Nutley Jaycees Announce 2013 Distinguished Service Award Winners

The Nutey Jaycees have singled out five residents for their contributions to the township. 

This week, the Jaycees announces that John H. Walker Middle School's Joseph Cappello, named "Educator of the Year," tops the list of Nutley citizens who will receive the Jaycees' 42nd annual "Distinguished Service Award" at a community banquet on Thursday April 4.

The "Outstanding Young Woman of the Year" award will go to to Nutley Board of Education Vice President Victoria Flynn.

For distinguished service in "Public Health and Public Safety, the Jaycees award will honor Fire Chief Philip Nicolette, a lifelong Nutley resident who has worked 33 years as a volunteer fireman.

The civic affairs award honors former teacher and longtime volunteer Teri Ruffo for her volunteer service in dozens of local civic and religious organizations.

The "Business Award" goes to Nutley jeweler Sanford Fleitell who previously was president of the Nutley Family Service Bureau board of trustees as well as president of the Rotary Club of Nutley.

Former Nutley commissioner and chairman of the judges' panel Walter Smith made the Announcement of the award recipients this week. In addition to Smith, the judges panel includes Dr. Steven Clarke, local businessman John Brown, Superintendent of the Nutley School District Russell Lazovick, community volunteer Anne Lynne Eisenfelder, NJHometown Editor Phil White, former Exalted Ruler of the Nutley Elks, William Jernick, III, and former N.J. Assemblyman Fred Scalera. 

The winners will be honored at a Thursday April 4 dinner at the Valley Regency, 1149 Valley Road, Clifton. The event opens with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at $45 can be reserved by calling Dr. Steven Clarke at 973-235-1515.