NUTLEYJOURNAL ESSEXNEWSDAILY.COM
Art fun at the library
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A family of Girl Scouts
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Park Oval is electric
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MAY 2022
VOL. 36 NO. 31
Nutley HS indoor percussion wins USBands championship By Amanda Valentovic Staff Writer Nutley High School indoor percussion ended its season on a high note at the beginning of April, when performers took home the USBands Scholastic Marching A championship in the first normal season in a few years. A version of marching band, indoor percussion eliminates all wind instruments and centers around the drum line and mallet instruments in a show. NHS’ percussion program started in 2017, when marching band assistant staff member Julia Wehrer took on the project as director. “I got so much from it when I did indoor in high school, so I brought it here,” Wehrer, who is a physician assistant student at Seton Hall University, said in a phone interview with the Nutley Journal on April 14. “It’s another season after marching band ends, and it gives students the chance to play a new instrument. I wanted them to have that chance.” The program did well and won a few competitions in its early years, but then the COVID-19 pandemic came and shut down indoor percussion. The band stayed quiet for two years. As extracurricular activities had to adapt to be held outside as much as possible in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, indoor percussion was put on the backburner. It was hard to participate in an activity that was designed for the indoors when being indoors was not optimal. A trip to Dayton, Ohio, in 2020 to the world championship competition was canceled, and last year NHS put together a showcase for friends and family only. But this year, they were back to performing more regularly. “They were so ready for it, so it was heartbreaking,” Wehrer said about the 2020 show. “Finally, this year, we were able to do it again. They were so excited to be back.” Titled “Royal Expectations,” NHS’ show this year was custom-made for the performers. It tells the story of a princess who is about to be married off; members of the ensemble play various suitors. It’s the first time that a show has been built specifically for the ensemble, instead of NHS buying music and adjusting to it. The music was arranged by front ensemble coordinator Nick Peters and battery coordinator Connor Horwath. Cymbal technician Shea Costello is also on the staff. One of the reasons Wehrer and the staff decided to go that route was because of the number of performers they had on the roster. In 2017, indoor percussion started with 16 students, but this year they were the biggest they’ve ever been with 37. “It was nice to tailor it,” Wehrer said. “This was made for us. When I said it was 18th-century themed, they were surprised, but
Photo Courtesy of Nutley Music Boosters Association
Nutley High School indoor percussion won the USBands Scholastic Marching A championship on April 2. they bought in. Once all the pieces came together, it really worked.” NHS allows eighth-graders from John H. Walker Middle School to join marching band and indoor percussion, which contributed to the large number this year. The team has only five seniors this school year. Ethan Ramos, a snare drum player who was a marching band drum major, is one of them. “We had so many new people, and to see them get that experience was great, especially since we did so well,” Ramos said in a phone interview with the Nutley Journal on April 15. “They really showed up in a way I never expected.” There is more performance involved in indoor percussion than there is in marching band, so Ramos said there is an adjustment for students who participate in both to get used to more eyes being on them as individuals. Indoor percussion allowed eighth-graders to join before marching band did, so Ramos learned the opposite way. “For percussion, there’s a level of acting that isn’t there in marching band,” he said. “In marching band we’re all wearing the same thing, we have hats, we’re not really showing expression on our faces. I did indoor and then marching band so for me it was easier. It can be difficult, but by the end of the season we were much better at it.” Sophomore marimba player Delilah Roselli’s first year in indoor percussion was cut short by the pandemic, so the 2022 season is the first real one she’s experienced. In a phone interview with the Nutley Journal on April 15, she said it got her ready for the next marching band season. “It’s smaller, so I can be closer to everyone in it,” Roselli said. See PERCUSSIONISTS, Page 9
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Nutley plans for its 101st Memorial Day Parade Mayor Mauro Tucci, Commissioner Joseph P. Scarpelli and the Nutley Board of Commissioners have announced plans for the township’s 101st Memorial Day Parade, to be held Monday, May 30. Weather permitting, the Nutley War Memorials Remembrance Ceremony will start at 7:30 a.m. at the VFW Post 493, 271 Washington Ave. Following the ceremony, the township will gather to honor Nutley’s fallen firefighters at the Nutley Public Safety Building, 228 Chestnut St., at 10:30 a.m. The parade opening ceremonies and welcome will begin at 11 a.m.
at the Park Oval on Franklin Avenue. The parade route is the same as in previous years: Chestnut Street to Passaic Avenue to Centre Street to Franklin Avenue, with the reviewing stage in front of John H. Walker Middle School. The Rev. Jill Fenske will offer the prayer at the opening ceremonies, and this year’s grand marshal is Edward Joseph Bennett. “The Memorial Day Parade serves as a tribute to honor all of our U.S. servicemen and -women who selflessly and valiantly gave their lives to protect our freedom and liberty,” Tucci said.
The weekend activities begin on Sunday, May 29, when the Nutley Historical Society will sponsor “A Walk in the Park,” a tour led by Nutley Museum director John Simko. The tour begins at 9 a.m. in Memorial Park at the Mud Hole, near the intersection of Passaic and Vreeland avenues, and travels along the Third River. Simko will discuss the river’s role in Nutley’s history as a source for early industry, inspiration for world-renowned artists, a symbol of civic pride, an important boundary marker and a fitting memorial to war veterans.
Photos Courtesy of Nutley Public Schools
COMMUNITY SERVICE — On April 5, the Lincoln Elementary School Service Club assists the Nutley Family Service Bureau food pantry, while learning how to date and sort donated goods.
Visit the sites of three former mills and the pre–Revolutionary War Van Giesen homestead, find out why the Third River is split in two, learn about the beginnings of the 100-year-old Carnegie Library and even older Town Hall, and walk through one of Nutley’s oldest cemeteries. “A Walk in the Park” ends at 10:30 a.m. inside Nutley’s first brick schoolhouse, now the Nutley Historical Society and Museum. The museum will be open to the public, and tour-related items from the archives will be on display. Community members are invited to the Nutley Museum, 65 Church Street, at 10:30 a.m., even if they do not take the tour. “A Walk in the Park” is free but is limited to 15 people and requires registration by emailing johnsimko1014@gmail.com or by calling 973-752-8984. The tour’s rain date is Monday, May 30, at 9 a.m. For Memorial Day, the Board of Commissioners will be inviting family members of soldiers, both past and present, to march in the parade, and is collecting names of those in the Nutley community who are currently serving. These names will be added to an already existing banner, which will be carried throughout the parade and then displayed on the Park Oval fence outside the Town Hall. “Memorial Day is a day we put aside to honor our fallen heroes and pray that no heroes will ever again have to make the ultimate sacrifice protecting our nation,” Scarpelli said.
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Photos Courtesy of Nutley Police Department
LEADING THE WAY — Nutley Police Detective Sgt. Mike Padilla and Officer Thomas Schenke give LEAD pencils to students at Lincoln Elementary School. The Nutley Police LEAD program, or Law Enforcement Against Drugs, utilizes the ‘Too Good for Drugs’ curriculum, a framework of social and emotional skills that develops goal-setting, decision-making and effective communication skills.
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Society honors those who died fighting in Vietnam War In commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day on March 29, the Belleville Historical Society produced a short video tribute to the 11 young men from Belleville who lost their lives during the war. To view the video, visit https://youtu.be/MLNn2tMNIys. During the past two years, the historical society has restored to their original condition the gravestones of seven of these young men from Belleville as well as those of three young men from Nutley, all of whom were killed in action in Vietnam. On March 26, the society restored the
stone of Pfc. Joseph De Jessa, of Lyndhurst, to whom the Kingsland Avenue Bridge is dedicated. Society members did not realize until they had finished cleaning the stone and were able to read the inscription that they had honored De Jessa by cleaning his gravestone on the anniversary of his death.
Pictured is Pfc. Joseph De Jessa’s gravestone, before and after the Belleville Historical Society cleaned it. Photos Courtesy of Michael Perrone
Policy on letters and columns Belleville woman runs in Arc of Essex County 5K The Nutley Journal and Belleville Post newspapers welcome submissions from their readers. Letters to the editor or opinion pieces on any subject will be considered for publication. The newspapers reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, content and style. Writers must include their name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not be longer than 300 words. Longer pieces must be arranged in advance with the editor. Responses to response letters will not be printed. The newspapers accept letters to the editor and guest columns via email at essexcty@thelocalsource.com. Letters received must be on topics of interest, preferably in response to content that appeared in the newspapers. Writers are asked not to include lengthy lists of people and organizations they wish to thank. The editor will make necessary grammatical corrections to the text of the letter. Although the writer’s style will be maintained, certain changes may be made in the interest of clarity.
The Arc of Essex County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism, gathered for its 24th annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run and Family Walk on Saturday, April 9, at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange. The 5K winners were Jose Veras, 30, of Jersey City, and Julianne Roberts, 29, of West Orange, Veras, the overall winner and men’s division winner, finished with a time of 17:04, and Roberts won the women’s division with a time of 23:40. Ian McCartney, 31, of Hoboken, with a time of 17:48, and Carlos Nunes, 56, of Kearny with a time of 18:03, rounded out the top three for the men’s division, and Allison Place, 41, of West Orange, with a time of 24:57, and Michele Ellis, 52, of Lake Hopat-
cong, with a time of 25:17, rounded out with silver and bronze for the women’s division. Nancy Fass, 46, of Belleville, with a time of 45:36.97, finished among the top 99 runners. The event raised more than $50,000 for The Arc of Essex County, and also included a family-friendly walk and an assortment of family activities, including a magic show, interactive bubble stations and cupcake decorating. It was the first time Building Tomorrows had been held in person since 2019. The Arc of Essex County is one of the state’s largest providers of services and supports to the IDD community with a variety of programs that serve individuals from birth through their senior years. Top fundraisers were Maria Thottukadavil, Nancy Fass and Patricia Salmon, who received gift certificates donated by McLoone’s Boathouse as prizes.
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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. The wearing of masks is required in the library. Pandemic guidelines are subject to change based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey and local recommendations.
audiobooks, the Nutley Public Library is introducing Hoopla BingePass, which provides access to Hoopla Magazines and the Great Courses library collection. Each borrow provides seven days of unlimited streaming; patrons can choose from more than 50 popular magazines and more than 600 in-depth instructional courses taught by 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.
ages 23 months and younger. Sign up at youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org. • Preschool Story Time will be Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25, at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy stories, songs, crafts and yoga. Craft kits will be provided for follow-along activities. Sign up by going online to youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. • Star Wars Day will be Wednesday, May 4, at 11 a.m. Celebrate May the Fourth in the Children’s Room with dropin activities and crafts. For all ages. No registration required. • On Wednesday, May 4, at 3:15 p.m., try Japanese snacks, watch anime, discuss manga and talk about other pop culture Video streaming Upcoming library events media with friends. For grades six Nutley Public Library has added All programs are in person, unless oth- through 12. No registration required. • Make a gemstone bracelet on ThursKanopy — a video-streaming platform erwise noted. with more than 30,000 films for all ages, • DISH! The Monday Night Cookbook day, May 5, at 7 p.m. Participants will including critically acclaimed movies, Club will meet Monday, May 2, at 7 p.m. learn about many of the gemstones used documentaries, educational videos, and Members will choose and prepare a dish in jewelry making, then make a stretch award-winning international and inde- at home, which will then be shared with bracelet using gemstone beads. Registrapendent films — to its digital media col- club members, who will discuss one tion is limited to 20 Nutley adults. Regislection. Kanopy can be accessed on mobile another’s recipes, cooking techniques, ter at bccls.libcal.com/event/9089518. • Two-Year-Old Story Time will be Friphones, tablets and computers. Patrons and share stories and culture. To register, can view up to six titles per month. For visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/dish-cook- days, May 6, 13, 20 and 27, at 10:30 a.m. further information and to get started, book-club. Sponsored by the Friends of This story time features stories, rhymes, music and crafts. Craft kits will be providvisit nutleypubliclibrary.kanopy.com. the Nutley Public Library. • Babygarten will meet Tuesdays, May ed for follow-along activities. Registration Hoopla BingePass is here 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 is required. Sign up at youthservices.nutIn addition to Hoopla access to music, a.m. Babies and caregivers enjoy books, leypubliclibrary.org. Sponsored by the movies, television shows, e-books and e- rhymes, songs and bounces. For children Friends of the Nutley Public Library. • Free Comic Book Day will be held Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m. Stop by the library to collect the latest popular comics and grab a goody bag that includes a craft to take home. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. For all ages. No registration required. • Drop in for Craft Saturdays on May 7, 14 and 21. Stop by the Children’s Room to make a craft to take home while supplies last. No registration required. For all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. • The Video Game Club will meet Wednesday, May 11, at 3:15 p.m. Play popular Switch games with friends on the big screen. For grades six through 12; all skill levels are welcome. No registration required. • STEAM Story Time will be held Saturday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m. This event features stories and activities highlighting science, technology, engineering, art and math. For ages 2 to 6. Photo Courtesy of Nutley Public Schools • The Dungeons & Dragons Club will meet virtually on Monday, May 16, at 6:30 RAMADAN MUBARAK — Spring Garden kindergartners learn about p.m. For grades six through eight. Contact Ramadan and host a ‘loose change’ drive, inspired by the tradition of givthe Children’s Room at 973-667-0405, ing during Ramadan. ext. 2623, or email nutleylibrarycyade-
partment@gmail.com for program information and registration. • The Teen Makers Club will meet Wednesday, May 18, at 3:15 p.m. Do you love art, technology and all things crafty? Join in and make a project with friends or work on your own. For grades six through 12. No registration required. • Join the Friends of the Nutley Public Library at an evening tea and book signing on Wednesday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. The tea will be held upstairs in the library with author Jamie Brenner, who will be sharing her newest book, “Blush.” Catering for the tea will be handled by Nutley High School culinary arts students. The event will include a book signing and silent auction. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online and visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/friendstea2022; call 973-667-0405, ext. 2638; or stop by the library. • Cricut for Beginners will meet Thursday, May 19, at 7 p.m. In this program, participants will learn more about the popular Cricut cutting machines, then make paper flower shadow boxes. Registration is limited to 20 Nutley adults. Register at bccls.libcal.com/event/9130691. • Enjoy video game free play on Saturday, May 21, at 11 a.m. Drop in and play Switch games on the big screen. Open to all skill levels. No registration required. • On Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m., the library will present vocalist Carol Erickson and pianist Bob McHugh. Enjoy a concert of standards and favorites from the Great American Songbook, the most important and influential songs from the early 20th century in America. As part of the program, music trivia questions will be intermittently posed to the audience. • Friends of the Nutley Public Library will hold a general meeting on Thursday, June 2, at 4:30 p.m. All members of the Friends are welcome to attend. For more information about the organization, visit nutleypubliclibrary.org/friendsofthelibrary; fto join the organization, email friendsofnutleylibrary@gmail.com. • Learn the true and inspiring story of centenarian Agnes Joan Negra on Saturday, June 4, at 2 p.m. During World War II, using her shortwave radio from her home in Nutley, Negra listened to Radio Berlin each night and notated the names of U.S. prisoners of war as they were announced. She then sent personal letters to hundreds of families to inform them that their loved ones were still alive. Negra, along with son Ronald Negra, who wrote a book about his mother, will discuss the creation of the book and this inspiring story.
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Photos Courtesy of Nutley Police Department
CAUGHT INK-HANDED — Cub Scouts Pack 141 visits the Nutley Police Department and receives a tour from Detective Sgt. Mike Padilla. At the tour’s conclusion, a fingerprint activity taught the Scouts about processing a fingerprint and had them dust for their own prints. The Scouts gave the police department thank-you cards for showing them around.
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Nutley center receives $100K to advance research Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation announced the receipt of a gift of $100,000 from Suez North America to support clinical research at Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation in Nutley. “We thank our friends and partners at Suez North America for their continued generosity, especially as we continue to battle against COVID-19,’’ Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett said. “Our scientists at the Center for Discovery and Innovation have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to make extraordinary strides in the fight against the virus, cancer and other diseases, and we are incredibly grateful.” The CDI is an academic-based entrepreneurial center that harnesses innovations arising from a new renaissance in biomedical sciences to restore patient health. It comprises the Institute for Cancer and Infectious Diseases, the Institute for Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma, and the Institute of Restorative Health. “At Hackensack Meridian Health, the Center for Discovery and Innovation has been at the heart of medical advancement during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Suez North America CEO Nadine Leslie said. “The Center for Discovery and Innovation’s work on vaccines, diagnostic testing and therapeutics has fueled the advances that will improve public health and outcomes for New Jersey patients today and in the future. Our team at Suez North America understands the importance of this ongoing work and is proud to help fund research necessary for all of us to keep getting better.” Since 2020, the CDI has made major beneficial developments in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development of the first rapid-response COVID-19 test in New Jersey. It has also partnered with Hackensack Meridian Health experts to conduct clinical trials
for convalescent plasma therapy, which identified patients who recovered from the virus and produced high levels of antibodies. As the virus has evolved, scientists at the CDI have continually tracked the emerging variants of the virus to keep track of what is happening at Hackensack Meridian Health sites across New Jersey. They have played a critical role in clinical care through development of novel diagnostics, improved antiviral therapy and support of numerous clinical trial regimens. Scientists are also studying the biology and genomics of the COVID-19 virus, host factors that affect disease progression, and the discovery and development of novel drug candidates. “The confidence that our communities and corporate partners continue to have in our abilities is truly inspiring,” CDI chief scientific officer David S. Perlin said. “We thank Suez North America for this gift, which will surely support our efforts to continue fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and further pioneering discoveries in cancer and other infectious diseases.”
Photo Courtesy of Hackensack Meridian Health
From left are William Evans, executive director of the Center for Discovery and Innovation; Rich Henning, senior vice president of communications of Suez North America; David S. Perlin, chief scientific officer of the CDI; Nadine Leslie, CEO of Suez North America; and Joseph Burt, executive director of Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation.
Percussionists take home win (Continued from Page 1) “Indoor is about the performance and the show. Marching band is too, but it’s different. (For indoor) we’re wearing costumes, and it’s more about the story. In marching band we’re not judged as heavily on that.” Wehrer expects the majority of indoor percussion performers to be younger for a few years, but she is still confident in the direction they’re heading. “In a couple of years, they’ll be more experienced and
we can adjust,” she said. “We always make it achievable for them. There’s always an adjustment, but I’ve never seen so much growth in one year.” Ramos won’t be performing with Roselli and the rest of the percussionists next season, but he’s excited to see what they do in the future. “I think the skill will steadily increase,” he said. “There’s a whole lot of room for growth, and I definitely see a future where Nutley is winning a lot.”
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Superintendent of Schools Julie Glazer, above, has been nominated for the 2021-2022 National LifeChanger of the Year program, which recognizes and rewards the best K-12 teachers and school employees from around the country.
Nutley superintendent nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year A member of the Nutley community has nominated Superintendent of Schools Julie Glazer for the 2021-2022 National LifeChanger of the Year program. LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation that recognizes and rewards the best K-12 teachers and school employees from around the country. The nominator stated: “It was a very tough year for K-12 education due to COVID-19, but despite the challenges, Dr. Glazer’s leadership ensured that this year was still one of progress and growth in every aspect of her district. Dr. Glazer has modeled that Nutley is stronger together, and together, we all grow.” Nutley Educational Foundation President Lorraine Kucinski called this nomination a “befitting award for someone who pioneered our district” through the COVID-19 pandemic. “From the beginning, 2016, we knew Dr. Glazer would do well in our community. She is warm, friendly, eager to share her vast knowledge and experienced in all aspects of education, including how to run an educational foundation,” Kucinski said. “Dr. Glazer’s involvement in the community at large has been nothing short of incredible. She involved herself by giving her time and expertise to numerous community events knowing that face-to-face is the best way to interact with others and
grow our community’s involvement in the school district. When COVID hit, she sprang into action to bring face-to-face to each student via technology.” Among Glazer’s achievements during the height of the pandemic, Kucinski highlighted laptops being distributed to every student in fourth through 12th grades, internet access being expanded to every household; breakfast and lunch being provided to every student who needed it; and air quality improvements being implemented throughout every school building. “Even when unpopular with some, Dr. Glazer met the COVID requirements of the district as imposed by the local, state and national mandates, proving her tenacity in the face of adversity by recognizing the problems ahead and identifying workable solutions. We credit Dr. Glazer for leading us through the pandemic,” Kucinski said. As a nominee, Glazer is in the running to receive one of 18 cash prizes. The grand prize, which is $10,000, is split between the winner and either the district or a local educational organization. Glazer has selected to share the prize money, should she win it, with the Nutley Educational Foundation. To support Glazer, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p9697w4 and leave a comment about Glazer.
Nutley Journal - BP — May 2022 — 11
Photos Courtesy of Nutley Public Schools
CONGRATULAZIONI, FELICITACIONES, GRATULATIONES — Nutley High School holds its World Language Honor Society induction ceremony on April 12. The event was spearheaded by world language coordinator Julie Mitschow and supported by advisers Steven LaPeruta, who teaches Italian; Ana Guariglia, who teaches Spanish; and Amelia Lodato, who teaches Latin.
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Photos Courtesy of Nutley Public Library
The Nutley Public Library had a good turnout April 20 for its Paint-A-Pot event. Children were given plain plant pots to paint creatively. See more photos from this event on Page 13.
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14 — May 2022 — Nutley Journal - BP
E S S E X C O U N T Y ’ S R E C Y C L I N G D AY
Computer & Electronics Saturday, May 21, 2022 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Essex County Fleet Management (Public Works) 99 W. Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey Free to all Essex County Residents. Essex County residents must provide proof of residency at the site. COMMERCIAL AND LARGE QUANTITY USERS MAY NOT DROP OFF ITEMS. ✔ Do not exit vehicle. ✔ Items for disposal to be placed in trunk. ✔ No containers or boxes will be returned.
For more information call 973-792-9060 or www.ecuanj.com
ITEMS ACCEPTED: Computers Monitors Printers Fax Machines Scanners Telecom Equipment Speakers Televisions Keyboards Main Frames VCRs Stereos DVD Players Toasters Irons Old Cellular Telephones nes
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT: Smoke Detectors m Carbon Monoxide Alarm
“Recycling computer hardware and electronic devices hhelps l remove lead l d andd other h dangerous d chemicals from our waste stream, which is important for us and our children. With your participation, we can do our part to protect the environment.” — Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive, The Essex County Board of Commissioners and the Essex County Utilities Authority
STUDENT UPDATE Seton Hall U. dean’s list Seton Hall University in South Orange has named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester: • From Belleville, Christian Almestica, Ohm Amin, Carolina Barba, Joshua Calatayud, Cayla Carino, Oliver De Leon, James Laquindanum, Joel Melendez, Sasha Rosario, Sean Sanchez, Alexia Seeram, Rawle-Ann Sobransingh, Christopher Twomey, Dana Vo, Danny Vu and Nicolas Zuniga. • From Nutley, Pax Ardanz, Julia Baranowski, Ari Burdulis, John Christman, Lauren Costello, Vivienne Dotoli, Gianni Feraco, Isabel Fontanals, Timothy Georgetti, Noah Ibasitas, Emily Jablonowski, Amy Jacobsen, Sydney Kunz, Jessica Marciniak, Pooja Mehta, Justin Petracco, Yuvraj Raja, Lucia Rizzuto, Cristina Sabia, Victoria Ventura and Jordan Zarro. After the close of every semester, undergraduate students completing all courses with a grade-point average of 3.4, with no grades lower than C, qualify for the dean’s list.
Chen makes dean’s list Huatao Chen, of Nutley, has been named to the dean’s list at the College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Va. for the fall 2023 semester. In order to achieve dean’s list status, a full-time degree-seeking undergraduate student must take at least 12 credit hours and earn a quality-point average of at least 3.6 during the semester.
Dunn earns degree Aaron Dunn, of Nutley, graduated with a degree in speech pathology from James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, Va., during commencement exercises in December 2021.
Honors at TCNJ The following area students, identified with their majors, were named to the dawn’s list at The College of New Jersey, located in Ewing, for the fall 2021 semester: • From Belleville, Rachel Ocampo, marketing. • From Nutley, Isabella Bernardo, elementary education; Zachary Cagiao, biology; Alexa Calero, marketing; Laura Feraco, secondary education, specifically history; Skylar Hutchison, communication studies; Megan Iradi, early childhood and special education; Zachary Mackiewicz, music education; Brian McCormack, economics; Rebecca Nieves, undeclared; Nicolette Padilla, communication studies; Dana Slotterback, visual arts; Leigha Stuiso, journalism and professional writing; Abigail Thurston, special education; and Sophy Vuong, biology. To achieve this honor, a student must carry 12 or more credits that semester and earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better.
Saint Peter’s best Catherine Rios and Abigail Maldonado, See STUDENT, Page 19
Nutley Journal — May 2022 — 15
Scouting for Food is scheduled for April 30 in Nutley After a record collection in 2021, Nutley Boy Scout Troop 147 and Cub Scout Packs 141 and 142 will conduct their annual food drive for the Nutley Food Pantry, which is at the Nutley Family Service Bureau Annex, 169 Chestnut St. in Nutley, on Saturday, April 30. Personal care items for the care pantry at Vincent United Methodist Church will also be accepted. Some suggestions for shelf-stable food donations are: stew, chili, hash,
tuna, soups, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, hot/cold cereal, coffee, tea, baby formula/food, and even grocery store gift cards. The pantry accepts all unexpired, nonperishable groceries. Cans and plastic jars are preferred over glass jars. The need this time of the year is especially great. During March the local pantry served more than 350 families and nearly
Photos Courtesy of Nutley Public Schools
BEE KIND — Washington Elementary School celebrates kindness with the Bee Kind Honeycomb project, led by Susan Bresnan in the Library Media Center. To celebrate kindness, every class in the school created honeycombs using paper. First, each student wrote a phrase or created a drawing showing kindness on a slip of paper. Then the students rolled the paper slips into tubes. Those tubes were then taped together to form the honeycomb.
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1,000 people, including many children and seniors. More than 3,500 food items were required. The food pantry at the Nutley Family Service Bureau is one of the largest in Essex County. In 2021, Nutley Scouts collected more than 44,000 items for the food pantry, according to former Commissioner Walt Smith, Pack 141 and project chairperson. “This is always an exhausting day, but a great way to teach the Scouts, especially the young Cub Scouts, the meaning of helping others,” Smith said. The project has grown from collecting 3,405 items in 2007 to 10,653 in 2013 to 17,475 in 2016, 22,425 in 2017, 27,745 in 2018, 34,046 in 2019 and 44,465 in 2021. The campaign was launched the weekend of April 23, when Scouts distributed collection bags to residences in Nutley. The Scouts will return to residences the following week to retrieve bags filled with donated nonperishable items. Those who did not receive a bag but would like one can call 973-931-2686. The Scouts will be depositing the collected bags at Nutley Masonic Lodge No. 175 on Chestnut Street on May 1 between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Trader Joe’s donated the bags for use in the drive. After Saturday, April 30, donations may be dropped off at the Nutley Family Service Bureau Annex. Scouts will also be outside Nutley Park ShopRite on April 30 to accept donations from residents. ShopRite in Nutley is a
major supporter of the event. “We are tremendously grateful for the continued support that the Nutley Scouts and community members provide to programs like the Nutley Family Service Bureau’s food pantry. The food pantry relies on donations from this project to stock our shelves. Year after year the Scouts and those who donate help to keep the pantry going to support our neighbors in need,” NFSB Executive Director Katherine Carmichael said. Participation in the food pantry program is confidential; qualification is on a case-by-case basis. Those in need of food assistance should reach out to a staff member at 973-667-1884 or read more about the program at www.nutleyfamily.org. Scouting for Food is the nation’s largest single-day food drive. Scouting for Food began as a service project for the St. Louis Area Council in 1985 and was adopted by the National Organization in 1988, when 1 million Scouts collected an estimated 65 million cans of nonperishable food. This year marks the 34th year of this great event, with thousands of Scouts and adult volunteers participating on the two Saturdays. Every time Cub Scouts recite the Scout pledge, they promise to help others and, in the Boy Scout Promise, a Scout promises to help other people at all times. By participating in Scouting for Food, Scouts fulfill those promises.
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16 — May 2022 — Nutley Journal - BP
Three generations are Girl Scouts lifetime members Three generations of women in one family are lifetime members of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, with more than 162 years of combined Girl Scout experience. Jeanne Van Steen, who has resided in Nutley for the past 65 years, has been a lifetime member of Girl Scouts for 82 years. Van Steen grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and became a Brownie in 1939, when she was in second grade. She continued Girl Scouts through her senior year of high school, when she became a Mariner. The Girl Scout Mariner Program is designed for girls who are looking to engage in water-focused activities. Living on the Mississippi River, being a Mariner was just a way of life for this Girl Scout. While in high school, Van Steen was part of an advisory board and her counselor, the late Margaret W. Price, who later became president of Girl Scouts of the USA, was her mentor. “Mrs. Price was an amazing and influential person; she was one of the reasons I became so involved with Girl Scouts,” Van Steen said. From there, Van Steen was a troop leader in college and continued her involvement until the last of her three daughters finished Girl Scouts. “I was a leader for 30 years, and even had first and second generations of girls throughout the years,” she said. Van Steen has held several other posi-
Vossler was her Daisy leader and remained the troop leader until the girls earned their Gold Award in 2012. The Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve, is earned through a community service project completed at the Senior and/or Ambassador levels. After being a troop leader, Coralyn Vossler was a Service Unit manager for Essex and Hudson counties for 14 years and now serves on the Girl Scout Council Gold Award Committee as chairperson of the East Committee. “I love being on this committee; I get to meet so many interesting young women and listen to the final Gold Award proposals,” Coralyn Vossler said. “These young women are our future. Seeing girls with diverse backgrounds come together and become leaders through the skill sets they Photo Courtesy of Coralyn Vossler have developed from being a Girl Scout makes me proud to be part of this amazFrom left, daughter Coralyn Vossler, family matriarch Jeanne Van Steen ing organization.” and granddaughter Sara Vossler share a love of the Girl Scouts. Sara Vossler earned her Gold Award in tions within the council, including Service Scout until she was a Cadette. 2012 and is a lifetime Girl Scout member. Unit manager in Nutley, vice president of Vossler, like her mother, became a Her skills enabled her to become a teacher the Council of Greater Essex County and, troop leader while in college and later in Malaysia. from 1986 to 1992, president of the Essex became a leader for girls with disabilities All three women attribute their sucCounty council. and hearing challenges. cesses and leadership skills to Girl Scouts. Her daughter, Coralyn Vossler, who “My mother was truly an inspirational “Being the first of three generations, lives in Livingston, has been a lifetime woman. I wanted to follow in her foot- the one thing that has not changed over member for 57 years. steps and be a positive influence on young the years is the core values and leadership Vossler joined Girl Scouts as a Brown- women,” she said. skills that Girl Scouts instills to help build ie in 1965. Her mother was her troop When Coralyn Vossler’s daughter, Sara confident, self-assured and independent leader, and Vossler continued as a Girl Vossler, joined Girl Scouts, Coralyn women,” Van Steen said.
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Nutley Journal - BP — May 2022 — 17
EVENTS Essex County blood drives
Run for Education
New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, will conduct the following blood drives in Essex County: Thursday, April 28, from noon to 6 p.m. at the New Jersey Institute of Technology Campus Center, 150 Bleeker St. in Newark; Wednesday, May 4, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 80 Laurel Ave. in Roseland; Monday, May 9, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Brookdale Reformed Church, 16 Bellevue Ave. in Bloomfield; Tuesday, May 10, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Montclair Women’s Club, 82 Union St. in Montclair; Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maplewood Civic House, 124 Dunnell Road in Maplewood; and Thursday, May 26, from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Ave. in North Caldwell. To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, call 800933-2566, or go online and visit www.nybloodcenter.org.
The Nutley Chamber of Commerce and the Nutley Educational Foundation will hold the 5K Run for Education, which includes a USA Track & Field–certified 5K, a fun run for children and a 1-mile walk, on Sunday, May 1. Visit www.nutleychamber.com/20225k-fun-run to register.
Nutley, at 9:15 a.m.; the bus will leave promptly at 9:30 a.m. This trip is open to everyone; participation is charged. The casino will give group members some free slot dollars. To register and submit payment, contact Joann Andriola at 973-418-5015 or Eileen Luberto at 973-632-0763.
Free health screening The Belleville Health Department will host a free cholesterol and blood pressure screening for residents and employees in conjunction with the Clara Maass Community Outreach team on Thursday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first floor of 152 Washington Ave. in Belleville. For more information, call 973450-3394.
Lambert Square dedication
The Nutley Community Preservation Partnership, the Nutley Historical Society and the Nutley Historic Preservation Committee will celebrate William A. Lambert with a Lambert Square dedication on Sunday, May 1, at noon. Lambert was a prominent builder who lived and worked in town, beginning in the early 1890s. According to the Nutley Historical Society, perhaps as many as 500 homes and buildings were designed and built by Lambert and his Nutley Realty Co. In addition to his professional contributions to Nutley, Lambert also served on many local boards. Vincent Church flea market Activities start at the Nutley Historical Vincent United Methodist Church will Society, 65 Church St., where the Nutley hold its annual flea market on Saturday, Museum will be open until 1 p.m. Items April 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items for related to Lambert will be on display. At 1 sale will include jewelry, bric-a-brac, p.m., township historian John Demmer clothing, furniture, toys, kitchenware, will give a brief talk about Lambert and home decor, bedding and small appli- his impact on the development of Nutley. ances. A cafe will be open as well. The At 2 p.m., the action will shift to Lambert church is located at 100 Vincent Place in Square, at the intersection of Franklin Nutley. All are invited. Avenue and High Street, for the Lambert
Photo Courtesy of A. Buccino
BPD bike ride
The Belleville Police Department will host a community bike ride on Saturday, May 21. The 3.6-mile ride is a leisurely, family-friendly ride throughout the townSquare dedication ceremony and the ship of Belleville. It is a great opportunity unveiling of two plaques. RSVP at to meet and interact with officers, neighhttps://www.facebook.com/events/5507 bors and friends. This ride is free and open to anyone in the community. 823829344794/. The ride will start and end in the Belleville High School parking lot, 100 Trip to the casino The Nutley Tuesday Senior Club will Passaic Ave. Registration begins at 9 a.m. take a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in The ride will begin at 10:30 a.m., and ridPennsylvania on Wednesday, May 4. ers will be escorted by Belleville police the Those attending must meet at the Parks & entire time. Helmets are required; snacks Recreation parking lot, 44 Park Ave. in and refreshments will be available.
A dedication ceremony will be held at Lambert Square on Sunday, May 1.
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18 — May 2022 — Nutley Journal - BP
Pequannock Water Treatment Plant upgrades launched Mayor Ras J. Baraka and other dignitaries hoisted wrenches on April 11 to launch $23 million in new upgrades for a state-of-the-art facility at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. The water treatment plant is located at 2224 Paterson–Hamburg Turnpike in West Milford. The plant treats and then pipes water to residents and businesses in Newark, and to customers in other towns that contract with the city to provide their drinking water, including Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange and Nutley. When the upgrades are completed, the system will improve overall water quality and increase the plant’s processing capacity to 60 million gallons per day. The project is financed by New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Program low-interest loan financing, designed by Kleinfelder Inc. and constructed by Spectraserv. It will also replace obsolete equipment and valves, and upgrade to the backwash system. “This is a continuation of our pledge to supply Newark residents with clean and pristine drinking water,” Baraka said. “Our investment record is clear. We put about $200 million in our water and sewer infrastructure even before we undertook the $190 million project to replace every known lead line in the city. We are also supporting the communities outside of Newark who depend on us for clean water, continuing to invest in our young chemists, scientists and engineers, and being best and first in class with our entire infrastructure.” “The Murphy administration is proud to partner with the city of Newark and water systems across New Jersey by investing in infrastructure upgrades that will better protect public health and deliver clean drinking water for our children and families,” N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “The state-ofthe-art improvements that we celebrate today at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant represent yet another step forward for our state, reaffirming our commitment to clean water for every community.”
IN MEMORIAM
Photos Courtesy of Newark
Water and Sewer Utilities Director Kareem Adeem speaks. “We have five outdoor reservoirs that store 14 billion gallons of water,” said Kareem Adeem, director of the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities in Newark. “These new systems will help us draw and purify that water with greater speed and efficiency.” The work will also include building a new system control center. “This work is not only about needed maintenance, but state-of-the art improvements,” Adeem said. “It shows people all that goes on behind the scenes to make the water coming out of their tap among the best in the country.” The improvement project follows the completion of the city’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, in which Newark replaced all of its 23,000 lead lines in less than three years, garnering praise as a “model city” for lead line replacement from Vice President Kamala Harris, environmentalists and the media.
• BIONDI – Anthony A. Sr., of Nutley, formerly of Newark; April 4. USAF NG vet. Founder of Biondi Funeral Home. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, 86. • DARPINO – Victor, of Belleville; March 30. Was a machinist at Accurate Screw Machine Corp. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, 92. • DIRIENZO – Phyllis B., of Nutley; April 3. Was 92. • DONALESKI – Barbara, of Toms River, formerly of Belleville; April 13. Mother, 89. • GREEN – Patricia N., of Upper Montclair, formerly of Kearny and Nutley; April 1. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 92. • HOGAN – John P., of Morristown, formerly of Queens, Lake Mohawk, Nutley, Mt. Lakes, March 3. Army veteran, attorney, husband, father, grandfather, 80. • HOLZHERR – Karen May, of Nutley; March 24. Retired bookkeeper, wife, mother, 76. • MOREA – Marian Margaret, of West Hills, Calif., formerly of Belleville, Bloomfield, West Orange; March 16. Widow, mother, sister, grandmother, 99. • PONTRELLA – George, of Belleville, formerly of Newark; March 31. World War II Army veteran. Widower, stepfather, brother, grandfather, great-granduncle, 94. • RAMAO – Carlos T., of Toms River, formerly of Portugal, Newark and Belleville; March 24. Senior shift supervisor. Husband, great-grandfather, 93. • WEGRZYNSKI – Andrzej, of Nutley; March 14. Vietnam War veteran, Bronze Star recipient, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, 75. • WELLS – Henry, of Belleville; April 15. Vietnam War Army sergeant, veteran. Senior supervisor for Merck Pharmaceuticals. Husband, great-grandfather, 74. • WHITEFORD – Regina, of Nutley; April 2. Mother, grandmother, 84.
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.
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Nutley Journal - BP — May 2022 — 19
STUDENT UPDATE (Continued from Page 14) both of Belleville, and Douglas Edert, of Nutley, were named to the dean’s list at Saint Peter’s University, located in Jersey City, for the fall 2021 semester. Fully admitted degree-seeking students are eligible for consideration if they have earned a grade-point average of at least 3.5 for the term.
E S S E X C O U N T Y ’ S R E C Y C L I N G D AY
Household Hazardous Waste
Distinction at Hofstra Nora Janikian and Alexa McNulty, both of Nutley, were named to the dean’s list at Hofstra University, located in Hempstead, N.Y., for the fall 2021 semester. Students must earn a grade-point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the dean’s list.
Saturday, May 7, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Essex County Fleet Management (Public Works) 99 W. Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Terrific grades at Tufts Daniel Gizzo, of Nutley, has been named to the dean’s list at Tufts University, located in Boston, Mass., for the fall 2021 semester. Gizzo is a member of the Class of 2022. Dean’s list honors at Tufts University require a semester grade-point average of 3.4 or greater.
Caldwell U. dean’s list The following area students were named to the dean’s list at Caldwell University, located in Caldwell, for the fall 2021 semester: • From Belleville, Gianna Pellow, Natasha Fontanez, Justine Areola, Aryana Velez, Deepal Bhatt, Venisse Abanilla, Chris Roldan, Emma De Leon, Christa Cordeiro, Amarilex Davis-Gerena, Brandon Rivera, Leslie Tenemaza, Michelle Sarango, Gabriela Lopez, Jalyssa Nieves, Angela Costa, Caleb Derro, Shiv Desai, Deana Rosales, Vincent Phan, Christopher Lora and Brian Calva. • From Nutley, Nadine Ahmad, Katherine Arena, Troy Batiller, Nicole Brandt, Rebecca Burrow, Sydney Casale, Sara Elphick, Anthony Gola, Jenna Higgins, Margaret Marano, Mia Portee, Kimberly Rabbia, Ashley Rossi, Jessica Rossi, Rianna Sacco and Lauren Vazquez. In order to achieve this honor, students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and complete at least 12 credits during the semester.
Free to all Essex County Residents. Essex County residents must provide proof of residency at the site. NOT FOR COMMERCAL AND INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES. ✔ Do not exit vehicle. ✔ Items for disposal to be placed in trunk. ✔ NO containers will be returned (gas cans, etc.).
For more information call 973-792-9060 or www.ecuanj.com
ITEMS ACCEPTED: Herbicides Paint thinners and solvents Oil based paints and stains Chemistry sets Propane tanks (barbecue type) Pool chemicals
Automotive fluids (antifreeze, motor oil, steering fluids, etc.) Darkroom/ Photographic chemicals Lithium and NiCad batteries Fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts
Mercury and products containing mercury Gasoline/Kerosene Household cleaning fluids Car batteries Fire extinguishers (home) Driveway sealer Aerosol spray paints
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT: Latex paint Unlabeled or Unidentified Materials
Commercial or Industrial Waste Empty Containers
Asbestos Regulated Medical Waste or Infectious Waste
Explosives, Munitions, Ordnance or Reactive Materials
Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Patel makes dean’s list Luvish Patel, of Belleville, was named to the dean’s list at the New York Institute of Technology, located in Old Westbury, N.Y., for the fall 2021 semester. To qualify for the dean’s list, full-time students must earn a grade-point average of at least 3.5 and complete 12 or more credit hours without any incomplete grades.
Elliott-Dolor earns MPH Taylor Elliott-Dolor, of Belleville, received a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in December 2021.
“There are some materials that should be removed from our regular waste stream because of their hazardous nature. This collection day provides our residents a place to properly and safely dispose of contaminants, protecting our precious environment for future generations. I encourage residents of all of our communities to come out and participate.” — Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive, The Essex County Board of Commissioners and the Essex County Utilities Authority
20 — May 2022 — Nutley Journal - BP
Coffee With a Cop brings PD, community together
Photos Courtesy of Michael Melham and Belleville Police Department
On April 11, Risi’s on Joralemon Street hosts Coffee With a Cop, which gives residents the opportunity to meet with Belleville police officers in a relaxed environment, all to increase the bond between the department and the community.
Photo Courtesy of Anthony DiMatteo Photography
From left are Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce trustee Rafael Gavidia; Marketing Director Gerry Generazio; Vice President of Programs Cecelia Polizzi; Vice President of Membership Lois Tirrell; treasurer Joe Berardinelli; President Mario Drozdz; and trustees Nelson Barrera, Michael Zippo, Michael Bush, Janet McCarthy, Cathy Loreto, Reineen Dohman, Dr. Sean Flynn, Dee Frias and Susanne Kaltsas.
WORSHIP CALENDAR BAPTIST
CHRISTIAN
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
SECC installs 2022 officers The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer organization of businesses and professional people working together to enhance the growth and prosperity of the business community, formally installed a new president, executive board and trustees for 2022 on March 4 at the Chandelier in Belleville. The SECC represents businesses in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and Belleville.
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Nutley Journal - BP — May 2022 — 21
Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. Leaders in emergency and elective angioplasty. Ever feel tightness in your chest when going up a flight of stairs, or short of breath after carrying in the groceries? These can be signs of coronary artery disease. If you think you maybe at risk, you should talk to a cardiac specialist at Clara Maass Medical Center. As one of the first community hospitals to perform emergent and elective angioplasty, our heart team can clear blocked or narrowed arteries to safely restore blood flow to your heart. Schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiac specialists at rwjbh.org/heart
22 — May 2022 — Nutley Journal
SPORTS
Nutley HS softball has great start
Photo Courtesy of Thomas Greco
From left are Nutley High School head football coach JD Vick, Paul Scutti Sr., Dan Sajle, Thomas Greco, Paul Scutti, Kate Sajle, Ralph Greco, Ralph S. Greco and Nutley assistant football coach Jeff Martin.
NHS’ Scutti named Diane Greco Sajle scholar Nutley High School senior football player Paul Scutti has been named the recipient of the 2022 Diane Greco Sajle Scholarship. Named in honor of the late 1974 Nutley High School graduate, the scholarship is awarded each year to the football program’s “Most Valuable Teammate,” who, along with excelling on the field, exhibits the qualities Diane Greco Sajle was known for: compassion, dedication and selflessness toward family, friends and community. According to head football coach JD Vick, Scutti exemplifies all that, and more. “The first thing that stands out about Paul is his character and integrity,” Vick said. “He has a 4.1 GPA. He really checks all the boxes. A fine young man, Paul really loves to serve other people. He’s a heck of a kid and a really great football player. He played defensive back, running back and was one of our captains. I really can’t say enough about Paul. He is probably one of the finest young men I’ve had the privilege to coach. I’m really proud of him; it’s well deserved.” Scutti is honored to be recognized with this scholarship award. “I’m very proud to get this scholarship,” he said. “It really means a lot because I know how others who received this
award before me were looked at by our teammates. I played with them, so I know that they truly represented what it means to be a Nutley Raider and how to carry yourself well on and off the field. I’m honored to receive this scholarship for the leadership and qualities I demonstrated on the field.” Scutti intends to study finance and business. The $3,500 scholarship is funded by members of the Greco family and a close family friend, Glenn Villacari of Parkway Auto Body in Nutley. “This year’s award was a bit bittersweet,” said Thomas Greco, Diane Greco Sajle’s brother and founder of the scholarship. “Coach Steve DiGregorio and I created the scholarship,and this was the first one we’ve given out since his passing. But we all felt his presence. Anytime anyone is on the Oval, you feel his presence. I’m sure Steve and Diane were looking down at Paul and saying, ‘Great choice.’ “I also want to thank coach Vick and his staff for picking up the torch and allowing us to continue to award the scholarship; and my nieces and nephews (Ralph, Christy, Michael, Anthony and Lauren) for contributing to increase the scholarship to $3,500 this year.” Past winners of the Diane Greco Sajle Scholarship were Tyler Genitempo, Dante Contella and Jake Walsh.
The Nutley High School softball team, under longtime head coach and NHS alumna Luann Zullo, has enjoyed a great season so far. The team boasted a 6-3 record through April 20. After losing to Livingston, 4-3, at home on April 1, Nutley won its next three games, beating West Essex, 5-2, at home on April 4; Millburn, 8-2, at home on April 8; and Northern Highlands, 4-1, on April 9 at the Anthony LaRezza Invitational hosted by Immaculate Heart Academy. Nutley lost to Mount St. Dominic Academy, 7-0, on April 11 at home before beating Cedar Grove, 6-0, on the road on April 13; Morris Knolls, 3-2, in the Pride/Essex Challenge held at Seton Hall University’s Ivy Hill Park field on April 16; and Verona, 18-2, on April 18 at home. Nutley fell at Livingston, 8-1, on April 20. The top players on the team are seniors Nikki Cicchetti, Luca Blancato, Lia DeMaio and Fallyn Stoekel, and juniors Mia DiPiano, Gianna Lembo and Robin Niland. Freshmen Gabriella Mariano, Isabella Thompson and Skye Stoeckel have also contributed. Nutley had a 3-2 record in the Super Essex Conference–American Division, which is the top division of the conference. The other teams in the division are Mount St. Dominic Academy, Livingston, Cedar Grove, Verona, West Essex and Columbia. Zullo has been at the NHS helm since 1999, leading the program to success on the conference, county and state levels. Here are upcoming games: • April 29: vs. Becton, 4 p.m. • May 2: at Hudson Catholic, 4:30 p.m. • May 3: vs. Sparta, 4:30 p.m. • May 5: vs. Lyndhurst, 4 p.m. • May 7: Essex County Tournament. • May 11: at Mount St. Dominic Academy, 4 p.m. • May 14: ECT quarterfinals.
Raiders baseball team looks to get on track as season progresses The Nutley High School baseball team hopes to finish the season on a strong note. The Raiders had a 4-5 record through April 20. After losing to Montclair, 10-2, on April 1 at home and dropping a tough 2-0 decision at Seton Hall Prep on April 4 in West Orange, the Raiders won the next two games to even their record at 2-2, as they defeated St. Benedict’s Prep, 12-2, on April 5 and West Orange, 9-2, on April 11, both at home. Nutley then lost road games against Bloomfield, 9-6, on April 12 and Livingston, 6-1, on April 13. The team posted a resounding 16-1 victory at Hoboken on April 16 before losing to Millburn, 8-5, on April 18 at home. The
Raiders defeated Montclair, 1-0, on April 20 in Montclair, as seniors Joe Delanzo and Damian Quiles combined on a no-hitter. Delanzo struck out seven and walked one in five and two-thirds innings, and drove in the lone run in the third inning. Quiles pitched one and a third innings. The other NHS seniors are Brian Conte, Frank Contella, Ryan Gencarelli, CJ Hannon, Sal Intile, Vin Miller, Chris Pierro, Dan Reyes, Dylan Santos and Paul Scutti. The juniors are Justin Cifelli, Derek Lanza, Brandon Lucia, David Sanchez and Mike Zitola. Sophomore Jonathan Breihoff also is on the roster. In the win over Hoboken, Delanzo homered and
drove in two runs, and Lucia went 3-for-4 with two singles, a homer and four RBIs. Santos went 2-for-3 with a single, a double and two RBIs, and Contella singled, walked and drove in two runs. Zitola fired a one-hitter with six strikeouts and one walk for the win. Nutley is in the Super Essex Conference–American Division, which also includes Millburn, Montclair, Seton Hall Prep, Livingston, Bloomfield and West Essex. The SEC–American is the top division of the conference. The Raiders have enjoyed a tradition of success under head coach Bob Harbison, an NHS alumnus and Raiders hall of famer who has been at the helm since 2004.
Nutley Journal - BP — May 2022 — 23
SPORTS
It’s electric! Nutley’s Park Oval gets lights Boys lacrosse game christens permanent lighting system installed at historic field Tangorra Field/Park Oval is one of the most cherished places in Nutley. For decades, many memorable moments have occurred at the field. Over the years, there also have been a few night Nutley High School football games at the field, thanks to temporary lightning. On Wednesday night, April 6, the Oval officially unveiled its permanent lighting system when the lacrosse team hosted Jonathan Dayton High School, of Springfield. Nutley, under second-year head coach Mike Salvatelli, prevailed under the lights by a score of 20-12 for its first victory of the season. Senior co–captain Matt Pergola had a game-high 11 goals. A few minutes into the game, Pergola scored his 100th career goal. He currently sits at 110 career goals for the Raiders. “The Stevens Institute of Technology–bound attackman is one of the most prolific scorers in New Jersey,” said Salvatelli of Pergola. “Last year, as a junior, he was in the top ranks around the state for points. The senior co-captain has been a prominent member of the Nutley Raider offense since his freshman year. His talent speaks for itself on the field, but his calm demeanor off of the field has played a crucial role in his success.” The Raiders are looking forward to a big season from him, as well as his senior teammates, Salvatelli said. “We have a great group of seniors and a few underclassmen in the mix as well, so we are hoping for a big year,” Salvatelli said. “Our athletic director, Joe Piro, has been incredibly supportive of our program, and we are excited to host more night games.” Nutley had a 3-5 record through April 20. The Raiders followed the win over Dayton with a 20-13 victory over Morris Catholic at home on April 9. Nutley defeated Clifton, 15-13, on Tuesday, April 19. The other seniors are Rocco Albanese, Joey Alberti, Jake Cirminello, Joe Crocco, Kevin Englich, Austin Hamer, Eddie Kaminski and Chris Roque. The juniors are Logan Acosta, Andrew Kiernan, Matt Nocerino, Anthony Pinal and Jack Ponzoni. Acosta and Kiernan are the goalies. Sophomore Tommy Devlin and freshman Nick Wilson are also on the roster. Here is the rest of the schedule: April 30: Essex County Tournament. May 3: vs. West Orange, 7 p.m. May 5: at Newark Academy, 4 p.m. May 7: at West Orange, 11 a.m. May 10: vs. East Side, 4 p.m. May 12: at Boonton, 4 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Greco
The Nutley boys lacrosse team competes against Dayton in the first event played under permanent lights at Tangorra Field/Park Oval on Wednesday, April 6.
Photo Courtesy of Jaime Ardizzone
TOP CHEERS — Members of the Nutley Junior Raider Recreation Cheer program beam as they gather for a group pose. This season, they finished undefeated in competitions, including becoming four-time eighthgrade-and-under division champions. Jaime Ardizzone, front row, is director of the program and head coach of the Nutley Junior Raider Competition Cheerleading squad. ‘My girls had a stellar season,’ she said in an email to the Nutley Journal. ‘There has not been a competitive cheer program for the past two years due to COVID. I took on the role of head coach in hopes to give these 19 fifth- through eighth-graders an opportunity to take their passion for cheer to the competitive mat. They did not disappoint. This was their first time ever competing on a competitive level. Although I was sad to see the season come to an end, I cannot wait for next season to continue on this amazing journey with the program.’
24 — May 2022 — Nutley Journal
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