Submitted by Pam Tully, Rutherford Public Library Rhoda Portugal, reference librarian at Rutherford Public Library for 32 years, has retired from an extraordinary career spanning more than 50 years as a librarian. Rhoda is a knowledgeable and intellectually curious and enthusiastic resource for all things library, research, genealogy, museum passes, periodicals, and yes, even microfilm! We celebrate all of her contributions to the library and wish her well. In honor of her ye

By Jennifer Ersalesi Photo credits: Rutherford Recreation Department This past Sunday, June 28th, the Rutherford Recreation department held its 94th Annual Baby Parade. This longstanding tradition welcomes all families with young children to participate in the parade demonstrating their American pride and their enthusiasm for the upcoming July 4th holiday. The parade began on Elliot Place in front of Rutherford High School and traveled to Lincoln Park. Once they arrived at

By Jennifer Ersalesi Photo credits: Janice Guzman, Rutherford Recreation Councilwoman Christie Del Rey-Cone and Councilman Ray Guzman made an important surprise announcement at the Annual Baby Parade on Sunday, June 28th. As Diane Jones sat on the stage of the bandshell as one of the judges of the parade, Councilman Guzman and Councilwoman Del Rey-Cone read aloud a proclamation honoring Diane for her many years of volunteerism. Diane has been a Board of Education member fo

By Jennifer Ersalesi Photo credits: Dan Meredith On Wednesday, June 17th, Rutherford brought the community together for an extremely successful Dining Out event on Park Avenue. Restaurant tables along Park Avenue remained full throughout the evening as musicians performed from various locations along the avenue. Musicians included The Baddies and Fretless, Hunter and Jack Bandola, School of Rock, Joe Murphy, and Vinny Valentino Jazz Trio. Organizations and businesses, su

By Jennifer Ersalesi People in our own community, surrounding communities, and worldwide have World Cup fever. Many restaurants, hair salons, and other businesses are adorned with soccer and world flag decorations. Rutherford has embraced the proximity of these World Cup games and the enthusiasm that comes along with viewing these games from the field or on a screen. The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, along with the Borough of Rutherford, has organized this summer's only D

Submittted by Clara Jamison, Chair Lead, SEPAG For families in Rutherford's special education community, certain educators leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom. This year, those families chose to recognize one of those exceptional individuals. Last Friday, Rutherford Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) named Chelsea Iocca, Head Teacher of the K/1 Multiple Disabilities classroom at Lincoln School, the recipient of the 2026 Rutherford SEPAG S

Submitted by Pamela Tully, Rutherford Public Library RUTHERFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST 3-PART FILM SERIES ON ALFRED HITCHCOCK MOVIES Film scholar Jeff Hughes will discuss Alfred Hitchcock's movies: Rear Window, Shadow of a Doubt, and Vertigo in three installments at the Rutherford Public Library this summer. A century after the debut of Alfred Hitchcock’s first feature film, Hitchcock remains one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema. But how does his v

By Jennifer Ersalesi Arts play a vital role in our community. One particular non-profit organization, the Rutherford Arts Council, has found a number of ways to bring all forms of art to the Borough of Rutherford through art exhibits, talent shows, creative expression workshops, and so much more. This is Rutherford interviewed the Rutherford Arts Council to learn more about what they have planned over the next several months. TIR: The Rutherford Arts Council has been busy

By Jennifer Ersalesi Photo credits: Dan Meredith Grace Episcopal Church is located on West Passaic Avenue. It is a beautiful English Gothic-style building that holds so much history and so many memories for generations Rutherford residents and nearby neighbors. The bell tower was donated by the ladies of the church in the 1860's. However, the bell tower is in need of significant repairs. This Is Rutherford interviewed Reverend Dr. Karen Rezach to learn more about the chur

By Jennifer Ersalesi This year's South Bergen PrideFest will take place on June 6, 2026 from 12 PM until 5 PM (the rain date will be June 7th). After months of planning, the Rutherford Pride Alliance's South Bergen PrideFest Committee cannot wait to bring this festival to Lincoln Park. This is Rutherford interviewed two Board members of the Rutherford Pride Alliance, Chair Kat Ruhno-McCallum, and Treasurer, David Grassetti to learn more about South Bergen PrideFest. TIR: P

Submitted by Miranda Burton, Kiwanis International When people say, "It takes a village,"they highlight the power of communities coming together in service to others. Service is at the core of every Kiwanis club. Kiwanis members lead more than 150,000 service projects, contribute over six million service hours, and raise nearly $100 million each year to support communities, families, and important causes. Key Club members add 12 million service hours annually, CKI members con

By Jennifer Ersalesi Growing up in Jersey with a family with a great sense of humor, Colin Doyle learned how to appreciate humor and that he had the ability to make laugh at a young age. While he was in college, he started doing stand-up comedy and discovered just how much he enjoyed it. He is coming back to his hometown of Rutherford on May 28th to share his talent at the Williams Center of Rutherford on May 28th. This is Rutherford interviewed Colin to learn more about t

Submitted by Pamela Tully, Rutherford Public Library Rutherford Public Library celebrated the winners of its Summer Reading Design contest at the May 11 Rutherford Borough Council meeting. Mayor Frank Nunziato presided as Barbara Bivin, a Friends of the Library of Rutherford board member, presented the winners with a certificate, award ribbons, and a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. Sreya Sriju, First Place Winner First place went to Sreya Sriju, whose winning design is o

By Jennifer Ersalesi Hosting the National Commander of the American Legion on Saturday, May 9th was a great honor for Rutherford's American Legion Post 109. The American Legion welcomed National Commander Dan K. Wiley at their location during a special program. The food was provided by Ferazzoli's Italian Kitchen and sponsored by the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce and Dan Meredith Allstate Agency. National Commander Dan K. Wiley was accompanied by National Executive Commit

By Jennifer Ersalesi Since the devastating loss of their beloved Temple, Temple Beth El, Rabbi Yitschok Lerman, his wife Bina Lerman, their family, and their congregation have been holding services and programs in a different location. However, during that time they have been working together to find a way to rebuild their Temple and home. In just a few weeks, they will hold a special fundraiser at the Woman's Club of Rutherford. This is Rutherford interviewed Rabbi and B

Submitted by the Rutherford Green Team Do you have well-loved things around your house that don’t work but that you just don’t have the heart to throw away? Before you toss that troublesome toaster or wing that wobbly wooden chair or lob that flickering lamp, bring it to Rutherford’s next Repair Cafe! The Rutherford Green Team will hold its fifteenth Repair Cafe on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11:30am - 3:30 pm in the basement of the Rutherford Public Library at 150 Park Ave

By Jennifer Ersalesi Rutherford FC is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting its soccer players learn about sportsmanship while developing their skills. The coaches, parents, and players all work together to make this organization thrive and grow. This is Rutherford spoke to Michael McCaugherty, Rutherford FC Board member, and Chuck Olivo, Rutherford FC President to learn more about this non-profit organization. TIR also received feedback from many of the young

By Jennifer Ersalesi For over twelve years, Rutherford High School Junior, Sophia Clossey, has been an active member of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. She began her journey as a Daisy Scout when she was in Kindergarten. Currently, she is an Ambassador Scout working on the highest award a Girl Scout can achieve, the Gold Award. This is Rutherford interviewed Sophia to learn more about her dedication to the Girl Scouts, her Gold Award projects, and her goals for th

By Jennifer Ersalesi TED talk speakers, from various fields and backgrounds, share ideas, life and career experiences, and so much more. On May 6th from 6 pm until 9 pm there will be a TEDx Rutherford event at the Williams Center of Rutherford. This event is open to the public and will feature presentations by Mildred Mihlon, President of Felician University, Doug Hoffman, Eternal Optimist & F.I.R.E. Obsessed, Jack Hurley, Superintendent of Rutherford Schools, Joe Praino, Te

By Jennifer Ersalesi Rutherford's Board of Health has existed for 125 years. It currently consists of seven members and two alternate members who are appointed by the Mayor and Council. They volunteer their time to assist the Rutherford Health Department. Their mission, as stated on the Borough website, is "To prevent the spread of communicable diseases, to safeguard the health and equity of all people, and to offer efficient public health services and education to Rutherf