestones of young men killed in Vietnam. There, veterans were again joined by Boy Scouts and Bloomfield Girl Scouts, as well as a large contingent of Pfizer employees, who had sponsored many of the wreaths. Former Belleville Police Officer Scott Sims played

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the bagpipe at both events.

The two ceremonies were the start of a three-day process in which Belleville Historical Society members traveled to set wreaths at more than 15 cemeteries in six counties in northern New Jersey, where young men from Belleville and Nutley who were killed in action were buried. Approximately 350 wreaths were set this year, according to Belleville Historical Society President Michael Perrone. The Belleville Historical Society also sets wreaths on the graves of 10 Medal of Honor recipients.

Photos Courtesy of Michael Perrone

Above left and right, volunteers gather at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield. Below left, the Rev. Ivan Sciberras of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Belleville blesses wreaths prior to them being placed on veterans’ graves. Below right, former Belleville Police Officer Scott Sims plays the bagpipe.

Cardinal honors Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at memorial Mass

Though some might feel saddened while reflecting on Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s death, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark, told those attending a Jan. 12 memorial Mass that they should actually “grieve his death in hope,” because the late pontiff has finally attained the peace God promised to all faithful.

“The crucifixion of Jesus displays God’s initiative in opening for the human race unimpeded access to the divine life, to the divine presence,” Tobin said to an intimate gathering of clergy and Catholics in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. “Humanity is now free to go to God, and God’s tent is pitched forever among us.

“Benedict’s death,” he continued, is “the fulfillment of hope that does not disappoint — a hope that illuminated his shepherding of the Church, a hope that is renewed in us each day.”

Later in his homily, Tobin commended Benedict’s kindness and nobility, stating that Catholics throughout the world should be grateful for the former pope’s devout faith as well as all the good he accomplished.

The cardinal also reminded those in attendance that Benedict never viewed being a Christian as “an ethical choice or a lofty idea.” Instead, he said the pope emeritus believed people should live their faith

by sharing the love God gifted to humanity.

The Jan. 12 Mass in Newark was the latest in a long line of global tributes honoring Benedict, who died Dec. 31 at the age of 95 following a period of illness. The

pope emeritus was the pontiff who appointed Tobin as the secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, as well as the archbishop of Indianapolis.

Photo Courtesy of Joe Jordan/Archdiocese of Newark Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin encourages those gathered to grieve ‘in hope’ for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Photo Courtesy of Sean Quinn/Archdiocese of Newark An archdiocesan priest prays before an image of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Seton Hall University receives $1.14M for simulation lab and training at its Nutley health sciences campus

Seton Hall University’s Interprofessional Health Sciences campus in Nutley — home to its School of Health and Medical Sciences and its College of Nursing — will receive a major boost through federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, and Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker.

“I have toured the IHS campus on several occasions,” Pascrell said, “and each time I have been incredibly impressed with the teaching and learning that is taking place. I am delighted we were able to secure this needed funding for this worthy institution. The skills our future health care professionals will learn through these lab upgrades will benefit New Jerseyans throughout the 9th District and all of New Jersey for decades to come.”

Anticipating continued increases in demand for health care education, Seton Hall requested funds for enhancements to the simulation lab experience, construction of control rooms, simulation education equipment and resources to mimic points of care. These investments will help ensure that students receive as modern and authentic an experience as possible.

Kathryn A. Sanok, coordinator of the clinical skills lab in the College of Nursing, along with Jennifer

McCarthy, director of clinical simulation in the School of Health and Medical Sciences, prepared the funding proposal.

The project will provide new equipment and upgrades to the simulation center on the IHS campus to ensure that future nurses, occupational therapists, physician assistants, physical therapists, speech language pathologists and athletic trainers are clinically ready before interacting with real patients.

Sanok and McCarthy said in a joint statement, “The upgrades and equipment will allow our College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences to prepare future health care professionals to work in a patient-centered, integrated health care delivery system and will address health care workforce shortages and demand throughout New Jersey and beyond.”

“This outcome was the result of months of determined work by faculty and staff in our College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences, our government relations staff, and Seton Hall advocates in the nation’s capital, like Congressman Pascrell and Sens. Booker and Menendez,” SHU President Joseph E. Nyre said. “We are grateful to each of them for their commitment to Seton Hall and a healthier New Jersey.”

Photo Courtesy of Seton Hall University College of Nursing

NHS bowling teams roll

The Nutley High School boys and girls bowling teams, under head coach Frank Sasso, are enjoying fine seasons this winter.

The girls team was in first place in the Super Essex Conference–American Division with a 61-2 record entering the week of Jan. 15. The girls finished in second place in the Westfield Blue Devil Bowling Tournament in December.

Here are the top NHS girls bowlers and their stats:

• Gabriella Lucivero, junior, 160 average, 231 high game, 539 high series.

• Gabriella Botti, sophomore, 140 average, 202 high game, 474 high series.

• Julianne Carson, senior, 145 average, 173 high game, 474 high series.

• Angelica Duffy, senior, 132 average, 173 high game, 466 high series.

• Cassandra Nesta, senior, 113 aver-

age, 154 high game, 386 high series.

The boys team was in second place at 49-14. They were in a three-team race for the title with Montclair High School and Irvington High School.

Here are the top NHS boys bowlers and their stats:

• Jackson Cerniglia-Rapavi, sophomore, 180 average, 225 high game, 601 series.

• Kaiden Cerniglia-Rapavi, freshman, 165 average, 225 high game, 605 high series.

• Joseph Duca, senior, 177 average, 242 high game, 617 high series.

• Kalvin Wong, senior, 176 average, 244 high game, 623 high series.

• Daniel Carchia, senior, 159 average, 190 high game, 502 high series.

• Evan Sanchez, senior, 156 average, 210 high game, 501 high series.

Nutley High School wrestling impresses at tournaments

The Nutley High School wrestling team finished in second place out of 12 high schools at the Belleville High School tournament on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Belleville High School took first place.

Nutley was led by junior Brandon Toranzo, who won the 285-pound weight class. Toranzo posted a 5-2 decision win over Nelson Claremont of Montclair High School in the final to improve to 130 on the season.

Senior Ammar Mahmoud finished in second place in the 190-pound weight class for Nutley.

The third-place finishers for Nutley were freshman Chris Cifelli at 106 pounds, freshman Jacob Harlow at 126 pounds, freshman Sean Vilchez at 165 pounds and senior Will Jennings at 175

pounds. The fourth-place finishers for Nutley were senior Matt Nocerino at 120 pounds, senior Franco Graffeo at 132 pounds and senior Clayden Leybovich at 138 pounds. Finishing in fifth-sixth place for Nutley were freshman Patrick Chell at 113 pounds and senior Connor Harlow at 157 pounds.

At the Rahway High School tournament on Dec. 28, Nutley finished in second place out of 12 teams. Rahway finished in first place. Toranzo won the 285-pound title. Cifelli at 106 pounds, Harlow at 126 pounds, Graffeo at 132 pounds, Leybovich at 138 pounds, Jennings at 175 pounds and Mahmoud at 190 pounds all took second place. Nutley had a 9-3 record through Jan. 18.

Photos by Steve Ellmore

NHS GIRLS HOOPS — Above, the Nutley High School girls basketball team lines up before its game at Glen Ridge High School on Saturday, Jan. 7. Below left is Nutley interim head coach Matt Francello, and, below right, Nutley junior Cynthia DePersio drives for a layup. The Raiders lost 47-28. With a 5-9 overall record through Jan. 19, the Raiders hope to make more improvement this season.

Above left, Nutley junior Riley Sebastiano dribbles past a Glen Ridge player; above right, junior Cynthia DePersio passes the ball; below left, sophomore Casey Arroyo handles the ball; and, below right, sophomore Isabel Riccardi holds the ball during the game at Glen Ridge.

SWIMMING CHAMP — Nutley High School senior Nead

Kojic is shown after taking first place in the 100-yard breaststroke at the Essex County Swimming Championships at New Jersey Institute of Technology on Monday, Jan. 16. Kojic swam a personal-best time of 58.77 seconds, becoming the first county swim champion in Nutley history.

Belleville HS girls hoops team enjoying fine season this winter

The Belleville High School girls basketball team is enjoying a fine season.

The Buccaneers had a four-game winning streak through Wednesday, Jan. 18, to improve to an impressive 9-2 overall record, including 9-1 in the Super Essex Conference–Freedom Division.

Belleville defeated Weequahic High School of Newark 39-11, Golda Och Acade-

my of West Orange 41-22, Technology High School of Newark 29-8 and St. Vincent of Newark 38-23 during the win streak.

Among the BHS leaders this season are seniors Amadi McIver, Amelia Fabara, Gianna DaSilva and Ashley Cely; junior Katherinne Avecillas-MacGregor; and sophomores Camila Cortes-Alonso and McKayla Reed.

BUCS WIN TITLE — The Belleville High School boys basketball team gathers with the championship trophy after winning the William Ferguson Holiday Tournament hosted by North Arlington High School. The Bucs defeated Bergen Tech 55-38 on Dec. 27 and North Arlington 43-31 in the final on Dec. 28. Belleville had a 5-9 overall record through Jan. 17, looking to gain more progress.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville High School Athletics

Photo Courtesy of Nutley High School Athletics