Ribbon cutting held for Foley Field message board

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The long-awaited ribbon cutting for the new digital message board at Foley Field was held Monday, Sept. 25.
With temperatures on the playing field probably around 100 degrees, the heat for the 2 p.m. ceremony would have tested anyone’s dedication. And some speakers did mentioned the brutal warmth. But for those individuals who made the day possible — people from the Bloomfield School District; the township of Bloomfield; Bloomfield College, which contributed the digital board; and the Foley Field Foundation, which tied it all together — it was a time for praising a partnership that reflected a forward-looking community. Provident Bank was also part of the backslapping for its contribution to provide a small, house-like facility for track and field equipment.

Some people spoke before the ribbon cutting.
“It was a long time getting the digital message board,” said Mike Napolitano, the FFF president. “We had problems logistically with PSE&G.”
The board was originally intended to be located above the sidewalk, facing JFK Parkway, and out of sight from anyone in the stadium. It was expected to provide information to passing motorists. But it has now been permanently placed inside the stadium, across the playing field and facing the home stands. It is at the north goal line.

“There was a problem with the proximity to the power lines and the installation of the power box,” Napolitano said to explain the site change. “And there was a craning issue.”

He said the power box for the board turned out to be 8 feet farther away than thought and this created electrical issues.
The message board was initially envisioned as providing information to people outside Foley Field, mostly motorists on JFK Parkway, with news about school closings, early dismissals, emergency situations — public service announcements with an immediacy.
“Due to the repositioning, those particular items won’t be practical,” Napolitano said.

Where the board is located now, he said it could be used to advertise events at the field, thank donors and be part of Bloomfield High School graduation ceremonies.

Bloomfield College President Rick Lavao called the dedication a great day.
“We are dedicated to the next generation not only in academics but also athletics,” he said.
A sports field, Levao said, is where students learn about leadership.

Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Sal Goncalves said the dedication of the digital board showed the community coming together.
“I couldn’t be more happy,” he said. “Everyone is doing a terrific job fulfilling the dream.”

Napolitano was the master of ceremonies for the ceremony. The first speaker was Josephine O’Brien, the president of the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce. She said Foley Field, which was built in the 1930s, and the chamber of commerce, which earlier this year celebrated its 100th anniversary, go back together a long way.

“The transformation of the field has been amazing,” she said.
Bloomfield Councilman Nicholas Joanow spoke on behalf of Mayor Michael Venezia.
“It’s been a long journey for a family of passionate people,” he said. “That’s why we’re here today. I thank everyone for making this field beyond reproach.”

Bloomfield Board of Education member Michael Heller spoke for Emily Smith, the board president. He thanked those who made donations to improve Foley Field.

“This is a culminating event for the community and 6,400 children,” he said.
Napolitano introduced Goncalves as someone who provided the foundation with the most support. Goncalves said the community coming together is what made the day special.

The BHS athletic director, Steve Jenkins, thanked Provident Bank and Bloomfield College.
“It’s gratifying when teams come here and say it’s a great facility,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Another representative of the township, Michael Sceurman, the recreation department director, spoke and said if the field were real grass, he would ask to have the sprinklers turned on.

“Looking at the group here, I see a partnership accomplishing what we could not do alone,” he said. “My aim and Steve Jenkins’ aim is to wear this place out.”

Napolitano said the FFF incorporated in 2010 “from the bones of the Foley Field Revitalization Committee.” He introduced Al Crincoli, the FFF treasurer who spoke briefly about partnership.

Michael Kahn, a vice-president with Provident Bank said that although the calendar says fall, it was really a summer day.
“I’ll be mindful of that,” he said.

He cited the changes that are happening around Bloomfield with various redevelopment projects.
“A powerful motivator for the partners to consider was that this is being done for young people” he said.
Finally, Levao spoke.

“The hallmark of higher education is letting students know the score,” he said.
He said he stopped growing in the 10th grade and that effectively ended his participation in sports. But he became the manager of his high school football team and saw leadership being learned in sports and the experience was invaluable to him.

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