Art student is honored
See Page 3
Impressive victory
See Page 10
A beautiful day to be Irish
The sky was clear and the streets were filled with people wearing green on Saturday, March 1, for the 46th annual Nutley Irish American St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The parade is organized and run by the Nutley Irish American Association with help from the township, which lit buildings and lamposts in green on parade eve, and Essex County, which painted a green stripe on the Franklin Avenue parade route. The sunny weather was a nice change from the 2024 parade which was held during a steady rain.
Nutley Irish American Association President Deidre Hollywood posted a note thanking all involved for their efforts and donations.
“The Officers, Trustees, and members of the Nutley Irish start planning and fundraising for the parade in August, and seeing the smiles of the spectators and marchers makes all the hard work worthwhile,” she said. “It was a beautiful day for a parade, and the energy of the crowd was electric.”
The day started with an Investiture Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's before the parade stepped off at Holy Family at 1 p.m. The parade route was down Harrison Avenue, before going north up Franklin Avenue and ending on Chestnut Street with the review stand in front of John Walker Middle School. A Post Parade Party was held at the Parks & Recreation on Park Avenue.
The grand marshal was John Kaufman, owner of CORE Physical Therapy, the deputy grand marshal was Kevin Smyth, a Washington School teacher and Nutley High School crew coach, the police officer of the year was Brendan Sim of the Belleville Police Department, the member of the year was Mary T. Darragh and the parade queen was Rachel May Hamilton.
The parade is a family tradition for many in town and this year’s roster of dignitaries showed it; Sim’s father, Scott Sim, was a grand marshal and his sister, Morgan Grande, was a parade queen. Hamilton is the daughter of a former grand marshal and sister of a deputy grand marshal.
The Nutley Irish American Association organizes the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which took place earlier this month. The grand marshal was John Kaufman, pictured right. See more pictures on page 2.
Photos by Steve Ellmore
Almost everybody was Irish for a few fun
hours
Photos by Steve Ellmore
Nutley doctor to be honored by Italian-American Societies of NJ
The Federation of Italian-American Societies of New Jersey will honor Nutley physician Dr. James V. Agresti with its president’s award at its 92nd anniversary dinner dance on April 5.
Federation President Cavaliere Pasquale Meola recently announced the plans for this year’s 92nd Anniversary Dinner Dance, which is to be held at Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Ave., East Hanover.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. to be followed by a full course dinner with an open bar and a Venetian Table. DJ Giuliano will provide music for dancing.
Each year the Federation honors distinguished Italian-Americans of achievement to bring attention to the outstanding contributions of Americans of Italian descent, according to a press release from the federation. In addition to Agresti, the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Angelo Bio and the 2025 Italian American Heritage Award will be presented to Vito Totino.
The 2025 Man of the Year will be presented to Salvatore Traina, president of the Sicilian Club of Bayonne. A 2025 Woman of the Year Award will be presented to Dr. Mary Jo DiMilia
The Federation will also present the 2025 Italian Business Leader Award to Pasquale Custode, of Ralph’s Pizzeria in Nutley. In addition, the 2025 Faithful Service Award will also be presented to Barbara and Bill Freda, who have been actively involved with the Federation for many years.
The 2025 Lisa’s Angel Award will be presented to Massiella Antonia Meola and Victor Galante III. The Lisa's Angel Award is presented annually to a child/grandchild of a member in memory of Lisabeth Meola, a young, energetic and dedicated member of the Federation.
Tickets are $125 per person and may be obtained in advance by calling Pasquale Meola at (973) 489-7002 or by calling Susan LaMorte at (201) 618-2903.
Chairperson for this year’s Annual Dinner Dance, Edie Peters Liguori, requests that all ticket purchases be returned to the Federation no later than March 25. There will be no refunds or tickets sold at the door.
The Federation of Italian-American Societies of New Jersey was founded in 1933 to assist and improve the quality of life of the Italians who came to America from Europe to become a lasting part of American Society.
Wrestling fundraiser planned for April in Nutley’s Parks and Recreation Center
NUTLEY — IWF Wrestling returns to Nutley for a live event on Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Center.
“IWF Unstoppable” will feature worldclass athletes locked in an intense competition of muscle and power to benefit Greater Nutley Cancer Foundation. Tickets are on sale at CampIWF.com.
Leading the path of destruction at the family-friendly extravaganza are Dark Oracle Sage, Master of Chaos Kevin Knight, Biggie Biggs, Supersonic KC Bonilla, The All-Americans Brian and Robert Atkins, First-Class Justin Adams, The Standard Bearer Chris Steeler, East Side Dave McDonald, American Bulldog Ken Reedy, Patrick Sanchez, Janko Sons, Prince Malcolm III, Ezon Leverett, AllStar Michele Dee, Skylar, and El Famoso Eloy Fiesta.
Unstoppable is presented by IWF Media with supporters that include Nutley Parks and Recreation Department, Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci, Ocean Beach Sales and Rentals in Lavallette, Titanium Laboratories in Nutley, Gary Marino of Rate.com in Nutley, Ryan Philip of Longbridge Financial in Bloomfield, and Nutley Chamber of Commerce.
As IWF celebrates its 28th Anniversary on April 12, fans will witness heated rivalries, high-flying maneuvers and fierce head-to-head battles for all the championships, according to a press
April 12.
release about the event.
The dedication of IWF fans, wrestlers, staff and sponsors have culminated in raising $51,978.90 for cancer charities since 2012, including $4,594.08 donated to Greater Nutley Cancer Foundation from Legends Rise event in April 2024, the release said.
Founded in 1998, award-winning IWF Wrestling produced 723 family-friendly live events and fundraisers, featuring WWE Hall of Famers and Legends, across 47 cities in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. For more info, visit IWF on social media @WrestlingIWF.
Nutley High School art student honored by state and township
The Nutley Board of Commissioners recently issued a proclamation honoring Alexis Hamlin, the first student from Nutley High School to be nominated for and receive the New Jersey Governor's Award in Arts Education.
Since 1980, the award has celebrated the remarkable artistic accomplishments of young individuals, honoring their dedication, talent, and excellence in the arts. The award is the highest honor a high school student can achieve in their field, showcasing Alexis’ extraordinary commitment, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence, while marking a significant achievement for both the school and the community.
“I am so proud this evening to offer this proclamation on behalf of the Board of Commissioners because we have a young lady who started with us as a very young child, and who has succeeded and has not only made herself and her family proud, but our entire Township as well,” said Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci, who sponsored the proclamation.
Alexis began her musical theatre journey many years ago within Nutley’s Parks and Recreation Department, according to a press release from the township..
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Alexis is an honor student at Nutley High School. She serves as troupe pres-
ident of the International Thespian Society and is an active member of both the Spanish Honors Society and the TriM Honors Society. Her accolades include the National Choral Award and being named section leader of the year.
“The Nutley community takes great pride in nurturing the arts and prioritizing creative and cultural development for future generations,” the proclamation stated. “We commend Alexis Hamlin for her outstanding achievements in both the arts and academics, offering our heartfelt congratulations on this monumental and well-deserved recognition. Her success serves as a source of inspiration to her peers and immense pride for the Nutley community. We eagerly anticipate her continued contributions to the arts and beyond.”
Alexis thanked the commissioners for the honor.
“First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank Commissioner Tucci,” she said. “My journey in music school theater began at Nutley Parks and Recreation and I am forever grateful for the amazing programs you've championed. Your dedication has created opportunities that have shaped my life and allowed me to discover my passion. As I continue my musical theater journey in college and beyond, I carry all of these incredible experiences, lessons and memories with me. Thank you again for this wonderful honor.”
Vincent Church holding Rummage Sale
or electronics.
People wishing to donate can bring items to the church during office hours, which are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or on Sundays after the worship service.
For additional information, please contact the church office.
Photo courtesy of Nutley Twp.
The Board of Commissioners recently honored student Alexis Hamlin. Pictured here, from left, are Commissioner Alphonse Petracco, Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli, Mayor John V. Kelly III, Alexis Hamlin, Commissioner Mauro Tucci, and Commissioner Tom Evans
Photo courtesy of IWF Wrestling Robert Atkins, pictured above, is expected to wrestle on
NUTLEY — Vincent Church will be holding a Rummage Sale the first weekend of April. The church is currently collecting gently used clothing for both adults and children, household items, toys, children’s items, jewelry and holiday items. The church is not collecting furniture
Book club, painting party, Mahjong Mondays, the library has it all
The Nutley Free Public Library will be hosting an exhibition of artwork from the Art Association of Rutherford through April 2025. Members of the Art Association work with a variety of media including oil, watercolor, photography, graphic design, sculpture, and mixed materials. A kaleidoscope of styles and subjects will be on display representing the various interests and passions of the members.
The following are events planned for the month of April.
Tuesday, April 1, 8, 15, 22 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. – Spring 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. Register at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m. – Friends Book Club – Open to All. - Join us for a discussion of the book “My Own Words” by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk. 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-bookclub. The library will then send you an email no later than one day before the event with Zoom login instructions.
Wednesday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 1 p.m. – Wednesday Afternoon Knit-
Trio
ters. 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. Bring your own supplies. This group meets every Wednesday. Wednesday, April 2 at 3 p.m. – Manga and Anime Club (Grades 6-12) – Try Japanese snacks, watch anime, discuss manga, and talk about other pop culture media with friends. No registration required.
Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. –Painting Party. Cherry Blossom Tree –Enjoy a fun and creative painting party led by Nutley’s own paint your own ceramic and art studio, Art on the Ave. They will guide as participants paint a cherry blossom tree scene using acrylic paints and canvas. In-person registration is required and limited to 20 Nutley adults, with a $20 deposit. This registration deposit will be refunded at the event, or if the participant cancels before March 29. Register at the Circulation Desk.
Wednesday, April 4, 11, 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Spring 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 September 4 at 10:00 a.m. at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
Saturday, April 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11:00 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. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
April 6 – 12 – Celebrate National Library Week – The Nutley Public Library will host special events for all ages all week long.
Monday, April 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10 a.m. – Mahjong Mondays – The Mahjong club meets on Monday mornings in the Periodical Room. The Mahjong board and tiles are provided though no instruction is provided, so you must know how to play. No registration required. Just come in and enjoy the game.
Monday, April 7 at 3 p.m. – Artitude – A new art-focused club for tweens
and teens. Work on a craft, learn a new art medium, practice your skills, or work on your own project with other art lovers. For all skill levels. Grades 6-12. While supplies last.
Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. – Vinyl Revival with Lance Jacobs – Did you know that we are in the midst of a resurgence of vinyl records? Are there hidden gems packed away in that cardboard box that could be worth hundreds or even thousands? Are you interested in knowing how to determine if a record you own is valuable? Join Lance Jacobs, vinyl record collector, and explore how to “read” a record. Participants are strongly encouraged to actively participate by bringing a record you think may have some value. A self described “junior Dylanologist,” Jacobs has been an avid vinyl record collector for many years. A longtime resident of Scotch Plains, Jacobs developed the VINYL REVIVAL presentation as a tribute to the Baby Boomers who, despite the advent of the CD, held on to the records of their youth.
April 9, 10, 11, 12 – 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 April Book Sale. Donation drop-off days will be April 5, 7, and 8 during Library hours. The sale days will be April 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See THE LIBRARY, Page 7
New
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs recently released data showing the average home price in each municipality and the amount that home paid in property taxes in 2024.
The highest average tax bill in Essex County was in Millburn, which was also second highest in the state. The average home in Millburn was listed at $1,282,294 with a tax bill of $25,407.
The lowest average tax bill in Essex County was in Newark where the average home was valued at $190,334 wit a tax bill of $7,238.
The state released the numbers after Gov. Phil Murphy introduced a $58.1 billion state budget proposal.
The following are the towns in Essex County, the average home price and the amount of taxes that home paid.
Belleville: $279,525; $11,273
Bloomfield: $354,446; $12,020
Caldwell: $426,385; $13,573
Cedar Grove: $477,582; $12,092
East Orange: $327,903; $10,298
Essex Fells: $943,438; $20,413
Fairfield: $539,753; $11,526
Glen Ridge: $672,540; $22,985
Irvington: $151,041; $9,360
Livingston: $721,238; $17,640
Maplewood: $804,789; $18,613
Millburn: $1,282,294; $25,407
Montclair: $635,770; $21,631
Newark: $190,334; $7,238
North Caldwell: $795,855; $17,965
Nutley: $491,883; $12,942
Orange: $317,671; $12,419
Roseland: $639,634; $11,541
South Orange: $879,423; $22,057
Verona: $434,575; $13,407
West Caldwell: $448,558; $12,271
West Orange: $336,878; $15,778
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Irish American Association says thank you
Dear Editor,
As the President of the Nutley Irish American Association, I just wanted to take a moment to thank the Township of Nutley for their support in this weekend's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The Officers, Trustees, and members of the Nutley Irish start planning and fundraising for the parade in August, and seeing the smiles of the spectators and marchers makes all the hard work worthwhile. It was a beautiful day for a parade, and the energy of the crowd was electric!
We'd like to thank the Commissioners and their Departments for their help in facilitating this event. Your support is more than greatly appreciated.
We thank all of our official parade sponsors and those who have donated to any of our events all year round. Without your support, this parade would not be possible. It takes a village to run a parade, and the Nutley Irish loves being a part of this village!!
Sincerely,
Deidre Hollywood President, Nutley Irish American Association
Publisher: David Worrall
Editor: Joe Ungaro
Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina
Library also has Lego time, reading to dogs, an interactive musical and craft day
(Continued from Page 4)
There will be a special “Member Only” preview sale on Wednesday, April 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Nutley Library Cardholders. All proceeds from the sale are used to support the Nutley Public Library’s programs and collections. For additional information, please call 973667-0405 x2604 or email library@nutleynj.org.
Wednesday, April 9 at 3 p.m. –Video Game Club (Grades 6-12) – Video Game Club – Play popular Switch games with friends on the big screen. All skill levels welcome. No registration required.
Friday, April 11, 25 at 10:30 a.m. –Spring 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. Register at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m. – Free Play with Bricks – Drop-in and build with LEGOs. For ages 5 and up. No registration required.
Monday, April 14 at 10 a.m. – Read to Dogs (Grades K-5). Readers choose a book and pair up with a licensed therapy dog to practice their reading and public speaking skills for 20 minutes. Registration required. For more information, visit: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary. org or call 973-667-0405 ext. 2623.
Monday, April 14 at 11 a.m. –
Spring Break Craft Day – Visit our craft stations in the Children’s Room to make something amazing. No registration required. For all ages. While supplies last.
Tuesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. – Local Author Story Time with Dave Wilson –Nutley author Dave Wilson presents his children’s book “The Gopher Tale,” a whimsical story of gophers who become friends and fellow workers on an organic farm, creating a deep bond with the farmer through a profound respect and love for the land. Book reading, Q&A, activities and craft to follow. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For all ages. No registration required.
Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. – Paint-A-Pot – Decorate a contain-
er and bring home a beautiful plant in an outdoor event. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. For all ages. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders.
Thursday, April 17 at 11 a.m. – Ron Albanese’s Sunshine and Good Times Show – A colorful and interactive musical program featuring performer and teacher Ron Albanese. Ron shares his kiddie rock and roll songs, comedy storytelling and more in this fun program that will have the whole family dancing, singing and laughing along. No registration required. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. –Video Game Free Play – Calling all gamers. Join us for some video game fun. Drop-in and play Switch games on the big screen. Open to all skill levels. No registration required.
Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. – Cricut - New Jersey Mini Shadow Boxes – Participants will be making 3 inch by 5 inch wooden shadow boxes using cardstock cut on the Cricut machine. The main design is the shape of New Jersey, filled with layers depicting our state flow, the violet. All supplies are provided. No Cricut machine or experience necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. Online registration is required and limited to 20 Nutley adults. Sign-up at: https://bccls.libcal.com/event/14319005
Thursday, April 24 at 3:45 p.m. –Spring Brick Builders Club – Meet-up with LEGO fans and work on a building challenge. For students in grades K-5. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Signup starting April 10 at 10:00 a.m. at youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m. –Free Fraud Awareness Seminar presented by Proponent Federal Credit Union: Learn how to protect yourself from common and current scams including identity theft, phishing, bank and credit card fraud, and more. To register and for additional information visit: nutleypubliclibrary.org/proponent-fraud-awareness.
Friday, April 25 at 1 p.m. – Friday at the Movies – We will be showing “Seabiscuit” (2003). No registration required.
Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. –STEAM Story Time – Stories and activities highlighting science, tech, engineering, art and math. For all ages. No registration required.
Tuesday, April 29 at 1 p.m . –Friends of the Library Book Discussion –Poetry Spotlight – A discussion of poetry TBD. The program will meet in person in the Stockton Room, but it will also meet online via Zoom. To register for the Zoom program to attend from home please register at: nutleypubliclibrary.org/friendsbook-club.
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Nutley drug company gets grant
A Nutley based company that makes drugs that fight cancer and infectious disease was among the start ups given a grant from the state.
First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan recently announced that the Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) awarded a combined $1.7 million in grants to 23 New Jersey-based start-ups focused on developing technology, therapeutics, and other solutions to address maternal and infant health challenges.
The startups within New Jersey’s life sciences, technology, and non-retail food and beverage sectors were each awarded grants of up to $75,000, the state said.
The grant funds support the research and development (R&D) of technologies, products, and services that will enhance the quality of care and service delivery activities to women, infants, and health care agencies, according to a press release from the state.
“New Jersey is home to some of the most innovative startups in the nation, and it is a privilege to acknowledge their exciting new developments in maternal and infant health,” said Tammy Murphy. “The startups receiving awards today will carry on our critical work to ensure New Jersey is the safest and most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby and ultimately, continue to trans-
form the health care industry beyond the Murphy administration. And, with the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center currently in development in Trenton, our state’s capital city will serve as an innovation hub ensuring these types of businesses are fostered on a grander scale for years to come.”
The grants were awarded through Round 2 of CSIT’s Maternal and Infant Health R&D Grant Program. Through the program, CSIT will advance the innovation economy through the development of critically necessary research, products, and services designed to support maternal and infant health. This effort supports the goals established by the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest, most equitable state in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.
Nutley-based Vitruviae makes a biotherapeutic, VTRU200, that targets aberrant and abundant sugar and lipid signatures on viruses and cancers that do not exist on normal cells, are not encoded by mRNA, and do not change, according to the company.
The other start ups that received grants included Neoventech of North Brunswick; PONS of Newark; UCHU Biosensors of Newark; Delphine Diagnostics of Newark; Gosia Genomics of Kearny; Quarks Advantage Group of Jersey City; and High Throughput Biology of Short Hills.
ASH WEDNESDAY USHERS IN LENT: The faithful showed up in large numbers for the five Ash Wednesday Masses celebrated at St. Peter Church. The Holy Season of Lent culminates in the Easter Triduum, which is April 17-19. Easter Sunday this year will be celebrated on April 20, both in the Western Church and the Eastern Orthodox churches.
Photo courtesy of St. Peter Church
Belleville 6th graders come from 26 behind to win league title
In a thrilling Championship game held on March 2 in West Orange, the Belleville sixth grade travel squad captured the 2024-2025 Suburban League title overcoming a 26-point first-half West Orange lead.
Paced by point guard Bobby Canon's 27 points, the championship trophy has returned to Belleville for the first time in more than a decade.
"To come back against a very skilled and talented West Orange team, a team that had only lost twice in the past 3 years, maybe one game in a hundred you can successfully reverse the momentum before the clock runs out,” said Head Coach William Canon. “For a sixth grade basketball team to score 52 points in the 16 minutes of the second-half is almost unheard of. I have certainly never seen it. It is a testament to the kind of young men who represent the township of Belleville; they never quit and they have learned how and, at times almost irrationally, expect to win.
Canon said the team was helped by a large turnout of Belleville residents in attendance supporting the town team.
“The gymnasium was electric and you could feel hundreds of hearts pumping in that gymnasium,” Canon said. “It was truly an incredible way to end an amazing season. And I
would like to give great credit to the West Orange basketball program; though the outcome was not what they sought, the players, coaches and fans alike were true sportsmen. I believe this is a result of both teams having genuine respect for each other.”
Canon also said the 14 young men on the Belleville team worked hard every single day in season to get better at the game of basketball.
“We are only successful because we put forth a total team effort and every one of those 14 players contributes,” Canon said. “We don't get too hung up on who does all our scoring because we know, or at least have come to understand, that we win by playing defense. We have some very good athletes who play tenacious defense and they may never even show up in the scorebook.
Canon said the team played full court pressure defense for 32 minutes and it wears other teams down.
“It really does take special kids to prepare to do that and the team is very fortunate to have coach Wujciak, Silva and Browne who drill this defensive mindset everyday.”
Ten of the 14 boys on the basketball roster were also part of Belleville's travel baseball team that went an undefeated 27-0 on the diamond in 2024.
Photo courtesy of William Canon
Players on the Belleville sixth grade travel basketball team, starting in the back row, Brandon Garcia, Isaiah Ramierz, Damien Bonanno, Pierre Jackson, Mason Zeigler, Lawrence Vanderbly. Kneeling are JP Canon, Kobe Gentolia, Michael Greene Jr, Bobby Canon, Adam Crisostomo, Justin Browne, Jayce Silva, Chris Mejia (not pictured) Coaches: William Canon, Al Wujciak, Coach Carlos
inWomen BUSINESS
MADISON LOCKER Owner
SE V EN X SE V EN BOUTIQUE
My name is Madison Locker, and I am the owner of Seven x Seven Boutique in Nutley, NJ. I started Seven x Seven as an online boutique in 2019 at the age of 22. In November 2020, despite the ongoing pandemic, I decided to follow my passion and open a brick-and-mortar location on Church Street.
I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember, and I feel it’s one of the truest forms of self-expression. I enjoy bringing trendy, yet affordable women’s fashion to my customers, as well as providing personal customer service, and building relationships.
I am an alumni of Montclair State University, having received my Bachelors of Arts in Humanities degree. I am passionate about small business and am happy to be a part of the Nutley community.
7 Church Street . Nutley shopsevenxseven.com
The trend for women in business is growing. It’s fueled by women determined to “lean in” and get into the business game, looking to define their own career paths, and many others who are more entrepreneurial in nature.
Women currently exploring the world of business are being exposed to opportunities that haven’t always existed in the past. Mentorship programs are helping pull women up, further than ever before. At the same time, women are pulling together and creating their own networking, conferences and meet-ups.
Meet Giulia Polewka, the creative force behind
“The Mastered Mane,” a thriving hair salon nestled in the heart of our community. With over 4 years of experience in the beauty industry, Giulia’s passion for hairstyling is evident in every cut, color, and style she crafts. At age 21 she decided to open up a salon of her own located at 386 Franklin Ave in Nutley. Her dedication to providing exceptional service has earned her a loyal clientele who rave about her attention to detail and ability to transform their hair into works of art. Beyond her talent with scissors and dyes, Giulia is known for her genuine care for each client who walks through her salon doors. As both a business owner and a stylist, she continues to inspire both her team and her customers, making The Mastered Mane not just a salon, but a destination for beauty and community.
ELAINE PERNA
Renee Friscia Agent
quotes throughout the great state of New Jersey. Her office is in the beautiful town of Nutley right on Franklin Avenue. Renée is a proud member of the Nutley Chamber of Commerce and a Notary Public. Renée and her team can help you insure your cars as well as Homeowners and Renters. She will take the time to talk to everyone about the importance of Life insurance to protect those we value most. Working with small business owners for their Business insurance and planning needs is rewarding since Renée is a small business owner too. She can also can provide coverage for Flood Insurance and NJ PAIP and CAIP.
www.nutleyinsurance.com
rs ago in the pharmaceutical industry However, I always had the desire to build my own company, one that would allow me to be both the ambitious businesswoman and dedicated mother I wanted to be. Noticing a growing demand in the marketplace and local community, in addition to my personal need for quality childcare, I founded Sandy Lane Nursery School in 1973. The school’s doors opened with a modest enrollment of seven children and three teachers. Today, over 50 years later, Sandy Lane has grown into a nursery- and preschool with a license capacity of 323 students and 56 employees. Even after all these years, we remain dedicated to providing fami ies in our area with a warm, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment for their children. In addition to our NAEYC accreditation Sandy Lane Nursery School has also repeatedly ea
Giulia Polewka
Nutley residents on the Dean’s List at Tampa
Taylor Hughes, a sophomore majoring in criminology and criminal justice, and Jillian Pennise, a senior majoring in finance, both of Nutley, were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Tampa for the Fall 2024 semester. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the Dean's List.
Luzzi makes Dean’s List at Salve Regina in Newport
Justan Luzzi of Belleville was named to the Dean's List during the Fall 2024 academic semester at Salve Regina University. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 for full-time students completing at least 12 graded credits, or a semester grade point average of 3.8 for part-time students completing at least six credits.
Flores makes Dean’s List at Baldwin Wallace Univ.
Valeria Flores, of Nutley, a graduate of Nutley High School majoring in music theatre, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester at Baldwin Wallace University. The Dean's List recognizes students who earn a grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more graded hours during the semester.
Morris on President’s List at Siena College
Natalie Morris, of Nutley, was named to the Siena College President's List for the fall 2024 Semester. The President's List requires a 3.9 grade point average or higher.
Nutley residents on Dean’s List at Seton Hall Univ.
The following students from Nutley qualified for the Fall 2024 Dean's list at Seton Hall University: Aerell Bitalac; Ari Burdulis; Jazel Trisha Campomanes; Uriel Concepcion; Faith Criscione; Cassandra Dominguez; Alexandria Duffe; Gianni Feraco; Christian Hui; Emily Jablonowski; Julian Jansen; Jalissa Lopez; Jessica Marciniak; Angelina Matto; Michael O'Brien; Paolo Emmanuel Reyes; Daniel Reyes III; Matthew Santos; Julio Takemoto; Sollyis Velazquez; and Jordan Zarro.
Belleville students on Dean’s List at Seton Hall
The following students from Belleville qualified for the Fall 2024 Dean's list at Seton Hall University: Leianna Ahmed; Ohm Amin; Dominic Cipollone; Selena Kossup; Richard Paton; Eyllen Pinaloza Zabala; Alayna Rivera; Gianna Sanchez; Alexia Seeram; and Andrea Toledo.
Wasko presents at Psychological Association meeting in New York City
Alexandra Wasko, of Nutley, is one of four Lebanon Valley College psychology students who joined Dr. Rachel Albert, associate professor of psychology, to present posters at the Eastern Psychological Association Meeting in New York City last week. Wasko co-presented Does Infant Gaze Influence Inexperienced Caregivers' Perceptions of Infant Vocalizations? and Factors Impacting Conversational-Turn-Taking in Infant-Toddler Classrooms. Wasko, a graduate of Nutley High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in neuroscience at LVC.
Library to host ‘More Fan Favorites’ concert on April 26
The North Jersey Concert Band returns to the Nutley Public Library for a free outdoor concert on Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m.
This concert’s theme is More Fan Favorites. The band will perform a wide variety of musical selections including popular songs, jazz arrangements and Broadway melodies.
People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. The rain date is Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
Registration open for April break camp
The Nutley Department of Parks and Recreation has announced the Camp Nutley program is available for the Spring Recess, April 14-17 with no camp on Good Friday, April 18.
“Camp Nutley” is a great experience where children can build confidence, take part in hands-on activities, make new friends, and simply have a great time,” said Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci.
This program is open to Nutley youngsters in grades K through 6. The deadline to register is April 9. The program is located at the Parks & Recreation Department, 44 Park Ave. The fee is $200.00 per child. The hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop off is in room 300. Online registration available at: https://register.communitypass.net/nutley.
For more information, contact the department at (973) 284-4966, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Cherry Blossom Festival
even
than the
display in Washington, DC. We invite you and your family to come out and experience this natural wonder.
community
Photos courtesy BPD
Belleville Police Department officers participated in the
Family Literacy Night Event which was held at Belleville High School. The officers connected with
munity and handed out Belleville Police Department coloring books, crayons,
treats for the kids.
Nutley designates day to remember those lost to drug overdose
The Nutley Board of Commissioners hosted families and friends for a Black Balloon Day ceremony to remember and celebrate lives lost to overdose.
Mayor John V. Kelly III read into the record the proclamation declaring March 6 as Black Balloon Day in the Township. It read as follows:
“March 6 is Black Balloon Day, an annual event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating those who have lost their lives to substance overdoses;
Substance use disorder affects many millions of people and affects all societal groups with no discrimination;
According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 90,000 Americans died from substance overdoses in 2024;
“It is proven that the more we talk about substance use disorder, the more we help remove the stigma around seeking out help;
“The Township of Nutley asks residents to recognize this day to not only display a black balloon in memory of a lost relative or friend but to also use the day to open conversations about drug abuse;
Now, therefore it is proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners,Township of Nutley, County of Essex, State of New Jersey that March 6 be declared Black Balloon Day in the Township of Nutley, as we pay solemn tribute to those lost to addiction and also encourage open conversa-
tion to support those suffering from addiction.
Be it further proclaimed that the Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health offers a free Substance Use Disorder Resource Center for individuals seeking information regarding counseling, rehabilitation centers (emergency, nonemergency, inpatient/outpatient), selfhelp hotlines, mental health assistance, etc., and the ability to obtain this collection of materials both digitally and in print.”
Black Balloon Day on March 6 has become a national and international event, bringing awareness to overdose deaths. As with many other initiatives regarding the opioid epidemic, Black Balloon Day began with a family’s loss.
Diane and Lauren Hurley began Black Balloon Day in remembrance of Greg Tremblay. Tremblay, a father of four, is the son-in-law of Diane and brother-in-law of Lauren and died of an overdose when he was 38 years old on March 6, 2015.
One more life is one too many to lose based on addiction,” Kelly said. “Commissioner Petracco and I are working together on this. It is not just a policing issue, but it's a health issue, a mental health issue. We have mental health services in the Health Department. We have addiction resource services in the Health Department. If you need help, there is no shame. This is a stigma free town. Come and ask for it.”
Families and friends of people lost to overdose released black balloons in their memory at an event held by the Nutley Board of Commissioners.
IN MEMORIAM
• GRUNDFEST – Karolyn, of Kearny and Belleville, formerly of Little Rock, Ark.; March 1. Pianist, singer. Widow, grandmother, great-grandmother, 102.
• POLNYJ – Ruth Ida, of Nutley, Wayne, Bay Head and North Port, Fla.; Feb. 26. Pharmacist assistant. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 95.
• VIGILANTE – Joanna, of Nutley; March 13. Business owner. Widow, mother, sister, 87.
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.
Photo courtesy Nutley Twp.
$130K raised for Catholic school tuition
The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) raised approximately $130,000 to support partial tuition assistance scholarships for underprivileged students attending Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools during the organization’s third annual Irish American Leadership Breakfast on March 13.
This year’s event surpassed last year’s total by $15,000, according to a press release from the archdiocese.
More than 100 attendees gathered at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center’s auditorium in Newark for the pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Guests enjoyed a traditional Irish breakfast featuring Irish soda bread, back bacon and other cultural delicacies while being entertained by a bagpiper and fiddler.
The celebration also featured a spirited performance by the Emerald Isle Academy of Dance, whose step dancers had the audience clapping and moving in their seats.
The event culminated in the recognition of two distinguished Irish Americans for their commitment to Catholic education and community service:
Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark
Brian D. McCauley, co-founder of Nextel and a longtime SFIC supporter.
In his acceptance speech, McCauley praised SFIC’s mission, emphasizing how the organization provides students with access to a quality education that might otherwise be out of reach.
Dolan reflected on her own Catholic education, sharing how the schooling she received as a girl shaped her values and career today.
“We were honored to celebrate Barbara and Brian at the Irish American Leadership Breakfast because they embody the spirit of St. Patrick,” said Michelle L. Hartman, chief executive officer of SFIC. “Just as St. Patrick transformed Ireland through his actions, Barbara and Brian have positively impacted countless children’s lives through their dedication to SFIC. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering compassion and generosity.”
Looking ahead, SFIC will host its annual gala on May 15 at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange. It will then hold its Family Fun Day on June 14 at Turtle Back Zoo, offering scholarship recipients and their families a complimentary day of enjoyment.
For more information about SFIC and its initiatives, visit www.sficnj.org.
Founded in 1983 as the Fund for Educational Advancement, the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) is a non-profit organization that provides children in need with the opportunity for a quality, values-based education in a safe environment. It offers partial tuition assistance for students from economically disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds attending private and parochial schools within Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.
THE JOB HAINES DIFFERENCE
•
•
staff to residents.
• SUB-ACUTE REHAB: State-of-the-art rehabilitation center on campus and open to the community.
•
healthy living
Take on new hobbies after retirement to stay sharp
Retirement should be relaxing, not boring. In fact, taking on new hobbies can keep your mind sharp and body vital as you age. Here are five ways to stay active in your golden years:
1. Join a gym: Joining a gym is one of the easiest ways to ensure you perform a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Doing both will help keep your bones and muscles strong and your heart and lungs fully functional. Don’t forget to add in yoga and stretching to promote balance and agility. If a gym is out of reach, see what other nearby opportunities are available for working up a sweat. Many towns and cities offer free and budget-friendly, community-based exercise programming.
2. Play music: There are numerous cognitive and emotional benefits associated with playing music. Whether you’re a beginner just looking to pick up the basics or a seasoned musician with the hopes of performing in public, you can equip yourself to sound amazing with a high-quality instrument like the CT-S1-76 keyboard from Casio. Its 76 full-size keys and upgraded 13-watt bass-reflex stereo speaker system with surround effect lend
it incredible sound quality and a dynamic playing experience, while its sleek, portable design makes it a joy to play anytime, anywhere. In addition to remotely controlling the CT-S1-76, you can also use the Casio Music Space app to learn to play your favorite songs with downloadable MIDI files, interact with PDF scores, and much more.
3. Start a book club: It’s always more
fun to read books when you can discuss them with friends. From tackling the lassics, to diving into non-fiction works that will challenge your perspective, to enjoying some easy, breezy beach reads, it’s important that the other members of the group have the same reading goals as you. So do a little leg work in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page.
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4. Number crunch: You don’t have to be in school to take up math as a hobby. There are plenty of recreational mathematicians of all ages who enjoy crunching numbers to work puzzles, compete in games, and uncover patterns in the real world. To get into your mathematical groove and to support your hobby, use a graphing calculator such as the fx9750GIII from Casio. Its over 2,900 functions, including random number generation, metric conversion and object measurement, make it a great tool for any mathematical project.
5. Learn a language: Learning a new language not only creates new neural pathways in the brain, it can be just the motivational ticket you need to finally visit that bucket list destination you’ve been dreaming of. While formal lessons are great, you can help ensure your skills truly progress through conversation. Lean on services like Tandem to connect with a language partner.
By taking on new hobbies and expanding your interests, you can carve out a retirement that is active, adventurous and good for your body, mind and soul.
Photo courtesy of Lucas Seijo / iStock via Getty Images Plus
healthy living
Choosing healthy beverages for kids and teens
Choosing healthy beverages for children and adolescents is just as important as choosing healthy foods, as it impacts everything from oral health to chronic disease risk. That’s why leading health and nutrition organizations developed new healthy beverage recommendations for families with children ages 5-18.
These evidence-based recommendations were created as part of a collaboration by experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association, who were brought together by Healthy Eating Research (HER) with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To make choosing healthy beverages easier for families, the organizations created these three categories:
Beverages to Drink
These beverages are recommended as part of a healthy diet because they provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and don’t contain added sugars.
• Plain drinking water is still the best
option to keep kids healthy and hydrated. It’s also often the most accessible and affordable.
• Plain, pasteurized milk is another healthy option because it provides important nutrients that growing kids and teens need.
Beverages to Limit
• 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice can be part of a healthy diet, but daily consumption should be limited. Whole fruits and vegetables are generally better choices because they provide dietary fiber, contributing to a feeling of fullness.
• Plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk and almond milk should be limited because they are not nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk, which provides essential nutrients that kids need to grow up healthy. Many also contain added sugars and nonsugar sweeteners, which are harmful to kids’ health. If your child is allergic to dairy milk or has a dietary restriction, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about finding the plant-based milk alternative that is best for your child.
• Flavored milks, like chocolate milk and strawberry milk, should be limited because they contain high amounts of added sugars and non-sugar sweeteners. If your child does not like drinking plain milk, it’s best to consider other foods from the dairy group (like unsweetened yogurt) before offering flavored milk.
Beverages to Avoid
These beverages are not recommended as part of a healthy diet because they offer no nutritional value and have ingredients that can be harmful to kids and teens.
• Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sports drinks, sodas, fruit drinks, fruitades, aguas frescas and sweetened waters are high in added sugars, which can put children at risk for dental cavities, and diet-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• Drinks with non-sugar sweeteners, such as aspartame, stevia and monk fruit, should also be avoided. Just because a drink is advertised as sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s healthier. In fact, new research shows non-sugar sweeteners may not help
control body weight and may increase the risk of diet-related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Drinks with caffeine or other stimulants like taurine should be avoided. These include energy drinks, energy shots, coffee, and tea. Evidence suggests that there is no safe amount of caffeine consumption for children under 18 and that even small amounts can lead to poor sleep quality, increased blood pressure, and depressive moods and anxiety.
You can learn more about healthy drinks at healthyeatingresearch.org. – StatePoint
Sandy Lane
Joe Graziano receives award for his exceptional volunteerism
NUTLEY — Proponent Federal Credit Union recently announced that Joe Graziano, Proponent’s vice president, continuous improvement/core solutions, has been given the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association’s Faye S. Mathewson Award for exceptional volunteerism.
Graziano was recognized for his decades of volunteer service, including his leadership in organizing Wayne Day, an annual community event in Wayne that brings thousands of people together for food, entertainment, and family fun.
Graziano founded Wayne Day 33 years ago, and under his leadership, the event has grown from a modest gathering to one of the town’s most anticipated traditions. In addition, he serves as president of the Wayne Rotary Club and president of the Nutley Chamber of Commerce.
Graziano says he is driven by the desire to “help others do well.”
“We all have time to volunteer,” Graziano said. “It’s just a matter of priorities.” He received the award at NJRPA’s 50th annual conference in February.
Photo courtesy of Proponent Federal Credit Union
Joe Graziano speaks at the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association conference after receiving the Faye S. Mathewson Award.
Photo club plans nature competition, program on pinhole analogue photos
The Essex Photo Club has a busy month of April planned.
The club will have a Zoom presentation at 7:30 p.m. on April 3 on Pinhole Analogue Photography by Richard Lewis.
Lewis specializes in fine art photography, gives photography presentations and workshops around the state and has written a book on the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
On Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m., the club will host an in-person meeting of the New Jersey Federation of Camera Club (NJFCC) Spring Nature Competition.
On Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., the club will have a joint Zoom meeting with the Livingston Camera Club that will include a presentation of Lensbaby lenses by Jamie K. Davidson.
The Lensbaby lenses are special lenses for DSLR and mirrorless cameras that combine bellows or balland-socket mechanisms to provide special effects such as bokeh, or soft focus, for a variety of perspectives.
Davidson is an award-winning freelance outdoor and nature photographer and Lensbaby ambassador with a passion for capturing and sharing intimate moments and beauty of the natural world on its own and as it blends with the “rest of the world.”
Her work can be seen on https://newlifephotos.photoshelter.c om/portfolio.
On Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m., the club will have an in-person competition of digital images in the categories of Nature and Pictorial on beginner, advanced and salon levels.
Included in the competition will be a Creative Pictorial category for combined levels.
The judge will be Nancy Ori who is an inveterate photographer with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, and a master’s degree in visual communication from Pratt Institute.
Ori enjoys teaching photography and painting workshops throughout the year in the USA and Europe. She established the New Jersey Photo forum in 1995 for professional and semiprofessional photographers to discuss their work and seek exhibition opportunities.
All in-person meetings are held at the Caldwell United Methodist Church, 8 Academy Road, Caldwell. Zoom meetings can be accessed by calling Catherine Kuzik-Fernandez at 862-485-7474. Visit www.essexphotoclub.org or Facebook for more information.
ESSEX COUNTY’S RECYCLING DAY
Household Hazardous Waste
Saturday, May 3, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 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.
NOT FOR COMMERCIAL 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
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT:
Latex paint
Unlabeled or Unidentified Materials
Asbestos
Regulated Medical Waste or Infectious Waste
Commercial or Industrial Waste
Empty Containers
Explosives, Munitions, Ordnance or Reactive Materials
Mercury and products containing mercury
Gasoline/Kerosene
Household cleaning fluids
Car batteries
Fire extinguishers (home)
Driveway sealer
Aerosol spray paints
Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
“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.
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
COMEDIAN DANE COOK at NJPAC on Sunday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m., New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall, Betty WoldJohnson Stage, 1 Center St,, Newark. Tickets are $49 to $89 at www.njpac.org.
PAULA POUNDSTONE on Friday, April 4, at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 - $69.50 at www.njpac.org. STAND UP COMIC SHULER KING COMES TO NJPAC on Sunday, April 6, at 7 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $74 and up at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN MOJO BROOKZZ COMES TO NJPAC on Saturday, April 12, AT 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $59.50 at www.njpac.org.
SCOTLAND'S COMEDY SUPERSTAR FERN BRADY COMES TO NJPAC on Saturday, April 19, at 8 p.m. Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $27.50 and up at www.njpac.org. COMEDIAN MARIA BAMFORD, KNOWN FOR OPENLY DISCUSSING MENTAL ILLNESS, at NJPAC on Friday, May 9, at 8 p.m. NJPAC Victoria Theater, Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $45.50 at www.njpac.org.
DOUGHBOYS PODCAST ABOUT CHAIN RESTAURANTS BRINGS THEIR PODCAST SHOW LIVE ON-STAGE AT NJPAC on Friday, May 16, at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage. 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets are $49.50 to $59.50 at www.njpac.org.
RALPH BARBOSA AND RENÉ VACA JOIN FORCES ON THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT TOUR on Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1
Center St., Newark. Tickets are $25.75 and up at www.njpac.org.
THE CARIBBEAN KING OF COMEDY MAJAH HYPE comes to NJPAC on Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m., Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49 and up at www.njpac.org.
EARTHQUAKE AND HIS ANNUAL COMEDY SHOW AT NJPAC featuring DeRay Davis, Chico Bean and B. Simone, on Sunday, June 15, at 7 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets are $55 and up at www.njpac.org.
TINA FEY AND AMY POEHLER BRING RESTLESS LEG TOUR to Prudential Center On Sunday, June 22 at 6 p.m., Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark. Tickets at Tickemaster.com.
AN ARABIC NIGHT WITH BASSEM YOUSSEF on Sunday, June 22 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 and up at www.njpac.org.
JOEY DIAZ BRINGS DOES HIS LEGENDARY COMEDY SHOW on Friday, June 27 at 8 p.m. at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 and up at www.njpac.org.
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR AND COMEDIAN JOSH JOHNSON PRESENTS THE FLOWERS TOUR AT NJPAC on Saturday, June 28, at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $59.50 at www.njpac.org.
LECTURES
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: AN ASTROPHYSICIST GOES TO THE MOVIES PART II. Tyson will delve into a scientific analysis of iconic films such as “Harry Potter,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mary Poppins,” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 to $103.50 at www.njpac.org.
MUSIC
“QUEEN OF MEXICAN ROCK," ALEJANDRA GUZMÁN brings her 2025 Brilla Tour to NJPAC on Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m., NJPAC Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $51.99 to $151.99 at www.njpac.org.
GEORGE PORTER JR., A MASTER ARCHITECT OF FUNK AND SYNCOPATION, performs at the South Orange Performing Arts Center - Jennifer and Tony Leitner Performance Hall, Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. Tickets at https://sopacnow.my.salesforce-sites.com.
KURT ELLING CELEBRATES WEATHER REPORT on Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m. South Orange Performing Arts Center - Jennifer and Tony Leitner Performance Hall, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. Tickets $40 to $60 at https://sopacnow.my.salesforce-sites.com. R&B SUPERSTAR TYRESE SET to perform on Sunday, April 27, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 and up at www.njpac.org.
Fern Brady
Josh Johnson
Photos courtesy of NJPAC
Paula Poundstone
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FEARLESS – THE TAYLOR SWIFT EXPERIENCE on Friday, April 11 at 8 p.m. Starring Rikki Lee Wilson. UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Phone (732) 499-8226 for tickets.
ENDEA OWENS & THE COOKOUT on Friday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. with special guest vocalist Shenel Johns, South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. For tickets, call the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 3132787. THE TEMPTATIONS and THE FOUR TOPS 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR at NJPAC on Saturday, April 19, at 8 p.m.NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $99.50 at www.njpac.org.
MELISSA ETHERIDGE & JOSS STONE on Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets $59 to $129 at www.njpac.org.
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN “BECAUSE OF YOU MY TRIBUTE TO TONY BENNETT,” featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, on Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Avenue, Hillside. Tickets for Michael Feinstein are $65-$95 and can be purchased online at keanstage.com or by contacting the Box Office at (908)737-7469.
AN EVENING WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS on Saturday, May 3, at 8 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets at 732499-8226 or https://ucpac.org/ BRAZILIAN MUSIC AWARD-WINNING TRIO THE GILSONS SET TO PERFORM AT SOUTH ORANGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER on Friday, May 9, at 8 p.m., SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way South Orange. Tickets at www. sopacnow.org. THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange, on Thursday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $35 at https://sopacnow.org/
SENSATIONAL EVENING OF 70’S SOUL WITH LIVE PERFORMANCES BY The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Blue Magic, The Blue Notes and Heatwave on Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m., New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets $41.50 to $101.50 at www.njpac.org.
JOAN OSBORNE DOING DYLANOLOGY
LIVE with special guests Anders Osborne, Gail Ann Dorsey, and Cindy Cashdollar with Will Bryant and Lee Falco on Friday, June 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 – $59.50 plus fees, UCPAC Main Stage, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets at https://ucpac.org/
RICK SPRINGFIELD: I WANT MY '80 TOUR
FEATURING JOHN WAITE, WANG CHUNG, AND PAUL YOUNG on Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, One Center St., Newark. Tickets are $59 to $149 at www.njpac.org.
GOSPEL SENSATION CARLA HARRIS will perform on Sunday, June 8, at 3 p.m.,
NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $59 and up at www.njpac.org.
DYNAMIC SOUL MUSIC WITH KEM on Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m., NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49 and up at www.njpac.org.
CHICAGO COMES TO NEWARK on Friday, July 25, at 8 p.m., New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
KASHMIR – THE SPIRIT OF LED ZEPPELIN LIVE on Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m., NJPAC Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50-$69.50 at www.njpac.org.
FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS, THE LAST ENCORES on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m, NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center Street, Newark. Tickets are $49.50 and up www.NJPAC.org or Box Office 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
THEATER
RE-LIVE THE BEATLES during this immersive performance featuring costume changes and multimedia backdrop on March 30 at 3 p.m., The Concert Hall at Drew University, Madison. Tickets at gdpresents.simpletix.com or email GDPresentstix@gmail.com for phone orders and group rates.
MICHAEL PATRICK'S RING OF FIRE BAND: A JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE on April 6 at 3 p.m., The Concert Hall at Drew University, Madison. Tickets at gdpresents.simpletix.com or email GDPresentstix@gmail.com for phone orders and group rates.
“PANTO’S TREASURE ISLAND” on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. Tickets at https://sopacnow.org/ THE OFFICIAL LIVE SHOW BASED ON “PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILOR MOON” BY
NAOKO TAKEUCHI on Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m., New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall
One Center Street, Newark. Tickets are $45.50 to $120 at www.NJPAC.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
“TAKE THE LEAD,” A WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL, will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse from March 29 to April 27, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn. TIckets at https://papermill.org/subscriptions or box office phone, 973376-4343
A SPECIAL SCREENING OF “SHE'S ALL THAT,” followed by a live conversation with the film’s stars, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, on Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 and up at www.njpac.org.
NATALIA LAFOURCADE, ONE OF THIS CENTURY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL VOICES IN LATIN POPULAR CULTURE, at NJPAC on Thursday, June 19, at 8 p.m. Prudential Hall Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $59.50 to $149.50 at www.njpac.org.
Melissa Etheridge Naruto
Nutley hockey team skates to a good run
By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor
The Nutley/Columbia/Bloomfield high school ice hockey team had a good run this season.
Nutley/Columbia/Bloomfield, under head coach Dave Macri, went 1-1 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association's North Jersey, Public Co-Op state tournament.
Bloomfield senior Alex Benkert had four goals and three assists and junior Christian Sherman had two goals and five assists to lead 14th-seeded Nutley/Columbia/Bloomfield to a 7-6 upset win over No. 3 seed Fair Lawn/Dumont/Bergenfield in the first round on Monday, Feb. 24, at Montclair State University. Senior Liam Madsen had one goal and one assist, junior Angelo Albanese had two assists; and junior goalie Aiden Rosamilia stopped 52 of 58 shots.
Nutley/Columbia/Bloomfield then lost to 11th-seeded West Milford/Pequannock/ Pompton Lakes, 12-5, in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Ice Vault in Wayne to end the season at 11-11-3.
Nutley/Columbia/Bloomfield trailed 31 before scoring three straight goals to take a 4-3 lead. But West Milford scored the final three goals of the period to retake the lead, 6-4, and added six more goals for a 12-4 lead.
Sherman had three goals and one assist,
Benkert had one goal and four assists, and Albanese had one goal and one assist. Madsen and junior Daniel Kopcha each had an assist. Rosamilia made 31 saves.
Benkert finished with 42 goals and 34 assists. Remarkably, he put up those gaudy numbers despite playing just 14 games, as he missed the first nine games due to an injury. The team was 8-4-2 in those 14 games.
Benkert finished with 249 points (137 goals and 112). Among current players, he was the state leader for career goals and career points, and was ranked No. 3 for career assists. He has drawn interest from several colleges, including some on the Division 1 level. Last year, he was drafted by the Westchester Wolves, from Pennsylvania, in the National Collegiate Development Conference.
Sherman had 38 goals and 34 assists, Albanese had 25 goals and 41 assists, and Madsen had eight goals and 30 assists on the season.
Sherman also has 147 points (67 goals and 80 assists) and Albanese has 158 points (65 goals and 93 assists) entering their senior seasons.
Rosamilia also went over 1,000 saves for his career and enters his senior season with 1,105 saves. He had an .890 save percentage on the season and a .888 percentage for his career thus far.
Photo Courtesy of Nutley/Columbia/Bloomfield Ice Hockey The Nutley/Columbia/Bloomfield high school hockey team featured several solid players this season.
Nutley High School spring teams gear up for seasons
The Nutley High School varsity spring teams will begin their seasons.
The boys lacrosse and boys volleyball seasons start March 28. The baseball, softball and boys tennis teams begin their seasons on April 1, while the girls flag football team begins its season on April 2.
The golf season begins April 3 against Belleville and Cedar Grove at Hendicks Field Golf Course, located at 220 South Franklin Ave. in Belleville. The track and field teams begin April 3 against Barringer at Schools Stadium in Newark.
The following are schedules: Baseball
• April 1: Seton Hall Prep, 4 p.m.
• April 3: at Caldwell, 4 p.m.
• April 5: at Wayne Hills, 11 a.m.
• April 7: St. Benedict’s Prep, 4 p.m.
• April 9: at Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• April 11: at Verona, 4 p.m.
• April 12: at Hackensack, 11 a.m.
• April 14: at Livingston, 11 a.m.
• April 16: at West Orange, 1 p.m.
• April 17: Ridgewood, 11 a.m.
• April 19: Barringer, 11 a.m.
• April 21: Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.
• April 23: Caldwell, 4 p.m.
• April 25: at St. Benedict’s Prep, 4 p.m.
• April 26: Westwood, 11 a.m.
• May 3: Bayonne, at Memorial (West New York) tournament, 10 a.m.
• May 5: Verona, 4 p.m.
• May 12: West Orange, 4 p.m.
• May 14: at Barringer, 4 p.m.
• May 15: at Elmwood Park, 4 p.m.
• May 17: at Belleville, 11 a.m.
• May 19: Bloomfield, 7 p.m.
Softball
• April 1: Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.
• April 3: at Newark Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 5: at West Milford, 11 a.m.
• April 7: Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
• April 9: at Payne Tech, 4 p.m.
• April 11: Montclair, 4 p.m.
• April 14: at Caldwell, 4 p.m.
• April 16: Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• April 17: at West Essex, 4 p.m.
• April 19: at Verona, 11 a.m.
• April 21: Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 23: Newark Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 25: at Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
• April 26: Hanover Park, at Cedar Grove tournament, 5 p.m.
• April 28: Hoboken, 4 p.m.
• May 5: at Montclair, 4 p.m.
• May 8: Becton, 4 p.m.
• May 9: Wayne Valley, 4 p.m.
• May 12: at Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• May 14: Verona, 4 p.m.
Boys lacrosse
• March 28: West Orange, at Father
Glotzbach Field, 4 p.m.
• April 1: Wayne Hills, 7 p.m.
• April 3: at East Side, 4 p.m.
• April 5: at Old Tappan, 11 a.m.
• April 9: at Newark Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 14: Millburn, 4 p.m.
• April 15: at High Point, 4:30 p.m.
• April 17: Rutherford, 4 p.m.
• April 23: at River Dell, 5 p.m.
• April 25: North Warren Regional, 6 p.m.
• May 6: at Pompton Lakes, 4:30 p.m.
• May 9: Verona, 4:30 p.m.
• May 13: Boonton, 4:30 p.m.
• May 17: at Hackettstown, 3 p.m.
• May 21: Cedar Grove, 6 p.m.
Boys volleyball
• March 28: at Central, 4 p.m.
• April 1: Barringer, 4 p.m.
• April 3: Payne Tech, 4 p.m.
• April 7: at West Orange, 4 p.m
• April 9: Technology, 4 p.m.
• April 11: at Glen Ridge, 4 p.m
• April 14: at Newark Tech, 4 p.m.
• April 16: Irvington, 4 p.m.
• April 18: Lyndhurst, 4 p.m.
• April 26: at Wood-Ridge, 10 a.m.
• May 5: Immaculate Conception, 4 p.m.
• May 7: at Barringer, 4 p.m.
• May 12: West Orange, 4 p.m.
• May 14: Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
• May 16: at Irvington, 4 p.m.
• May 19: at Montclair Immaculate, 4 p.m.
• May 21: Belleville, 4 p.m.
Girls flag football
• April 2: Teaneck, 7 p.m.
• April 10: Paramus Catholic, 7 p.m.
• April 17: at Hackensack, 7 p.m.
• April 22: at St. Benedict’s Prep, 6:30 p.m.
• April 24: at Ridgewood, 6:30 p.m.
• April 30: Paramus, 7 p.m.
Boys tennis
• April 1: Irvington, 4 p.m.
• April 3: Belleville, 4 p.m.
• April 7: at Bloomfield, 4 p.m.
• April 9: at Verona, 4 p.m.
• April 10: at West Essex, 4 p.m.
• April 11: at Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
• April 14: East Side, 4 p.m.
• April 16: Central, 4 p.m.
• April 21: Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.
• April 23: at Caldwell, 4 p.m.
• April 28: at Golda Och Academy, 4 p.m.
• April 30: Verona, 4 p.m.
• May 5: Glen Ridge, 4 p.m.
• May 7: at Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.
• May 14: Golda Och Academy, 4 p.m.
NHS wrestlers pin down great success this season
Nutley
By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor
High School wrestlers
Louis Della Volpe, Aidan Rotbaum, Carina Rivera and Michelle Gavilanes enjoyed exceptional efforts at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s boys and girls wrestling state individual championships at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Thursday to Saturday, March 6-8.
In the girls championships, Rivera won the eighth-place medal in the 185-pound weight class.
In the seventh/eighth-place bout, Rivera dropped a tough 4-3 decision to Rowan Waite, of Vernon Township, to finish her season with a 23-11 record.
Rivera had a great run. After winning in the first round, she was pinned in the quarterfinals against Paris Ford, of Rancocas Valley, in 38 seconds. Rivera then posted a 2-0 decision over Keyra Huastillan Reyes, of Hightstown, in the consolation first round, but lost to Brianna Sandoval, of Bound Brook, by pin in 5:29 in the consolation second round to move to the seventh/eighth-place bout.
Gavilanes, a freshman competing at 138, went 0-2, losing both by pins in 5:12 in the first round and 4:51 in the consolation first round to finish 27-10.
In the boys championship, Della Volpe, a freshman, had a great run as well. Competing in the 150-pound weight class as the No. 21 seed, he lost a tough 4-3 decision to Sowzrawca Tsay, of Bergen Catholic, in the first round.
Della Volpe then pinned Logan Kahrs, of Burlington Township, in 3:37 in the wrestlebacks first round. However, Della Volpe dropped a 5-1 decision to Charles Shaddow, of Ridgewood, in the wrestlebacks second round to finish his sensational year with a 37-5 record.
Rotbaum, a sophomore seeded No. 25 at 157 pounds, lost to Brendan Boyer, of Christian Brothers Academy, by pin in 5;03 in the first round. Rotbaum then won by medical forfeit over Dylan Jones, of Cranford, in the wrestlebacks first round, but lost to Riley Boos, of Delsea, by pin in 3:29 in the wrestlebacks second round to finish his season at 35-8.
The state championships consisted of the top four finishers in each weight for the boys from the eight region tournaments and the top three finishers in each weight class from the girls from the four region tournaments.
Della Volpe won the Essex County Tournament title on Jan. 23 at Essex County College in Newark and was named the ECT’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.
The NHS boys team hosted the NJSIAA’s District 11 tournament on Feb. 22. The Raiders finished in second place overall with 183.5 points among the 10 schools. West Morris Central High School took first place with 204.5 points.
The Raiders boasted four champions,
At left, Nutley senior Carina Rivera poses after taking runner-up at the state region tournament at Vernon. At right, the Nutley boys wrestling team gathers for a group pose afer placeing second overall at the state District 11 tournament at Nutley. Kneeling far right is head coach Mike DiPiano Jr.
two second-place finishers and two thirdplace finishers.
The following are the NHS champions: sophomore Jack Finkelstein (113 pounds), sophomore Antonio Maiden (144 pounds), Della Volpe and Rotbaum.
Junior Christopher Cifelli (126) and sophomore Nolan Brewer (285) each took second place, while junior Sean Vilchez (190 pounds) and senior Damiano Farro (215) each took third place.
The eight NHS wrestlers advanced to the NJSIAA’s Region 3 tournament at West Orange High School, Feb. 28 and March 1.
Junior Adam Youssef (120) and senior Tyler Vonroth (175) each took fourth place for NHS at the district.
The NHS boys team then featured five placewinners at the region tournament.
Della Volpe took second place in the 150-pound weight class and Rotbaum took fourth place in the 157-pound weight class.
Della Volpe, the No. 2 seed, decisioned No. 7 seed Joey Tantwai, of Hanover Park, 8-7, in the quarterfinals; and decisioned No. 6 Lukas Katsigiannis, of Pope John, 13-8, in the semifinals.
In the final, Della Volpe lost by technical fall to No. 1 seed Jayden James, of Delbarton, 21-6, in 1:43.
Rotbaum, the No. 6 seed, upset No. 3 Nando Ott, of Hanover Park, by pin in 5:36 in the quarterfinals, before losing to No. 2 Braydan Lombreglia, of Pope John, in the semifinals by a 15-0 technical fall in 1:41. Rotbaum then won by a 15-5 major decision over No. 5 seed Ben Latimer, of Caldwell, to reach the third-place bout, where he lost to No. 4 seed Dylan Jones, of Cranford, by an 18-14 decision. Rotbaum is now 34-6.
Maiden, the No. 5 seed, finished in fifth place in the 144-pound weight class after posting a 17-1 technical fall over No. 6 seed Christopher Taddeo, of Livingston, in 5:02.
Maiden went 2-2 in the region and finished 34-4 on the season.
Finkelstein (113 pounds) and Cifelli (126) each finished in sixth place in their weight classes. Cifelli finished 30-11 and Finkelstein finished 29-11.
Meanwhile, Rivera finished in second place and Gavilanes finished in third place in their respective weight classes to lead
the NHS girls team at the NJSIAA’s North 1 region tournament at Vernon High School on Feb. 23.
Rivera reached the finals in the 185pound weight loss, where she lost to Kiana Alvarez, of Elmwood Park, via pin in 2:40. Gavilanes pinned Gigi Santana, of Lenape Valley, in 5:51 in the 138-pound thirdplace consolation.
Photos Courtesy of Mike DiPiano Jr.
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