Nominations are now being accepted for the 40th annual Dr. Virginius D. Mattia Award for volunteer community service.

Forms to assist in the nomination procedure are available at several locations in Nutley, including the library, town hall, the Parks and Recreation Department, 44 Park Ave., and the Nutley High School office on Franklin Avenue.

This year’s recipient will be honored at a community testimonial dinner on Wednesday, May 1st  at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville.

“We really want to ensure that everyone in Nutley is reminded of the nomination process that brings to the committee’s attention the work of individuals or organizations that are deserving of this prestigious community honor," said Phil White, president of the Mattia committee.

Once a nomination form is received, the person is also nominated for all future years, but a note reminding the committee of nominations already submitted is always be welcomed, officials said.

In lieu of a nomination form, a letter addressed to the Mattia Committee may be sent to Franklin Reformed Church, 45 Hillside Crescent, Nutley NJ 07110, detailing how the nominee meets the following criteria:

• It must explain the long years of community service to Nutley as an individual and/or through association with one or more organizations.
• Also, someone who simply does an outstanding job in his/her profession is generally not considered to be eligible because the key component of the award is volunteerism.
• Residence in Nutley is a prerequisite, although it may be waived under exceptional circumstances.
• Organizations reflecting the charitable and volunteer spirit may be selected when they have many members who contribute to the community.

“While the selection of the award winner is solely at the discretion of the award committee, and criteria other than those indicated above may be used depending on prevailing circumstances, and we hope this information  will be useful,” said Rev. Jill Fenske, secretary of the Mattia Committee.

The Mattia Committee also alerts high school seniors that the March 1st deadline for submitting applications for the Mattia Scholarship is rapidly approaching.

Interested students can contact the guidance department at Nutley High School for additional information.

Anyone having questions may call Anthony Iannarone, vice president of the Mattia Committee at 973-235-1065 or Rev. Fenske at Franklin Reformed Church at 973-667-7022.     

Dr. Virginius Dante Mattia lived in Nutley and rose to the highest executive leadership post at the pharmaceutical firm of Hoffman-LaRoche in Nutley.

Last year, Suzanne and Tim Maher were honored. Suzanne Maher was lauded for many years has been a volunteer worker with the Nutley Family Bureau and currently serves as its vice president.

Tim Maher has served as a director of the Nutley Invitational Golf Tournament and as the president of that charity raises money for the Nutley Family Service Bureau.