Cedar grove news feb 201 final

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No. 15 Vol. 2

www.cedargroveveronanews.com

February 2017

Former Verona Resident Freezes For Special Olympics

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By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta umping into ice cold water is not pleasurable; David Coppola will not lie about that. But for a great cause, he’s proud to call himself the “Mascot Extraordinaire” for his team that does the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights every year for the Special Olympics. The Pompton Lakes resident, formerly of Verona, is planning to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge on Sat., Feb. 25. This is one of the major fundraisers for Special Olympics New Jersey, which provides year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to more than 25,000 athletes - and athletic competition in sports from alpine skiing to vol-

leyball for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All these programs and services are always completely free thanks to fundraising events like the Polar Plunge. For example, $25 is the cost of 10 Special Olympics gold medals; $50 sends one athlete to fall games; $100 provides one adaptive bowling ramp; $250 provides uniforms for an entire basketball team; $500 reserves tennis courts for sectional competition; and $1,000 sends an entire floor hockey team to the State Tournament. Special Olympics NJ is a not-for-profit organization. Those interested in plunging must register in advance and must raise $100 minimum in order to participate. Coppola lost track of

when he started doing this, but he said this could be the seventh or eighth year. This year they are putting in an extra effort to raise money in honor of Joe Riley who got the team together and passed away a month ago. Coppola’s team is called The Polar Penguins. His son designed the banners and then Coppola decided to dress as a penguin to “go with it.” The Polar Penguins logo is on the outfit that his son designed and he also wears a cape with the banner. Each year The Polar Penguins raise more money for the cause. In the first year, $2,000 was raised. Last year, it was close to $8,000. Coppola hopes to raise $10,000. “You never know,” he said. “If it’s more, we’ll be grateful.” Regarding competing

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with other teams, Coppola said, “It’s a win-win situation. There are no losers, only people who win because you raise money.” Special Olympics isn’t the only cause Coppola is helping. He also works as director of development of Emmaus for Veterans, which is working to build a living and training space for homeless veterans in Philipsburg. The 8,000-sq. ft. building will house approximately 50 vets and will be set up to teach various trades to the vets in residence. “Why Philipsburg?” said Coppola. “It’s cheaper. It’s too much money over here in Northern New Jersey.” Coppola, who graduated Verona High School in 1976, still has ties to Verona, as his father, a 92-year-

old World War II and Korean War veteran, still lives there. To donate to Coppola’s

Polar Bear Plunge, visit: https://www.classy.org/ fundraise?fcid=787248.

Local Police Department’s Body Cameras Bring Another Point of View

By Henry M. Holden iniature cameras have become a ubiquitous part of life. Those who have cell phones already have one. In recent years, cell phone cameras have been used to record some questionable law enforcement activities. But also in recent years, law enforcement agencies

have begun equipping their personnel with body cameras. These cameras provide another point of view, the civilian’s behavior in a confrontation with law enforcement. These cameras are designed to “promote transparency, mutual accountability, and trust between police and the community,” according to the state Attor-

ney General’s Office. The Cedar Grove and Verona Police Departments are among 37 New Jersey law enforcement agencies to get state funding to buy its officers body cameras. Verona, Cedar Grove and Nutley are among the Essex County towns that will receive funding as part of a $566,000 grant from the New Jersey Attorney

General’s Office. “We’re rapidly reaching the tipping point where most the police departments in New Jersey will have body cameras, and the remaining departments are likely to follow suit,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Police departments recognize that these deviccontinued on page 4


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Continue To Brighten The Future By Sharing Positive Stories In 2017

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By Cheryl Conway ith winter holidays behind us and the new year already here, many may have noticed some extra kindness with more and more people giving to charities, hosting dinners, providing meals and reaching out to those struggling or needing some help to get by. These are the type of stories that New View Media Group welcomes as good news and kindness tend to spread and creates a chain reaction that may encourage others to pitch in by donating some time, money or items that they do not need or use. New View Media Group, it’s that new view on news that tends to steer away from anything controversial and negative, such as last year’s political debates and election. The recent election, as contentious as it was, remains uneasy for many who question the next leadership; and if the other candidate would have won, that same uneasiness would have still been present.

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As readers look back at 2016, and then forward to what lies ahead, we must not forget the importance of sticking to core values, good ethics and morals, and proper etiquette which can range from being kind to others; having respect for all people; being honest and giving to those who may be struggling. Throughout the past year, the local community has been an outreach in so many ways to help others both near and far. Readers of the “Cedar Grove/Verona News” were inundated with so many positive stories. A Verona High School junior hosted her fifth annual coat drive collecting coats for homeless and those in need; Verona Junior Women’s Club set up a wish tree initiative to provide gifts for families less fortunate; Verona woman creates bracelets to support breast cancer awareness; Verona schools host anti-bullying assembly; Cedar Grove Police host annual softball fundraiser to purchase a service dog to help a local autistic teen; ‘book lady’ in Essex

County delivers free books to nail salons and beauty shops to encourage reading among children; local community paints blue lines to support local responders; turkey trot held at Verona Park by Team Zoey to raise funds for children fighting Progeriain ; Verona Junior Women’s Club seek donations for annual food drive; Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Verona opens food pantry toshelp surrounding community; First Presbyterian Church in Verona hosts barbecue fundraiser to support meals to families in need; Verona students bond with local police through joint music concert; Sunday Suppers. The list of amazing stories that detail all of the wonderful actions prompted by the local community go on and on. For 2017, let’s continue to share in all of the good that surrounds us, big or small, near or far. Send your press releases and story ideas to me at editor@newviewmg.com. Hope happy holidays were had by all and may 2017 be bright, healthy and filled with all great things.

Music And Reading Offered At Verona Library

erona Public Library has some special programs planned for February. Music Together is planned for Tues., Feb. 15,

at 10 a.m. Every Child Ready To Read Workshop is set for Sat., Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. Parents and caregivers learn how to help children beginning at birth develop

early literacy skills. Call to register at 973-857-4848 or email ashley@veronalibrary.org. For more information, go to info@veronalibrary. org.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Have a human interest story? Email us at editor@newviewmg.com


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Pop Rock Music Icon Tommy James Inducted Into NJ Hall of Fame

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By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta ommy James, said he is “very honored” to be inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame, which is set to be held in Asbury Park in May. The Cedar Grove iconic musician has 23 gold records, nine platinum albums and more than 100 million records sold worldwide. “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Crimson and Clover,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Mony Mony,” “Draggin’ the Line,” “Sweet Cherry Wine,” and “Hanky Panky” are just a few of his many hit records. His songs have been covered by other famous artists like Prince, Joan Jett, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Idol, Dolly Parton, REM, Carlos

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Santana, and The Boston Pops. James’ music is heard in 31 films to date and numerous television shows including “Breaking Bad,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Goldbergs,” and “Aquarius.” You can also hear James’ songs in commercials. His “Crystal Blue Persuasion” is now the theme song for Crystal Cruise Line. Born in Ohio and brought up in Michigan, James has been living in New Jersey almost 45 years. He’s lived in Clifton, and now resides in Cedar Grove. “I love it in New Jersey,” he said. “The weather’s moderate. The people are fun. It’s right by New York, where I have to be.

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tic guitar after he saw Elvis on TV. “The ukulele went out the window,” he said jokingly. In addition to Elvis Presley, James was greatly

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inspired by the first generation of rock ‘n’ roll. “Gene Vincent … Buddy Holly,” he said. “Then The Beatles came along.” Always encouraged by his folks, James taught

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I don’t think I can operate anywhere else. You’ve got the ocean, New York, Philadelphia. You’re in the center of the universe. Nothing is like New Jersey.” While James has spent such a long time in NJ, he’s been in the music business even longer – 50 years! Regarding his endurance in the biz, he said, “I look at three generations of people in concert audiences. The music has never not been on the radio. I’ve been very blessed.” James started playing music when he was fouryears-old and his grandfather brought him a ukulele. “I learned everything I could,” he said. “I started singing right away.” His mom, who played piano, got James an acous-

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Body Cameras... continued from front page es are powerful tools for promoting mutual accountability and trust between police and the communities they serve.” The grants will use funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (“JAG”) Program. Agencies can use up to $500 in grant funds for each camera or camera package, including camera and related equipment, officials said. Nutley, Verona and Cedar Grove each received $15,000, which can support 30 body cameras for each department. According to Lieutenant Joseph Cirasa, it is unclear when its officers might begin using the cameras on

duty, but estimated that it might happen “sometime in 2017.” “We’ve made positive police-community relations a top priority in New Jersey through policies and programs that have been embraced by law enforcement and community stakeholders alike, including our efforts to promote the use of body cameras by police,” Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino said in a press release. “The Cedar Grove Police Department has 31 officers but no body cameras,” Township Manager Tom Tucci said. “Adding the cameras to the officers’ gear will be a positive improvement for the department.

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“What body cameras do is they protect the officer and they protect the resident, so they protect both sides of the fence,” Tucci said. “Everyone wins with body cameras, I believe.” The number of police departments in N.J. that have body cameras or are acquiring them has reached more than 240, about half of the roughly 500 law enforcement agencies in the state, according to the Attorney General’s Office. With body cameras, there will no longer be a question of what happened during an altercation. If a complaint is made against an officer, they will be able to check the body camera video and see whether the officer was acting inappro-

priately or if the complaint is accurate. This will be

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What’s happening in your school or organization? Have a human interest story? Email us at editor@newviewmg.com

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Verona Public Library Opens New Teen Room

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By Courtney Fahy he Verona Public Library held its Grand Opening for their new teen room on Dec. 3. Precious Mack, the youngadult and tech services librarian, has been with the Verona Public Library for more than two years. When describing the purpose behind the new teen room, Mack stated, “The main reason is that, in the afternoon, upwards of 50 to 60 kids stop in. We’re located right behind the middle school, so they come after school gets out. We wanted to give them a space where they could come after school and hang out while also expanding their collection and getting more items they’re interested in.”

events. “We offer pop up programs. We had a Lego building challenge, on Dec. 3, our grand opening, we had emoji pillow making, and we have scavenger hunts.” Mack went on to list future events that the library’s teen room will hold. “We try to have at least one event in the teen room itself, but we usually have one small event a month. For Feb., we are having an anti-valentine party. They’re really excited about that, and we’re also having a Mardi Gras party for Fat Tuesday.” When asked about the benefits the teen room brings to the community as a whole, Mack explained, “We want them to feel

Mack stated that the library hopes to accomplish keeping children and teens frequenting the library well beyond their younger years. “We hope that we can expand the teen program,” he said. “We wanted to expand the teen section, and we have already done that. We really want to create life long library users. Unfortunately, we lose kids after middle school. We hope that by having a section geared toward them and items based on their interests that it will keep them interested in the library.” The teen room also aims to bring teens together in a place where they feel welcome. When asked about the programs that the library’s teen room offers, Mack elaborated on past

like they are an important component of the library’s patronage. Teens feel like they are endured rather than welcome, and I think the new room makes them feel welcome. We took the time to ask them what they wanted and to engage them. Our goal was to make them feel welcome and it’s come to pass.” As for the teen response, Mack stated that the feedback has been overwhelm-

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ingly positive. “They use it everyday, and there are a lot of new faces too. They have been really excited and want to know about other changes. We’re really happy with response.” Mack stated that the community response has also been very positive. “They are happy that the library is getting the necessary upkeep, and they’re happy that kids have somewhere to go that they can

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enjoy.” Overall, Verona Public Library’s teen room aims to be a welcoming and engaging place for teens to come spend time, find new books and attend planned events. The library is hoping to create lifelong library users, and from the teen and community response they are receiving, they are off to a great start.

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By Ann Marie Barron ontemporary furnishings and the latest technology greet students who use Verona High School’s bright, new, state-of-the-art Arthur Acquaviva Learning Commons. The only thing still missing is bold, chrome lettering bearing the beloved late educator’s name. The school’s former library will be officially dedicated to Acquaviva as soon as the plaque and lettering is in place, according to Josh Cogdill, principal of Verona High School. “It will be inside the

VHS Honors Longtime Teacher By Transforming Library In His Name commons, visible form wherever you’re standing in the commons,’’ Cogdill said. “It will really be beautiful.’’ Acquaviva, who died May 18, 2014, was known as “Mr. A” to staff­and students. He was a popular and devoted member of the Verona High School family. A graduate of the high school, he later served as a substitute teacher and teacher of science and mathematics, prior to being named director of library and media services. He was responsible for leading the effort to trans-

form the library into a 21st Century learning facility, many recall. He belonged to several professional library organizations, and was the advisor of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Some of the enhancements Acquaviva was involved in during his career included increasing educational databases, creating a system for accessing online reference materials and various novels, and creating and leading the ninth grade orientation to the former Library and Media Center.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Have a human interest story? Email us at editor@newviewmg.com

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Cogdill, who is in his second year as principal of the school, never had the opportunity to meet Acquaviva, but his impact on the school is legendary, he said. “I understand he was beloved by many here,’’ Cogdill said. “He was a lifelong educator, and he chose to make a very generous donation to the school. It’s really helping us out to create a nice environment for the kids. It’s wonderful.’’ Acquaviva’s donation of $266,042 was used to continue he dream of creating a 21st Century space for students. Enhancements to the former library include special wiring that comes

up through the floor, allowing convenient charging stations for the students’ electronic devices. Also, all-new bookshelves and an impressive interactive digital TV complete the room. “It’s almost like a giant iPad,’’ Cogdill said. “This money allowed us to do amazing things. We have a white board and a common area for kids with soft-seat couches.’’ The Verona Public Schools partnered with Dancker, Sellew & Douglas in order to infuse the learning space with new and flexible furnishings to meet the student and faculty needs.

“This company allowed us to set up flexible seating in the learning commons,’’ said Cogdill. “It’s all pretty modern library furniture that you see on many college campuses.’’ Working with Dancker, Sellew & Douglas proved to be a good financial move as well, he said. “They worked with us on different price points because we’re allowing the school to be used as a demo for other schools to come and see,’’ the principal said. Some of the Acquaviva funds will be allocated for college scholarship funds for Verona High School graduates, Cogdill said.

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Verona Man Seeks Donations To Fill Backpacks

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By Henry M. Holden eterans returning from war usually had to undergo a period of readjustment back to civilian life. Some make the adjustment slowly, others often with severe PTSD, never quite make it back to normalcy. Returning home from a seven-month tour in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marine Corps, Sgt. Brett D’Alessandro had a difficult transition. “I was kept on medical hold as I faced the daily struggles of reintegrating into society,” said D’Alessandro of Verona. As he drove to a doctor’s appointment, he saw a homeless man holding a sign that read ‘Vietnam Veteran.’

“I couldn’t help but think of that man for the rest of the day,” D’Alessandro said. “I returned to my hotel and filled a backpack from my tour with layers of socks and t-shirts. I went back to find that man and gave him the backpack. “The next morning on my way to work, I saw the same man, but this time with a small child wearing the backpack proudly. I stopped to say hello and before I could get a word out, the veteran gave me endless thanks for giving his family items they so desperately needed.” It was at this moment that D’Alessandro knew he had to do something. There are so many veterans out there who needed help. “As I overcame my

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full of daily essentials to help them survive. Homeless veterans make up a large part of society and it is only right to help serve those who have protected our country.” Since its creation in 2014, Backpacks for Life has handed out 2,300 backpacks to homeless/low income veterans in need. The backpacks are filled with essentials for street life including information on where to get help finding a job and housing. The backpacks include toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wipes, razors, shaving cream, etc., first aid kits, socks, gloves, hats, ponchos, notebooks, pens, and stress balls. D’Alessandro relies on

financial and product donations to fill the packs. For more information or to do-

nate contact them at: backpacksforlife@gmail.com.

of “Crimson and Clover.” James’ critically acclaimed autobiography, “Me, the Mob, and the Music,” was listed on Rolling Stone magazine’s “Best Music Memoirs” and is now in the development for a film, with producer Barbara De Fina, whose credits include “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” “Cape Fear,” “Color of Money,” “Hugo,” and the most recent, Martin Scorsese’s new film, “Silence.” Matthew Stone just finished the screenplay for the film. His credits include “Intolerable Cruelty,” “Man of the House,” and “Big Trouble.” James may have a cameo appearance in the film. “I may be a corpse,” he said jokingly, referring to his career which is now

spanning 50 years and still thriving. Now working in the studio on a new album, “Alive,” James expects an April release. “This is an album with eight new songs and four remakes,” he said, “A lot of nice little surprises.” One of the surprises includes an acoustic remake of “Crystal Blue Persuasion.” Being able to thrive in the music business for 50 years and still have fun makes James feel so lucky. He said, “It’s been an amazing journey to be a lifer in this business. The fans, and the good Lord, I thank for the longevity and staying focused. That has meant a lot.” For more information, visit: https://www.tommyjames.com/.

Tommy James... continued from page 3 high school in 1965 and by 1966 his first hit, with The Shondells, “Hanky Panky,” exploded. “That’s how the good Lord works,” said James. As a writer of so many hits, James says that inspiration for a song can come from anywhere. “I’m always looking on billboards for a little phrase,” he said. “I like to start with chord progression and it will tell you where it wants to go. ‘Crimson and Clover’ started with a title.” He feels lucky to have had so many other notable musicians’ interpretations of his music. “I’m very flattered,” he said. “It’s always interesting to hear how another artist covers your songs.” His favorite is Prince’s version


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Non-Profit Passes On Funds For Cribs To Keep Babies Safe

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By Jason Cohen hen a child is born parents worry non-stop. Well, one New Jersey organization is attempting to assuage those concerns by making sure babies are as safe as possible when they sleep. On Jan. 26, Keeping Babies Safe (KBS), a Warren-based non-profit, was the recipient of a $25,000

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grant for its ongoing “Project Safe Crib” campaign in Essex and Passaic counties. “We really get our funding through donations and grants, which are so important,” said Joyce Davis, the president and founder of KBS. “We’ve definitely impacted lots of families. The majority of tragedies are preventable.” The grant, which was funded partially by the Part-

ners for Health Foundation, will help purchase 127 cribs in Bloomfield, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Little Falls, Montclair, North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell and West Orange. Davis started KBS in 2006 after her four monthold son Garret died because of a supplemental mattress in his crib—a mattress ad-

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vertised as suitable and safe. Since then she has made it her mission to educate people throughout the country about what types of cribs to purchase and how babies should sleep. KBS works with manufacturers, retailers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Since its inception, the organization has run programs in more than 1,200 hospitals and allocated money for more than 10,000 cribs nationwide. Davis explained that she and her colleagues teach hospitals about crib safety and then with the assistance of the hospitals, they find families that need cribs. Part of the process is also showing families a safe sleep video for babies.

One issue she often runs into is grandparents passing on old cribs to grandchildren. “Parents really need to educate grandparents,” she said. Cribs have drastically changed during the past 10 to 15 years, she emphasized. In fact, beginning June 28, 2011, all cribs manufactured and sold, including resale, must comply with new and improved federal safety standards. The new rules, which apply to fullsize and non-full-size cribs, prohibit the manufacture or sale of traditional drop-side rail cribs, strengthen crib slats and mattress supports, improve the quality of hardware and require more rigorous testing. According to Davis, drop

side cribs are extremely hazardous and at one point, more than three million were recalled. She said cribs are much safer today, but it is crucial for babies to always sleep in their own crib. If a baby is going to sleep in a play yard or bassinet, the parents must only use the mattress provided by the manufacturer, she stressed. “Even though the play yard comes with a play mattress pad, a lot of parents conceive that to be uncomfortable,” Davis said. “But that is the safest way to sleep.” Davis recently filed a petition to ban supplemental mattresses and is working with Assemblyman Jamel Holley (D-Union) to make this happen.

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T

New Park And Community Center Opens In Cedar Grove

he 77-acre Essex County Cedar Grove Park and the Robert J. O’Toole Community Center on Fairview Avenue in Cedar Grove have been completed. Developed on the site of the old Essex County Hospital Center, Essex County Cedar Grove Park is the first county park in Cedar Grove and becomes the 23rd park in the historic Essex County Parks System. The Robert J. O’Toole Community Center is named for Robert O’Toole, the township’s retired three-term mayor and 12-year councilman. “Preservation of this land for passive recreation and a community center fulfills a promise we made in 2007 to minimize de-

velopment on the old hospital complex,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “Essex County is one of the most densely populated counties on the East Coast and creating 77 acres of open space will maintain the suburban character of Cedar Grove, provide additional recreation opportunities and enhance residents’ quality of life. One of the main features of the Park is the Essex County Robert J. O’Toole Community Center, named for retired Mayor and Councilman Robert J. O’Toole. Mr. O’Toole has served his community for half a century and was a staunch advocate for limiting development on the property. We can think of no more appropriate per-

son after whom to name the building.” O’Toole said, “Thank you for dedicating this building in my honor and thank you, on behalf of the Cedar Grove residents, for this beautiful park. It will be enjoyed by many for generations to come. I call Joe DiVincenzo ‘Mr. Parks’ because of all the improvements he has made to the parks throughout Essex County. We had been trying to create a community center and Joe came riding in on his white horse with this plan. The new Essex County Cedar Grove Park is 77 acres of open space situated along Fairview Avenue in Cedar Grove. It becomes the fourth largest county park, behind Branch Brook

Park, Weequahic Park and Brookdale Park. There are about two miles of walking paths through the park with historic lighting, a gazebo, benches and trash receptacles. On the eastern side of Fairview Avenue is the 15,000-square-foot Essex County Robert J. O’Toole Community Center, named for O’Toole. The building has a covered portico in front and a covered patio in the back. It is envisioned that the building will house a daily congregate meal program offered by the Essex County Division of Senior Citizens as well as be available for other community organizations to hold meetings and special events. Adjacent to the community center are four

bocce courts and a playground designed with a farming theme to connect to the history of the Essex County Hospital Center when there was a farm on the site to support the hospital. O’Toole served three terms as mayor of Cedar Grove and three terms as deputy mayor during his 12 years on the Municipal Council. He retired from public office in 2015 after deciding not to seek re-election after serving three terms. O’Toole also has a lengthy resume of public service to the township, such as working as a member of the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department for 45 years, Cedar Grove Historical Society, Board

of Education, Senior Citizen Club and Planning Board and volunteer coach. The land which was the last remaining parcel from the old Essex County Hospital Center complex was slated to be sold to a private developer, but in 2008 the County Executive and the Board of Chosen Freeholders initiated a change in policy and decided to preserve the land as open space. A lengthy lawsuit involving the developer, the County and the Township was resolved in 2015 when a compromise was reached. Essex County Cedar Grove Park is the fifth new park to be added to the Essex County Park System since 2007.

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