10 Essex County residents were awarded Outstanding Senior Citizen Awards during the 36th Annual Senior Citizen Luncheon at The Chandelier in Belleville on Thursday, May 5th. More than 200 Essex County seniors attended the annual celebration, which recognizes members of Essex County’s various senior clubs for their dedication and commitment to the program.
Connie De Angelis, a resident from West Caldwell, is a member of the Belleville Park Thursday Club. A club member for many years, she is dependable, consistently looks out for other members and will not hesitate to offer a ride to fellow members who need transportation. De Angelis collects money for Bingo games and has everyone in good humor with her wonderful jokes. “I’ve been a member of the club for over 20 years and I really love the people because we have a lot of fun,” Ms. De Angelis said. “They wanted to nominate me three years ago for this award, but I said no, but I’m glad I accepted this year. It feels good to be recognized,” she added.
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr. said the park system in the county is vital to community clubs and events.
“Our historic Park System is a great resource for the community and we are proud that our parks serve as regular meeting places where our senior citizens congregate, play games, meet for lunch and make new friends,” DiVincenzo said. “These activities are organized entirely by volunteers who give their time for the benefit of the club membership. During Older Americans Month, it is our honor to recognize these men and women who have taken responsibility to lead their clubs, assist other residents and stay active in the community,” he added.
The Outstanding Senior Citizen Awardees are as follows:
Diane Lombardi, a resident from Belleville, is a member of the Belleville Park Monday Club. She has been an active member for five years and currently serves as Vice President. Lombardi was instrumental in helping the Club obtain an electronic Bingo board and collects money for Bingo and raffles. “I try to help others because that’s the type of person I am. I like to get involved,” Ms. Lombardi said. “When I retired, I didn’t want to stay home, so I joined the senior clubs to stay active,” she said.
Bennie Novellino, a resident from Belleville, is a member of the Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Club. He is Sergeant of Arms, organizes Bingo games and assists at all club parties and events. The Club is proud to honor him with this recognition. “I’ve been with the club for 26 years and feel very honored,” Mr. Novellino said. “There are a lot of good people here and we have a good time. This is a way for me to get out and see my friends,” he noted.
Mary Catena, a resident from Newark, is a member of the Independence Park Monday Club. She is a very dedicated member and has missed very few meetings in the 16 years she has been participating. Catena is in charge of raffles and Progressive Bingo games, assists with bus trips and helps at other senior sites in the Ironbound. “It is dedicated members like Mary who make our club outstanding. It is with great pleasure that we have the honor of bestowing her with this award,” the club nomination states. “I’m the person who doesn’t know how to say no,” Ms. Catena said. “I have been a club member for so long because I like to stay active and involved,” she said.
Annina Carlucci, a resident from Newark, is a member of the Independence Park Friday Club. A devoted Club member for many years, Carlucci cooks and bakes for special events organized by the Club. Her fellow members look forward to her delicacies. “I didn’t expect to nominated, but it feels good,” Ms. Carlucci said. “We have a lot of great times at our luncheons and social functions. I volunteer because I like helping out,” she said.
Elisa Beovedes, a resident from Newark, is a member of The North Ward Center Casa Israel. She has been a part of the Casa Israel family for the past 10 years and is a good friend to all the clients. Beovedes was born in Spain in 1927 and has three children and four grandchildren. “When our father died, we forced my mother to go out, and attending Casa Israel has been the best gift in the world,” said Elisa’s daughter, Marta Rizzolo, who attended the luncheon with her mother and sister, Maria Moreno. “Her friends have become her new family and she’s not home alone by herself,” she added.
Jean Leith, a resident from Roseland, is a member of the Roseland Senior Citizens. She is an active member of the Roseland Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Board of Deacons, as an Elder on the Board of Sessions and organized a “Supper Club” as a church fundraiser. She also in involved in the Women’s Fellowship and the Congregational Life, Mission and Worship Committee. As a member of the Roseland Historical Society, Ms. Leith participates in Harvest Fairs, luncheons, book and attic sales. In addition, she raises money for worthy causes in the West Essex area as a member of the Town Set.
Rose Waliska, a resident from Belleville, is a member of the Watsessing Park Tuesday Club. A longtime member, Waliska brings homemade goodies for members to enjoy, provides transportation to those who are unable to drive and is always willing to lend a hand when needed. “She is truly an asset to our club and we appreciate all she does,” her nomination states. “It really makes you feel good to know your club members appreciate all that you do, so I’m really excited to get this honor,” Ms. Waliska said. “I enjoy everything about the club, the trips we go on, the friends I’ve made,” she added.
Carmen Castro, a resident from Bloomfield, is a member of the Watsessing Park Thursday Club. She loves to read and keeps Club members well informed on various issues of importance. Castro volunteers her services whenever needed and is well respected by her fellow Club members. “I am very surprised that I was nominated for this award. It was unexpected,” Ms. Castro said. “I’ve been a member of the club for four years and I really enjoy it. I love the activities and I enjoy helping out by serving food,” she added.
Rose Salierno, a resident from Verona, is a member of the Verona Park Seniors. She has been the Club’s Program Coordinator for six years, organizes shopping trips and luncheons, plans holiday parties and is always ready to lend a helping hand. “I didn’t expect to be the one honored by the club,” Ms. Salierno said. “I appreciate the club and enjoy all the things we do together,” she added.
The annual award program was sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs. Essex County hosts 13 senior citizen clubs, and each one has the opportunity to nominate someone from their club for the award. This year, 10 clubs participated in the awards ceremony.
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 20 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.
