NUTLEYJOURNAL ESSEXNEWSDAILY.COM
FEBRUARY 2022
VOL. 36 NO. 28
Motivational speaker finds 2 best friends Lifesavers are honored
— See Page 2
A changing market
— See Page 3
Girls hoops thriving
— See Page 18
By Daniel Jackovino Staff Writer Lifelong Nutley resident Joe Dwyer, 61, has had a varied career. A Nutley High School Class of 1978 graduate, Dwyer has been a chemical engineer for Schering-Plough, worked in advertising and labor relations for Bell Atlantic and then was a vice chancellor of administration for the Archdiocese of Newark. After the archdiocese job, he became a motivational speaker. That was in 2010. The pandemic eventually curtailed this occupation, but he is not retiring from it. Dwyer is on a mission, but it was not until he became a volunteer for the Bloomfield Animal Shelter that he was set on a path by a mangled pit bull he christened Shelby. For a long time, Dwyer suffered from anxiety and depression. “I certainly had a hard time,” he said in a phone interview on Wednesday, Jan. 12. “And I had made a decision not to pursue medication.” The pit bull was brought to the shelter in February 2008. Dwyer said she was most likely a bait dog for fighting pit bulls. A bait dog, he said, is a sweet and gentle dog that other dogs are allowed to attack to build their confidence. “A terrible thing,” Dwyer said. She had been found half-dead in a Shell gas station. That is how she got her name. Dwyer said a traumatized dog is not much different from a traumatized person. They need patience, compassion and understanding. “At first, being at the shelter was about being a volunteer,” he said. “In time, we created a bond and spent time together. I think it’s like anything else. It’s not what you say or do; it’s your presence. It’s no different from a person in grief. Your presence means everything. I really believe Shelby was sent to me by God. Our lives were predestined even before she was born.” Dwyer adopted Shelby in August 2008 and trained her to be a certified therapy dog. “A therapy dog needs a calm temperament,” he said. “It can’t be food motivated.” Dwyer began to give school talks, bringing Shelby. He talked to the children about not prejudging anyone, as Shelby sometimes was because she is a pit bull. “Shelby gave me a terrific platform, because she was a pit bull, and they’re profiled,” he said. “We went to many hospitals and schools. She also went to a funeral home as a bereavement dog.” As deeply as he felt for Shelby, he was still struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. But he heard a story, in October 2011, of a beagle, found wandering in an Alabama cemetery. The stray was to be euthanized in a gas chamber along with 17 other dogs but miraculously survived. The dog’s survival was news. Eleventh Hour Rescue, a Morris County no-kill rescue, had the dog flown to New Jersey
Courtesy of Joe Dwyer
Joe Dwyer gets affectionate with his pit bull, Shelby, and his beagle, Daniel. A motivational speaker, Dwyer would often have at least one of his dogs accompany him, particularly when he spoke to children. by Pilots N Paws. Dwyer contacted the rescue and arranged for the dog’s adoption. That was November 2011. “Our souls connected,” he said. “She really was the purpose that saved me.” Dwyer named the beagle Daniel, for having escaped her own lions’ den. Dwyer began motivational speaking with both dogs accompanying him. He said that, because of Daniel’s life story, “an incredible whirlwind of travel” began. Because Shelby weighed more than 30 lbs., she was not taken when Dwyer traveled by air with Daniel, as he would not put her in a cargo hold. Dwyer said his talks when accompanied by Daniel were partly about banning gas chambers, but the dog’s mission was much greater than that. Because Daniel was not a therapy dog, unlike Shelby, Daniel could not provide therapy. With Daniel, Dwyer gave age-appropriate talks on animal adoption, overcoming loss, difficulties and regaining hope. Dwyer was careful not to overwork the dogs with too many public appearances. “If I didn’t think it was in their best interests, I’d turn down an event,” he said. Shelby died in February 2019 and Daniel died in June 2021. But Dwyer believes the message of Shelby and Daniel should still reach people and has self-published two books: “God, Shelby and Me” and “A Conversation With Daniel.” He will appear at the Nutley Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 29. Proceeds from book purchases will go toward animal rescue.
2 — February 2022 — Nutley Journal - BP
Photo Courtesy of Nutley
Officers, citizens recognized for saving trapped driver At the Nov. 30 Nutley Township Board of Commissioners meeting, the township officially recognized Nutley Police Sgt. Christopher D’Alessio, Officer Steve Rogers, Officer Christopher Bassani, Officer Ryan Mulligan, and citizens William Dinnerstein and Ivan Viana for their brave actions in rescuing a driver who was trapped in a submerged vehicle in the Passaic River last August. The officers, along with Viana, dove into the river
after Dinnerstein directed them to the location of the vehicle, which had plunged down the boat ramp north of the Kingsland Avenue Bridge. Once the occupant was removed from the submerged vehicle, Dinnerstein also jumped into the water to help police bring the victim to shore. “The officers’ performance was stellar,” Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said. “To put themselves
at risk and jump into the Passaic River and dive into waters with ever-changing currents, pollution and who knows what else is incredibly admirable. And for two good samaritans to step up and help was awesome. All of their actions say a lot about the human race and how we react to those in need of help. We couldn’t be more proud.” The township formally passed three resolutions commending all for their selfless, brave and heroic actions.
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Real estate agents eye a changing market By Amanda Valentovic Staff Writer According to local real estate agents, the COVID-19 pandemic threw the housing market into chaos, seeing many people selling their homes and moving somewhere with more space, as they spent more time than ever at home. Matthew De Fede, a broker at Nutley-based agency Realty Executives, said there is still an inventory issue as 2022 begins. “We’re still reeling from the pandemic,” he said in a phone interview with the Nutley Journal on Friday, Jan. 14. “In 2008, builders got gun-shy, and building didn’t keep up. Then the pandemic forced a lot of people in more densely populated areas to look for more space. That caused a supply and demand issue.” Many people in New York City, Jersey City and other highly populated cities in the area decided to move out of their apartments and into houses when the COVID-19 lockdown extended into the later part of 2020, when they realized that everyone being at home full-time was not as temporary a situation as they’d originally thought. “We were in a pretty even market before,” De Fede said. “But the difference between now and in 2008 is that this is not a housing crisis, it’s a health crisis. With a lot of people still working from home, I think we’ll see a shift in the next 10 years.” There are a lot of empty homes in the cities that many left in the last two years, according to De Fede, who added that rent and appraisal prices are going up as a result. De Fede said the housing frenzy will settle around the third quarter of the year, so now is the time to sell a house. “If you’re sitting on a house that you’ve owned for 20 or 30 years, right now is when you’ll get the most,” he said. “It’s a heavy seller’s market.” Something else that is happening in the real estate market, De Fede said, is that more people who are buying homes are buying older ones and renovating them, rather than waiting for new construction to be ready. A lot of the reasoning has to do with supply chain interruptions; materials have long wait times. “You can’t get supplies, because everything is delayed,” De Fede said. “It’s a perfect storm of everything. Upgrading isn’t as expensive as building from scratch, because an existing house already has a foundation. You don’t have to worry about it.”
Matthew De Fede, a broker at Nutley-based agency Realty Executives, said there is still an inventory issue as 2022 begins.
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Photos Courtesy of Belleville Township
Newark Police Detective Michael Morgan Jr., a native son of Belleville, is remembered as the township renames a street in his honor on the 10th anniversary of his shooting death. Friends, family members and
members of law enforcement from several surrounding towns joined together at the street corner to honor Morgan, including Morgan’s mother, Phyllis Morgan.
Street is renamed in honor of fallen police detective Newark Police Detective Michael Morgan Jr., a native son of Belleville, was recently remembered as a very good man, a loving son and a dedicated police officer who sought to serve and protect the most vulnerable in the community. On Nov. 7, 2021 — the 10th anniversary of the night Morgan was gunned down by a gang member — Belleville paid tribute to the fallen police detective. A street sign renaming Carpenter Street as Detective Michael Morgan Jr. Way was unveiled at an event attended by Mayor Michael Melham and members of the Belleville Township Council. Friends, family members and members of law enforcement from several surrounding towns joined together at the street corner to honor Morgan. Morgan’s mother, Phyllis Morgan, attended the ceremony, which included solemn music from the Essex County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. Growing up in Belleville, Morgan could often be found playing sports on the township’s streets, lots and fields. He went on to play football at New Jersey City University. Morgan fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a police officer when he was assigned to Newark’s 2nd Precinct in 2005. He served on the Auto Theft Task Force before being promoted to detective and joining the Criminal Gang Intelligence Unit in 2006. Morgan focused his energies on the Safe City Program, which worked to remove guns from the street; Morgan’s work was featured on the Sundance Channel’s “Brick City” and National Geographic’s “Drugs Inc.” Morgan was shot and killed while off duty on Nov. 7, 2011, in Paterson. He was leaving a party when a gang member tried to rob him at gunpoint. Morgan was 32 years old. “Belleville will always be proud of
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Michael Morgan Jr. for dedicating his life and giving his life to keep others safe,” Melham said. “This street sign will forever serve as a reminder of his courage and dedication to the people he served.”
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Above left, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 salute the dead as they lay wreaths at the Glendale Cemetery in Belleville on National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 18. Above right, as part of Wreaths Across America Day 2021, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 members, pictured here standing in front of the American flag, visited numerous cemeteries throughout the area.
Photos Courtesy of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105
Above left, American Legion Post 105 Cmdr. Joe Cobianchi lays a wreath on a soldier’s gravestone. Above right, Ed Trinka, Post 105 adjutant, salutes at a soldier’s grave.
Wreaths are laid to honor local veterans at cemeteries “Any nation that does not honor its heroes,” said Abraham Lincoln, “will not long endure.” In living up to one of the pillars of the American Legion national program, the American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 participated, as they have for the past few years, in National Wreaths Across America Day, on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. SAL 105 donated more than $200 in wreaths to the national program, and the post and squadron participated in two separate wreath-laying events. Per the Wreaths Across America website, “Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to remember, honor and teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.” A person or organization could donate $15 per wreath to have wreaths laid at the foot of veterans’ gravestones. In a unanimous vote at the organization’s November general meeting, the SAL 105 membership voted to donate 14 wreaths to the foundation. This is the fourth year the SAL has donated to Wreaths Across America, donating the wreaths to the same cemeteries they have in years past. The SAL again picked a local veterans cemetery to donate wreaths — the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. The 14th wreath donated was specifically chosen to be laid at the memorial for U.S. Army Pfc. Henry Svehla at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Private Svehla was a son of Belleville who joined the Army in 1951; was deployed to Korea in 1952 as part of the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division; and was killed in action in Korea, on June 12, 1952. By heroically jumping on a grenade to save the other soldiers in his platoon, Svehla posthumously received the Medal of Honor in 2011. This was the second year that the squadron chose to honor this hometown hero. For the first time, members of the
Above left, Legion members place a wreath at a soldier’s grave. Above center, a priest says words of remembrance with several members of the American Legion in attendance at the cemetery at St. Paul’s Congregational Church UCC in Nutley. Above right, from left, SAL 105 Vice Cmdrs. Donald Keddell and Steve Mercier, Legion Monmouth County Cmdr. Mary Jo Burkhard, SAL 105 Legionnaire Ed Hall, and SAL 105 adjutant and Essex County Detachment Executive Committee member Rusty Myers hold wreaths at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. Below left, from left, Myers, Hall, Mercier and Keddell stand together at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery. Below center, from left, Myers, Hall, Keddell and Mercier hold wreaths at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery.
squadron and post drove down to Wrightstown, near Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst, to take part in the ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery, designed to be the final resting place for more than 170,000 veterans and their families, is about 225 acres in size. Tractor trailers held 2,000 donated wreaths that day, and there were perhaps 1,000 people in attendance to lay those wreaths. “To say that today was emotional and awe-inspiring is truly an understatement,” said SAL adjutant Rusty Myers. “I was just stunned as to how many people showed up to honor our deceased. … It was just an unbelievable amount of people.” Following a ceremony, members from 105 stood in line to get their wreaths. In
the weeks preceding Wreaths Across America Day, a few members of the 105 family noted that they had relatives buried at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery. Members of the SAL put forward four relatives in the Wrightstown cemetery to honor with wreaths. The first wreath to get placed was put on the grave of Marine Corps Cpl. Edward Myers Jr., Rusty Myers’ great-uncle, an Iwo Jima veteran who died in 2015. Edward’s daughter, Kathy, later noted that, “Anyone who knew my parents knew they spent their lives giving and helping our veterans. As lifetime members of the VFW, they were totally dedicated to serving, on local, county and district levels. Thank you all for this wonderful deed.” Three other wreaths were placed at
the graves of the father, brother and uncle of SAL member Gary Nobile. In addition to those, the 105s who were there placed five or six wreaths to honor other veterans. Along the way, they met other Legionnaires from around the state, such as Legion Monmouth County Cmdr. Mary Jo Burkhard. Back home in Belleville, American Legion 105 donates and volunteers each year at a local Wreaths Across America ceremony, at the St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. At that event, members of the post attended a brief ceremony and laid wreaths at graves in the church cemetery. Following that ceremony, the post members and members of the Belleville Historical Society went across See additional photos, Page 8
Nutley Journal - BP — February 2022 — 7
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Honoring local fallen veterans Above left, three members of the American Legion carry wreaths at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery. Above right, dual American Legion and SAL 105 Legionnaire Ed Hall lays a wreath at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery. Below left, the gravestone of Marine Corps Cpl. Edward Myers Jr., great-uncle of SAL adjutant Rusty Myers, who was an Iwo Jima veteran and who died in 2015; he is buried with his wife, Mary, who died in 2003. Below right, hundreds of people participate in wreath-laying at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown on National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.
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Photos Courtesy of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105
Above left, Hall salutes a soldier’s grave at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery. Above right, Hall lays a wreath and salutes a soldier’s headstone at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery. Below left, Myers salutes his uncle's gravestone. Below right, Vice Cmdr. Donald Keddell lays a wreath on a gravestone at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown on National Wreaths Across America Day.
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Photos Courtesy of Belleville Township
Mayor Michael Melham and a contingent of state officials, including representatives from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,
recently toured areas where Third River frequently floods in Belleville. They were also able to speak with neighbors about the situation.
Belleville enlists state officials to mitigate Third River flooding in neighborhoods In early December, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham led a contingent of officials that included state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz and members of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on a tour of Belleville neighborhoods that routinely flood from the Third River. The group, which also included Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Belleville Deputy Mayor Naomy De Peña and Councilmember Thomas Graziano, navigated dirt paths, pushed back branches and surveyed streams to get a better understanding of the chronic issue. The tour was convened after Melham reached out to Ruiz for help. Melham said the goal is to mitigate future flooding issues for residents of Fairway Avenue,
Suzanne Court, Carolyn Road, Dorothea Terrace and the Bridgebrook condo development. On the ground in the immediate aftermath of the Ida flooding, this was Melham’s fourth time visiting these neighborhoods, according to his office. A few weeks back, Melham invited and welcomed representatives of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, who committed to assisting with debris cleanup on the river. This time, the lawmakers and DEP representatives spoke with residents about the recurring flooding, as well as possible solutions. “Our leaders on the county and state level responded to our call to focus on this critical issue,” Melham said. “While we can make a list of the problems related to Third River flooding, the firsthand accounts of residents provide a much better understanding of what
happens when the floodwaters rise here.” The Third River originates in the Great Notch Reservoir in Woodland Park and snakes through many municipalities. It runs through the heart of Belleville, and its banks spill over during severe weather events, such as Tropical Storm Ida on Sept. 1. DEP representatives said they would review flood maps and surveys of the area through the lens of new information gleaned during the walking tour. “The DEP intends to come back to Belleville with recommendations and suggestions as to where they may be able to help,” Melham said. “We look forward to their expert analysis and suggested remedies. Our residents need help, and Belleville is committed to working with all agencies who can deliver assistance to our residents.”
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Belleville adds Nicolette Way signage to honor family Belleville has placed a ceremonial street-sign topper on Mitchell Street in honor of the Nicolette family, which has been part of the community’s fabric since 1910. The street is now also known as Nicolette Way. The Nicolette family, which has run a local towing and auto body business for 78 years, is also known for its involvement in NASCAR. Nick Nicolette became a stock car racer in the early 1940s, painting his cars the blue and yellow colors of Belleville. He went on to become a threetime New Jersey champion, a two-time New York champion and placed fourth out of 1,600 drivers in the NASCAR nationals. Nick Nicolette relied on family members to be his pit crew. “This street naming is long overdue and very well deserved to the Nicolette family,” Councilman Tom Graziano said. “As a lifelong resident of Belleville with my family roots spanning over 100 years through four generations, this street naming is very near and dear to my heart. When members of our community have deep roots and years of a successful business, it is important that we recognize them and their contribution to our amazing township.” The Nicolette family came to America from the town of Melfi in the province of Potenza in Italy in the early 1900s. Nicola Nicolette arrived in 1910; his wife, Lucia, came three years later. The couple pur-
Photos Courtesy of Belleville Township
Belleville holds a ceremony to rename a township street after a family with deep ties to the community. chased a house at 50 Mitchell St. from the man for whom the street was originally named. Nicolino “Nick” Nicolette was the youngest of seven children. When he earned enough money from racing cars, he purchased the lot of land at 42 Mitchell St., a few doors from his childhood home.
Nick Nicolette and his brother Pete Nicolette built a two-family home there; to this day, Nicolette family members still live at 42 Mitchell St. Nick and Pete Nicolette also went to enlist in the military during World War II. Pete Nicolette was accepted, but Nick
Nicolette was denied because of hearing challenges in both ears. Nick Nicolette, still eager to serve, worked in a military warehouse. In 1943, with his earnings from racing, Nick Nicolette started his business, Nicolette Auto Body Works Inc. He and his brother Sal Nicolette started a small shop in a garage on Hilton Street and then moved to Passaic Avenue, very close to Mitchell Street. “And, once again, to honor his hometown of Belleville, a town he loved and was proud to be a part of, Nick painted his towing equipment in those great Belleville colors of blue and yellow,” Graziano said. “They continue to this day. Having his home and business in the same town, Nick walked to work every day.” Nicolette Auto Body Works Inc. has provided service to the township of Belleville since its inception. Nick Nicolette Jr., a retired Belleville firefighter, began working for his father as a teen and now owns the business, continuing in his father’s footsteps. “The Nicolette family is Belleville through and through,” Mayor Michael Melham said. “They’ve occupied houses in the area around Mitchell Street and their business for decades, and still have family and relatives here. The family has always been civic-minded and always put Belleville first. They truly bleed Belleville blue and gold.”
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Sailor returns home to Belleville for the holidays A Belleville native serving in the United States Navy returned home to celebrate the holidays with family. “The holidays are so special to me,” Petty Officer 3rd Class Jizel Orozco said. “Everyone clears their schedules to make themselves fully available for family time. Every New Year’s Eve, my family and I make sure we are all together to enter the new year together, signifying we will always be there for one another.” Orozco serves as a hospital corpsman at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Groton, located in Groton, Ct. “Serving in the Navy means having the watch, so every American can sleep peacefully at night,” Orozco said. “I am happy to make the sacrifice so others can go home and feel safe.” Sailors help maintain America’s advantage at sea. This means they do not always get to celebrate holidays with their loved ones. Orozco was thankful that this year that wasn’t the case for her. “I am grateful for my family’s support as I serve and thank them for their understanding of any sacrifices I’ve had to make,” Orozco said.
Photo Courtesy of Navy Office of Community Outreach
NEWS CLIPS Take a walk in Yanticaw Park Nutley Rotary runs The Nutley Singles Walking Group What’s Up calendar hosts a free 4-mile walk for area residents ages 55 to 65 each Thursday at 6 p.m. The group meets at Yanticaw Park in Nutley, by the Centre Street entrance. Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof. For more information, call 201-2808254.
Donating desks for students in Tanzania Vincent Church in Nutley is raising funds to purchase desks for students in Tanzania, where a new school is being opened in an impoverished area. The desks are for three students and cost $50 each. To donate any amount, visit www.vincentumc.org/onlinedonations and note that the donation is for “Tanzania desks.”
Sponsor the VFW website Nutley Veterans of Foreign Wars Stuart E. Edgar Post 493 has launched a new website and is currently seeking site sponsorship. Sponsorship is tax deductible, as the VFW is a nonprofit organization. Unlike most website sponsors, those who sponsor the Nutley VFW site will get more than just a banner ad; they will get a dedicated page on the website. For more information, contact the Nutley VFW at 862-208-3911 or vfwpost493nutley@gmail.com.
Nutley Rotary runs a What’s Up Nutley Community Calendar, an online community events calendar, to help Nutley citizens learn about and plan events. What’s Up Nutley Community Calendar invites all Nutley nonprofit organizations, Nutley schools and the township of Nutley to post events, meetings and fundraisers. The calendar is accessible online to everyone and can easily be accessed on computer, tablet or mobile device at www.whatsupnutley.org. The calendar also has a Facebook page where events can be posted and shared. Members of Nutley’s nonprofit organizations may suggest an event through the website; for multiple events, they may contact Nutley Rotary at whatsupnutlely@gmail.com for a priority login. To advertise in the calendar, email whatsupnutley@gmail.com or contact Ben Costa at 973-798-2493.
Vincent Church Care Pantry supply drive The Vincent Church Care Pantry has distributed personal care items to those in need in the Nutley community for more than 25 years. Items are collected at the church, bagged for each family and distributed on the first Monday of the month from 4 to 6 p.m.
IN MEMORIAM • ALVAREZ – Martha M., of Nutley; Jan. 10. Clerical worker at Chase Manhattan Bank. Sister, 97. • BALDUCCI – Savino, of Belleville; Nov. 15. Husband, father, grandfather, 92. • BARRY – John T., of Nutley, formerly of Glen Ridge; Dec. 24. Vietnam War veteran, Nutley police detective. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, 73. • BELLINA – Eleanor L., of Livingston, formerly of Belleville, Nutley; Dec. 13. Retired supervisor with Pedalino Dress Co. Inc. Widow, sister, aunt, 100. • BRAGGER – Frances H., of Nutley; Dec. 18. Sister, aunt, great-aunt, 98. • BURDULIS – Steve Wayne, of Belleville, formerly of Kearny; Dec. 27. Army Vietnam War veteran, retired firefighter. Widower, brother, uncle, granduncle, 73. • BURT – Dorothy, of North Arlington, formerly of Jersey City, North Carolina and Belleville; Dec. 19. OR charge and registered nurse, mother, grandmother, 77. • CULLARI – Carmine, of Nutley; Jan. 12. U.S. Army veteran, father, brother, grandfather, 88. • CUPITO – Leonard, of Brick, formerly of Newark and Belleville; Nov. 15. Sales,man, business owner. Husband, father, brother, 79. • DEFRANZA – Robert V., of Cedar Grove, formerly of Belleville; Jan. 14. Managing partner at Prestige Title in Verona. Husband, father, brother, uncle, 74. • ESTWANICK – Monica, of Belleville; Nov. 12. Retired Stop & Shop cashier. Grandmother, great-grandmother, 85. • FOSTER – Sally Ann, of West Caldwell, formerly of Passaic, Nutley, Montclair, East Orange, Verona; Jan. 11. Volunteer, widow, mother, great-grandmother, 93. • GOULD – Ralph C., of Bloomfield, formerly of Belleville; Dec. 24. Member of Knights of Columbus No. 6571. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 77. • GROGRAN – Jimmy III, of Florham Park, formerly of Belleville; Dec. 17. Business owner, real estate investor. Brother, uncle, 61. • LAZZARO – Elisabetta Mangialavori, of Belleville, formerly of Ricadi, Italy, and Newark; Jan. 11. Cook, widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 86. • LESTON – Ramn, of Newark, formerly of West Orange and Belleville; Nov. 18. Environmental consultant. Widower, father, cousin, uncle. • MARTIN – Renato T., of Bloomfield, formerly of Belleville; Jan. 3. Husband, father, grandfather, 79. • MCGALL – James Graham, of Freehold, formerly of Nutley, West Caldwell and New Bern, N.C.; Dec. 1. Engineer, supervisor, husband, father, grandfather, 88. • PIOMBO – Andrea M., of Nutley, formerly of Bloomfield; Dec. 8. Mother, sister, grandmother, 68. • SAIA – Frank J., of Long Valley, formerly of Belleville; Dec. 23. Marine Corps veteran. Telephone installer, fiber-optic construction splicer. Husband, father, 72. • SCORDO – Nancy, of Belleville, formerly of Newark; Dec. 10. Legal secretary, volunteer. Sister, 89. • SIGNORILE – Gianna Rita, of Nutley; Dec. 20. Daughter, sister, niece, cousin, 21. • TURANO – Virginia A., of Belleville, formerly of Nutley; Jan. 15. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 77. • VIOLA – Thomas James, of Medford, Ore., formerly of Nutley; Nov. 24. Army veteran, business owner, Widower, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, 90. • WILLIAMS – Catherine N., of Belleville; Nov. 11. Mother, grandmother, 85. • WOHLTMAN – Margaret, of Nutley; Nov. 19. Retired as a juvenile detention officer in Hudson County. Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, 72. • ZELLER – Patricia Ann, of Nutley, formerly of Jersey City; Dec. 20. Federal Reserve chairperson, executive assistant. Widow, mother, grandmother, 91.
In Memoriam is a weekly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.
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Nutley Journal - BP — February 2022 — 13
AT THE LIBRARY Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive in Nutley, holds events for residents of all ages. For more information, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org or contact library@nutleynj.org. The health and safety of staff, patrons and the community at large is the highest priority. The library is open full hours, with many socially distanced programs in place, as well as the use of computers, printing, photocopying, document scanning, notary service, iPads and the Story Time Room. Masks are required to be worn in the library. Pandemic guidelines are subject to change based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey and local recommendations.
Hoopla BingePass is here In addition to hoopla access to music, movies, television shows, e-books and eaudiobooks, the Nutley Public Library is introducing hoopla BingePass, which provides access to hoopla Magazines and the Great Courses library collection. With just one borrow, a patron will have seven days of unlimited streaming to more than 50 popular magazines and more than 600 in-depth instructional courses from some of the world’s greatest professors. Hoopla is available through mobile phones, tablets and computers. Patrons can utilize five borrows per month by accessing hoopla using their Nutley Public Library card.
For additional information, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/hoopla/; call the reference desk at 973-667-0405, ext. 2604; or stop by the library.
Video streaming with Kanopy Nutley Public Library has added Kanopy — a video-streaming platform with more than 30,000 films for all ages, including critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, educational videos, and award-winning international and independent films — to its digital media collection. Kanopy can be accessed on mobile phones, tablets and computers. Patrons can view up to six titles per month. For further information and to get started, visit nutleypubliclibrary.kanopy.com.
February events at Nutley Public Library • Friends of the Nutley Public Library general meeting, Thursday, Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m. All members of the Friends of the Nutley Public Library are welcome to attend this in-person event. If you would like to join and/or be more involved with this organization, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/friendsofthelibrary. • DISH! Cookbook Club, Monday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. Members will choose a soup or stew, prepare it at home, and present it at this in-person program. Participants will discuss one another’s recipes and
nutleypubliclibrary.org/earrings. • Adult origami, Saturday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. A drop-in guided lesson with Nobuko for ages 18 and older. All supplies will be provided and no registration is required.
February children’s events at Nutley Public Library • Babygarten, Tuesdays, Feb. 1, 8 and 15, at 10:30 a.m. Babies and caregivers enjoy books, rhymes, songs and bounces from the comfort of their own homes in this weekly virtual story time. For children ages 23 months and younger. Registration is required. Sign up at youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org. Participants will receive a Zoom login after registration. • Preschool story time, Wednesdays, February 2, 9 and 16, at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, songs, crafts and yoga at a virtual story time. Craft kits will be provided for followalong activities. Registration is required. Sign up at youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org. Participants will receive a Zoom login after registration. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. • Japanese culture, Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 3:15 p.m. Try Japanese snacks, watch anime, discuss manga and talk about other pop-culture media at this in-person program. For grades six through 12. No registration is required.
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cooking techniques, and share stories and culture. To register, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/dish-cookbook-club. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. • Bitcoin and cryptocurrency with Lindsley Medlin, Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. An online presentation about bitcoin and why it is important. Participants will get an understanding of how bitcoin and cryptocurrencies work, and how to get started with bitcoin. The class is designed for beginners. Medlin is a certified blockchain professional and is the founder of the NJ Blockchain Center. To register, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/bitcoin. • Author Christina Baker Kline, Thursday, Feb. 10, at 4:30 p.m. Join the Friends of the Nutley Public Library for a virtual meet and greet with Kline, a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including “The Exiles,” “Orphan Train” and “A Piece of the World.” Kline’s books are available for purchase and can also be borrowed from the Nutley Public Library. This event will be held via Zoom. For registration, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/kline/. • Jewelry making: silver beaded earrings, Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. Nutley adults are welcome to attend this in-person do-it-yourself crafting program. If necessary, the event will move to a virtual session on Zoom. All supplies are included. Space is limited; register at
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American Legion keeps in season with a toy giveaway American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105, participating in an event run by Camp Polite, hosted a toy drive on Thursday, Dec. 16, at American Legion Post 105, collecting toys and needed items to be distributed within Belleville and Essex County. According to Unit 70 American Legion Auxiliary member and organizer Georgeann Polite, everyone who participated in the toy drive “went all out to … support and continue to serve the community.” Founded in 2010, Camp Polite is a youth service group named for Leroy Polite Sr. Its primary mission is to provide activities, workshops, and physical activities for youths that promote leadership, teamwork and positive growth. Georgeann Polite approached SAL 105 earlier in the fall about the group’s annual toy drive, which has been hosted in years past at the post on Washington Avenue by the Kevin Kennedy G. Civic Association. The SAL jumped at the opportunity to cosponsor the event. In the next few weeks, the SAL rallied members of the American Legion family at 105, as well as friends from throughout the community, to participate in the toy drive. On Thursday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 10 p.m., the post hall had tables filled three or four deep with boxes of toys, including toys for children with sensory challenges or special needs. In addition, health and beauty supplies and new clothes were collected.
Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers
American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 collect toys and needed items to be distributed within Belleville and Essex County. The biggest surprise of the evening was the cameo made by 2021-2022 SAL Detachment of New Jersey Cmdr. Henry F. Hasselhan, who came from his home in Atco. Hasselhan later commented that “the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 has done an outstanding job to bring a little cheer by conducting a toy drive and distributing the toys to children in need. They are living up to one of
the four pillars of the American Legion, Children and Youth, by conducting this community project.” The next day, Camp Polite organizers helped to get the toys to those who needed them and to those who could distribute them the best. Carloads of toys and needed items went from the post to the Belleville Police Department; the Belleville Safe House, a shelter for domes-
tic violence; the Special Dragons, a special needs karate instruction program; and to numerous local Belleville families, churches, and food pantries. In addition to the Camp Polite toy drive, the post also sponsors an annual holiday U.S. Marine Corps Toys-for Tots collection for underserved kids.
See additional photos, Page 16
16 — February 2022 — Nutley Journal - BP
It’s always a great day for a toy giveaway
Celebrating Boy Scout Week February 6-12, 2022 SCOUT LAW A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
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BROOKDALE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 1350 Broad Street, Bloomfield, 973-338-8536. We are a church that preaches and teaches the Bible. We invite you to join us in worship on Sundays at 10:30 am. Children’s Bible activities for ages 4 through 5th grade (called BCC Kids Church) are provided. Worship services can also be seen live online on YouTube and Facebook and via our website at www.brookdalechristian.com. In addition, we offer Bible Studies on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and on Thursday evenings at 7:00. You can participate in either one of these classes -or both- through Zoom by calling the church to get placed on the Zoom call list. There are several other opportunities throughout the week involving prayer, study, and community for all age levels. Brookdale is a loving and caring congregation under the leadership of Pastor Love Saquing and Pastor Jim Treffinger. Our mission is to be a Family Growing Together in God.
LIVINGFAITH CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY 25 New Street, Nutley, 973 661-0105 www.LFAITH.org Pastor S.P. Ciotola Free welcome gift bag for first time visitors Experience the Passion of Church again: – Passionate Bible Teaching – Exciting Music&Worship Sunday 10:45am – Worship and Teaching – Faith Kids ages 6-12 – Nursery provided Wednesday 6:30pm – Bible Studies – Faith Kids ages 6-12
To add your House of Worship or make copy changes Email us: Adservices@thelocalsource.com
Nutley Journal - BP — February 2022 — 17
18 — February 2022 — Nutley Journal
SPORTS
NHS girls hoops makes strong impression Lady Raiders seek to make strong runs in the upcoming county and state tournaments By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor The Nutley High School girls basketball team, under 10th-year head coach and NHS alumnus Larry Mitschow, is having a solid season this winter. The Lady Raiders, who were looking to bounce back from last year’s 2-10 shortened season, had a three-game winning streak through Jan. 18, when they defeated University, 43-28, in a Super Essex Conference–American Division game at home to improve to a 5-3 overall record and 2-1 in the division. Mitschow is grateful that the team is competing, considering the COVID-19 issues. “First off, I am so happy we are able to be in the gym playing basketball with everything that is going on around us,” he said to the Nutley Journal on Jan. 19. “I just want my team to stay healthy and get a full season of basketball in. They are a great bunch of ladies to coach, and I am loving every minute of it so far. We sit at 5-3 after winning our last three in a row, including wins over West Essex, Clifton, and University. Our losses have been to three very good teams, in my opinion. I was very excited we knocked off University yesterday for the first time in four years. That was an intense game, and we kept our composure throughout.” Mitschow also has been pleased with his team’s balanced contributions. “We have been getting balanced scoring and great team efforts over the past couple weeks,” he said. “Leading the way offensively have been senior Alex Twomey, 10 points per game; senior Mackenzie Albert, 8 points a game; and sophomore Anna Green, 6 points a game. Lately, we have been getting great production from senior Stephanie Luberto, sophomore Riley Sebastiano and freshman Grace Christie.” Mitschow cited his team’s solid depth. He also has been emphasizing the importance of defense. “We work every practice on team defense and helping each other out,” he said. Mitschow said the three senior captains — Albert, Twomey and Luberto — provide great leadership. Albert scored a season-high 23 points in the 60-15 win at Clifton on Jan. 15 and then scored 11 points in the win over University. Twomey has scored in double figures in five of eight games played. She had 17 points in the 35-32 win over Lyndhurst on Dec. 28 in the William Masopust Jr. Classic hosted by Lodi. Nutley finished runner-up in the round-robin tournament by winning two of three games. They beat Lodi, 54-17, to open the tournament Dec. 27. After beating Lyndhurst,
Photo Courtesy of Larry Mitschow/NHS head coach
The Nutley High School girls basketball team poses after taking second place in the William Masopust Jr. Classic hosted by Lodi. Kneeling from left are sophomore Riley Sebastiano, senior Alex Twomey, sophomore Anna Green and senior Mackenzie Albert; standing from left are sophomore Mina Shaw, senior Stephanie Luberto, sophomore Morgan Dolaghan and freshman Grace Christie. NHS head coach Larry Mitschow stands in the back. NHS fell to Indian Hills, 37-21, Dec. 30. Twomey also had 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals in the 42-34 win at West Essex on Jan. 13 in North Caldwell. Luberto scored 6 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the win over West Essex. Mitschow also has been impressed by the sophomores and fresh-
men. Sebastiano had a team-high 13 points in the win over University. Green had 11 points against West Essex. Mitschow is looking forward to the rest of the season. “Our goal moving ahead will be to continue to improve as a team and individually, to get a top-7 seed in the Essex Coun-
Raiders boys hoops progresses The Nutley High School boys basketball team has been making solid progress this season. After starting off 1-3, the Raiders won five of their next seven games to improve to a 6-5 overall record and 5-0 in the Super Essex Conference–Freedom Division through Jan. 20. The Raiders, under head coach Bob Harbison, defeated Technology, 49-31, in the season opener Dec. 17; Montclair Kimberley Academy, 55-48, Jan. 11; Cedar Grove, 38-35, Jan. 13; Golda Och, 63-24, Jan. 17; and Technology again, 54-36, Jan. 20. Among the key contributors for the Raiders are seniors Nick Schroeder, Peter Riad and Jake O’Connor, and juniors Donte Dubose-Carter and Anthony Pinal. Other players are seniors Jake Cirminello, Frank Contella, Matt Pergola and Karam Youseff, and juniors Richard Ngyuen and Morgan O’Brien.
ty Tournament, and a top-8 seed in the state tournament,” he said. “We would love to play host to at least one game in each of those tournaments. I think if that happens, we can pull off an upset or two! We have a bunch of home games coming up, so it will be nice to see our fans back in the gym, as well.” Notes: The Raiders, under Mitschow, won the 2014-2015 North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3, championship, led by Blair Watson, who was a junior on that team, after being runner-up in the sectional tournament the previous season. Watson was named a McDonald’s All-American as a senior and finished with a schoolrecord 2,127 points for her career. She continued her career at the University of Maryland. The assistant coaches are Matt Francello and Kara McNish. Mitschow, a NHS graduate, served as a NHS assistant boys basketball coach prior to becoming the NHS girls head coach. Overall, he is in his 24th year of coaching at NHS.
Nutley Journal — February 2022 — 19
SPORTS
Nutley ice hockey team skates to competitive efforts
Rocco Albanese NHS senior forward
Carmine Argenziano NHS junior forward
By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor The Nutley–Columbia–Bloomfield high school ice hockey team, which returned an experienced group this winter, has given good efforts this season, despite having a 5-10 overall record and 2-6 in the New Jersey Interscholastic Hockey League’s Kelly Division through Jan. 18. For second-year head coach Dave Macri, this season is all about being competitive in each game. “We’re in the Kelly Division, and there’s good competition in the Kelly Division,” Macri said. “Our main goal is to compete in that division. It’s not necessarily about the wins and losses; we want to be in every game that we play. We want to be there in the end and keep it close and show that we belong in that division.” Most of the team’s losses have been by just one or two goals. The team defeated Millburn, 5-0, in the season opener on Nov. 27, and Newton, 4-1, in their third game, on Dec. 4. In the Essex Holiday Tournament at Richard J. Codey Arena, Nutley–Columbia–Bloomfield won two of three games in the round-robin format, beating Watchung Hills, 4-2, Dec. 22, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 9-2, Dec. 26, and losing to West Morris, 6-3, Dec. 27. The team defeated Millburn again by a 12-2 score on Jan. 17. The team has been led by several experienced Nutley players. Senior forward Rocco Albanese, a captain, is an excellent two-way player who has good size and speed, Macri said. Albanese scored his 100th career point this season and has had 16 goals and 28 assists this season, both team highs through Jan. 18. Senior center CJ Hannon is another captain and two-way player who “take(s)
charge no matter what the situation,” Macri said. Hannon had 11 goals and 14 assists through Jan. 18. On defense, senior Paul Poplawski brings a physical presence, while senior captain Julian Poole has good size and defends well. Senior alternate captain and forward Frank Matrona also “brings the size we need to win corner battles and battles in front of the net,” Macri said. Junior goalkeeper Victoria Rutnik has been impressive in net. “She is a quality goalkeeper in anybody’s game,” Macri said. This is Bloomfield’s second year with the program. Bloomfield freshman Alex Benkert has been an offensive force with 15 goals and 13 assists through Jan. 18.
Photos Courtesy of Dana Vitale
CJ Hannon NHS senior center
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