Dignitaries chosen for Columbus parade

By Roman J. Uschak, Staff Writer
The dignitaries for the 2010 Belleville and Nutley Columbus Day Parade are ready to serve at the annual autumn event that will take place next month in both towns.
The grand marshal of this year’s festivities on Oct. 10 will be recording star, actress and author Connie Francis, a Belleville native who was honored by the township in a gala weekend last year that included naming both the high school auditorium and a local street after her. All profits from the events were used to benefit the students of the Belleville school district.
“Rarely does your own hometown recognize you,” said Francis after the unveiling of Connie Francis Court last fall. “It takes you for granted, but you didn’t. Thank you and God bless, and I love you.”
Both Nutley parade dignitaries this year are attorneys. The Nutley Italian Woman of the Year is Marina Perna, while the Nutley Italian Man of the Year is Steve Maierella.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to be considered, especially in light of the giants of the Italian American community,” said Perna, who has practiced law in Nutley since 1991 and is also a former Belleville mayor.
“It’s a reminder to look back at the great works of people who came before me, and to set an example for the future and for those who follow,” she added. “Congratulations to everyone, and thank you to the committee for selecting me.”
A third-generation Nutley native who was the salutatorian of his graduating class at Nutley High School, Maierella was also moved by his nomination.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” he said. “My Italian heritage is very important to me.”
Maierella specializes in real estate in his law practice, with emphasis on zoning, land use and development and redevelopment. He previously served as the attorney for the Nutley Zoning Board of Adjustment.

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