Bloomfield Honors Local Family, ‘Selfless’ Resident With Awards

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Bloomfield. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Township of Bloomfield has honored the Tice Family and Daniel Bitecola III with its 2026 community service awards, recognizing their longstanding commitment to volunteerism, youth programs, civic organizations and residents across the Township.

The Tice Family received the 2026 Bloomfield Service Award, presented annually by the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee to recognize a resident, organization or business that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Bloomfield community.

The family's service includes years of involvement in Bloomfield youth athletics, local schools, faith-based organizations and community groups. They are also the founders of Santa Night, a neighborhood tradition that will mark its 15th year in 2026. What began with an idea from their daughter, Emily, when she was in second grade has grown into an annual community event that brings families together while collecting toys for the Bloomfield Police Youth Aid Division. Emily and her brother, Kyle, continue to participate in the event.

Daniel Bitecola III was presented with the 2026 Outstanding Citizen Award by Mayor Jenny Mundell and the Bloomfield Township Council. The award recognizes a Bloomfield resident whose extraordinary acts of kindness, selflessness and service have made a lasting impact on the community.

Bitecola has volunteered with numerous Bloomfield civic and charitable organizations, including the Board of Health, Emergency Medical Services, Bloomfield UNICO, Lions Club, Bloomfield Cruisers, Rotary Club and The United Way of Bloomfield. He has also dedicated years to St. Thomas the Apostle Church and Bloomfield youth sports, while regularly supporting Township events, Police and Fire Department initiatives, community cleanups and wellness programs.

“Bloomfield is the special community it is because of people who are willing to give their time, energy, and talents to help others,” said Mayor Jenny Mundell. “The Tice Family and Dan Bitecola have each demonstrated that spirit of service in countless ways, from creating traditions that bring our families together, to mentoring our young people and supporting the organizations and programs that make our community stronger. On behalf of the Township Council and our residents, I am proud to congratulate them and deeply grateful for all they have given to Bloomfield.”

“The Tice Family embodies the spirit of the Bloomfield Service Award,” said Michael Cantalupo, Chair of the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee. “For years, they have dedicated their time to our children, schools, youth programs and community organizations. Santa Night is a wonderful example of their commitment to giving back, bringing families together and inspiring others to do the same.”

The awards were presented as part of Bloomfield's rescheduled Independence Day Celebration, which took place on September 5th, at Foley Field. Nominations for future awards are accepted on a rolling basis on the Township website and reviewed annually.

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