Restauranter enjoying a delicious run
By Joe Ungaro Editor
Nutley natives and residents watching the Belmont or Haskell Stakes might have found themselves rooting for eventual winner Dornoch because of the maroon and gray colors he wore.
The racing colors were in fact a tribute to Nutley High School, where the horse’s owner, Vito Cucci, went to school and played on the football team.
One of the owners of Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, Cucci is having a great summer.
“It’s been some run,” said Vito Cucci, who breeds and races horses and owns Dornoch, the winner of the Belmont Stakes and the Haskell Stakes. Dornoch was scheduled to run in the Travers Stakes in Saratoga on Aug. 24 and the Breeders Cup on Nov. 1 at Del Mar in San Diego, before moving into retirement as a stud.
Cucci is a Nutley native and owns Nanina’s with two other Nutley guys; brothers Barry and Joe Maurillo. Together, they have four sons, three of whom are Nutley High School graduates, working in the business.
In addition to Nanina's in the Park in Belleville, the partners own Chateau Grande Hotel in East Brunswick, Park Chateau Estate & Gardens in East Brunswick and The Park Savoy in Florham Park.
“Their sites are historic places that have been renovated at great expense and brought back to their original opulent glory,” said Karen J. Irvine, his publicist. “Their efforts have saved these mansions from the wrecking ball to preserve a bit of New Jersey's rich history.”
Cucci grew up in the restaurant business; his family owned Cucci’s in West Orange until it closed in 1990. He started working there full time while he was in college after his father got sick.
“I hooked up with my current partners, who are both from Nutley, when they came to me with an opportunity,” Cucci
said. “Barry was my contemporary, we were really good friends from fourth grade. They had come to me with an opportunity. They were proficient in the nightclub business. I was proficient in the catering part of it. They had asked me to join them in a venture.”
Together, they purchased Crystals, a catering facility and night club in Linden,
and built from there.
“Then we bought Nanina’s in the Park in 2002, Savoy in 2011, Chateau in 2016 and the hotel we built in 2020,” Cucci said.
The group purchased Nanina from the daughter of the original owner.
“They had a long history,” Cucci said.
See DORNOCH, Page 6
Photo Courtesy of Vito Cucci
Vito Cucci, owner of Nanina’a in the Park, with Dornoch at the Saratoga Race Course in New York.
Township proposes renovations for Municipal Plaza at town hall
The township has released an artist’s rendering of the proposal for renovating Municipal Plaza, which is located directly in front of the Town Hall.
Parks and Public Property Department
Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci said the renovation has been in the works for several years; the concept and design was accomplished in consultation with the entire Board of Commissioners.
The plaza improvement will include installation of new walkways, along with accent shrubbery, plantings and a sitting
wall. Additionally, the Town Square portion will accommodate the township’s annual Christmas tree. A new mall-like area will also be established in Memorial Park that will include the Korean War Plaque, Pervis Robinson Plaque, Ray Blum Plaque, and new soon-to-be- dedicated Global War On Terrorism and Spanish-American War monuments.
Tucci said the actual placement and fundraising for the new monuments will be implemented in conjunction with the various Nutley Veterans organizations.
Nutley Family Service Bureau backpack collection underway
The Nutley Educational Foundation in partnership with Nutley Family Service Bureau is running their eighth annual "We've Got Your Back" backpack initiative.
The foundation already has more than 30 backpacks ready for distribution to qualifying NFSB students, according to a press release from the organization.
Since 2017, NEF has provided more than 450 new, quality backpacks with supplies plus gift cards to NFSB student clients.
They are asking for donors to help reach their goal of collecting $4,000 for the effort.
They ask people to send a monetary gift to Nutley Educational Foundation (NEF), P.O. Box 735, Nutley, NJ 07110 or donate online at www.nutleyef.org so they can purchase additional backpacks and specific supplies for each grade level. A $50 donation will support one student.
The deadline for donations is Aug. 31.
Formed in 2003, the NEF is a not for profit organization established solely to provide funding to support educational endeavors in the Township of Nutley. Since a reorganization in 2015, NEF has supported more than $150,000 in educational projects benefiting the Nutley school district and community, the release said..
Hot meals for takeout at Vincent United Methodist Church on certain Saturdays
The Community Care Kitchen at Vincent United Methodist Church serves hot takeout meals three times per month on the second, third, fourth, or last Saturdays of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to come by the Community Care Kitchen and pick up a mealto-go including families and seniors, according to a press release from the church, which said that people should bring a large bag or two to carry the food.
The church is located at 100 Vincent Place in Nutley. In September, the hot meal take-out days are Sept. 14, Sept. 21 and Sept. 28. In case of bad weather, call 973-6675440.
Anyone who would like to make a contribution can contact the Vincent Church Office or visit the church website at www.vincentumc.org.
Photo Courtesy of Nutley Twp.
A rendering of the renovated Municipal Plaza.
Art, Anime, knitting, crafts, movies, mahjong, the library has it all
The following are some of the events planed for September at the Nutley Public Library.
Art on Display: The library will display “The Art of Visual Imagery,” a photo exhibition by the Tri-County Camera Club through October. More than 30 photographs will be presented by Camera Club members in various sizes throughout the library. The Tri-County Camera Club of New Jersey is one of the most active camera clubs in northern New Jersey. The club has been home to outstanding photography for more than 60 years, and has been meeting in Nutley since 1963.
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. – Friends Book Club – Open to All. - A discussion of the book “Never Lie” by Freida McFadden. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk. Program will meet in person in the Stockton Room, but will also meet online via Zoom. To register for the Zoom program, register at nutleypubliclibrary.org/friends-book-club.
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1 p.m. – Wednesday Afternoon Knitters. Come share your love of knitting and crocheting with both beginning and experienced knitters. Meet fellow knitters, brush-up on your skills, and learn some new techniques. Please bring your own supplies. This group meets every Wednesday.
Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. –Friends of the Nutley Public Library General Meeting. All members of the Friends are welcome to attend. If you would like to join and/or be more involved, visit: friendsofnutleypl.membershiptoolkit.com for additional information or email: friendsofnutleylibrary@gmail.com.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11 a.m. –– Drop-in Craft Saturdays. Stop by the Children’s Room to make a craft to take home. No registration required. For all ages. While supplies last.
Monday, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10 a.m. – Mahjong Mondays – The Mahjong club meets on Monday mornings in the Stockton Room. The library provides the Mahjong board and tiles. No instruction is provided, so you must know how to play. No registration required.
Friday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. – Friday at the Movies – “The Help” (2011). No registration is required.
Monday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m. – Candy Apple Day – Celebrate the arrival of the fall season by making sweet apple treats. While supplies last. For Grades 6-12. No registration required.
Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. – Guitar virtuoso Gladius headlines a performance at the Nutley Public Library. This exclusive event promises a night of unforgettable music. Raised in Atlanta and mentored by a protégé of Andres Segovia, Gladius seamlessly blends classical mastery with rock ‘n’ roll passion. His electrifying performances have captivated audiences nationwide. Learn more about Gladius at https://gladiusofficial.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 24 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. – Fall Babygarten –Babies and caregivers enjoy books, rhymes, songs and bounces in our weekly story time for children ages 23 months and under. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Registration begins Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Wednesdays, Sept. 18, 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Fall Preschool Story Time – Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, songs, yoga and crafts. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Registration begins Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 3 p.m. –Manga & Anime Club for grades 6-12. –Try Japanese snacks, watch anime, discuss manga, and talk about other pop culture media with friends. No registration required.
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 3:45 p.m. –Brick Builders Club – Meet up with LEGO fans and work on a building challenge. For students entering grades K-5 in Fall 2024. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Signup starting Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. at youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.Let's Mosaic. Fun Mosaic Art - In this new creative series, participants will learn about the ancient art and craft of mosaic, and the materials and tools used. In this session, people will make miniature art mosaics using canvas and glass tiles. Registration is limited to 20 Nutley adults. Sign up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Fridays, Sept. 20, 27 at 10:30 a.m.
– Fall Two-Year-Old Story Time – A weekly story time featuring stories, rhymes, music and crafts just for children aged 2. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Registration begins Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Saturday, Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. –Nutley Public Library Local Author Book Fair: Discover fiction and nonfiction for all ages from local published authors. These authors will be available to discuss, sell, and sign their books, as well as meet with aspiring authors and avid readers. No registration is required and light refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. – Pajama Story Time – Snuggle up in your pj’s and get ready for a slumber–tastic story time and craft. For all ages. No registration required.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. –Video Game Club for grades 6 to 12 – Play popular Switch games with friends on the big screen. All skill levels welcome. No registration required.
Sept. 25, 26, 27, 28 – The Friends of the Nutley Public Library Dolores Capalbo Book Sale: Save the dates for donation drop-off days and visit the Friends of the Nutley Public Library September Book Sale. Donation drop-off days will be Sept. 21, 23, and 24 during library hours. The sale days will be Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a special “Member Only” preview sale on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Nutley Public Library cardholders. No scanners are
permitted on Wednesday, Sept. 25. All proceeds from the sale are used to support the Nutley Public Library’s programs and collections. For additional information, call 973-667-0405 x2604 or email library@nutleynj.org.
Friday, Sept. 27 at 3:30 p.m. –Origami Fridays with Nobuko Okabe. Drop-in to the Children’s Room for origami instruction from artist Nobuko Okabe. For students aged 7 and up. Children under 10 must have an adult assist them. No registration required. All supplies provided.
Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. –Free Play with Bricks – Drop-in and build with LEGOs. For ages 5 and up. No registration required.
Monday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. –Hooked on Books Reading Club – A book chat with games and awesome activities. For students entering grades 4 to 6 in Fall 2024. Registration is required. Register starting Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Monday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. – Adult Craft – Diamond Dot “Painting” – We’ll be decorating coasters in a technique resembling a “paint by numbers” but with tiny gems instead of paint. All supplies are provided. Registration is required and limited to 24 Nutley residents. Sign up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Local authors to be featured at book fair at library in Sept.
The Nutley Public Library will host its first “Local Author Book Fair” on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Discover fiction and non-fiction for all ages from 15 local published authors, who will be on hand to display, discuss, sell and autograph their books for avid readers and aspiring authors, according to a press release from the library.
The event is expected to run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be served.
The event is sponsored and organized by the Friends of the Nutley Library, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of the library.
Since its founding in 1985, the Friends have supported the library through financial gifts that provide a full array of programs for children, teens and adults in addition to the library’s audio/hard copy books, technology and furnishings.
Attendance at this event also includes one special door prize, to be announced at the event.
Parking is available for those attending the event. The library is located adjacent to Nutley High School at 93 Booth Drive. Visit the library’s website (https://nutleypubliclibrary.org/) for more information or call the library at (973) 667-0405, ext. 2604, email: library@nutleynj.org.
Dornoch will go out to stud after the Breeders Cup in November
(Continued from Page 1)
“I think they started in 1956, they were very picky people. They were very careful on who they turned it over to.”
Simultaneous to the growth of the business, Cucci’s involvement in horse racing was growing.
“I was always interested in thoroughbreds but when the Meadowlands opened, my brother in law Joe Fusaro was a trainer. I had a casual conversation with him one day; I said ‘I’d love to get in the game if you can find a horse’ and he did.”
The horse, a pacer, turned out to be a really good horse, earning $400,000.
Cucci’s interests expanded and eventually he opened Belmar Racing and Breeding, where among others he bred the 2022 Hambletonian winner.
“I started in, concentrating on the standardbred business, trotters, I always loved the trotters,” Cucci said. “I raced and bred trotters up until I got into the thoroughbreds, which was like 2017.
Cucci’s stable bred the 2022 Hambletonian winner Cool Papa Bell.
“I own the mare, and I picked the stallion she would be bred to. I raised him at a farm in New Jersey,” Cucci said. “When I breed, I don’t breed to keep them, I breed to sell at the yearling sale.”
Cucci had been looking at some thoroughbreds when he got a call from horse trainer Danny Gargan, who had just bought Dornoch and was looking for financing.
“He asked if I wanted 25 percent,” Cucci said. “Danny went out that night and met Jayson in a bar and asked if he was interested.”
Jayson is Jayson Werth, who played 15 years of Major League Baseball and won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies. Werth, who owns 10 percent of the horse, was known for, among other things, his long hair which he did not want to cut for superstitious reasons.
Other owners include New Jersey Native Randy Hill, who owns 29 percent, Mark Pine, who owns 5 percent, and Georgia-based West Paces Races, which owns 32 percent.
“People say to me Jayson gets all the attention but I say he is a great ambassador for the sport,” Cucci said. “He made a
great statement, that winning the Belmont was as good as winning the World Series.”
Cucci believes Dornoch could have been a triple crown winner if he had gotten a better post position in the Kentucky Derby. Dornoch got the number one position, closes to the rail, and no horse has won the derby from that position since 1986.
The derby is unlike another race, Cucci said. “Twenty horses, and if you are in the post, they are all bearing down on you. Our jockey got off the horse and said ‘Don’t worry we will win the Belmont.”
Dornoch didn’t run in the Preakness but won the Belmont Stakes, winning $2 million.
The race, the third oldest in the country dating to 1867, was held at Saratoga Race Course this year because Belmont Park is undergoing a renovation.
Dornoch’s win took place on June 8, before a crowd of 50,000. Dornoch was 17-1 in the race, earning $37.40 for a $2 win wager.
The Triple Crown is a series of three races for three-year-olds: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
Next up for Dornoch was the Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park, which is one of the top 10 most prestigious races in the country with a $1 million prize.
“To win in my home state at the track where I used to go as a kid is just incredible,” said Cucci. “There are 17,000 foals born each year; to own a Grade 1 champion is nearly a miracle.”
Next up for Dornoch is the Travers in Saratoga in August with a prize of $1.25 million, and then the Breeders Cup with a purse of $7 million.
“That will be his last race. After that, we have to turn him over to a breeding farm,” Cucci said. “He is so well bred, and formed. In 2023, his brother won the Kentucky Derby. A horse like that, they don’t race, they are too valuable. It’s going to be heart breaking after the Breeders Cup.
Cucci, who is 68, said he personally doesn’t plan to quit. I could never retire,” he said. “I can’t do that.”
Township finance commissioner provides update on ANCHOR tax relief program
Township of Nutley Revenue and Finance Commissioner Thomas J. Evans has issued an update on the State’s Anchor Property Tax Relief program. Letters to homeowners in the program were to have been be sent by Aug. 19. Most homeowners and renters who received benefits last year will have their applications filed automatically, the update said.
For those who need to update personal information, such as their mailing address
or banking details, a new application will be required by Sept. 15..
The state will begin distributing payments on a rolling basis in November. The application deadline is Nov. 30.
In addition to confirming eligibility for existing beneficiaries, the Division of Taxation will send application mailers to over 2 million residences beginning Aug. 26, in an effort to reach those who have not previously applied.
David Worrall
Joe Ungaro
Top Photo Courtesy of NYRA/Adam Coglianese. Bottom Photo Courtesy of Tom Zapcic Above, Dornoch wins the Belmont Stakes. Below, from left, Mike Pine and Vito Cucci, co-owners of Dornoch; Danny Gargan Trainer and Jayson Werth, co-owner, posing with the Belmont StakesTrophy at Orchard Park by David Burke at Chateau Grande Hotel.
Belleville student gets diploma and degree
Belleville's Rchin Bari was among a group of county vocational-technical school graduates who earned an associate degree along with their high school diplomas.
Bari set the tone for his academic career as a freshman learning virtually during the pandemic. He showed up every day on his screen in full uniform. He continued to go above and beyond to make the most out of his Essex County Newark Tech education in medical science, including seizing the opportunity to earn an associate degree in liberal arts through the school’s Early College program.
Earning the degree at Essex County College was extra special for Rchin, whose mother also graduated from the college after moving to America from Bangladesh. Her own graduation picture shows her holding Rchin in her arms.
Now, Rchin says his degree from Essex County College is just the beginning of his own academic journey.
“I pursued this program because it was one of the most rigorous things I could do in high school to prepare to go to a top school,” he said. He will attend Brown University in the fall to major in biophysics with his end goal to become a neurosurgeon.
Taking full advantage of opportunities to earn college credits while in high school, 251 students from across New Jersey’s county vocational-technical schools graduated with an associate degree this year in addition to a high school diploma.
The students accumulated at least 60 credits throughout their high school education - the equivalent of a two-year head start on college.
“We continue to see a rise in the number of students earning associate degrees while attending their county vocationaltechnical school,” said James Pedersen, superintendent of Essex County Schools of Technology and president of the New Jersey Council of County VocationalTechnical Schools (NJCCVTS).
Each of the state’s 21 county vocational-technical schools has articulation agreements with their county college, and other two and four-year colleges and universities, that enable students to earn credit for college-level work as part of their high school career and technical education program.
Photo Courtesy of Essex County College Rchin Bari earned an associates degree as well as his high school diploma.
Parish celebrates pastors 25 years in the priesthood
The Parish of St. Peter held a solemn celebration to coincide with its pastor’s 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
The Rev. Ivan Sciberras, who has been shepherding the parish since July 2009, was ordained a priest on May 29, 1999 at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, after undergoing eight years of spiritual, theological and missionary formation.
More than 20 priests concelebrated at the Solemn Mass May 29. Among those in attendance was a long-time friend, Bishop Peter Baldacchino, of Las Cruces, N.M. Sciberras’ mother, Helen, and sister, Rosanne Ancilleri, flew from Malta for the occasion, which was followed by a dinner at the St. Peter School Auditorium prepared by the parishioners.
In July, Sciberras visited his hometown in Malta where another celebration was held at the parish where he grew up and received the sacraments
Clockwise from top left, Fr. David Hinojosa (to the right) offers a toast at the reception, which was held at the St. Peter School Auditorium; the recessional at the Mass, during which members of the Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard; The Rev. Ivan Sciberras speaks to his mother; Sciberras preaches at the standing-room only Mass at St. Peter’s on May 29; the entrance procession at the first Mass celebrated by Sciberras at Our Lady of Mount Virgin church in Garfield a day after his ordination in 1999; Sciberras elevates the Host during a Mass of Thanksgiving at his hometown of Balzan, Malta.
Photos Courtesy of St. Peter Church
Scientists in Nutley developing breath test to detect cancer
NUTLEY — The foundational science to develop an exhaled-breath test for detection of lung diseases including lung cancer is underway in Nutley, according to new research published by a laboratory at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI).
Two papers published by CDI Associate Member Olivier Loudig and colleagues show that they have successfully collected, separated, and profiled lung biomarkers from human breath, and also developed animal models to expand their analyses and potentially identify key markers for early and non-invasive detection of metastatic lung tumors.
Significant work remains to be done to identify a range of the biomarkers and prove that its accuracy can be clinically relevant for human patients, but the two publications have established the scientific roadmap as the CDI scientists continue their work toward that goal.
“This innovative non-invasive approach is aimed at establishing a new method to lower the threshold for earlier than ever before detection of this horrible disease,” said Loudig.
“This innovative technology developed by Olivier Loudig offers promise and hope to patients who all too often receive a diagnosis too late for effective intervention,” said David Perlin, the chief scientific officer and executive vice president of the CDI.
“We
Loudig’s work focuses on the capture and identification of nanoparticles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are released by virtually all cells into the extracellular space such as blood, serum, and other biofluids.
Cancer cells especially release a greater number of nanoparticles, which Loudig has been targeting for earlier-than-ever disease detection and diagnostics. His laboratory at the CDI has developed research programs for biomarker discovery and early detection of lung, prostate, cervical, and bladder cancers using liquid biopsies.
To do so, the group developed a technology called Ev-Catcher for selective isolation of cell-specific nanoparticles from biofluids, and is using next-generation sequencing profiles of small-RNAs contained in these nanoparticles for noninvasive identification of lesions and tumors that may be developing in the body.
Loudig’s science and Ev-Catcher technology are the foundation of Hackensack Meridian Health’s first spin-off company, EValuate Diagnostics, founded early this year.
Loudig has now set his sight on applying Ev-Catcher to purify EVs from human exhaled breath, which contain disease markers that may then be analyzed without invasive sampling of the lung.
Retired middle school teacher revisits classroom
Former John Walker Middle School teacher Carol Ann Harris recently returned to her old classroom to relive her teaching days.
Harris, who was one of the longest serving history teachers in district history, is currently a resident of Harmony Village at CareOne Paramus, an assisted living community focused on those with memory impairment.
The idea to bring Harris back to Nutley and the Walker Middle School was formulated by the CareOne staff which includes Nutley residents John Albanese and Dayna Hess. The trip was organized by Harmony One employees with the help of Joseph Materia, current principal of John Walker Middle School.
She was brought to the school by CareOne Director of Recreation Jose Morocho
and Senior Dementia Care Specialist Joan DiPaola.
Harris never married or had children of her own but considered her students to be her kids.
These days, she enjoys telling her fellow residents and the CareOne team about her days in the classroom, according to a press release from Care One.
Harris arrived around 3:30 p.m. and was welcomed by Materia and took a short tour of the school’s hallways, auditorium, and library as well as her former classroom.
The smile and glow on her face as she recognized many of the places where she spent a great deal of her life was visible to everyone, according to a press release from the township.
place at a teaching
left, CareOne Director of Recreation Jose Morocho, CareOne Director of Sales and Marketing Dayna Hess, Senior Dementia Care Specialist for CareOne Joan DiPaola, John H. Walker Middle School Principal Joseph Materia stand behind Harris in a hallway of the school. Far left, from left, DiPaola, Harris, and Morocho in a clasroom.
Nutley school turns students into doctors
NUTLEY — The journey begins.
The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine welcomed its newest class of 168 students with a White Coat Ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark in July.
The aspiring doctors donned their distinctive coats during the ceremony, as they started their journey toward acquisition of a medical degree (M.D.), which will be completed in three or four years, depending on their selected academic track.
More than half, 50.6 %, of the new students are from New Jersey. They speak 21 languages other than English. Thirty-two members of the cohort are from groups categorized as under-represented in medicine.
The School admitted its first class in 2018 with 60 students. Subsequent years brought an increasing number of students, leading to this seventh year of admissions. The largest graduation yet ushered 102 new doctors into their residencies across the country last month.
“This medical school continues to admit, and train, some of the brightest and best in the country,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our intention in creating this medical school was to do things in a new and better way. Each year we see how this unique institution is making it happen.’’
“We are realizing our mission and our vision, with every new cohort and class,” said Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp, president and dean of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
About 5000 students applied to join this year’s class.
Students have the opportunity for a three-year path to residency, or an optional fourth year which offers combined master’s degree or graduate certificate programs, intense clinical immersion, or focused research. Defining features of the curriculum include the Human Dimension, a longitudinal course which pairs students with people out in the community to foster real-world clinical skills outside a hospital or doctor’s office.
The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine was the first private medical school created in New Jersey in more than 50 years when welcomed its first class of students in 2018 to the On3 campus.
Photos Courtesy of CareOne
Above, Carol Ann Harris, CareOne Resident and former teacher, takes her
desk in John Walker Middle School. Left, from
BPD officers go on a field trip
Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department
Officers from the Belleville Police Department accompanied more than 200 children from the Belleville Summer Camp program on a field trip to Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. The officers were there to ensure the safety of the large group and staff, monitoring activities, providing security, and standing ready to address any emergencies or concerns.
NJ Transit offers special deals for students heading to class
Students heading back to class this fall on NJ Transit’s bus, rail or light rail systems can get 60% savings during the semester on fares with the Student Pass discount program and Buy 3 Months, Get 1 Month Free promotion.
The Student Pass, in partnership with participating regional colleges and universities, offers full-time and part-time commuting students a 25% discount off an already-discounted monthly rail, bus or light rail pass when purchased via the NJ Transit mobile app.
In addition to the 25% Student Pass discount, NJ Transit will also welcome back students with the continuation of its Buy 3 Months, Get 1 Month Free promotion.
To qualify, a student at a partner college or university must buy a student monthly pass via the NJ Transit mobile app for three consecutive months: September, October, and November of 2024. They will then receive a December pass in their account for free, according to a press release from NJ Transit.
For a student to be eligible, a school must offer Student Pass registration via their student portal and verify a student’s eligibility each semester.
Once verified, Student Pass will appear each month as a ticket option during NJ Transit’s usual monthly pass purchase period, beginning on the 19th of the pre-
ceding month through the 10th of the travel month.
After the third qualifying purchase, a monthly pass good for the month of December 2024 will appear during the December monthly pass purchase window.
The free month’s pass will be equal to the lowest-priced purchase made in the previous three months and is valid for December 2024 use only.
The free December 2024 pass is nonrefundable and non-transferable, the release said.
College students attending NJ Transitapproved post-secondary schools, colleges, and universities can complete an application to purchase a printed rail monthly pass at a 25-percent discount from rail ticket offices.
Applications must be verified by the respective school/college. This offer is available only for a rail pass, the release said.
For a list of participating colleges and universities and information on how your school can participate, please visit https://www.njtr
Nutley UNICO celebrates Chistms Eve in July with 7 fish dinner
UNICO members with guests include Robert Belcuore, seated on the left in the front and Carol Ricci, seated and second from right. Standing UNICO members include Dan Marucci, Linda Forgione, Cathy Marucci, Lorraine Belcuore, Dan Carnicella, Dr. Louis J.Crupi.
Nutley UNICO held their first event of the fiscal year on Thursday, July 18 at Mamma Vittoria for their traditional Christmas Eve in July event. With nearly 100 attendees, the event highlighted the seven fishes Italians customarily serve on Christmas Eve. Also on the menu were homemade Biscotti and Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) made by Cathy Marucci and Marie Solimo. Dan Marucci and the kitchen staff at Mamma Vittoria’s culinary talents were also a highlight, according to people at the event.
UNICO National is the largest Italian American Service Organization in the USA with more than 100 years of “Service Above Self.” The Nutley Chapter of UNICO has been promoting and preserving its Italian Heritage since 1959.
member Pasquare Pisani, standing in the center, with family and friends.
Welcome back to school
UNICO Member Sal Fiordilino, third from left, and Joe Cervasio, seated fourth from left, with their guests.
UNICO
UNICO Members, standing from left, James Mauro, Amy Celento, Rich Rubino and Sal Corvino, seated, with their guests.
Photos Courtesy of Nutley UNICO
Buccaneers dominate opponents, finish 12-0 Hackensack Meridian doctors featured on Nutley podcast
The Belleville Buccaneers, a close-knit team of a dozen 11-year-olds, emerged as the class of the United States Amateur Baseball League through their uncommon dedication.
In the spring and summer seasons, spanning March through July, the Bucs had only five days without a game or practice.
Even when Coach William Canon would offer the players a day off, they insisted on showing up and running through an intense practice.
“After a long week and hot summer days, I’ll say, ‘OK, your parents probably want a day off,’ “ Canon said. “They’ll say, ‘No way!’ “
Their commitment resulted in a 12-0 record in the summer season, culminating with a 7-4 victory over Chatham in the championship game. The Bucs outscored their opponents, 97-21, during the summer season.
The summer championship came after the Bucs captured the state title in the spring. They won all 12 games, outscoring their opponents, 125-18. Those 18 runs given up by Bucs pitching were the fewest among the 178 teams in the state.
As much as the past five months have been about learning the finer points of, say, a rundown play or a squeeze bunt, the focus has also been on shaping young men through lessons in good sportsmanship and teamwork.
For instance, when the Bucs defeated
The Belleville Buccaneers 11-year-olds enjoyed a stellar season this spring and summer.
Chatham, they almost immediately lined up for the postgame handshake with the players on the opposing team. Then, the Buccaneer players dutifully ran through their customary postgame sprints in the outfield.
“The coaches on the other teams remarked that they were impressed by the team’s maturity,” Canon said. “After their sprints, they finally did celebrate. They’re kids, after all.”
Kids, and local celebrities, too.
In fact, Mason Acevedo, Dante Armstrong, Justin Browne, Bobby Canon, John “JP” Canon, Ethan Cordero, Brandon Garcia, Chris Mejia, Isaiah Ramirez, Jace Silva, Lawrence Vanderbly and
The August episode of the Inside Nutley Podcast features recent Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine graduate and lifelong Nutley resident Dr. Nick Cozzarelli along with Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp, dean of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
Host Thomas Greco brings you inside the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine through the eyes of Cozzarelli, a Nutley native who shares his journey from Spring Garden to Hackensack Meridian; and Boscamp, an integral figure in bringing the school to Nutley and overseeing what has become one of the leading medical schools in the country.
The “Inside Nutley” Podcast is available on iTunes, Soundcloud and the Township of Nutley Facebook page.
MONTCLAIR
STATE UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR AUDIOLOGY 1515 Broad St., Bloomfield, New Jersey
Comprehensive audiological services for adults and children; free hearing screenings.
• Low-cost Hearing Evaluations
• Hearing Aid Sales and Services
• Auditory Processing Disorder Testing
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• Custom Ear Molds and Hearing Protectors
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Call 973-655-3934 or email: csdclinic@montclair.edu to schedule an appointment. Visit montclair.edu/aud for more information.
Elena Kagan Weitz, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA Clinical Preceptor and Director of Hearing Aid Services NJ State Audiology License #41YA00091600
Photo Courtesy of Belleville Twp.
Photo Courtesy of Nutley Twp.
From left, Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp and Dr. Nick Cozzarelli, who are featured on\ the Nutley Podcast.
Photo Courtesy of Belleville Police Department
The Belleville Police Department ran Operation Chill this summer. Officers kept an eye out for kids doing positive things and rewarded them with coupons for free Slurpees from 7-Eleven. Positive activities that were rewarded included wearing helmets while biking or skateboarding, walking dogs, cashing in summer reading points, washing cars and playing with grandpa. This was the third year the department has done Operation Chill with officers on routine patrols, looking for good deeds and acts of kindness.
Clear pathway created for ECC students transfering to NJCU
A transfer agreement ensuring a seamless transition from Essex County College to New Jersey City University was signed by the presidents of both institutions in a ceremony earlier this month.
The signing, held on Essex County College’s (ECC) Newark campus, will help ensure a clear pathway for students to first earn an associate degree followed by a bachelor’s degree and beyond, said ECC’s President Augustine A. Boakye.
“This is an agreement that brings two outstanding institutions together who have similar goals and missions. We believe that everyone should have access to a quality higher education at an affordable price,” said Boakye.
“Today we are executing a plan that will not only support both our institutions, but the communities that we serve.”
Boakye said this agreement is one more way that the college can help students first graduate from Essex County College, then continue to grow and succeed.
New Jersey City University (NJCU) Interim President Andres Acebo concurred.
“This agreement will be our collective legacy, a program that has been championed through by our concerted efforts,” Acebo said.
There will be nearly 40 majors that students moving from ECC to NJCU can pur-
sue at little or no cost, Acebo said.
The state Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program covers the tuition and approved educational fees for eligible community college students which their remaining aid doesn’t pay, according to a press release from ECC.
At the four-year institution level, the state’s Garden State Guarantee (GSG) program covers the cost of tuition and fees that are not already covered by federal and state financial aid or other scholarships, the release said
Under the terms of the agreement, both institutions will establish procedures for the sharing of campus resources and student support services. The program will be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure its effectiveness, the release said.
New Jersey State Assemblywoman Carmen Morales, a former ECC Board of Trustees member, said “today marks a significant milestone in education. We are making higher education more accessible and affordable. We are strengthening the community and building a greater New Jersey.”
The transfer agreement is for five years.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., a graduate of NJCU when it was Jersey City State College, said the agreement will greatly benefit students.
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The Nutley Chamber of Commerce
Represents businesses, professional and civic organizations with a wide variety of enterprises, working together to promote economic development. Join the Nutley Chamber of Commerce.
Join 200+ Local Business Owners, Professionals, and Civic Organizations. Working Together to Improve the Economic Growth of Our Township 973-667-5300 or chamber@nutleychamber.com
One of NJ’s Large Single Municipality Chambers www.nutleychamber.com FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN LOVE NUTLEY – SHOP NUTLEY Together, we can make a difference.
Nutley residents on Dean’s List at Lehigh University
Matt Cugliari and Declan O'Driscoll, both of Nutley, made the Dean's List in Spring 2024 at Lehigh University. This status is granted to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.
Sofia Ruiz makes Dean’s List at Leigh University
Sofia Ruiz, of Belleville, made the Dean's List in Spring 2024 at Lehigh University. This status is granted to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.
Kuczek gradates from McPherson College
Joshua Kuczek, of Nutley, graduated from McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas, with a bachelor of science degree in automotive restoration: management.
Paggao graduates from Albany College in May
Jaenna Paggao, of Belleville, graduated with a doctor of pharmacy from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on May 11. The ceremony was hosted at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs.
Almestica makes the Dean’s List at Centenary
MacKenzie Almestica, of Belleville, made the Dean’s List at Centenary University. To achieve this honor, full-time students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.8 or above and complete a minimum of 12 semester credits.
Villanueva makes the Dean’s List at Emerson
Severino Villanueva, of Nutley, who is majoring in media arts production and is a member of the Class of 2025,made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester at Emerson College in Boston. The requirement to make the Dean's List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester. .
Pomponio
makes Dean’s List at Emerson
Alana Pomponio, of Nutley, who is majoring in communication disorders and is a member of the Class of 2026, made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester at Emerson College in Boston. The requirement to make the Dean's List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester..
Santos on Dean’s List at Emerson College
Brianna Santos, of Belleville, earned Dean's List list honors from Emerson College for the Spring 2024 Semester. Santos is majoring in business creative enterprises and is a member of the Class of 2027.
Snoha makes Dean’s List at University of Wisconsin
Sofia Snoha, of Nutley, studying in the College of Letters and Science, made the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the spring semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Nutley residents graduate from Hofstra University
Nutley residents Monica Faltas, who studied creative arts therapy counseling and Alexa McNulty, who studied public relations, graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., this spring.
McAloon makes the Dean’s List at DeSales
Gia McAloon, majoring in nursing, made the Spring 2024 Dean's List at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa.. To qualify for Dean's List, a student must have a minimum 3.50 GPA on no fewer than 12 credit hours.
Millerick enrolls early at University of Alabama
Grace Millerick, a Nutley resident who attends Nutley High School, was enrolled in the University of Alabama Early College for the spring semester of 2024 and named to the director’s list. The director's list recognizes students enrolled in classes through the UA Early College program who have an academic record of 3.6 or higher. UA Early College allows high school students to get a head start on their college courses.
Nutley residents make Dean’s List at Alabama
Jack Bumpus and Melanie Bumpus, of Nutley, were named to the Deans List at the University of Alabama. Melanie Bumpus also received a bachelor of arts in communication and information sciences degree during spring commencement ceremonies.
Granelli makes Dean’s List, graduates from Bucknell University
Shannon Granelli, of Nutley, graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., this spring with a B.A. in English -literary studies. Granelli also made the Dean’s List for the spring semester.
Nutley residents make the Dean’s List at Bucknell
Nutley Residents Bella Guzman, who is studying psychology, and Meghan Tran, who is studying finance, made the dean's list at Bucknell University for outstanding academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean's list recognition.
Silva make’s Dean’s List at Champlain College
Joaquim Silva, of Nutley, was named to the Champlain College Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester. students on the Dean's List have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher during the semester. Silva is currently majoring in accounting.
Ingles makes Dean’s List at Champlain College
Jonathan Ingles, of Belleville, was named to the Champlain College President's List for the Spring 2024 semester. Students on the President's List have achieved a grade point average of 4.0 or higher during the semester. Ingles is majoring in game design.
Nutley residents make Dean’s List at Quinnipiac
Nutley residents Adriana Hotsko and Ella Romonowski, were named to the dean's list for the spring 2024 semester at Quinnipiac University.
Forlenza
named to
Dean’s List at Emmanuel College
Emmanuel College in Boston has named Emanuel Forlenza of Nutley to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 Semester. To earn a spot on the Dean's List, Emmanuel students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16credit semester.
Bruggermann makes Dean’s List at Scranton
Justin M. Bruggemann, of Nutley, a junior biochemistry major, made the University of Scranton's Dean's List for the 2024 spring semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean's List.
Vazquez makes Dean’s List at Scranton
Joseph T. Vazquez, of Nutley, a junior psychology major, made the University of Scranton's Dean's List for the 2024 spring semester.
Connors makes the Dean’s List at Scranton
Ethan Connors, of Nutley, a senior advertising/public relations major, made the University of Scranton's Dean's List for the 2024 spring semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean's List.
Nutley residents make the Dean’s List at TCNJ
The following students from Nutley were named the Dean's List at The College of New Jersey for the spring 2024 semester. To achieve this honor, a student must carry 12 or more credits that semester and earn a 3.5 (or above) grade point average: Zachary Cagiao, s biology major, Rachel Echevarria, a kinesiology and health sciences major, Zachary Mackiewicz, a music education major, Brian McCormack, an economics major, Madison Netzke, a prespeech-lang path and audiology major, Jenna Pomponio, a biology major, EthanMichael Ramos, a music education major, Mia Scutti, a psychology major, Nicholas Serafino, a biology major, Abigail Thurston, a special education major, Sophy Vuong, a biology major, and Rebecca Wechter, a journalism major.
Belleville residents make the Dean’s List at TCNJ
The following students from Belleville were named the Dean's List at The College of New Jersey for the spring 2024 semester: Jazailis Gual, a communication studies major, and Sebastian Hernandez, a finance major.
Flores makes Dean’s List at Baldwin Wallace
Valeria Flores, of Nutley, majoring in music theater, has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.
Nutley resident studies in Costa Rica for summer
Alexandra Wasko, of Nutley, is one of more than 40 Lebanon Valley College students studying away this summer as part of the college's study abroad program. Wasko, a graduate of Nutley High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in neuroscience and traveled to Costa Rica this summer. This four-week summer program is offered to students in any major who have an interest in broadening their Spanish language and Hispanic cultural knowledge.
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To place your free listing, send information to the editor at essexcty@thelocalsource.com or at 1291 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083. Faxes may be sent to 908-686-0401.
COMEDY
DUBLIN-BORN COMEDIAN DAVID NIHILL comes to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, One Center St., Newark. Tickets are $29.50 to $49.50 at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN ELON GOLD COMES TO NJPAC on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. NJPAC Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $49.50 at www.njpac.org.
PODCAST DUO HANNAH BERNER & PAIGE
DESORBO BRING THEIR CLUB GIGGLY SHOW TO NJPAC on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $79.50 at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN MICHAEL BLAUSTEIN, HOST OF THE STIFF SOCKS PODCAST COMES TO NJPAC on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN ALI SIDDIQ “I GOT A STORY TO TELL” at NJPAC on Friday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, One Center Street, Newark. Tickets $31 to $56 at www.njpac.org.
MAZ JOBRANI BRINGS HIS MR. INTERNATIONAL TOUR TO NJPAC on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49 at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN AND ACTOR VIR DA BRINGS HIS MIND FOOL TOUR TO NJPAC on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $59.50 at: www.NJPAC.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
BRAZILIAN, COMEDIAN, RAFI BASTOS BRINGS HIS UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY TOUR
to NJPAC on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, One Center St. Tickets are $39.50 to $45.50 at www.njpac.org.
STANDUP COMEDIAN, ACTOR, AND AUTHOR JOSH WOLF BRINGS HIS HIGH ON LIFE TOUR to NJPAC on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $33.50 to $53.50 at www.njpac.org.
DANCE
CHERISH THE LADIES CELTIC CHRISTMAS on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m., UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St. Rahway. Phone, (732) 499-8226
LECTURES
THE DURAND-HEDDEN HOUSE & GARDEN WILL HOST GUEST LECTURER GREGORY AN EVENING WITH RICHARD DAWKINS AND FRIENDS on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. Dawkins, the world-renowned evolutionary biologist, author, and public intellectual, brings his tour to New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets $49.50 - $97.50 at www.njpac.org.
HILLARY CLINTON LIVE, celebrating the release of her new book ”Something Lost, Something Gained,” Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
LIZ CHENEY TO SPEAK AT NJPAC IN NEWARK on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center St., Newark. Tickets $49.00 to $109 at: www.NJPAC.org or Box Office 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: SCIENCE AS A WAY OF KNOWING on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 3 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50$99.50 at www.njpac.org.
MUSIC
ACCLAIMED PIANIST ANNE TAFFEL will give a solo recital at the Ethical Culture Society on Friday, Sept. 6. The concert is a preview of her new program entitled “From Mozart to Gershwin with Love,” which she will present in Vienna in October. The Ethical Culture Society of Essex County, 516 Prospect St., Maplewood. For more information, call 973.763.1905 or check out essexethical.org.
SINGER-SONGWRITER AND ROCK LEGEND
BOB MOULD gives a solo performance on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m., at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way South Orange. Ticket are $35 to $45 at https://sopacnow.my.salesforce-sites.com/
SPYRO GYRA BRINGS THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR to Union County Performing Arts Center, Hamilton Stage, Saturday, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., 360 Hamilton St., Rahway. Tickets at https://ucpac.org. Phone, (732) 499-8226. THE EMPRESS OF SOUL GLADYS KNIGHT RETURNS TO NJPAC on Friday, Sept 27, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $59.50 to $139.50 and available at: www.NJPAC.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
MUSICIAN AND COMPOSER HERBIE HANCOCK comes to NJPAC on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $69 to $149 at ww.njpac.org
THE RASCALS 2024 PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE TOUR on Friday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. UCPAC
Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. For tickets, phone (732) 499-8226 or go to https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/51028324/the-rascals2024-people-got-to-be-free-tour-rahwayucpac-main-stage.
“RICK WAKEMAN – FINAL SOLO TOUR AN EVENING OF YES MUSIC AND OTHER FAVORITES” on Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 p.m., UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets, call (732) 499-8226.
FADO SINGER MARIZA BRINGS THE DRAMA TO NJPAC on Friday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets available at: www.NJPAC.org or at 888.GO.NJPAC
WORSHIP CALENDAR
BAPTIST
B R OOKDALE C H R ISTIA N C HU RC H , 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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
(888.466.5722). Price $39.50 to $99.50.
DAMIEN ESCOBAR AND KIM WATERS PERFORM on Friday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets available by calling (732) 499-8226.
THE ROBERT CRAY BAND – GROOVIN’ 50 YEARS on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m., Union County Performing Arts Center, Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets at (732) 499-8226 or upac.org.
SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTRESS, AND AUTHOR LEANN RIMES is scheduled to appear on the Kean Stage at Kean University on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Ave., Union. Visit keanstage.com for tickets and more information.
JAZZ ROCKER CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA TAKES TO THE STAGE AT NJPAC on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 3 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets $69 at www.njpac.org.
ORCHESTRA OF ST. PETER BY THE SEA HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, Nov. 30 at 3 p.m., UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St. Rahway. Phone, (732) 499-8226
SMOKEY ROBINSON RETURNS FOR AN INTIMATE EVENING PERFORMING HIS MOTOWN HITS at NJPAC on Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St. Tickets are $49.50 to $169.50 and available at www.NJPAC.org or Box Office 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
BROADWAY STAR MANDY GONZALEZ to perform a wide array of beloved holiday standards, including "Feliz Navidad," "All I Want for Christmas is You," and "Into the Unknown" from Disney's Frozen II, on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. Tickets at https://www.sopacnow.org/
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50 - $109.50; NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center Street, Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
NEFESH MOUNTAIN BRINGS THEIR THE LOVE & LIGHT TOUR to the South Orange Performing
Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 pm. Tickets starting at $25. CHRISTMAS WITH CECE WINANS LIVE IN CONCERT AT NJPAC on Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St. Tickets $49.50 to $129.50 at www.NJPAC.org or Box Office 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
THE CHAPIN FAMILY WILL BRING THE SONGS OF HARRY CHAPIN TO LIFE IN “HARRY CHAPIN’S GREATEST STORIES LIVE” at Wilkins Theatre on Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m., 1000 Morris Ave., Union. Tickets can be purchased online at keanstage.com or by contacting the Box Office at (908) 737-7469.
OPERA
AN EVENING OF OPERA’S MOST TREASURED MASTERPIECES presented by New Jersey Opera Theater on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. (NOTE, the performance of Opera Gems originally scheduled for Friday, April 5 has been postponed to Saturday, Sept. 21. Tickets for April 5 will be honored for the new date. Email boxoffice@ucpac.org or call 732-499-8226 with any questions.) UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Phone, (732) 499-82 AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS 2024: NEW JERSEY OPERA THEATER at UCPAC on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Phone (732) 499-8226.
THEATER
SCOTT ORGAN’S “DIVERSION” will be performed by Premiere Stages at Kean University at the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, Vaughn Eames Hall, 1000 Morris Ave.,, Union. Selected as the winner of the 2023 Premiere Play Festival, “Diversion” runs Sept. 5 to Sept. 22, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays, Sept. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20. Tickets are $35 standard, $25 for senior citizens and Kean alumni and staff, $20 for
patrons with disabilities and $15 for students. Tickets for the Opening Night performance on Friday, Sept. 6 are $50 and include a reception. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 908-737-7469 or go to premierestagesatkean.com
"THE THORN," portrayal of the passion of Jesus, will be performed on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets can be purchased at NJPAC.org or by calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office.
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE (IN 35MM) Thursday, Sept. 19, doors open at 6 p.m. with organ Concert on “Biggest Little Wurlitzer” at 6:30 p.m. The film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets: $13; Day of Show: $18. UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway.
SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE LIVE IN CONCERT at NJPAC, Sunday, Sept. 22, NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $29 to $69 at www.njpac.org.
SILENT MOVIE DAY 2024 CELEBRATION featuring Laurel & Hardy in “Habeas Corpus” and Buster Keaton in “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” with organ accompaniment by Ian Fraser on the “Biggest Little Wurlitzer” on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Tickets: $13; Day of Show: $18, call (732) 499-8226. UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway.
LUCIE ARNAZ CELEBRATES A LIFE ON STAGE, looking back at some of the roles she has had on stages throughout the world. With anecdotes and fond memories about her co-stars, directors and musical collaborators, Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Ave., Hillside, on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
TANGO LOVERS PERFORMS THEIR SHOW
“VOLVER 2” at Wilkins Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. “Volver 2,” 1000 Morris Ave, Union. Tickets can be purchased online at keanstage.com or by contacting the Box Office at (908) 737-7469.
THE ITALIAN CHICKS, a blend of comedy, music, storytelling, and dancing, transporting the audience to a place where the joy of shared moments takes center stage, perform on Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m. at at Union County Performing Arts Center, Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton St., Rahway.
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 3 p.m. at NJPAC Prudential
Hall, 1 Center St., Newark, New Jersey. Audiences will immerse themselves in a two-hour odyssey with a live orchestra bringing the show’s iconic musical score to life. Tickets are $29 to $69 at www.njpac.org
“METROPOLIS” WITH ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT by Ian Fraser on the “biggest little Wurlitzer” on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13 in advance and $18 on the day of show. A screening of Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic “Metropolis,” a visually stunning silent film with organ accompaniment. WRITER AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST NIKKI GIOVANNI PRESENTS HER POETRY WITH MUSICIANS JAVON JACKSON AND CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets $25 to $35 at www.njpac.org.
SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTIVIST AND POET JOAN BAEZ PRESENTS HER POETRY on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $25 to $35 at www.njpac.org.
XTREME QUEEN, THE LEGACY OF FREDDIE MERCURY at Drew University Concert Hall, Madison, on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. Xtreme Queen’s concerts are an immersive multimedia experience; a blend of music and visual artistry, uniting fans in a shared chorus of anthems like “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You.” Tickets available online @ xtremeQueenatDrew.eventbrite.com or call GDP@ 917-567-5842
SWING WITH THE RAT PACK and immerse yourself in a musical extravaganza that resurrects the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Marilyn Monroe. At The Concert Hall at Drew University in Madison, on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets at TheRatPackatDrew.Eventbrite.com or call 917-567-5842.
CIRQUE KALABANTÉ PRESENTS “AFRIQUE EN CIRQUE” at Wilkins Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Afrique en Cirque is a show by Yamoussa Bangoura, inspired by daily life in Guinea. This performance shares the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture. Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Ave, Union Tickets can be purchased online at keanstage.com.
Photo club plans ‘Show and Tell’ meeting IN MEMORIAM
The Essex Photo Club will hold its first meeting of the new season on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and it will be an in-person only meeting at the United Methodist Church, 8 Academy Road, Caldwell.
It will be a “Show and Tell” opportunity for members to exhibit photos taken during the summer, according to a press release from the club, which said there would be no judging, just fun showing and telling.
On Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m.,, there will be an in-person only meeting at the United Methodist Church as the club returns to its monthly competitions of projected images.
They will be judged by Jennifer Dooley who will critique and rate the digital images. Dooley is an accomplished photographer with a keen eye for capturing incredible glimpses of humanity, nature, and color, the release said.
She has been a judge for 8 years and when she judges she considers the subject and has a keen eye that always gravitates towards graphic shapes, patterns, perspective and leading lines which are found everywhere and in everything in the photo. She is an astutely qualified NJFCC judge, a member of Monmouth Camera club and active in the Camera Naturalist Photo Club.
Club members will submit pictorial and nature images on the beginner, intermediate and salon levels of photography. For the first time, however, the club will combine the judging of a new category, Creative Pictorial Competition, for all levels. This is an excellent opportunity to learn what makes a great competitive image, the release said.
For more information visit www.essexphotoclub.org, visit Facebook, or call Catherine Kuzik-Fernandez at 862-485-7474.
• BEREZNAK – Sheilah A., of Scotch Plains, formerly of Belleville; June 29. Used to work in insurance. Wife, mother, sister, 70.
• CARUSO – Edward Roger, of Belleville; Aug. 17. U.S. Marine Corps veteran, police investigator and detective. Husband, father, grandfather, 82.
• DUKE – Kenneth Vincent, of Nutley; June 15. Army veteran. Captain of Nutley Auxiliary Police Department. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 87.
• GALIFI – Josephine C., of Nutley; Aug. 13. Mother, sister, grandmother, cousin, 75.
• GUMENY – Eirik A., of Nutley; July 8. Book writer. Published several sci-fi adventure books. Member of the Knights of Columbus. Husband, brother, 43.
• HACKER – Elizabeth A., of West Caldwell, formerly of Belleville, Cedar Grove; July 23. Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 101.
• LESLIE – Claudette Angela, of Belleville; June 7. Wife, mother, grandmother, 68.
• PANLONE – Marguerite “Peggy,” of Allentown, Pa., formerly of Belleville; Aug. 15. Nurse’s aide. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 96.
• PASQUARIELLO – Marie A., of Verona, formerly of Belleville and Bedminster; Aug. 9. Worked at Riker Danzig Law Firm, Morristown. Widow, grand aunt, 92.
• PETRAITIS – Daniel James, of Avon-by-the-Sea, formerly of Franklin Township, Hawthorne, Kearny and Belleville; June 14. Brother, uncle, 43.
• RUFFO – Esther Ruth, of Nutley; June 10. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, 96.
• SCHWEIKERT – Mary Rita, of Verona, formerly of North Arlington, Nutley and Hackettstown; Aug. 6. Director, Palisades General Hospital. Wife, mother, 81.
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. LIKE
healthy living
Local songwriter releases new single
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
Rosanna O’Brien, a songwriter and musician from Nutley, just released a new single, “Capture the Flag.”
It’s a song about hope, optimism, reassurance, and communing with our past selves.
O’Brien, who performs under the moniker Roe Knows Best, calls the song “a letter written to our younger selves with the promise that despite the unavoidable turbulence of youth, everything that seems insurmountable and impossible will work itself out in the end.”
“I thought it turned out beautifully,” said O’Brien. “In quiet moments, that’s when melodies come to me. It came out of nowhere. It started to evolve and grow.”
O’Brien is nearly a lifelong resident of
Nutley, moving to the town when she was just 3 years old. And, she said she always had a connection to music. Her mom played violin in high school, and she had a great aunt who played mandolin.
“There’s a VHS tape where my mom is singing me Christmas carols and my jaw is open like it’s the greatest thing I ever heard in my life,” she said. “I felt so drawn to it [music]. Whatever cassettes were in the car. I have distinct memories of Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, ‘Rumors.’ I remember loving them to this day.”
O’Brien began taking music lessons at a very young age—from kindergarten. “My ear began developing through lessons,” she said.
But by the time she was 13 or 14, it was a struggle to practice. However, inspired by pop punk bands like Green Day and
Good Charlotte, O’Brien was “blown away.” Her parents got her a cheap acoustic guitar. She never took a lesson, yet her ear training developed from all the years of piano classes. “I really credit ‘American Idiot’ by Green Day,” she said. “I must play guitar.”
As for her own music, O’Brien describes it as “pop punk or indie, rock adjacent, indie rock inspired.” But as for her messaging, she just tries to carry herself as an authentic person. “Songwriting as a ‘pay it forward’ perspective,” she said. “Bands and artists helped me throughout my life. I’m clearly writing from a standpoint, ‘What do I have a need to get out and say?’ I’m connecting to someone else as well, hoping that I can help others in the process too. Life is really difficult. There’s emotional ups and downs with every day. I love that sense of community that music brings.”
O’Brien graduated from Ramapo College in 2013 with a degree in music. In May of 2020, O’Brien released the “Muscle Memory” EP, followed by the “Northbound” EP in July 2022, which was recorded and mixed by Ace Enders of The Early November and I Can Make A Mess.
In October 2022, O’Brien opened for The Early November and Vinnie Caruana at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park. “That was the biggest venue I played,” she said. “How legendary for New Jersey lore. The Stone Pony was a pinnacle point.”
Though O’Brien also has a day job, her career in music certainly has its moments.
“Even if I sell a shirt at a show, it’s a beautiful thing,” she said. “It means I hopefully connected with them (the audience) on some level. It’s certainly always a work in progress. One summer I read a book on lyric writer. What can I be doing better? Education is a work in progress.”
When O’Brien isn’t working on music, she loves to read. She’s currently re-reading “The Princess Diaries.”
“Capture the Flag ended up being a song about connecting your inner child,” she said. “What would you say to your younger self? It’s similar fashion. That’s the vibe lately.”
Visit Roe Knows Best at: https://roeknowsbest.com/
Garden Party will raise funds for NFSB
NUTLEY — The Garden Party will return to the Mountsier-Hardie Garden on Sept. 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The party is the largest fundraiser of the year for Nutley Family Service Bureau, the 111-year old non-profit organization which provides mental health counseling, a food pantry, case management, and other social services to the area.
The event will be catered by Nutley restaurant Mamma Vittoria, with other restaurants also contributing, according to a press release from organizers.
Several entertainers are donating their talents to the event, including:
• Sheldrake Lukas, an opera and classical singer;
• The Sebek Tenors, a Nutley-based singing group;
• Xandt Wyntreez, a poet and spoken word artist;
• Mina Greiss Band, a Nutley-based pop and soul band;
• Ian Frobose Trio, a Nutley-based jazz band featuring Vince Villanueva and Thaddeus Expose;
• Pete Contini, a Nutley native and Sticky Wickets member, playing guitar and singing;
• Jerome Bongiorno, playing jazz guitar;
• Karen Trindle, a harpist.
NFSB Trustees Taji Karim-Reisch and Jennifer Boyes will serve as event cochairs.
The Mountsier-Hardie Garden was designed by landscape architect Richard Hartlage and is owned by Silas Mountsier and Graeme Hardie.
The two-acre space is generally not open to the public and features grand views, areas of reflection, design sculptures, and hundreds of exceptional foliage and flower varietals. . Mountsier and Hardie have been steadfast supporters of Nutley Family Service Bureau for many years.
Tickets and sponsorships are on-sale now at www.NutleyFamily.org. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. There is a VIP ticket option of $150 which includes early entry, a gift bag, and preevent reception.
Photo Courtesy Rosanna O’Brien
Rosanna O’Brien, a Nutley resident, recently released a single ‘Capture the Flag.’
Nutley Raiders seek to build off last year’s
By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor
For the Nutley High School football program, last season saw the Raiders make dramatic improvements by the end of year, under the guidance of first-year head coach Chris Helm.
It’s now Year 2 for Helm and he has reason to feel excited, as the Raiders return a strong core, looking to continue their progress. “I thought last year was a very good year for us in Year 1,” said Helm on Tuesday morning, Aug. 13, following the second official day of practice at Tangorra Field/Park Oval. “We had a lot of things to change, and by the time midseason came, we were a different team.”
The Raiders, indeed, came a long way during last season. In the opener, they lost to West Milford, 37-0. But when they battled Wayne Valley in a tight game in the eighth game of the year, the Raiders made quite an impression, despite the 27-7 loss.
“The ultimate compliment was when we played Wayne Valley and it was a one-score game with six minutes left,” said Helm, a 2001 NHS graduate and former standout Raider running back-linebacker. “The officiating crew that was on that game was on our first game versus West Milford, and they couldn’t believe it was the same (Nutley) team. So that just showed we had a lot of growth during the year, especially with young kids. It’s never easy, but they bought in and are doing a great job.”
The Raiders ended the season on a
high note, winning their final two games to finish 3-7.
This year’s team has strong depth, with 91 players in the program.
Helm has been delighted with the leadership of his seniors, particularly the three senior captains who are returnees: quarterback Clark Mohrbutter, running backdefensive end Tyler Von Roth and twoway lineman Dom Farro.
Von Roth and Farro were first-team picks on the All–Super Football Conference–Patriot White Division last year, as selected by the divisional coaches.
All of the seniors have led by example for the younger players, most of whom are also experienced. “It’s a good jell going on,” Helm said.
Von Roth and sophomore returning running back Aidan Rotbaum will power the ground game. Leading the wide receiving group will be Jaylyn Caraballo, a talented returning junior who made all-division honorable mention, and junior Jeremiah Tirado, who is back after missing last year due to a knee injury. Tirado also will anchor a strong secondary unit as a safety.
Along with Farro, the offensive line
returns seniors Matt Serritella, Justin Bido, Gerard Russo, Sander Boissard and brothers Gerald and Andrew Santangelo; and junior Josh Selgado. Led by Tirado in the secondary and Von Roth at end, the Raiders have a stout defense. The linebacking unit particularly is formidable, with Rotbaum, juniors Santino Cundiff and Sean Vilchez, Boissard and Gerald Santangelo. Rotbaum, as a freshman, made the all-division second team last season.
Helm said the goals for the team are to
Photos by Joe Ragozzino
At left, the Raiders get ready to begin a play, while head coach Chris Helm, at right, watches during the second day of official practice on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Tangorra Field/Park Oval.
HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL
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win the Patriot White Division, qualify for the playoffs and play for a championship. Some observers may think that the Raiders are not quite there yet. But with continued hard work and focus, those goals are attainable. “If we stay healthy and we stay the course, I think a lot of people are going to be pleasantly surprised by the result. I know a lot of people feel we are a few years away. But we’re not worried about other people,” Helm said. “The kids are buying into themselves and getting better every day.”
With Belleville moving to the SFC–Ivy White Division, the Raiders will not face their longtime rival for the first time since 2019. They had met every year since 1944, except for just three seasons (2016, 2017 and 2019). Nutley had won 12 straight meetings and 23 of the past 24 meetings since 1997. The teams played on Columbus Day weekend for nearly 40 years. The game was then moved to Thanksgiving from 1984 to 2011. Nutley played Belleville in its season opener from 2012 to 2015. The teams played on Thanksgiving again in 2020, but the last three seasons, the meetings did not fall on the holiday. The two Ivy divisions comprise teams that have struggled to compete in recent years and are not eligible for the postseason.
Schedule
• Aug. 29: vs. River Dell, 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 6: at Bloomfield, 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 13: at Wayne Hills, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 19: vs. Passaic, 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 28: at West Essex, 1 p.m.
• Oct. 5: at Millburn, 4 p.m.
• Oct. 12: vs. West Milford, 1 p.m.
• Oct. 18: at Passaic Valley, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 25: vs. Caldwell, 6:30 p.m.
Photos by Joe Ragozzino
