News & Pictures

2007 Archive:

On July 4th the Borough of Rutherford hosted its annual Baby Parade. This year it was in Lincoln Park. Pictured with the winners are Council President Richard Reyes, Council Vice President Maura Keyes, Councilman Ray Frazier, and Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson. The winners are as follows: 1st place - Rick and Rob Tylenda - "pirates" - winners of a $100 savings (2007 452) bond 2nd place - Nicholas & Joey Russo - "Going Fishing" - winners of a $50.00 savings bond (2007 451) 3rd place - Alicia Rutkowski - "America's Princess" - winner of a $50.00 savings bond 2007 449) The judges were Gerry Brooks, DPW Supervisor Donnie Tomko, Tricia Finelli, and Police Officer Myra Pilipski. Lori Rosenbower, Recreation Superintendent, and her staff, Barbara Bennett and Maureen Bigley did an excellent job.	The Rutherford Recreation Department held its closing ceremonies for the Girls' Softball Program on Saturday, June 9, 2007. Carly Davis was awarded the Don Richmond Sportsmanship Award which is presented every year by Donna Richmond Kolich. Pictured from left to right is Marianne Von Cappeln, 7-9th grade Volunteer Coordinator, Donna Richmond Kolich, Recreation Superintendent Lori Rosenbower, Councilman and Recreation Liaison Joe Sommer, Carly Davis, and Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson.
The Borough of Rutherford recently celebrated its many Recreation Department Volunteers at a dinner at the the Landmark. Frank Herrmann was selected as the Volunteer of the Year. Frank has coached his son, Frankie, his daughter Mara, his son Max and countless other Rutherford children in a variety of sports throughout the years. His positive attitude, great ability, and sense of humor made his selection well-deserved. Pictured here are Councilman George Fecanin, Council President Richard Reyes, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Frank Herrmann, Mary Ann Herrmann, Council Vice President Maura Keyes, Recreation Superintendent Lori Rosenbower, Max Herrmann, and Councilman Joe Sommer.	The Borough of Rutherford's Easter Egg Hunt had a special guest in the Easter Bunny himself! He is pictured here with Special Events Coordinator Cliff Witmyer, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, and Maria Kelly and children – Eileen, Eadaoin, and Dylan. The event featured two separate hunts plus a petting zoo. Volunteers Kelly Moore and Meredith McPherson were a big help. Kerry and Patrick O'Keefe never miss Rutherford special events.
The Rutherford Health Department reminds residents that it offers a FREE Child Health Conference, which enables infants and small children to receive immunizations against eleven (11) childhood illnesses, evaluation of growth and development, counseling and health education. Dr. Jill Garripoli is pictured with the Dang family of Rutherford as Dr. Garripoli prepares to examine the youngest child in the family. Residents interested in more information on this program can contact the Public Health Nurses weekdays at 201-460-3020. Learn more about the services the Health Department provides to residents at www.rutherford-nj.com    The week of November 19th to November 25th was proclaimed Family Week in the Borough of Rutherford at the request of the Junior Women's Club of Rutherford. The Mayor and Council issued a proclamation to support the efforts of the Junior Women's Club to make the week one centered on the family.    Rutherford Recreation Department's 2006 Halloween House Decorating Winner! 164 Santiago Avenue - The winner received a $25.00 gift certificate.	Rutherford Recreation Department’s 2006 Elaine Borzotta Sportsmanship Award Winner – Jeanette Caraccio. Each year, we this award is received by an 8th grade girl who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship as voted by the coaches of the 7th/8th grade division. She is pictured with her parents Steve and Nancy Caraccio and division coordinator Jim Callandrillo.    On Friday, November 24, 2006 the Borough of Rutherford began its Holiday Festival with caroling at the Williams Center by the Rutherford Girl Scouts led by Mrs. Pat Di Bisceglie. For many years Mrs. Di Bisceglie has served in that role while coordinating the Girl Scouts' to provide face painting, ornament decorating, and other wonderful efforts for the Borough as a part of its Holiday Festival. She was selected to by Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson to be this year's honorary tree lighter of the Boiling Springs Childrens' Tree. From left to right: Mrs. Pat Di Bisceglie, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Councilman Richard Reyes, and Council Vice President Maura Keyes.
Borough Ragamuffin Parade Special Events Coordinator Cliff Whitmeyer, Judge Gerry Brooks, Recreation Department's Barbara Bennett and Recreation Superintendent Lori Rosenbower at the Borough Ragamuffin Parade. Due to inclement weather the festivities were held at Rutherford High School's Auditorium.    Borough Ragamuffin Parade Ladybug Olivia Walker was one of the winners of the Borough of Rutherford's Ragamuffin Parade. She is pictured here with her mother, Debra Walker, and Mayor Bernadette McPherson.	The Ragamuffin Parade Winners with Councilman Richard Reyes, Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Mayor McPherson, and Council Vice President Maura Keyes. Lady Bug – Olivia Walker, Police Officer – Danny Onorato, IPOD – Patrick Gallagher, Princess – Hannah Cruz, Dorothy & Scarecrow – Tony & Caroline Virone, Witch and Flying Monkey - Sophie & Anthony Masullo, Little Bo Peep and Lamb – Skyler & Adam Christie, Dairy Queen Sundae – Jamie Nardello, Cat Family – Ashley & Kaitlyn Hazecamp.
Rutherford Community Blood Bank Says “Thanks” Register to donate at the Election Day Blood Drive sponsored by the Rutherford Community Blood Bank and your name will be entered in a drawing for a $25 Shop Rutherford Gift Certificate. "It's our way of showing our appreciation to our terrific donors," said the organization’s chair, Dorothy Clare. "Those donors have provided an essential and valuable service to many, many people, saving countless lives since the Blood Bank was founded in 1957." Prospective donors may enter their names in the drawing when they sign in on the day of the blood drive. As part of the Borough of Rutherford’s 125th anniversary celebration, the group decided to gift five lucky winners. Two names were chosen at the town-wide celebration in October. The remaining three winners will be picked at the Election Day blood drive. The blood drive will be held on November 7 from 4 to 8 PM at the Elks Club at 48 Ames Avenue in Rutherford. Pre-registration is not required. For more information about giving blood, call (201) 251-3703. The Rutherford Community Blood Bank will celebrate 50 years of service in 2007. Photo: Proud contingent from the Rutherford Community Blood Bank participated in the Borough’s anniversary parade on October 7. From left to right: Bernie the Blood Drop, Dorothy Clare (President), Arline Furrer (Secretary), Pauline Bertone, Joan Tidona, Judith Calviello and Frank Tidona (Treasurer).
The Borough of Rutherford's Annual Touch a Truck Event was held this Sunday, Oct. 15th at Memorial Field. It was supported by the Borough's Recreation, Public Works, Police, and Volunteer Fire Departments and Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Pictured from left to right in the back row are Councilwoman Maura Keyes, Recreation Superintendent Lori Rosenbower, Public Works Supervisor Joe Wronko, Officer Mike Merli, Ambulance Corps President Brian O'Keefe, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, and Councilman George Fecanin, the initiator of the Touch a Truck Event. In the front row are Patrick and Kerry O'Keefe and Melissa Wronko    Ed, Mary, Colleen, and Van Foley with Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson at the 125th Anniversary Festival. Van will be making his second appearance on the Martha Stewart Show this Friday, Oct. 20, 2006    Councilwoman Maura Keyes and Recreation Superintendent Lori Rosenbower hand out Halloween bags to Mango family at the Borough's Annual Touch a Truck Event on Sunday, October 15th.	The Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department participated in the Borough's Annual Touch a Truck Event. Pictured left to right are Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Councilwoman Maura Keyes, Paul T. Dansbach & children William, Christian & Courtney, Thomas M. Twist III, John P. Melfa, Carl Gasbarro, First Assistant Fire Chief Mark Gentile, Fire Department Liaison Councilman Richard Reyes, and Councilman George Fecanin at the Borough's Annual Touch a Truck Event. Thanks to the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department for their participation as well.    The Borough of Rutherford's Annual Touch A Truck Event was held on Sunday, October 15th at Memorial Field. The event was initiated by Councilman Fecanin and supported by the Borough's Recreation, Police, Public Works Departments as well as and its Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Corps and Governing Body members. Children of all ages were given the opportunity to explore the fire engines and police cars and other vehicles and equipment. Vehicles from the Garabedian Group Landscaping Firm were also provided. The Garabedian Group generously maintains the William Center Plaza for the Borough and participates in events like Touch A Truck. From left to right: Councilman George Fecanin, Mike Garabedi an, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson,Ian Spettell, Councilman Richard Reyes, Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Councilwoman Maura Keyes,Madeline Campbell, Terri Spettell with Calliope Spettell, and Susan Campbell.
Barbara Bennett, President of the Board of Aesthetic Review and Recreation Staff Member, and Gerri Brooks, Board of Aesthetic Review Member and Downtown Partnership Trustee, help with the final preparations for the Borough's 125th Anniversary Parade.    After the 125th Anniversary Parade residents enjoyed a family fun festival that included rides and games for the children and entertainment including a stilt band.	Emily Jones, the Borough of Rutherford's Most Senior Resident at 106, was the 125th Anniversary Parade Grand Marshall held on Oct 7, 2006. She is pictured here with from left to right, Councilman Ray Frazier, Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Council Vice President Maura Keyes, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Councilman Joe Sommer, Councilman Richard Reyes, and Council President George Fecanin.    The Rutherford High School Band Color Guard practiced just before the start of the Borough's 125th Anniversary Parade.
The Rutherford Public Library was well represented with Jane Tarantino, Christina Yu, Library Director Jane Fisher, and Marie Lawlor who all participated in the 125th Anniversary Parade,
The Borough of Rutherford celebrated its 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006 in Lincoln Park. The Celebration was sponsored by the Rutherford Civil Rights Commission. It featured performances from around the world and garnered proclamations from both Governor Corzine and Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson. The Community Service Award was presented to Barbara Bennett, who serves on the Multicultural Committee. She is the President of the Board of Aesthetic Review, a member of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Citizens Emergency Response Team, and the Friends of the Library among other organizations. She is well known to all as a valued member of the Borough's Recreation Department. From left to right: (Left Pic) Police Chief Steven Nienstedt, Council Vice President Maura Keyes, Barbara Bennett, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Councilman Richard Reyes, Chairperson of the Civil Rights Commission. From left to right: (Right Pic) Keri Bennett, Chief Steven Nienstedt, Elizabeth Gallegos, Lina Anderson, Odalys Lezcano, Louis Nunez, Barbara Bennett, Bea Goldberg, Mayor McPherson, Council Vice President Maura Keyes, Councilwoman Cathy Botti, and Councilman Richard Reyes, Chairperson of the Civil Rights Commission.   Fourth Annual Hambletonian Parade on July 29, 2006 The Borough of Rutherford proudly hosted the Fourth Annual Hambletonian Parade on July 29, 2006. Borough Departments such as the DPW, the Police, Fire, and Ambulance Corps were thanked for their help and the Rutherford Downtown Partnership, the Meadowlands Racetrack and the Hambletonian Society were presented with Borough Proclamations for making the event such a great success. From left to right, front row: Council members Richard Reyes, Ray Frazier, Cathy Botti, Maura Keyes, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Meadowlands Racetrace Vice President and General Manager Chris McErlean, President and CEO of the Hambletonian Society Tom Charters, Downtown Partnership President Denise Ross, Vice President Bruce Dolin, Trustee Kathy Taylor , Ed Ryan, Downtown Manager Robin Reenstra-Bryant. Left to Right, back row: Borough Administrator Timothy F. Stafford, Council members George Fecanin and Joe Sommer, RDP Trustees Janelle Vaughan, Mike Fencik, and Ken Emerson.	The Rutherford Garden Club planted a tree in the Park at Sylvan Street and the Terrace donated by the Driscoll family in honor of the Borough's 125th Anniversary Borough officials were on hand to thank the Club for their contributions to the Borough throughout the years. From left to right: Joseph Driscoll, Janice Glock, Patrick Driscoll kneeling, Marlene Heyer, Virginia Marass, Councilman Richard Reyes, Councilwoman Maura Keyes, Vermond Lee LaRosa, Rosemarie Mesisco, Elizabeth Driscoll, Mayor/Freeholder Bernadette P. McPherson, Jerry LaRosa, Councilwoman Cathy Botti, and Katie Driscoll. Garden Club meetings are held at the Elks Lodge #547 located at 48 Ames Avenue on the 4th Tuesday of each month - 7:30 pm. All are invited to attend. Active membership in the Rutherford Garden Club is open to all who subscribe to the club's objectives, who have a genuine interest in gardening and a willingness to share in the work of the organization. Membership Chairperson is Virginia Marass and she can be contacted at 201-939-8782.   The Farmers Market is located at the Williams Plaza and takes place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. up to Oct. 25th. Downtown Manager Robin Reenstra-Bryant, Special Events Coordinator Cliff Whitmyer, Borough Administrator Timothy Stafford, New Jersey Commissioner of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus, Mayor/Freeholder Chairwoman Bernadette P. McPherson, Councilman Ray Frazier, Councilwoman Cathy Botti, and Assemblyman Fred Scalera at the Rutherford Farmers' Market.
Annual Baby Parade Winner At its Fourth of July Celebration the Borough of Rutherford held its Annual Baby Parade. The 2006 grand prize winner is Braden Miller (shown in 3rd and 4th image from left), second place was Richard and Robert and Tylenda (2nd from left) and third place is Abigail Moller (1st imge from left). Pictured with the proud parents are Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Councilwoman Maura Keyes, and Mayor Bernadette McPherson.	New Jersey Meadowlands Commission GIS Laptop Donation The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission presented a laptop computer with the capabilities of accessing the NJMC’s Geographic Information System to Rutherford officials during its monthly meeting on July 10. The governing body and emergency responders have completed training from NJMC personnel on how to use the GIS technology, which includes digital maps, emergency services and right-to-know data. Ridgefield, Secaucus, Carlstadt, Moonachie, Teterboro, East Rutherford and Little Ferry are currently online with GIS, with the remaining municipalities in the Meadowlands District to follow. The Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, the scientific arm of the NJMC, develops and updates the GIS data. Pictured left to right are Rutherford Borough Administrator Timothy Stafford, Police Captain Thomas Farrell, Mayor Bernadette McPherson and NJMC Commissioners Leonard Kaiser, Arleen Walther, and James Anzevino.
Taste of Rutherford The Taste of Rutherford, held June 28th, was a huge success. Enjoying the event were Rutherford Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Merchant Mike Fencik of Varrelmann's Bakery, and Rutherford Downtown Partnership President Denise Ross.
RUTHERFORD SENIOR CITIZENS TAKE SILVER & the SPIRIT AWARD!!!! The Rutherford Recreation Department is proud to announce the Rutherford Senior Olympians took 2nd place on June 8th in Randolph, New Jersey at the North Jersey Senior Olympics. The Rutherford Team was also presented an award plaque for TEAM SPIRIT! The medal winners from Rutherford are: Jimmy Hull – a gold medal in “Frisbee Golf” & a bronze medal in Basketball, Edna Huesmann – a gold medal in “Frisbee Golf”, Irene Biviano – a bronze medal in “Chicken Toss”, Jerry Williams – a bronze medal in T- ball, Frank Papa – a silver medal in Basketball, Scotty Mackie – a gold medal in Basketball, And Blanche Le Grande was honored with an award for the most enthusiastic player from Rutherford. Next year the Senior Olympics will be in Hasbrouck Heights and Rutherford hopes to come in 1st Place!	Rutherford Women's Club Honored At its recent dinner held by Bergen Habitat for Humanity, the Rutherford Junior Women's Club was honored for their contributions to victims of Hurricane Katrina. In attendance to recognize their efforts were Councilwoman Cathy Botti, Council Vice President Maura Keyes, new Executive Director of Bergen Habitat For Humanity Susan Safire, and Rutherford Mayor/Bergen County Freedholder Chairwoman Bernadette P. McPherson.

2006 & Earlier Archive:

Click here to view the Holiday Festival Pictures!
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission distributed 130 Thornless Honeylocust trees to the 14 Meadowlands District municipalities on April 26 as part of its annual Community Tree Planting Program. The shade trees will be planted along sidewalks, in front of homes and stores, and within public parks to enhance the green features of towns and quality of life of residents. Pictured are NJMC Commissioner James Anzevino, Rutherford Borough Administrator Timothy Stafford, Rutherford Mayor Bernadette McPherson, and NJMC Commissioners Arleen Walther, Michael Gonnelli and Leonard Kaiser.   Station Square Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson and Borough Administrator Timothy Stafford unveiled a new sign honoring Dave Caprio of Outdoor Living for his generosity in providing the landscaping and maintenance for Station Square.	Veterans Day   Eagle Scout Award Ceremony for John Paul Della Fave - Troop 166 Ambition: To attend a United States Military Academy Fall of 2006. Della Fave completed, "Pedals for Progress" service project in Spring of 2005. Rutherford Community Leaders supported his efforts by allowing him to collect the bicycles need in third world countries in the Rutherford Municipal Parking lot. The successful drive netted over 180 bicycles. Scouts and Scout Leaders in attendance to help pack, the bicycles were shipped to El Salvador the same week therefore benefiting the people through transportation to work and school. Chief Steven Nienstadt and other officials from the Rutherford community including Councilman George Fecanon were in attendance and helping. John Della Fave is a tri-season athlete, attended Boys State and Camp Mason Leadership programs, He is a ambassador for "Heroes and Cool Kids" a mentorship program from RHS lead by Mr. Michael Cassidy the vice principal. Coming from a military family, John is especially proud of his Dad John, Lt Col. Uncle Jeremiah Walsh, a retired USMC in addition to Grandfather, Samuel Capizzi of Ocean City, NJ who served in the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer. John states, "They have always served as a inspiration to Leadership and motivation to serve my country". "This fall I am hoping to gain acceptance to one of the military Academies to continue the tradition." Brother, Christopher now 22, awarded his Eagle in 2000, also troop 166Sister, Samantha, 15 year old a sophomore at RHS was awarded the Silver Award 2004 Rutherford. Troop 920 (working on Gold). Father: John, retired Hoboken Police Sgt. of 27 years. Mother: Gail RN, MAS, a nurse educator, working for St Joseph's Ambulatory Imaging Center, Clifton.   Arbor Day The Borough of Rutherford celebrated Arbor Day with a ceremony 5:30 p.m., Tuesday evening, May 2, 2006. The Board of Aesthetic Review, Borough Officials, and others gathered to plant trees on the lawn of Borough Hall. Each year the Board commemorates Arbor Day by planting a tree. This year one of the trees was dedicated in memory of the late Henry Fletcher, husband of long time Board member Marie Fletcher. Members of the Fletcher family were on hand to assist with the planting.
Photo: Bernie the Blood Drop spreads the word about NJ’s chronic blood shortage. Photo courtesy of Rutherford Community Blood Bank.   Having just returned from helping out in New Orleans, Rutherford Police Dept. Sgt. John Russo, second from left, and RPD Officer Al Anderson, third from left, are welcomed back home on Monday evening, Sept. 19, by Borough Administrator Timothy F. Stafford, Rutherford Police Department Chief Nienstedt and Rutherford Councilman George Fecanin.   The Borough of Rutherford recognized the contributions and sacrifices of the Rutherford First Aid Ambulance Corps and encouraged residents to support the annual fund drive at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 25th. From left to right: Council members Richard Reyes, Ray Frazier, and Michael Matthews, Ambulance Corps President Brian O'Keefe, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Council President George Fecanin, Council members Maura Keyes and Bruce Bartlett.   The Borough of Rutherford honored Fire Marshal Paul Dansbach as the recipient of the American Fire Sprinkler Association national award. Fire Marshall Dansbach has devoted much of his life to fire safety and prevention and has served as Chief of the Rutherford Fire Department. He has been an instrumental advisor on fire safety at the local, county, and state level. From left to right: Council members Richard Reyes, Ray Frazier, Michael Matthews, Fire Marshall Paul Dansbach, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Council President George Fecanin, Council members Maura Keyes and Bruce Bartlett.   The Rutherford Mayor and Council recognized Steve Sack of Visual Impressions Photography on Glen Road and the Rutherford Downtown Partnership for their generosity to Rutherford's emergency service personnel. Mr. Sack presented department photos to all branches of Rutherford's emergency services taken on Memorial Day. Mr. Sack donated his services and the Rutherford Downtown Partnership provided photos to all members of each department. Pictured from left to right are (front row): RPD Captain Thomas Farrell, Ambulance Corps President Brian O'Keefe, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Sartori; (back row): Council members Bruce Bartlett and Mike Matthews, Steve Sack, Councilman George Fecanin, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, Council members Ray Frazier and Maura Keyes, and Downtown Partnership Vice President Denise Ross.   Sgt. Patrick Feliciano was recently recognized by the Borough of Rutherford for his achievement as the Bergen County Hispanic Commission's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He is pictured here with Police Chief Steven Nienstedt, Council members Mike Matthews, Ray Frazier, Bruce Bartlett, Maura Keyes, George Fecanin, Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson, and his wife Christine and sons, Luke and Daniel.	Safe Night Out 2005   Football for Funds St. Mary's High Athletic Director Matt Stone, Rutherford Police Chief Steven Nienstedt, RPD Officer Stephen Batchelor and Rutherford Junior Football President Michael Paskas display a bullet-proof vest. The same type that the Gaels grid gang and the Junior Bulldogs teams are raising money to purchase for use by the RPD.   The Tim Finnerty Foundation recently contributed $5,000 towards the Borough of Rutherford's 9/11 Memorial. Pictured from left to right are Theresa Finnerty, Councilman Ray Frazier, Councilman Mike Matthews, Tom Weber of the Finnerty Foundation, Councilman George Fecanin, and Mayor Bernadette McPherson. The Finnerty Foundation, in memory of Tim and his childhood years spent on the basketball courts at Tamblyn Field, spearheaded their renovation in partnership with the Borough in 2002. The Rutherford 9/11 Memorial is to be located in Lincoln Park.   Police Chief Nienstedt accepts presentation - Police Week   Congratulations to Cory Dunn on his many achievements 2nd Place - NJ State Tournament @ 130 lbs Region 4 Champion District 15 Champion 1st Team All Bergen County 1st State finalist since 1984 2nd of all-time from Rutherford High School   Wrestling Team Parochial "B" State Champions   Presentation to Brian O'Keefe for EMS Week   RUTHERFORD BOARD OF AESTHETIC REVIEW ARBOR DAY CELEBRATIONS The Rutherford Board os Aesthetic Review recently held an Arbor Day Ceremony with a tree planting on Park Avenue. Borard member Ray Datz donated the Aristocrat pear tree and Past Board of Aesthetic Review President Helen Mathies recited the poem "Trees". Pictured left to right - Borough Administrator Timothy F. Stafford; BAR Presdient, Christine Eustice; Police Captain Tom Farrell; DPW employee Joe Partyka; BAR member Regina DeLucia; BAR member Marie Fletcher; Police Captain George Egbert; Past BAR President Helen Mathies; Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson and Bar Member Martha Lozada