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.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the next  Board of Health meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86029479495?pwd=SE5SM2JpalBCWTgyR1RVMHkvMnBkUT09

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY – TUESDAY, JUNE 7^TH – 3 WAYS TO VOTE

WHEN & WHERE TO VOTE IN BERGENFIELD:

Polling places will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7^th. A complete list of locations are below.

Please see your sample ballot for your correct polling place.  You can also search for your polling place at the following link: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/registration-check

VOTE BY MAIL:

Vote by Mail Instructional Video: https://www.bergencountyclerk.org/

Voted ballots may be deposited into the secure drop box behind Borough Hall no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.  The Box is located in the rear of the building near our Handicap Access entrance to Borough Hall. Two Spots are designated for Voter Parking in front of the rear entrance, near the north side of the building. Additional Parking is available in front of Borough Hall (Semi Circle Driveway) and in our Borough Lot, spots labelled “Borough Business Parking”

Bergenfield Elks Lodge Hosts Mock Council Event for Bergenfield Middle and High Schoolers

Students Involved in Bergenfield Antler’s Lodge #35 Spend Day Running Mock Municipal Government

The Bergenfield Elks Lodge #1477 recently collaborated with the Borough of Bergenfield to celebrate Elks National Youth Week with their youth program, Bergenfield Antler’s Lodge #35, taking part in a mock council session that taught the 6-11th grade students about the importance of local government.

“The Bergenfield Antlers Lodge #35 make a difference in our community one day at a time.  Embracing youth and community is my passion and was my drive to form the Bergenfield Antlers,” said Tom Boyce, Bergenfield Antlers Youth Activities Coordinator. 

Mayor Arvin Amatorio and Councilman Marc Pascual kicked off the event, held at Borough Hall, by reading a proclamation on behalf of the government body in honor of Elks National Youth Week. The Mayor commended them for their commitment and dedication, and Councilman Pascual celebrated them as the future leaders of Bergenfield. 

The students were then invited to sit on the dais, and hold a mock session, as the Bergenfield governing body. After holding a brief election for the position of mayor, they addressed topics such as: hiring summer counselors for the Recreation program, payment of bills, and considering an ordinance prohibiting the use of lawn mowers before 8:00 a.m.

“I always look forward to coordinating this event with the Elks because it brings me joy to teach Bergenfield students about our roles in municipal government,” said Bergenfield Borough Clerk Marie Quiñones-Wilson. “The students are always eager to learn and excited to sit on the dais as great leaders.”

“The Antlers” are a youth-focused subdivision of the historic Elks Lodges that promotes support of youth, veterans, and communities. Antlers obtain service hours for volunteering, learn life skills, participate in activities, and can apply for different scholarships offered by the Elks. 

The following Bergenfield Antlers participated in the mock court program this year: Jude Boyce, Maddison Boyce, Christopher Budiman, Kayla O’Neil (elected mayor), Marco Garibaldi, Angelo Tamayo, Ashley Budiman, Sophie Almonte, and Nikki Farias.

If anyone is interested in joining Bergenfield’s Antlers Lodge, please contact Advisor Tom Boyce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..