LIFE BEGINS AT EIGHTY!

A lifelong North Bergenite, Elaine J. Nicoliello, was recently presented with a mayor and Board of Commissioners’ town proclamation honoring her for her longevity and her many contributions to the township of North Bergen.
As her daughter Kim A. Nicoliello, coordinator of the township Urban Enterprise Zone, tells us, her mother Elaine was born in a private home, delivered by a visiting doctor a little over 80 years ago. Her mom was a graduate of Emerson High School in Union City and afterwards became employed by the New York Telephone Company for seven years, and after that became a homemaker. Her mother has also been living at her residence on 74th Street for approximately 50 years.
In the 1970s, her mother became active for Pop Warner as a cheerleader coach, loves politics and gardening, has traveled to Italy, and Hawaii, and loves the Jersey Shore. She also has a son Keith, who is a New York City fireman, and a granddaughter named Samantha.
Kim tells us that her mother Elaine is a North Bergen Township employee and a member of so many different boards and organizations that she presented us with a resume: Elaine Nicoliello has been a member of the North Bergen Board of Education since 1993; has sat on the executive board of the North Hudson Community Action Corporation of West New York since 2000; has served on the North Bergen Rent Control Board since 1986; has offered commercial revitalization to the township business community since 1988; has served as secretary for the North Bergen Beautification Committee since 1990; has been the office manager at the North Bergen Health Department since 1989; and has also served as a Hudson County Democratic Party Committeewoman, Ward 1, District 1, in the township for over 20 years.
Her daughter Kim says that her mom has no plans for retirement, thus community activity keeps her youthful! Neighbors Jean and Bill McClelland recently praised her for being such an active committeewoman, who visits her neighbors to help them in time of need, and for her efforts in beautifying the township by working many years with the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, and having trees planted within the township to beautify its streets. This columnist also remembers Elaine Nicoliello, who always was friendly with a big smile that lights-up a room. I am thrilled that she is still very active in her community, and that she has such a loving and caring daughter Kim who just idolizes her mother. To Elaine and Kim Nicoliello: All the best!
North Bergen Commissioner Theresa Ferraro tells us that she is a New Year’s Day birthday girl, so she especially enjoys the holiday even more. After all, there is more to celebrate! Happy New Year and Happy Birthday Commissioner Theresa Ferraro, and may you have many, many more happy birthdays to come. You’re The Greatest!
Giorgio “The Barber” Barlaam of Guttenberg, whose Giorgio’s Hair Stylist shop is in North Bergen, tells us that he is still cutting the locks after all these years and is loving it every year that goes by. His customers we hear are also happy that he is still going strong. The way to go, Giorgio!
Secaucus’s newly-elected Councilwoman Susan Pirro tells us that her recent election was very demanding and that she definitely needed the holiday rest. She also tells us that she will enjoy working with Independent Mayor Michael Gonnelli, and also that one of her pet projects will be looking out for and working with the town’s senior citizens. Congratulations Councilwoman Susan Pirro!
This columnist received two calls over the holidays from West New York Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega and his Chief Senior Advisor Neil Carroll, advising me that the town gave out 3,500 turkeys over the holidays to West New Yorkers. That means one turkey per family of four or more. Approximately 14,000 and more West New York residents were happy diners this past holiday season. Buon Appetito!
Miranda Ginebra of Weehawken, a student at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, recently spent the fall 2010 semester studying in Spain through their off-campus study abroad opportunities. Congratulations!
United States Army Private Christopher J. Gonzalez of West New York has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, at Columbia, S.C. Best wishes Private Gonzalez!
Reverend Richard J. Carrington, pastor of Saint Joseph and Saint Michael Parish in Union City, has been reappointed to a second six-year term ending January 2017, announced Archbishop John J. Myers of the Newark, New Jersey Archdiocese. Congrats to you Pastor Carrington!
West New York Town Assistant Clerk Cosmo Cirillo called to thank this columnist for receiving member information inquiries on the Union City – West New York Rotary Club web-site, of which he is their president. Glad to hear that membership enrollment is growing, and may the Rotary Club keep-up its great work!
Senior student Leslie Moran of Union City was the recipient of the Joe Sullivan Award for students who demonstrate academic excellence and a desire to work in the field of communications at Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City. Leaders of Tomorrow, make us very proud!
Readers, in a front page article recently in the Weehawken Reporter regarding the possible sale of the Weehawken Reservoir, as announced by Weehawken Township Mayor Richard Turner, this columnist couldn’t help but think about Union City. The city of Union City is the only landlocked municipality in North Hudson, as well as in Hudson County! The Weehawken Reservoir, right directly across the street from Union City with Palisade Avenue as the dividing line, is the only body of water that crosses Union City’s path, even if it is not a natural creek, pond, lake, or river. Should the sale go through, then an outer-city oasis and a township oasis will be gone for all posterity. Something to think about! Surely, the Weehawken Township Mayor and Council will come to a just and well thought-out conclusion! Food for thought for 2011!
And so it goes… Until next time… See you around town…MATT
Readers who would like to contribute to this column can do so by mailing your news items and photographs, along with your name, address, and telephone number to: Matthew Amato, columnist, c/o The Hudson Reporter, 1400 Washington St., Hoboken, New Jersey 07030.

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