Friendly rivalry between Verona and Cedar Grove to help raise funds for good causes – NorthJersey.com

The friendly rivalry between two Essex County towns and police departments will help raise money for two good causes.

Chiefs Joseph Cirasa and Christopher Kiernan, the Cedar Grove and Verona police chiefs respectively, are looking to bring together local fans during Friday night’s football game between the two towns at 7 p.m. in Cedar Grove.

“Both towns have a rich history of tremendous student-athletes and support for academic and athletic programs,” the Verona Police Department said in a press release.

Cirasa is raising money for the children of Allison Walton, a Cedar Grove resident who recently died after a battle with breast cancer. Those throwing their support behind Cirasa can drop off checks made out to the Walton Children Education Fund in a sealed envelope at the Cedar Grove Police desk 24 hours a day until Oct. 26.

Kiernan is looking for food donations for Verona Fights Hunger Week, partnering with the Verona Junior Women’s Club. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Verona police desk at any time of the day until Oct. 26.

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The football team is not the only athletic team to face off this week. The boys’ soccer and the girls’ volleyball teams met face-to-face this week as well.

“Born out of geographical boundaries, spirited local competition is nothing new to these lifelong residents of neighboring towns,” Verona Police said.

Both Cirasa and Kiernan said no matter which team wins, they will treat their officers to lunch at a predetermined restaurant.

Kaitlyn Kanzler covers Essex County for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kanzler@northjersey.com Twitter: @KaitlynKanzler8

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