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Community Corner

Carla D. Ward Memorial Softball Field is Dedicated

Field named in honor of late Bloomfield resident.

The late Carla Ward was a stellar athlete for Bloomfield High School, and participated in many of the Bloomfield Recreation Commission’s programs. She was also a loving daughter and mother, and the members of her family are dedicated Bloomfield residents.

On Saturday, members of the community came out to dedicate Clarks Pond South, a state-of-the-art turf softball field, in Carla's memory.

“The Ward family,” said Anthony Nesto, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the township, “has been the cornerstone for the Broughton Avenue section of town for many, many years. Clarks Pond South playground and its softball field was her second home. She, along with her family, protected it like it was their own.”

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Mayor Raymond McCarthy, and Bloomfield's Essex County Democratic Committee Chair Peter Strumolo initially proposed the idea. The Board of Recreation Commissioners, led by Chairwoman Sabina O’Brien, unanimously agreed that the name of the field officially be known as The Carla D. Ward Memorial Softball Field At Clarks Pond South.

Carla, who played and shined in recreation department softball, passed away in 2001 at the age of 29 following an asthma attack. Over the weekend, a game between the department’s 12U and 14U travel softball teams was played in her honor.

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“Carla,” recalled former softball coach, Fred Celluro, “was the only 6th grader to hit the ball over the centerfield fence here,” he said, indicating the 205’ sign on the centerfield fence.

“It’s (the dedication) a long time coming,” said Strumolo. “It’s long overdue. I’m happy to be a part of it as town chair. The pieces came together.”

The dedication started off with a welcome from Nesto, who recognized those in attendance who fully supported the idea and made the day possible. Following a rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by young softballers, Kelly Carter and Ashley Mollica, Deacon Robert Walker of Bloomfield’s New Light Baptist Church gave a blessing.

Nesto then introduced Mayor Raymond McCarthy with a story. “The Mayor asked me if I had a rain date in mind just in case it rained. I said, ‘Rain date? Are you kidding me?” Nesto then looked up at the clear blue sky before continuing. “It may be raining at Demarest (School), but not here.”

“I’m happy to be here today,” said McCarthy, who recalled Carla’s tenacity on the basketball court for Bloomfield. “The Ward family has been a pillar of the community for a long time, and Carla always gave 100%. It’s a pleasure to do this.”

Following a brief remembrance by Celluro, the entire Ward family approached the podium. Carol Alves-Ward, thanked those who made the special day possible. Then, Nesto and Recreation Supervisor Megan Schaffer unveiled a replica of the marker that will be placed at the field, and the new sign that was added prior to the softball game.

It was only fitting that Carol along with Carla’s twin nieces, Patrice and Patrcia, threw out the first pitches to start the game.

Carol expressed deep gratitude the township for honoring her daughter. “On behalf of myself and my children, Sharon, Dana, Ronald and Kurtis, we are humbled by this honor being bestowed upon our loved one, my daughter Carla. She was a blessing to her family, her church and her community. I am especially grateful because her one and only daughter, Brittany, will have a permanent reminder of what a great person her mother truly was.”

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