A ‘Walk in the Park’
Pride in community and the Oval
By Joe Ungaro Editor
NUTLEY — The Class of 2025 graduated from Nutley High School on June 19 after hearing speakers tell them they will remember where they came from, they’ve all learned from each other and many people helped them get to this point.
The 155th commencement ceremony, which was held at the Nutley Park Oval, began with the Nutley High School Band, minus the graduating seniors, playing before and then while the seniors walked onto the field, through a white arch to their seats, facing John H. Walker Middle School.
The Pledge of Allegiance, led by graduating senior Audrey M. Dunlay, began the program. It was followed by the “Star Spangled Banner” and a welcome from Senior Class President Emma R. Chell.
Chell, who plans to attend Marist College in the fall, talked about how people are made up of all their experiences, saying perhaps you write the letter “a” just like the person you sat next to in first grade.
“We are all made up of different elements from all of the people we’ve ever met,” Chell said. “We all take a little something from each person or experience we’ve had.”
She encouraged all of her classmates to use the little things they took from each other as they move forward in life and said they will forever carry the knowledge they picked up in Nutley. She also thanked the faculty and administration before congratulating her fellow graduates.
The Salutatory Address was given by Aashi Bhandari, who will be heading to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. She talked about community and pride and the Nutley Oval, where they had all experienced many things since childhood.
“The Oval stands as a unifying token for every graduate here,” Bhandari said. “The Oval stands as a quiet reminder that will connect us.”
their graduation ceremony. For more photos, see inside and www.essexnewsdaily.com.
The Valedictory Address was given by Camila R. Loikova, who will be attending the University of North Carolina in the fall.
Loikova talked about how she stepped off a plane into a new country at the age of six and the difficult adjustments she had to make; sometimes smiling and nodding when she did not know what to say or do.
She talked about watching her parents work hard so she would have opportunities that they did not. She also thanked family, friends and others for their help getting her to where she now stood.
“This honor is just as much for my family and friends as it is mine,” she said.
Loikova said life doesn’t wait until you are prepared so you just have to try and keep up.
“I’m proudest of the small victories, like getting out of bed when you don’t
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want to,” she said, adding later, “keep going, keep going, keep showing up for each other.”
Principal Denis Williams addressed the students for a final time, telling the students they added value to the school community by following their passions.
He listed all the types of students in the class, including athletes, champions, scholars, blood donors, voters, emergency medical technicians, and so on before telling the graduates to “be hopeful” and “stay connected.”
He also told the students to disconnect from the social media algorithms.
“A rich old man, named Mr. (Andrew) Carnegie gave Nutley a library. Get a library card, take out a book.”
He also encouraged the students to give back before offering a final wish for
See GRADUATES, Page 10
Photos by Joe Ungaro
Members of the Class of 2025 make their way into the Nutley Oval for
‘Walk in the Park’ tour uncovers history of Nutley
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent
The Nutley Historical Society held their annual “Walk in the Park” recently, leading a discussion about the township’s past and what led to its present.
The tour, held over the Memorial Day weekend, was headed by Nutley Museum director and tour guide, John Simko, who was assisted by his wife Patti Harris and Domenick Tibaldo, president of the Nutley Historic Society and Museum.
The tour began in Memorial Park at the World War I monument near the train trestle. The tour then traveled along the Third River, also known as Yantacaw River, and Simko shared its role in Nutley’s history as a source for early industry, an inspiration for world-renowned artists, a symbol of civic pride, an important boundary marker, and a fitting memorial to Nutley war veterans. There were 427 men from Nutley who served in WWI.
A bronze memorial at the Chestnut Street entrance lists the names of the 17 men who gave their lives in WWI. The names included Raymond Blum, who was the son of Mayor Abam Blum, who was mayor from 19121916; Stephen Higginson Dorr Jr., whose father was a lawyer; and William Harrison who died of pneumonia.
Simko spoke about the role of the river in industry.
“Nutley supplied a lot of sandstone, one of the early industries,” he said.
Grist mills and cotton mills were also part of Nutley’s history.
The Enclosure Historic District features buildings that were built in 1812 on Calico Lane, one of which Simko referred to as “The most beautiful home in Nutley.”
Throughout the park, tributes to veterans were
painter Frederick Dana Marsh.
Michael Lenson was a Russian immigrant who came to New Jersey. He brought a home in Nutley in 1941. Who Was Who in American Art called him “New Jersey’s most important muralist.”
Nutley artist Gary T. Erbe is an oil painter still alive today.
The “Vreeland Homestead” building was referred to as “the oldest building in town” by Simko. “A magnificent house—a prominent spot in town,” he said.
The historic stone house located at 216 Chestnut St. dates back to before the American Revolution. Simko explained that it was built by a Dutch family, the VanGiesons. They were a touring family and gave up the property in 1783. It was purchased by John Vreeland.
The Woman’s Club of Nutley used the house from 1912 to 2012, when they decided to no longer keep the organization going.
Currently the home needs a lot of work. Simko said,
“The caretaker passed away and it’s undergoing repairs,” Simko said. “Raccoons did damage. It’s closed right now.”
recently put up on light posts, with their names and photographs.
Simko spoke of nineteenth century land developer James Hays, who was instrumental in bringing artists to Nutley.
Painter Frank Fowler was one of the notables who lived in Nutley. Some of his paintings are in the Nutley Museum. Arthur Hoeber was another beloved artist in town, best known for his writing on art-related subjects. Albert Sterner was known for illustrations and etchings of WWII. He also drew a portrait of Nutley
The Nutley Public Library is what Simko called “the epitome of what you want your library to be.” It opened in 1914 and Simko said it was “beautifully built out of brick.” In 1930 there was an expansion along the back. The glass wing was expanded in the 1980s. “It’s fantastic,” said Simko.
According to Simko, the stairs leading to the library’s entrance are a symbol of higher learning.
The 90-minute tour ended inside Nutley’s first brick schoolhouse, now the Nutley Historical Society and Museum, which is open to the public.
To learn more about the Nutley Historical Society and Museum, visit: https://www.nutleyhistoricalsociety.org
Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
From left, Domenick Tibaldo, president of the Nutley Historical Society and Museum, John Simko, museum director and tour guide; and his wife and assistant Patti Harris.
Mahjong, magic, movies, the library has lots to do this summer
July – August – The Nutley Public Library will be hosting an exhibition of artwork from photographers Karen and Ray Floriani through August 2025. The Florianis’ exhibition will include photographs from their extensive travels, as well as local points of interest. A reception for their work will be held July 12, from 2 to -4 p.m.
• Tiny Art Challenge – Create a tiny art masterpiece to be displayed at the library. Starting on June 16, stop by the children’s desk to receive a tiny canvas. Bring your art back to the library by July 18. Need inspiration or want to create your Tiny Art with others? July 10 and July 17 at 6:30 p.m., the Teen Summer Club can use the library’s supplies to create unique art. For tweens and teens entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2025. No registration required. While supplies last.
• Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. - Teen Summer Club – Hang out with other teens, play video games and make crafts. New activities each week. Snacks and materials provided. For tweens and teens entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2025. No registration required. While supplies last.
• Tuesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 10:00 a.m. – Baby Play Time – Babies 23 months and younger and their caregivers can meet other babies and enjoy free play at the library. Please note: The library cannot accommodate older children at this program. No registration required. Wednesday, July 2 at 10:00 a.m. –Video Game Free Play – Calling all gamers. Drop-in and play Switch games on the big screen. Open to all skill levels. No registration required.
• Wednesday, July 2 at 11:00 a.m. –Free Play with Bricks. Drop-in to the Children’s Room and make something awesome with bricks. For ages 5 and up. No registration required.
• Tuesday, July 1 at 1 p.m. – Friends Book Club – Open to All. - A discussion of the book “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk. The program will meet in person in the Magazine Room, but will also meet online via Zoom. To register for the Zoom program, please register at nutleypubliclibrary.org/friends-bookclub.
• Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 1:00 p.m. – Wednesday Afternoon Knitters. 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, July 2 and Wednesday, July 30 at 3 p.m. – Essex County Environmental Workshops – Join an Essex County Naturalist to learn about the amazing wonders of nature through stories and activities. For ages 5-10. One workshop per patron. Sign-up is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Registration opens two weeks
before each program at: nutleypubliclibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
• Thursday, July 3 at 7 p.m. – Crafting Together. Mosaic Picture Frame – In this fun and creative program participants will make mosaic picture frames using glass tiles, beads and glue. Registration is limited to 20 adults. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. Sign-up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org
• Saturday, July 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.
Saturday, July 5 at 3 p.m. – Chocolate Tasting – Happy World Chocolate Day. Adults, children and teens are invited to drop in anytime between 3 and 4 p.m., and sample a variety of chocolate flavors. Then vote on a favorite. No registration required – while supplies last.
• Monday, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:00 a.m. – Mahjong Mondays – Are you a Mahjong player and looking to play again? 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. Just come in and enjoy the game.
• Monday, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at 2:00 p.m. – Maker Mondays – Explore the world of STEM with awesome activities. For all ages and skill levels. No registration required.
• Monday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. –Hooked on Books Reading Club – A book chat with snacks, and games and activities. For students entering grades 46 in Fall 2025. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Sign-up at: youth.services.nutleypubliclibrary.org
• Tuesday, July 8, 22, 29 at 3:00 p.m. –Joe Fischer’s Secrets of Magic – A look behind the scenes to see how magicians do their tricks. Each child will
receive their own “bag of magic” to take home. One workshop per patron. For ages 6-12. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Sign-up at: youth.services.nutleypubliclibrary.org
• Wednesday, July 9 at 2 p.m. – Paint with Pinot’s Palette Friends Fundraiser: For ages 5-12. Registration is required. Visit: Visit the Event Calendar at nutleypubliclibrary.org for more information.
• Friday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. – Summer Story Time – Beat the heat and enjoy stories and a craft celebrating the magic of summertime. Recommended for ages 2 and up. No registration required.
• Friday, July 11, 25 at 3:00 p.m. –Summer Brick Building Workshop – Meet up with LEGO fans and work on a building challenge. For grades K-5 in Fall 2025. One workshop per patron. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Sign-up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.
• Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. & Thursday, July 24 at 3:00 p.m. – Culinary Creatives Cooking Program –Children can make a unique and healthy recipe with registered dietician Nicole Sayre of Culinary Creatives. For ages 6-10. One cooking class per patron. Registration is required and limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. Registration opens two weeks before each program at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.
• Monday, July 14 at 6 p.m. – Pajama Story Time – Snuggle up in your pj’s and get ready for a slumber-tastic story time and craft. Bring a blanket or comfy cushion to lounge on. Don’t forget a stuffy or slippers. For all ages. No registration required.
• Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 23 at 3 p.m. – Challenge Island STEM Workshop – Explore art and architecture in new ways with STEM projects led by Challenge Island instructors. For ages 1-5 in Fall 2025. One workshop per patron. Registration is required and
limited to Nutley Public Library cardholders. One workshop per patron. Sign up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
• Wednesday, July 16 and Saturday July 19 at 10 a.m. – Finger Painting –Get creative and messy while finger painting. No registration required. While supplies last. Ages 5 and under. Sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library.
• Wednesday, July 16, 23, 30 at 2:00 p.m. – Read to a Dog – For children entering grades K-5 in Fall 2025. Readers choose a book and pair up with a licensed therapy dog to practice their reading and public speaking skills for 20 minutes. Registration is required. Each session requires separate registration. To register for future sessions, return to the event calendar and select dates you wish to attend. Please have a book of your choice selected prior to the session. Session times are in 20 minute intervals; patrons can register for the day and hour, and a 20 minute session will be assigned to them. Patrons will be emailed the exact session time the day before the program. Sign-up at: nutleypubliclibrary.org.
• Thursday, July 17 at 10:30 p.m. –Making Space for Pollinators Show – Naturalist Jerry Schneider provides a rare look into the beautiful world of pollinators and shows how we can protect them. No registration required. Recommended for ages 5 and up. A butterfly Tshirt craft will follow the program. Please bring your own plain white t-shirt to decorate or purchase for $5.00 at the show.
• Monday, July 21 at 6 p.m. – Stuffed Animal Sleepover – Bring your cuddly friend (or doll.) for stories and crafts and let them spend the night at the library. One toy per child. For all ages. No registration required.
• Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m. – Florian Schantz Jazz Combo – The Nutley Library presents a special concert showcasing the music of Cole Porter, performed by the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo. This family-friendly event will combine lively musical performances with engaging and informative commentary, making it enjoyable for all ages. The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo was founded in 2012 by Florian Schantz, who was just 9 years old at the time. Since then, Florian and his ensemble have performed over 800 times at various venues throughout the greater New York City area and in Germany, including appearances at approximately 150 libraries.
• Monday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m. –Family Movie Night – Cool off with a frosty family-friendly film with games and a craft. No registration required. Film rated PG. Please contact the Children’s Desk at 973-667-0405 ext. 2623 for film title and information.
• Wednesday July 30 at 10 a.m. –Sand Art Workshop – Make a colorful sand art bottle necklace to take home. For all ages. Registration is required. Sign-up at: youthservices.nutleypubliclibrary.org.
Mud Hole’s been stocked and is open for fishing
NUTLEY — Memorial Park, affectionately known as the Mud Hole, has for decades been a cherished gathering spot for families, offering a serene pond for fishing and relaxation in one of the township’s most beautiful parks.
Following the successful completion of a six-month water management project, the township is excited to announce that the Mud Hole is now fully stocked with fish, and ready to reclaim its role as a beloved Nutley tradition.
“I am delighted to share that my Department of Parks and Recreation has introduced nearly 1,000 fish (trout, blue gills, bass and more) into the Mud Hole,” said Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci.
“With the water management system now in place and the pond refilled, Memorial Park is back to being 100 percent operational.”
The Commissioner added that the Parks Department will be periodically adding more fish, and emphasized that the Mud Hole operates on a “catch and release only” policy.
“We want everyone to enjoy what has become a wonderful tradition for so many families over the years,” Tucci.
“We are thrilled to make this announcement just in time for summer.”
Photos Courtesy of Nutley Twp.
The Mud Hole pond, above, was stocked with a thousand fish, left. Below, the fish, including trout and bass, in the pond.
CONGRATULATIONS! — From left, Keira Tagliareni of Bloomfield, Siabella Kenworthy, of Belleville, Gabriella Liloia, of Nutley, Jaritza Sanchez, of Bloomfield, and Regina Salandra of Bloomfield, along with Monet Nicolic, of Belleville, who is not pictured, graduated from Mount St. Dominic Academy on Sunday, June 1. They were among the 61 students to graduate during the school’s 130th Annual Commencement.
Bank announces new manager for Belleville, Nutley branches
Provident Bank recently announced that Sam Mickheal of North Arlington has been named Banking Center Manager of Provident Bank’s Belleville and Nutley branches. Mickheal will be responsible for driving deposit and small business loan growth for the branches, developing sales strategies, ensuring an exceptional customer experience, as well as overseeing the staff and operational integrity of the branches, according to a press release from the bank.
Mickheal has more than 20 years’ experience in retail banking. He previously served as a market sales manager with Provident Bank. He has also held positions as financial center manager, licensed financial specialist, and store manager with Wachovia Bank, now Wells Fargo.
Mickheal earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from New Jersey City University.
“I am excited to have Sam on our team. His extensive background in retail banking and deep knowledge of the Belleville and Nutley communities will greatly enhance our efforts to deliver best-in class financial services to our customers,” said Hafeza Mohammed, first vice president, market sales manager. “Sam understands the important role Provident plays in serving the needs of both businesses and consumers.”
Publisher: David Worrall
Editor: Joe Ungaro
Advertising Manager: Joseph Farina
Photo Courtesy of MSD
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21 thru 25
Development of former Hoffmann-LaRoche site making progress
The Nutley Board of Commissioners introduced two ordinances earlier this month related to the ongoing ON3 project following an agreement with the developers of the former Hoffmann-La Roche site, Prism Capital.
The first ordinance pertains to the property located across from the ON3 main campus on Kingsland Street, near Cathedral Avenue, which the developer had initially proposed as a truck depot.
This ordinance establishes “an overlay zone for the redevelopment so that the property can be transformed into a data center or other uses as specified in the redevelopment plan.”
The second ordinance creates an overlay zone for the redevelopment of properties, which were part of the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus, allowing for their conversion into medical offices and practices, as outlined in the redevelopment plan.
Following Mayor John V. Kelly III’s reading of the ordinances on behalf of the BOC, Prism Capital’s Eugene R. Diaz addressed the room.
“There's been an awful lot out there recently regarding a warehouse application for 275 Kingsland St., which was adjourned several weeks ago at the Planning Board meeting,” Diaz said. “I'm here to tell you that that will be adjourned again at tomorrow’s Planning Board meeting, due to the actions that your commissioners are taking tonight to approve two new redevelopment plans that will help guide the remaining redevelopment of the ON3 campus in Nutley to a more amicable and mutually agreeable use. My thanks and gratitude are to your Commissioners, who over the last two weeks, worked way past midnight on many, many nights to resolve an awful lot of major issues, questions and concerns.”
Diaz said the warehouse application will ultimately be dismissed and withdrawn.
“I am fully in belief that your governing body will con-
tinue their efforts to move this along in the appropriate fashion,” Diaz said. “We look forward to withdrawing that application ultimately and proceeding with development of new uses for these sites. I'll leave it up to the Commissioners to tell you what some of those uses will be, but suffice it to say, they won't have that kind of truck and traffic impact that so frightens everybody.”
The mayor asked Township redevelopment counsel Josh Zielinski for his thoughts on the ordinances.
“With respect to the Kingsland site, the redevelop-
ment plan contemplates a data center being placed there,” Zielinski said. “With respect to the Innovation Center, the redevelopment plan contemplates medical research facilities and offices on that site as well. So it is a definite plus and benefit and bonus to the citizens and community of Nutley.”
Commissioner Thomas Evans said getting to this point wasn’t easy.
“Since we began this process, our aim has been to create a future-oriented, technology-focused, science-based campus that promotes economic growth, restores lost ratables from the divestiture of Hoffmann-La Roche, and aligns with community needs,” he said. “I am very pleased with our progress.”
Commissioner Mauro Tucci agreed that getting to this point had been challenging while Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli expressed his gratitude to Prism Capital for their work on the campus so far.
“It has truly become a premier innovation hub in New Jersey and the metropolitan area,” he said. “With our actions over the next two weeks, we will further enhance this life sciences campus.”
"I am pleased to witness progress at the site," Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said. "During my tenure as mayor from 2012 to 2016, it seemed bleak after Roche's departure. It is encouraging to see, through the hard work of everyone involved, that a truck terminal will not be established there. I am also excited about the global settlement and the prospect of regaining taxable properties without any impact on the school system."
The mayor also announced that the public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the ordinances at the Board of Commissioners meeting on July 1, at Town Hall.
“We are moving quickly over the next two to three weeks, so mark your calendars,” Kelly said.
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Photo Courtesy of Nutley Twp.
Mayor John Kelly III in the Commissioner Chambers inside Town Hall.
Nutley man honored by county with Pride of Essex County Award
A Nutley resident was among those honored by the county during the annual Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration.
“Every year in Essex County, we celebrate Pride Month and our LGBTQ community. It is our opportunity to raise awareness about issues that affect this segment of the population and recognize outstanding members of our own LGBTQ community,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said. “Our honorees have done difficult work in their respective fields of providing support, protecting human rights and promoting understanding.”
DiVincenzo, the Essex County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and the Essex County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Advisory Board hosted the Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration on Monday, June 16.
During the ceremony, DiVincenzo presented a Pride of Essex County Award to Patrick Koslecki, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Awards also went to East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi and the Newark LGBTQ Community Center.
"We are delighted to celebrate the Essex County LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration, which is a time to recognize our community's strength, resilience, and unity," said Reginald Bledsoe, director of the Essex County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. “ We are working together to create a more inclusive and diverse society,
County
third from right, hosted the Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration on June 16. He presented Pride of Essex County Awards to, second to left, Patrick Koslecki, director of DEIat Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center; the Newark LGBTQ Community Center, represented by Executive Director Beatrice Simpkins and Board Chair Denise Hinds; and East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi. With them is Reggie Bledsoe, left, Essex County LGBTQ+ affairs director.
where everyone can thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity
Koslecki has been a social activist since he was a student at Caldwell College.
While still a student, he began working at GLAAD and helped coordinate the “For
the 49” campaign to remember the 49 lives lost to gun violence, racism, and homophobia in the Pulse Nightclub Shooting in Florida.
He then became a founder and inaugural member of the GLAAD Campus
ambassadorship where he was able to bridge the gaps between the newly secured freedom of marriage equality and communities who did not agree with the Supreme Court decision.
After graduating, he worked at a law firm in New York City fighting for underprivileged communities. He got back to LGBTQ+ advocacy and became a DEI consultant for Fortune 100 companies and founded Nutley Pride for better LGBTQ+ representation in his hometown.
As the first LGBTQ+ organization in Nutley, a community that had not seen much outward LGBTQ+ expressions, Nutley Pride is one of Koslecki’s proudest achievements, he said.
Koslecki is currently the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in RWJBarnabas Health and has been for the past five years. He also recently launched the state’s first fully integrated Name Change Clinic for transgender and nonbinary community members and has hosted free HIV testing days for community members to know their status and end the epidemic. Koslecki again is a founding board member of another LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, the JC LGBTQ+ Alliance.
“I am honored to receive this award. There are many challenges we are facing today, but there always have been challenges before us. What we do today matters for the generations of tomorrow,” said Kosiecki.
Photo Courtesy of Glen Frieson
Essex
Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.,
Graduates sent off with a blessing from the principal and The Rolling Stones Nutley High School Class of
(Continued from Page 1)
the graduates.
“May the good lord shine a light on you and may every song be your favorite tune,” he said, quoting a Rolling Stones song.
Superintendent of Schools Kent Bania told the students that he thinks of his life as a book with chapters.
“Life is a book and each of you is the
author of your own narrative,” Bania said.
“The next pages are blank and this may be overwhelming but it is also exhilarating because they are yours.”
Board of Education President Salvatore Ferraro told the students to choose courage over comfort, not to compare their life to someone else’s highlight reel on social media and to remember to thank their parents.
The following is the Nutley High School Class of 2025 and what they plan to do after graduation:
Lissette Abreu — Rutgers University
Andrea Acomata — Brandies University
Chloe Acompanado — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Jad Ageeb — Bergen Community College
Kaitlyn Aguila — Rutgers University
Kevin Aguilar — Gap Year
Rukhshona Alamova — Bergen Community College
Kyle Algieri — County College of Morris
Rosalina Alicea — Kean University
Emily Aranda — Seton Hall University
Ava Ardizzone — Montclair State University
Hannah Arias Alavarez — Bergen Community College
Cassey Arroyo — The University of Tampa
Keith Bach — Monmouth University
Kenneth Bach — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Christian Badawi — United States Marine Corps
Alejandro Barcellos — Montclair State University
Maximilian Bednarz — Essex County College
Jake Bellenger — Villanova University
Sarah Berry — Seton Hall University
Avery Bethelmie — School of Visual Arts
Aashi Bhandari — University of Pennsylvania
Justin Bido — Bergen Community College
Matthew Blanchard — University of Delaware
Tetiana Bohush — Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
Sander Boissard — Monmouth University
Gabriella Botti — Sacred Heart University
Murilo Brito — College
Joseph Buset — Rutgers University
Mustafa Can — Montclair State University
Keira Canova — Florida Gulf Coast University
Ruben Carneiro — Gap Year
Vincent Carnicella — Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Sebastian Castaneda — Bergen Community College
Shane Castellanos — Erskine College
Andrew Castro — Higher Education
Jackson Cerniglia-Rapavi — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Lucas Cerqueira — Rutgers University- Newark
Leilani Chamorrinha Vaughn — College of Aeronautics & Technology
Emma Chell — Marist University
Vincent Cheng — Rutgers University
Isaac Chester — Bergen Community
College
Francesca Chilan — Montclair State University
Grace Christie — Mount Saint Mary College
Ava Chrysoulakis — The University of Tampa
Caitlin Chua — Rutgers University
Ava Ciotoli — Marist University
Ryan Conca — Workforce
Arianna Contella — Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg
Luke Costantino — William Paterson University
Ava Costanzo — Purdue University
Ethan Cox — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Luke Cozzi — Rutgers University
Izabella Cozzolino Christine Valmy — Beauty School
David Crecco — The Citadel- Military College of South Carolina
James Crichton — Utica University
Luciana Crocco — Monmouth University
Jaylanie Cuevas — U.S. Army
Nickolas D’ Auria — College
Josiah De Paz — Brown University
Sarea DeMatteo — University of Delaware
Kayla DeNyse — Felician University
Isabella Dimasi — Syracuse University
Gary Dinardo — Workforce
Giavanna DiNorscio — Rutgers University
Theresa Dionisio — Montclair State University
Angelo DiTaranto — Trade SchoolHVAC
Charlize Dominguez — The Ohio State University
Owen Drake — Gap Year
Giancarlo Duan — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Audrey Dunlay — University of Maryland
Ava Eltzholtz — The College of New Jersey
Sofia Frishta EsHaq — Rutgers University
Otto Fabianich — Bergen County Technical School
Damiano Farro — United States Marine Corps
Victoria Feliciano-Blanco — The University of Tampa
Natalie Feraco — Trade School
Kaique Fernandes Montserrat — College of Art
Breanna Fernandez — Felician University
Enzo Ferraro — Lincoln Technical Institute
Kardan Ferreira — University of San Francisco
Jayla Figueroa — Rutgers University
Justin Figueroa — Full Sail University
Ava Fiordilino — Monmouth University
Logan Fitzpatrick — Montclair State University
Photos by Joe Ungaro
Above, students walk into the Oval at the start of the school's commencement ceremony. Below, graduating senior Audrey M. Dunlay is about to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the event. Principal Denis Williams is on the right.
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Graduation was held in The Oval under sunny skies
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Shea Florie — Ithaca College
Alexis Fontanilla — Seton Hall University
Elizabeth Franco — Rutgers University – Newark
Lena Fukuoka-Schreiber — University of Southern California
Vincenza Gabriele — St. Joseph’s University
Gianna Gagliardo — Montclair State University
Nicholas Gallo — Monmouth University
Kayla Garcia — Hudson County Community College
Tobias Garcia — Montclair State University
Luigi Gencarelli — Montclair State University
Serena Genna — Quinnipiac University
Kaitlyn Gibney — Fairfield University
Kenneth Gil — Workforce
Matthew Gionni Lynn — University
Frank Giordano — Workforce
Sindi Gjonbocari — Drew University
Gavin Gonsiewski — Rollins College
Gerel Gonzales — William Paterson University
Ivana Gonzalez — Kean University
Luke Gonzalez — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Danielle Goode — University of Delaware
Connor Graziano — Ramapo College of New Jersey
Julien Guerrero — Trade School- General Assembly
Kattie Guerrero — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Alexis Guevara — Seton Hall University
Dylan Guzman — Rutgers University –Newark
Alexis Hamlin — Montclair State University
Madison Hegel — Higher Education
Mia Higgins — Montclair State University
Johann Higuera — United States Air Force
Justin Horta — Rutgers University
Tyler Hsiao — Rutgers University
Gabriella Hunter — University of California- Santa Barbara
Ryan Ibrahim — Rutgers UniversityNewark
Serena Ilog — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Vincenza Intili — Montclair State University
Valentina Iodice — Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology
Alexander Irwin — Virginia Tech
Pietro Jacoby — Bergen Community College
Seong Hee Jeon — Purdue University
Yasnay Jimenez Flores — Workforce
Keith Jiratatprasot — Rutgers University
Giovanni Jones — Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
Katelyn Kane — University of Delaware
Raphael Kang — Rutgers University
Sianna Kantor — University of South Carolina-Columbia
Desart Karaj — Montclair State University
Ryan Kenny — Saint Leo University
Ronan Kiernan — Montclair State University
Erin Kirby — University of Texas at Austin
Delaney Koehler — Rutgers University
Anthony Kolmer — Bergen Community College
Mateo Kolmer — Bergen Community College
Carly Konz — Syracuse University
Stephanie La — University of Pittsburgh
Ava Lage — Gap Year
Roman Lama — Montclair State University
Xael Leon — College
Mia Letchi — Kean University
Jayson Li — Indiana University
Morgan Liss — Kutztown University
William Llanza — Bergen Community College
Camila Loikova — The University of North Carolina
Donato Longobardi — Workforce
Noah Lopez — Workforce
Sofia Lopez — Kean University
Amanda Lukasz — University of Delaware
William Madsen — University of Delaware
Marley Madureira — Universal Technical Institute
Janell Marla Magante — New York University
Phoenix Maldonado — Essex County College
Gabriella Mariano — The University of Tennessee
Mason Marsala — Montclair State University
Michael Martell — Bergen Community College
Patrick Mastandrea — University of Maryland
Alan Masters — The Pennsylvania
State University
Isabella Mattiazzi — East Carolina University
Laila Mayrant — College
John McCaffrey — Lynn University
Brendan McCall — University of Florida
Kara McClafferty — Stockton University
John McGuire — Montclair State University
Alexa McLaughlin — Penn State Schuylkill
Declan McManus — Binghamton University
Juliana McMullen — Lynn University
Benjamin McNeil — Trade School
Gabriella Meir — Marist University
Leander Mejias — Workforce
Kieran Mernagen — Purchase College
Alyssa Messina — University of New Haven
Sophia Meza — Pace University
John Miano — Universal Technical Institute
Christopher Mikhail — Rutgers University
Sofia Miller — University of Connecticut
Grace Millerick — University of Alabama
Sarah Mir — Rutgers University
Adam Mitwally — Rutgers UniversityNewark
Ali Mitwally — Pace University
Nicholas Moccio — Workforce
Clark Mohrbutter — Rutgers University- Newark
Jonathan Monterosa — Seton Hall University
Vida Montesino — The Pennsylvania State University
Nathan Morales — Lehigh University
Nicholas Morgan — Gap Year
Brandon Mui — University of Delaware
Lucia Nardone — Caldwell University
Eliijah Navas — Bergen Community College
Amaya Negron — Monmouth University
Caitlin Niebuhr — Rutgers University
Ethan Norona — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Noah Nugiel — Caldwell University
Senior Class President Emma
welcomes everyone to the event and tells classmates they will carry a bit of Nutley with them.
David Nyakairu — Ithaca College
Ellory O’Driscoll — Skidmore College
Victoria O’Toole — Gap Year
Richard Okkema — Workforce
Anthony Oramas — Marywood University
Gianny Ortega — Kean University
Viktoriia Ovsiannyk — Montclair State University
Om Paghdal — Boston College
Nicholas Palumbo — State University of New York at New Paltz
Chaaya Patel — Nova Southeastern University
Jainam Patel — Rutgers UniversityNewark
Nidhi Patel — Rutgers University
Riya Patel — Northeastern University
Jaiden Perez — Essex County College
Lucia Perna — Bergen Community College
Ryan Pessoa — Seton Hall University
Alichely Polanco — Empire Beauty School
Hannah Pollail — Rutgers University
Melanie Ponton — Rutgers University
Giacomo Pontoriero — Montclair State University
Elianna Poplawski — William Paterson University
Abigail Puleo — Binghamton University
Dominic Quimby — Syracuse University
Kenneth Quinones — Workforce
Kayla Rayot — Savannah College of Art and Design
Vero Rayot — Bergen Community College
Noah Reilly — Stockton University
Isabel Riccardi — University of Delaware
Anthony Riccio — Montclair State University
Amaya Rivera — Fairleigh Dickinson University
See THE BLEACHERS, Page 14
Photo by Joe Ungaro
R. Chell
The bleachers were full of cheering family during the ceremony
(Continued from Page 12)
Carina Rivera — Wilkes University
Maria Rizzi — Stevens Institute of Technology
Breele Robson — Louisiana State University
Sade Rodrigues — Drexel University
Olivia Rodriguez — Caldwell University
Luisa Rodriguez Tabares — Fairleigh Dickinson University
Zariah Roman — Workforce
Brianna Romero — Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology
Jaylin Romero — University of California- Berkeley
Melanie Roque — Austin Community College
Alekaii Rosado — Manhattan University
Jackson Rosenkrantz — Bergen Community College
Amanda Rozario — The George Washington University
Marissa Ruiz — Eastwick College
Santino Ruiz — Essex County College
Gerard Russo — Monmouth University
Jenna Rutnik — Villanova University
Eileen Saldana — Ramapo College of New Jersey
Adrianna Samayoa — Rutgers University
Michael Sanabria — West Virginia University
Francisco Sanchez — Carpio Universal Technical Institute
Andrew Santangelo — Rutgers University
Gerald Santangelo Rutgers University
Jaely Santiago — Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology
Sephora Santiago — Montclair State University
Karilee Santos — Bergen Community College
Sofia Saracino — Pace University
Amanda Scaperotta — John Carroll University
Nicholas Scheidel — Marist University
Connor Scherrer — Montclair State University
Kayla Schiffenhaus — Workforce
Sophie Seckler — New York University
Maria Shaker — Rutgers UniversityNewark
Pema Sherpa — Essex County College
Rusl Shrestha — Bergen Community College
Melanie Slattery — Florida International University
Drew Slomkowski — Seton Hall University
Jordan Small — Montclair State University
Steven Snoha — North Carolina State University
Valeria Sobalvarro Bastidas — Montclair State University
Yeleen Soho — Seton Hall University
Sara Sonnylal — Rutgers UniversityNewark
Jocelyn Soto — Bergen Community College
Tyler Souders — Front Range Community College
Carlee Spina — Cosmetology
Meghan Spina — Rutgers University
Clark St. Amant — Montclair State University
Skye Stoeckel — Stockton University
Christopher Suriani — Montclair State University
Katherine Tan — New Jersey Institute of Technology
Andrew Tapia — Army National Guard
Jason Tauriello — Workforce
Anthony Teixeira-Garcia — Workforce
Dylan Thayer — College
Christina Theodoulidou — Gap Year
Lola Thompson — The College of New
PRINCIPAL, Page 16
Congratulat
Congratulat
JEWELERS
Photos by Joe Ungaro Camila R. Loikova gives the Valedictory Address during Nutley High School’s 155th Commencement Ceremony.
Jersey
(Continued
Alan Timchak — East Carolina University
Mia Timpanaro —Monmouth University
Nicole Toro — United States Air Force
Angelo Torrillo — New Jersey City University
Vincent Trama — Trade School
Claire Trematore — Bergen Community College
Ariel Troya Perez — Bergen Community College
Paris Uribe — Montclair State University
Ava Valdivieso — The University of Tennessee
Janelise Valentin — United States Air Force
Kalinda Valentin — Workforce
Alexander Valenzuela — University of Delaware
Lilliana Van de Zilver — Rutgers University
Marlo Vangieri — The Ohio State University
Isabel Vasquez — Essex County College
Paul Vazquez — The University of Tampa
Sophia Velasquez — Bergen Community College
Camilla Vero Coello — Montclair State University
Taylor Verhasselt — Kean University
Maxwell Vespa — Workforce
Bianca Vigilante — Bergen Community College
Chriselle Reign Visco — Rutgers University-Newark
Marc Visco — Lincoln Technical Institute
Tyler Vonroth — University of Kentucky
Micah Ware — Higher Education
Gavin Warburton — Thomas More University
Nicholas Wilson — Loyola University Maryland
Gifty Yajah — Bergen Community College
Aaron Yassin — Montclair State University
Brooke Yero — The University of Alabama
Lauren Yozzo — Ramapo College of New Jersey
Jaylen Zaki — Towson University
Jayden Zamot — Workforce
Lelia Zeryoh — Kean University
Linda Zheng — Pratt Institute
Giana Zitola — Gap Year
Gabriel Zunaideh — Rutgers
Congratulat
Congratulat
ions CLASS OF 2025 CLASS OF 2025
ions
NUTLEY HIGH SCHOOL NUTLEY HIGH SCHOOL
St. Peter School holds graduations, celebrates its successes
The St. Peter School community was all smiles in early June as a number of students graduated from their respective grades. The Pre-K class stepped up to kindergarten, while the kindergartners, in white robes and hats, had their graduation ceremony at the St. Peter School Auditorium. The eighth grade class, pictured upper left, seen with their School Principal Phyllis Sisco and home-room teacher Jonathan Matulac, had their Baccalaureate Mass and Commence-
ment Ceremonies in the Parish Church. Randy Leon and Adorah Modeste, top right, are seen receiving a scholarship from the Belleville Knights of Columbus Council 835 at the Awards Ceremony held prior to the graduation ceremonies, along with officers of the Council. Anyone interested in registering their children (Pre-K3-8th) at St. Peter School, located at 152 William Street, can contact the School Office at 973-759-3103.
St. Peter’s Church holds confirmation service for 75 teenagers
Photos Courtesy St. Peter’s Church Seventy-five teenagers from the Parish of St. Peter received the Sacrament of Confirmation earlier this Spring at a Mass celebrated by Manuel A. Cruz, auxiliary bishop for Essex County. Adorah Modeste, accompanied by her godmother, is seen right after being anointed with the Oil of Chrism.
A Nutley resident was among the winners of the 2025 Essex County Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and the Division of Senior Services announced the results of the contest during an awards luncheon at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark on May 28.
The Legacies Writing Contest encourages Essex senior citizens to write essays about the people and events that have influenced their lives.
“Our Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest is a unique way for our older population to share their life’s stories and describe the people and events that helped to shape their lives,” DiVincenzo said. “Our seniors’ stories make you laugh and touch your heart. They provide us with a different perspective on historical events and what our society was like.”
Selected as winners of the 2025 Senior Citizen Legacies Writing Contest are Carol T. Jenkins from East Orange who wrote “The Day Dad Died,” Linda A. Buset from Nutley who wrote “Eleven Years,” Eva M. Ogens from Caldwell who wrote “Rich in What Matters” and Maryam Bey from Newark who wrote “Your Life Struggles Prepare Your Purpose.”
Receiving honorable mentions were Pamela Gaston from Maplewood who wrote “My Little City,” Glenda R. Mattox from East Orange who wrote “Teachers that Taught Me,” Coni Evans from Verona who wrote “Toby the Hot Dog Man” and Geremia Helou from Fairfield who wrote “A Forever Frozen Moment.”
•.Buset wrote about taking care of her aging parents as she and her husband underwent cancer treatment, and her daughter suffered a stroke. Her parents passed away about two months apart and her husband, after going into remission from cancer three times, passed away.
•.Jenkins said she was “daddy’s little girl” when she was growing up. Despite living on a budget, her father, Courtland, always would give in and get her what she wanted: tickets to a doo wop concert, a drawing kit and a new hat, to name a few. When she got older, she visited her father weekly. However, one day when she arrived, there were fire trucks at the apartment building where he lived. She learned later that the fire started in her father’s residence after he fell asleep while cooking. She visited him in the hospital every day; “I knew that he knew I was there because the electronic monitor near his bed would spike,” she wrote. After five days in the hospital, her father passed away.
•.Ogens wrote “Rich in What Matters,” about her father, who escaped Nazi Germany in 1939, came to the United States and worked in a metal and machine shop. He fought in World War II and was proud of his U.S. military service.
•.Newark resident Maryam Bey wrote
“Your Life Struggles Prepare Your Purpose,” about the difficult times she experienced growing up and how it prepared her for her life’s work teaching and helping others.
Sponsored by the Essex County Division of Senior Services, the Legacies Writing Contest was started in 1996 and was part of a national contest which encouraged senior citizens to discover the joys of writing while sharing their stories with others. Although the national contest was discontinued in 1998, the Essex County Division of Senior Services continued to sponsor the Legacies Writing Contest on a local level.
Winning stories were selected by a committee of volunteer judges and staff from the Essex County Division of Senior Services.
Wasko makes the Dean’s List at Lebanon Valley
Alexandra Wasko, of Nutley, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2025 semester at Lebanon Valley College. Dean's list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0. Lebanon Valley College is in Annville, Pa.
Garcia makes the Dean’s List at Cedar Crest
Ashley Garcia, of Belleville, was named to Cedar Crest College's Spring 2025 Dean's List. The Dean's List recognizes students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their studies by earning a grade point average of 3.65 or higher in the academic semester. Cedar Crest is located in Allentown, Pa.
Belleville students on the Dean’s List at Kean
The following students from Belleville were named to the Dean’s List at Kean University: Brayan Cordova; Mia Twiggs; Zoe Hall; Yalianel Ortiz; Leonardo Salomone; Priscilla Tapia; Joseph Abramson; Ana Ochoa; Diego Ochoa; Andrew Llerena.
Nutley students on the Dean’s List at Kean
The following students from Nutley were named to the Dean’s List at Kean
University: Lauren Vanderkooy; Gabrielle Mercado; Miguel Benitez; Gemma O'Farrill; Amanda Gibney; Adrianna Quinn; Genesis Santos Baez; Kendra Hergenhan; Ryan Sokolowski.
Ingles named to President’s List at Champlain College
Jonathan Ingles, of Belleville, was named to the Champlain College President's List for the Spring 2025 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.
Tran graduates from Bucknell University
Meghan Tran, of Nutley, graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration from Bucknell University on May 18.
Forlenza on Dean’s List
Emanuel Forlenza, of Nutley, has been named to the 2025 Emmanuel College Dean's List. Forlenza has a double major; Spanish and political science.
Conklin graduates from College of Charleston
Mackenzie Conklin, of Nutley, graduated with a bachelor of arts in communica-
tion from the College of Charleston this spring.
Flores on 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 spring 2025 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.
Shanklin earns Ph.D
Nicole Shanklin, of Nutley earned a doctor of education: educational leadership from Centenary University in Hackettstown.
Kirby makes President’s List at Vermont State Univ.
Emma Kirby, of Nutley, was named to the President's List for the spring 2025 semester at Vermont State University. President's List designation is reserved for the students who maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 4.0.
Nutley residents on Dean’s List at Quinnipiac Univ.
Nutley residents Elizabeth DeSantis, Gabriella Gigante and Ella Romonowski
were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2025 semester at Quinnipiac University. To qualify for the dean's list, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than C.
Nutley residents on Dean’s List at Fairfield University
Nutley residents Sarah Gibney, Laina Giella, Reilley Granelli, Mary Rado, Charlotte Romano, Riley Sebastiano and Mark Surretsky received Dean’s List honors at Fairfield University for the spring 2025 semester.
In order to be placed on the Dean's List, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in a semester, have no outstanding or incomplete grades for that semester, and have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better.
Bayne makes Dean’s List at University of Wisconsin
Grace Bayne, of Glen Ridge, has been named to the Dean’s List in the School of Education at The University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Nutley Chamber of Commerce has plenty planned this year
• The Nutley Chamber of Commerce has the following events planned:
• Nutley Chamber Business Mixer
Thursday, June 26, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Essex Cigar Lounge
• Nutley Chamber Networking Breakfast
Thursday, July 17, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Chris & Angie's Dinette
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Thursday, July 17, 9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Luxury Flowers
• Nutley Chamber Business Mixer
Thursday, July 24, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Hyssop Beauty Apothecary
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Thursday, July 24, 5:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Hyssop Beauty Apothecary
• Nutley Chamber Networking Luncheon
Thursday, Aug. 21 , 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Oakley Kitchen
• Restaurant & Foodie Week
Mon Aug. 18 - Thursday, Aug. 28
• Nutley Chamber Business Mixer
Thursday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Proponent Federal Credit Union
• Nutley Chamber Networking Luncheon
Thursday, Sept. 18, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sonoma Bistro Bar and Grill
• Nutley Chamber Business Mixer
Thursday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Gary Marino at Rate Mortgage
• Nutley Chamber Networking Lunch
Thursday, Oct. 16, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Nutley Family Service Bureau
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
The Sweet Life Cafe
• Nutley Chamber Business Mixer
Thursday, Oct. 23, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Sweet Life Cafe
• Sidewalk Sale
Sat Oct. 25, 9 a.m. - Sunday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m.
• Nutley Chamber Thanksgiving Luncheon
Thursday, Nov. 20, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
VFW Post 493
• Santa's Arrival
Fri Nov. 28, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Nutley High School Park Oval
• Small Business Saturday
Sat Nov. 29, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Nutley Chamber Holiday Mixer
Thursday, Dec. 4 , 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cowan's Public
CLASSIFIED ADS ARE QUICK AND CONVENIENT!
GOT ONE! — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that Luke Vicente (second from right) from Nutley caught the most fish in the boys’ ages 1-5 category at the Essex County Fishing Derby in Monte Irvin Orange Park in Orange on June 10. He caught one fish. Presenting the award are Essex County Parks Director Dan Salvante, Luke’s mother Gina Vicente and Program Coordinator Jacqueline Matthews.
Photo courtesy of Essex County
Nutley High School girls softball team has good run, players gain SEC accolades
The Nutley High School softball team enjoyed a good run this season.
The sixth-seeded Raiders went 2-1 in New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 state tournament. They defeated No. 11 seed Carteret, 11-1, in the first round on May 29 at Yanticaw Park field and upset third-seeded North Hunterdon, 5-3, in the first round on May 30 at North Hunterdon in the quarterfinals, before losing at No. 2 seed Summit, 6-3, on June 4 to finish the season with a 15-12 record.
The following NHS players earned All–Super Essex Conference–Liberty Division honors, as selected by the division coaches:
FIRST TEAM
• Gabriella Mariano, senior.
• Sianna Kantor, senior.
• Camryn Ortega, sophomore.
SECOND TEAM
• Makenna DeJianne, sophomore.
• Gigi Liloia, freshman.
HONORABLE MENTION
• Kaitlyn Nellegar, sophomore.
• Sophia Rocha, sophomore.
This message is sponsored by these community minded businesses and organizations
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GO FISH: Olivia Vicente (center) from Nutley caught the most fish in the girls’ ages 1-5 category at the county Fishing Derby in Monte Irvin Orange Park in Orange on June 10. She caught two fish. Presenting the award are Director Dan Salvante and Coordinator Jacqueline Matthews.
BHS softball players earn SEC honors
The Belleville High School softball team featured several players who earned All–Super Essex Conference–Colonial Division honors this season, as selected by the division coaches.
FIRST TEAM
• Leilani Paredes, freshman. SECOND TEAM
WAL
SBARRA CHIROPRACTIC 260 Park Avenue, Nutley 973-662-0006
PROPONENT
FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 433 Kingsland Street 173 Bloomfiel
• Anniyah Thompson, junior.
• Nina Gemino, senior.
• Brooke Nelson, sophomore.
HONORABLE MENTION
• Emily Anuscavage, freshman. The young Buccaneers made nice progress during their eight-win season.
Photo Courtesy Essex County
TORCH RUN — Belleville Police Department officers participated in the 42nd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 6 to raise awareness for New Jersey Special Olympics. The BPD leg of the run began in Nutley and stretched into Branch Brook Park in Newark. More than 3,000 officers statewide participated in the event, running in 26 separate legs starting as early as 4:45 a.m. The event led up to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, held at The College of New Jersey June 78. The officers are known as the "Guardians of the Flame," keeping the "Flame of Hope" burning bright in the Garden State. The Torch Run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, and is the largest grass-roots fundraising movement for the Special Olympics.
Photos Courtesy BPD
Full schedule of free activities planned for summer in Belleville
BELLEVILLE — With all the free community events planned this summer, it’s going to be a hot summer in Belleville.
A series of free concerts, movies and much more are planned every Thursday at Belleville High School presented by Mayor Michael Melham, the Township Council and the Belleville Recreation Department.
The fun runs throughout summer, to the end of August.
And if that doesn’t sate your appetite for fun, food trucks will be available at every event, showcasing a wide variety of ethnic specialties you just can’t find elsewhere.
“Since we started the summer concert series, I’ve noticed how it fosters such tremendous community spirit,” Melham said. “Nothing brings us together like music, food and friends under the stars on a summer night.”
The summer fun starts off with a bang on Thursday, July 3, with an Independence Day fireworks show complete with clowns, rides, face painting and bouncy houses for kids.
Belleville will be abuzz with activities the following day, starting with “Yoga in the Park” at No. 7 School, 20 Passaic Ave., at 9:30 a.m. A memorial event to honor Revolutionary War soldiers will be held at the Belleville Dutch Reformed Church, 171 Main St., followed by a color run at Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave., at noon.
The summer concert and movie series will kick off July 10. You should plan to get to the high school by 6:30 p.m. for concerts, 7 p.m. for movies.
Here is the schedule:
• July 10: Freestyle Night with George Lamond, TKA and DJ Ralph Tunis
• July 17: “Moana 2” movie night with free popcorn
• July 24: Xtreme Queen (Queen tribute band)
• July 31: K’Ndela Salsa (with a live salsa class by MDN Studio)
• Aug. 7: Motown to the 80s featuring White Wedding and Valerie & The Dimensions
• Aug. 14: “Wicked” movie night with free hotdogs
• Aug. 21: The Cameos, New Jersey’s favorite oldies group
• Aug. 28: Country night with Saltwater Country, plus line dancing with Danceflix. The night and summer series concludes with fireworks.
Photo Courtesy Belleville Twp.
The township has planned concerts and movies for nights throughout the summer.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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
SOCIAL MEDIA STAR AND COMEDIAN
JOSH JOHNSON PRESENTS THE FLOWERS TOUR AT NJPAC on Saturday, June 28, at 7 and 9:45 p.m., at Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $39.50 to $59.50 at www.njpac.org.
AMERICA’S HOTTEST COMEDIAN MO AMER performs on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St. Newark. Tickets are $42.50 at www.njpac.org.
GENX TAKEOVER: THE COMEDY TOUR HITS NJPAC on Saturday, Aug. 23rd,at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
MIKE EPPS BRINGS UNFILTERED COMEDY TO NJPAC on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org.
TOM PAPA, ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP COMEDIANS, returns to NJPAC on Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m., Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center Street, Newark. Tickets start at $43.50 at www.njpac.org.
COMEDIAN BEN SCHWARTZ & FRIENDS TO PERFORM AT NJPAC on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $43.50 at www.njpac.org.
MS. PAT BRINGS UNFILTERED COMEDY TO NJPAC on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Johnathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets at www.njpac.org or by calling 888-466-5722.
LECTURES
BEATLES MAGIC: RARE FOOTAGE and EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS hosted by Beatles expert Charles F. Rosenay and archivist Erik
Taros on Sunday, June 29, at 3 p.m., at Drew University Concert Hall, 36 Madison Ave., Madison. Tickets are available at GDPresents.simpletix.com or call 917-567-5842.
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., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 to $103.50 at www.njpac.org.
MUSIC
RICK SPRINGFIELD: I WANT MY ’80S TOUR FEATURING JOHN WAITE, WANG CHUNG AND PAUL YOUNG, on Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, One Center St., Newark. Tickets are $59 to $149 at www.njpac.org.
DYNAMIC SOUL MUSIC WITH KEM on Friday, July 18, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets start at $49 at www.njpac.org.
CHICAGO COMES TO NEWARK on Friday, July 25, at 8 p.m., at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
MORRISTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL on the Morristown Green on Saturday, Aug. 16. The Festival kicks off at noon with Dani G and Friends; at 2 p.m., the U.S. Army’s Big Band, the Jazz Ambassadors take the stage; at 4 p.m., Blues People follows; 6 p.m., King Solomon Hicks; and at 8 p.m., Samantha Fish ends the show. For more information, visit www.morristownjazzandblues.org.
BERES HAMMOND AND FRIENDS will perform on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m. at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $78.50 at www.njpac.org.
KASHMIR – THE SPIRIT OF LED ZEPPELIN LIVE on Friday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC
Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $49.50 to $69.50 at www.njpac.org.
FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS, THE LAST ENCORES on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m, at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, One Center Street, Newark. Tickets start at $49.50 at www.NJPAC.org or Box Office 888-466-5722.
HEROES FOR GHOSTS – A PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE on Oct. 11, at 8 p.m., Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Tickets at https://ucpac.vbotickets.com/ AIR SUPPLY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $60 at www.njpac.org.
DIANA ROSS performs on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m., at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $69, $99, $129, $159 and $259, plus applicable fees, at www.ticketmaster.com.
NJPAC PRESENTS THE BLUES IS ALRIGHT FALL 2025 TOUR WITH KING GEORGE, TUCKA, POKEY BEAR, WEST LOVE,
LENNY WILLIAMS, AND THEODIS EALEY on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. NJPAC, Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets starting at $75 at www.njpac.org.
THEATER
WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE: MURDER NIGHT IN BLOOD FOREST STARRING CECIL BALDWIN, SYMPHONY SANDERS AND SURPRISE GUESTS on Thursday, July 10, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Victoria Theater, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage, One Center St. Tickets start at $46.00 at www.njpac.org.
NUYORICAN POETRY SLAM TEAM PERFORM on Friday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. at NJPAC, Chase Room, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are $19 at www.njpac.org.
“THE WITCHER IN CONCERT” on Friday, Sept. 19, at NJPAC. The concert celebrates the video game “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” and includes the soundtrack performed live. At NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888-466-5722.
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT will land in Newark at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Audiences will be immersed in a two-hour performance with a live orchestra that brings the show’s iconic musical score to life in perfect harmony paired with visual highlights and favorite moments from all three seasons of the series. At NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at njpac.org or 888-466-5722.
NARUTO THE SYMPHONIC EXPERIENCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR comes to NJPAC in Newark. Audiences will see a live orchestra perform the most iconic songs and themes from the Naruto animated series, live-to-picture, as scenes play out on a full-size cinema screen on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m., at NJPAC, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark. Tickets are at www.njpac.org.
Photo Courtesy NJPAC Frankie Valli
NHS athletes will continue their careers collegiately
Nutley High School Athletics honored several student-athletes. as they announced their college decisions to continue their athletic careers, during a ceremony that took place in the school’s auditorium on Thursday, May 29.
The student-athletes were joined by family members, coaches, administrators and coaches.
The following are those student-athletes:
• Gabriella Botti – Sacred Heart University, in Connecticut; bowling, Division 1.
• Shane Castellanos – Erskine College, in South Carolina; volleyball, Division 1.
• Grace Christie – Mount Saint Mary College, in New York, basketball, Division 3.
• Serena Genna – Quinnipiac University, in Connecticut; cheer, Division 1.
• Alexa McLaughlin – Penn State University at Schuylkill; volleyball, Division 3.
• Anthony Oramas – Marywood University, in Pennsylvania; soccer, Division 3.
• Nick Palumbo – State University of New York at New Paltz, baseball, Division 3.
• Amanda Scaperotta – John Carroll University, in Ohio; volleyball, Division 3.
• Drew Slomkowski – Seton Hall University, baseball, Division 1.
• Gavin Warburton – Thomas More University, in Kentucky; volleyball, Division 1.
Nutley High School Athletics honored several student-athletes. as they announced their college decisions to continue their athletic careers. Standing, from left, are Shane Castellanos – Erskine College, in South Carolina; volleyball; Gavin Warburton – Thomas More University, in Kentucky; volleyball; Gabriella Botti – Sacred Heart University, in Connecticut; bowling; Alexa McLaughlin – Penn State University at Schuylkill; volleyball; Grace Christie – Mount Saint Mary College, in New York, basketball; Anthony Oramas – Marywood University, in Pennsylvania; soccer; Drew Slomkowski – Seton Hall University, baseball; and Nick Palumbo – State University of New York at New Paltz, baseball. Seated, from left, are Amanda Scaperotta – John Carroll University, in Ohio; volleyball; and Serena Genna – Quinnipiac University, in Connecticut. To see more photos from this event, visit www.EssexNewsDaily.com.
Nutley HS baseball players garner All-SEC honors
The Nutley High School baseball team featured several players who earned All–Super Essex Conference–Liberty Division honors, as selected by the division coaches. FIRST TEAM
• Ben McNeil, senior.
• Nick Palumbo, senior.
• Keith Jiratatprasot, senior.
• Drew Slomkowski, senior. HONORABLE MENTION
• Kennan Bilotta, sophomore.
• Ryan Pessoa, senior.
The Raiders had a good season. As the No. 10 seed, they upset No. 7 seed Northern Highlands, 3-2, in the first round on a ninth–inning home run by Jiratatprasot, before losing at No. 2 seed Old Tappan, 60, in the quarterfinals on May 30 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 state tournament. The Raiders ended the season with a 6-5 win over Montclair on May 31 at the Park Oval to finish with a 15-13 record.
Photo by Joe Ragozzino
Photos Courtesy of Nutley High School Baseball Boosters Club
At left, Nutley senior Keith Jiratatprasot take a big cut and, at right, senior Nick Palumbo slides during the upset win over Northern Highlands in the state sectional tournament.
healthy living
How to stay cool during what is anticipated to be a hot summer
With 2023 and 2024 having been the hottest summers on record, there’s reason to believe 2025 will bring more of the same. But it doesn’t have to mean soaring energy bills or an overworked, outdated air conditioning system.
If you’re like many consumers, you’re looking for energy saving solutions, but may not be aware of all your options. A Midea survey conducted by Atomik Research found that 76% of homeowners agree that they are more focused on energy efficiency now than they were five years ago.
At the same time, more than half (54%) were unsure or unknowledgeable about the full capabilities of heat pumps, particularly their ability to provide both heating and cooling.
“Despite the name, heat pumps, are not just for heating, they’re also for cooling, and some of the latest models are engineered for even the toughest North American climates,” says David Rames, senior product manager at Midea. “As more homeowners make upgrades to prepare for increasingly extreme temperatures, heat pumps will be at the center of the shift.”
Unlike an air conditioner, which blasts cool air indoors, a heat pump actually removes hot air from the home and pumps it outside. It does the opposite during winter, transferring heat indoors instead of creating it.
One model redefining what’s possible in heating and cooling is the Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump, which delivers high performance, energy savings, quiet
operation, advanced filtration and year-round reliability. Part of a system that was engineered to replace traditional gas furnaces, its dual-fuel compatibility and inverter-driven system is flexible, integrating seamlessly with existing gas furnaces to offer a cost-effective upgrade without the need for a complete system overhaul.
Many people assume a high-performance heat pump will fall outside their budget. But cost-savings in the form of rebates and lower bills can make it well worth the investment.
For example, in addition to delivering up to 32.5% energy savings compared to conventional HVAC units, those who install the Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump can qualify for up to $8,000 in federal rebates through the DOE Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program.
So what else can you do to keep cool at home in summer in addition to switching to a next-generation, ultraefficient heat pump?
Sealing air leaks is just as important in extreme heat as it is in extreme cold. A quick, DIY visual inspection can identify leaks. And if needed, a professional inspection can give you a complete overview of how to improve your home’s efficiency.
You can also keep your home cooler by investing in energy efficient appliances that reduce byproduct heat emission. Finally, in a heat wave, consider adjusting your habits.
Limit the use of appliances such as the iron, oven and dryer to mornings and evenings, and use shades or blinds to reduce direct sunlight in your home’s spaces during the late morning and early afternoon.
With the right equipment and a few updates to your routine, you can stay cool at home all summer long. – StatePoint
Dr. Daniel Groisser
Heat pumps are preparing homeowners for increasingly extreme temperatures.
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