Bergenfield Celebrates Pride Month with Flag Raising Event and Walk

This past Thursday, as part of the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio and the Council were joined by the Stigma-Free Committee, as well as guest speakers Jason Bergman (Chief of Staff, NJ State Assembly) and Anthony Torres (Founder of the Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance), as they celebrated Pride Month with a flag raising ceremony and walk around Cooper’s Pond.  

“I had a wonderful time celebrating Pride Month with my friends and neighbors,” said Mayor Amatorio. “One of Bergenfield’s greatest attributes is our ever-changing diversity, which creates a unique and vibrant tapestry that is truly symbolic of America’s promise of a better life for anyone who seeks it. I look forward to making this an annual tradition as we come together to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community and a more inclusive society.”

Every June is Pride Month, when the world's LGBTQ+ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. LGBTQ is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. These terms may also include gender-fluid people, or those whose gender identity shifts over time or depending on the situation.

The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign is a statewide community health initiative that provides evidence-based tools and strategies for mayors and community leaders to help their residents achieve healthier lifestyles and improve overall health and wellness in their communities. The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute (NJHCQI) has been leading the Mayors Wellness Campaign in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities since 2006.

You and your family are invited to the Bergenfield Library's upcoming Summer Reading Kickoff on Sunday, June 26th from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

This wonderful event will feature a touch tank with underwater animals, a 9 hole mini golf course around the building, face painting, a caricaturist, live music, and a visit from the Empanada Mania truck!

The entire event is free to the public, no registration is required, and all ages are welcome. This is the first large-scale family event that the Bergenfield Library has hosted since 2019 and a large crowd is expected. 

Please Join Us For All of Our 2022 Summer Events!  For More Information Please Call (201) 387-4055 Ext 6

Bergenfield Celebrates 124th Philippine Independence Day Anniversary with Flag Raising Ceremony

This past Wednesday, June 15, Mayor Arvin Amatorio was joined by the Board of County Commissioners, as well as the Bergen County Asian American Advisory Board, as they celebrated the 124th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with a flag raising ceremony. 

“This celebration was a fantastic opportunity to honor the diversity of Bergenfield,” said Mayor Amatorio. “The rich history of the Filipino Americans who call Bergenfield home has played a vital role in the development and strengthening of our diverse communities and continues to pave the way in enriching society with their vibrant cultural traditions.”

The Philippines were a Spanish ruled colony for over three hundred years before declaring their independence in 1898. Together with American forces they defeated Spain in the battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War and formally established themselves as the Philippine Republic. The National Flag of the Philippines was designed to represent patriotism and valor in red; peace, truth, and justice in blue; and hope for equality in white.

“I am very proud to celebrate Philippine Independence Day, and honor the sacrifices, talents, hard work, and contributions of Filipino Americans, here in our Country and across the globe,” said Council Member Pascual. “I want to thank the groups and community leaders responsible for making this celebration possible.”

Bergenfield Councilman Rafael Marte Honored During Caribbean-American Heritage Month Celebration for Outstanding Public Service

Councilman Rafael Marte was honored for his outstanding public service this past Wednesday, June 18th, with a proclamation from Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco during their annual Caribbean Heritage Month celebration. 

“I want to thank Councilman Rafael Marte for his tireless public service on behalf of the residents of Bergenfield,” said Mayor Arvin Amatorio. “In Bergenfield, we have a proud and vibrant Caribbean-American community and Councilman Marte is an excellent example of the impact this culture has on our community. We are fortunate to be a part of such a diverse and inclusive community and it is important that we celebrate this diversity.”

Caribbean-American Heritage Month is celebrated every June to honor the achievements and contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in government, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Events are held throughout the month celebrating and educating the public about Caribbean-American history and culture.

“I am honored to have received this recognition for my public service on behalf of the residents of Bergenfield and the importance of the Caribbean-American community,” said Councilman Marte. “My family and I have made Bergenfield our home and gotten so involved in our community because we recognize what a great place this is to live. I will continue to work hard to deliver for the people of Bergenfield.”

Councilman Marte serves as the Chairman of the Bergenfield Department of Public Works and Parks Committee. He first served on the Bergenfield Council in 2013 when he was selected to replace Councilman Carlos Aguasvivas, who was chosen to replace mayor Timothy Driscoll after he unfortunately passed away in office. He was elected to his first full term in 2017, and is currently serving his second full term on the Bergenfield Council. Prior to this, Marte worked as a case manager for the Westchester County Department of Social Services in White Plains, N.Y., and also served as a member of the Library Board of Trustees and an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.