SEPTEMBER 2022FREE TAKE ONE CELEBRATINGITALIANHERITAGE HIGHPREVIEWSOCCERSCHOOL ANDSCHOOLLIBRARYNEWS UNCLEWHENFLOYD:BOYSDUGHOLES OUR TOWN LITTLE FALLS, TOTOWA, WAYNE & WOODLAND PARK RESTAURANT WEEK 2022 THE TIES AT WOODFORD HALL IN LITTLE FALLS AMONG PARTICIPATING EATERIES
2 Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903OurTown | SEPTEMBER 2022 OurTownTotowa@gmail.comEmail973-222-8872PaulEditorMencherUs: Follow us on: PUBLICATIONS OUR TOWN “Physical Therapy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture” 349-351 Union Blvd Totowa, NJ 07512 (862) www.EliteSpineNJ.com239-1768 Insurances Accepted: Medicare, Clover, Horizon BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Health Care, All Auto Insurance & Worker’s compensation! And more! Please call our office to have your insurance verified! Elite Spine and Sports Care’s approach is based on the functional model and the dynamic use of manual medicine into physical therapy and rehabilitation. Offering Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Deep Tissue Laser Therapy, Pre-Operation and Post-Operation rehabilitation & more! Elite Spine is the leading northern New Jersey Physical Therapy center with over 140 5-star reviews on Google! Conditions We Treat: • Neck Pain • Back Pain • Headaches • Shoulder Pain • Tendinitis • Carpal Tunnel • Hip Pain • Knee Pain • Foot and Ankle Pain • No Prescription Needed • Courtesy Transportation Available CELEBRATING OUR 4 THINANNIVERSARYNOVEMBER!
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Often our fund ended when we were yelled at by an older person—“Hey you kids! Get out of here before I call the police!” With that, we speedily ran away under we could feel our hearts pounding under our
Our tools to dig these holes were our bare hands, hard sticks and anything which could pass as some kind of shovel—like an asbestos shingle, discarded tin can or large broken glass
noticed that while “little girls” did not partake in digging holes with their bare hands, they did dominate in the art of making “mud pies” which they tried to sell on the sidewalks to any passerby. Business was usually slow, very slow, yet the girls held steady with their home made mud pies displayed on cardboard boxes with a price tag of one or two pennies—depending on their size.
As another summer soon passes, I observed that little boys were not digging holes and throwing dirt bombs. These two outdoor activities appear to hold no interest for today’s youth. There was a time, though, really not that long ago, when I was a “little boy” that we engaged in such activities with a passion and natural instinct every summer.
when an empty hole was dug, it would be filled with water, acquired by using an unwatched lawn hose. Rocks and stones would then be tossed into it, making huge splashes! This was our fun. We had not computer driven games…
Sometimesbottle.
Such folly, such youthful social behavior of the street life games and activity has virtually vanished to day. And yet, people such as myself can still hear the laughter and expressions of joy echoed by our youth—if only in our memories…
DEEP IN THE HEART OF JERSEY
throwing at long distances. We also threw them at brick or concrete walls, receiving much satisfaction in this practice.
Astee-shirts.well,we
“Uncle Floyd” Vivino performs for all occasions; to learn more, call (973) 633-8856. He is best-known as the host of “The Uncle Floyd Show” on television from 1974 to 2001.
If one could acquire a time machine and travel back to the times I speak of, it would be obvious that holes were found in the front yards of many a home, in small empty city lots, in parks, near gardens and next to garages. For some unexplainable reason, boys loved to dig holes and then abandon them, never to return to the site.
Little boys delighted in throwing “dirt bombs” at each other as well. In this outdoor activity, certain rules were adhered to, understood and honored. Clumps of the sun-dried garden variety were best suited for
“Uncle Floyd” Vivino HOLES AND DIRT BOMBS
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Reverend Marc Mancini leads a prayer, as Totowa Library Director Anne Krautheim looks on.
So how has this prominent heritage influenced the development of Totowa as a community? It could certainly be argued that Totowa’s close-knit community reflects traditional, Italian values such as the importance of the family. Dorothy Venezia, a 60-year Totowa resident, came to the United States from Sicily as a ten-year-old. She says, “We like to keep our family united. We like to be helpful and close with each other.”
CELEBRATING ITALIAN-AMERICANTOTOWA’SHERITAGE
With more than 37% of its population of nearly 10,000 claiming Italian heritage, Totowa ranks 28th nationwide in a list of the country’s most Italian-American cities. The municipality’s elected officials reflect this, with a town council full of Italian names such as D’Angelo, Fierro, Capo, Picarelli, and Andriani. Totowa’s Mayor, John Coiro, is the son of Italian immigrants. His father, Raffaele Coiro, comes from the town of Sant’Arsenio in the Province of Salerno, and his mother, Rose, who passed away in May of this year at the age of 97, came to the US from San Mango Cliento, Province of Salerno, in 1955 aboard the Andrea Doria. Totowa’s Council President, Lou D’Angelo, was born in the small town of Gioi in southern Italy and came to the US with his family in 1963. “I never forget where I came from and I am so very proud of the traditions that my family and those in my hometown still carry on,” he says.
When he and his family first moved to Totowa, he was pleasantly surprised by the large number of Italian residents in town, and “felt right at home.” In 2000, he and his brother, Severino, along with other “paisoni,” began an Italian organization called SOGNA, or Society Organized for Gioesi in North America, in order to connect the people of Gioi who have immigrated to the US. The organization’s annual feast, held at Holy Face Monastery, makes him feel “extremely proud to be Italian.”
The Church of St. James of the Marches was established in 1926. Father Marc noted that many of the Catholics who were founding members of the parish—along with those
Celebrating Totowa’s Italian-American Heritage continued on page 12
Between 1880 and 1920, nearly 4 million Italian immigrants made their homes here in the United States. While Paterson’s manufacturing businesses drew many immigrants, the nearby Borough of Totowa, recently incorporated as an official municipality in 1898, was largely regarded as a “bedroom community,” serving as a home to many workers who commuted daily to the city.
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By the 1920s, there was already a sizable number of Italian immigrants in Totowa, and in 1929, a group of them formed the Italian-American Independent Club, an organization to support recent immigrants “in adapting to the social and economic environment they found in their new country.” This organization is still in town today, and in Totowa’s Centennial Celebration commemorative book released in 1998, the group proclaimed Totowa Borough “a community in which all residents can be proud.”
Reverend Marc Mancini, pastor of St. James of the Marches Church, still has cousins residing in Italy, whom he has been able to visit on trips to Europe, and considers it a blessing to be able to keep in touch with them. He says, “I cherish the times I can be with my family, immediate and extended.”
By Diana Filippi
To any outsider taking a stroll through the heart of Totowa, passing by the variety of restaurants on Union Boulevard would quickly reveal that this quaint, tight-knit town is home to a variety of cultures. But it is the flavors of traditional and modern Italian cuisine that will pop up most frequently as you journey through the streets of Totowa—which is unsurprising, considering that Totowa boasts the second-highest percentage of Italian-American heritage in the state of New Jersey.
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By Nicholas Caggiano
The Wayne Wolfpack senior football team, which consists of seventh and eighth graders, kicked off its season on Saturday, September 10th. The Wolfpack plays an action-packed eight-game regular season that ends October 29th. Upon conclusion of the regular season, the playoffs take place, which will last two weeks. An exciting and much anticipated all-star game wraps up the season.
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
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Luckily for the Wolfpack, they only face one challenge heading into the season. This one hurdle is to make sure they provide the correct type of coaching for each player in order to help every player reach his highest potential.
Wayne Wolfpack Season Preview
As the first kick-off approaches, the Wolfpack acknowledge that they play in a very tough league, the North Bergen Junior Football League (NBJFL). Therefore, they have several challenging opponents this season. Some of the hardest include Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Mahwah, and River Dell. How will the Wolfpack handle the pressure? Find out in our future coverage of the Wolfpack’s determination to tackle these challenges in a competitive league.
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Al, I don’t really want to bring this up but you never paid me for the last show we did together.
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“SUMMER WIND”
As of late, however, Frank Sinatra has taken a back seat to Serafina Russo, Al’s first grandchild, born nine months ago. She is truly the shining star in his life now…
Al Russo, this concludes my interview with you for Our Town. In closing, what would you like to say?
But Al, where is the money you owe me?
AnTOTOWAFLOYD’STALESinterviewwiththeChairman
But I still think I could become a star someday.
“THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN”
“MY WAY”
“I’LL BE SEEING YOU”
Yes, Totowa is populated with a vast assortment of characters, colorful citizens so to speak… or in the case of Al Russo, so to sing! He is unchallenged in his claim to being Totowa’s answer to Frank Sinatra… in song, that is.
“ALL THE WAY”
“YOU’LL NEVER KNOW”
No really, I believe I could still be a star.
Totowa’s own Al Russo is a respected accountant, financial advisor, businessman, family man and singer who is well known for his Frank Sinatra tribute shows. I interviewed him and found it peculiar that he answered all of my questions in a musical singing style—that being the style of Frank Sinatra himself. He sang his answers to me.
“IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR”
“NEW YORK, NEW YORK”
I know you love hot dogs. I heard that your favorite is the Texas wiener. How do you like it?
How did you manage to become the popular singer you are today? How did you do it?
You know, I have had some tough times in my own show business career. I came close, but never ever became a big star.
At your last outdoor concert, your piano player’s sheet music blew off his music stand. How could that happen?
“HIGH HOPES”
I know that you have lived in Totowa for many years. Is there any other place you would have liked to have lived?
Well, I always wondered how it would feel to be a big star like Frank Sinatra.
“I moved to Totowa in 1980. You?”
Al, what did you think of my long-running television program, “The Uncle Floyd Show?” How would you describe it?
Legendary entertainer and TV show host “Uncle Floyd” Vivino first moved to Totowa in 1980. Floyd still performs regularly; for more information, call (973) 633-8856.
UNCLE
“SOMETHING STUPID”
“DREAM”
“CALL ME IRRESPONSIBLE”
“THAT’S LIFE”
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The last in-person Italian Family-Style Dinner took place in early 2020.
*Please visit our website or call us for daily specials and catering menu for your next special event. Also available for delivery through Grub Hub/Door Dash BREAKFAST * LUNCH * DINNER * TAKE-OUT *SundayOPENCATERING7DAYSAWEEK–Wednesday:7am-3pmThursday–Saturday:7am-8pmDeliveryMon-Friday11am-2973-333-3173142TOTOWAROADTOTOWA,NJ07512www.hillerystreetgrill.net
Italian tenor Micheal Castaldo, Italian singing sensation Biagio, “Ambassador of Italian Music” Moreno Fruzzetti, as well as Totowa resident Uncle Floyd presenting “Italian humor at its best.”
Celebrating Totowa’s Italian-American Heritage continued from page 6 who have been parishioners in the years since—have ancestral roots in Italy. According to the Sacramental records of St. James Church, including Baptismal, First Communion, and Marriage Registers, “the number of Italian names by far exceed the number of other ethnic backgrounds since 1927.”
When asked how they keep their Italian heritage alive in their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren, many of Totowa’s Italian-American residents immediately cite Italian food—both cooking and eating it—and family dinners as their favorite ways of staying connected to their roots. Father Marc says that his family participates frequently in these traditions and listed his favorite Italian dishes as “eggplant parmagiana, cavatelli and broccoli rabe, and pizza.”
This fundraising event is the biggest and most important for the Library Foundation, who have raised over $60,000 for the Library’s renovation project to date. Many library patrons and local residents are looking forward to coming together once again to support their community, connect with friends and family, celebrate our town’s collective past and roots in Italian heritage, and as Anne puts it, “mangia!”
Italian traditions and culture have embedded themselves in the American culture of northern New Jersey in many ways, including language, public events and religious practice. Groups such as the Totowa Mandolin Orchestra are determined to preserve and hand down age-old traditions to future generations. The members of the group hail from many different ancestries, including Indian, Filipino, and Irish—but they play traditional Italian music with relish. “When you hear the mandolin,” says Annamaria Menconi, a longtime mandolin enthusiast and performer, “you think of the country of Italy. It’s like the sound of Italian culture.”
Father Marc isn’t alone in his love for these dishes— in fact, Totowa residents of all ethnic backgrounds enjoy an abundance of authentic Italian cuisine from local restaurants. These restaurants not only offer traditional Italian experiences through food, but they also serve as hubs for maintaining that closeness between family and friends that keeps the community together.
The Totowa Library Foundation’s yearly Italian-Family Style Dinner is one such “gathering that brings the whole community together…by emulating the traditional Sunday dinner atmosphere,” according to Library Director Anne Krautheim. This year, the foundation’s 11th year hosting the event, is extra special. It will be the first time since 2020 that it is being held in person at The Brownstone in Pater Theson. event will be on Monday, October 3 and honor the recipients of this year’s Mayor Sam Cherba award and be a celebration of Italian-American Heritage Month. Along with the event’s traditional Tricky Tray and raffle prizes, special entertainment will be provided by award-winning
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THIS MONTH
September 30, 1947 – Bronco Bill Schindler won his 48th feature auto race of the year.
HISTORYSTADIUMHINCHLIFFEIN
September 28, 1947 – The Paterson Panthers football team edged the Wilkes-Barre Barons by a score of 7-6.
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September 4, 1971 – The great Duke Ellington performed one of the last concerts of his life at Hinchliffe Stadium. Also on the bill were Tito Puente and Vaughn Monroe.
September 17, 1932 – Although Hinchliffe Stadium, known as City Stadium, opened in July of 1932, this date marks the ceremonial opening of Hinchliffe. The day featured a track and field event and the dedication of the Eleanor Egg plaque, named for a famous track star who won the national 100-yard dash in 1931.
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Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice.
By Linda Hoffman, MLIS Woodland Park Library Director
Park’s Alfred Baumann Library, like libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving community needs. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit www.abwplibrary.org.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
At Woodland Park’s Alfred Baumann Public Library patrons of all ages can find a variety of educational resources and activities, including our free, live online tutoring Brainfuse, for all ages. Brainfuse offers tutoring and homework help services in Spanish for all subjects offered in English. The library also offers Northstar Digital Literacy, provided by the New Jersey State Library using funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the American Rescue Plan Act. This resource offers free digital literacy instruction and assessments. Northstar allows instructors and learners to teach and understand digital literacy at every level, regardless of background, experience, or language.
Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. We have library programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds. Instilling a habit of visiting libraries and participating in programs will help create a life-long love of Woodlandreading.
BETWEEN THE LINES
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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ SOCCER PREVIEW
DePaul - Head coach Paul Kenworthy and the DePaul Spartans will play their first home game on Sept. 17 against West Milford at 10:00 a.m. Last season the Spartans went 8-7 but ended the regular season on a four-game winning streak. As usual, the Spartans face a tough division schedule including Don Bosco Prep and Bergen Catholic, and will also face Wayne Valley and Lakeland.
Wayne Valley – After going 10-8 last season, where they reached the semifinals of the Passaic County Tournament before losing to Clifton, head coach Steve Every and the Wayne Valley Indians got off to a strong start with a 3-0 win over Northern Highlands in their opener. Lucas Messercola, Jake Rubis and Nathaniel Anevski had the goals, while Sebastian Sianozecki posted the shutout. The team will face Wayne Hills on September 20 and has a rematch against Clifton four days later. Other scheduled games include Fair Lawn, Passaic Valley and DePaul.
Wayne Hills - The Wayne Hills soccer team started its season by coming from behind for a 2-2 tie against a quality Ridgewood team. Richie Sysounthone and Omar Yousif scored the goals for Hills. The Patriots went 7-12 last season. Head coach Ryan Bayley and the Indians won a county tournament game before falling in the quarterfinals to Passaic. A challenging schedule this season includes Don Bosco Prep, Clifton and of course two games with crosstown rival Wayne Valley.
By Jason Moussab
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Passaic County Tech – A goal by Lucas Duchi gave the Passaic County Tech Bulldogs the season-opening 1-0 win over Passaic Valley on September 8. The Bulldogs look to build off a strong 2021-2022 season where they went 12-8-1. Head coach Marc Foti and the team will also take on Bergen Tech, Clifton and Northern Highlands.
Passaic Valley - Head coach Mike Couden and the Passaic Valley Hornets will look to build off a 7-10 season where they made it to the quarterfinals of the Passaic County Tournament. The team suffered a tough 1-0 loss in its season opener against Passaic County Tech. The Hornets’ first home game is Sept. 13 against Passaic Arts and Science Charter. They will face division rivals Wayne Valley, Wayne Hills and Lakeland, as well as Paterson Kennedy and Fort Lee.
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22 Call to Advertise: 201-294-5903OurTown | SEPTEMBER 2022 THIS MONTH IN LOCAL HISTORY Totowa | September 24, 1921West SeptemberPaterson27,1921 Wayne & Little Falls September 10, 1921
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Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum will offer free guided cart and walking tours of Laurelwood Arboretum on Sunday, September 25 at 10:30 am. The tours will highlight the seasonal blooms, as well as the works on exhibit along the Sculpture Trail. To join a tour, meet at the entrance patio of the Knippenberg Center for Education at Laurelwood Arboretum, 725 Pines Lake Drive West in Wayne.
Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum is a non-profit conservancy whose mission is to preserve and manage the 30-acre arboretum in partnership with Wayne Township. For additional information, go to www.laurelwoodarboretum.org
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Volunteer Bonnie Joachim leads a cart tour of Laurelwood Arboretum. (Photo by Lorraine Meyer)
FREE GUIDED TOURS OF LAURELWOOD ARBORETUM
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SENIORS IN MOTION AT BBQ NATIONALEVENTNIGHTCELEBRATIONOUT
The Woodland Park Municipal Alliance for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse’s annual National Night Out was a true community celebration. The event, which included all facets of the community, allowed the Borough’s volunteer first responders to be in the spotlight and showcase what they do.
Photos courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park.
This movement class teaches participants how to remove tension and pain while exploring the power of rhythm through music and movement. The class begins with warm-up movements to loosen the joints. As it progresses, the movements get bigger and freer, relieving tension and easing pain.
The West Paterson Volunteer Fire Department did two demonstrations. On Memorial Field, they showed how differently a home burns with or without a sprinkler system. It also demonstrated the importance of why you should keep your bedroom door closed when you sleep. The second was a demo of the Jaws of Life to remove a double door on a pickup truck to free victims. They also provided a water relay race activity for kids. The event also offered some bounce attractions for the kids, free food, giveaways, music, and tables from community groups and businesses.
A packed house recently enjoyed the annual Senior Citizen BBQ, compliments of the Woodland Park Municipal Alliance Against Alcoholism & Drug Abuse and the Woodland Park Recreation Department. The Alliance also provided a visit from NewBridge Services Inc. health educator Beth Jacobson, who gave a ’“Seniors in Motion” class.
More information will be available at SeePassaicCounty.org and on Facebook and Instagram @SeePassaicCounty
PASSAIC RETURNSRESTAURANTCOUNTYWEEK
The highly anticipated program serves to engage residents, visitors, and restaurant owners alike over signature dishes. For a complete Passaic County experience, attendees are encouraged to visit nearby shopping districts, parks, and heritage sites. Reservations are highly recommended during this time.
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Passaic County Restaurant Week will make its triumphant return during the week of October 10-16. Thanks to participating restaurants, and some food trucks, Passaic County Restaurant Week will offer a unique chance for patrons to enjoy a special prix fixe meal for lunch or dinner, in addition to a restaurant’s original menu.
“Restaurant week is a great opportunity for our residents and visitors to learn about and try some of the amazing eateries we have here in Passaic County,” said County Commissioner Sandi Lazzara. “It also gives restaurants the opportunity to enhance their offerings that may not typically be available on their daily menus.”
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The Wayne Township Board of Education announced the appointment of Dr. Kimberly Thompson as principal of Randall Carter Elementary School. Dr. Thompson started her career in Southern California as a multiple subject middle school teacher, a literacy specialist, and an assistant principal. In 2016, her family relocated to Maryland where she served as the Assistant Principal of Stonegate Elementary School for four years and then as the Principal of Burning Tree Elementary School in Bethesda for the past two years.
DR. KIMBERLY THOMPSON APPOINTED AS PRINCIPAL OF RANDALL CARTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Through each school and district that she serves, Dr. Thompson looks for opportunities to build clear pathways for student success by leveraging creativity, challenge, and choice in the classroom. She is passionate about powerful teacher engagement and ensuring that all students receive what they need to be successful. As Dr. Thompson, her husband, and their two children settle into their new home in New Jersey, they are excited for all the new adventures and opportunities that a new school year will bring.
The 22-23 goal presentation can be viewed on the Wayne Schools website.
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The Wayne Board of Education approved five district goals for the 22-23 school year at a meeting in August. Each of the goals addresses issues that are immediately important to students, staff, and the community.
WAYNE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES DISTRICT GOALS
Dr. Thompson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Cal State Fullerton. She also received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Cal Poly Pomona.
“For staff members, we are looking to help them by identifying new software that will help maximize their work and better engage with their students. We are also seeking out new ways to support Wayne families by expanding our already successful before care and after care programs. One last goal that remains in development is related to the facilities referendum that has been a topic of discussion over the past year.”
The Wayne Board of Education approved several goals in prior years that led to significant improvements in the school system. Previous goals include full-day kindergarten, new high school science labs, one-to-one computing, No Place for Hate, high school block scheduling, emergency preparedness, new math, language arts, and science programs, and enhanced career and technical education opportunities.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Toback noted, “We are proud to present a set of meaningful goals that will move the Wayne Township Public Schools forward in many important ways. From developing new programs that will best meet the needs of our special education students, to finding new ways to place our students in the best possible position for post-secondary success, to further develop our system for providing additional academic support as we recover from the pandemic, it is clear that our students will be the primary beneficiaries.”
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