Green Acres Grant will Fund High-Intensity Lights for Athletic Games

Upgraded Owens Park Will Be Ready this Fall

Aug 17, 2010 - Thanks to the securing of a $1 million Essex County Open Space grant, Monsignor Owens Park swill soon be home to Nutley's first athletic venue fitted with synthetic turf and featuring high intensity lights suitable for both sporting and other community events. Owens Park, located on the eastern end of Park Avenue near River Road, is the most utilized facility in Nutley with scheduled activities by high school varsity tennis, soccer and lacrosse teams in addition to dozens of year-round programs sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci today said that although the overall project won't be completed until late this year, the initial work including lights for night-time activities will be ready for the upcoming fall season.

Once the formal scholastic schedules have ended in late October, work will begin on the installation of high-intensity lights and the regrading of the athletic fields which will be replaced with synthetic turf.

Click here for Full Story

Photo by NJHometown

Commissioner Mauro T. Tucci reviews plans with staff show- ing progress underway at Monsignor Owens Park. Project will be ready for use by high school and other athletic events this fall but the overall project featuring new high-intensity lighting and artificial-turf fields won't be completed until later in the year. Pictured with Commissioner Tucci are (l-r) Jeff Vigilante, Theresa Vinci and Dominick Azzinnari.

Neighbors and Youngsters Performed Under the Stars at Memorial Park

Gianna Farro, Giuliana Polewka, Ava Loren Polewka and Lisa Polewka on stage as a dance team.

First Annual Town-Wide Talent Show A Hit

• A Wide Range of Entertainment Featured at the Mudhole

Aug 2, 2010 - The weather was perfect as residents of all ages sang, danced and put on a tremendous show in Nutley's first ever talent show at Memorial Park what Commissioner Mauro Tucci calls "and event that truly showcased the diverse talent within our community."

More than 26 performances ranging from children in the first grade to adults graced the stage for this one of a kind event. Parks employees confided the idea for the talent show featuring townspeople is something that Commissioner Tucci had been tossing around for the past several months.

Nutley's own Mike Roselli, better known as "Mr. Entertainment" served as the evening's master of ceremonies.

"Hugely energetic participants performed versions of just about everything under the sun "Our programs are community driven, which was proven once again with an overwhelming number in attendance on this perfect summer evening" Tucci said.

Memorial Park was filled music that blended with the aroma of fine foods including zeppoles prepared by Ralph's Pizzeria. Specialty air-brushed items were available for children free of charge! Friends gathered to kick back and enjoy this one of a kind show.

Commissioner Tucci said he was happy that despite budget constraints, the community itself was able to create the special talent night event.

Click here for Full Story

May's Relay for Life Raises $128,000

• Fourth Annual Event Attracts More than 1,000 Participants

May 26, 2010 - Nutley's fourth annual Relay for Life "far exceeded our expectations with over 1,000 registered participants and more than 94 teams," Parks Commis- sioner Mauro G. Tucci said. The event far exceeded the 2010 goal of raising $100,000.

"Raising $128,000 in this economy is the greatest example of the type of people we have in and around our community," Tucci said.

In addition to honoring survivors, Relay For Life raises much-needed funds for American Cancer Society research and patient services.

Click here for Full Story

Singer Cecilia Mielnicki was sensational. She enters the 3rd grade in September.

Duck Killings Spark New 'Junior Ranger' Parks Program

May 21, 2010 - The recent killings and mutilation of animals and ducks in Nutley's Memorial Park has sparked the creation of a new "Junior Parks Ranger" program by Parks Commissioner Mauro Tucci and Nutley Detective Lt. Steven Rogers who is also a Board of Education member.

"This new ranger program is a great way to educate our youth about environmental concers and the care for the wildlife we have in our parks," Commissioner Tucci said.

Designed for youngsters 13 years and up, the Junior Park Ranger program will include workshops dealing with the environment and animal treatment.

Click here for Full Story