On Sunday, June 1, Coletti-Magni Park and the Nonantum business district offered something for every age group: a large climbing wall, a “bronco” ride, axe-throwing, batting balls, train rides, face-painting, a puppet show, step-dancing, a boxing demonstration, a clown, a wide array of crafts and jewelry, and street dancing to the music of the Watch City Cadillacs.
And of course there was free ice cream supplied by nearby Cabot’s Ice Cream. Directed by Teresa Gentile Sauro, Nonantum native and president of the Nonantum Neighborhood Association (NNA), the fourteenth Nonantum Village Day attracted long-time residents and newcomers to its many attractions. “This is an old fashioned Village Day,” Ms. Sauro said in her program of events.
First on the day’s agenda was community recognition of Anna Berardi, born on Chapel Street 91 years ago, and still there, she told the audience. Jimmy Pellegrine, NNA board member and event coordinator, described her many accomplishments and contributions. A 1952 Newton High School graduate and National Honor Society member, Mrs. Berardi personified community engagement, serving in a variety of local organizations. In her professional life, she was Executive Secretary at the Newton Public Schools for 31 years – the last thirteen of those as Executive Secretary to the NPS Superintendent.
Mrs. Berardi’s message to the audience, delivered in a strong, clear voice, was about respect. She noted that Chapel Street was home to a wide variety of religious and ethnic residents who “got along and were respectful.” “Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength,” she declared, adding, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” It was clear from the enthusiastic audience response that her message was heard and appreciated.
R: NAA President Terry Sauro with City Council President and mayoral candidate Marc Laredo. (photos: Martina Jackson)
As part of the official Village Day recognition ceremonies. the NNA presented six high school student scholarships, based on the essay question: How have you contributed to your community and how has that experience influenced you? Danielle Marzilli, another event coordinator, introduced the four young winners. Three college-bound seniors – Wycher Wang, Anthony Vincenzino, and Mark Collins – won $1000 prizes. Mr. Vincenzino’s prize was in honor of Francesca Cedrone, an early Covid victim, and Mr. Collins’s award was in honor of former Newton City Councilor, Jay Ciccone. Michael Wheeler, Josephine Lee, and Killian Devlin each received $100.
Ms. Sauro announced that the NNA has made a donation to the Detroit Arts Institute in memory of Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s father, Alan E. Schwartz, who died last July. Mayor Fuller is a Michigan native.
Along with the entertainment, there were vendors offering an eclectic array of goods and services. The League of Women Voters was on hand to assist with information on voter registration. Green Newton offered tips on environment-friendly services. Representatives from the Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council were on hand to promote its Village Day on Sunday, June 8th.
At the Gabriela Creations table, a first time vendor offered handmade bracelets, play dough, book marks, and “slime,” all the work of Gabriela Shnayder, who is eight! Gabriela told Fig City News that she spent all of last summer creating the bracelets and confirmed that “it was hard work.” Clearly, her efforts proved successful since she had only a few items remaining. Her playdough and slime (an original Gabriela blend) sold out. She is particularly proud of her original slime recipe, having worked on it until she felt it was perfect. “I’m so proud of myself,” she told her mother, Deana Coppola. The young entrepreneur says math is her favorite subject, and she loves to work and make money. She is already planning for her next commercial appearance: the Nonantum Children’s Christmas Party at Post 440.
Throughout the day, members of the St. Mary of Carmen Society were on hand to provide assistance. The St. Mary of Carmen Society Festival, celebrating its ninetieth year, will be at Hawthorn Park from July 16-20.
